Around 40 residents gathered at the Wahgunyah Community Centre last week for a community forum to share their concerns and provide feedback to Indigo Shire Council.
The Wahgunyah community came together for a constructive community forum at the Wahgunyah Community Centre on Tuesday, October 24.
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The event, held in conjunction with the Wahgunyah Progress Association, provided an opportunity for residents to engage directly with Indigo Shire councillors, Mayor Sophie Price, and CEO Trevor Ierino.
With a turnout of 40 residents, the event facilitated an open dialogue between community members and shire representatives.
The gathering began with an update on the progress of the current action list, a collaborative effort between the community and CEO Trevor Ierino. This list served as a guidepost for the evening’s discussions, addressing key issues raised by the community.
Among the prominent concerns voiced during the meeting were issues related to drainage and roadside maintenance, particularly regarding the problems of slashing and cleaning drains. The community was particularly concerned about major flooding issues occurring at Victoria and Main Streets, Maxwell Drive and Chandler Court. Wahgunyah resident Geoff Dutton highlighted significant flooding problems from the new Vine Rise Estate, which affected multiple residents.
Concerns were raised about drainage in Wahgunyah following major flooding occurring at Victoria and Main Streets, Maxwell Drive and Chandler Court due to poor gutter maintenance and drainage.
Mr Dutton emphasised that drainage was a significant issue, with water having no clear path, resulting in clogged gutters and gravel-filled drains.
Indigo Shire Council encouraged individuals to report any concerns to council, assuring them of a timely response and resolution.
Several community groups took the opportunity to discuss their projects. The Wahgunyah and District Men’s Shed expressed interest in extending their current shed, while the Wahgunyah Lions Football Netball Club raised safety concerns regarding oval lighting, scheduling a meeting with a shire representative to explore potential solutions.
The community also shared feedback on completed projects, such as the recently finished Wahgunyah Multi-Court and the near completion of a new footpath in Traton St.
The Corowa Rutherglen Motor Sports Club’s new lighting was funded through the Victorian Flood relief grant, with strong support from the Indigo Shire Council during the grant submission.
Additionally, the newly funded Wahgunyah Pump Track, set to be located at the Railway land, will soon be put out for tender, with a completion date slated for early 2024.
The Wahgunyah Progress Association looks forward to collaborating with the council to work through their action list.
Mayor Sophie Price used the opportunity to address concerns regarding the proposed hospital at Albury. She highlighted that the greenfield site was the preferred option for local councils and expressed the importance of working collaboratively with the community to address such significant matters.
Mayor Price also expressed her appreciation for the community’s active engagement.
"I was really impressed with the pride that residents have in their community and their willingness to chip in and get things done,” she said.
“They weren't asking for big-ticket items, they simply want improved maintenance of public areas, roads repaired, and issues with drainage resolved.
“The discussion was open, honest, and respectful, and there was a genuine appreciation that council has limited financial and human resources, but that it is working closely with the WPA to address priority issues.
“For us to be an effective organisation that can respond to and meet community needs, we must work in partnership with the community and the government.
“Our relationship with the WPA demonstrates how this can be done effectively.”
For further updates and community engagement, residents are encouraged to follow the Wahgunyah Progress Association on their Facebook page. The community looks forward to a Community Forum in 2024, and residents are invited to the WPA's monthly meeting on the first Monday of each month at the School of Arts at 7:00 pm.
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