Councillors gag themselves – Golden Plains Shire council meeting briefs

CHANGES in how councillors deal with media proved a contentious topic with the majority of councillors voting to update their policy at Tuesday’s Golden Plains Shire council meeting.

The new policy mandates councillors “must” run all media comments with the municipality’s CEO, mayor, and communications department, before speaking publicly in an attempt to remove ambiguity from the previous policy stating councillors “should” do so.

Cr Gavin Gamble was in favour of the motion and said the new policy would project a more unified council.

“This policy revision, I believe, is to make it harder for councillors of ill will to attack fellow councillors,” he said.

“It’s also to provide clarity on what councillors should do when questioned or even harassed by media, to save councillors from getting into hot water by commenting on things they don’t have all the information, actual facts, or perspective on.”

Cr Helena Kirby also supported the motion and said with the mayor as the municipality’s appointed spokesperson, her opinion “doesn’t matter.”

Cr Owen Sharkey spoke against the motion, saying external publications provide a conduit between the open and transparent views of councillors, and the community.

“Councillors, if you want to gag yourself, go down to Bunnings, get some tape, and put it over your mouth,” he said.

Cr Les Rowe, who was suspended earlier this year due to comments made in a Golden Plains Times article, agreed with Cr Sharkey.

“We need freedom of speech and expression as necessary for the functioning of a truly representative local government,” he said.

“A free, uncensored and unhindered press or other media is essential in any society to ensure freedom of expression.”

Under the new policy, councillors are also to include a disclaimer when posting their opinion about the municipality on social media to state it is not an official view of the organisation.

The motion carried with Crs Sharkey, Rowe, and Ian Getsom voting against.

 

River plans get okay

The future of 17 hectares of public reserve space at Batesford’s Vigneron Way is now being steered by the Shire with the newly adopted Moorabool River Reserve Masterplan as a guiding document.

Councillors signed off on the move that’s set to deliver changes to the area such as more public infrastructure, greater biodiversity, and implementing Wadawurrung naming and management of the space.

The masterplan was funded with $60,000 through the State Government’s Barwon and Waterways of the West grant program, while $175,000 from the Corangamite Catchment Management Authority will be used to help deliver projects.

Cr Sharkey brought forward an alternative motion to use the masterplan to pair a prioritised program of works for the municipality’s budget over the next three years, which was carried.

He also said the masterplan was “a power of work” from all involved.

“In the end we’ve got it right,” he said. “One thing I’m disappointed with this is the legacy that’s left by the developer and previous planners.

“The community have waited years and years to have this. The document is there… and I think the community have received it quite well.”

The municipality was given control of the land from Ramsey Property Group following the completion of the Riverstone Estate last year.

 

Flood plans

Amendments made to Teesdale’s flood risk areas, and inundation and floodway overlay mapping detailed in the Golden Plains planning scheme are set to go out for public exhibition following their adoption by council.

The tweaks were made following a study by Water Technology which covered the surround’s Native Hut Creek and tributaries.

The number of properties included in the overlays increased from 103 to 141.

Cr Helena Kirby supported the motion and said the larger coverage of flood-affected homes could affect the town’s development.

“We have the Teesdale Kindergarten in the vicinity,” she said. “It’s a shame because I don’t know what’s going to happen in the future when we need to upgrade that facility.

“Teesdale is such a growing town. We’ve got to think about what we can do for the future of the kindergarten but also the residents along those areas.”

 

Code of conduct overhauled

A new code of conduct policy was another divisive topic for councillors.

The policy outlines the inclusion of an informal dispute resolution process and is designed to provide a clearer path to resolution between councillors.

Cr Gamble, who earlier this year called for a costly process of arbitration with six initial claims of misconduct against Cr Rowe, seconded the motion.

He said it would provide smoother outcomes towards reconciliation between councillors.

“Sometimes it might just be a misunderstanding and all that’s needed is an apology or acknowledgement,” he said.

“However, parties must be at goodwill… to engage in dispute resolution. If parties refuse to engage in dispute resolution discussion… the issues and egregious behaviours can fester, even multiply, if not addressed.”

With council’s previous policy adopted early into their four-year term, which will conclude in 12 months, Cr Rowe spoke against the motion saying they should see out the policy for the remainder.

“I think it’s only fitting to leave this policy as it is and let the next term of councillors decide what their councillor code of conduct should look like,” he said.

The motion passed with Crs Getsom, Sharkey, and Rowe voting against.

 

Reports noted

Councillors looked back on the municipality’s performance for 2022/2023 to July this year as part of their annual report.

Initiatives such as the municipality’s first reconciliation action, youth upgrades for Inverleigh and Bannockburn, and Meredith-Shelford Road widening were highlighted.

Cr Whitfield seconded the motion, saying it illustrated the municipality’s performance despite economic uncertainty.

With recent turnovers including two municipal planners and a coordinator, difficulty in retaining staff was discussed during the following item on reporting indicators, which Cr Sharkey said was a source of frustration for residents.

He also noted the report’s detailing longer timeframes to deliver planning applications, which was confirmed as a direct result of staff vacancies and onboarding by Leanne Wilson, acting director of community, planning, and growth.

Cr Gamble expressed disappointment that items like emergency management, biodiversity loss, and weed control weren’t considered in the report.

 

Contractors decided

Electrical and maintenance works for the municipality will be carried out between contractors Stack Electrical and Data, G.T. Electrical Contractors, and Barwon Asset Solutions.

Servicing for 180 structures, the contract will allow for an initial three-year period with the option for two 12-month extensions.