There's a bit of everything on the agenda when Mildura Rural City Council meets this Thursday, 22 October.
From a petition calling for a safer pedestrian crossing on Fifteenth Street to the future of a historic naval ship's bell, councillors have several interesting matters to consider.
There's also an updated master plan for Blackburn Park in Ouyen, a regional transport strategy, a possible delegation to China and Council's latest Annual Report.
So, rather than wading through the 393-page agenda yourself, here's a look at some of the items worth keeping an eye on.
Mildura Rural City Council — Ordinary Meeting
When: Thursday 22 October 2026, 3pm
Where: Council and Committee Rooms, 76 Deakin Avenue, Mildura
Public access: Attend in person or watch the livestream
Fifteenth Street — Will Residents Get a Safer Crossing?
One of the more interesting items is Council's response to a petition calling for a safer pedestrian crossing on Fifteenth Street, between Walnut Avenue and Deakin Avenue.
The petition, supported by 254 signatures, raises concerns about people trying to cross this busy stretch of road, particularly those accessing nearby shops and services.
And it certainly isn't a quiet road.
Council's report identifies traffic volumes of approximately 12,872 vehicles per day.
Rather than recommending traffic lights or a raised pedestrian crossing, Council officers are proposing a pedestrian refuge island. This would allow pedestrians to cross the road in two stages.
However, the project would still need to be considered for funding through the 2027–28 capital works program.
So even if councillors support the recommendation, it doesn't mean construction will start straight away.
For those who regularly cross Fifteenth Street, the big question is whether a refuge island would be enough — and how long residents might have to wait.
Blackburn Park — What's Planned for Ouyen?
Blackburn Park in Ouyen is another item on Thursday's agenda, with councillors being asked to consider an updated master plan for the sporting reserve.
Among the proposals is a shared clubhouse redevelopment involving the Ouyen United Football Netball Club and Ouyen Bowls Club.
The master plan would help guide future improvements to the reserve, although adopting a plan doesn't mean every project has funding or is ready to begin.
For Ouyen's sporting clubs and community groups, the discussion could help shape the future of one of the town's important recreation facilities.
HMAS Mildura's Historic Bell Could Move to the RSL
Here's one that caught our attention.
A piece of Mildura's wartime history could soon find a more prominent home, with Council considering a request to relocate the original ship's bell from HMAS Mildura (J207).
The vessel served with the Royal Australian Navy during World War II, carrying the Mildura name through wartime operations in the Pacific.
Its bell and commemorative plaque are currently displayed at Council's Deakin Avenue Service Centre.
But the Mildura RSL and local Naval Association have raised concerns that the bell isn't particularly visible to the public. According to correspondence included in the agenda, some naval veterans aren't even aware it's there.
The proposal would see the bell and plaque moved to the Mildura RSL, where they could be displayed alongside other defence and wartime memorabilia.
Council would retain ownership, with the RSL caring for the items under an ongoing loan agreement.
Interestingly, Council decided back in 1999 that the bell was too historically important to transfer with the rest of the ship's memorabilia collection, and that it should remain in a prominent public location.
More than 25 years later, councillors are being asked to consider whether the RSL might be a better place for people to see it.
For a city so far from the ocean, it's a fascinating connection to Australia's naval history.
Roads, Rail and Freight — Planning for the Future
Councillors will also consider endorsing the Central Murray Regional Transport Strategy 2024.
The strategy takes a broader look at how people and freight move around the region, including Mildura's role as a major transport and freight hub.
Among the priorities identified are improved road connections, the Benetook Freight Link, future intermodal freight opportunities, rail improvements and better public transport.
Of course, endorsing a strategy doesn't mean the money is suddenly available to build everything on the list.
But it does help establish a regional position when seeking future investment from state and federal governments.
With road conditions, freight costs and transport connections continuing to affect our region, this is another one worth watching.
China Sister-City Relationship Back on the Table
Mildura's long-standing sister-city relationship with Dali in China is also up for discussion.
Council will consider a proposed delegation to Dali in 2027, involving educational connections with SuniTAFE and local secondary schools.
The relationship has been relatively quiet since the COVID period, but the agenda indicates plans for students from Dali to visit Mildura in February 2027.
Supporters may see an opportunity to rebuild cultural, educational and economic links, while others may be interested in the costs and benefits of an overseas delegation.
It'll be interesting to hear how councillors approach this one.
Council's Annual Report — A Look at the Numbers
Council's 2025–26 Annual Report will also be presented at Thursday's meeting.
It's a lengthy document covering Council's finances, infrastructure, services and performance over the past financial year.
Some of the figures include:
- $285 million in building works covered by 938 building permits.
- 459 planning applications received.
- 184,878 airport passengers.
- More than 450,000 attendances at Council aquatic facilities.
- More than $692,000 in annual community grants supporting 92 groups.
These figures are from the 2025–26 financial year, rather than new projects or funding announcements.
The report also includes Council's financial statements and performance measures, giving residents an opportunity to see how the organisation has performed over the past 12 months.
What Else Is on the Agenda?
Other matters include a memorial application involving the Chester Court drainage basin and the Irymple Progress Association, an updated Council sponsorship policy, and a report on the Audit and Risk Committee's self-assessment.
There are also several confidential matters listed, including a human resources and payroll system contract, a tender for a bitumen sprayer and an asset acquisition.
Those matters are listed for confidential consideration, so the full details aren't available in the public agenda.
Want to Have Your Say?
Thursday's meeting is open to the public, and anyone unable to attend can watch the livestream through Council's website.
Community questions can also be submitted online, but they must be lodged by 4pm Wednesday 21 October.
Submit a community question to Council
It's worth remembering that these are matters coming before councillors for consideration. The recommendations in the agenda aren't necessarily the decisions that will be made.
Out & About Sunraysia will be keeping an eye on the outcomes.
Source: Mildura Rural City Council — Ordinary Meeting Agenda and Public Notice, 22 October 2026.
