What’s happening with the church? – Golden Plains Shire council meeting briefs

FOLLOWING the purchase of St Mary’s Church at Smythesdale by Golden Plains Shire, public questioner Graham Turnbull asked what the property’s use would be at the council’s meeting on Tuesday, 23 August.

CEO Eric Braslis responded and highlighted the site’s close proximity to municipal community centre known as The Well.

“This is council’s facility, not only to our customer hub, but also to our maternal child health services, library, outreach services, community rooms, the digital hub, pharmacy and medical centre,” Mr Braslis said.

“Noting the growth of Smythesdale and the surrounding communities, council recognises the acquisition of this land as being a strategic opportunity for the future.

“Following finalisation of the purchase, council will explore future options for the property. At this early stage, council does not have specific plans for the church, however it is noted that the site is covered by a heritage overlay.

“Council will in the future, as part of its decision-making process, likely have decisions made in consultation with the broader community.”

 

Climate emergency plan drafted

Councillors endorsed the Shire’s draft climate emergency plan, which has been in development since July.

Director infrastructure and development Phil Josipovic said the plan details actions that the municipality and community members can take to respond to climate change appropriately and reduce their carbon footprint.

“The plan gives context to the current and future impacts of climate change within the Shire and lays out actions for council to undertake over the next 10 years under five themes: climate action in council, resilient and adapted communities, caring for the land, climate responsive development, and sustainable transport and travel,” he said.

Council officers have undertaken community consultation, reviewed feedback, and written the draft document since the Shire declared a climate emergency in July of 2021.

It has been developed to complement the 2021-2025 Council Plan, 2019-2027 Environment Strategy, the Local Government Act 2020, and Climate Change Act 2017.

The document will be accessible to the public to read and give feedback for three more weeks.

 

Guiding economic development

The draft Economic Development, Tourism & Investment Attraction Strategy 2022-2032 was also endorsed for public exhibition by councillors.

Economic development coordinator Peter Ridsdale introduced the report, which he said had been developed following a “pleasing” amount of community consultation with councillors, stakeholders, tourism and business representatives, and community leaders and residents.

“It’s a strategy that guides economic development, which includes improving liability… of the Golden Plains Shire,” he said.

“I think within this particular strategy, there is the foundations of some very exciting initiatives to be implemented particularly over the forecast four-year period, with the six years being more aspirational challenges.”

Deputy-mayor Cr Helena Kirby said it’s important to look beyond Bannockburn to other small townships to boost economic performance.

The document is expected to be available for public viewing and feedback for three weeks.

 

Equestrian plan okayed

Woady Yaloak Equestrian Centre’s new master plan has been adopted by councillors.

In developing the plan, a consultation process led by SBP Advisory collected stakeholders’ perspectives on how the facility is used, and could be utilised into the future, and how the space could be improved.

Mr Josipovic said it’s a significant facility which caters to a variety of equestrian sports and activities and draws people from across the state.

“The strategy provides specific action to continue developing the regional equestrian facility, taking into consideration any initial supporting infrastructure… required to enrich participation,” he said.

“The Woady Yaloak Equestrian Centre Master Plan will inform strategic planning and investment opportunities for the facility, and is backed by evidence of community need… and provides clear, prioritised recommendations and designs for the centre across six different infrastructure categories.

“It will assist in the scope of potential advocacy and funding opportunities, look at future upgrades, and increased participation.”

Cr Kirby said priorities of the management committee include retaining the largest outdoor sand arena, adding horse yards and an all-seasons indoor area, mitigating creek flooding, and improving carparking.

 

Keeping the Shire tidy

Councillors awarded a contract for roadside slashing, mowing, township and guidepost maintenance to TMC Enviro, who will focus on the upkeep of about 840 kilometres’ worth of road reserves for three years.

The contract excludes township mowing in the south zone of the Shire.

Cr Les Rowe said this maintenance is an important part of the municipality’s responsibilities.

“I feel disappointed that there were only two submissions received and that one was non-compliant… however I am happy that TMC Enviro met the council’s tender requirements,” he said.

A Bitumen Emulsion C60 manufacturing and supply contract was also awarded to Sami Bitumen Technologies for the purpose of road maintenance.

 

High achieving jumper awarded

During the meeting a young local athlete Lachlan O’Keefe was celebrated.

Mayor Cr Gavin Gamble presented the elite high jumper with a citizen recognition award, following his performance at the World Athletics Under 20 Championships in Colombia, where he made the final, and placed eighth.

“Lachlan is 17 years old, lives in Smythes Creek, and has been involved in athletics high jump for six years,” Cr Gamble said.

“Golden Plains Shire is proud to recognise the fantastic achievements and contributions made by young people in the community.”