mmg.com.au

Campaspe Shire’s new councillors will sit for their first council meeting today.

After being sworn in last week, mayor Ian Maddison and his fellow councillors will have to decide on whether to approve a 120-bed residential aged care facility at the corner of Northern Hwy and Fehring Lane.

Developers unveiled plans to the Riv in January, with plans to have started building by October or November.

The facility will include 30 low-care beds, 60 high-care beds and 30 dementia beds.

It will have communal and service areas, including kitchen, laundry, staff room, dining and lounge areas for each wing, a library, internet space, craft room, meetings rooms, offices, medical stations and a reception.

On-site services include a doctor and hairdresser.

It is expected to employ 120 to 140 staff members with a maximum of 35 staff on site at any one time and will attract annual recurrent Commonwealth funding of more than $6million a year when fully occupied.

The plan has been out for public consultation, with no objections to the plan.

Councillors will also discuss a round of community projects which need funding.

Councillors will fund projects in the areas of environment, recreation, heritage and culture, assistance and events.

The meeting will be at the Port of Echuca Quality Inn conference room, starting at 5pm.

Last week, councillors agreed to change the starting times of ordinary council meetings from 7pm to 5pm.