AT the Golden Plains Shire\u2019s regular October council meeting on Tuesday 26 October, a grant application was endorsed for the Rokewood Community Hub and pavilion upgrade from the Growing Suburbs Fund.<\/p>\n
Acting director community services Steven Sagona said the request surrounded the development of a new publicly accessible facility, including changerooms with female-friendly amenities.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe total project cost is some $4.8 million, and council\u2019s contribution to that is $442,000, with $18,000 from the Rokewood Recreation Reserve Committee of Management,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe total request from the Growing Suburbs Fund is $4.4 million.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cr Clayton Whitfield said the current Committee of Management are capable of managing all maintenance responsibilities for the multi-purpose space.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s anticipated with any upgrade, costs would actually lower,\u201d he said. \u201cThis opportunity… will have a wide-reaching benefit for those from the central part of the Shire.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cr Brett Cunningham said the upgrade is much needed.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s been raised by the Committee… and user groups. It\u2019s also extremely pleasing to see local groups and stakeholders engaged and indicating support for this proposed project,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Cr Les Rowe suggested the local football netball club consider contributing financially in the future.<\/p>\n
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Health plan approved<\/strong><\/p>\n Councillors adopted the Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan into the broader 2021 to 2025 Shire Council Plan.<\/p>\n Listing five key areas needing action and improvement, the document explores mental wellbeing, active living, family violence prevention, gender equity, healthy eating, and climate change.<\/p>\n Cr Whitfield said no submissions were received following the release of the draft plan.<\/p>\n \u201cThere is community support… which is great to see. There\u2019s been a lot of work put into this document,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n \u201cSome of the benefits… include building the capacity of residents and groups to get involved and contribute to communities, programs to promote physical activity and social connection, providing education to schools, sporting clubs and workplaces on healthy eating, delivering activities and programs that engage youth, and education programs around waste management and recycling.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Food truck rules okayed<\/strong><\/p>\n A Mobile Traders Policy was adopted by council, reflecting forty-two submissions of public feedback.<\/p>\n It outlays the Shire\u2019s commitments to physical bricks-and-mortar enterprises within the local government area, and will act as a framework for permit issuing.<\/p>\n Cr Gavin Gamble supported the document.<\/p>\n \u201cIf you don\u2019t support your local bricks-and-mortar businesses, there\u2019s no guarantees they\u2019ll be there in the future, and there\u2019s no guarantees mobile traders will be there either,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n Cr Cunningham said the policy will encourage consistency when issuing mobile trader permits.<\/p>\n \u201cI believe the policy as presented is fair and balanced,\u201d he said<\/p>\n Cr Owen Sharkey said the 42 submissions showed residents\u2019 interest and the need for the policy\u2019s adoption, but it is only relevant for those applying to set up shop on municipal property.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Game on!<\/strong><\/p>\n The G21 and AFL Barwon Towards 2030: Strategy has been endorsed by councillors, designed to pave a planning pathway for the area\u2019s football and netball development over the next 10 years.<\/p>\n Cr Les Rowe said documents like this are important in prioritising and advocating for projects.<\/p>\n \u201cWe need regional strategies… to increase participation in sport and physical activity,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n Cr Cunningham said the Shire plays a key role in nurturing sporting communities, including football and netball clubs where residents can be social, and support their health and wellbeing.<\/p>\n Cr Gamble wasn\u2019t supportive of the document. He said it was a \u201cbest practice aspirational strategy\u201d that would be expensive and difficult to fiscally commit to.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Managing domestic animals<\/strong><\/p>\n The four-year Draft Domestic Animal Management Plan received endorsement for public exhibition.<\/p>\n Director infrastructure and development Phil Josipovic said the plan is detailed, having received 326 responses to a survey on the topic.<\/p>\n The document specifies the Shire\u2019s management of domestic animals, and promotion of responsible pet ownership.<\/p>\n \u201cThe scope of the plan is limited to domestic dogs and cats,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n Cr Whitfield said the survey responses have influenced the plan\u2019s development.<\/p>\n \u201cDogs and cats are integral family members for so many of us, and the companionship provided by these animals is incredibly beneficial,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n \u201cThis plan aims to ensure that the amenity of others, native fauna and farmers\u2019 livestocks aren\u2019t affected by our choices to have pets.<\/p>\n \u201cWe have almost 6000 dogs and about 1300 cats registered in the Shire. It\u2019s good to see an investigation of a fenced dog park.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n