Survey results unsatisfying

AT Tuesday’s regular council meeting, Golden Plains Shire councillors noted the community’s level of satisfaction at with the municipality’s services following an annual survey, and the results were not good.

Conducted earlier this year with 400 residents, Golden Plains Shire scored 43 for overall performance, below the state average of 56, with similar figures reported across all other categories.

With the aim of moving from yearly to quarterly satisfaction reports, Cr Gamble brought forward an alternative motion to include in future documents that would suggest actions to improve the most significant areas of concern.

Cr Clayton Whitfield supported the alternative motion and said the survey’s results were “far from flattering.”

“Perhaps the flood events that occurred just prior to when this survey took place might have had something to do with the survey responses,” he said.

“[The alternative motion] illustrates to the public we’re going to work on improving strategies coming out of this survey.”

Cr Owen Sharkey said the survey was a waste of time and money given the costs involved in delivering it.

“It’s just a snapshot of a specific day,” he said. “We know when we speak to residents that roads are an area of major concern. We know lobbying has been a strong point.”

“You just walk down the street and you’ll learn all that and more in 10 minutes.”

Cr Helena Kirby disagreed with Cr Sharkey, saying “these surveys give us the data.”

 

A way forward for rec reserve

The Ross Creek Recreation Reserve Masterplan has received councillors’ approval.

With no responses received during the draft’s public exhibition in April, councillors picked up the plan which will seek to steer priorities for the site’s development and improvements.

Cr Gavin Gamble said the location is an important asset for the community.

“I’ve witnessed and experienced firsthand the strong community interest in the Ross Creek Reserve,” he said.

“The reserve is right next to the school so it’s got a double use there, and it’s home to a range of community groups and clubs.

“This is a finished document and a way forward for the Ross Creek community.”

The motion was carried unanimously.

 

Drafts sent for exhibition

Councillors gave the okay to send two draft plans out for public feedback.

Both the Moorabool River Reserve draft masterplan and the Smythesdale Gardens and Brewery Dam Reserve draft masterplan were made open to the community from Wednesday.

The Moorabool River Reserve draft will be available for three weeks while the Smythesdale Gardens and Brewery Dam Reserve draft will be open for one month.

Cr Owen Sharkey supported both motions and said they spoke to the measured process in crafting masterplans.

“It’s quite a journey most of these go through,” he said. “This is the most critical time for this when we go out to public consultation.

Once taken onboard, plans for the reserves include adopting a Wadawurrung name for the Moorabool River Reserve, and improving access for both sites.

 

Feedback wanted on soccer strategy

The municipality will be seeking feedback on how to improve soccer offerings throughout the region with councillors voting unanimously to exhibit the draft G21 regional football (soccer) strategy.

The document is the result of an initiative between Football Victoria and the G21’s Sport and Recreation sub-committee which audited the soccer capabilities of five local governments including Golden Plains Shire.

If adopted, the strategy will steer the municipality’s approach to providing soccer, which will be in place for the next 10 years and be dependant on club needs and facility requirements.

With an additional soccer club listed as a recommendation, Cr Helena Kirby said the strategy highlighted the growth of soccer in the region, particularly Bannockburn.

“The girls and women down there… they’re flourishing. Their juniors are going so well,” she said.

“The growing numbers in the report are going out of the ballpark, so you can understand why they’re looking at having a second club.

Although in support of the motion, Cr Gamble said the money allocated for the strategy could’ve been better served to construct an offroad cycling trail.

 

New policy for road naming

Councillors unanimously supported a change to the way roads will be named at new subdivisions in the region.

Aimed at providing a more meaningful approach to naming, a register of suitable names for new roads is set to be created in collaboration with traditional owners, historical societies, and community groups for developers factor into planning.

 

Bridge replacement imminent

Inverleigh’s Federation Bridge is set to be replaced following significant rain damage sustained during last year’s floods.

Plans are underway to see the pedestrian bridge swapped out with a new one with a 75-year lifespan.

Built 25 years ago, Federation Bridge had reached its use by date prior to the floods.

Estimated costs to repair the bridge ranged between $140,000 to $204,000 while a full replacement would be $286,600.

 

Road repairs tendered

Councillors allocated tenders for developers to carry out road improvements, with many impacted by last year’s floods.

Each motion was passed unanimously, with the contract to repair Kopkes Road in Haddon given to Begbies Contracting for more than $931,000.

Fulton Hogan Industries were tasked with upgrading Rokewood Junction’s Cape Clear-Rokewood Road for more than $450,000 with an emphasis on drainage works and widening the road around bends.

A bridge replacement is also on the way at Linton-Piggoreet Road in Piggoreet to also be carried out by Fulton Hogan Industries or more than $1.2 million.

 

Contract handed for oval reconstruction

The Linton Recreation Reserve’s oval will see an overhaul with the tender awarded to Global Turf Projects for more than $1.2 million.

With works to include a reshaping, and new facilities and drainage, Cr Ian Getsom said the oval would be the last in the region to be upgraded.

Although in support of the motion, Cr Kirby commented that money was wasted in the course of the oval’s development.

“We did spend a lot of money on the Linton Reserve, putting a sprinkler system in and irrigation quite a few years ago,” she said.

“I think we did everything back to front. We should have fixed the ground then put the irrigation in afterwards.”

 

Expenses policy shifted

Councillors adopted the newly-named Councillor Support and Expenses Policy following a period of public exhibition which saw no responses.

The document dictates how councillors can claim on expenses carried out in their duties, with the mayor’s maximum annual expenditure increased from $3000 to $5000.

 

Council to push for public transport

Cr Gavin Gamble brought forward a motion for council to write a letter to State Government representatives and relevant authorities advocating for a more frequent bus service.

With the intent of sending the message out within four weeks, Cr Gamble said there’s a need for better public transport between Geelong and Bannockburn, particularly for younger residents.

“This is a high item on their agenda that they want more accessibility to get into Geelong,” he said.

“We’re a very high-growing area particularly with young families and kids that need that transport for connections to services, work, social and leisure opportunities that the regional centre of Geelong offers.”

Cr Sharkey spoke against the motion, and said advocacy towards better public transport already factored into many of the municipality’s strategies.

Cr Kirby disagreed with Cr Sharkey, saying it’s important the Shire continues to advocate.

The motion passed, with Crs Sharkey and Les Rowe voting against.