Council Meeting Summary: January 2021

General

The first monthly Council Meeting of 2021 was held at the Golden Plains Civic Centre last night, Tuesday 19 January, with all Councillors in attendance. In line with guidelines from the Victorian Government due to COVID-19 and Council’s COVIDSafe Plan, the meeting was not physically open to members of the public, and was livestreamed on Council’s YouTube page.

Delegates Report

Following the Acknowledgement of Country, regular housekeeping documents, and with no public questions submitted, Councillors moved on to a number of reports for their consideration. The first was the Delegates Report, where Councillors provided updates on what they have been up to over the past month.

Councillor Engagement 2021

In line with Council’s commitment to community consultation and based on the success of the Councillor Conversation Posts in previous years, Councillors agreed to continue to hold in-person conversation posts across the Shire in 2021, with the addition of online consultation sessions. Conversation posts for 2021 include:

  • Smythesdale Fiesta: 7 February, Smythesdale
  • Online Conversation Post: February, online
  • Golden Plains Farmers’ Market: 1 May, Bannockburn
  • Online Conversation Posts: August, online

There will also be new Councillor engagements in 2021, with an Expression of Interest process  for community groups to host Councillors at a meeting and Councillor coffee chat sessions. This is in addition to Council’s regular project-based consultation opportunities.

P20-116 1803 Steiglitz Road, Maude

Council considered two planning permits at its meeting. The first was for a permit to construct a dwelling at 1803 Steiglitz Road, Maude, which had been deferred from the December 2020 Council Meeting. The application was referred to the Council Meeting for determination due to Council receiving six objections. Following a discussion, Council determined to refuse the application.

P20-289 Veterinary Clinic, Brooke Street, Smythesdale

Council then discussed an application for the use of the land for a veterinary centre next door to the Court House Hotel on Brooke Street, Smythesdale. While located in the town’s commercial zone, Council was required to consider the application due to three objections. After deliberation, Council agreed to grant the permit, subject to requiring the construction of an acoustic fence on the site’s southern boundary.

Awarding of tender – Inverleigh Sporting Complex Changeroom and Social Space Upgrade

Next, Council considered three tenders for upcoming major projects. The first was for the construction upgrade of the Inverleigh Sporting Complex Changeroom and Social Space Upgrade. Council awarded Bowden Corporation Pty Ltd the $1,655,337.40 construction contract for the Inverleigh Change Rooms and Social Space Upgrade. The project will deliver two new female friendly/unisex change rooms with first aid room, massage room and storage spaces; an upgrade of the existing sports pavilion change rooms and toilets; extension of the social space; and upgrade of the kitchen, bar and cool room facilities. To read more about this project, click here.

Awarding of tender – Bannockburn and District Bowls Club Upgrade

Council awarded the construction contract for the Bannockburn and District Bowls Club Upgrade to SportsBuild Pty Ltd for the tendered sum of $603,560. The Bannockburn and District Bowls Club Upgrade will see a new 34.6m by 37.6m bowling green constructed, including drainage system and a synthetic surface. The project will also include the installation of 100Lux lighting, perimeter paving, seating, shelters and boundary fencing. To read more about this project, click here.

At the meeting, Council agreed to redirect $96,270 in funding from the Australian Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure that had been previously allocated to the Inverleigh Change Rooms project to the Bannockburn and District Bowls Club Upgrade.

Awarding of tender – Meredith-Shelford Road Widening Stage 2

The final tender for second stage of the Meredith-Shelford Road Widening project was awarded to Bitu-Mill (Civil) Pty Ltd for $831,683.08. Approximately 2km of Meredith-Shelford Road from the intersection with Lower Plains Road in Meredith will be upgraded to support a safer transportation network to the nearby Golden Plains Food Production Precinct. To read more about this project, click here.

Milton Street Arbour Petition

At its December Meeting, Council received and noted a petition of 11 signatories requesting Council prevent the building of a proposed arbour in Milton Street, Bannockburn. Since then, the proponents, Bannockburn Community Planning Group have reviewed their proposal and will now relocate the project to the Bannockburn Bush, where it can be enjoyed by visitors for picnicking and as a base for nature walks.

Urgent Notice of Motion

Finally, Council considered an urgent notice of motion regarding the proposed intensive sheep production and dairy near Inverleigh in Surf Coast Shire. Council agreed to consider the urgent Notice of Motion, and after deliberation, agreed to lodge an objection to the proposal.

 

The next meeting of Council will be held on Tuesday 23 February, 2021 at the Golden Plains Civic Centre, and available by livestream.

Mayor's Video Update

Watch the video update from Mayor Cr Helena Kirby with highlights from the January 2021 Meeting of Council.

Watch the January 2021 Meeting of Council

Watch the recording of the January 2021 Meeting of Council.

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