June 2023 Scheduled Council Meeting wrap

June 2023 Scheduled Council Meeting wrap

Last updated on 30 June 2023

Council actioned several important items at the June Scheduled Council Meeting, including:

2023/24 Budget and Council Plan 2021–2031 (Year Three Actions 2023-24)

The 2023/24 Budget of around $112.7 million was adopted, with some changes as a result of public feedback or officer recommendations including:

Macedon Tennis Clubs fencing replacement ($120k, including non-Council contributions) Kyneton Cricket Club training nets upgrade ($20k) South Gisborne Tennis Club lighting ($15k) Goldfields Library Corporation Gisborne Library ($30k) Lancefield Park Recreation Reserve Master Plan ($50k) Kyneton Tennis Club footpath works ($50k) Construction of the Romsey Skate Park ($570k including non-Council contributions)

Council has committed $10.3 million to roads, including upgrades, major repairs, and continuing maintenance, along with repair works following the storms. A further $1.2 million is earmarked for footpath and cycleway improvements.

The Council Plan 2021–2031 (Year Three Actions 2023-24) was also adopted with actions including, the development of an updated Reconciliation Action Plan, a Climate Emergency Response Plan (Cool-ER Changes) and a new Waste Education Action Plan.

The new Budget and supporting information will be made available in the coming weeks.

Small Projects Grants review

Council adopted the new Small Project Grants (SPG) program guidelines, with updates including an increase in the funding cap from $1,500 to $3,000 per grant; a change to processing timelines; and a weighted assessment criteria to determine funding eligibility.

The program provides financial assistance to projects and initiatives that support local needs, are unlikely to be funded by other Council funding programs and align with Council Plan priorities. 

Draft Disability Action Plan

Councillors endorsed the draft Disability Action Plan 2023-2024, which will guide Council activities to cultivate an inclusive community where people with disability feel valued, safe, and connected.

The draft plan will be released for public consultation for four weeks on 10 July.

Affordable housing, footpaths and customer service centres

Following earlier community consultation, Councillors also endorsed the following:

Affordable Housing Policy ─ this will guide Council decisions relating to affordable housing in the shire and sets out how Council will facilitate the provision of affordable housing through its role as advocate, decision-maker, facilitator, and investor. Revised Shire-wide Footpath Plan ─ the revised plan replaces the originally endorsed Shire-wide Footpath Plan (2018-2027), reflecting current priorities across the shire, and setting design parameters and material selection criteria to complement the neighbourhood character. Customer Service Centre review ─ a decision to keep Woodend Customer Service Centre open, however with reduced operating hours due to low levels of foot traffic. From 1 August 2023, the centre will operate from 12pm to 5pm, two days per week providing access for people preferring to undertake their council business ‘over the counter’.

Video recordings of past Council meetings (generally available within two business days of a meeting).