Working together for a better outcome

Published on 08 December 2023

“Your work helps make our town a very welcoming place.”

Those words from Merino Progress Association secretary Johan Elsmann were recently addressed to Glenelg Shire Council’s Works Unit after work in and around the township and its walking track.

Casterton-based Parks and Gardens and Road Maintenance Team staff were kept busy in and around Merino in November as part of an agreement Council has struck with the Progress Association.

The Old Stock Trail Walking Track was a focus of the team’s work, and that was certainly appreciated by the Association.

“Please pass on our special thanks to the Shire’s mowing team for their work in and around Merino Township and the Old Stock Trail Walking Track,” wrote Mr Elsmann.

“They mowed even hard to get at places and the work was really well done.

“Just the other day, I saw a young mother with a pram walking comfortably along the track.

“Your work helps make our town a very welcoming place. On behalf of the MPA, a big thank you one and all.”

When the Old Stock Trail Walking Track was opened in 2008, the Association agreed to be responsible for its maintenance.

However in 2022, due to the condition of its maintenance equipment and an ageing volunteer group, it sought Council help in doing so.

Council committed to undertaking quarterly maintenance in the form of mowing and weed spraying.

These activities take place on the third week of February, May, August and November.

Additionally, Council and the Association continue to build on their relationship.

PHOTO CAPTION: A job well done… Glenelg Shire Council staff Jason Harvey (Parks and Gardens), Kaden Humphries (Parks and Gardens apprentice), Matt Killey (Assets) and Garry Brooker (Assets) after work in and around Merino. Absent from the photo is mower operator Greg Nolte.