AS a resident of Kerang, I wish to state a significant error of the overall town population (Plans in motion, Gannawarra Times, page 6).
It was stated that the population (quote) is that: “Kerang is forecast to grow from 3757 people in 2021 to 3850 in 2046”.
This is a most inaccurate number. Kerang’s population, as it stands, is roughly 5000 people and growing exponentially extremely rapidly.
I help people in need. Those who do not have the financial needs to rent, buy, let alone paying for immediate needs such as food, medication and bills.
This is very poor journalism by the editor.
Properties in Kerang are selling at around 10 to 20 per week. Kerang (being such a small town) will not be able to cope. Kerang is not coping as it is.
There is only one GP at the clinic I attend at the moment.
The other clinic has two doctors but will only tend to their current patients.
When I moved up here four years ago and attended the latter clinic, I was informed it was not taking new patients.
This is deeply worrying for the town and increases added stress to the town hospital.
As an ex-registered nurse division one of 24 years of medical/surgical nursing, I am qualified to state that increased population facilities by qualified people such as professionals (doctors, nurses, teachers) in the future must be immediately undertaken as more and more people leave Melbourne, Bendigo et al.
I moved from Melbourne just before the COVID crisis in March 2019.
Having been born in the bush, it was my greatest wish to return.
I chose Kerang due to the wonderful wetlands (Kerang is not known as Victoria’s Kakadu for nothing) the peace and quiet, the wonderful slower pace and for many many other personal reasons.
From my observations, since the government decreased tickets to regional areas, this had encouraged more and more people to sample Kerang, Cohuna, Boort, Leitchville et al.
The Baby Boomer generation are leaving Melbourne and Bendigo to buy in Kerang. As are the Generation X and Millennials.
People caravanning are also buying in Kerang whilst property prices remain relatively steady.
Those with the means to buy are buying outright. Who can blame them?
My biggest concern is that Kerang does not have the immediate needs to cope with this sudden increase of people.
An immediate plan must be executed so that people have adequate housing, amenities, doctors, nurses, teachers et al.
Especially to the most vulnerable in our society. People who are homeless and destitute.
Kate Bossence
Kerang
Editor note: The figure quoted was taken from the draft urban strategy. According to the latest census, the 5000 population includes district towns surrounding Kerang but still within the 3579 postcode.
