Councillor Matters | Cr Murray Emerson, August 29, 2026

Published on 28 August 2026

We are now approaching the halfway mark of this council term. Yes, it has been nearly two years since the last Northern Grampians Shire election.  

On the subject of elections, the Victorian State Election is now only a couple of months away – so vote carefully for the candidates you think will best deliver for our state.  

The challenges for local government will be guided by this election, as each party has policies that councils will be required to deliver.  

There will be changes that your local representatives will have to deal with on your behalf. Let's hope there are some changes to improve health, law enforcement, housing, roads and cost of living. 

As the end of the financial year closes, one of the more enjoyable tasks we undertake as councillors is attending the annual general meetings of our volunteer organisations.  

It is always a pleasure to be asked to temporarily chair these meetings for the process of electing the new or returning chairpersons, secretaries and members.  

It is so pleasing to witness the dedication community members have for their organisations and communities.  

Well done and good luck into the future.  

In relation to some of our current challenges, council is determined to increase housing options in the shire with some new developments in Stawell and St Arnaud.  

Housing is essential for us to entice people to our region for employment and to accommodate our residents. New, affordable housing is essential to maintaining our communities.  

Personally, July and August have been busy months. 

In addition to our weekly briefings and our monthly public decision-making meetings, we have also been involved in several events and fact-finding discussions. 

The upper and lower Teddington reservoir discussion is still progressing, and I have a very positive feeling of a successful outcome.  

With the outstanding support of my old councillor college Eddie Ostarcevic, I believe a positive outcome is achievable.  

I have also attended numerous other meetings, with groups including the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV), Stawell Gift Event Management Board (SGEM), and St Arnaud Community Advisory Network (SCAN).  

Meetings with our local state and Commonwealth partners are also important in the lead-up to the State Election.  

Throughout the past month I enjoyed spending a couple of extra days in St Arnaud, having discussions with community members about a wealth of topics, both positive and negative. 

As we approach the start of spring, keep warm, stay positive and continue to be a very important part of local democracy.  

Remember: "We are continually faced by great opportunities, brilliantly disguised as insoluble problems.”