Controversial church set for register

THREE Shire locations have been nominated for inclusion on the Victorian Heritage Register.

Meredith’s Church of Epiphany, a Presbyterian church in Rokewood and Smythesdale’s former Police stables and lock-up were endorsed by council at its Tuesday, 25 May regular meeting.

The Rokewood building, most recently used by the Uniting Church, was sold in April, becoming the focus of an anti-privatisation campaign.

Cr Ian Getsom said the Smythesdale lock-up held historical bushrangers.

“They kidnapped and murdered Thomas Burke who was a bank manager travelling from Rokewood to Smythesdale with gold,” he said.

“The church at Rokewood is a great, significant building which should be preserved, and also the Epiphany Church at Meredith. The officers have made a wise decision.”

Cr Clayton Whitfield said there are architectural and construction “lessons to be learned” from the sites.

“Preserving buildings that are of an excellent standing, of that time, will benefit many future generations,” he said.

 

10-year strategy for sport

Residents can view and provide feedback on the draft G21 and AFL Barwon Towards 2030: Strategy until Sunday, 11 July.

Cr Whitfield said putting out the draft document to public consultation shows that local government supports healthy and active living, along with the Strategy’s priorities and findings.

“This strategy has a direct correlation with the draft four-year council plan that is out for feedback at the moment, specifically that we’re going to maintain and strengthen relationships, collaborations and actively participate in regional and state recreational and sporting partnerships,” he said.

“I look forward to the public feedback and support this going out.”

Cr Brett Cunningham said it’s an important strategy, considering the region’s population growth, and the increase in the Shire’s sporting participation.

Councillors have requested the document’s recommendations be 10-year goals rather than things that must be delivered, and that peak bodies and associations in football and netball work with clubs to increase capacity.

 

COVID-19 hardship help extended

THE COVID-19 Financial Hardship Policy will continue in the 2021/22 council year, offering relief to residents and enterprises heavily impacted by the pandemic.

Director corporate services Philippa O’Sullivan reviewed the program’s achievements so far.

“As of the 30th of April, 2021, we have funded $57,659 of $100,000 allocated to the COVID-19 Hardship Fund. This has been provided to 127 ratepayers who were financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic,” she said.

“In addition, $10,481 will be used to waive environmental health permits, and $9,900 to waive the Meredith Interpretative Centre lease, resulting in $21,960 remaining in the fund.

“With the continued impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic, it is recommended that council refer $50,000 within the 2021/22 budget, to continue to provide financial assistance to those customers that need it the most.”

The 127 ratepayers had $500 taken off their rate bills. It is expected the Policy will be included in the 2021/22 draft budget.

 

Capron Lane on the map

An old but unnamed road in Lethbridge, off Clarkes Road, will be officially called Capron Lane following community consultation.

Eight submissions were received, with six in favour of the name, recognising colonial local landowner, William Capron.

A big Russells Bridge dairy farm was owned by the Caprons, and although this was never registered with the Shire, it is suspected that the unnamed road was known as Capron Lane in the past.

Cr Les Rowe said Mr Capron arrived in the area in the late-1840s.

“He leased a property in the Moorabool Valley with his brother, Henry,” he said.

“During the following years, they converted the property from leasehold to freehold, and bought further property on the river. They ran a mixed farming operation, and later generations milked cows off the fertile river flats.

“The ownership is still held by descendants of the Capron family at Russells Bridge today, therefore I recommend naming this unnamed road Capron Lane to honour this family.”

Cr Getsom said the name is fitting in respect of the Caprons and local history.

 

Policy for Mobile Traders

A Draft Mobile Traders Policy is now viewable, with council receiving community feedback for a month.

Cr Gamble said the draft is a “considered and sensible strategy.”

“It’s obviously a difficult issue with conflicting trade situations. We’re trying to consider vendors’ and bricks-and-mortar businesses’ rights and advantages.

“I think this is the best way to go.”

Cr Sharkey said the policy is needed to give enterprises direction.

Shire officers will write to the municipality’s mobile trading permit holders and food businesses to make them aware of the new document.

Another report will be made after public submissions are reviewed, before the policy is adapted.

 

Growth Plan on track

Council received an update on the progress of the Bannockburn Growth Plan.

The document has been reviewed by the Victorian Planning Authority Projects Standing Advisory Committee, which provided independent advice on document amendments to the VPA and the Minister for Planning.

A video round-table conversation in March reviewed feedback which came via the Minister and resulted in a report of recommendations handed over in April, before the Shire and residents saw it later that month.

Cr Whitfield said the document is moving through VPA Fast-Track planning processes “at a rapid rate.”

“The process of having the new growth plan gazetted could be final before the new financial year,” he said.