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Loddon HERALD Vol 3 No 24 THURSDAY, JUNE 29, 2023 ISSN 2653-1550
n Council awards long-term lease n Accommodation expansion plans
DOUBLE PARKING A 25-YEAR deal will see accommodation increased at caravan parks in Bridgewater and Wedderburn.
Euroa’s Kristy and Warrick Hourigan have been awarded long-term leases after the park management was put out to tender by Loddon Shire. Council wants to see the parks grow in use and generate a new income stream for the shire. Mr and Mrs Hourigan, who have leased the Euroa caravan park for more than six years, said early plans included 10 new twobedroom family cabins at Bridgewater. They are also considering safari tents that Mrs Hourigan said are “bigger and better than glamping” to attract more visitors to the park. “And we won’t be running a cafe. We want people to walk to the main street and support existing businesses,” she said. “Bridgewater is in a prime position on the Loddon River and we see some great tourism and economic growth for the town and the park.” Mrs Hourigan said the Wedderburn park was a hidden gem with plans for three cabins and a new office.
By CHRIS EARL
The Hourigans will link bookings for their three parks, encouraging overflow bookings to either Bridgewater, Wedderburn or Euroa. Mayor Dan Straub said the leasing of the caravan parks would be a great outcome for both visitors and the local community. “Kristy and Warrick, with their caravan park operation experience, will continue professional management and marketing of the Wedderburn and Bridgewater parks, both of which are a key part of the community and tourism in our Shire,” Cr Straub said. “Having experienced lessees with long-term leases in place at the parks provides an opportunity to increase tourism to the region, improve infrastructure and develop modern, tourist-orientated parks. Mrs Hourigan said: “We are committed to their care, growth, and attracting the best visitors. “Our vision includes the development of modern, visitor-centric facilities that will attract a greater number of tourists, ultimately benefiting both the local communities and the wider region economically,” she said.
Kristy and Warrick Hourigan ... leasing two Loddon caravan parks from Saturday. LH PHOTO
Permanent ambulance station site put on agenda after inspection
Gavan Holt
TALKS have been held between Ambulance Victoria and Wedderburn Lions Club for a possible site of a permanent ambulance station in the town. Cr Gavan Holt told Loddon Shire councillors at their meeting on Tuesday that talks had discussed council-owned land in Wilson
Street. The Lions club has an agreement with council for the site to be used for its proposed aged care facility. However, Cr Holt said that agreement had a sunset clause of August 2024 but discussions with council CEO Lincoln Fitzgerald indicated a resolution was preferred this year.
Lions have been campaigning for two decades for an aged care facility but members also want Federal Government reforms needed to make rural town centres financially viable. Cr Holt said there could be an opportunity for council, Lions and Ambulance Victoria to “come to
an amicable arrangement ... where they can exist side by side”. Lions Australia has this year adopted a national policy advocating for support of aged care facilities in rural communities. Wedderburn ambulance services operate out of the former police station and court house complex.
FOR SALE - KURTING/POWLETT Fertile Mixed Farming Allotment Kurting Powlett Road - 2 Titles 89.54 Hectares / 221.26 Acres
Plus 14.57 Hectares / 36 Acre Crown Lease Lovely Rural allotment with access to the Hope and Korong Creek with excellent stand of Red Gums and Native Gums along these creek lines. Loam Red and Grey soils in excellent heart, this land has a solid fertilizer history and is well fenced. Water by WM Pipeline & on dam Suit all forms of the Agricultural Industry such as cropping & livestock production $708,100.00
FP NEVINS DOES NOT WARRANT THE ACCURACY OR COMPLETENESS OF THE INFORMATION CONTAINED ABOVE