Budget, hospital and land

SURF Coast Shire councillors have a lengthy agenda to work through tonight, from the 2021-22 Draft Budget and Torquay Community Hospital proposal to the Climate Emergency Corporate Response Plan 2021-2031.

The Draft Budget proposes the allocation of funding needed for the Surf Coast Aquatic and Health Centre, which has received significant State and Federal funding commitments, along with funding for upgrades to the Angelsea Netball Pavilion (subject to a successful grant application), the former Winchelsea Shire Hall, Lorne Men’s Shed and other community infrastructure projects.

Endorsement of the Draft Budget, with a rate increase at the State Rate Cap of 1.5 per cent, will also enable Surf Coast Shire to become a certified carbon neutral organisation through emission reduction and the purchase of carbon offsets.

Other agenda items include a Notice of Motion by Cr Liz Pattison the council does not support a permanent platform and elevated walkway at Winki Pop.

Council will respond to a petition calling for a school crossing at Lisieux School, and consider a proposal to investigate the construction of a raised speed hump and parking restrictions on Legacy Drive during school pick-up times.

There will be a decision on an application to rezone farm land to low-density residential and subdivide a property at Moriac, along with the allocation of $10,000 from the 2020-21 Arts Development Seed Fund to be shared between the Moonah Gathering ($5,000) and A Celebration Under the Yellow Gums ($5,000).

Councillors will also consider delaying the donation of shire land to the Winchelsea and Torquay State Emergency Services Units, but moving ahead with a plan to name a shared pathway within Torquay’s The Quay 2 Estate “Middleton’s Walk”.

Surf Coast’s Road Management Plan, which guides the maintenance of streets and roads, is up for review, while Angelsea landfill contracts, an Investment Policy and CEO Reimbursement Policy are among other items on the agenda.

The monthly meeting will be livestreamed tonight, June 24, from 6pm via the Surf Coast Shire council’s website.