Play space finally named – Golden Plains Shire council meeting briefs

COUNCILORS have given a name to the Inverleigh play space following a heated discussion at the Golden Plains Shire council meeting on Tuesday, 23 March.

The play area will be named Yerram Yaluk Bun, after the choice received the most votes during a period of public consultation between 16 December and 29 January, including a community vote on four options.

Before the final call was made, Cr Brett Cunningham submitted an alternative motion, saying there should be further community consultation to decide on a name for the play area.

“No individual name received the majority vote and the two leading vote names were only separated by one vote,” he said.

“I’d like to propose that council resolves to seek further feedback from the community on the two names that receive the highest number of votes, being Yerram Yaluk Bun and Leigh River Park.

“I’d also please like to note that my proposed alternative motion is no way to be seen as being disrespectful to the Wadawurrung people, but to allow the Inverleigh community the opportunity to partake in further and a final consultation period.”

Cr Owen Sharkey spoke against Cr Cunningham’s alterative motion, claiming council has got all the public feedback it needs.

“This process… is nearly two years in the making, we have gone out to community consultation and by going out and seeking more feedback, we’re going to end up coming back here in 60 days or 90 days’ time with the exact same information,” he said.

Cr Cunningham’s alternative motion was shot down by council, with only he and Cr Ian Getsom voting in favour.

The original motion was then carried with all councillors voting for, besides Cr Cunningham and Cr Getsom.

Having voted in the poll that was put out to the community, Cr Clayton Whitfield declared a conflict of interest and did not take part in deliberations.

 

A town sub-divided

A notice of decision to grant a planning permit for a nine-lot subdivision on Donaldson Road at Lethbridge has been approved by council.

Objections regarding drainage were raised by a community member, who was concerned that the proposed works would obstruct residences along a nearby road.

Cr Whitfield said the proposal met the requirements of the planning scheme “quite well”.

“I believe that this subdivision is going to provide some growth inside the current town boundaries and is consistent with current growth patterns,” he said.

“The council’s works engineers have reviewed the plans and are satisfied that the plans provide an acceptable drainage solution and that adjoining properties will not be impacted by drainage from this subdivision.”

The motion was carried with all councillors voting in favour, besides Cr Sharkey, who did not participate in the discussions due to a conflict of interest declaration.

 

Planning needed for structure Plan

Council has referred objections to the Teesdale Structure Plan and Planning Scheme Amendment to an independent planning panel for further consideration.

Several small changes were made to the structure plan, while outstanding feedback was seen to require impartial resolution.

The original plan and amendment were on public exhibition between 25 November and 25 January, during which council received 23 submissions from the community, 14 of which were considered objections.

Speaking for the motion, Cr Whitfield said sending the matter to a planning panel was part of a “normal process.”

“Hopefully compromises can be made at that panel and we’ll take on their points and move forward,” he said.

Cr Gavin Gamble spoke against the motion, raising concerns that the new developments could compromise “town character.”

“Teesdale has a lot of large blocks and people living there. So, there are quite a lot of people that don’t want to see that diminished,” he said.

“I support the residents that are supportive of well-designed infill or the small-scale subdivisions… As it is at the moment, I think I’m reflecting a good portion of Teesdale residents that are not entirely happy with the amendment as proposed.”

Cr Gamble voted against the motion; however, it was carried with the other six councillors voting in favour.

 

Surplus land to surplus cash

Shire owned Land in the northern part of the Bannockburn Recreation Precinct will be rezoned and developed as residential.

The 3.5-hectare area was slated to be used for an AFL football oval; however, a preferred location has since been found.

A recreational future fund will be set up from the sale of the land, so that any profits are set aside for use on recreational developments across the Shire.

Cr Sharkey said he supported the motion and hoped the money would benefit the entire municipality.

“That gives us a fantastic opportunity… and hopefully we as a council can leverage that money… where we contribute $100,000 out of this fund and turn it into a $550,000 project and not just for Bannockburn but for our whole Shire,” he said.

The motion was passed with Cr Rowe and Cr Cunningham voting against.

 

Seeking funding opportunities

The proverbial hat has been thrown into the ring for two State Government grants as the applies for the 2021 Local Sports Infrastructure Fund, and the second round of the Growing Suburbs Fund.

From the Sports Infrastructure Fund, council would finance the $537,000 Leighdale Equestrian Centre Upgrade and the $50,000 rejuvenation of safety netting at the Bannockburn’s Victoria Park ovals.

The Growing Suburbs Fund would be used to subsidise the $550,000 Ross Creek Play and Active Rec Upgrade project, with $450,000 coming from the grant, and council contributing $100,000.

Cr Gamble spoke against the Sports Fund, wanting to vote on the two sports-related projects individually.

“The Leighdale Equestrian Centre, they’re asking rate payers to contribute $169,000 of Golden Plains funds… and I just think that’s too much,” he said.

Councillors all voted in favour of applying for the Growing Suburbs Fund, with Cr Gamble alone voting against the Sports Infrastructure Fund.