Question on conflict knocked back – City of Greater Bendigo council meeting briefs

IN what was a heated question time at last Monday’s City of Greater Bendigo regular council meeting, CEO Andrew Cooney said the municipality would not be commenting on the situation in Gaza.

With the meeting held at the Ulumbarra Theatre due to rain damage at Town Hall, the move to shut down the discussion came after several members of the public gallery asked questions related to the conflict.

“This is outside the control of council, which is why we haven’t accepted the petition, which is why council are not making comments or are trying to pry in, or trying to push for a resolution,” Mr Cooney said.

“There are elements within the Federal Government and Australia, and also internationally, that are trying to resolve this situation and that’s much best left to them to do that rather than our council.”

 

Aus Day events lauded

 

With the January citizenship ceremony held at the Ulumbarra Theatre on 25 January, 96 residents from 21 countries became Australian citizens.

The event was praised by Cr Margaret O’Rourke.

“The fact that we had our citizenship ceremony on that evening enabled Dja Dja Wurrung Elder Rebecca Phillips to be able to attend and that made it even more special,” she said.

“It meant that our traditional owners were present, and they have not been able to be present at that particular citizenship ceremony each year.

“So, it was really special, and she was able to give respect and good spirit to our new citizens.

“It was the first time such an inclusive event was held, and I, for one, think that many of our new residents would’ve had a very warm heart after that evening.”

A day later Mayor Cr Andrea Metcalf, Cr O’Rourke, Cr Jennifer Alden, and Mr Cooney, attended a survival day ceremony at Bendigo District Aboriginal Co-operative held in acknowledgement of the loss of traditional owners in the past.

“This year was the first of our council statement of intent in recognition that there needs to be leadership from all levels of government on the issue of Australia Day that finds a way forward that is more inclusive, respectful, and understanding,” said Cr Alden.

“Australia Day should be a day for all of us where we acknowledge all aspects of our history, celebrate local and national achievements, and genuinely demonstrate there’s room for everyone.

“I personally look forward to conversations nationally about changing the date so that all Australians can participate, rather than those who wish to retain a 30-year-old date for national celebration.”

Cr O’Rourke shared similar sentiments about looking forward to seeing a change to the date of Australia Day.

 

Election policy

 

Council adopted an updated version of its Election Period Policy.

The policy was redrafted after the Local Government Act 2020 made it necessary for all municipalities to have such a policy and to review it once per council term.

The document is supposed to ensure fair, transparent, and appropriate decision-making during the election period, which the Victorian Electoral Commission advises to be from 12pm 24 September to 6pm 26 October this year.

 

Waste charges

 

The municipal Waste Charges Policy has been updated to include the words “resource”, “recovery”, and “education” in its title to reflect what the document now represents.

The change includes combining kerbside rubbish charges on residential rates notices for the 2024/2025 financial year.

There are also updates to the collection of recycling and organics in parts of Bendigo and changes to eligibility criteria for medical exemptions on standard collection.

The new document outlines how businesses at residential properties may be eligible for exemptions.

 

Permits knocked back

 

Councillors decided to refuse a permit for a two-lot subdivision on Pethericks Road in Goornong on several grounds, including that it does not support agriculture.

Likewise, a permit for the development of land for a Guzman Y Gomez restaurant at 172-178 High Street in Bendigo was also knocked back.

Lastly, a notice of decision about a planning application for stage four of the Marist College redevelopment at 39 Patas Road in Maiden Gully was deferred for the second council meeting in a row.

Petition responses Cr Julie Sloan said, in principle, the council supports a petition to install virtual fencing along several stretches of road in Greater Bendigo.

However, the installations are subject to securing the necessary funding.

Meanwhile, municipal officers concluded that the installation of rubbish bins and a drink tap for pets in Ross Park Reserve was currently unnecessary due to its size and estimated use compared to other local parks.

Cr O’Rourke said this decision may be reviewed again in the future.

Ross Park is a neighbourhood-level location, which according to City designation, services a much smaller population than bigger, municipal-level parks like Canterbury Park in Eaglehawk or township-level locations like Kennington Reservoir.

Cr David Fagg disagreed with the decision, arguing that while of relatively small size, the park had a playground and sports areas, more facilities than other local parks of similar size, and were grounds enough for Ross Park to be treated differently.

 

Contracts

 

Midland Irrigation was awarded more than $338,000 for the construction of the old municipal baths site.

Work on the overhaul of the former swamp is expected to be completed next April.

Meanwhile, arborists Hickmans will receive up to $140,000 over up to five years for work removing tree stumps in the region.

Finally, Dja Dja Wurrung Enterprises trading as Djandak will receive nearly $290,000 for the provision of landscaping services.