Council Meeting wrap - August 2020

Council Meeting wrap - August 2020

Published on 24 August 2020

Council’s continued support for residents and business owners during the COVID-19 pandemic and the adoption of new governance policies that adhere to the Local Government Act 2020 highlighted Gannawarra Shire Council’s August Meeting.

The meeting was the first to occur in the Kerang Council Chambers since the implementation of COVID-19 social distancing measures in April 2020, and was held in accordance with the State Government’s COVID-19 Omnibus (Emergency Measures) Act 2020.

Although the meeting was closed to the public, residents were able to watch proceedings live via Council’s website.

One of the key items adopted was the waiving of fees or reduction of costs for some services delivered by Council as part of efforts to support the community during the COVID-19 pandemic. These changes to Council’s fees and charges included:

The waiving of Footpath Trading permit fees; The waiving of Food Act 1984 registration renewal fees for school canteens, swimming pools, community groups and sporting clubs; A 50 per cent fee reduction for Food Act 1984 registration renewal fees for bakeries, café/restaurants, coffee shops, home-based or mobile businesses, low-risk food manufacturers, takeaway shops and general stores; A 50 per cent reduction for Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008 registration renewal fees for beauty therapists, hairdressers and other health-related premises; and A 50 per cent reduction in recreation reserve user fees, which applies to sporting clubs and organisations that utilise the Cohuna and Leitchville recreation reserves.

The meeting also saw Council adopt its Governance Rules and Public Transparency, which have been updated to ensure adherence to the Local Government Act 2020. Both documents were placed on display for public comment following the July 2020 Council Meeting, with no feedback received.

Other matters adopted during the meeting included:

Establishing Community Asset Committees for the Leitchville War Memorial Swimming Pool, Quambatook Caravan Park and Community Halls. These committees replace the Special Committees that were established in accordance with the Local Government Act 1989; Endorsing the reviewed Councillor Allowances and Support Policy; Establishing an Audit and Risk Committee in accordance with Section 53 of the Local Government Act 2020, which replaces the Audit Committee that was operating in accordance with the Local Government Act 1989; The authorisation of Council staff to perform duties as outlined in the Planning and Environment Act 1987; The authorisation of the exercise of powers to Council staff; and The appointment of Contractors approved for Wet and Dry Plant Hire and Civil Works.

For more information, including a link to the video from this meeting and minutes, please visit www.gsc.vic.gov.au/meetings