All nine councillors, as well as the executive team, made their way to Trawool, about 15 minutes’ drive south-east of Seymour in Mitchell Shire, on Saturday, February 1.
The over $10,000 two-day trip gave council an opportunity to “commence intensive work on the development of the new council plan”.
Mayor Shane Sali said the trip was a chance for new faces and returning councillors to wrap their heads around the next term.
“It was a strategic planning weekend,” he said.
“It was an intensive session and was held over a weekend to work around the work and family commitments of the councillors.
“The strategic planning session did provide an opportunity for councillors to learn more about the planning process and responsibilities of a councillor.
“The executive team were in attendance to hear directly about the councillors’ vision, priorities and expectations, and provide information and guidance when required.
“The cost was approximately $11,000. This covered room hire, meals only and accommodation.”
From the two days of discussion and learning, there will be a draft of the plan available for community feedback in the near future.
“While the session provided councillors with the opportunity to share their vision, priorities and expectations, councillors were also presented with the input received from the community during the council plan consultation, along with feedback gathered from the community panel to help guide their discussions,” Cr Sali said.
“The feedback gathered from councillors during this session will inform the development of the 2025-29 Council Plan.
“The draft plan is expected to be released for further community feedback in the coming months ahead of it being adopted prior to October 30, 2025.”
In a post on Facebook, Fern Summer said she enjoyed the weekend, and was excited about the term ahead with the new council make-up.
“It’s a training weekend and tradition we’ve kept far beyond my time,” she said in her post.
“Councillors have an opportunity to clear our minds in preparation for setting our council plan and getting to know each other.
“We have a very conservative council this time. It reminds me a lot of my first term in 2012.
“Don’t be surprised if we step back from social issues and put our focus on the farming sector.
“We are all willing to work together, to achieve the best outcomes for Greater Shepparton.”
Sam Spinks also posted about the weekend away, saying that the current councillors had different priorities, looking away from social issues.
“After a strategic planning weekend away with the councillors and executive group, two things are seeming clear — this is a group that is all about business and wants to get things done,” she said.
“Our social issues and the needs of our minority groups are definitely going to take steps backwards.
“There’s going to be more opportunity for community input when the drafts start coming together, and we’re going to need it. Watch this space closely.”
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