Council briefs

Work to start on library

AW Nicholson Pty Ltd was the successful tenderer for the hub, which will include a state-of-the-art library, community spaces, maternal and child health services, art spaces and an outdoor courtyard.

The $7.25 million project has received $5 million from the State Government, $2.425 million from Moorabool Shire Council, and $250,000 from community contributions.

Mayor Cr Ally Munari said it was exciting to award the tender for “this very important project”.

“This is a project for which Council has advocated strongly for some time, and we’re so pleased to see it kick off, with thanks to the Victorian Government for its generous contribution through its Growing Suburbs Fund, and to the community for money it has raised to help build the hub.” Cr Munari said.

Central Ward’s Cr Paul Tatchell, who represents Ballan and surrounds, said it was an exciting time for the area.

“I know the Ballan community is eagerly awaiting this new facility, and we’re very excited to deliver it for them,” Cr Tatchell said.

Consultation on name change

A 30-day community consultation process is set to begin, regarding potential renaming of the Elaine Recreation Reserve.

Council received a petition from 106 residents – approximately 45 per cent of Elaine’s population – to rename the Elaine Recreation Reserve to the ‘Ron Read Recreation Reserve’, in commemoration of the late Ron Read.

Mr Read passed away on 6 September 2021, and was a past President of the Elaine Recreation Reserve Community Asset Committee.

The petition notes that Mr Read was “a tireless worker for every community event, from working around the reserve, tending to our beautiful trees, watering them when there were period of no rainfall for months”.

“We feel that it would be a lasting tribute to a man who put in more than 30 years tending to his much loved reserve for the benefit of the entire community,” the petition reads.

Affected property owners will be consulted via direct mail from April to May, with written submissions from the general community to be accepted via Council’s Have Your Say website over the same period.

The motion was supported unanimously by Councillors, with the exception of Cr Tonia Dudzik, who was an apology and not present at the meeting.

Councillor portfolios to be considered

Moorabool Shire Councillors may be appointed to portfolios following October’s local government elections, after a motion was passed to investigate “the optimal portfolio structure”.

Noting that Council would shift from the current four-ward structure to an unsubdivided system, Cr Rod Ward said that the new structure “may cause some concern amongst some residents in the Shire that they no longer have elected ‘ward’ representatives to represent their best interests”.

“I consider it important that post the local elections in October 2024 that MSC [Moorabool Shire Council] residents would have an understanding of how they can seek support from their elected representatives for matters of concern, to provide feedback, or to seek clarity on issues that may be important to them,” Cr Ward’s motion said.

“The purpose of the portfolio model is to create collaboration with community and stakeholders, and to support the implementation of Council’s strategic directions aligned with the portfolio subject area.

“It should also create opportunities for increased partnerships and innovation.”

Some portfolios in place at other councils mentioned by Cr Ward include Heritage, Arts, Education & Culture, Finance, Audit & Risk, and Sport, Recreation & Leisure Advisory.

The motion requesting Council’s CEO prepare a report on the matter was approved with the votes of Crs Ally Munari, David Edwards, Rod Ward, and Paul Tatchell.