February 2025 Council Meeting wrap

Last updated on 28 February 2025

Some of the key items considered and endorsed at the February 2025 Council Meeting include:

Draft Kyneton Urban Design Framework – Phase 3 Consultation Outcomes

Council noted that additional consultation had been undertaken on the draft Kyneton Urban Design Framework (UDF) Plan and acknowledged that a final report would be scheduled for next month’s Council Meeting (March 2025) for a decision.

The draft UDF is a strategic plan for public realm improvements in Kyneton’s commercial area, including Piper Street, Mollison Street, and High Street. It aims to enhance the appearance, amenity, and functionality of the town centre through various projects, such as pedestrian safety improvements, upgrades to public spaces, and building design guidelines.

In the most recent round of consultation (October-December 2024), 20 public submissions were received and a summary of these – including a small number of recommended changes to the draft UDF as a result – are outlined in the Agenda Attachments.

Recognition of Australia Day Honours Recipients 2025

Council endorsed sending a letter of congratulations to Darraweit Guim resident, Dr Christine Helen Craik (AM), in recognition of her 2025 Australia Day Honour Award. Dr Craik was made a Member of the Order of Australia for her significant service to the community as a social worker, her contributions to tertiary education, and her volunteer work.

Quarterly Financial Report – October to December 2024 and Mid-Year Budget Review

Council received an update on the Quarterly Financial Report as of 31 December 2024, in accordance with the requirements of the Local Government Act 2020, and adopted budget changes identified in the mid-year budget review.

The update noted an operating surplus of $50.02 million for the six months to 31 December 2024, compared with the budgeted surplus of $49.28 million. The reasons for this difference are detailed in the report, some of which include favourable income from interest, operational expenditure below budget, and a variance in infrastructure expenditure.

Community Funding Scheme Guidelines Update

Council endorsed updates to the Eligibility Criteria for the Community Funding Scheme and Small Project Grants Guidelines. The 2025/2026 Community Funding Scheme will open on 28 April 2025 and close on 26 May 2025.

The guidelines require updates to align eligibility requirements with Council’s Gambling Harm Minimisation commitments and to ensure all grant streams reflect accurate dates, timelines, and relevant Council policies.

Additionally, the 2025/2026 Community Funding Scheme will open concurrently again with the Events and Festivals Grant Program to enhance community awareness of funding opportunities and streamline the grant assessment and administrative processes.

Community Awards Guidelines 2025 – Briefing Report

Council endorsed the 2025 Community Awards Nomination Guide, including the nomination opening and closing dates. The nomination period will commence on 3 March 2025 and close on 28 March 2025, allowing the celebration event to be held during National Volunteer Week in May 2025.

Following the 2024 Community Awards Ceremony in January 2024, a review of the Community Awards program was completed. This review considered:

As a result of this review, certain award programs run separately last year – including the Community Awards in January 2024 and the Youth Awards in September 2024 – have been consolidated into this single awards program.

Further information on this Council Meeting, including minutes and a meeting recording, can be found on the Council Meetings page on this website.