Councillor Matters | Murray Emerson, June 6, 2025
Published on 06 June 2025
It is a privilege to be a Kara Kara Ward councillor on the Northern Grampians Shire Council. We are now in the seventh month of the new Northern Grampians Shire Council term.
What a busy time it has been; budgets, community plans, councillor training, meetings, briefings and numerous other events. Some of our most difficult challenges have been supporting our community with the drought situation, extra taxes, VNI West transmission lines and the overall cost of living.
On Monday, the council voted unanimously in favour of supporting our farming community against the VNI West project in its current form.
It was a very passionate but very understanding 40 to 50-strong gallery of people who listened and applauded the council on its decision.
The motion, which was proposed by me, now requires us to advocate to the government and others for a better outcome for all our shire.
Several other shires in the path of the VNI West project have moved similar motions, so collectively we can work with them to be a voice for our communities. We totally agree that our country must deal with the alternative energy revolution, but also that governments must understand the rights and the mental health and wellbeing of their people. Now is the time for the governments to listen and act.
On a brighter note, what a privilege it was for me to be the chair of the Powercor Stawell Gift Event Management Board over Easter.
Sensational athletes, both men and woman, record entries, record attendance and record turnover. An estimated $7.3-million economic benefit to the shire. Well done to all who took part and helped with the event.
I would also like to congratulate Kevin Erwin and his board for another sensational Grampians Grape Escape.
As we have just celebrated with our volunteers for National Volunteer Week, I would like to say thank you to every person who takes the time to volunteer their time for the benefit of others. It’s a fantastic effort by you all and appreciated by many.
Soon we will be finalising our budget for the next four years – a difficult, but required, chore for our councillors.
As we deal with this challenge, we always remember that everyone has to manage with their own personal budgets at a very demanding time.
A quick look at the State Budget didn't reveal anything outstanding for us, but we will keep up the representation to our colleagues in both other forms of government.
I would like to leave you with a couple of thoughts: ‘When things get tough, the tough get going’ and
‘Everyone is in charge of their own destiny’.
Thank you for the opportunity to be your representative.