THE municipality\u2019s Christmas and Easter decoration style guide was approved by councillors at last week\u2019s ordinary meeting after debate over whether they should contain traditional Christian elements.<\/p>\n
The guide provides a framework for officers about the selection, purchase, maintenance, repair, storage and deployment of creative installations.<\/p>\n
An alterative motion was introduced by Cr Ted Lapkin on behalf of Cr Damon Saunders who was unable to attend most of the meeting due to personal circumstances.<\/p>\n
The motion called for councillors to adopt the style guide and include decorations that celebrate traditional Christian and floral themes.<\/p>\n
\u201cI am pleased to join my friend and colleague Cr Damon Saunders in this push to restore the Christian character of what essentially originated as religious holidays,\u201d Cr Lapkin said.<\/p>\n
However, Cr Ben Taylor said he felt it was not the role of the municipality\u2019s style guide to specify the inclusion of Christian decorations.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think we are jumping the gun a bit, I think we are stepping over the line,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cLet\u2019s let the churches lead what they see the vision as instead of us going down the path of trying to put something in the centre of Sturt Street.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe other thing is, what does traditional Christian mean? It opens up a whole lot of questions.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mayor Cr Tracey Hargreaves agreed and said she would like to see public consultation surrounding the issue.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m uncomfortable when we as councillors feel like we sort of know what people are going to think or feel,” she said.<\/p>\n
The alternative motion was not carried, with Crs Lapkin, Saunders, Samantha McIntosh and Jim Rinaldi voting for and Crs Des Hudson, Hargreaves, Taylor and Jay Morrison voting against.<\/p>\n
The original motion which called for councillors to adopt the Christmas and Easter style guide was carried.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Road maintenance panel decided<\/strong><\/p>\n A panel of 14 suppliers have been awarded a road maintenance contract for the next three years.<\/p>\n The panel arrangement aims to prevent suppliers from repetitively submitting similar information for multiple procurements.<\/p>\n After three years there will be an opportunity to extend the contract for a further three years, and after six years, another three years again.<\/p>\n To make changes to the panel, the City of Ballarat will need to go out to tender.<\/p>\n \u201cWhen I first looked at this, I had some queries on it\u2026 but I think it\u2019s great in every sense for everybody involved,\u201d Cr Rinaldi said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Engagement report noted<\/strong><\/p>\n The annual Community Engagement Report for last financial year was noted by councillors.<\/p>\n During this time, the City of Ballarat had 32 engagement projects which is a decrease of 13 from the previous year.<\/p>\n This is largely due to the caretaker period during last year\u2019s Local Government elections.<\/p>\n Following the election, changes to engagement occurred including the review of the Community Engagement Policy, the introduction of the Let\u2019s Chat Ballarat Expo, the Let\u2019s Chat Councillor Roadshow, additional staff onboarded, and increased face-to-face opportunities.<\/p>\n \u201cThe Let\u2019s Chat program was\u2026 out of this world in terms of my previous experience,\u201d Cr Des Hudson said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Annual Report provides overview<\/strong><\/p>\n The Annual Report, which includes the activities, highlights and challenges of the municipality last financial year, was noted by councillors.<\/p>\n Highlights noted during the period include the reopening of Her Majesty\u2019s Theatre, the Bridge Mall redevelopment, the Ballarat Airport runway extension, and the new approach to community engagement.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s set out so our community can really understand the things that council does, because we do have that question quite often,\u201d Cr Hargreaves said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Airport performance update<\/strong><\/p>\n Councillors were updated on progress at Ballarat Airport with an annual performance report.<\/p>\n This included the 550-metre extension of the runway, although the original 1250-metre runway is noted as being in poor condition.<\/p>\n This may inhibit attracting new businesses or airline passenger services.<\/p>\n The Federal Government will contribute $1.1 million to the $2.3 million project of upgrading the terminal and apron.<\/p>\n A submission has also been made to the Federal Government for funds to upgrade the original, however, the application has not yet been assessed.<\/p>\n A new schedule of fees and charges for airport users and increased property leasing charges based on market valuations have been introduced.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n