Cr. Michael Leaney | Public figure
Cr. Michael Leaney
Phone: +61 476 000 119
Reviews
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25.01.2022 Unfortunately Baw Baw Shire Council has been dealt a dud hand in the state government’s budget. No funding for a Drouin town centre bypass. No funding for the duplication of Princes Way between Warragul and Drouin.... No funding for a new West Gippsland Hospital. No funding a new Drouin Police station and 24/7 service. No funding for vital community and tourism infrastructure in the Walhalla & Mountain Rivers region. No funding for congestion relieving roadworks in Warragul and Drouin. No funding for tourism infrastructure in Noojee & Surrounds. As the 5th fastest growing shire...something imposed by the state government...we are simply not getting the support we need. The far east of the shire has been in recession for over two years and despite being bushfire effected...has received little support to recover then COVID hit. Our major towns stuggle to cope with the influx of new residents. Perhaps our success with population growth is our failure as the state government pours money into other areas with less growth, less need and less outcomes.
25.01.2022 If you’re around in Neerim South between now and 5pm, drop into the IGA Neerim South and say hello to our environment team to find out more about the Baw Baw Shire Council draft Waste Management Plan. I’m also up for a chat about roads or whatever takes your fancy LOL!
24.01.2022 Everyone needs to remember that being a councillor is in addition to our real jobs. My hotel business has been closed since March and work is underway to get everything restarted for our planned reopening on 1 December. Today I’ve been given our coolroom a good scrub after 7 months of laying idle...let’s hope it starts and works again after its hibernation! It’s always a risk with equipment switched off for so long...fingers crossed!
21.01.2022 For hospitality venues to reopen, and remain open, in a profitable and sustainable way, assistance and support from the shire will be required. Several weeks ago I floated the idea of the shire closing off roads and parking areas in front of venues on specific nights to allow the business to spill into the roadway. This would give them the outdoor volume they need to be profitable and survive. Since my idea, the state government has provided funding to councils...which could go to this purpose. If re-elected I will continue to come up with innovative ways we can provide practical help to the worst COVID effected businesses.
21.01.2022 Few people realise the shear scale of the East Ward. It covers 3,396 square kilometres stretching from Poowong East in the south west corner, to Aberfeldy in the north east corner, Piedmont in the north west corner to Narracan in the south east corner...with heaps in between! In the 2019/20 year I travelled over 20,000 kilometres to ensure that EVERYWHERE was properly represented on council. This is something I will continue if re-elected. No matter where you are in the East Ward, I’m here to help you.
20.01.2022 I dare say there will be some letters to the editor in next week’s Warragul Drouin Gazette... I would hope all in support
20.01.2022 2020 hasn’t been a good snow season for Mt Baw Baw or Mt St Gwinear. Poor snow levels combined with lockdown has been a disaster for the mountains and the surrounding towns that rely on the flow on trade. Bizarrely we have some of the best snow this weekend. While Mt Baw Baw is not officially in Baw Baw Shire, if re-elected I will continue to support them and their valued contribution to tourism and the Baw Baw Shire economy. (Photo taken at Aberfeldy BTW..:dogs cannot access MtBB or MtStG).
18.01.2022 This morning I met with community members in Childers in the beautiful Strzelecki Ranges. Like other rural and remote areas, Childers has needs and aspirations. I’m more than happy to work with all communities to improve them...no matter where they are!
18.01.2022 Jumping for joy in advance for Noojee! This is the potential site of new toilets in the town. I’ve been advocating for this for four years. $s were allocated last year to develop a plan and find a site to take the matter to a phase where funding grants can the sourced. Prior to my election in 2016 there was a long period of inactivity by the shire in Noojee. I’ve acted to turn this situation around. Much more to be done and we’ve only just started but Noojee is important and I will continue to ensure it’s supported if re-elected.
17.01.2022 My afternoon! Why is it that people think they can come to the beautiful tourist towns of our shire and then treat them like garbage. As someone who lives in the bush I’m tired of a small group of people putting us at risk. I shakes me head at this behaviour and vow to work on a solution as this cannot continue. Enough is enough.
17.01.2022 Super proud of the Gippsland Ranges Roller Derby who have won the National Pride in Sport Australia Awards for their Community Efforts in 2019 for the Gippsland Pride Initiative project! Their 2019 Roller Derby Pride Cup was a huge success! I was the lead supporter of this group receiving a community grant by the Baw Baw Shire. As one of only 13 LGBTQI councillors in the state of Victoria, this is very close to my heart and it’s so wonderful that their efforts is being recognised on a national level. Go Team! https://www.facebook.com/236489083163753/posts/2321608281318479/?vh=e&extid=wlbMw2YNMUZHMxGf
17.01.2022 Getting out and about with Tilly is one of my favourite things. Over the past 4 years I’ve advocated for off lead dog parks with Trafalgar now built and Yarragon on the way! Trafalgar needs a bit more drainage work as it’s very wet, so this will be something I will follow up on post the election. Your vote for me means better facilities for all our community. It’s all about Getting stuff done!
15.01.2022 After 15 hours away from home and having driven 310 kilometres, my Australia Day is done. Trafalgar, Warragul, Darnum, Tetoora Road and finally Hill End (plus road inspections around the Neerims). A big day but a wonderful one to really reconnect with our community after such a long break due to C-19. Bed now.
14.01.2022 Enjoying a spot of lunch!
13.01.2022 This is brilliant news for our local visitor economy! While not officially part of the Baw Baw Shire Council area, Mt Baw Baw Alpine Resort is an exclave. Providing basic services like sewerage was a big thing in the 1960s and 1970s but we don’t think about it much now. Without these basic services places like Mt Baw Baw suffer and are limited in capacity and harm the environment. Of course we have the same problems...Walhalla, a town that attracts 140,000 visitors annually has no sewerage and currently DELWP is doing a feasibility study. Stringers Creek that runs through the town is highly contaminated with sewerage and growth is limited.Hopefully Walhalla will be looked on favourably for funding just like Mt Baw Baw to deliver this basic service that’s taken for granted.
13.01.2022 More major roads maintenance in the East Ward of Baw Baw Shire Council. This time Little Moe Road, a busy cut through between the north of Darnum and Yarragon. It was pretty well stuffed...so a major rebuild is taking place.
12.01.2022 Today I’m in Aberfeldy for their Australia Day Event. Lovely sunshine up here too. Getting out and about to all corners of the Baw Baw Shire Council is what I’m all about...rain, hail or shine...and today is shine
11.01.2022 Join me in Rawson on Saturday outside the Minimart between 11am and 1pm for a council pop-up to discuss the proposed Waste Management Plan and the Baw Baw Civic Precinct Masterplan. https://www.bawbawshire.vic.gov.au//Community-invited-to-r
11.01.2022 I visited Nayook this afternoon. There are issues with flooding on the main road and speed. Both need to be addressed and I will tackle these issues in council should I be re-elected with your support. The Nayook Community House is also a project that I support and will continue to work towards with the locals. Ensuring small towns get a fair deal is what I’m all about. Delivering for Nayook is no exception.
11.01.2022 Australia Day in Aberfeldy! Another successful event put on by a proactive and active community in our remotest corner of the Baw Baw Shire Council. The weather gods were very kind so a wonderful afternoon was had by all.
11.01.2022 This morning I met members of the team from the Neerim District Community House & Men's Shed to discuss their plans to build a shed in Neerim Junction. The shire has provided the former tennis club land and I will advocate for funding to build the shed if re-elected. This is a great project which I have, and will continue to support.
11.01.2022 Community consultation Rawson style!
10.01.2022 A most enjoyable afternoon in Yarragon speaking with business owners. Tilly was more than happy to accept a pat from Janette and Stevie at Keith’s Sister.
10.01.2022 Last year’s news but still good news! In these times of constant change and challenges we need to celebrate our wins and this was a great win for Darnum.
09.01.2022 The election period has started! There are seven candidates in the East Ward. I would appear to be the only candidate who lives and works in a remote area. The urban areas of the East Ward are important too and I work hard for them, but it’s easy to forget the smaller towns, rural and remote areas spread across the ward if you don’t live the experience. Last year I traveled more than 20,000km criss crossing the ward to make sure EVERYWHERE is represented. In order for this to continue, I need your VOTE 1 so I can be returned.
08.01.2022 Here’s a sight you throught you’d never see...me in a bag of fruit! I’m speaking at the Warragul Regional College Presentation Ball tonight...the first time I’ve ever been to one of these gigs...it says formal so I thought the guy from the mountains best frock up! The things I do for the team at Baw Baw Shire Council LOL. Tilly is unimpressed me thinks.
08.01.2022 This morning I went to Aberfeldy to meet a few of the locals. This video shows the conditions I tackle to represent every corner of East Ward! Please note that the video was a "live" but due to poor mobile coverage [Aberfeldy is due to get a tower soon] the "live" failed and I've had to post as a video. Hence why I'm not wearing a mask when talking live to camera so deaf people can lip read. Video authorised by M.Leaney, 130 Main Rd, WALHALLA 3825.
08.01.2022 See you outside the Rawson Minimart between 11am and 1pm for our council pop-up! Happy to have a chat and buy you a coffee.
07.01.2022 Today I was at Narracan Falls, a hidden gem of a place, but in need to a bit of an upgrade! If re-elected I will advocate for some basic improvements like signage and new picnic facilities to make this area an A1 attraction for Baw Baw.
07.01.2022 Today I was down in Warragul with our Mayor Cr Danny Goss and Cr Ben Lucas to shoot a short video about the consultation that’s happening NOW on the Baw Baw Civic Precinct Masterplan...the video will be out next week, however in the meantime please take a moment to look at what’s proposed and give some feedback. https://www.bawbawshire.vic.gov.au//Major-Projects/Baw-Baw
06.01.2022 Good news folks! I've enjoyed a positive and productive working relationship with Russell over a long time. It's important to have access to state and federal politicians so we can work cooperatively to get things delivered in the shire. I work with politicians from all political parties to ensure we can get the outcomes our community needs.
05.01.2022 The corner of Old Sale Road and Prudens Track in Westbury is an issue I’ve been working to fix. This dangerous intersection needs to be sealed and sight-lines improved to make it safe for the Westbury Fire Brigade and other road users.
05.01.2022 This is a bit of a personal post but heysometimes it’s not bad for people to know what going on with us beyond council. We too have family and today ours celebrated my parent’s 60th Wedding Anniversary with a quiet afternoon tea at my father’s nursing home (he went into care in February). This was the first time my brother and sister were able to visit as they are in Melbourne and nursing home rules have meant only two family members up until recently. My parents received letters from Queen Elizabeth, the Governor General, the Prime Minister, the Victorian Governor, their local federal member Darren Chester MP and state upper house member Melina Bath MP which was very nice. Our family rarely gets to together as a group and over past year this has been harder than normal.
04.01.2022 If you’d like a bit of an insight into the wheels that turn behind the scenes, here’s a short video about what the Audit & Risk Committee does. Everyone must remember that council is a multifaceted organisation and that this committee has an oversight of all areas to ensure compliance and good governance. It may seem a little dry, but worth watching. https://www.bawbawshire.vic.gov.au//Audit-and-Risk-Committ|d13b95b2-5146-4b00-9e3e-a80c73739a64|4f05f368-ecaa-4a93-b749-7ad6c4867c1f|en-AU
04.01.2022 This is very positive news for all people all people dealing with Baw Baw Shire Council on planning matters. I look forward to welcoming James and supporting his important team in their work to ensure planning is a smooth, painless and positive experience for all of us. Welcome aboard! https://www.bawbawshire.vic.gov.au//Director-appointed-to-
04.01.2022 Earlier today I met with members of the Aberfeldy District Association. Working with communities no matter where they are located in the East Ward to deliver positive outcomes is what I’m all about. Contra to some opinions, Aberfeldy has a coordinated and surprisingly active community! What’s even more bizarre was that up on top of the hill it was covered in snow and snowing [see video in previous post] while down at Cullens Flat we met in blue sunshine! The mountains are just amazing and that's why I love them!
04.01.2022 It’s my birthday and I’ll have some cake if I want too Taking a break from the campaign trail today! I know heaps of people who have a birthday this week...are you a Christmas or NYE baby??
03.01.2022 Delivering upgraded and new public infrastructure is vital for all our towns within the East Ward. In the past four years out-of-date toilet blocks have been replaced in Thorpdale (see photo) and Neerim South with upgrades in Noojee to expand capacity. There’s also planning underway for an additional toilet block in Noojee and the community in Aberfeldy is working together installing public toilets. I have, and will remain, a strong advocate for getting this basics delivered...no matter what corner of the ward!
03.01.2022 Supporting the community is what I preach and it’s what I do. Few people would know that I have been a sponsor of the Traralgon Harriers running race the Walhalla Wound-Up. This is an event thay attacts over 100 marathon runners to Baw Baw Shire annually (but sadly not 2020) to run on the trails around my home town. It’s good for tourism, the economy and fitness. I’ve never been a sportsperson, but I see the importance of these events and recreation facilities. That’s why on council I have supported the upgrades to numerous recreation reserves and sporting infrastructure as well as new trails and paths. The article in the Latrobe Valley Express is a little hard to read, if an online version appears I will post as it explains all about the history of the event that I’ve sponsored for nearly 20 years.
02.01.2022 Today I visited the Nilma North Hall. The hall committee is greatly concerned about the 100km/h speed limit outside the hall and how dangerous this make access and egress. I have to agree. If returned as a councillor I will advocate to Regional Road Victoria (RRV) to get the speed limit lowered at this location.
01.01.2022 Happy to be of service!
