The October Ordinary Meeting of Council was held at the Linton Customer Service Centre last night, Tuesday 22 October, with all Councillors in attendance.
The public gallery was full with a number of residents who were attending to speak on two planning applications. There were no public questions.
Delegates Report
The meeting began with Councillors providing an update on what they did over the last month, with Mayor Cr Owen Sharkey highlighting the recent G21 delegation to Canberra.
Compliance Report
The first report was an annual update on the compliance inspections undertaken by Council over the past year. The trends in non-compliance and areas where community education initiatives could be beneficial were reported to Councillors.
Planning Application P18-224
The first of two planning applications before Councillors was planning application P18-224 – a proposed expansion of Porter Plant at 5110 Colac-Ballarat Road, Cambrian Hill. This application was deferred from Council’s June Ordinary Meeting, and following this meeting the applicant lodged amended information, which was circulated to objectors. A number of residents spoke against the proposal, while the applicant spoke in its favour. The planning permit for the proposal was rejected by Councillors following a debate and a lost alternative motion.
Planning Application P19-043
Following an objection from the neighbouring land owner, Council was required to determine planning application P19-081 for a Plant Nursery at 9 Baglin Street, Smythesdale. The application proposed to utilise an existing outbuilding and to construct additional shades and hot houses on a small area of the site. Councillors supported the application subject to restrictions on the hours of operation and staff numbers.
Permits to Burn by Private Persons
Last year, Council made the decision to hand responsibility for issuing Schedule 13 Permits to Burn by Private Persons back to the State Government and the CFA due to the inherent risks associated with burning during the Fire Danger Period. Council supported the CFA in the transition period, with the CFA now advising it has the capacity to issue these permits. At its October Meeting, the Municipal Emergency Management Planning Committee recommended Council cease issuing these permits and fully hand this process over to the CFA. Councillors supported this change to policy.
Council Plan Implementation – Quarter One 2019/20 Report
The first quarterly update of Council’s 2019/20 Council Plan actions was presented to Councillors. Council has made significant improvements to the way this information is tracked and presented.
Adoption of Amendment C85GPLA (Northern Settlement Strategy)
Following several years of work, Councillors adopted Planning Scheme Amendment C85 – The Northern Settlement Strategy. This strategy brings together detailed studies considering township profiles, land supply analysis and economic modelling to support growth across the Shire’s northern communities in the years to come. Councillors thanked the efforts of the many planning officers that have been involved in the Northern Settlement Strategy over the years.
State Government Rating Review – Council Submission
In 2018, the Victorian Government committed to a Review of the Local Government Rating System in recognition that a full review of such an important system was due. As part of this review, the Government is seeking feedback from the community and stakeholders such as Council. Councillors were presented with and endorsed Council’s submission on this review.
Authorisation of CEO to Enter Limited Term Recycling Contract
In July, Council was notified by SKM Recycling that it has temporarily stopped accepting recyclable materials at its various sites, including its Geelong facility. Since that time these materials have been directed to landfill. Council has been working to find an alternative supplier for this service in conjunction with the other G21 Councils. Confidential discussions have been held between alternative suppliers, Council and other G21 councils. Based on these discussions, it is expected that a contract will be greater than the CEO’s delegation authority. Due to the urgency of finding an alternative to sending recyclables to landfill, Councillors agreed to authorise the CEO to enter a new contract on Council’s behalf.
Supply & Delivery of Bulk Fuel and Above Ground Self-Bunded Tanks Tender
Council recently put out to tender a $350,000 annual contract for the supply and delivery of bulk fuel and above ground self-bunded tanks to its three maintenance depots in Linton, Rokewood and Shelford. Councillors endorsed awarding this contract to Maxi Tanker, which will include provision of an electronic management system to better record Council’s fuel usage, and deliver cost savings to the Shire.
Instrument of Appointment and Authorisation
Council endorsed a revised instrument of authorisation under the Planning and Environment Act 1987, following a review of the current arrangements.
Golden Plains Shire Council Annual Report 2018-19
Councillors were provided with a copy of the Golden Plains Shire Council Annual Report 2018-19, which they adopted. In 2018-19 Council had an overall surplus of $6.3 million, an Adjusted Underlying Result of $1.8 million and capital expenditure on assets of $10.5 million. The Annual Report is not only a documented account of our financial and organisational performance for the financial year, it is a valuable platform for Council to report to the State Government and the wider community on the challenges, highlights, achievements and opportunities of the previous year.
Councillor Expenses and Meeting Attendance Report
The quarterly Councillor Expenses and Meeting Attendance Report was tabled at the meeting, and now includes updates on Councillor Attendance at Ordinary and Special meetings of Council.
Management of Golden Plains Shire Council’s Civic Collections
The final report of the night recommended Council establish a plan to ensure the future preservation, interpretation and access to the Council’s Civic Collection. The Collection is important for its value, both as a corporate record of the organisation and for its local historical significance. The construction of the Golden Plains Civic and Community Centre and subsequent relocation of the Civic Collection items in the Bannockburn Shire Hall are the catalyst for this proposal, which was supported by Councillors.