Keeping the Robinvale community safe
Last week Council established a safety exclusion zone around the former Robinvale Hotel site at 70 Perrin Street, as a precautionary measure to help protect pedestrians, motorists and nearby businesses.
The exclusion zone will affect the section of footpath and adjoining car parks next to the building along George Street, as well as a small section of footpath along Perrin Street. Signage will be installed to direct pedestrians to an alternative route and ensure safe access around the area is maintained.
I understand these measures may cause some inconvenience, however the safety of our community is the priority. I ask everyone to please follow all traffic management directions, signage and barriers in place while these works are underway.
On behalf of Council, I thank the Robinvale community for its patience, understanding and cooperation as we work to safely manage this site.
Supporting local businesses with facade improvements
I’m pleased to announce that Council’s Business Facade Improvement Program has reopened, providing local businesses with another opportunity to enhance their shopfronts and help create vibrant, welcoming town centres.
Eligible businesses can apply for grants of up to $5,000, with Council matching eligible works dollar-for-dollar. Funding can support improvements such as repainting, signage, lighting, facade repairs, awning upgrades and other visible enhancements.
Previous rounds of the program have delivered fantastic results, with local businesses transforming their shopfronts and contributing to the appeal of our commercial areas.
I encourage businesses to consider how this funding could help bring their ideas to life and support the ongoing vitality of our region.
Click here to find out more or apply.
Affordable cat desexing this July
If you own a cat and have been putting off desexing because of the cost, there’s some good news this month.
Council has partnered with the National Desexing Network to help eligible residents access subsidised cat desexing during July, with cat owners contributing just $50 per cat.
It’s a practical way to support responsible pet ownership, reduce unwanted litters and help manage stray cat populations in our community.
If you’re a pension or concession card holder, on a low income, caring for multiple cats, or experiencing financial hardship, I encourage you to check whether you’re eligible and take advantage of the program.
To find out more please click here.
A reminder about pool and spa safety obligations
As Council prepares to roll out its pool and spa compliance program, I’m encouraging local swimming pool and spa owners to take this opportunity to check that you’re meeting their obligations under Victoria’s pool and spa safety laws.
Since mandatory registration requirements were introduced in 2019, Council has worked with property owners to help them understand and meet their obligations through reminders, information and ongoing support. In the coming months, Council will move into the next stage of this program by following up properties where pools and spas remain unregistered, or where a required Certificate of Barrier Compliance has not been lodged.
These requirements are in place for a very important reason - to help reduce the risk of drowning and serious injury, particularly for young children. Pool and spa barriers need to be properly maintained and regularly inspected to ensure they continue to do their job.
If you own a pool or spa, I encourage you to check that it is registered and that your barrier compliance certificate is up to date. If you’re unsure of your obligations, or believe Council’s records may be incorrect, please contact Council’s Building Department on 5036 2396 or email building@swanhill.vic.gov.au.
Help shape a greener, cooler Swan Hill
Creating a greener, cooler and more liveable Swan Hill is something I know our community values, which is why we’re developing an Urban Greening and Cooling Strategy for the Swan Hill Regional Centre.
This important project will look at ways we can enhance our streets and public spaces through smart planting, improved shade and greener streetscapes - helping make Swan Hill healthier, more enjoyable and more resilient to a changing climate.
Council has undertaken a detailed review of Swan Hill’s streetscapes as part of the Swan Hill CBD Precinct Masterplan, which is funded by the Australian Government through the Regional Precincts and Partnerships Program. This Strategy will complement the Masterplan by identifying opportunities to increase planting and shade where they will deliver the greatest environmental and social benefits, strengthen climate resilience, and create more comfortable, attractive and liveable public spaces.
Now, we want to hear from you.
Your feedback will help Council understand what matters most to our community and identify priorities for future greening projects across Swan Hill.
I encourage residents to take the time to complete the survey and share your ideas. Together, we can help shape a Swan Hill that is cooler, greener and even more enjoyable for generations to come.
The survey is open until 5pm on Wednesday, 22 July 2026.
Have your say!