Major projects, young achiever LGPro Awards finalists

Published on 17 January 2022

Three transformational Gannawarra Shire Council-managed capital works projects and a long-serving young achiever are in the running for major annual local government awards.

Council’s Drought Communities Programme, the Cohuna Waterfront Development and Koondrook Retreat have been announced as finalists in categories for the 2022 LGPro Awards for Excellence, with Team Leader Rural Roads, Jon Haw a finalist for the Young Achiever Award.

“This is the fourth consecutive year Council has been recognised as a finalist for these awards, which highlight the best local government practices in Victoria,” Gannawarra Shire Council Chief Executive Officer, Tom O’Reilly said.

“During this time, projects such as our Sustainability Gannawarra initiative, the Leitchville Community Garden and the Koondrook CBD Redevelopment and staff such as our Aquatics Officer, Kieran Schneider, have been recognised either as category winners or finalists.”

Council will be in the running to win the inaugural Outstanding Small Rural Council Initiative for two major projects completed in the 2020/21 financial year – the Cohuna Waterfront Development and Koondrook Retreat.

Opened in November 2020, the Cohuna Waterfront Development included the creation of Cohuna Beach, construction of new toilet facilities and barbecue shelters in Apex Park and redesign of vehicle access to the area.

Koondrook Retreat – which opened in December 2020 – has captured the flourishing “glamping market”, with the facility’s six glamourous safari-style tents enabling visitors to immerse in the surrounds around Gunbower Creek and the adjoining Gunbower Forest.

“The Cohuna Waterfront Project and Koondrook Retreat are examples of Council’s vision to grow the Gannawarra through creating unique tourism destinations,” Mr O’Reilly said.

“The Cohuna Waterfront Project has transformed the banks of Gunbower Creek into a funky summer location for young families and visitors to relax along the waterfront, be active in the water and connect socially.

“Koondrook Retreat is lifting the profile of the Gannawarra as a go-to destination along the Murray River Adventure Trail, with the project attributing to the creation of new jobs, development of infrastructure that supports liveability and promotion of small town sustainability.”

Council’s Drought Communities Program has also been recognised, with the project a finalist in the Special Projects Initiative.

“Council is pleased to have utilised $2 million in funding from the Federal Government’s Drought Communities Programme to support 69 infrastructure-based projects and 50 community resilience projects and events between January 2020 and July 2021,” Mr O’Reilly said.

“The sheer number of activities generated from this program has benefitted communities large and small across the Gannawarra, promoting resilience, connection, unity and positive economic outcomes.

“The program has further enabled Council to work closely with these local communities to provide long-lasting benefits, including empowering these communities and building resilience in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Meanwhile, Council’s Team Leader Rural Roads, Jon Haw is a finalist in the Young Achiever Award category, which recognises local government staff members aged 30 years and under.

“Since joining Council 10 years ago, Jon has demonstrated initiative and drive that has been nothing short of impressive, including his desire to pursue leadership opportunities within Council,” Mr O’Reilly said.

“At a time where many rural areas struggle to retain their young people, it is heartening to see someone like Jon wanting to continue to live, work and contribute to his community.”

Category winner will be announced during the 2022 LGPro Annual Conference Dinner, occurring in Melbourne on 2 June 2022.

ABOVE: The Cohuna Waterfront Development (clockwise, top left), Drought Communities Programme, Team Leader Rural Roads, Jon Haw and Koondrook Retreat are finalists in the 2022 LGPro Awards for Excellence.