City finances on track

THE City of Greater Bendigo’s quarterly financial and capital management report was presented to councillors at their recent November regular meeting. 

The document compares the budget and actual revenues and expenses and was at $126.6 million surplus for the first quarter of the current financial year.  

That’s $6.5 million, or about five per cent, more extra cash than expected. 

Cr Margaret O’Rourke said a lot happens in the first quarter, and with things like rate notices sent out and grants coming in, the budget is very “front-end” on financials.  

“We’re all quite well aware on the cost of living and the impact that that’s having on people,” she said.  

“We have noticed there has been less rate payments in the early part of the rate cycle, so we are assuming that that has actually started to have that impact for many in our community.” 

Projects expected to be finished this year include the municipal baths, the tramways workshop expansion, and the construction at the airport. 

Cr Jenifer Alden said the City finances were “on track,” and deputy-mayor Cr Matthew Evans said he was “cautiously optimistic” about it. 

Cr O’Rourke said money will likely get tighter as the year goes on, and the rate cap may need to be reviewed in the near future. 

“Potentially, in coming years there may need to be a review of the rate cap variation for the City,” she said. “We don’t hide that secret. 

“Low risk at the moment, but we can see the head wings that are coming for the City of Greater Bendigo, and we’re working hard to try and mitigate that as well.” 

 

LGBTIQA+ plan okayed 

 

Councillors endorsed the Victoria Government’s Rainbow Ready Roadmap with its LGBTIQA+ Inclusion Action Plan 2023-2025. 

The City received 127 submissions to the draft, 76 per cent of contributors identified as LGBTIQA+. 

One of the recommendations of an equity impact assessment undertaken while drafting the plan was to have a consultant ensure LGBTIQA+ inclusive best practice measures are used for programs and services. 

In the findings from the Victorian Population Health Survey 2017, about 5.8 per cent of people, or 5700, aged 18 or over identified as LGBTIQ+ in Greater Bendigo region. 

This is compared to the average for both rural and metropolitan local government areas of 5.7 per cent. 

“The plan aims to strengthen partnerships to advocate for improved health and wellbeing, and address issues, gaps, and opportunities that LGBTIQA+ people have identified are important to them,” said mayor Cr Andrea Metcalf. 

“The plan’s actions aim to address the different needs of younger and older LGBTIQA+ people, of rainbow families, of trans and gender diverse people, and LGBTIQA+ people from multicultural backgrounds. 

“This is important because we want to create a safe, welcoming, and fair community for our LGBTIQA+ residents and their families.  

“The actions will assist our LGBTIQA+ communities to be supported and connected and have a sense of belonging in Greater Bendigo. 

“The plan will also support the City to provide an inclusive workplace for LGBTIQA+ employees and volunteers.” 

The plan will officially launch at 4.30pm on Thursday 7 December at YO Bendigo. 

 

E-scooters on the horizon 

An e-scooter hire trial is set for the streets of Bendigo joining the likes of regional cities. 

Municipal officers will now start looking for a commercial e-scooter operator to run the service in time to start the trial during the next run of State Government’s funding for the programs.  

Several community organisations like health care providers, the police, and cycling groups are to be consulted before the rollout. 

There will be a 12-month initial trial period, and there’s a proposal to limit e-scooters’ access to many of the city’s major tourist attractions like Lake Weeroona and the Botanic Gardens. 

 

Heritage overlay removed 

Two Bendigo properties will have heritage overlays removed on advice from the City’s Heritage Advisor. 

Prior to this, the properties on Joseph Street King Street in Bendigo were subject to building and modification restrictions.  

 

Petitions 

Councillors acknowledged the receipt of three petitions. 

One called for virtual fencing after residents noticed roadkill in the Strathfieldsaye, Axe Creek, and Heathcote areas. 

Virtual fencing is a method used to alert wild animals of approaching traffic and involves a device emitting sound and light when approached by vehicles. 

The petition received 25 signatures and Council will provide a response within two meetings. 

A petition to change the speed limit of two stretches of road around Epsom Primary School to 40 kph at all times was acknowledged by councillors. 

The Epsom Primary School council put forward the petition for change along Howard Street between Midland Highway and Lorikeet Avenue and along Goynes Roads from Howard Street to Rosemundy Road. 

The municipality will respond to the petition with 76 signatures within three meetings to allow for consultation with VicRoads. 

Finally, there was a call for the City of Greater Bendigo to supply and install a pet water station and rubbish bin at each entrance of Ross Park in Kennington. 

The 40 petitioners want to reduce littering and bring in measures to help keep the park off leash for dogs.  

 

Contracts 

Two contracts were awarded by Council with C and K Carter Haulage getting the nod for managing waste at Eaglehawk Landfill for up to five years at a budget of $7 million. 

The other went to Technology One Limited for software as a service agreement for three years with a budget of $2.7 million.