UPDATE: The Indigo Shire Council has just re-elected Jane Dowsley as deputy mayor, a decision made unanimously during a council meeting held on November 25, 2023. Dowsley will serve a one-year term, continuing her role in local governance.
In a swift vote at the monthly meeting, councillors backed Dowsley’s nomination, with Roberta Horne and John Harvey expressing their support. Dowsley, reflecting on her past year, described her tenure as filled with “learning, growth, and challenges.” She emphasized ongoing advocacy for a new hospital site and the impact of new state taxes on ratepayers.
“We’ve had some fantastic wins with funding announcements,” Dowsley stated. “Representing Indigo Shire at national forums has deepened my understanding of regional leadership and the vital role small councils play.”
The council also discussed plans to seek expressions of interest for the management of Yackandandah’s caravan park. This proposal aims for a 21-year lease that will require the lessee to invest in developing the park in alignment with the approved master plan. Councillor Diane Shepheard highlighted the financial importance of the park, stating, “We want to make these sites more financially viable while maintaining their status as key tourism assets.”
Shepheard stressed the need for capital investments and a share of revenue to return to the council, asserting that maximizing the park’s capacity would benefit the community significantly. “If we can get all our caravan parks working to capacity and attracting tourists, we then have greater revenue,” she noted.
Councillor Horne acknowledged the existing management team for their long-standing community support, emphasizing the importance of recognizing their contributions. Horne stated, “We have a responsibility to manage this Crown land asset in the long-term interests of the whole community.”
The council’s unanimous support for the motion to seek new operators reflects a commitment to transparency and community engagement, aiming to ensure that the future management aligns with community needs and the established master plan.
NEXT STEPS: Watch for updates as the council moves forward with the expression of interest process, which will open opportunities for operators to contribute to enhancing the caravan park and benefiting the community. The council is expected to announce more details in the coming weeks.
This re-election and the caravan park proposal highlight the Indigo Shire Council’s focus on community development and strategic investments aimed at boosting local engagement and tourism. Stay tuned for more updates on these significant developments.
