September 2023 Council Meeting wrap

Last updated on 28 September 2023

A number of important items were endorsed by Council at this week’s Council Meeting, some of which are outlined below.

Council endorsed the release of the draft Climate Emergency Plan for community consultation.

Collaboratively developed over six months with community members and key community organisations, the draft plan will guide Council and the community in response to climate change across six themes. Ideas were also taken from the Council-led Cool Changes program which facilitated seven Community Climate Action Plans covering nine of the shire’s towns.

Feedback is invited until Friday 27 October.

A progress update was presented to Council regarding the ongoing management of the Barrm Birrm area in Riddells Creek.

Detailed ecological and cultural heritage assessments which demonstrate the significant values of the site have now been completed by Council. The reports confirm that Barrm Birrm is a bushland area with significant natural and cultural values. These values are subject to ongoing threats related to the complex land tenure of the site.

Council will provide these reports to the Victorian Government and continue to advocate for the public purchase of the privately owned lots within the area of Barrm Birrm for community benefit.

Council adopted the Draft Cultural Diversity and Inclusion Statement which outlines Council’s commitment to cultural diversity.

The statement was developed in consultation with internal and external stakeholders, community groups and agencies, and by reviewing Council’s actions as a signatory to Refugee Welcome Zones and recent community events held for Cultural Diversity Week and Refugee Week.

Council adopted the Ross Watt Reserve Master Plan following community consultation and feedback.

The master plan provides a long-term road map for the future development and improvement of the New Gisborne reserve in a pre-planned, strategic manner.

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In other matters, Council allocated $15,131.50 in small project grants to support various community groups including Kyneton Agricultural Society, Macedon Ranges Bowling Club, Kyneton and Districts Toy Library, Kerrie Hall, Kyneton Backyard Growers, and Malmsbury Mail.

A range of plans aimed at promoting positive community health and wellbeing were progressed, including the Municipal Early Years Plan 2021-2025, the Disability Action Plan, and the Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan.

Council also passed a recommendation to advocate to the Department of Health through the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) for improved funding for its Maternal and Child Health services, including responsive and flexible funding to support surges in births and for breastfeeding support.

View the meeting minutes and a recording of the meeting (generally available within five business days of a meeting).