Granting growth in Rokewood – Golden Plains Shire council meeting briefs

AT the Golden Plains Shire’s regular October council meeting on Tuesday 26 October, a grant application was endorsed for the Rokewood Community Hub and pavilion upgrade from the Growing Suburbs Fund.

Acting director community services Steven Sagona said the request surrounded the development of a new publicly accessible facility, including changerooms with female-friendly amenities.

“The total project cost is some $4.8 million, and council’s contribution to that is $442,000, with $18,000 from the Rokewood Recreation Reserve Committee of Management,” he said.

“The total request from the Growing Suburbs Fund is $4.4 million.”

Cr Clayton Whitfield said the current Committee of Management are capable of managing all maintenance responsibilities for the multi-purpose space.

“It’s anticipated with any upgrade, costs would actually lower,” he said. “This opportunity… will have a wide-reaching benefit for those from the central part of the Shire.”

Cr Brett Cunningham said the upgrade is much needed.

“It’s been raised by the Committee… and user groups. It’s also extremely pleasing to see local groups and stakeholders engaged and indicating support for this proposed project,” he said.

Cr Les Rowe suggested the local football netball club consider contributing financially in the future.

 

Health plan approved

Councillors adopted the Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan into the broader 2021 to 2025 Shire Council Plan.

Listing five key areas needing action and improvement, the document explores mental wellbeing, active living, family violence prevention, gender equity, healthy eating, and climate change.

Cr Whitfield said no submissions were received following the release of the draft plan.

“There is community support… which is great to see. There’s been a lot of work put into this document,” he said.

“Some of the benefits… include building the capacity of residents and groups to get involved and contribute to communities, programs to promote physical activity and social connection, providing education to schools, sporting clubs and workplaces on healthy eating, delivering activities and programs that engage youth, and education programs around waste management and recycling.”

 

Food truck rules okayed

A Mobile Traders Policy was adopted by council, reflecting forty-two submissions of public feedback.

It outlays the Shire’s commitments to physical bricks-and-mortar enterprises within the local government area, and will act as a framework for permit issuing.

Cr Gavin Gamble supported the document.

“If you don’t support your local bricks-and-mortar businesses, there’s no guarantees they’ll be there in the future, and there’s no guarantees mobile traders will be there either,” he said.

Cr Cunningham said the policy will encourage consistency when issuing mobile trader permits.

“I believe the policy as presented is fair and balanced,” he said

Cr Owen Sharkey said the 42 submissions showed residents’ interest and the need for the policy’s adoption, but it is only relevant for those applying to set up shop on municipal property.

 

Game on!

The G21 and AFL Barwon Towards 2030: Strategy has been endorsed by councillors, designed to pave a planning pathway for the area’s football and netball development over the next 10 years.

Cr Les Rowe said documents like this are important in prioritising and advocating for projects.

“We need regional strategies… to increase participation in sport and physical activity,” he said.

Cr Cunningham said the Shire plays a key role in nurturing sporting communities, including football and netball clubs where residents can be social, and support their health and wellbeing.

Cr Gamble wasn’t supportive of the document. He said it was a “best practice aspirational strategy” that would be expensive and difficult to fiscally commit to.

 

Managing domestic animals

The four-year Draft Domestic Animal Management Plan received endorsement for public exhibition.

Director infrastructure and development Phil Josipovic said the plan is detailed, having received 326 responses to a survey on the topic.

The document specifies the Shire’s management of domestic animals, and promotion of responsible pet ownership.

“The scope of the plan is limited to domestic dogs and cats,” he said.

Cr Whitfield said the survey responses have influenced the plan’s development.

“Dogs and cats are integral family members for so many of us, and the companionship provided by these animals is incredibly beneficial,” he said.

“This plan aims to ensure that the amenity of others, native fauna and farmers’ livestocks aren’t affected by our choices to have pets.

“We have almost 6000 dogs and about 1300 cats registered in the Shire. It’s good to see an investigation of a fenced dog park.”

 

Hardship rebates a help

Director corporate services Philippa O’Sullivan provided an update on the delivery of the COVID-19 Hardship Assistance and Recovery Plan.

“A total of $13,700 of rebates have been provided to 29 customers that have seen hardship and have met the criteria,” she said.

“The expression of interest for the provision of mental health services was scoped and developed to seek innovative responses. This has closed… with the contract to be awarded by Christmas.”

Cr Sharkey said the report indicates “genuine hardship.”

“The uptake on this is continuing to be strong for those that need it, be we appreciate last year held a lot more uncertainty for a lot of people,” he said.

“One of the things… I love about this policy is that it has moulded, adapted, and changed along the journey. As a collective community, we’ve been on a rollercoaster ride.

“It isn’t going to change people’s lives, but it is helping.”