THREE Shire locations have been nominated for inclusion on the Victorian Heritage Register.<\/p>\n
Meredith\u2019s Church of Epiphany, a Presbyterian church in Rokewood and Smythesdale\u2019s former Police stables and lock-up were endorsed by council at its Tuesday, 25 May regular meeting.<\/p>\n
The Rokewood building, most recently used by the Uniting Church, was sold in April, becoming the focus of an anti-privatisation campaign.<\/p>\n
Cr Ian Getsom said the Smythesdale lock-up held historical bushrangers.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey kidnapped and murdered Thomas Burke who was a bank manager travelling from Rokewood to Smythesdale with gold,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cr Clayton Whitfield said there are architectural and construction \u201clessons to be learned\u201d from the sites.<\/p>\n
\u201cPreserving buildings that are of an excellent standing, of that time, will benefit many future generations,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
10-year strategy for sport<\/strong><\/p>\n Residents can view and provide feedback on the draft G21 and AFL Barwon Towards 2030: Strategy<\/em> until Sunday, 11 July.<\/p>\n Cr Whitfield said putting out the draft document to public consultation shows that local government supports healthy and active living, along with the Strategy\u2019s priorities and findings.<\/p>\n \u201cThis strategy has a direct correlation with the draft four-year council plan that is out for feedback at the moment, specifically that we\u2019re going to maintain and strengthen relationships, collaborations and actively participate in regional and state recreational and sporting partnerships,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n \u201cI look forward to the public feedback and support this going out.\u201d<\/p>\n Cr Brett Cunningham said it\u2019s an important strategy, considering the region\u2019s population growth, and the increase in the Shire\u2019s sporting participation.<\/p>\n Councillors have requested the document\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n COVID-19 hardship help extended<\/strong><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Director corporate services Philippa O\u2019Sullivan reviewed the program\u2019s achievements so far.<\/p>\n \u201cAs 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,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n \u201cIn 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.<\/p>\n \u201cWith 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.\u201d<\/p>\n The 127 ratepayers had $500 taken off their rate bills. It is expected the Policy will be included in the 2021\/22 draft budget.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Capron Lane on the map<\/strong><\/p>\n An old but unnamed road in Lethbridge, off Clarkes Road, will be officially called Capron Lane following community consultation.<\/p>\n Eight submissions were received, with six in favour of the name, recognising colonial local landowner, William Capron.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Cr Les Rowe said Mr Capron arrived in the area in the late-1840s.<\/p>\n \u201cHe leased a property in the Moorabool Valley with his brother, Henry,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n \u201cDuring 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.<\/p>\n \u201cThe 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.\u201d<\/p>\n Cr Getsom said the name is fitting in respect of the Caprons and local history.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Policy for Mobile Traders <\/strong><\/p>\n A Draft Mobile Traders Policy is now viewable, with council receiving community feedback for a month.<\/p>\n Cr Gamble said the draft is a \u201cconsidered and sensible strategy.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s obviously a difficult issue with conflicting trade situations. We\u2019re trying to consider vendors\u2019 and bricks-and-mortar businesses\u2019 rights and advantages.<\/p>\n \u201cI think this is the best way to go.\u201d<\/p>\n Cr Sharkey said the policy is needed to give enterprises direction.<\/p>\n Shire officers will write to the municipality\u2019s mobile trading permit holders and food businesses to make them aware of the new document.<\/p>\n Another report will be made after public submissions are reviewed, before the policy is adapted.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n