The Mill Dam Action Group will hold its annual general meeting at the council chambers in Longford at 5.30pm to discuss the next step in maintaining and improving Mill Dam Reserve. 

Northern Midlands Council planning and development officer Duncan Payton said the group’s primary purpose was to ensure the reserve remained an appealing area for the public.

In recent years the group has driven the replacement of seats and benches at the recreation area and worked to secure the reserve from flood damage.

“A lot of people would notice particularly in the last five or six years, lots of attempts at stabilisation planting have been made there because the area floods every year, which makes bank stabilisation and keeping the place really pleasant somewhat challenging,” Mr Payton said.

“There's a fairly high level of attrition with floods but it's been a steady improvement; it's been really good.”

The committee will also elect a new chair at the meeting, after committee stalwart Hugh Mackinnon announced he would be relinquishing the role. 

Mr Payton thanked Mr Mackinnon for his dedication to the cause over the past few decades.

“He's been chair of the committee for six years and he's decided it's time for him to step down, and I understand he's stepping off the committee altogether.

“His participation and contribution will be sorely missed however we do thank him for his tireless efforts over the years.”

Plans are also underway to erect a memorial plaque for former committee member Ray Bean, who passed away last year. 

“His efforts have been roundly applauded by council and the committee, and the committee suggested with council’s full support it would be nice to put a plaque out there, probably against one of the seats to recognise his contribution over the years.”

Northern Midlands residents interested in joining the group are encouraged to nominate for membership before June 8. 

Nomination forms are available from various service centres across the region and at the council website.