Council Meeting Snapshot - Wednesday 24 February

Council Meeting Snapshot - Wednesday 24 February

Published on 25 February 2021

To keep our community up to date with key Council decisions, outcomes and plans; here is a snapshot summary from Council’s Wednesday 24 February ordinary meeting.

Vibrant Communities 

PLA0169/20 - 87 Princes Highway, Yarragon

Council as the responsible authority, moved to Issue a notice of decision to grant a planning permit PLA0169/20 for buildings and works associated with a supermarket, reduction in car parking, sale of packaged liquor, construct and display business identification signs and internally illuminated signs and alter access to a road in a Road Zone, Category 1 at 87 Princes Highway Yarragon subject to conditions.

Community Sports Infrastructure Stimulus Program - Round 2

Council endorsed the Warragul Leisure Centre Stadium Expansion and Willow Grove Tennis and Netball Court Renewal projects to be resubmitted under Round 2 of the Community Sports Infrastructure Stimulus Program 2021.

Drouin Community Hub Location and Functionality

Council moved to confirm the scope for a Drouin Community Hub will be realised across multiple sites and facilities, including but not limited to:

The proposed Bellbird Park (east) Multi-Use Pavilion, The existing Drouin Senior Citizens Centre Hall, 1 Oak Street, Drouin; and Existing and future Council owned community facilities and spaces across Drouin.

Council endorsed the services and functions to be catered for in the scope of the Drouin Community Hub, including but not limited to:

Multi-functional bookable spaces for meetings and creative space, (including kitchenette amenities); and A large multi-use community meeting space, including commercial kitchen.

Council moved to submit a grant application to the 2020-21 Growing Suburbs Fund - Round 2 for $2 million of funding for the Bellbird Park (east) Multi-Use Pavilion and to allocate matching funds of $2 million from Council's Open Space Reserve and Community Infrastructure Reserve to meet the grant criteria, if the application is successful, the project will provide a large multi use-use bookable community space and commercial kitchen for up to approximately 150 people.

Council also authorised officers to continue work to refine the scope, services and functions that can be provided through an upgrade of the Seniors Citizens Centre Hall, 1 Oak Street, Drouin, in consultation with key stakeholders and the broader community.

Community Engagement Policy

Council noted the submissions received on the draft Community Engagement Policy; and

Adopted the Community Engagement Policy; and Moved to advise all submitters of Council's decision and thank them for their contributions.     Thriving Economy Veteran Fee Help at the Warragul Leisure Centre

Council noted the information presented in the report and refers the consideration of a reduction to the user fee options for Veterans to the review of fees and charges as part of the 2021/2022 annual budget process.  

Safe and Sustainable Environments Environmental Upgrade Agreement Program Review

Council noted the successful completion of the EUA two-year trial, approved the continuation of the EUA program, for a further two years, with up to three additional businesses; and

Considers its involvement in the EUA program as part of the revision of the Environmental Sustainability Strategy scheduled for the 2021/22 financial year with a further report to Council with recommendations from the review. Revolving Sustainability Fund (RSF) Model Options

Council noted the model options to establish and operate a Revolving Sustainability Fund and moved to seek feedback from the Environmental Voice Advisory Committee on the preferred draft Revolving Sustainability Fund Policy Model. Council will receive a further report outlining the feedback prior to the adoption of a Revolving Sustainability Fund policy. 

Organisational Excellence Quarterly Performance Report for Q2 2020/21

Council noted the Quarterly Performance Report for Quarter 2 2020/21, the Financial Report for the six months ended 31 December 2020 and the Capital Works Project Quarterly Update.

Council also endorsed the reallocation of $35,000 savings from the completed Drouin Parking Study Implementation project to the review of the 2018 Drouin Parking Study and noted the applications made to the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program Phase 2 funding for five projects. 

Ratification of West Gippsland Regional Library Corporation Local Laws

Council noted the review undertaken by West Gippsland Regional Library Corporation of the Meetings, Operations and Use of Libraries Local Law No. 2 2008 and approved the West Gippsland Regional Library Corporation Board to make:

Meetings Procedure Local Law No.1 - 2020; and Operation and Use of Library Services Local Law No.2 – 2020; in accordance with section 197F of the Local Government Act 1989. Councillor Gift Policy

Council, in accordance with Section 138 of the Local Government Act 2020 adopted the Councillor Gift Policy.

Councillor Code of Conduct 2021

Council, in accordance with Section 139 (4) of the Local Government Act 2020 adopt the Councillor Code of Conduct 2021 and having adopted the Code of Conduct 2021 each Councillor will pledge their agreement by signing the Code with the Chief Executive Officer as witness.

As of Wednesday 2 December 2020, Council meetings have reopened to members of the public. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, a maximum of 40 community participants are able to attend Council Meetings. To assist with contract tracing, meeting attendees must register their intention to attend a meeting via this link.

Meetings will remain available to the public via live stream, and community submissions can be made in writing.

The agenda for the next meeting will be available online the Friday prior to the meeting.