Council meeting pieces - 19 March

21 March 2019 - Media release

Port Precinct Vision Implementation Plan

Council has approved the outstanding budget allocation to support the delivery of the Port Precinct Plan. Funding opportunities represent a mixture of plans and projects which include:

Murray Esplanade Concept Plan – The development of concept options to improve the layout and beautification of Murray Esplanade, to improve the functionality of the area to support events and activities and pedestrian movement. Social Seating Plan – The development of a Social Seating Plan in line with opportunities identified in the Port Precinct Plan. The plan would identify potential locations, layouts and forms of social seating that would encourage people to stay longer within the precinct. Precinct Gateway Signage – To design and install signage for two precinct entrances on the High/Heygarth and High/Warren Street roundabouts.

Electric Line Clearance Management Plan 2019 – 2020

Council has reviewed the Electric Line Clearance Management Plan and conducted an annual audit to identify vegetation that has the potential to invade the clearance space required by the Code of Practice.

The plan describes how council will carry out electric line clearance works and the measures that are put in place to ensure compliance with the relevant Acts, Regulations, Codes of Practice, Rules and Standards. The electric line clearance management program forms part of the Parks and Gardens annual operational program of works.

The plan is available on council’s website.

Council Policy 93 – Contribution to recreation reserve maintenance

Council has reviewed and updated Policy 93 – Contribution to recreation reserve maintenance, improving inconsistencies and better aligning with the current Council Plan.

The revised policy aligns with industry best practice and sporting code guidelines. It sets out a concise purpose that clearly identifies why recreation reserves require funding.

The policy provides consistency across the shire regarding classification, supporting diversity of use, and subsidy per participant/ player. It aligns with council’s plan of encouraging health and wellbeing in our communities.

In line with the Council Plan, the policy encourages participation, co-location and enables the future sustainability of committees and clubs.

The revised policy will be implemented in the 2020/21 Budget.

Responsive Grants Program

An amount of $6,548 in responsive grants will go to eight initiatives as follows:

Community Leadership Program Loddon Murray Inc to assist with catering costs for the leadership program, $750. Keeley Thompson (Michael Thompson) to assist with costs associated with selection to represent Victoria at the U15 girls National Hockey Championships, $300. Echuca East Primary School to support the Autumn Twilight Fete, $1,000. Echuca Moama Girls Night Out (GNO) to support an event for the GNO Supportive Care Fund, $1,000. Crossenvale Community Group Inc to purchase a freezer and shelving unit for the Crossenvale Community House Food Bank program, $998. Lockington District Business Centre Inc to assist with the Family Wellbeing Day, $1,000. Echuca Neighbourhood House Inc to assist with hire costs for a drive-in movie night at Rotary Park, $500. Echuca Historical Society Inc to assist with works to relocate PS Murrumbidgee, $1,000.

The Responsive Grants Program provides funding for community initiatives that meet specified criteria. An amount of $50,000 is allocated in the 2018/19 budget.