CHANGES in how councillors deal with media proved a contentious topic with the majority of councillors voting to update their policy at Tuesday\u2019s Golden Plains Shire council meeting.<\/p>\n
The new policy mandates councillors \u201cmust\u201d run all media comments with the municipality\u2019s CEO, mayor, and communications department, before speaking publicly in an attempt to remove ambiguity from the previous policy stating councillors \u201cshould\u201d do so.<\/p>\n
Cr Gavin Gamble was in favour of the motion and said the new policy would project a more unified council.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis policy revision, I believe, is to make it harder for councillors of ill will to attack fellow councillors,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s also to provide clarity on what councillors should do when questioned or even harassed by media, to save councillors from getting into hot water by commenting on things they don\u2019t have all the information, actual facts, or perspective on.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cr Helena Kirby also supported the motion and said with the mayor as the municipality\u2019s appointed spokesperson, her opinion \u201cdoesn\u2019t matter.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cr Owen Sharkey spoke against the motion, saying external publications provide a conduit between the open and transparent views of councillors, and the community.<\/p>\n
\u201cCouncillors, if you want to gag yourself, go down to Bunnings, get some tape, and put it over your mouth,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Cr Les Rowe, who was suspended earlier this year due to comments made in a Golden Plains Times article, agreed with Cr Sharkey.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe need freedom of speech and expression as necessary for the functioning of a truly representative local government,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cA free, uncensored and unhindered press or other media is essential in any society to ensure freedom of expression.\u201d<\/p>\n
Under the new policy, councillors are also to include a disclaimer when posting their opinion about the municipality on social media to state it is not an official view of the organisation.<\/p>\n
The motion carried with Crs Sharkey, Rowe, and Ian Getsom voting against.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
River plans get okay<\/strong><\/p>\n The future of 17 hectares of public reserve space at Batesford\u2019s Vigneron Way is now being steered by the Shire with the newly adopted Moorabool River Reserve Masterplan as a guiding document.<\/p>\n Councillors signed off on the move that\u2019s set to deliver changes to the area such as more public infrastructure, greater biodiversity, and implementing Wadawurrung naming and management of the space.<\/p>\n The masterplan was funded with $60,000 through the State Government\u2019s Barwon and Waterways of the West grant program, while $175,000 from the Corangamite Catchment Management Authority will be used to help deliver projects.<\/p>\n Cr Sharkey brought forward an alternative motion to use the masterplan to pair a prioritised program of works for the municipality\u2019s budget over the next three years, which was carried.<\/p>\n He also said the masterplan was \u201ca power of work\u201d from all involved.<\/p>\n \u201cIn the end we\u2019ve got it right,\u201d he said. \u201cOne thing I\u2019m disappointed with this is the legacy that\u2019s left by the developer and previous planners.<\/p>\n \u201cThe community have waited years and years to have this. The document is there\u2026 and I think the community have received it quite well.\u201d<\/p>\n The municipality was given control of the land from Ramsey Property Group following the completion of the Riverstone Estate last year.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Flood plans<\/strong><\/p>\n Amendments made to Teesdale\u2019s flood risk areas, and inundation and floodway overlay mapping detailed in the Golden Plains planning scheme are set to go out for public exhibition following their adoption by council.<\/p>\n The tweaks were made following a study by Water Technology which covered the surround\u2019s Native Hut Creek and tributaries.<\/p>\n The number of properties included in the overlays increased from 103 to 141.<\/p>\n Cr Helena Kirby supported the motion and said the larger coverage of flood-affected homes could affect the town\u2019s development.<\/p>\n \u201cWe have the Teesdale Kindergarten in the vicinity,\u201d she said. \u201cIt\u2019s a shame because I don\u2019t know what\u2019s going to happen in the future when we need to upgrade that facility.<\/p>\n \u201cTeesdale is such a growing town. We\u2019ve got to think about what we can do for the future of the kindergarten but also the residents along those areas.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Code of conduct overhauled<\/strong><\/p>\n A new code of conduct policy was another divisive topic for councillors.<\/p>\n The policy outlines the inclusion of an informal dispute resolution process and is designed to provide a clearer path to resolution between councillors.<\/p>\n Cr Gamble, who earlier this year called for a costly process of arbitration with six initial claims of misconduct against Cr Rowe, seconded the motion.<\/p>\n He said it would provide smoother outcomes towards reconciliation between councillors.<\/p>\n \u201cSometimes it might just be a misunderstanding and all that\u2019s needed is an apology or acknowledgement,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n \u201cHowever, parties must be at goodwill\u2026 to engage in dispute resolution. If parties refuse to engage in dispute resolution discussion\u2026 the issues and egregious behaviours can fester, even multiply, if not addressed.\u201d<\/p>\n With council\u2019s previous policy adopted early into their four-year term, which will conclude in 12 months, Cr Rowe spoke against the motion saying they should see out the policy for the remainder.<\/p>\n \u201cI think it\u2019s only fitting to leave this policy as it is and let the next term of councillors decide what their councillor code of conduct should look like,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n The motion passed with Crs Getsom, Sharkey, and Rowe voting against.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Reports noted<\/strong><\/p>\n Councillors looked back on the municipality\u2019s performance for 2022\/2023 to July this year as part of their annual report.<\/p>\n Initiatives such as the municipality\u2019s first reconciliation action, youth upgrades for Inverleigh and Bannockburn, and Meredith-Shelford Road widening were highlighted.<\/p>\n Cr Whitfield seconded the motion, saying it illustrated the municipality\u2019s performance despite economic uncertainty.<\/p>\n With recent turnovers including two municipal planners and a coordinator, difficulty in retaining staff was discussed during the following item on reporting indicators, which Cr Sharkey said was a source of frustration for residents.<\/p>\n He also noted the report\u2019s detailing longer timeframes to deliver planning applications, which was confirmed as a direct result of staff vacancies and onboarding by Leanne Wilson, acting director of community, planning, and growth.<\/p>\n Cr Gamble expressed disappointment that items like emergency management, biodiversity loss, and weed control weren\u2019t considered in the report.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n