Double the soccer – Golden Plains Shire council meeting briefs

A SECOND soccer pitch for Bannockburn’s recreation precinct has been confirmed after Golden Plains Shire Council approved the project at its Tuesday, 23 July meeting.

The capital works come at total cost of just over $415,000, with $250,000 coming from a Sports and Recreation Victoria grant and the rest via the Shire.

Included in the works are a full-size tuft pitch with automated irrigation, sub-surface drainage, and associated stormwater drains and pits, along with the goals and a fence to go around it all. The new pitch will be built by Global Turf Projects.

All councillors bar David Evans supported the project, with Cr Evans objecting to the process that brought the decision before council.

While Cr Helena Kirby agreed with elements of Cr Evans objections, she supported the project saying, “We have a growing municipality. We can’t just put things on hold. We do have to fund recreation activities for our youth, and our seniors.”

Seeking new managers, but not for sale

Future management and use of the Meredith Interpretive Centre has been opened up by council after the community group administrating the space advised the Shire they were no longer able to undertake the role.

Located at 10 Wallace Street, Meredith, the Midland Highway site is currently vacant and has space available for a community or commercial operation and also houses a visitor centre, public toilets and parking.

Cr Evans sought to move an amendment to the proposed expression of interest motion that would have seen the sale of the Centre become a option if no new tenant was found, but that push failed to find a seconder and died on the chamber floor.

Shedding more light

The second football field at Victoria Park, Bannockburn, is getting lights, while illumination on the first filed is set for an upgrade.

At just under $440,000, project will see four 30m towers build around oval two, with new cross arms added to the poles at oval one. Each tower will then receive seven floodlights with a 150 lux maximum ability that can be toned down to 50 lux.

The project also includes cabling, switch boxes, cable pits and follow up adjustments of the lights. The work will be undertaken by DeAraugo & Lea Electrical Contractors.

Work will be paid for by a $500,000 grant from Sports Australia, with an extra $75,000 set aside from the Shire if needed.

New bridge

Wall Bridge over Native Hut Creek on Stones Road, Teesdale, is getting replaced.

The over $570,000 capital works project will be undertaken by Begbies Construction and will see the 99-year old timber and steel span replaced with a concrete bridge.

Funding for the project as come from the fourth round of the Federal government’s Bridges Renewal Program.

The initiative allows for an application for funding to replace two timber bridges within a local government area with a maximum cost of $700,000 per bridge.

Emergency compliant

The Shire’s Municipal Emergency Management Plan has received the tick of approval.

VIC SES Assistant Chief Officer, Stephen Warren presented the results of an audit committee report on the plan, and a certificate, to Mayor Owen Sharkey.

The plan was put together by emergency service stakeholders and supporting community organisations and is audited by the SES every three years.

“Congratulations,” Mr Warren said. “Your plan complies with the guidelines the Minister has put forward and will hopefully put us in good stead for the emergency that’s not going to happen.”

New residents

Cr Sharkey conducted a citizenship ceremony for seven freshly minted Australians. They included Dr Steven Else from England who’s now living in Smythes Creek, Irish emigrant Brooke Letman from Dereel and a family of five from Spain who now call Stonehaven home. As part of the ceremony the new citizens received a certificate and native plant.

Sports people acknowledged

Two young sports people from Bannockburn were recognised for their recent efforts. Fifteen-year-old archer Jackob Wray and 12-year-old footballer Cooper Kitchen received achievement awards. Jackob recently competed in the under 15-17 Cadet Male Compound Division of the Trans-Tasman 2019 archery tournament with the Victorian Team. Cooper is soon to head off to the School Sport Victorian Australian Rules Championships on the under 12s state team.

Asked and answered

For the first time since introducing a question and answer session at Shire meetings a few months ago, councillors faced questions from ratepayers. All but one enquiry from the gallery related to a residential development in Inverleigh. There were over 10 registered question askers but only a handful showed up. One of the residents who did show up sought to act as a proxy for others but was denied as the proper protocols had not been followed. All those in the chamber who asked questions received responses on the spot while those absent were emailed answers the next morning.