AT their regular meeting on Tuesday, 24 August, Golden Plains Shire councillors voted not to support an application for land south-east of Rokewood to be used as a quarry.<\/p>\n
That was despite an officer recommendation that the application go ahead with conditions.<\/p>\n
However, the issue is already before the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal because the Shire took too long in making a decision.<\/p>\n
Potential noise pollution, and negative visual impacts on the surrounding rural farming landscape were all concerns for councillors in rejecting the application before the meeting.<\/p>\n
Cr Clayton Whitfield said the \u201csignificant… pivotal factor\u201d of the application is the permit for a dwelling.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is impossible for me to form a position of support for this application until the outcomes of those VCAT hearings determine the legitimacy or compliance of buffer distances proposed in this application,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cI follow the recommendation of non-support until those hearings are held.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cr Owen Sharkey said a decision of non-support is a \u201csensible\u201d one.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen there is a cloud of uncertainty, it identifies that we should take our time,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cNo doubt this will be coming back to us in a different manner.\u201d<\/p>\n
Four objections were received from the community, also concerned with the impact on surrounding catchments, cultural heritage, brolga breeding, roads, neighbouring homes, agriculture, and traffic.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n 10-year financial plan adopted<\/strong><\/p>\n Councillors have endorsed a draft Long Term Financial Plan, which they expect to adopt at their October meeting.<\/p>\n The draft plan for the Shire\u2019s finances over the next ten years is now out for community feedback until Monday, 13 September.<\/p>\n Cr Les Rowe was keen to see the document in action.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m looking froward to seeing how this document will shape our future going forward,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n \u201cThere will be a lot of tough decisions to be made throughout this.\u201d<\/p>\n Cr Sharkey said the document will \u201cflex and mould\u201d itself with the issues and councillors of the day.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s very open and transparent about future costs,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Principles for planning<\/strong><\/p>\n Community Infrastructure Planning Principles have been adopted by council.<\/p>\n Director of community services Lisa Letic said they will \u201cguide… future planning and investment in community infrastructure.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThese nine principles are designed to ensure efficient and effective management of council-owned community infrastructure that promotes an active, connected and vibrant community,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n \u201cOther principles are ensuring facilities are inclusive, accessible, sustainable and safe, utilisation is optimised through partnership and collaboration, and encourages multiple uses.\u201d<\/p>\n Cr Whitfield said the principles, under the Community Services and Infrastructure Plan, will be used as an \u201cinternal reference.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt will ensure the decisions we\u2019re making are made with a calculated approach,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n \u201cAny time we can do that, it is going to allow for a better outcome.\u201d<\/p>\n Cr Sharkey said he \u201cthoroughly enjoyed\u201d reviewing these documents.<\/p>\n \u201cTough decisions are a little bit easier to make with documents like this,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n