Fireworks extinguished – City of Ballarat council meeting briefs

THE first regular City of Ballarat council meeting of the new term was held via video conference on Wednesday, 2 December, and at the fresh new start time of 6pm.

Right off the bat was a call the previous council was unwilling to make 11 months earlier with the newly minted councilors cancelling the 26 January fireworks at Lake Wendouree.

With three choices on the table, two ending the fireworks and one allowing them to continue, Cr Belinda Coates lead the effort.

She moved what was listed as option three, which as well as cancelling the pyrotechnic light show on 26 January supported the Survival Day dawn service, citizenship ceremonies, an “intercultural celebration”, a food event, and moving the fireworks to another date.

At the heart of the decision was a push, according to Cr Coates, “To make 26 January more inclusive for everyone.”

“That’s not to take away it is still a significant time for things like citizenship ceremonies and an opportunity to look at culturally inclusive events.

“The key thing of moving the fireworks away from that date would be an incredibly powerful gesture,” she said.

In speaking against the motion, Cr Des Hudson sighted community engagement around the process on the proposal.

“I’m 90 per cent in support if the recommendation, and it’s not even the issue of fireworks being held on January 26,” he said.

“The issue for me is more about the level of consultation, and hopefully bringing the community with us and with KEAG (Koorie Engagement Action Group), to be able to understand the philosophy of why the fireworks should be moved.”

In the end the vote went seven-two, with Cr Hudson and Cr Ben Taylor voting against.

 

New agenda items

In an attempt to increase transparency, a number of major purchasing decisions were placed on the meeting agenda.

“This is great to see these items coming through the chamber,” Cr Taylor said. “To start off the new council term in this way is a really good move forward.”

Five of the decisions on tenders, which related to roadworks worth about $2 million, were then moved and passed in a block with little debate or discussion.

What was said about the tender decisions was more focused on the use of local contractors.

“It’s pretty easy at times for the phones to ring when tenders are awarded to out of towners,” Cr Hudson said.

“Our community doesn’t necessarily always see the significant amounts that have been awarded in these types of tenders.

“Maybe there’s an opportunity… on our web page to keep a thermometer which actually shows the total level of investment going to local contractors.”

The approved works include Learmonth Street South service road, between Inglis and Cornish streets in Buninyong, Pickfords Road at Glendaruel, Rowlands Street, between Vickers and Hill streets in Sebastopol, Errard Street South, between Dana and Eyre streets, and Albion Street, between Birdwood Avenue and Walker Street in Sebastopol.

 

Something cooking

More works on Civic Hall have been approved with stage two of the project getting the green light.

Awarded to Delacombe based Colbrico Pty Ltd, trading as Searle Bros Building Contractors, the capital work run to $1.088 million.

The next phase of the building’s upgrade will see a kitchen added as well as other minor works, including fixing parts of the roof and addressing electrical issues.

“It’s kind of closing off a lot of the things that need to be done to make it an improved facility,” Cr Taylor said. “The big one there is around that kitchen that needs to be done to assist with the catering.”

 

Site sold

A municipal owned plot of land at 12A Albert Street, Sebastopol has been approved for sale.

The site has been used as car parking for the nearby strip mall for some time and the sale of the land comes with a caveat that “free public car parking (number to meet the satisfaction of council) will be retained” as part of any development on the block.

The move is expected to net the City just over $450,000 with the land already under contract to Ganache Property Pty Ltd with five per cent deposit and 18-month settlement terms.

The council agenda said in late August the site had a market value of $390,000

 

Lighten up with LEDs

Up to 55 per cent of the city’s streetlights will be getting new globes under a $1.37 million deal with Sylvania Schreder.

Part of the plan will see current globes replaced with more energy efficient LED options.

The changeover number could be as high as 57.5 per cent if solutions can be found for the municipality’s 650 heritage fittings.

Powercorp will replace the bulbs as required, and the remaining lights are located on roads that will need partnership with State Government to change.

 

Engagement sought on policy

The municipality’s new community engagement policy had gone out for public feedback.

Having a new an updated policy on community engagement is a requirement of the updated Local Government Act 2020 and the new policy must be in place by 1 March.

The feedback period will be open until 13 January.