Mayoral Matters - March 2026

Published on 10 April 2026

"A butterfly flaps its wings, and a storm forms half a world away", a quote from Edward Lorenz in the 1960s had more to do with weather, but it could certainly be applied to the current situation in the Middle East. Fuel prices are affecting everyone, including our Shire – every item we purchase must be freighted here, and I know are farmers are currently impacted with cost and supply of fertilizer. I am old enough, as Cr Rosie Barker cheerfully reminds me, to remember this scenario from the seventies – we adapted, things changed and we moved on. We will all have to do the same now.

On the brighter side, we have had Farmer Consultations in various locations across the Shire with some very positive input. We also hosted the Jeparit Riverbank Fiesta that celebrated International Women’s Day – it was great to see so many turn out, the Riverbank provides such a great venue and a very pleasant evening, although the wind created a little havoc for some.

Our Council Alliance met recently to continue a strategy to gain the best possible outcomes from the impending mining and renewables program.

It is pleasing to note the Buangor to Ararat freeway extension has finally been given the go ahead.

Our Western Highway Action group has been lobbying for this for the last decade, and we are now compiling a new wish list of our priorities. This of course takes time and money, and there seems to be a requirement for both.

Harmony Day was celebrated in Nhill at Jaypex Park recently, along with a screening of the ‘Shared Table: Regional Heroes’ documentary at the Nhill Memorial Community Centre. While I was unable to attend either, by all reports they were both well attended and enjoyed by the community.

Council has approved funding to develop an Investment Attraction Prospectus for industrial land developments in Dimboola, Nhill and Rainbow. It aims to promote industrial sites, which will then in turn attract industry to our Shire which has a flow on effect to our communities.

83.33% of Councillors, along with the CEO and Director Infrastructure Services, were ferried around the amazing weir pool at Jeparit last week by a very good friend and local identity, Brad Schumann. The Jeparit weir itself is at the end of its serviceable life, replacement will require grant funding, it would be wonderful if some of the popular spots could also be enhanced. A feasibility study was recently presented to Council, confirming the weir’s poor condition and the need for a full replacement. For something that was constructed in 1902, it has held up for a long time. Council will continue to maintain this the best we can; however, funding is crucial to facilitate replacement.

Council has also received funding from the Transport Accident Commission (TAC) to install a raised pedestrian crossing on Hindmarsh Street in Dimboola to improve pedestrian safety at the Dimboola Primary School. With the raised pedestrian crossing located in MacPherson Street in Nhill almost complete, also funded by the TAC, it’s wonderful that we can help facilitate safe crossing for both our young and elderly members of the community.

The Davis Park Grandstand and Changerooms will be officially opened this Saturday 11 April 2026 at the Nhill & District Sporting Club’s first home game for the 2026 netball/football season. This massive project has been years in the making and I hope to see many community members in attendance.

Presently the school holiday program for April is well underway, these programs are offered free of charge for kids to attend. We’ve got pickleball sessions, science with Ellen and Jess and a screening of the ‘Goat’ movie coming up next week. Registrations are required.

Until my next Mayoral Matters, I hope you all stay safe during the school holidays if travelling on our roads.

Ron Ismay
Mayor

Pictured above Left to Right: Declan, Cr Rosie Barker and Cr Ron Ismay at Jeparit Riverbank Fiesta