ordinary council minutes - 27 october · pdf fileordinary council minutes - 27 october 2015...

ORDINARY COUNCIL MINUTES - 27 OCTOBER 2015

Mission Statement:

To support and develop a sustainable, thriving and resilient Community

through leadership and partnership.

TO BE HELD: Tuesday, 27 October 2015 at 6.30pm

LOCATION: Council Chambers

Beechworth

ATTENDEES: NAME TITLE

Cr Bernard Gaffney Mayor

Cr Barb Murdoch Deputy Mayor

Cr Peter Croucher Councillor

Cr James Trenery Councillor

Cr Jenny O’Connor Councillor

Cr Roberta Horne Councillor

Gerry Smith Chief Executive Officer

Mark Florence Director Development & Planning

Greg Pinkerton Director Corporate & Community Services

Ian Ellett Director Infrastructure Services

Leah Jones-Davies Secretariat

APOLOGIES:

Vision Statement:

INDIGO – A great place to live, work and visit.


TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. WELCOME .................................................................................................................4

2. OPENING PRAYER, ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF THE TRADITIONAL OWNERS OF THE LAND & NATIONAL ANTHEM ..............................................................................4

3. APOLOGIES AND LEAVE OF ABSENCE .........................................................................4

4. DECLARATION OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST ..................................................................4

5. OPEN FORUM ...........................................................................................................4

6. CONDOLENCES ..........................................................................................................6

7. CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES FROM PREVIOUS MEETING(S) .....................................8

8. BUSINESS ARISING FROM PREVIOUS MINUTES ..........................................................8

9. DEPUTATIONS AND PETITIONS ..................................................................................8

10. CORPORATE & COMMUNITY SERVICES ......................................................................9

10.1 September Quarterly Report ................................................................................... 9

10.2 Hardship Policy ...................................................................................................... 17

10.3 Request by 4/19 Prince of Wales Light Horse Regiment to Exercise their Freedom of entry to Indigo Shire .......................................................................... 19

10.4 Council Advisory Committee Minutes ................................................................... 21

10.5 Assembly of Councillors Record ............................................................................ 23

11. DEVELOPMENT & PLANNING ................................................................................... 25

11.1 Chiltern Oval Renovation ...................................................................................... 25

11.2 Planning Permit Application 15-0154 (Aurecon for Ericsson) Telecommunications Infrastructure (NBN monopole), Ration Hill Road, Stanley. .................................................................................................................. 30

12. INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES .................................................................................... 40

12.1 Wahgunyah Recreation Reserve Multi - Purpose Building ................................... 40

12.2 Indigo Creek Road Bridge Repair ........................................................................... 44

13. EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT ...................................................................................... 48

13.1 Annual Report 2014-15 ......................................................................................... 48

14. NOTICES OF MOTION .............................................................................................. 53

14.1 Indigo Shire Council Advertising and Communications ........................................ 53


15. COMMITTEE AND DELEGATES REPORTS (ARE ALL FOR INFORMATION ONLY) ........... 54

15.1 Cr Murdoch - Deputy Mayor ................................................................................. 54

15.2 Cr Croucher - Councillor ........................................................................................ 56

15.3 Cr Gaffney - Mayor ................................................................................................ 57

16. GENERAL BUSINESS ................................................................................................. 59


1. WELCOME

The Mayor opened the meeting at 6.31pm and welcomed all those in attendance. The Mayor asked the meeting to observe a minutes silence to recognise the passing of Cr Don Chambers

2. OPENING PRAYER, ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF THE TRADITIONAL OWNERS OF THE

LAND & NATIONAL ANTHEM

Cr Trenery read the opening prayer and acknowledged the traditional owners of the land.

3. APOLOGIES AND LEAVE OF ABSENCE

Nil. 4. DECLARATION OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST

Nil. 5. OPEN FORUM

JONATHAN RILEY

Council have allowed the owner of PC Freight Services to operate on land zoned Rural Residential illegally for approximately 3 years and issued him with a permit to erect an overly large, purpose-built shed.

Approved a permit to allow PC Freight owner to drive his trucks legally along non-B-Double streets in the Shire.

Ratepayers and residents have not been shown any respect. All this from a Council who professes to advocate for their ratepayers/residents.

1. Why has Council relented on conditions 4 and 5 of VCAT findings which enables this company to impact further on residents of Barnawartha at all hours of the day and night.

Response: Mark Florence

To correct you, Indigo Shire Council refused the permit and did not relent on the conditions. Council argued at the latest VCAT hearing, for all the original conditions to be maintained but they were changed by VCAT.

2. Will Council now advocate for the residents of Barnawartha and revoke the permit issued for Havelock St and guarantee Havelock St won’t be put on a B-Double route register.

Response: Ian Ellett

Council has no plans to revoke the permit. There are no plans to gazette Havelock St for B-Double use. The current use will be reviewed as part of the Chiltern Placemaking process.


3. Will Council please supply Barnawartha Cemetery with two red bins and have them emptied when necessary. At present there are heavy 44 gallon drums that are full. This would be a great help and also look more presentable.

Response: CEO will take on notice and request Operations Team to address

ELIZABETH MASON – BEECHWORTH & DISTRICT CHAMBER COMMERCE

The Beechworth Old Gaol is the golden crown in the heart of this historic region, and Ned Kelly is the Jewel sitting in the middle of it

The deteriorating state of the Old Gaol is well known to all of us

Its potential for our town, shire, region, State and indeed all Australia as a vibrant tourism asset is enormous.

We need resolution of its current status

BCCI has requested that the Shire be involved in a public campaign to return the old gaol to the people with State or Federal Government ownership Will the Shire support and take action with this proposal?

Response: Mayor: I believe you have written to the Premier and the Treasurer, have you received a response? Elizabeth Mason: No, just an acknowledgement. Mayor: Have you had it confirmed that the gaol is for sale? Elizabeth Mason: No confirmation, but the Chamber feels we need to be prepared if it does happen. It is a fairly important issue for the region and needs to be on top of the Shires list. If it does come on the market, we will have already appealed to the State Government. Mayor: You’ve mentioned a public campaign. Will this be driven by the Chamber? Elizabeth Mason: We are the driving force at this point. We have also approached Heritage bodies and the National Trust. Mayor: Are you asking Council to drive the public campaign? Elizabeth Mason: Yes Mayor: Are you considering just the gaol building or the entire property which includes the surrounding land and the out buildings? Elizabeth Mason: The whole lot. We want it in its original state. Mayor: There is currently a development plan in force so the land would be more valuable than it was originally. It was previously for sale for around $5mil, just for the gaol. The entire property would be in excess of $10-$15mil now. If you approach the


State Government for assistance, they will ask how much you are requiring. It is in a deteriorated state, how much do you think it will cost to refurb? Mayor: Are you aware another group has travelled to Melbourne to speak with the State Government regarding this property? Elizabeth Mason: No Mayor: Has the Chamber been to Melbourne? Elizabeth Mason: No Mayor: Council has no plans for the gaol. There are no outstanding rates. There are a lot of questions that remain unanswered.

6. CONDOLENCES

CR CHAMBERS, 78, FOURTH-TERM COUNCILLOR, ELECTED IN 1997, MAYOR 1999 AND 2000

It is with profound sadness that Indigo Shire Council honours the passing of Cr Don Chambers, a man who served Council and the community with great determination, fairness, commitment and energy over two decades. All who worked with Don in his roles as Councillor, environmentalist, historian, sportsman and advocate, and all those he worked for across the Shire and beyond, will be poorer for his passing. Don had a vision for a fairer and more sharing community, his efforts always focused on the greater good. He fought hard for what he believed in, saw every effort through to the end, and treated all he met as equals and deserving of respect. Don was a fierce proponent for his Rutherglen community but he always had an eye for the bigger picture and where Indigo Shire fitted in the scheme of things. He was extremely well connected regionally and at State and Federal Government level.

Don had a remarkable ability to challenge and shape different views and opinions into outcomes. As a Councillor he demanded justification and convincing on key issues and he certainly kept us on our toes. However, once convinced, he was always a strong advocate. He had a very strong personal work ethic and Councillors and staff often received numerous emails from him on all manner of subjects in the small hours of a weekend. His raising of laundry lists of general business items at Council and Briefing Meetings was legendary. Don’s passions on waste and resource recovery, planning & development, equity in rating and the promotion of agriculture and economic development across the Shire were a highlight of his Council life. His death leaves a void in Council deliberations that will be impossible to fill. Councillors and staff will remember him as a fine example of civic pride and leadership, and as a very special friend.


On moving the condolence motion, Cr O’Connor spoke: I have just returned from overseas. I received the news whilst I was away, and arriving here tonight and not having Cr Chambers present, is really confronting. He was larger than life and his absence is palpable and I still expect him to get up and speak. Without his voice the National Anthem will not be the same. When I think of him, there are many things that make me smile. The role of Local Government is to talk about roads, rates, rubbish, but Don would never take that on a local level. We met to talk about local roads in Rutherglen but his vision was a $40mil Rutherglen Bypass. We annually review the rates but Don thinks the entire Australian rating system should be changed. We talk about rubbish, but you can never use this word in front of Don. In this Shire, he has left us with the “resource recovery” legacy and changed the way we think about the environment and our Shire. I admired Dons commitment to protect his Shire and his community. He personified what all Local Government should be doing, Council should be advocating on a range of levels and Don Chambers did that. He is a great example and we should try and live up to that.

MOTION

That a letter of condolence, under seal, is sent to the family of Cr Don Chambers to recognise his passing.

Moved: Cr O’Connor Seconded: Cr Horne

Carried

MOTION

That a letter of condolence, under seal, is sent to the family of Mike Byrnes, Stanley to recognise his passing.

Moved: Cr Croucher Seconded: Cr O’Connor

Carried


7. CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES FROM PREVIOUS MEETING(S)

RESOLUTION

That the Minutes of the Ordinary Council Meeting held on 29 September 2015 , as published on Council's website, be confirmed.

Moved: Cr Trenery Seconded: Cr Murdoch

Carried

8. BUSINESS ARISING FROM PREVIOUS MINUTES

Item 14.2 – Ordinary Council Meeting – 29 September 2015

Council has received a response from NERWA after Council wrote seeking confirmation of the townships of Indigo that have fluoride in their water supply and any intention to add fluoride to other towns supplies.

The response explained that the inclusion of fluoride is the directive of Department of Health. Smaller communities that’s water supply is sourced from larger treatment plants is more likely to include fluoride. There is currently no funding available so there are no plans to introduce fluoride to our townships water supplies.

9. DEPUTATIONS AND PETITIONS

Nil reports.


10. CORPORATE & COMMUNITY SERVICES

10.1 SEPTEMBER QUARTERLY REPORT

File No: 2015/713 Sharon Phillips - Acting Manager Finance Greg Pinkerton - Director

Corporate & Community Services Corporate & Community Services

For Decision

RECOMMENDATION

That Council adopt the Quarterly Report as at 30 September 2015

RESOLUTION

That Council adopt the Quarterly Report as at 30 September 2015


Carried

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this report is to provide details of Council’s financial position; capital works performance and Council Plan Action List as at the end of the first quarter of the 2015-16 financial year. FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE

This is the first quarterly report of the new 2015-16 financial year which provides Council with a Balance Sheet and its financial position as at 30 September 2015 including comparison to budget with regards to:-

Income Statement

Capital Works

Treasury (cash management)

The reported position to date is an overall net surplus of $10.8million compared to a budgeted $10.678million which is $122k favourable to the year-to-date budget with explanations of this favourability shown from Notes 1 through to 33. Notes 1 to 6 relate to the Income Statement (below) with the balance of the variances and explanations for notes 7 to 33 contained in the attached Service Plan Area exception reports.


Account Group

Note

No.

September

YTD

Actuals

September

YTD

Budget

YTD

Variance

$

YTD

Variance

% Annual Budget

Income

Developer Contributions (22,250) - 22,250 100% (3,000)

Interest Income (32,903) (62,348) (29,445) -47% (236,758)

Operating Grants 1 (1,125,373) (1,628,844) (503,471) -31% (6,133,526)

Operating contributions (31,842) (62,597) (30,755) -49% (248,083)

Other Revenue 2 (2,009,928) (2,159,419) (149,492) -7% (4,639,002)

Rates & charges 3 (14,736,596) (14,630,781) 105,815 1% (14,650,926)

Reimbursements (23,076) (14,904) 8,172 55% (62,309)

Rent (23,945) (23,896) 49 0% (100,176)

Statutory Fees & Fines (122,086) (122,437) (351) 0% (814,023)

User Charges (153,519) (138,661) 14,858 11% (676,711)

Total Income (18,281,516) (18,843,887) (562,371) -3.0% (27,564,514)

Expense

Borrowing Costs 56,506 61,622 5,116 8% 231,289

Contract Payments 4 786,318 1,070,627 284,309 27% 4,662,036

Depreciation 1,304,118 1,329,857 25,739 2% 5,332,496

Employee Costs 5 2,673,591 2,780,750 107,159 4% 11,803,700

Materials & Consumables 1,111,286 1,153,111 41,825 4% 2,629,375

Other Expenses 6 1,407,792 1,620,469 212,677 13% 3,686,768

Utilities 141,372 149,138 7,766 5% 601,293

Total Expense 7,480,982 8,165,574 684,592 8.4% 28,946,957

Grand Total (10,800,535) (10,678,313) 122,222 1.1% 1,382,443

* ( Red ) variance is unfavourable

* Black variance is favourable

SEPTEMBER 2015 - INCOME STATEMENT

NOTE NO

Explanation – INCOME

1

Operating Grants

The YTD unfavorability of $503k is predominately due to the early receipt of the Federal Assistance Grant payment received from the Victorian Grants Commission in the 2014-15 financial year which has created a $550k year to date variance in Financial Services.

This has been offset by an additional unbudgeted grant for the Roadside Weed Control Project allocated this year $37k

2

Other Revenue

The YTD unfavorability of $149k is made up of the following;

Buller Gas sales lower than budgeted due to the lower buy price of gas which in turn reflects lower sell price of gas units sold. $41k

Horseshoe Quarry delay in the commencement of Gravel road re-sheeting program and external sale of stock. $69k


Late receipt of the payment from the State Revenue Office for the Fire Services levy originally budgeted to be receipted in September. $40k

3

Rates & Charges

The YTD favourability of $106k is mainly due to the higher than budgeted income of rates & charges with the distribution of Instalment # 1.

NOTE NO

Explanation – EXPENDITURE

4

Contract Payments

The YTD favourability of $284k is due to timing and late receipt of supplier invoices for;

Cleanaway waste contract. $180k

Delay of Strategic Planning activities. $9k

Projects budgeted for completion in the Natural Resources area to be finalised in Qtr 2. $18k

Library Outreach Service payments to be distributed and paid throughout the year. $13k

Lower than budgeted expenditure for Wahgunyah Recreation Reserve. $17k

Horseshoe Quarry closing stock estimation at the end of 2014-15 financial year was higher than actual stock carried forward. $44k

5

Employee Costs

The YTD favourability of $107k in employee costs are spread over the organization with higher than budgeted annual leave taken in the Qtr1 and recruitment for a number of vacancies not finalized at this time. This is expected to level out in Qtr 2 as positions are filled.

6

Other Expenses The YTD favorability of $212k is a combination of the following;

Timing of Software Maintenance invoices to be paid in Qtr 2. $38k

Payments for Emergency Management CFA contributions to be paid in Qtr 2. $18k

Delayed payment to the RMB Mt Buller for commission payments to be paid in Qtr 2. $68k

Lower than budgeted fleet running costs. $34k

Delayed payment to Cycle Tourism to be paid in Qtr 2. $40k

Supplier payments for Festival & Events delayed and due for payment in Qtr 2. $9.5k

Permanent savings across the organization for Insurances due to lower premiums. $23k


CASH Council’s Cash position at the end of September 2015 was $4.7million. This compares to $4.5 million for the same time last year. Details of how these funds are invested are shown below.

Ledger # Bank Term Amount

9999-5051 WAW 30 1,000,000.00

9999-5051 Bendigo Bank 30 1,000,000.00

Total of All Investments 2,000,000.00

9999-5000 Indigo Shire Operating Account 1,383,132.34

9999-5050 Indigo Shire Operating AT CALL Account At Call 1,295,223.22

Total Operating Cash Position 2,678,355.56

Total Cash Position 4,678,355.56

Indigo Shire Council - Cash & Investment Report as at 30 September 2015


CAPITAL WORKS As at 30 September 2015, the year to date capital works spend was $670k which equates to 8.9% of the adopted CAPEX budget including 2014-15 carry forward projects. As can be seen from the table below, the total capital works completion at the end of September is tracking slightly unfavourable to the same time last year but well above forecast.

Adopted Mid-

year

Budget

September

YTD Actuals

%

Complete Annual Budget

September

YTD Actuals

%

Complete

Capital Works Annual Budget 10,425,200 854,677 8.2% 6,502,500 427,125 6.6%

Prior Years Carry Forward 4,424,745 1,142,838 25.8% 1,054,945 243,364 23.1%

Other Projects - - 0.0% - 0.0%

TOTAL 14,849,945 1,997,515 13.5% 7,557,445 670,489 8.9%

2014-15 2015-2016

Capital Works


Capital Works 1st Quarter Report

The attached quarter 1 “Capital Works Monitor” report provides an update on a number of projects;

The original work schedule set in July for 85 approved projects

21 carry forward projects from the 2014-15 program

2 non Council Asset projects

8 road projects added after the August Council meeting

This brings the total project list for 2015-16 to 116 projects. The current status at 30 September is;

5 projects complete

Barnawartha High Street footpath

Rutherglen Hunter Street Kerb and Channel replacement

Beechworth Junction Road Kerb and Channel Replacement

Yackandandah Wellsford Street Culvert Extension

Carlyle Road Sealing

108 projects on track

2 projects behind schedule

Rail Trail bridge Safety Improvements (contractor delay)

Wahgunyah Recreation Reserve Building Upgrade (delays due to scope and budget

negotiations)

1 project not to proceed

CFA road widening and water supply improvements, $25,000. This has been cancelled

due to no projects being nominated by the CFA. The net saving to Council is the Council

contribution of $4,000.


The 1st quarter focus for the majority of the capital works projects is finalising the detailed design as

well as the procurement of construction services for the larger projects. This then allows for speedy

commencement of the projects in the more favourable weather conditions.

Council Plan Action List As shown in the attached Council Plan Action List the organisation has made a strong start on the Council Plan items for 2015-16. Seven of the 60 actions are already complete and work has commenced on 48 other items.

CONCLUSION

It is clear from the Q1 report that Council is off to a strong start for the financial year. The financial position is positive and staff are working through the large capital works program and the Council Plan actions.

Attachments

1.View Balance Sheet

2.View Service Plan area by Directorate

3.View Exception Reports

4.View Capital Works Monitor

5.View Council Plan Action List

OC_27102015_ATT.PDF

OC_27102015_ATT.PDF

OC_27102015_ATT.PDF

OC_27102015_ATT.PDF

OC_27102015_ATT.PDF


10.2 HARDSHIP POLICY

File No: 2015/711 Greg Pinkerton - Director Corporate & Community Services

For Decision

RECOMMENDATION

That Council adopt the attached Hardship Policy (2015).

RESOLUTION

That Council adopt the attached Hardship Policy (2015).

Moved: Cr Croucher Seconded: Cr Horne

Carried

INTRODUCTION

As part of a review of Council policy, a need was identified for a Hardship Policy. This policy will provide flexible financial arrangements for ratepayers who may experience financial hardship. BACKGROUND

Financial hardship assistance may be granted to individuals who experience temporary difficulty in paying rates instalments on their primary residence. This policy is different to – but interacts with Council’s rating strategy and debt collection procedures. The policy has been developed in relation to the Municipal Association of Victoria’s (MAV) guidelines on hardship as well as consideration of best practice within local government. It is important to note a few key aspects of the attached policy;

Hardship is defined as a desire to, but the inability, to pay. This is different to having the ability to, but no desire to pay.

Hardship is related to a ratepayer’s primary residence. Investments, businesses etc. are not eligible for assessment under the hardship criteria.

Hardship assistance may take a number of different forms and is scaled according to the situation of the ratepayer. Small, short-term assistance for small short-term hardship and larger long-term assistance for larger long-term hardship.

Every effort has been made to ensure that the application process is as simple, respectful, and confidential as possible.

All efforts are made to recover outstanding debt owed to Council.

An application process is required for deferment or waiver of interest/charges and final approval is granted by the CEO.


KEY IMPLICATIONS

Council currently assesses hardship and employs a number of approaches to work with ratepayers who are experiencing hardship. Up until now this has been guided mainly by the MAV recommendations. The adoption of this policy provides some formalisation of the current practices and also adds to the transparency of this process for all ratepayers. RISK MANAGEMENT

There are a number of risks associated with the creation and adoption of a Hardship Policy. The risks include;

Reputational risk if hardship is handled incorrectly.

Financial risk – although very low due to the statutory charge on a ratepayer’s property.

Legal risk if Council handles a debtor case inappropriately.

The risks have all been assessed as low and are mitigated by the adoption of the attached policy. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

There are no direct financial implications related to the adoption of this policy. The policy does however allow for interest reductions and (in extreme cases) waiver of some portion of a debt. The financial implications are considered to be low for a number of reasons;

The focus of the document is one of working with the ratepayer to clear the debt and get back on track. Reductions or waiving of outstanding amounts is expected to be a rare occurrence.

Waiving of amounts greater than $1,000 will come to a Council meeting (as a confidential item).

The adoption of this policy makes the hardship provisions clearer, and therefore more efficient to administer.

LEGAL/COUNCIL PLAN/POLICY IMPACT

This policy fills a gap in Council’s policy suite and will be reviewed on a regular basis as part of the finance suite of policies. CONCLUSION

The Hardship Policy will be communicated on Council’s website with links to application forms. Information regarding financial hardship will also be included with future rates notices.

Attachments

1.View Financial Hardship Policy

OC_27102015_ATT.PDF


10.3 REQUEST BY 4/19 PRINCE OF WALES LIGHT HORSE REGIMENT TO EXERCISE THEIR FREEDOM OF ENTRY TO INDIGO SHIRE

File No: 2015/706 Patrick Watt - Manager Burke Museum & Historic Precinct

Corporate & Community Services

For Decision

RECOMMENDATION

That Council invite the 4/19 Prince of Wales Light Horse Regiment to exercise their Freedom of Entry to Indigo Shire on 7 August 2016.

RESOLUTION

That Council invite the 4/19 Prince of Wales Light Horse Regiment to exercise their Freedom of Entry to Indigo Shire on 7 August 2016.


Carried

INTRODUCTION

The 4/19th Prince of Wales Light Horse Regiment (PWLHR) was granted Freedom of Entry to Indigo Shire in 2001 at Beechworth. The Regiment is seeking an invitation from the Shire to exercise that freedom on 7 August, 2016 to mark the 101st anniversary of the Battle of the Nek at Gallipoli. This event coincides with the Ned Kelly weekend. BACKGROUND

The procedure on the day would be:

The PWLHR assemble at the Girl Guide Hall between Queen Victoria Park and the Beechworth Gaol.

At 11am they will march into Town (soldiers on foot and some armoured vehicles.)

When they arrive (11.05am) at the corner of William and Ford, the Police Sergeant is to come out and ask: “On what authority do you have to enter.” (or words to that effect.)

The PWLHR reply with: “On the authority of the freedom granted to us by ISC, September 2001.” And the Sergeant stands aside.

The parade moves to the round-about and turns right into Camp St and then right into Loch St.

At 11.15 they will assemble on the Loch St side of the gardens (adjacent to the Museum) and move to the cenotaph.

At 11.23 – 11.30 there will be a silent vigil to remember the Battle of the Nek.

At 11.30 the Last Post will be played.


KEY IMPLICATIONS

This important commemoration is an appropriate occasion for the 4/19th Prince of Wales Light Horse Regiment to exercise their right of entry. Protocol dictates that a formal request be made, and that Council (via resolution at this meeting) approve the entry. RISK MANAGEMENT

Arrangements will need to be made to accommodate road closures and associated requirements like notifications. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

There will be a small cost to employ road closure supervisors. This will be accommodated within Council’s existing budget. LEGAL/COUNCIL PLAN/POLICY IMPACT

N/A

COMMUNICATION

If approved, the CEO will write a letter to LTCOL John Molnar inviting the 4/19th PWLHR to exercise their freedom. The Ned Kelly Re-Enactment Group will be notified to incorporate this into their schedule for that weekend. CONCLUSION

The right of entry is a significant honour for the 4/19th Prince of Wales Light Horse Regiment as well as Indigo Shire Council. It is recommended that the 101st anniversary of the Battle of the Nek at Gallipoli is an appropriate occasion to exercise this right.

Attachments

1.View Copy of Letter from MAJ John Baines to Gerry Smith

OC_27102015_ATT.PDF


10.4 COUNCIL ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES

File No: 2015/654 Annabel Harding - Governance Officer Corporate & Community Services

For Decision

RECOMMENDATION

That Council receive the attached Advisory Committee minutes and endorse the Officer comments.

RESOLUTION

That Council receive the attached Advisory Committee minutes and endorse the Officer comments.

Moved: Cr Murdoch Seconded: Cr Horne

Carried

COMMITTEE DATE OF MEETING

Beechworth Trees Consultative Committee 7 September 2015

Audit Committee – Special Meeting 7 September 2015 – included in Chair report of 14 September 2015

Audit Committee – Special Meeting 14 September 2015

Indigo Community Access Advisory Committee 21 September 2015

Finance Committee 24 September 2015


Indigo Economic Development & Tourism Advisory Committee 9 October 2015 – minutes not yet available

Indigo Shire Heritage Advisory Committee 6 October 2015

Burke Museum & Historic Precinct Advisory Committee 12 October 2015 – minutes not yet available

Indigo Shire Community Grants & Awards Advisory Committee (Only meet twice annually)

No meeting held.

Note: The timing of the agenda distribution will sometimes make it difficult to provide a complete month. Please note that any items not included will be recorded in the following month.


The resolutions from these Advisory Committee meetings and Officer comments are outlined below:

COMMITTEE RESOLUTION MOVED SECONDED OFFICER COMMENT

Finance Committee

That the annual Performance Statement and Financial Statements be endorsed “in principle” for the purpose of Council’s Meeting on 29 September

Cr Murdoch Cr Trenery The annual Performance Statement and Financial Statements were adopted in the 29 September 2015 Council Meeting.

Beechworth Trees Consultative Committee

In preparing the Significant Tree Register for Indigo Shire Council, steps are to be taken to ensure it is accessible to all groups possible.

Jan Milhinch Michael Brain

Noted

Beechworth Trees Consultative Committee

Discussed redrafted Beechworth Street Tree Themes and committee agreed to approve with the spelling of Liquidambar to be corrected in the legend.

Jenny Indian Colin Gladstone

Noted

Attachments

1.View Minutes - Beechworth Trees Consultative Committee - 7 September 2015

2.View Chairperson's Report - Audit Committee - 14 September 2015

3.View Minutes - Indigo Community Access Committee - 21 September 2015

4.View Minutes - Finance Committee - 24 September 2015

5.View Minutes - Beechworth Trees Consultative Committee - 28 September 2015

6.View Minutes - Indigo Heritage Advisory Committee - 6 October 2015

OC_27102015_ATT.PDF

OC_27102015_ATT.PDF

OC_27102015_ATT.PDF

OC_27102015_ATT.PDF

OC_27102015_ATT.PDF

OC_27102015_ATT.PDF


10.5 ASSEMBLY OF COUNCILLORS RECORD

File No: 2015/660 Annabel Harding - Governance Officer Corporate & Community Services

For Decision

RECOMMENDATION

That Council accept the attached Assembly of Councillors records.

RESOLUTION

That Council accept the attached Assembly of Councillors records.


Carried

INTRODUCTION

As required under Section 80A of the Local Government Act 1989 (the Act) the attached Assembly of Councillors records are presented to Council for acceptance (summarised in the table below);

Meeting Date

Indigo Community Access Advisory Committee 21 September 2015

Finance Committee Meeting 24 September 2015


Council Meeting 29 September 2015

Briefing Meeting 29 September 2015 Indigo Shire Heritage Advisory Committee 6 October 2015

Briefing Meeting 6 October 2015

Chiltern Placemaking Sub Committee 9 October 2015

Note: The timing of the agenda distribution will sometimes make it difficult to provide a complete month. Please note that any items not included will carry forward to the following month. LEGAL/COUNCIL PLAN/POLICY IMPACT

Section 76AA of the Act defines an Assembly of Councillors as a meeting of an advisory committee of the Council, if at least one Councillor is present, or a planned or scheduled meeting of at least half of the Councillors and one member of Council staff which considers matters that are intended or likely to be:

a) The subject of a decision of the Council; or

b) Subject to the exercise of a function, duty or power of the Council that has been delegated to a person or committee but does not include a meeting of the Council, a special committee of the Council or an Audit Committee.

Section 80A(2) of the Act requires that a written record of an Assembly of Councillors to be reported as soon as practicable to an Ordinary Council meeting and incorporated in the minutes

Attachments

1.View Assembly of Councillors Record - Indigo Community Access Committee - 21 September 2015

2.View Assembly of Councillors Record - Finance Committee - 24 September 2015

3.View Assembly of Councillors Record - Beechworth Trees Consultative Committee - 28 September 2015

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4.View Assembly of Councillors Record - Council Meeting - 29 September 2015

5.View Assembly of Councillors Record - Briefing Meeting - 29 September 2015

6.View Assembly of Councillors Record - Indigo Heritage Advisory Committee - 6 October 2015

7.View Assembly of Councillors Record - Briefing Meeting - 6 October 2015

8.View Assembly of Councillor Record - Chiltern Placemaking Sub Committee - 9 oCTOBER 2015

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11. DEVELOPMENT & PLANNING

11.1 CHILTERN OVAL RENOVATION

File No: 2015/708 Mark Florence - Director Development & Planning

For Decision

RECOMMENDATION

1. That subject to the confirmation of DELWP funding of $100,000, Council allocate $100,000 to the Chiltern Oval upgrade project

2. That the $100,000 be sourced from the following deferral or reallocation of existing 2015/16 capital works projects :

Chiltern Main Street Kerb and Channel replacement $60,000

Reserves and Ovals Renewals $25,000

Chiltern Alliance Street sealing $12,000

Savings from underspend on completed projects $ 3,000

RESOLUTION

1. That subject to the confirmation of DELWP funding of $100,000, Council allocate $100,000 to the Chiltern Oval upgrade project

2. That the $100,000 be sourced from the following deferral or reallocation of existing 2015/16 capital works projects :

Chiltern Main Street Kerb and Channel replacement $60,000

Reserves and Ovals Renewals $25,000

Chiltern Alliance Street sealing $12,000

Savings from underspend on completed projects $ 3,000


Carried


BACKGROUND

The Chiltern oval is an important facility within the Chiltern Recreation Reserve. The oval supports community sport activities, mainly football and cricket, and other community events. The Recreation Reserve is located on Crown Land and is managed by a Committee of Management appointed through the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP). The oval and other facilities within the reserve are not Indigo Shire assets. The condition of the oval and the impact on football became a cause for concern during the second half of 2014. The oval has no sub-surface drainage or collector ring main, and the soil profile exacerbates the impact of any wet conditions. The Committee of Management and the Chiltern Football Netball Club undertook remedial works in late 2014/early 2015 which included rolling, top dressing and seeding with couch grass. Whilst the oval looked in good condition in early 2015, the wet period in the middle of the football season revealed no thatching or binding of the grass cover, and that the soil profile and lack of sub-surface drainage prevented adequate drainage of the playing field. These aspects, plus the impact of training and match demands resulted in the following conditions.

By any measure these conditions are unacceptable. The health and safety of participants is being jeopardized, and the ability of the football club to present fair and reasonable conditions is seriously compromised. It is reported that many players have required treatment at hospital to clear noses, throats, eyes, and ears of mud and foreign bodies. Cuts and abrasions have become infected and problematic. Training and games have had to be


relocated to other venues. For match days, these transfers can also impact on the club’s financial performance. Action Required The oval requires an immediate significant upgrade which would include:

• Installation of sub-surface drainage system

• Installation of ring main drain

• Installation of outfall drainage

• Insertion of sand filled slit trenches

• Installation of top soil root zone

• Sprigging of couch grass

• Re-connection of irrigation system

The Committee of Management has obtained an initial cost estimate from an experienced contractor with the cost plus contingency estimated at $230,000. This cost would need to be tested through appropriate procurement procedures should any upgrade project proceed. KEY IMPLICATIONS

The need for an upgrade project is obvious but the ownership of the land and potential sources of funding for the project is more complicated. DELWP understands the need for the oval to be upgraded and that it has some level of responsibility, but is limited in its capacity to fund the project entirely as “owner” of the land. A partnership arrangement that includes DELWP, Council, and the Committee of Management will be required. DELWP’s only opportunity to support an upgrade project is through the Public Safety on Public Land funding program, and Council and DELWP officers have prepared and submitted a $100,000 grant application under the program. The application will “compete” against other applications from across the north east region, and whilst success cannot be guaranteed, the application is considered strong and officers share a reasonable level of confidence on the outcome. An announcement on the grant application is expected in mid- November 2015. The Committee of Management and Chiltern Football Club have each committed $15,000 cash to an upgrade project – a total of $30,000. This is a reasonable and acceptable contribution from the local community. Council is being asked to consider allocating unbudgeted new funding for the $100,000 balance based on Chiltern being part of the broader Indigo community, the oval and recreation facilities being central to community life and activity, and that Council’s support would be an appropriate response, as part of the current Chiltern Placemaking and Structure Plan project.


It should be noted that Council’s contribution would be subject to the DELWP grant being successful. The development and upgrades of recreation facilities can benefit from a range of grant programs, and Council’s typically seek to access funds from projects such as Sport and Recreation Victoria (SRV), Regional Development Victoria (RDV), Country Football and Netball (CFN), and others. A legitimate question can be asked as to why Council would not seek supporting funds from any of the listed programs, particularly when many of the funding programs are now open for applications to be received. This option is open to Council but any successful application will not have funds released until July 2016. This would not maximize the optimum time for oval upgrades to be undertaken – spring/summer, and mean that the Chiltern oval would need to survive another full football season when similar conditions to the 2015 season are likely to be repeated. More importantly, in 2013 Council resolved that the following the development of the Wahgunyah Recreation Reserve facility, the Rutherglen Barkly Park development project would be Council’s next priority, and would be the subject of grant applications across a range of state government funding programs. As a consequence of that resolution, the Rutherglen project has moved well into design phases, and funding agencies have been briefed and grant applications commenced ready for submission over the next couple of months. RISK MANAGEMENT

There is an obvious risk to participant health and safety should no upgrade be undertaken. The project as detailed will significantly reduce the risk to participants and allow for an improved experience. There is a reputational risk to Council should it not be part of a partnership approach to resolving the issue. The local community is not overly concerned with ownership matters, and focuses on how the oval condition can be improved, and which organisations can support the resourcing of a renovation project. Council has established very strong links and presence in Chiltern as part of the Placemaking project, and the community has developed an expectation that Council will support its need. Council’s financial contribution will limit any reputational risk or damage. A $100,000 contribution is not an insignificant amount, and Council must consider carefully its capacity to fund the amount, and the impact on other projects. Identifying Chiltern based projects to be deferred reduces the impact on other communities, and responds to the emerging importance of the oval project. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

Council’s contribution of $100,000 is not budgeted for in the 2015/16 capital works program, and as such, would need to be achieved through a re-alignment or deferral of existing budgeted projects. It is considered appropriate that any re-alignments or deferrals be from projects in Chiltern and not impact on other community areas.


The Infrastructure Services department has proposed a number of Chiltern based capital works projects to source the required $100,000 funds. These are: Chiltern Main Street Kerb and Channel replacement $60,000 Defer to 2016/17 Reserves and Ovals Renewals $25,000 Chiltern Alliance Street sealing $12,000 Defer to 2016/17 Savings from underspend on completed projects $ 3,000 The Alliance Street sealing project maybe considered a good project to complete given it accesses the Recreation Reserve. If that is the case, then there will be a need to identify an additional $12,000 from other capital work projects. LEGAL/COUNCIL PLAN/POLICY IMPACT

COUNCIL PLAN This project will assist with the achievement of the key strategic objective Developing Sustainable Communities, as set out in the Council Plan 2013-2017, specifically by contributing to strategic action 4.3 Plan and implement projects and programs for all people in Indigo Shire to access the information, facilities and services they need to lead healthy, active, safe and connected lifestyles. CONCLUSION

The upgrade of the Chiltern oval is a relatively urgent matter, and one that Council should consider in order for a process to be established and confirmed. The proposed partnership with DELWP, and the Committee of Management, is considered to be the most appropriate way to achieve a positive outcome, and the recommendation is the most reasonable action to be taken.

Attachments Nil


11.2 PLANNING PERMIT APPLICATION 15-0154 (AURECON FOR ERICSSON) TELECOMMUNICATIONS INFRASTRUCTURE (NBN MONOPOLE), RATION HILL ROAD, STANLEY.

File No: 2015/701 Kath Oswald - Town Planner Development & Planning

For Decision

RECOMMENDATION

That Council resolve to approve Planning Permit 15-0154 to develop Lot 2 PS316835 for the purpose of telecommunications infrastructure (NBN monopole) subject to the following conditions and issue a Notice of Decision to Grant a Permit.

1. APPROVED USE/DEVELOPMENT

The layout of the site, dimensions and elevations of the proposed building and works as shown on the plans endorsed pursuant to this Condition shall not be modified or altered without the written consent of the Responsible Authority.

2. VEHICLE ACCESS

Any new vehicular access points required and any required existing crossing points not complying with current standards shall be constructed at full cost to the applicant/owner at a location, and to a standard, to the satisfaction of the Responsible Authority. A crossing permit must be obtained from the Responsible Authority and levels fixed. The Ration Hill Road Reserve and road formation must be left in a neat and tidy manner.

3. EXTERNAL MATERIALS

The external fabric of the monopole and the base station (including the roofing) hereby approved must be constructed of neutral “earthy” colours to blend with the landscape and preserve the visual amenity of the area to the satisfaction of the Responsible Authority.

4. NATIVE VEGETATION

This permit does not authorise the removal of any native vegetation. Separate planning approval will be required if any tree removal is to occur as a result of construction in relation to the development hereby approved.

5. SEDIMENT CONTROL & SOIL AND WATER MANAGEMENT

To minimise soil erosion during construction, the applicant must ensure that any clearing or construction associated with development is conducted in accordance with sediment control principles as outlined in "Construction Techniques for Sediment Pollution Control” (Environment Protection Authority 1991). Specifically, the landowner and builder must ensure:

Grading, excavation and construction does not proceed during periods of heavy rainfall;

Sediment traps are designed, installed and maintained to maximise the volume of sediment trapped from the site during development and construction;


Vegetation is cleared from the construction site only; other areas must remain undisturbed;

Top soil from the construction site or builders sand is stockpiled in a location where it will not be eroded from the site;

All erosion control measures are maintained after rainfall and are retained until the site has fully revegetated, and;

Disturbed areas are stabilised and revegetated following the completion of works.

6. EXPIRY DATE

This permit will expire if one of the following circumstances applies:

(i) The development is not started within two years of the date of this permit.

(ii) The development is not completed within two years of the date of commencement.

RESOLUTION

That Council resolve to approve Planning Permit 15-0154 to develop Lot 2 PS316835 for the purpose of telecommunications infrastructure (NBN monopole) subject to the following conditions and issue a Notice of Decision to Grant a Permit.

1. APPROVED USE/DEVELOPMENT

The layout of the site, dimensions and elevations of the proposed building and works as shown on the plans endorsed pursuant to this Condition shall not be modified or altered without the written consent of the Responsible Authority.

2. VEHICLE ACCESS

Any new vehicular access points required and any required existing crossing points not complying with current standards shall be constructed at full cost to the applicant/owner at a location, and to a standard, to the satisfaction of the Responsible Authority. A crossing permit must be obtained from the Responsible Authority and levels fixed. The Ration Hill Road Reserve and road formation must be left in a neat and tidy manner.

3. EXTERNAL MATERIALS

The external fabric of the monopole and the base station (including the roofing) hereby approved must be constructed of neutral “earthy” colours to blend with the landscape and preserve the visual amenity of the area to the satisfaction of the Responsible Authority.

4. NATIVE VEGETATION

This permit does not authorise the removal of any native vegetation. Separate planning approval will be required if any tree removal is to occur as a result of construction in relation to the development hereby approved.


5. SEDIMENT CONTROL & SOIL AND WATER MANAGEMENT

To minimise soil erosion during construction, the applicant must ensure that any clearing or construction associated with development is conducted in accordance with sediment control principles as outlined in "Construction Techniques for Sediment Pollution Control” (Environment Protection Authority 1991). Specifically, the landowner and builder must ensure:

Grading, excavation and construction does not proceed during periods of heavy rainfall;

Sediment traps are designed, installed and maintained to maximise the volume of sediment trapped from the site during development and construction;

Vegetation is cleared from the construction site only; other areas must remain undisturbed;

Top soil from the construction site or builders sand is stockpiled in a location where it will not be eroded from the site;

All erosion control measures are maintained after rainfall and are retained until the site has fully revegetated, and;

Disturbed areas are stabilised and revegetated following the completion of works.

6. EXPIRY DATE

This permit will expire if one of the following circumstances applies:

(i) The development is not started within two years of the date of this permit.

(ii) The development is not completed within two years of the date of commencement.

Moved: Cr Trenery Seconded: Cr Horne

Carried

1. Summary of Application

2. Basis for Recommendation

3. Relevant Planning Policy

4. Public Notification

5. Referral

6. Relevant VCAT Case Law

7. Discussion and Conclusion


1. SUMMARY OF APPLICATION

Application number:

15-0154

Applicant/s: Aurecon, for Ericsson

Subject land: Lot 2 PS316835K, known as 20 Ration Hill Road, Stanley.

Proposal: Develop the subject land for the purpose of a telecommunications facility

(NBN monopole). The proposed facility consists of a fenced compound of approximately 80 m2 containing an equipment shelter with a floor area of approximately 3m2. The monopole is 40m in height, and three panel antennas will be mounted at its tip, along with one parabolic dish, bringing the total height of the structure to 43.5m. The monopole is approximately 1.2m in diameter at its base, tapering to approximately 0.6m in diameter at its tip. There are no external support structures such as guy wires associated with the monopole. Access to the facility will be from Ration Hill Road, which is an unsealed gravel road in good condition. No native vegetation removal is required as part of the proposal. Further information regarding the proposal can be found at Attachment 1 – application documentation.

Subject land area:

1.079 hectares.

Current use of subject land:

Single dwelling.

Surrounding land use:

Freehold lots to the east and west are currently developed with dwellings, as is land to the north and north east. The closest dwelling (other than that on the subject land) is approximately 115 metres from the proposed facility, with four dwellings within 200m of the site, indicated with red stars below.


Crown Land adjoins the subject land to the west and south west, being the Stanley Recreation Reserve. Land to the south and south east is currently undeveloped, however the holding to the south currently has a planning permit for a dwelling.

Zoning and Overlay/s:

The subject land and surrounding land is within the Farming Zone (FZ), and covered by Schedule 1 to the Environmental Significance Overlay (ESO1) and the Bushfire Management Overlay (BMO). The Crown Land Recreation Reserve is also covered by the Heritage Overlay (HO692).

Permit triggers:

Clause 35.07-1 (FZ): use of land for a Telecommunications facility (section 2 use);

Clause 35.07-4 (FZ): buildings and works associated with a section 2 use; Clause 42.01-2 (ESO): buildings and works in the Environmental

Significance Overlay. Clause 52.19-2 (Telecommunications facility): buildings and works.

2. BASIS FOR RECOMMENDATION The various policies and guidelines relating to telecommunications facilities require a fine balance to be struck between minimising the visual impact of such facilities while providing effective service coverage. Council is obliged to consider the impact of a proposal on residential amenity, whilst being mindful of considering the benefits of a proposal on the broader community. There is no doubt the proposed monopole will be visible in the landscape - that is its purpose, to provide line-of-site coverage, however given the nature of the construction and the minimal intrusion it will make in the broader landscape, the proposal is not unreasonable. The overall objective is to provide a service which is so readily available in other areas. Given that this service is utilised by a large proportion of the population, it is reasonable to provide this service in this location. For the reasons stated above it is recommended the application be approved subject to conditions.


3. RELEVANT PLANNING POLICY

Zoning: 35.07 Farming Zone (FZ)

Overlay/s: 42.01 Environmental Significance (ESO4 – Stanley Township) 44.06 Bushfire Management Overlay (BMO)

State Planning Policy Framework: 18.13 Telecommunications

Local Planning Policy Framework: 21.01-5 Environment 21.03-1 Vision & Strategic Framework 21.05-8 Stanley 22.02-2 Land Use, Development and Subdivision in Rural Areas

Particular Provisions: 52.19 Telecommunications Facility

General Provisions: 65 Decision Guidelines 65.01 Approval of an application or plan

4. PUBLIC NOTICE Notice of the application was given in accordance with Section 52(1) of the Planning & Environment Act 1987 via a Notice in the Border Mail, notices on the site and in the temporary Post Office, and letters directly to twenty-four owners and occupants in the vicinity of the subject land. A total of eight objections were received in response (Attachment 2). Issues raised in objections can be summarised as follows:

Objection Discussion

Inadequate community consultation

There was an expectation in submissions that more community consultation should have occurred prior to lodgement of the application. The amount of consultation leading up to an application is at the discretion of the applicant, but from Council’s perspective and under Planning & Environment Act, the notification undertaken during the planning application process was appropriate in this instance.

Detrimental effect on visual amenity

Visual amenity was an issue common to most of the submissions received, from differing perspectives: residential, commercial and heritage. The visual impact of telecommunications infrastructure is required to be considered by ‘A Code of Practice for Telecommunications Facilities in Victoria’. The Code does not require facilities to be invisible; rather they are to be sensibly and reasonably sited. It is considered that in this instance, where the majority of the site is well screened by mature vegetation and the use of an altered antenna configuration to reduce visual clutter at the top of the pole, this standard has been addressed.

There is no doubt the proposed monopole would be visible in the landscape - that is its purpose, to provide line-of-site coverage, however given the nature of the construction and the minimal intrusion it will make in the broader landscape, the proposal is not


unreasonable. With regard to the visual impact on the heritage values of the Stanley Recreation Reserve, the ‘Assessment of Heritage Impacts’ report sets out that the significant elements as identified in the Indigo Shire Heritage Study 2002 include the pavilion, post-and-rail fence and mature trees. The Code of Practice sets out that telecommunications infrastructure should not interrupt significant views to a heritage place, and it is considered that the current proposal satisfies this standard.

Potential negative health impacts

The applicants have provided a report detailing investigations into the potential levels of Electromagnetic Energy (EME) at ground level emitted from the proposed telecommunications base station This report projects that the highest level of EME would be 0.085% (less than 1% of the maximum allowable exposure) of the maximum level set by the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA), This report can be found at Appendix 4 of the application documentation.

The issue of potential health effects was one of the other main points of objection to the proposal. Many studies have examined the effects of mobile communications facilities on health, and relevant standards have been mandated. The Code of Practice for Telecommunications facilities requires, as per Principle 3, that a telecommunications facility must be designed and installed so that the maximum human exposure levels comply with the ARPANSA standards. The applicants have demonstrated that the relevant standards can be met by the proposal.

Notwithstanding there may be some debate about the effects of EME, Council must consider the proposal under the current standards, and there is no discretion to vary from this approach.

Other available locations

Two alternative sites were discussed in the application documents which were initially thought to be suitable candidates, however the lease could not be finalized at one and the radio frequency coverage was not adequate at the other.

In addition to the above sites discussed in the application documentation, several sites were raised during the consultation period, including:

1. The existing Telstra exchange site where there is an existing 20m monopole. The applicant investigated this site, and responded that this site was not considered appropriate due to the lower elevation which would require a structure of 60 metres to achieve the desired coverage. In addition, a structure of this size and the associated equipment would most likely not be able to be accommodated on the 95m2 site.


2. Property number 6174, 121 Myrtleford-Stanley Road. This property was highlighted as a possible alternative location as the owner was open to consideration of the NBN infrastructure being placed on the property. The site was investigated by the technical officers at Ericsson who concluded that this location was unsuitable as it did not achieve the required coverage objectives.

Impacts on property values

With regard to the issue of property devaluation, It is established that property devaluation is generally not a planning ground and its relevance must be made clear. In the case of Heard v City of Doncaster and Templestowe (1986) 4 PABR 265 at 270 the board commented:

“Valuation reflects the perceived market demand for land which will be influenced by many factors including:

(1) the use and development potential of the land (this will often be constrained by planning controls);

(2) the market perception of the amenity of the locality.

Good valuation evidence may act as an indicator of potential amenity impacts. For such evidence to be of any use the nexus to the amenity considerations must be made clear. It must be sufficiently particularised to enable the board to identify the factors that have influenced the calculations. If there are other market forces which could or may influence the valuations then such factors would have to be identified. If some of the influencing factors are not relevant planning considerations, then they would have to be disregarded.

Mere figures are irrelevant. Bold opinions as to likely rises or falls in property values without the necessary explanations are also irrelevant. But what those figures and opinions can be shown to indicate may, in certain circumstances, be relevant. An unsubstantiated assertion that ‘my property will be devalued by this proposal’ is useless and must be rejected.”

A public meeting was held on 20 August 2015 at the Stanley Memorial Hall. The meeting was attended by approximately 40 members of the public, four Councillors, and five representatives of the applicant, along with Council staff. The applicants made a presentation which included photomontages of the proposed facility, along with three-dimensional modelling of viewpoints of the proposed facility – these are at Attachment 3.


5. REFERRALS As the subject land is located with a Special Water Supply Catchment, the application was referred to the water authorities, being North East Water, Goulburn-Murray Water and the North East Catchment Management Authority. GMW and NECMA responded with unconditional consent (Attachment 4). North East Water did not provide a response. 6. VICTORIAN CIVIL AND ADMINISTRATIVE TRIBUNAL There are a number of cases in recent years that have some relevance to this application and in particular with regard to visual impact: In the case Wilson & Ors v Golden Plains SC [2009] (VCAT 2120) the Tribunal concluded that: "The need for clear transmission and receiving paths means that in a rural location such as this, monopoles must be visible for them to be effective - if they are hidden below hills or trees they would provide less coverage. Visibility cannot be equated to adverse visual impact" In the case Optus Pty Ltd v Mitchell SC [2002] (VCAT 247), the Tribunal concluded that: "….minimising an adverse impact on visual amenity does not mean that a telecommunications pole must be sited so that it can not be seen by most or many people." With regard to co-location of facilities, Member JA Bennett, in the case Goldsworthy & Ors v Mildura RCC [2009] (VCATP3407/2008) Rural CC stated that: "Although residents did suggest alternate locations…….I accept the evidence of Mr Mews that these would not provide the necessary coverage. I am convinced that Telstra has considered the issue of co-location and alternative locations and that it has not been satisfied that its objective in terms of improved mobile phone coverage can be achieved by using alternative locations"' With regard to possible health effects, Member Bennett went on to say: "Clearly residents have a strongly held fear about the effects of Electro Magnetic Radiation but I have reached the conclusion that I could not reject the proposal on health grounds because of the very easy compliance with the relevant Australian Standard in relation to electromagnetic radiation."


7. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION With regard to the most noteworthy guiding document regarding applications of this type - The Code of Practice for Telecommunications Facilities in Victoria - consideration must be given to each of the four principles which guide the design, siting and construction and operation of a telecommunications facility, the full text of which can be found at Attachment 5.

Principle 1: A Telecommunications facility should be sited to minimise visual impact.

Principle 2: Telecommunications facilities should be co-located wherever practical.

Principle 3: Health standards for exposure to radio emissions will be met.

Principle 4: Disturbance and risk relating to siting and construction should be minimised.

It is considered that the proposal before Council adequately addresses these four principles. Providing modern telecommunications facilities that are widely accessible to business, industry and the community is considered an important planning direction, being guided by the state in the State Planning Policy Framework. State Planning Policy at Clause 18.13 recognises the importance of telecommunications to modern life and the beneficial contribution made by these facilities to local communities and to the economy. In the application before Council, the applicant asserts that mobile communications services in and around the Stanley township display poor network performance and require augmentation.

It is contended that the proposal before Council is in accordance with the objectives of the Farming Zone, in particular that the proposal will not adversely affect the use of the land for agriculture. It is also considered acceptable in terms of the Environmental Significance Overlay as it will not impact upon water quality.

With regard to local planning policy, the proposal responds to the relevant sections of the planning scheme in that it will provide important infrastructure to Stanley and will not impact upon high quality agricultural land or the heritage values of the adjoining Recreation Reserve.

As can be seen from the various policies and guidelines relating to telecommunications facilities, a fine balance must be struck between minimising the visual impact of such facilities while providing effective service coverage.

Council is obliged to consider the impact of a proposal on residential amenity, whilst being mindful of considering the benefits of a proposal on the broader community. There is no doubt the proposed monopole would be visible in the landscape - that is its purpose, to provide line-of-site coverage, however given the nature of the construction and the minimal intrusion it will make in the broader landscape, the proposal is not unreasonable in this instance.

Attachments

1.View Application documentation

2.View Submissions

3.View Further information

4.View Referral responses

5.View Telecommunications code of practice

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12. INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES

12.1 WAHGUNYAH RECREATION RESERVE MULTI - PURPOSE BUILDING

File No: 2015/716 Ian Ellett - Director Infrastructure Services

For Decision

RECOMMENDATION

1. That Council allocates an additional $50,000 in the 2015/16 capital budget to the Wahgunyah Recreation Reserve Multi-Purpose Building project.

2. That the construction of kerb and channel in Elizabeth Street, Wahgunyah be removed from the 2015/16 budget and be referred to the 2016/17 budget process.

RESOLUTION

1. That Council allocates an additional $50,000 in the 2015/16 capital budget to the Wahgunyah Recreation Reserve Multi-Purpose Building project.

2. That the construction of kerb and channel in Elizabeth Street, Wahgunyah be removed from the 2015/16 budget and be referred to the 2016/17 budget process.

Moved: Cr Croucher Seconded: Cr Horne

Carried

INTRODUCTION

Following endorsement of the preferred Builder at the September 2015 Council Meeting, follow-up discussions have been held with Council’s architect, the Builder and the Committee of Management (COM) in a bid to finalise the scope of works, and determine how in-kind labour could be incorporated into the contract.

It is evident that additional funds are required to be able to deliver the project with the inclusions and to the standard expected by the community.

BACKGROUND

As outlined in the report to the September Council meeting, whilst competitive tender prices were received, the scope of works has proved to be in excess of the available budget. Council officers, the project architect and the COM have worked together with the endorsed builder to reduce the scope of works by removing or reducing the specification around non-critical items in an attempt to bring the project within budget. However, even with some specification changes and the contractor reducing its price by making allowance for some works to be completed in-kind, there are a number of items which the COM are very reluctant to remove. These items include the provision of a cool room and the supply of materials for a number of elements such as seating in the netball and football change rooms where in-kind labour will be able to complete the construction.

The COM has raised concerns that the omission of these items would unreasonably compromise the project outcomes. The COM has endorsed a reduced scope of works to fit within the available budget to allow a contract to be awarded and works commenced prior


to the consideration of the allocation of additional funds. Council officers have carefully reviewed these scope requirements and concur that they are reasonable for inclusion in this project.

A contract has been entered into based on Council’s resolution at the September Council meeting. The funding of the omitted scope items that are the subject of this report would require an additional $30,000 and this is recommended in this report. The omitted items and the approximate prices are:

The provision of a cool room ($10,000).

The cool room comprising insulated floor, ceiling, wall panels and door would be provided by the contractor and the refrigeration and the fit out of the room would be completed by in-kind labour (materials supplied).

Completion of verandahs to front of building and facing the netball court ($6,000).

The verandah is designed with a steel frame and roof sheeting and is most efficiently constructed as part of the main build. The verandahs are an important element of the finished building.

Materials for the construction of change room seating in football and netball rooms, the bar, and for the refrigeration and fit out of the cool room ($14,000).

Each of these elements can be completed by the COM through in-kind labour but require the materials to be supplied by the project budget.

KEY IMPLICATIONS

The allocation of additional funds will require a funded project in the Capital Works Program to be deferred for consideration in next year’s capital budget. The construction of kerb and channel in Elizabeth Street, Wahgunyah, programmed for the latter part of the financial year has been identified as a suitable project.

The timing of the project is very tight and it is seen as important to make every effort to get the project underway to enable completion by March 2016 to remain a possibility.

A significant part of this project is to incorporate in-kind support from the community into the contract. This is a difficult task which has been exacerbated by the tight project budget and is part of the reason why the final contract negotiations have been protracted and why this additional funding is now required.


RISK MANAGEMENT

The following key risks have been identified with the project, and the proposed management method is identified:

Time-frame for project

The progress of the project, and the completion date, is critical to the COM, as any delay in the program will impact on the start of the 2016 football netball season – possibly requiring changes to scheduling for the season.

Delays in awarding the contract would have impacted on the delivery of key steelwork and other materials. In November and December, suppliers are at their busiest period of the year, and supply of these materials may have been delayed if the contract had not been finalised.

The unfunded items, which are the subject of the request for additional funds, will not require re-design, and are not critical path items – so they can easily be added back into the project without impacting on timing.

Budget control

At the time of the September Council Meeting, the recommendation included that savings were to be found to provide the project budget with a contingency of around 4%. Typically a contingency of 10% is preferable.

Following the post-tender negotiations and the work in trying to finalise the scope, the project now has no funded contingency, which means that Council is exposed to the financial risk of unexpected and unavoidable costs.

The COM is required under the project agreement to provide $40,500 in in-kind, volunteer labour to the project. However, it is very difficult to quantify how much this in-kind labour will contribute to cost savings in the contract.

The Wahgunyah Recreation Reserve is on crown land for which Council is not the appointed manager; hence it is not a Council Asset. The diversion of funds from Capital to works on non-Council assets will mean that this expense is classified as operational.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

The cash budget for this project is currently $770,000 and comprises the following contributions:

Regional Development Grant (State Government) $300,000

Country Football and Netball Program $100,000

Indigo Shire Council $140,000

Wahgunyah Recreation Reserve CoM $30,000

National Stronger Regions Fund (Fed Government) $200,000

This report seeks an additional $50,000 to be allocated to the Wahgunyah Recreation Reserve Multi-Purpose Building project. It is proposed that this be re-allocated from a kerb and channel project in Elizabeth Street Wahgunyah which will be re-considered for funding in next year’s capital budget.


The provision of this additional funding will also provide a project contingency of around $20,000 which will reduce the current risk exposure about unexpected costs.


COUNCIL PLAN This Project will assist with the achievement of the key strategic objective 4.3 – Plan and implement projects and programs for all people in Indigo Shire to access the information, facilities and services they need to lead healthy active, safe and connected lifestyles, as set out in the Council Plan 2013-2017, specifically by contributing to strategic action 4.3.3 – Plan and implement Community Facilities upgrades and development at Wahgunyah Recreation Reserve and Barkly Park Rutherglen.

CONCLUSION

The community has worked hard over a number of years to realise this project and has sought additional funds to ensure that the finished project meets the expectations of the community.

Attachments Nil


12.2 INDIGO CREEK ROAD BRIDGE REPAIR

File No: 2015/715 Robert Uebergang - Manager Assets and Property

Infrastructure Services

For Decision

RECOMMENDATION

That Council endorses actions to address safety issues at the Indigo Creek Road bridge in Indigo Valley including:

1. works to apply a temporary load limit to the bridge, and

2. bringing forward the proposed deck overlay to provide a structural solution to the identified safety issues into the 2015/16 financial year.

RESOLUTION

That Council endorses actions to address safety issues at the Indigo Creek Road bridge in Indigo Valley including:

1. works to apply a temporary load limit to the bridge, and

2. bringing forward the proposed deck overlay to provide a structural solution to the identified safety issues into the 2015/16 financial year.


Carried

INTRODUCTION

The Indigo Creek Road Bridge is located on Indigo Creek Road 1.6km south of the Watchbox Road intersection. The reinforced concrete bridge has 2 spans and measures 7.4m wide by 15.2m long. The bridge services considerable traffic flow up and down the Indigo Valley and was recognised for repairs in the form of a concrete deck overlay in the forward capital works program for 2016/17. BACKGROUND

Council received a request for transport of some particularly high over-mass limit loads over the Indigo Creek Road Bridge in August-September 2015. On receiving these requests and in consideration of the bridge condition and programmed repair works scheduled for 2016/17, Council’s Manager Municipal Operations engaged a consultant bridge engineer to investigate the capacity of the bridge to be travelled. The purpose of the assessment was to:

Inspect the structure to assess its current condition and provide advice in relation to

proposed upcoming repair works,

Determine any current maintenance required,


Analyse the structure to determine if it may support the overmass combination in the

application Council had received, and

Determine if any load limits should be applied to the structure.

Council received an assessment report in early October which outlines that:

1. The deck structure comprises of pre-cast concrete U-beams which are exhibiting

flexural cracking.

2. The amount and degree of cracking indicates the deck superstructure has been

stressed close to the end of its elastic range – this does not normally occur in bridge

structures.

3. The structure will require either strengthening works or a load limit order to ensure

that it is able to perform its function safely.

Further to receiving the report Council officers discussed the bridge structure with the bridge engineer on 9 October 2015. With action required to address safety issues associated with the structure, the consultant was subsequently engaged to provide additional details to progress bridge remediation, including:

Assess the option of putting a steel plate over the bridge deck to help distribute point

loading and allow loads over the bridge greater than the originally assessed 8-tonne

load limit of the current stressed structure.

Complete design and tender documentation for a reinforced concrete deck overlay to

enable the bridge to safely handle traffic without any load limiting. This would provide

a long-term solution to the stressed decking and allow continued life to the structure

of 50 plus years.

At the time of writing this report, the proposed steps to address safety issues on the bridge are:

1. Install a steel plate to the deck and apply a load limit to the bridge. Further advice is

still to be received from the bridge engineer about the thickness and fixing

requirements of a steel plate and the load limit that the bridge would need to be

restricted to. It is anticipated that these works will be in place prior to the date of the

Council meeting.

2. Complete design and tender out the construction of a reinforced concrete deck overlay

to provide a bridge structure that is not load limited. The tender pricing will include the

option of constructing the bridge deck, half-width at a time to allow continued traffic

controlled one-way movement over the bridge. The deck overlay would be likely

constructed in a January-February 2016 timeframe where lower traffic flows are

generally experienced. The bridge overlay construction time is estimated at 3-4 weeks

once a contractor is mobilised on site.


It is proposed that funding for these works is sourced from Roads to Recovery funding and that the project be brought forward from its proposed construction programmed for 2016/17. The estimated cost to complete the works is $70,000. KEY IMPLICATIONS

The Indigo Creek Road bridge currently takes a considerable amount of light and heavy vehicles and forms a key component in the transport link between Yackandandah and Barnawartha/ Chiltern. The implementation of a load limit to the bridge will result in the disruption of heavier vehicle traffic that would normally traffic this bridge and detouring of heavy vehicles on alternate routes. Safety issues associated with the current bridge structure will be addressed by constructing the proposed deck overlay to the bridge. The timing of construction is for an “as early as practical” solution being mindful of seasonal traffic flows over the bridge. RISK MANAGEMENT

The risk associated with the stressed bridge decking will be addressed in the short term with the proposed steel plating and load limiting of the bridge, with a longer term solution of providing a un-load limited bridge through the construction of a deck overlay. The works are proposed to provide mitigation to the risks at hand in a timely manner that seeks to provide minimum disruption and detour of traffic currently using the Indigo Creek Road. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

The estimated cost to complete the works is $70,000. This includes up-front costs of approximately $30,000 to purchase steel plating and to install various signs to slow traffic, reduce the bridge to single-lane and to effect the load limit. The estimated cost to undertake the repair works is $50,000 although this will depend on how works are staged. The steel plate, once no longer required on the bridge, could be sold for an estimated $10,000 plus. Hiring the steel plate has been investigated but is not viable with hire costs over 3 to 4 months exceeding the cost to purchase. It is proposed that funding for these works is achieved through a combination of savings achieved through any completed capital projects and the deferral of not critical works until the following financial year. Further details on how this will be achieved will be provided in the mid-year financial review. LEGAL/COUNCIL PLAN/POLICY IMPACT

Clause 12 of Schedule 11 of the Local Government Act 1989 (the Act) gives Council the power to impose load or vehicle size restrictions on a road or bridge. In normal circumstances, a person may make a submission under the provisions of s223 of the Act before Council exercises this power (s207A). However, if Council is of the opinion that the use of a road by vehicles over a certain weight poses an immediate risk of danger to people or damage to the bridge, it may impose a load limit before it makes a final decision on the

http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/vic/consol_act/lga1989182/s3.html#road


exercise of the power (Sch. 11 cl. 12(2)). This report seeks Council’s endorsement to impose a load limit. As the load limit imposed on the bridge is temporary, until such time as repairs are completed in early 2016, inviting public submission in accordance with s223 of the Act before Council is asked to make a final decision is considered unnecessary. The proposed deck overlay works will result in any load limit then being removed. The proposed actions to address safety issues at the Indigo Creek Road Bridge are in accord with the Council Plan strategic objective of ‘We will build and maintain a network of safe roads’. CONSULTATION

A consultation plan is currently being developed and is planned to accompany works in advance of the Council meeting to introduce the bridge load limit and speed reductions on the approaches to the bridge. CONCLUSION

Council is required to address safety issues associated with owned and managed assets in an appropriate and timely manner. Council officers have moved to address Indigo Creek Road bridge issues in the short term with this report aimed at informing Council of the measures taken (or proposed to be taken) and their implications.

Attachments Nil


13. EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT

13.1 ANNUAL REPORT 2014-15

File No: 2015/728 Roberta Baker - Manager Communications Executive Management

For Decision

RECOMMENDATION

That Council:

1. Considers and endorses the Annual Report 2014-15 as required under Section 134 of the Local Government Act 1989.

2. Notes Council’s performance against the adopted Action Plan - Council Plan 2014-15.

3. Notes Council’s progress against the Capital Works Monitor 2014-15.

RESOLUTION

That Council:

1. Considers and endorses the Annual Report 2014-15 as required under Section 134 of the Local Government Act 1989.

2. Notes Council’s performance against the adopted Action Plan - Council Plan 2014-15.

3. Notes Council’s progress against the Capital Works Monitor 2014-15.

Moved: Cr O’Connor Seconded: Cr Murdoch

Carried

INTRODUCTION

Section 134 of the Local Government Act 1989 requires Council to meet to consider the Annual Report within one month after submitting the annual report to the Minister. This report and the attached Annual Report fulfil that requirement.

BACKGROUND

Council provides a range of services to residents in core areas including roads, footpaths, and bridges to libraries, waste, home and community care, heritage, recreation reserves, tourism, the environment, pools and capital works. The Annual Report sets out progress in these key areas for the full financial year 2014-2015. Some highlights from the Annual Report follow.

Council Plan

The Council Plan is the overarching document that sets out the services and projects to be delivered for the community. An annual Action Plan records the results for the relevant year, in this case the 2014-15 financial year


Council Plan Action Plan 2014-15

Total items in Action Plan 38

Items completed 31

Items not completed 6

Items withdrawn 1

Some notable Action Plan initiatives included:

The Heritage Review and report – adopted.

Indigo Planning Scheme review and action plan – adopted.

Lake Sambell Master Plan – adopted.

Chinese Tourism Study – adopted.

Chiltern Placemaking project underway.

Local Government Performance Reporting Framework The LGPRF is a new reporting system introduced by the Victorian Government from 1 July this financial year. Although the new system has only just officially started, Council began the work needed to meet these new reporting measures during the 2014-15 year. Below is a summary of some of our results. Some of the facts and figures represent current status and performance, while others provide points of comparison for Council's performance in the years ahead.

Governance Indigo Shire Council is committed to open and transparent communications. In 2014-15 more than 98% of all Council's deliberations were held in public. Councillor attendance at all Council Meetings exceeded 95% for the year.

The annual independent state-wide Local Government Community Satisfaction Survey, conducted in February-March 2015, again provides great results for Council.

The table below shows that Indigo Shire results are above, and in some cases significantly above, the average for Small Rural Councils and the state-wide average on all measures.

RESULTS FOR 2015

Indigo Shire Council

Small Rural Councils

State-wide results

Overall Performance 61 59 60

Community Consultation/engagement 61 56 56

Advocacy 59 56 55

Customer Service 71 70 70

Overall Council direction 54 53 53

Making community decisions (new) 58 56 55

Sealed local roads (new) 58 52 55

Roads Council has maintained 464km of sealed roads across the Shire, 99.52% of which are in good

order and not requiring repairs.


Maternal and Child Health

Council's maternal and child health care nurses conducted first home visits for 96% of all newborns and their families in 2014-15. Infant enrolments in the MCH service reached 84% and 78% of all families with children under 6 have used MCH facilities and services at least once in the past financial year.

Food safety

Health staff were quick to respond to food complaints with action taken within a day. Staff also conducted 100% of all required assessments of food premises and followed up 100% of all non-compliant notifications.

Statutory planning

Council decided 72% of planning applications within 60 days. The median number of days between receipt of a planning application and a decision was 32 days.

Advocacy

Council also has an important role as an advocate to State and Federal Governments on matters that impact our community. Council has lobbied hard on a number of issues in the 2014-15 year including roads and bridges funding, heritage issues, tourism, water issues in Stanley, the Senate inquiry into the red meat industry and the proposed sale of the Port of Melbourne.

Budget

Indigo Shire’s full-year reported result for 2014-15 was a surplus of $4.5 million. This was $79k more than budget and $1.74 more than the previous year. This result was influenced by $2.2 million of pre-paid grant income that was offset by capital grant income that was budgeted for in 2014-15 but received late in the prior year (2013-14).

Total income was $1.5 million less than budget due mainly to the grant for Lake Sambell being recognised in the prior financial year.

Total expenses were $1.6 million less than budget due mainly to reductions in employee costs ($424k), tipping fees ($146k), Buller Gas stock purchases ($687k), printing ($48k), fuel ($76k), electricity ($52k), vehicle costs ($46k), and insurance ($52k).

Total cash at the end of the financial year was $5.6 million compared to $6.6 million the previous year.

Overall, Council responded well to the tightening financial environment and maintained all services whilst also completing a record $13.2 million of capital works projects.

Capital Works

At the end of 2014-15 Council had delivered 94.2% of the $13.2 million capital works program. This included completion of Council’s $5.5 million office project, on time and on budget, and the completion of the $3.1 million refurbishment of the Lake Sambell dam wall.


KEY IMPLICATIONS

This report provides a snapshot of service delivery for the year 2014-15 by linking the Annual Report 2014-15 to the Council Plan, Budget and Capital Works Monitor for the same year. It provides a direct view of Council’s progress in service delivery.

RISK MANAGEMENT

The Annual Report, and the Capital Works Monitor and Council Plan Action Plan, provides a full account of Council’s progress against a range of required measures and forms part of Council’s annual governance framework.

Council has achieved good results against these measures in 2014-15. The Annual Report complies with legislative requirements, thus mitigating a degree of legislative compliance risk. Council’s good results and transparent reporting mitigate any reputational risk.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

The annual budget cycle commences each year with a strategic long-term planning day and

is completed with the publishing of the annual report. The presentation of these documents

at this meeting therefore closes the loop on the 2014-15 cycle. The results are discussed at

length in the annual report, however some notable achievements include Council’s $4.5

million surplus (in part due to an early grant payment) and the completion of a record $13.2

million of capital works.

Council’s planning cycle now recommences with the annual strategic planning scheduled for late October. This will start the cycle again for the 2016-17 financial year.


The consideration and adoption of the Annual Report 2014-15 meets legislative requirements.


COMMUNICATION

The Annual Report will be made available on Council’s website and for viewing at Council’s customer service centres. It will be publicized via the Indigo Connection and on Council’s corporate Facebook page. The information in this report forms part of an article in the latest Indigo Informer newsletter, which is due for delivery to all residents in the week beginning 19 October.

CONCLUSION

Council provided the Indigo Shire community with a range of services, initiatives and infrastructure in the financial year 2014-15. This occurred in a financially constrained environment, which will continue over the next few years with cuts to indexation of Financial Assistance Grants from the Federal Government and the introduction or rate capping in Victoria from next year. This report provides a snapshot of Council’s successful progress in service delivery during 2014-15.

Attachments

1.View Annual Report 2014-15

2.View Capital Works Monitor 2014-15

3.View Action Plan - Council Plan 2014-15

OC_27102015_ATT.PDF

OC_27102015_ATT.PDF

OC_27102015_ATT.PDF


14. NOTICES OF MOTION

14.1 INDIGO SHIRE COUNCIL ADVERTISING AND COMMUNICATIONS

TAKE NOTICE that at a meeting of Ordinary Council to be held on 27 October 2015, I intend to move the following motion:

MOTION

That Indigo Shire Council requests the CEO to report back to a Council Briefing with options to improve the current imbalance, regarding the spend of Council funds on advertising and informing our community. The options should put a high value on communication right across the Shire to all our communities.

RESOLUTION

That Indigo Shire Council requests the CEO to report back to a Council Briefing with options to improve the current imbalance, regarding the spend of Council funds on advertising and informing our community. The options should put a high value on communication right across the Shire to all our communities.


Carried

Explanatory comment

There is a lot of good work being done right across the Shire. Part of our role should be to communicate to the rate payers and our communities the work that is being done on their behalf. As well, Council should be keeping them well informed of opportunities like community grants etc. This information should be distributed evenly so all communities have the same information and therefore the same opportunities. Cr James Trenery Date received 19 October 2015

Attachments Nil


15. COMMITTEE AND DELEGATES REPORTS (ARE ALL FOR INFORMATION ONLY)

15.1 CR MURDOCH - DEPUTY MAYOR

For Information

DATE TIME FUNCTION/EVENT LOCATION

Sept 1 10:30am

11am

3pm

Appreciation Morning Tea For Richard Rodd

Council Briefing

CEO Review

Beechworth

2 5pm Chiltern Goods Shed Committee of Management Meeting

Chiltern

5 10am

1pm

Chiltern HQ

Beechworth Memorial Proms

Chiltern

Beechworth

6 10am Chiltern Markets Chiltern

7 11am

1pm

4:30pm

Special ISC Audit Committee Meeting

Chiltern Red Cross AGM

Beechworth Trees Consultative Committee Meeting

Beechworth

Chiltern

Beechworth

8 4:30pm

6:30pm

Council Briefing Meeting

Yackandandah Community Forum

Yackandandah

9 12pm

1:30pm

Wahgunyah Community Meal

Beechworth Seniors Citizens AGM

Wahgunyah

Beechworth

10 5pm ACSUM Working Party Meeting Wodonga

11 12:30pm

5pm

VIC Grants Commissions Regional Information Session

Launch of Exhibition “Changing Minds

Benalla

Beechworth

12 10am Chiltern HQ Chiltern

14 11am

4pm

Second Special Audit Committee Meeting

Planning Focus Meeting

Beechworth

Chiltern

15 9am

10am

11am

2pm

Special Finance Committee Meeting

Special Council Meeting


Site visit Granjoise Lane

Beechworth

16 12pm

7pm

Rutherglen Community Meal

Meeting Chiltern Football Club

Rutherglen

Chiltern

18 10:30am

12pm

CEO quarterly Catch-up

Yackandandah Community Meal

Yackandandah

22 10am

6:30pm

Special Council Meeting

Yackandandah Lions Club 40th Anniversary Dinner

Beechworth

Yackandandah

23 11am

7pm

Flag Raising Ceremony

Wahgunyah Progress Association AGM

Beechworth

Wahgunyah

24 5:30pm Indigo Finance Committee Meeting Beechworth


25 12pm Tangambalanga Community Meal Tangambalanga

26 10am Chiltern HQ Chiltern

27 10am

3:30pm

Barnawartha Head in the Hole Community Festival

Annual Indigo Golf Challenge Tournament

Barnawartha

Rutherglen

28 4pm Beechworth Trees Consultative Committee Meeting

Beechworth

29 4:30pm

6:30pm


Council Meeting

Beechworth

30 5pm Towong and Indigo Councils Meeting Beechworth

Attachments Nil


15.2 CR CROUCHER - COUNCILLOR

For Information


1st September

10am-5pm Special Council Meeting, Briefing Beechworth

2nd 9am Wine Board Meeting Rutherglen

3rd 10am Junior Council Yackandandah

4th 7pm Beechworth Secondary College Production

Yackandandah

7th 11am Audit Committee Beechworth

8th 4pm Briefing/ Community Forum Yackandandah

9th 12.30pm Seniors Luncheon Wahgunyah

6pm AGM Committee Meeting Atauro Island Friendship Committee.

Beechworth

12th 11am Meeting with CEO Yackandandah

6.30pm Bruarong Community Centre Bruarong

14th 4pm Focus Meeting Chiltern

15th 10am Special Meeting/Briefing Beechworth

2pm Site visit Beechworth

16th 12pm Seniors Luncheon Rutherglen

7pm Kiewa Valley P.S. Concert Tallangatta

18th 9am Lake Hume Reference Group Lake Hume

23rd 11am Flag raising ceremony Beechworth

2.30pm Meeting with Karral Miller Charleroi

24th 6pm Wine Show Rutherglen

25th 12pm Seniors Luncheon Tangambalanga

26th 6pm Atauro Island celebration with Wangaratta

Wangaratta

27th 11am Head in the Hole day Barnawartha

28th 12pm Seniors luncheon Chiltern

29th 3pm Briefing/ Council Meeting Beechworth

30th 5pm-8pm Meeting with Towong Council Beechworth

Attachments Nil


15.3 CR GAFFNEY - MAYOR

For Information


1/9 10.30 am Meeting with Lake Sambell Engineer Beechworth

1/9 11 am Briefing Meeting Beechworth

1/9 3 pm CEO Review Meeting

2/9 10 am Appear before the Senate enquiry into the red meat industry

Albury

2/9 6.30 pm Attend Beechworth Chamber of Commerce AGM Beechworth

3/9 9.30 am North East MAV meeting Wangaratta

3/9 12 pm NELGN meeting Wangaratta

4/9 9.30 am Spirit of ANZAC exhibition opening Wodonga

4/9 11.30 am Attend meeting with CEO of Telstra Albury

5/9 9 am Beechworth Farmers Market Beechworth

7/9 10 am Meet with the CEO Beechworth

7/9 11 am Special Audit Committee Meeting Beechworth

8/9 10.30 am Meeting with Sophie Mirabella & the CEO Beechworth

8/9 12 pm Site inspection Sanatorium Road Yackandandah

8/9 4.30 pm Briefing Meeting Yackandandah

8/9 6.30 pm Community Forum Yackandandah

9/9 9 am Meeting with Wodonga and Towong Council Tallangatta

10/9 6 pm ACSUM Steering Committee Meeting Albury


14/9 11 am Special Audit Committee Meeting Beechworth

15/9 9 am Special Finance Committee Meeting Beechworth

15/9 10 am Special Council Meeting Beechworth

15/9 11 am Briefing Meeting Beechworth

15/9 2 pm Site visit Granjoise Lane Beechworth

17/9 6 pm Attend reception at Parliament House regarding Local Government

Melbourne

18/9 12.30 pm Meeting with Bill Tilley Wodonga

20/9 1 pm Meeting with SRCI regarding water Beechworth

21/9 9 am Meeting with Cathy McGowan and the CEO Beechworth


22/9 10 am Special Council Meeting Beechworth

23/9 11 am Flag raising ceremony Beechworth

23/9 12.30pm Aboriginal Rock Art Meeting Beechworth

23/9 2.30pm Site visit at Mt. Pilot Chiltern

24/9 6.30 pm` Attend Wine Show presentation Rutherglen

25/9 9 am Meet with Directors Rutherglen Estates Rutherglen



29/9 10 am Appear before Upper House Select Committee enquiring into the sale of the lease for the Port of Melbourne

Shepparton

29/9 4.30pm Briefing Meeting Beechworth

29/9 6.30pm Council Meeting Beechworth

30/9 5 pm Meet with Councillor and Directors of Towong Shire

Beechworth

Attachments Nil


16. GENERAL BUSINESS

MOTION

That Council writes to the Premier and the Minister for Creative Industries to congratulate them on the funding of the Victorian State Concert Orchestra held at Tangambalanga as part of Seniors Week, and to reiterate the importance of this continued funding for the benefit of our rural communities.

Moved: Cr Murdoch Seconded: Cr Croucher

Carried

Cr O’Connor advised the Indigo Environment Advisory Committee is working with the organisers of the “Australia on Tap” project that proposes Indigo Shire to be one of four pilot Councils to reduce the use of bottled water.

Council thanked the Planning Department for their ongoing work with the Cue Springs VCAT matter. Hearings are complete with results expected to be handed down in late November.

Meeting Concluded: 7.33pm

Next Meeting: Tuesday, 24 November 2015 at 6.30pm

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