A welcome for new Council and a bright future

Posted on 29 Oct 2012

Please note: this is an old article

It was published in October 2012, so the information may be out-of-date.

A new Council, a new Executive leadership team, and a new Council Plan, will contribute to an exciting future for the region, CEO of Greater Shepparton City Council, Gavin Cator, said today.

"Greater Shepparton is bursting with potential. I'm confident that the newly elected Council will work hard to achieve that potential, while maintaining and enhancing Greater Shepparton's community spirit and quality of life," Mr Cator said. "Along with the Executive and all Council staff, I am looking forward to helping the new Council realise their vision to make Greater Shepparton an even better place to live."

All of the new Councillors had expressed their strong desire to work hard for and on behalf of the Greater Shepparton community, Mr Cator said.

"The election and the record field of candidates underlined the intense interest that our residents have in their community, and this will be the key to Council being able to achieve its objectives," he said.

"A strong Council, informed and encouraged by a community with a firm sense of what it wants, will be an impressive force in our region and beyond."

There was much to be proud of in Greater Shepparton, Mr Cator said, from its natural heritage, arts and cultural programs, and Aboriginal and multicultural partnerships, to its strong agricultural performance and vibrant rural communities. There were also great things in store for the future, including the impending redevelopment of the Vaughan Street precinct, and the Mooroopna West and North East Growth Corridors.

Mr Cator said Council would have many opportunities to address the community's aspirations around economic development in the region, improved transport, sustainable planning for future growth, education, health and community care, and improved community life, safety and harmony.

"Many of these aspirations were articulated during the Council Plan Data Collection program," Mr Cator said. "I'm looking forward to working with the new Council as they work through this information and formulate their own vision in a new four-year Council Plan."

"There will be many opportunities for the whole community to get to know their new Council, but on behalf of Council staff, I am pleased to welcome them now to their new role."

The new councillors will be sworn in at 9am on Wednesday 31 October. The Mayor will be elected by the new Council at a special meeting on Thursday 8 November.

- Released 29 October 2012