AS the City of Greater Bendigo\u2019s current councillors head into their final term before the 2024 municipal elections, Cr Andrea Metcalf has been re-elected mayor.<\/p>\n
Cr Metcalf said she was honoured to serve a third consecutive year in the job, with Cr Matthew Evans alongside her in the deputy mayoral role.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is a privilege to serve in this role and I thank my council colleagues for the opportunity to continue our great work together,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe best part of the job as mayor is the range of events and opportunities to meet with residents.<\/p>\n
\u201cI enjoy meeting people from all parts of our community, being involved with different cultural groups and sporting events, and I always appreciate learning new things.<\/p>\n
\u201cI am energised by this opportunity to serve a third term and continuing to work towards achieving council\u2019s vision of a bright and happy future for all residents.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cr Evans is also familiar with his responsibilities, having served as deputy-mayor alongside Cr Metcalf in the 2021\/2022 council year.<\/p>\n
\u201cAlthough there are challenges ahead, there are also opportunities to achieve good outcomes for the community as we focus on managing growth and building a sustainable future for all generations,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cI look forward to supporting the mayor and fellow councillors to deliver key priorities outlined in our council plan, Mir Wimbul, 2021-2025.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cr Metcalf said it\u2019s time to make a \u201cfinal push\u201d on finishing, or beginning, projects and initiatives as a new CEO prepares to take over at Town Hall.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is our final push to either start or complete a range of projects and ensure that the next council is set up for success,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have recently appointed Andrew Cooney as our next CEO, who is committed to delivering outcomes that support our local communities.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cr Metcalf acknowledged that community consultation is ramping up on the on the 2024\/2025 Budget, which she said would be a \u201cchallenging\u201d one.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe reality of operating under rate-capping with costs on the rise means there is less income available to fund new projects and initiatives,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cCommunity input early in the process is crucial and an opportunity to let us know which services are valued most.<\/p>\n
\u201cOne of our key legacy items as a council is a strategy for managed growth and planning for future housing supply.<\/p>\n
\u201cUnlocking more industrial land is also needed, and work is ongoing to deliver the Bendigo Regional Employment Precinct.<\/p>\n
\u201cRegional leadership is also an important focus, including through my involvement in Regional Cities Victoria and advocacy to state and federal government.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe will continue advocacy work to receive our share of the $2B allocated to the regions by the Victorian Government following the cancellation of the Commonwealth Games.\u201d<\/p>\n
A formal mayoral ceremony is set for Tuesday 7 November at Bendigo Town Hall.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
AS the City of Greater Bendigo\u2019s current councillors head into their final term before the 2024 municipal elections, Cr Andrea Metcalf has been re-elected mayor. Cr Metcalf said she was honoured to serve a third consecutive year in the job, with Cr Matthew Evans alongside her in the deputy mayoral role. \u201cIt is a privilege […]<\/p>\n