COMMUNITY consultation has been a priority for Hepburn Shire councillors since they were elected six months ago.
Hepburn Shire Council chief executive officer Victor Szwed said the council did not wish to focus solely on roads, rates and rubbish.
"The focus of the council and the organisation is in line with the expectations of the community," he said.
"The council is working with residents through public forums, including public participation at its draft agenda meetings."
Councillors' major developments included the council plan 2006-2011, the draft budget 2006-2007 and the Hepburn Spa redevelopment.
The new council was elected on November 26 after a competitive election with 19 candidates.
Mr Szwed said the council had achieved considerable progress.
"The current council is very much focused on community consultation and, as it states in the council plan, this is not a council that wishes to focus solely on roads, rates and rubbish," he said.
Other achievements include: a proposed new planning permit process for dealing with trees during the planning applications process; finalising the town structure plans; and developing the recreation plan.
"The previous council, the current council and officers have been dedicated to these projects which will serve the community well into the future," Mr Szwed said.
Mayor Heather Mutimer said she was impressed with the way the new council was progressing.
"I have received a lot of positive feedback for the inclusive and diligent approach we are taking," she said.
Cr Mutimer said she had not yet contemplated the prospect of standing for another term as mayor.
Councillor for Birch ward David Smith said the new council had "cut a lot of waste" since being elected.
Clunes ward councillor Tim Hayes was elected three months ago and said there were some decisions made by councillors that he hadn't agreed with, but he would continue to work for the betterment of the shire.
WHAT THEY SAY
Coliban ward
Heather Mutimer - mayor
Cr Mutimer said the council was moving towards completing major projects, including the bathhouse redevelopment and the Access and Recreational Centre.
She said the 2006/07 draft budget was the most rewarding budget since being elected in 2003.
Cr Mutimer said the council was working more closely with members of the Youth Advisory Council, and had strengthened activities of the previous council, including International Women's Day and the shire's friendship project
with Bobonaro in East Timor.
Holcombe ward
Bill McClenaghan - deputy mayor
Cr McClenaghan said the Hepburn Spa redevelopment and the draft budget were the major developments since being elected.
He said a lot of residents and rate payers in other wards felt they were getting better value with less waste.
Cr McClenaghan said the Hepburn Pool was the most pressing item. He hoped to attract more industries and jobs to Daylesford and that the abattoir would reopen in some form.
Creswick ward
Janine Booth
Cr Booth said being involved in the development of the council plan 2006-2011 and the draft budget 2006-2007 was a highlight for her.
Cr Booth hoped Creswick ward residents would notice and appreciate the council's support to fund some long-awaited projects in the upcoming budget.
She said the council still had a strong focus on roads, rates and rubbish and would work with volunteer, management and advisory groups and organisations to protect, enhance and preserve the shire's assets.
Birch ward
David Smith
Cr Smith said the council had cut a lot of waste from the previous council's spending.
He said the council was starting to operate as a council. Cr Smith said he was in close contact with residents. He said most issues could be handled and resolved reasonably.
Cr Smith was a councillor 11 years ago and said it was similar today but there was different government funding.
Cameron ward
Tim Hayes
Cr Hayes said he has enjoyed being part of the council since being elected three months ago.
He said the budget process was a fair outcome for the shire.
Although Cr Hayes hadn't agreed with some councillors decisions, he would continue to work for the betterment of the shire.
Cr Hayes said councillors need to look at their role compared with the role of council officers.
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