Library funding reinstated – Golden Plains Shire council briefs

A PROPOSED funding cut to library services in the Golden Plains Shire will not go-ahead following Tuesday’s ordinary council meeting.

The budget, which was supported by all councillors, will see $505,000 allocated to the Geelong Regional Library Corporation, a $20,000 increase from the draft budget and $5000 more than last year.

The proposed reduction of library funding saw 28 submissions from residents during public exhibition.

“It’s also pleasing to note that in this budget, council will continue to meet all our financial contributions and commitments to Geelong Regional Library Corporation,” said Mayor Cr Brett Cunningham.

“Myself and family members, being regular users of the library, have witnessed first hand how utilised the library services are by residents.”

Other amendments were made to the draft budget following the announcement of more grants and these include $192,000 for additional financial assistance grant funding, a $50,000 increase in corporate memberships and $75,000 towards community strengthening grants.

Residents will see the maximum allowed rate increase of 2.75 per cent as set by the Minister for Local Government.

“As a councillor group we all acknowledge the economic challenges that face many residents across our shire,” said Cr Cunningham. “As a councillor group and an organisation, we focused on a budget that will deliver financial stability going forward.

“I want to ensure residents that ongoing capital works, programs and significant projects have been presented in the budget.”

The budget projects a surplus of $7.3 million with an adjusted underlying result surplus of $900,000.

More than $50 million has been budgeted to support the ongoing delivery of services in the Shire and a further $13.4 million will go towards capital assets like infrastructure, recreation and community facilities.

 

Planning proposals rejected

Two planning applications for childcare centres in Burns Street and Milton Street Bannockburn were refused by a majority of councillors.

Crs Cunningham, Les Rowe and Ian Getsom did not support both proposals citing reasons including the sites being not suitable, concerns with parking, the impact on amenity in the area and the developments not fitting neighbourhood character.

When talking about the Burns Street proposal, Cr Rowe said the area would become a bottle keck.

“I just find that this particular road is a dead end, it’s a no through road,” he said. “At the present time there’s the Mary McKillop Catholic School as well and a lot of those parking positions are taken up by not only staff but by other people there as well who drop off kids.

“It’s going to be a bit of a bottle neck.”

Crs Clayton Whitfield and Helena Kirby supported both planning applications with Cr Whitfield stating that they were both compliant with the planning scheme.

“Just like the previous application, we have to consider this from a planning perspective and from the requirements that are there, it does meet,” he said.

Cr Owen Sharkey supported the Burns Street planning application but declared a conflict of interest with the Milton Street proposal due to operating a neighbouring business.

The Burns Street application was refused with the casting vote of the chair.

 

Policy approved

The asset management policy and strategy was adopted, which will provide a broad framework for the sustainable and effective management of asset groups.

The policy was put to public consultation earlier this year and minor feedback was received which did not change the intent of the document.

“This benefits everyone,” said Cr Kirby. “For the next five years this plan is something that we’ll look forward to.”

 

Oval tender awarded

Turfcare and Hire have been awarded the contract of more than $660,000 to upgrade the Teesdale Don Wallace Oval.

The design process was completed in March and included consultation with the committee of management and user group representatives.

“As we know Teesdale is our second largest town within the Shire,” said Cr Kirby.

“They’ve outgrown the facility, and it needs the proper treatment to make it the correct size, proper carparking, goals and safety netting as well.

“This is pivotal in us going forward as a council.”

 

Fair opportunities for all

The fair access policy was adopted by all councillors which aims to give women and girls better and fairer access to community sports infrastructure.

All Victorian local government authorities must have a gender equitable access and use policy by July to continue to receive sports infrastructure funding.

“As of the 1st of July 2024, all future sport and recreation funding submissions will be required to demonstrate fair access in practice as part of the application process,” said Cr Whitfield.”I know that council is supporting various clubs that have reached out…”

 

Have your say on footpath strategy

The draft footpath strategy 2024/34 has been endorsed for public exhibition.

The strategy details how Golden Plains Shire upgrade formal footpaths in the Shire over the next 10 years.

Community forums were held in Bannockburn, Smythesdale and Haddon, and Cr Kirby said more effort needs to be made to reach people in the centre of the Shire.

“It’s a bit of a shame because we’re not getting to every area of the Shire,” she said.