GOLDEN Plains Shire councillors voted to declare a climate emergency at last month\u2019s ordinary council meeting on Tuesday, 27 July.<\/p>\n
As part of the process municipal officers have been asked to prepare a climate emergency plan, which will be considered as part of the 2022-23 budget.<\/p>\n
Member of the Greens Cr Gavin Gamble highlighted councillors\u2019 duties to prioritise the best outcomes for the community, and its future generations.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is all about responsible planning for the future, near and longer, and responding to what the experts, and mainstream science, are warning us about; really serious warnings of deteriorating conditions for human life and the environment,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Cr Clayton Whitfield spoke on behalf of all councillors; \u201cwe acknowledge climate change.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIt should be addressed. Additional resources may be required as a Shire, but we can instigate change and actions that fit within our capability,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s about doing as much as we can, setting this up for a future budget year. We can do our part, at our pace.<\/p>\n
\u201cBy declaring a climate emergency, we acknowledge that climate change will be considered with all strategic decisions going forward.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n COVID-19 cash support continues<\/strong><\/p>\n A revised version of the Shire\u2019s COVID-19 Financial Hardship Policy was approved for the 2021022 financial year.<\/p>\n A COVID-19 recovery initiative, including the proposed delivery of targeted mental health services across the Shire was also supported.<\/p>\n Director corporate services Philippa O\u2019Sullivan said a package of financial relief rebate options were developed and included in the budget to support eligible local businesses and residents impacted by the pandemic.<\/p>\n \u201cWith the continued impact… council will offer assistance to customers in 2021-22 with the agreed $50,000 allocated to the Financial Hardship Policy, and this year $50,000 to be allocated to the COVID-19 recovery initiative,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n \u201cAs of the 30th of June 2021, $85,186 of the $100,000 fund has been used to financially assist 141 ratepayers.\u201d<\/p>\n Cr Owen Sharkey said the policy was originally \u201ccontroversial.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe made a very wise decision to strategically set aside this money. There are many people in the community that have been financially enriched in the last 12 months,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Housing Plan finds home<\/strong><\/p>\n The Golden Plains Social Housing Plan has been approved by council.<\/p>\n Director community services Lisa Letic said the report provides evidence for social housing needed within the municipality, which will be given to the State Government to influence their Big Housing Build project.<\/p>\n \u201cThere is… a need for at least 113 new homes to accommodate families or households on very modest incomes,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n Cr Sharkey said social housing sometimes has a negative connotation.<\/p>\n \u201cI would strongly encourage the community to read this document. Bannockburn is highlighted. We\u2019ve seen house prices increase there by 30 per cent in just one year, so there are many people who will not be able to purchase or rent a house,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ve got a very serious shortage, so it\u2019s worth highlighting that social housing is for anyone having to put more than 30 per cent of their income towards renting or purchasing a house.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s a fantastic State Government initiative…\u00a0 with $15 million in Golden Plains.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joiner braces for business<\/strong><\/p>\n A permit for a proposed Smythes Creek home joinery business on Kirkwood Drive has been granted by councillors.<\/p>\n Director infrastructure and development Phil Josipovic addressed concerns expressed by the residents of a neighbouring property over potential noise and increased traffic.<\/p>\n \u201cAs with every permit we approve, council officers and the investigative arm of our team are charged with making sure conditions are complied with,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n \u201cIf there was a complaint lodged about work outside of hours, etcetera, then we could investigate.\u201d<\/p>\n Cr Gamble asked why there isn\u2019t a business area available for enterprises like the applicant\u2019s.<\/p>\n Mr Josipovic said Shire staffers are exploring the potential for more business and industry zones in the municipality\u2019s north in their strategic planning.<\/p>\n \u201cThere is a lack of industrial land in the area, but under the planning scheme, there are provisions made for homemade businesses.<\/p>\n \u201cWhether there was land available or not, that would be irrelevant to this application,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Subdivision gets okay<\/strong><\/p>\n A three-lot subdivision for Ruby Court, Bannockburn has been permitted by councillors, if a crossover to the proposed lot three is moved towards the northern boundary, between lots two and three.<\/p>\n An objector to the proposal stated they did not want multiple driveways abutting their property.<\/p>\n \u201cWe have an opportunity… to satisfy the applicant\u2019s submission and also address one of the main concerns of the objectors… finding some middle ground for all involved,\u201d Cr Brett Cunningham said.<\/p>\n Cr Whitfield said application conditions include \u201cstorm water tanks with retention capability,\u201d which addresses another objection.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n