Local law now on the books – Golden Plains Shire council meeting briefs

GOLDEN Plains Shire re-written Local Law No.1 General Public Amenity was adopted and is now in effect, replacing Local Law No.2 General Public Amenity.

The move came at the recent regular meeting on Tuesday, 23 November.

Director infrastructure and development Phil Josipovic said many public submissions were received, as well as speeches during a special meeting and a “pattern” of issues had emerged.

“These include the use of motorised recreational vehicles on private land, the placement and visual amenity of shipping containers in a residential setting, burning off timber and green waste, the number of animals permitted to be kept on private land, and large animals on small allotments,” he said.

“All the submissions and presentations were considered and resulted in some changes to the Local Law, most notably the removal of electric motorbikes from the definition of motorised recreational vehicles.

“This means the use of a fully electric motorbike is permitted, as long as dust emanating from the use does not impact neighbouring properties.”

Cr Kirby asked all residents to be “kind and considerate of your neighbours.”

“We all need and want to live in our great Shire. Empathise and please be considerate,” she said.

Cr Cunningham thanked the community for their 867 submissions of feedback, although many suggestions came from people who don’t live in the Shire after major media outlets picked up on the proposed limits to motorbike use 12 months ago.

Cr Sharkey said policies like these should be made at State Government level, and not created by municipalities.

 

Community grants handed out

Almost $75,000 worth of Community Strengthening Grants were approved by councillors.

Sixteen local groups are receiving grants to boost their grassroots projects, from the construction of sheds and recording studios, to lantern workshops and memorial sign replacement.

Cr Helena Kirby said the grant round sees $56,000 directed to the area of health and wellbeing, sport and recreation, $13,000 to arts and culture initiatives, and $5,600 to environmental action.

Beneficiaries include Haddon Community Learning Centre, Turtle Bend Committee of Management, Moorabool Catchment Landcare Group, Geelong Landcare Network, Teesdale Mechanics Institute Committee of Management, Sutherlands Creek Tennis Club, and Smythesdale Petanque Club.

Woady Yaloak Athletic Club, Turtle Bend Committee of Management, Bannockburn Golf Club, Teesdale Cricket Club, Rokewood and Corindhap Football and Netball Club, Dolphins Basketball Club, Bannockburn Cricket Club, Woady Yaloak Historical Society, and Volunteering Geelong are also recipients.

Cr Owen Sharkey said it was great to see “such a spread of investment” across diverse groups in the Shire.

 

Arts and culture plan get okay

The Golden Plains Shire Arts, Culture and Heritage Strategy 2022-2026 has been adopted following community exhibition.

The four-year framework has been developed in partnership with residents and the municipality’s cultural partners to advance the region’s arts, culture, and heritage.

Areas of focus include celebrating and sharing history and heritage, a creative economy, access and participation, and activating places and spaces.

Cr Kirby said she “highly” endorsed the document, which complements the elements of “community, liveability, sustainability and prosperity; the themes from the council plan,” and champions the creativity and history of the district’s First Nations peoples.

Cr Clayton Whitfield said no public submissions were received during the public exhibition period.

“This Strategy was created working closely with various community groups, historical societies…artists… which is probably why they’re so happy with it,” he said.

 

Ideas sought on rating strategy

The Shire’s updated rating strategy propositions paper is now available to the community to read and provide feedback before the December meeting.

Director corporate services Philippa O’Sullivan said council has considered different rating options since August, to develop a strategy where the financial burden is more “equitably” shared by ratepayers.

“Over 22 different options have been modelled since… and two options have now been recommended for community consultation,” she said.

“Option one is recommending to increase the business Bannockburn differential from 120 per cent to 130 per cent, increase the vacant land, which is the non-farm differential, from 200 per cent to 220 per cent, and decrease the municipal change from $310.60 to $250, and retain the status quo for all other differential rates.

“Option two is again to increase the business Bannockburn differential from 120 to 130 per cent, increase vacant land, non-farm, from 200 to 220 per cent, increase the farm broad-acre differential from 85 per cent to 90 per cent, increase the farm intensive differential from 90 per cent to 95 per cent, decrease the municipal change from $310.60 to $250, and retain the status quo for all other differentials.”

Cr Whitfield said submitters are welcome to offer alternative options.

“It’s important to appreciate that this process is aimed to ensure the rating differentials spread the rate burden as equitably as possible across the Shire,” he said.

Cr Kirby said her councillor group’s review of the rating strategy has been “rigorous,” and looks forward to hearing public submissions.