Climate emergency a hot topic

GOLDEN Plains Shire councillors voted to declare a climate emergency at last month’s ordinary council meeting on Tuesday, 27 July.

As part of the process municipal officers have been asked to prepare a climate emergency plan, which will be considered as part of the 2022-23 budget.

Member of the Greens Cr Gavin Gamble highlighted councillors’ duties to prioritise the best outcomes for the community, and its future generations.

“This is all about responsible planning for the future, near and longer, and responding to what the experts, and mainstream science, are warning us about; really serious warnings of deteriorating conditions for human life and the environment,” he said.

Cr Clayton Whitfield spoke on behalf of all councillors; “we acknowledge climate change.”

“It should be addressed. Additional resources may be required as a Shire, but we can instigate change and actions that fit within our capability,” he said.

“It’s about doing as much as we can, setting this up for a future budget year. We can do our part, at our pace.

“By declaring a climate emergency, we acknowledge that climate change will be considered with all strategic decisions going forward.”

 

COVID-19 cash support continues

A revised version of the Shire’s COVID-19 Financial Hardship Policy was approved for the 2021022 financial year.

A COVID-19 recovery initiative, including the proposed delivery of targeted mental health services across the Shire was also supported.

Director corporate services Philippa O’Sullivan said a package of financial relief rebate options were developed and included in the budget to support eligible local businesses and residents impacted by the pandemic.

“With the continued impact… council will offer assistance to customers in 2021-22 with the agreed $50,000 allocated to the Financial Hardship Policy, and this year $50,000 to be allocated to the COVID-19 recovery initiative,” she said.

“As of the 30th of June 2021, $85,186 of the $100,000 fund has been used to financially assist 141 ratepayers.”

Cr Owen Sharkey said the policy was originally “controversial.”

“We made a very wise decision to strategically set aside this money. There are many people in the community that have been financially enriched in the last 12 months,” he said.

 

Housing Plan finds home

The Golden Plains Social Housing Plan has been approved by council.

Director community services Lisa Letic said the report provides evidence for social housing needed within the municipality, which will be given to the State Government to influence their Big Housing Build project.

“There is… a need for at least 113 new homes to accommodate families or households on very modest incomes,” she said.

Cr Sharkey said social housing sometimes has a negative connotation.

“I would strongly encourage the community to read this document. Bannockburn is highlighted. We’ve seen house prices increase there by 30 per cent in just one year, so there are many people who will not be able to purchase or rent a house,” he said.

“We’ve got a very serious shortage, so it’s worth highlighting that social housing is for anyone having to put more than 30 per cent of their income towards renting or purchasing a house.

“It’s a fantastic State Government initiative…  with $15 million in Golden Plains.”

 

Joiner braces for business

A permit for a proposed Smythes Creek home joinery business on Kirkwood Drive has been granted by councillors.

Director infrastructure and development Phil Josipovic addressed concerns expressed by the residents of a neighbouring property over potential noise and increased traffic.

“As with every permit we approve, council officers and the investigative arm of our team are charged with making sure conditions are complied with,” he said.

“If there was a complaint lodged about work outside of hours, etcetera, then we could investigate.”

Cr Gamble asked why there isn’t a business area available for enterprises like the applicant’s.

Mr Josipovic said Shire staffers are exploring the potential for more business and industry zones in the municipality’s north in their strategic planning.

“There is a lack of industrial land in the area, but under the planning scheme, there are provisions made for homemade businesses.

“Whether there was land available or not, that would be irrelevant to this application,” he said.

 

Subdivision gets okay

A three-lot subdivision for Ruby Court, Bannockburn has been permitted by councillors, if a crossover to the proposed lot three is moved towards the northern boundary, between lots two and three.

An objector to the proposal stated they did not want multiple driveways abutting their property.

“We have an opportunity… to satisfy the applicant’s submission and also address one of the main concerns of the objectors… finding some middle ground for all involved,” Cr Brett Cunningham said.

Cr Whitfield said application conditions include “storm water tanks with retention capability,” which addresses another objection.

 

Bridge to Begbies

The Paddys Gully Road, Rokewood Junction bridge replacement works have been awarded to Begbies Contracting.

The project is worth $579,856.11. Cr Ian Getsom said the bridge is in an area “prone” to bushfires.

“You cannot get a fire truck over, but these works will allow for that to happen,” he said.

“Begbies are local contractors living within the Shire and employing people within the Shire. They leave jobs very neat and tidy…and have proved themselves to be capable in this area.”

Cr Whitfield said road users will appreciate the twin-lane upgrade, which is “under budget.”