Draft budget out for feedback

GOLDEN Plains Shire councillors signed off on their draft budget for 2024/2025 going out to public exhibition during their regular council meeting on Tuesday evening.

With the motion passed between all councillors with the exception of Cr Les Rowe, who was absent, the document will be open for feedback until 9am on Monday 20 May.

Cr Helena Kirby said the draft budget is a “conscientious” one.

“The rate cap is set at 2.75 per cent even though our challenges are met with rising costs,” she said.

“Our community satisfaction survey tells us that roads are still our number one priority. Savings have also been identified in areas such as maintenance programs, materials and contracts.

“The deferral of employees along with council consultants, marketing, and corporate memberships are part of this deal. However, extra revenue has been adjusted regarding use of these charges.

“We are being very prudent in our delivery of services…as our rates are surpassing the CPI. The CPI is 3.4 per cent.”

A total operating revenue of $57.6 million has been estimated for the budget.

Though he voted in favour of the motion, Cr Gavin Gamble said it is “more than reasonable to accept the budget deficit this year.”

“Budget surpluses can be something of a fetish and not in the interests of the organisation,” he said. “The significant cuts proposed in this budget is not in the interest of the community.”

Cr Clayton Whitfield said the budget allows the municipality to “live within its means” and that there is still time to include other items for consideration.

Plan proposed to grow Inverleigh

Councillors passed a combined motion to exhibit a proposed amendment in the Golden Plains Planning Scheme to rezone a portion of Inverleigh as well as apply for a planning permit to allow for subsequent subdivision works.

If approved by the Minister for Planning, the move would see land at 60 Terrier Road and 9 Mahers Road rezoned from farming to low density status, comprising 56 lots.

Cr Whitfield said the joint motion was aimed at streamlining the rezoning process.

“This development is rare in that the rezoning and planning permit are going through the system consecutively,” he said.

“What that does is it allows information such as referral, authority input, and permit conditions to be confirmed upfront and early. That’s a refreshing approach.”

Conditions imposed on the rezoning include an upgrade to the Hamilton Highway and Terrier Road intersection as well as a bridle path for horses and management and protection for native vegetation.

Cr Gavin Gamble expressed some issues around the potential growth zone.

“I do have some concerns about this proposal… mainly relating to the distance from this development,” he said. “For considerable years, there won’t be much around it. There’s potential for community fragmentation. It’s not a natural growth out from the town centre.”

“My other concern was the proximity to the flood zone and a leeching of nutrients into the Barwon.”

The motion passed unanimously.

Hub petition tabled

Councillors received a petition with nearly 280 signatures concerning the ongoing support of the Linton Community Hub.

The site has been used as a community space between the Linton Craft Group, Linton Community, and Linton and District Historical Society as well as other groups and efforts, with funding from the municipality.

Though both the lease and arrangement ending, Cr Sharkey said the future looks bright for the continued management of the site.

“Speaking to some of the people in the community there, they’re… starting to get some really good leadership and come together in a really strategic manner,” he said.

“I suspect there’s going to be some fantastic outcomes for that community in the next few years.”

Fair access open

Council’s planned adoption of the State Government-mandated Fair Access Policy is also out for exhibition until Thursday 23 May following unanimous councillor approval.

The policy requires all local governments to have a gender equitable access and use policy in place for its community sporting facilities to adhere to by July in order to remain eligible for State funding.

“This is a fair policy that’s going to help women and young girls to be able to achieve more than what they can just do on the sports field,” Cr Kirby said.

“Whether they want to have a role in governance or running a club or running a sports centre, this is going to be part and parcel for them achieving something personal for them.”

A report on the community’s feedback is set to be brought to council in June.

Public interest policy reviewed

Councillors looked over the municipality’s Public Interest Disclosure Policy which was due for a review following its adoption five years ago.

With streamlined wording and contact details and addresses updated, Cr Gamble said it’s important the document stay refreshed.

“This is an important policy that… ensures the integrity of not just local government but… to draw attention to malpractice, fraud, things like that,” he said.

The updated policy was adopted unanimously.

Expenses noted

Councillor’s meeting attendance and spendings during the third quarter of 2023/2024 were noted.

With just under 20 per cent utilised out of a nearly $51,000 annual councillor expenditure budget, Cr Sharkey said council spending was “all in line with expectations.”

“[It’s] an open and transparent document for the public to cycle through.”