>> MAYOR LIZ PATTISON: Welcome to our November Council meeting.
I'm Mayor Liz Pattison and it's a pleasure to welcome
members of the community into the Chambers tonight.
This meeting is also being live streamed so a big
welcome to those tuning in online and of course
welcome to my fellow Councillors.
Live captioning will accompany the live stream and the
Council Chamber is fitted with a hearing loop, which
transmits directly to hearing aids. We hope that this
assists those who may have hearing difficulties.
The Surf Coast Shire local government area spans the
traditional lands of the Wadawurrung People and the
Gulidjan and Gadubanud Peoples of the Maar nation.
I would like to acknowledge that here in Torquay at the
main Council office, we are gathered on Wadawurrung
Country. I pay my respects to Elders, past, present
and emerging.
The Wadawurrung People have nurtured and protected
these lands and waterways for thousands of
generations, and I am so grateful for the opportunity
to live and work in such a beautiful part of the world.
We also wish to acknowledge the Traditional Owners of
the lands on which each person is attending and
acknowledge any Aboriginal people who may be viewing
the meeting tonight.
What an exciting time for Surf Coast as we host the
Volleyball World Pro Beach Tour. From tomorrow,
Torquey will be buzzing with activity when Volleyfest
descends on our foreshore for 12 days. The tour
features the world's top teams and the Australian
Beach Volleyball Tour event is one of six premier
elite domestic events staged around the country.
And I'm going to be there on Sunday.
I'm looking forward to enjoying it and hope you can as
well.
A big congratulations to our recent Year 12 graduates,
what a huge year it has been, and I hope you're proud
of your achievements. I'm looking forward to
graduates celebrating in the Surf Coast and we welcome
you to our beautiful region. A big thank you to the
Lorne community for all the support you provide our
visitors during this exciting time.
Over the last few weeks we have experienced
significant weather incidents and I want to thank the
community for your patience over this time with the
suspension of the road management plan. Keep looking
after yourselves and stay safe on the roads.
And a final comment, this Council meeting is my first
as Mayor and I'm looking forward to working positively
and constructively with my fellow Councillors over
the next 12 months.
And now to our agenda for tonight, so let's get
underway.
We have Council process I'll go through.
Council meetings operate according to our adopted
Governance Rules, which include the following
procedures:
During the meeting, the mover of a motion or an
amendment may speak for a maximum of 5 minutes to open
the debate, and then a further 2 minutes to make a
closing statement.
Any other Councillor, including the seconder, may
speak to a motion for no more than 3 minutes.
Councillors are committed to our roles, accountable to
the community and at all times aim to be respectful
and ethical in all that we do. Our decisions and
debate will adhere to these values and principles.
With that in mind, and in line with our Governance
Rules, I would like to recite the Pledge as a sign of
our commitment.
As Councillors we carry out our responsibilities with
diligence and integrity and make fair decisions of
lasting value for the wellbeing of our community and
environment.
Now, apologies?
We don't have any apologies for tonight.
Counselor Wellington will be attending the meeting.
We'll progress on with that.
And move on to confirmation of minutes.
Can I please have a mover and seconder to confirm the
minutes of our Council meeting held on Tuesday 25th of
October and Tuesday the 15th of November.
Moved by counselor Allen and seconded by counselor
Hodge.
All those in favour?
Thank you.
And the motion is carried unanimously.
Do I have any leave of absence requests?
No.
Declaration of conflicts of interest.
If a counselor or an officer has a conflict of interest
they must declare it now.
And do so again just prior to the item being
discussed. The Councillor and or officer will be
requested to leave Chambers or for those online to be
placed by the host in a virtual waiting room whilst the
matter is being considered. Once the matter is
resolved, the Councillor and or officer will be
returned to the meeting.
Are there any declarations of conflicts of interest in
relation to tonight's agenda?
No.
If any conflicts arise, please let me know.
Now, any presentations?
>> Yes, mayor.
I do.
I'd like to pass on my condolences to the family of
John McDonald.
One of the greatest members I've seen on Council.
He was on school Councils community and sporting clubs.
He was initially a member of APEX and held many
positions on several organisations.
He was a three times president, recipient of the Paul
Harris award.
In the lions, he was the chair of the lion's village.
Just a couple weeks ago that counselor Schonfelder and
I were there.
He'll be missed at the lion's village.
He worked as a coordinator.
Initiated the U3A and was president.
He helped organise the Torquay food aid and local
legend two years ago in the Surf Coast Shire.
Volunteering and hours served was inspiring and had
major fundraisers at the book fair.
He was terrific at complex organising skills as well as
hands on.
He was a champion sausage Sizzler as well.
He also started the relay for life in Torquay.
I've enjoyed his dry sense of humor and he will be
sadly missed by his two children and his companion,
Maggi. His funeral is tomorrow.
And many people said he only had one short coming.
He leaves a large legacy.
So to all the organisations, his family and Maggi, he
will be missed and we will remember him.
Thank you.
>> LIZ PATTISON: Thanks for sharing that.
We move on to public question time CHLT The next agenda
item is public question time.
Members of the public who wish to ask a question to
Council are able to submit their written question in
accordance with Council's Governance Rules.
We have had 1 community member submit questions and we
have 2 in total to address.
The questions are from Catherine Williamson.
I'll read out the first question and we'll response and
go from there.
How will Council ensure storm water flow from any
future residential estates fully complies with the
policy of 2020?
The Surf Coast planning policy and new APA dock 1739.1
storm water management guidance?
I will defer to our CEO Robyn Seymour.
>> There's work for us to do in this space.
>> Thank you.
Would it be okay if you asked the second question?
>> LIZ PATTISON: No worries.
That's the first question.
I'll read out the second question and we'll go from there.
How will Council ensure all storm water management
plans submitted for their consideration have been
written after the implementation of the new regulatory
arrangements marine and coastal policy of 2020 based on
recent data and compliance and plans are not relied and
information resubmitted?
>> So I'm going to have to provide general comments and
we'll commit to a written response after the meeting.
Unfortunately, we have a small storm water team dealing
with the implications of wet weather at the moment.
And I haven't been able to consult with them to a
detail I'm satisfied.
We'll address some of the details of the questions.
Some general comments though.
We do as part of any new development assess the storm
water design and management plans against relevant
policies and standards.
And we would also seek the relevant information of
applicants they lodge the applications.
The challenge is around the alignment of timing when
the information is provided and if there are any
changes to regulations that apply.
So I think it's fair to say there's a principle we want
to be compliant with all of those policies.
If there's guidance, draw on that guidance too and do
the best job we can.
We're open to the scrutiny of the regulating agencies
in this space.
Personally, I've spoken in other forums most recently
of the current wetlands and open to the fact Council --
and applying those improvements to new developments.
But, of course, there are quite specific policies
referenced in the questions.
So I'd like to have the opportunity on consult to where
with our storm water specialist.
However, I would also say I am aware of some public
concern being expressed with regard to an amendment to
a development plan in Torquay, variety drive at the
moment.
We are in the midst of engagement process there.
There are details on our web site.
If this question happens to be in connection to that or
any other planning application, we'd welcome
Catherine's input to that process.
If there are inadequacies or proposed, really happy to
hear about that.
And I can offer Council's infrastructure would be happy
to discuss these issues in great are detail as we
strengthen our policies and I'll make sure we include
the details in their response.
>> LIZ PATTISON: Thank you for that.
Now we move on.
Any petitions?
And no notice of motions from counselors tonight.
We move into the reports for the agenda.
The first report we have is our road safety strategy
2022-2027.
And our first report tonight is requesting Council
receives progress reports and adopts the road safety
strategy and action plan 2022-2027.
Does anyone wish to move a motion noting that there is
an alternative has been circulated?
And our governance is putting that one up on the screen
there.
Thank you.
Is that per the displayed motion?
>> ADRIAN SCHONFELDER: Yes, ma'am.
>> LIZ PATTISON: Do I have a seconder?
Thank you, counselor Allen.
Would you like to speak to the motion?
>> ADRIAN SCHONFELDER: Yes, please.
Perhaps I should read the addition or the amendment is
the Council adopts the road safety strategy and action
plan 2022-2027 subject to 1.1 the mayor's introduction
to reflect the current mayor counselor Ms.
Pattison.
And reflects the Surf Coast population as 37,623.
If I may, mayor, I'd like to congratulate you on your
election.
Take this opportunity and wish you and the deputy mayor
all the very best for this year.
In relation to this, I'd like to speak about the
background and simply say the Surf Coast Shire Council
aspires to establish and maintain a safe road network
for all users including drivers, pedestrians and
cyclists, cancels current road safety strategy and
action plan was developed and adopted in 2016 and has
now expired.
For Council to continue to deliver on these
aspirations, the development of a new road safety
strategy and action plan was required.
In 2021, transport accident commission became available to help
support the funding of the development of strategic
Council documents such as road safety strategies.
Officers identified this as an opportunity to fund the
update of the current strategy for the next five years
to help guide improved safety on Council roads. Council
officers were successful in obtaining the TAC grant.
The development of the strategy included the review of
the previous road safety strategy.
2016-2021.
Analysis of department of transport records have
reported casualty caches initially over -- crashes
initially over a ten-year period.
The development of the strategy has been overseen by a
steering committee.
External consultant was engaged to undertake the
development of the strategy.
The review was particularly important as there is a
need for Council's road safety policies to adopt to
meet the continuous changes of population growth, aging
population, increasing diverse road users, cyclists
using network, increasing international and tourist
drivers, and emerging forms of transports.
The strategy aligns with and enhances state and federal
strategies as well as the transport commission's safe
system approach and includes an action plan shaped by
broad consultation.
Now, I can speak at length about this item mayor.
I think it's important to highlight the goals that the
strategy maintains.
And they include reducing fatalities and serious
injuries where speed is a contributing factor.
Also make rural roads safe.
Prepare the road network for the increase connectivity
and automation of vehicles.
Improve intersection designs to improve survive
ability.
Improve pedestrian and cyclist infrastructure and
safety.
Ensure unprotected and vulnerable road users are
supported by the road system not impacted buyers.
Create accessible communities.
Prepare the network for increased aid mobility.
Reduce fatalities and services injuries where speed,
alcohol and/or drugs are involved.
Also to reduce fatalities and serious injuries -- bear
with me one moment.
Reduce fatalities and serious injuries where drivers
engaged in different bodies.
I'm not sure with that one --
>> LIZ PATTISON: That's all right.
We've reached the time.
Thanks for a great summary there.
Thank you.
And counselor Allen.
>> GARY ALLEN: Thank you, chair.
Given our growing aging and seasonal population mix,
road safety is a matter of high priority for the
Council.
And given limited resources, the effective targeting of
these resources is a significant issue.
The strategy and action plan informs the Council or the
current safety challenges.
It is the increasingly diverse profile of our road
users that I wish to highlight this evening.
Taking this opportunity to focus upon our rural roads
particularly on the unsealed roads with multiple use.
Note that in the community consultationconsultation,
60% or the largest percentage of the response ants
identified rural roads as the highest priority.
With 45% of respondents stating the maintenance of
rural roads was in their top three priorities.
And I note that the maintenance of our roads and the
safety of our roads are linked.
My concern is several of our unsealed roads are used by
heavy vehicles particularly logging trucks.
There is currently a high demand for locally sourced
building materials increasing the frequently of logging
trucks using the outlet roads leading to a significant
deterioration of the state of these roads used by
resilience and by tourists as an alternative route to
the great ocean road.
It's perhaps the tourists that give the greatest
concern as at least the local users are aware of the
problems and the blind spots. As a frequent user of the
do you knows Marshal long road, I have experienced two
close call both involving impatient drivers of heavy
vehicles.
One being last week where speed and driving over the
double lines caused a near collision.
The report respondance called for greater use of public
transport leading to improved safety.
May I take the opportunity here to support the call for
more frequent call for bus service thus reducing the
volume of traffic on this road.
And in doing so, the tireless advocacy work of Juliet
Beaty in support of the service.
I'm very pleased to note that unsealed roads are
identified as one of the strategic focus areas in the
action plan.
With goal two listed as making remote and rural roads
safer with a target of completing safety inspections of
all rural and remote roads by 2027.
May I finish tying two things together?
With the call of inspection of unsealed roads used by
the logging trucks to be a number one priority.
Thank you.
>> LIZ PATTISON: Thanks, counselor Allen.
Any other counselors who wish to speak to the motion?
Counselor Wellington.
>> HEATHER WELLINGTON: Thank you very much.
The first thing I will say is I'm extremely pleased to
see the focus on sealed roads in this strategy.
Roads are a critical issue for anyone across the Shire.
It hasn't really attracted the attention in my view.
I don't think it's any surprise the community
engagement is a significant safety issue.
The condition of the roads is partly that comfort and
that safety.
It's been one of the key problems in our resident
satisfaction survey for the whole time I've been on
Council coming up on 12 years.
And I pointed that out at each residence satisfaction.
It's often been met with people's expectations are too
high and don't agree with that.
Very nice looking road in this strategy on page 27 that
I can assure those who are familiar, not all of our
roads look like that.
The majority probably don't.
And after this recent rain, we have got a really
substantial problem both now into the future.
Caused acceleration of damage on the unsealed road
network.
And we haven't got the resources to deal with it in the
budget.
So I know this year there was an extra 900,000 or a
million dollars put into the budget to focus on the
unsealed road network.
We have a messy backlog in that area.
And we really haven't got enough on resources to
maintain and renew the network in the way it ought to
be done.
I think that -- so I'm pleased to see that focus.
I still don't know where the resources are going to
come from to address the actions identified in this
plan.
It's a challenge for this Council.
We're looking at additional deficit associated with the
pool.
That money's got to come from somewhere.
I don't want it coming from unsealed road maintenance
or renewal.
We need to invest more in that area.
I've got the data in here were interesting.
The question involving animals, I think that's a
significant issue particularly in Torquay where native
animals have been crowded out by development.
We haven't got the opportunities for those animals to
be safe and that's a particular issue along this road.
We've got -- I'm not sure of the methodology whether
that's going to be helpful.
We need to look at that.
I think the data are very small numbers.
Hard to draw conclusions.
There is some weighted data in this report which I
found interesting.
And it talks about the types of crashes that are
causing problems.
There's a couple -- some of the performance measures
seem to relate to other levels of government such as
Victoria police in terms of enforcement of alcohol and
drug and speed issues on the road.
And really, my biggest question is how will the cost of
these actions be funded?
There's no reference to resources in the report that I
could find.
And the final remark is that the title of it, which may
seem trivial, posting towards zero I presume is a play
on the notion that we're the Surf Coast.
To me, this is like everything else we do is really
important.
Maintaining our rural roads is important.
We can't view it something we're coasting towards.
And I think titles and messaging are important. And I'm
not keen on the title of the strategic plan.
>> LIZ PATTISON: Thank you.
You are a minute over now.
I'll get you to finish up.
Thank you.
Do I have any other counselors that wish to speak?
Counselor Bodsworth?
>> MIKE BODSWORTH: Thank you, mayor.
I want to focus on the strategic importance of this and
particularly that it provides a strategic basis for
prioritising and planning actions and also that we've
got a good track record in using this strategy to
secure external funding.
And I note in the strategy that that's one of the aims
is to bring this strategic approach to funding
applications and try and secure more funding for
strategic road safety actions.
I'd like to address counselor Wellington's concerns
about possible eye rolling in relation to the
importance of unsealed rural roads which I haven't seen
myself.
I haven't seen any eye rolling and never heard
scepticism about that as an important issue.
Obviously, in a heavily resourced environment, I
actually think the extra money that's been put into
that is significant.
And the extra emphasis on standards and specifications
and the kind of grading specs and standards we're
looking at to get more from less funding is really
significant there as well.
Returning to the strategic side of this.
There's one thing which is conspicuous to me.
And that is mobility devices like these scooters.
And there, I think, there's a failure of leadership at
the state level on that.
And I look forward to in the reviews to us having the
opportunity to look at some guidance from higher
levels.
And try and address that really important issue.
I presume it's not in there mainly because these
scooters are not legal off private property at the
moment.
You are not allowed to ride them off private property.
As we all know, they are all over the place.
We're going to see an explosion in use of those devices
over the next few years.
I hope the other authorities that sit in a
high-strategic position on road safety can catch up
with where things are at on the ground.
Otherwise, I strongly support this and our adoption of
it.
Thanks.
>> LIZ PATTISON: Thank you.
And counselor Gazzard.
>> KATE GAZZARD: Thanks, mayor.
I support this document.
I think it's really important piece.
Obviously, the target of zero is very difficult and I
was upset but not surprised to see Victoria holds high
last year at 222 already and we're not even in the
Christmas period.
I think everyone knows someone who has been affected by
a car crash.
And the effects of it are far reaching.
Not just the death toll which is a tragedy and a big
number but any injury sustained in a car crash can be
severe and debilitating and completely life changing.
I've been involved in a lot of traumas in the emergency
department.
And it's traumatic.
It seems obvious but emotionally as well as the
physical trauma of it.
And the things from a medical point of view we look at
are when you get a trauma call in, in my case, it's
usually a child coming in to the children's hospital.
We want to know the speed of the crash, whether they
were wearing a seat belt, whether there was a death of
another occupant, whether the air bags were deployed
and whether there was cabin intrusion of the vehicle.
From that point of view, if you have any of those
factors, the higher the risk of injury and death.
So we can mitigate those by reducing speed limits by
improving safety of cars.
By enforcing seat belts and alcohol restrictions and
education of everyone.
So it's a joint effort at all levels of government and
definitely challenges particularly around increasing
construction costs.
And back to seal more of our roads but maintaining the
pot holes and everything with all the weather events
we've had have been dramatic.
So comes with a lot of challenges.
I think working towards a goal of zero deaths on the
roads is admirable and what we should be aiming for.
Thank you to the officers who prepared this.
And I'll be voting for it.
>> LIZ PATTISON: Thank you.
Counselor Schonfedler, closing remark?
>> ADRIAN SCHONFELDER: Yes, please.
The last goal I had written down was to reduce
fatalities and serious injuries where drivers engage in
distracting behaviour.
And that's something that is so important to try and
prevent any type of accidents taking place.
I think it's also important to emphasise different
bodies in relation to the road safety strategy such as
the department of transport which is the owner and has
jurisdiction over many of our roads including the
prince's highway and the gradeation road. I do thank
the counselors for their contribution.
And I have a very high regard and respect for
importance of roads in our Shire exhibited from the
counselor group.
Thank you, mayor.
>> LIZ PATTISON: Thank you.
All those in favour of the motion?
And the motion is carried.
We move on to our tree risk management plan.
Endorse the tree risk management plan five year review
and to commence community consultation.
Anyone wish to move a motion?
Thank you counselor Bodsworth.
Is that as per the recommendation?
>> MIKE BODSWORTH: Yes, mayor.
>> LIZ PATTISON: Seconder?
Thank you, counselor Schonfelder.
>> MIKE BODSWORTH: Tonight we're being asked to endorse
the five year review of tree management plan for four
week period.
And to note a report will be presented to us after that
consultation period.
And to me, this is a great example of a systematic
approach to risk management.
It's a systematic approach to fulfilling our duty of
care.
Trees can be hazardous.
You can't get rid of them.
Need to manage them and the risk.
There's not a great deal I need to say about this.
All pretty clear in the tree risk management plan.
There's a lot of appreciation in the communities and
the groups of the work the tree crews do.
We have a number of arborists on our team.
We have the systematic approach but the specialists and
trained personnel to put it into action.
It's also worth noting our part of the world, our mu
anies at that time is --
municipality is known for this and essential for us to
retain that character and manage the risk.
One of the reasons why this systematic approach that's
exemplified in the tree management plan interests me is
it's the kind of systematic approach we can take in
other classes other than trees.
There are lots of categories out there we manage.
And this kind of approach including, for example, the
trained personnel and trained inspection abilities and
things like that is something we can bring across other
hazard categories as our risk management capacity.
So one other thing that I'll note that I inquired about
was the time frame for followup works and that we have
some longer time frames there.
But there's also time frames for urgent actions.
For example, if a tree up above a picnic table that
requires urgent inspection, from memory, four-hour
inspection time frame on those.
All in all, I think this is a really good piece of
work.
Fantastic approach.
I thank the staff who helped to implement it and I
recommend it to you.
Thanks.
>> LIZ PATTISON: Thank you.
Counselor Schonfelder.
>> ADRIAN SCHONFELDER: Second.
I shall reserve my right to speak.
>> LIZ PATTISON: Any other counselors wish to speak?
Counselor Allen.
>> GARY ALLEN: Thanks, chair.
The matter of tree removal is a hot topic in our
communities.
Particularly in lawn.
The tree canape is very much part of lawn's unique
character.
And I appreciate that the Council's need is to balance
the acidic and environmental value of trees with the
safety of the public and the protection of our assets
clearly in mind.
However, we should be mindful that the value of trees
is all too often under valued.
Clearly the Council is not responsible for all trees.
And for the purpose of this tree risk management plan,
Council manage trees on land managed and maintained by
the Council.
I think it's important for the community to realise
we're obliged to undertake this plan to review it every
five years as an obligation from flowing out of the
coroner's report following a tragic fatality of 2013 by
the following of a large tree limb.
The plan is set out a system of the Council to inspect,
identify, evaluate the health condition and defects
that may contribute to the structural of the trees.
The plan clearly articulates the roles of various
authorities, the scope and guiding principles
underlying tree management.
I would really encourage residents in the Shire to
respond to the plan.
If endorsed this evening, there will be a four-week
consultation period beginning on Monday the 23rd of
January. And I'll encourage all residents to be
involved.
Thank you.
>> LIZ PATTISON: Thank you, counselor Allen.
Counselor Wellington.
>> HEATHER WELLINGTON: I saw counselor Gazzard had her
hand up.
I'm happy for this to go out to public consultation.
As counselor Allen just said, this refers to trees
managed by Council on Council land.
It sort of has a focus on trees and their impact on
public assets.
Obviously, that would include trees that are on public
land adjacent to private asset such as people's homes.
It's not really that explicit I don't think in the plan
but any tree if it were to fall has a potential impact
on somebody's private adjacent property particularly a
home or a backyard or whatever.
That is our responsibility and should be included in
the plan.
And I think it probably is, actually, implicit.
Just not emphasised that much.
The footnote is 2017.
That's a comment for Council officers before it gets
circulated.
That needs to be amended to draft 2022.
The other thing is page 69 of the papers, there's a
discussion around suspension of the plan.
And more or less implies that under the wrongs act, it
kind of has that same sense we have in the road
management plan that the road management plan as long
as we make our best efforts to achieve it, we won't be
found to be liable under the wrongs act.
And we can suspend the plan as we have done recently
with the rain events that we've had.
We've been focused on prevention and remediation rather
than maintaining the road management plan.
I'm not an expert on the wrongs act by any means.
It reads to me a bit emphatically in that there's some
regulatory process.
I'm not sure that is the case.
By reading of that section of the wrongs act.
I have read it in isolation.
Despite being involved in medicine and law, I'm not
involved in legal medicine at all.
I just question whether there's too much emphasis on
the implementation of that section of the wrongs act.
And I'll be happy to hear what the community's got to
say.
My experience about queries is they are extremely
responsive and people are concerned about private
property and responded appropriately.
I think we've got the systems in place but I'll be
interested to hear what the community has to say about
it.
And the golf course, I should mention there was quite a
lot of trees there the golf club was concerned about.
And worked effectively on those.
Thank you.
>> LIZ PATTISON: Thank you.
Counselor Zazzard.
>> KATE GAZZARD: Thank you.
Counselor Allen kind of covered everything I was going
to say.
I think the trees are so integral to the character of
our towns.
I think this has a good balance of riskofrisk
management.
Andd like to ask the community to give us feedback.
It will be interesting with more extreme weather events
and more trees just fall down with the soil being so
wet.
This might need to come into play a lot more than we've
been used to.
So important that we get it right.
Thank you.
>> LIZ PATTISON: Thank you.
Counselor Bodsworth, do you wish to make a closing
statement?
>> MIKE BODSWORTH: Just to say the counselors have
raised important points there and I thank them for that
input.
I agree with counselor Allen.
Would be great if people out there can take an interest
in that and provide their comments.
And to agree with counselor Gazzard, it has been a hard
season on the trees.
And my thoughts go out it the trees that have been
blown over and water logged and abused over the last
few months.
>> LIZ PATTISON: Thank you.
All those in favour?
And the motion is carried unanimously.
We move on to 4.3.
Positive aging advisory committee member for further
year term. Anyone wish to make a motion?
Counselor Allen, would you like to speak?
>> GARY ALLEN: Thanks, chair.
It's a great pleasure I have in moving the appointment
for second term of Lynn Ba -- Lyn Batson.
She joined the committee in 2019 and delighted she's
agreed to serve a second term.
I believe her willingness and the willingness of many
others to seek reappointment is very positive.
second term. I believe her willingness and the
willingness of many others to seek reappointment is
very positive.
About the role this committee is advising.
Lyn is a very active member of the community and
contributing to neighbouring communities.
She is an active member of the community network and a
positive proactive participant in her community.
It's my pleasure in moving her reappointment.
>> ROSE HODGE: I will thank Lyn for her work and work
in the future.
It is great to see how people volunteer and make these
committees with their experience and their forward
thinking make these committees worthwhile.
I'd like to thank her and the other members.
To put her hand up again is terrific.
>> LIZ PATTISON: Any other counselors like to speak to
the motion?
Counselor Wellington.
>> HEATHER WELLINGTON: I'd like to endorse those
comments made.
Lyn is a great contributor to the community.
And so many of those volunteers that contribute to so
many different committees.
And she makes a fantastic contribution.
Really pleased to see her continuing her interest and
commitment.
>> LIZ PATTISON: Thank you.
Counselor Allen, do you wish to make a closing
statement?
>> GARY ALLEN: I should have mentioned her contribution
to the mad hatter's tea party during the positive aging
month.
She helped contribute to that wonderful occasion.
Just an example of her willingness to help other
communities.
Thank you.
>> LIZ PATTISON: That's great.
Thanks.
All those in favour?
The motion is carried unanimously.
Next report is requesting Council to accept the
resignations of members and appoint new members to the
Deans Marsh Hall and the Globe Theatre.
Counselor Allen.
And do I have a seconder?
Counselor Wellington.
Counselor Allen, do you wish to speak?
>> GARY ALLEN: Thanks, chair.
We accept the resignation of Victor GoldStein with a
great deal of regret.
Coordinating markets and festivals in the past.
He was appointed to the whole community asset committee
in 2019 volunteering for roles as both the booking and
the maintenance officer on that committee.
His commitment will be solely missed.
And I thank him for his varied contributions.
We're delighted to endorse two new members of the
community whole memorial reserve.
Tom Reid.
Tom's been a resident for approximately 25 years.
And was a member of the whole committee prior to the
formation of the asset committee.
Tom has taken an important leadership role in the
cricket club. And James Morton.
Currently, chief financial officer in private
enterprise.
Will bring business and financial expertise to that
committee.
Also listed in the report is the resignation of Phil
Meurer from the Stribling Reserve.
He joined in 2017 bringing his immense administrative
skills from his role as a CEO. He has great attention
to detail and a long-term perspective.
Most importantly, he's a very humble and warm person
whose contributions will be sorely missed.
Phil was part of the project control group for the
Stribling Reserve development that steered this to mere
completion.
Wonderful job he did.
And I'm sure that counselor Wellington will refer to
the contributors.
Thanks.
>> LIZ PATTISON: Thanks.
Counselor Wellington.
>> HEATHER WELLINGTON: Thanks very much.
First of all to accept the resignation of Glenn
Morrison and thank him for his contribution.
The Globe Theater is a really significant building.
It plays a very important community function now.
It was originally built by the father of Marjorie
Lawrence.
And Marjorie Lawrence became an opera singer.
And built by her father to enable her to do public
performances.
Really important historic building.
As long as I've been a counselor and much longer than
that, it's been managed by committee of management and
community asset committee.
They've done fantastic job.
Sort of ensuring its upgrades to provide really good
facilities for the community.
And it's really used a lot sorts of things, karate to
all-time dancing and the annual society presentation.
There's musical events and it's a really actively used
facility.
I'd like to thank Glenn for his contribution and note
this team-based approach to the workman aging that
which is really appreciated.
Trevor Brown, excuse me, has been a long-term member of
that committee.
And Trevor sadly passed away.
I spoke about that the last Council meeting when I
recognised Trevor's contribution.
He and his wife Helen, were fantastic contributor to
that community.
To acknowledge the incredible work Trevor did working
with that committee and other community groups over the
years.
Ray King, have worked so hard for this facility and for
that committee.
And he's been there supporting Maureen and helping the
community access that facility.
And he's agreed to come back on to the committee which
is really nice.
Very much appreciated.
They were great mates as I understand it.
Trevor will be very much missed.
Will be nice to have Ray back on the committee
continuing his work to make that a great facility.
Thank you.
>> LIZ PATTISON: Thank you.
Any other counselors who wish to speak?
Counselor Stapleton.
>> LIBBY STAPLETON: Thank you, mayor.
I would like to echo those sentiments and take the
opportunity to welcome the new committee members.
And also to thank those who have served as counselor
Allen and counselor Wellington said.
They make enormous contribution to the community.
And been on a community asset committee myself prior to
my time on Council, there's many people who I think go
unnoticed who are making such a substantial
contribution to our communities.
And these asset committees provide in each of our
townships a really important space for community to
come together and to connect and run all sorts of
wonderful events and programs.
And I think it's good to put a shout out there to all
people across the community who are working on those
asset committees and thank them for their service.
Thank you.
>> LIZ PATTISON: Thank you.
Counselor Allen, any closing statements?
>> GARY ALLEN: Just perhaps simply to say, mayor, we
look forward to visiting Deans Marsh tomorrow when most
of the counselors and officers will be attending to
have a look around the community and facilities.
>> LIZ PATTISON: That will be great.
Thank you.
All those in favour?
And the motion is carried unanimously.
We move on to our next report.
The consideration of the adoption of schedule of
Council meetings of 2023.
Mover of this motion?
Counselor Stapleton.
Do I have a seconder?
Counselor Bodsworth.
Counselor Stapleton.
>> LIBBY STAPLETON: Thank you, mayor.
Fairly straight forward report.
I welcome the proposed dates for 2023.
I think the important thing to note is the prospect of
taking Council meetings out to wards next year
highlighted in this report.
At least one meeting will be held in each ward at a
date to be determined. One of the dates listed on the
calendar ahead of it.
This is something I know Council has done in the past.
But the introduction of live streaming made it
difficult to continue.
So it's not been offered in recent years.
But I am aware many of my fellow counselors have
expressed a desire to have more community meetings with
Council out in the community.
I'm confident the motion will be supported.
It's a really exciting opportunity to actually take
counselor genders into community and have more people.
We welcome people to come to talk.
Would be terrific to see locals.
Have the opportunity to not travel so far and attend a
Council meeting in person.
Listen to the discussion and the debate and learn a bit
more about what goes on at Council.
Obviously, the past couple of years with Covid have
made it difficult to get out and about.
We're in a better position to do that now.
And, yeah, I'm looking forward to it.
Other than that, all others would continue to be held
in Torquay hybrid options for counselors and the live
streaming for our community unable to attend in person.
>> LIZ PATTISON: Thank you.
And counselor Bodsworth.
>> MIKE BODSWORTH: Thanks, mayor.
I really just want to echo counselor Stapleton's
comments.
I'm excited about the meetings in the wards.
One per quarter.
I find that over the past two years on the Council, I
found those times when you are together in the same
room with community members in own communities the best
time that I've spent.
So I hope that same kind of feeling comes into the
Council meetings in the wards and we get that great
exchange and personal contact that helps to make the
whole thing more real for people and I think it's more
regarding for us as well.
>> LIZ PATTISON: Thank you.
Any other counselors wish to speak to the motion?
No.
Closing remark counselor Stapleton?
Great.
All those in favour?
The motion is carried unanimously.
We now move on to item 4.6 which is requesting Council
to receive and note the September quarterly budget
report for the 2023-23 financial year.
This includes the comprehensive income statement,
balance sheet, statement of cash flows, statement of
changes in equity and statement of capital works. Do I
have a mover of this motion?
Counselor Schonfelder.
Is it per the recommendation?
>> ADRIAN SCHONFELDER: Yes, ma'am.
>> LIZ PATTISON: Do I have a seconder?
Counselor Stapleton.
>> I think counselor Gazzard.
>> LIZ PATTISON: Counselor Schonfelder, do you wish to
speak?
>> ADRIAN SCHONFELDER: No thank you.
>> LIZ PATTISON: Do you wish to speak to the motion?
>> KATE GAZZARD: Thank you.
To highlight the increase pressure of construction
costs and weather events causing increased damage to
our road networks and increased pot holes.
That cost is going to be above what's been budgeted and
we'll have to work with that as it happens.
Not much we can do about the weather.
I guess mitigating the damage where possible and
dealing with it as it comes.
>> LIZ PATTISON: Thank you.
Any other counselors wish to speak to the motion?
No?
Closing remark?
>> ADRIAN SCHONFELDER: No, thank you.
>> LIZ PATTISON: All those in favour?
The motion is carried unanimously.
Moving along.
Next report contains proposed budget adjustments and
cash reserve transfers for Council ratification and
approval relating to the 2022-23 financial year.
The report presents the funding sources for all
adjustments.
Mover of the motion?
Counselor Schonfelder.
Is it per the recommendation?
>> ADRIAN SCHONFELDER: Yes.
>> LIZ PATTISON: Do I have a seconder?
Counselor Bodsworth.
Counselor Schonfelder, do you wish to speak?
>> ADRIAN SCHONFELDER: I'll reserve my right.
Thank you.
>> LIZ PATTISON: Counselor Bodsworth?
>> MIKE BODSWORTH: No comments.
Thank you, mayor.
>> LIZ PATTISON: Any other counselor wish to speak to
the motion?
No?
I'll put the motion to the vote.
All those in favour?
The motion is carried unanimously.
Next report is to seek Council's approval to award
contract of T23-008 supply of crushed rock and recycled
materials. Do I have a mover and a motion?
Counselor Allen.
Per the recommendation?
>> GARY ALLEN: As per the recommendation.
>> LIZ PATTISON: And I do note to the community and
counselors and those watching that there was redacted
components to this recommendation in the public
agenda.
And the full recommendation is now displayed on the
screen.
That's what counselor Allen has moved.
Do I have a seconder?
Counselor Bodsworth.
Counselor Allen, would you like to speak to the motion?
>> GARY ALLEN: As listed in the officer's report, we
have a successful tender.
Crushed rock and recycled material is essential for
maintenance.
Foot paths, drains, roads.
The contract being for initial three years with a
possible two-year extension.
And most importantly, the acceptance of this allows for
completion of projects to scope and within budget which
is very important consideration.
Thank you.
>> LIZ PATTISON: Thank you, counselor Allen.
Do you wish to speak to the motion?
>> MIKE BODSWORTH: I'd like to also highlight the
tendering procurement information that's now in the
open section of our agendas and that it provides
greater transparency around these important procurement
decisions.
So I welcome that as far as the content of this one, I
note including supplies who have been on existing
contracts with us.
And I'm confident from the report that this
recommendation holds up and we should support it.
>> LIZ PATTISON: Thank you.
Any other counselors wish to speak to the motion?
Counselor Allen, any closing remarks?
>> GARY ALLEN: No.
Just I'm getting used to the new process too.
May take some time.
>> LIZ PATTISON: All those in favour?
The motion is carried unanimously.
Moving along.
We have a few of these contracts.
4.9 is seeking Council's approval to approve T23-021
environmental land and roadside pest plant and animal
management services.
Do I have a mover of the motion?
Counselor Stapleton.
Do I have a seconder?
Counselor Schonfelder.
Do you wish to speak to the motion?
>> LIBBY STAPLETON: I will.
Thank you, mayor.
Just to note pest plants and animals have significant
adverse environmental impacts not just in the Surf
Coast but Australia causing damage to natural
landscapes, agricultural land, waterways and coastal
areas.
Important we have this contract in place to undertake
regular work to prevent new and emerging pest plants
and animal infestations in the Shire.
I understand a panel of 8 qualified and experienced
contractors have been recommended and this will ensure
Council meets legal obligations, acts as a good
neighbour and helps to protect the environment.
The recommendation before us is a result of
considerable due diligence by officers.
A public tender process in line with our procurement
policy.
And I understand there were 12 submissions which have
been assessed by a panel.
And I'm really happy with the recommendations before
us.
>> LIZ PATTISON: That's great.
Would you like to speak counselor Schonfelder?
>> ADRIAN SCHONFELDER: I'd like to second and reserve
my right to speak.
>> LIZ PATTISON: Thank you.
Any other counselors wish to speak to the motion?
Counselor Wellington.
>> HEATHER WELLINGTON: Thank you.
I've just got a question.
I think it's excellent that we're putting more of this
information out into the public realm.
In the past, this would have been dealt with in
confidential business.
Really good for transparency we're only including
confidential business things that genuinely are in
confidence.
I wasn't sure the rational for the public agenda
documents having the actual tender's names redacted but
coming up on meeting.
I wondered why that was.
>> LIZ PATTISON: I'll refer that to our CEO.
>> Thank you, counselor.
Just for clarity, the minutes will reflect what you've
seen on the screen.
So it will become publically available, the detail.
The rational for why it's redacted in the first
instance is really this is our first thing into being
transparent.
We're taking a conservative approach.
We were wanting to ensure counselors had an opportunity
to consider the evaluations to the tender without that
being in the public domain and potentially those
successful or unsuccessful tenders reaching out to
counselors and providing that level of protection to
them.
This is a first step in a direction of transparency and
we'll monitor how it goes and look to adjust it in
future Council meetings.
>> HEATHER WELLINGTON: Thanks very much.
I'm not entirely convinced but I understand that and
will keep an eye on it and see.
It's my understanding there's vast differences between
Councils as how much of information is disclosed
publically and how much is done in confidential
business.
There's a general tendency for more and more to be put
in the public realm.
That's how it should be.
And so I do really support this very much.
There are some Councils who put all the dollar values
out and very transparent in this area.
I think we just need to keep an eye on this and make
sure we put out as much as we can in terms of the
importance of this.
Hugely important.
I've done a lot of work on rabbit management over the
years.
I think we're doing a pretty good job.
I've been down quite a bit of neighbouring Council
which I won't mention along the coast.
And been shocked at the rabbit infestations I'm seeing
further down on the coast.
And I think I don't see that around or not nearly as
much as we used to see around Shire.
We do a lot of work on it six or eight years ago.
And hopefully that's continuing to pay forward in terms
of controlling rabbits which really are the most
appalling pests and cause extensive environmental
damage and really not soft and cuddly things we need to
be protecting.
We need to be controlling them.
We're doing a better job of that.
Great to see the improvement in that area.
Hope there's contractors do a great job with all the
obnoxious weeds and all those things that are around
the Shire.
In the end, it will depend on how much we invest in
this.
But hopefully they will fulfill the requirements we
have of this contract and do a good job for the Shire
and the community.
>> LIZ PATTISON: Counselor Bodsworth.
>> MIKE BODSWORTH: I support the award of this contract
as recommended.
And just like to make a shout out to the contractors
who have tendered.
When I used to work at the great ocean coast committee
and working with contractors, they are all really
passionate about the work they do.
It's not only a business for them, they are bringing a
lot of passion and heart felt commitment to it and I
think without that, it can be a demoralizing business
to hold back the tide of pest, plant and animal
infestation.
Without that kind of passion and commitment.
That's on the contractor side of it.
On the staff side, there's a lot of passion and
commitment there as well.
We do have quite a small team running this program.
So they've got to work really hard to cover the
municipality and make hard decisions on prioritisation
given the resources they've got to use.
And the land holders out there who do a fantastic job
on pest, plant and animal control.
And finally, the environmental groups we have around
the Shire.
We have some real stand out environmental and land care
groups who make fantastic contribution in that space.
And to add as a funny coincidence I had a fox trot
across the road while I was TRAEFBLing in to the
meeting today.
Obviously, a sign.
That was at 4:30 in the afternoon.
Not meant to be out yet.
>> LIZ PATTISON: Thanks.
Counselor Stapleton, any closing remarks put to a vote.
All those in favour?
The motion is carried unanimously.
We have recommendation to assign higher powers of CEO
in relation to one specific 2022-23 capital works
project this order to avoid delays over the summer
period.
Mover of the motion?
Counselor Hodge.
Is that per the recommendation?
>> ROSE HODGE: Yes, ma'am.
>> LIZ PATTISON: Seconder?
Counselor Schonfelder.
Would you like to speak to the motion?
>> ROSE HODGE: Yes.
This is just the one off one for over January.
We don't want anything delayed.
Especially the black gate road.
If the grant comes in January, the CEO is able to go
ahead, sign the contracts and get things started
especially with the roads in the state.
Anything we can move along is important.
I recommend this and the CEO has the power to do that.
>> LIZ PATTISON: Thank you.
Counselor Schonfelder.
>> ADRIAN SCHONFELDER: Form aly second and reserve my
right.
>> LIZ PATTISON: Thank you.
Any other counselors wish to speak?
Put to a vote.
All those in favour?
The motion is carried unanimously.
Item 4.11.
Award T23-015 construction of the intersection, Surf
Coast highway and Coombes road.
Mover of the motion?
Counselor Hodge.
Do I have a seconder?
Counselor Schonfelder.
Counselor Hodge, would you like to speak?
>> ROSE HODGE: This is one of those other ones that
really needs to be done.
And I'm glad a contractor has been assigned to this
now.
I know people in Torquay don't want another set of
traffic lights but it is very dangerous.
With the traffic coming down over Christmas, hopefully
it's done M a time that works well with the traffic.
That will be interesting to see.
I'm glad this is finally happening on this intersection
on this highway.
Thank you.
>> LIZ PATTISON: Thank you.
Counselor Schonfelder.
>> ADRIAN SCHONFELDER: Very briefly that I would like
to reiterate the sentiments expressed by counselor
Hodge.
And as someone who drives along this road quite often,
I am mindful of how busy that road has become as well
as that intersection on the Surf Coast highway.
Thank you, mayor.
>> LIZ PATTISON: Thank you.
Any other counselors wish to speak to the motion?
Counselor Bodsworth.
>> MIKE BODSWORTH: Thanks, mayor.
Now I'm also glad to see this go ahead.
Half a minute to explain one misgiving.
It's a huge amount of money for an intersection.
To me, it exemplifies one of the down sides of a
sprawling car dependent suburban form.
And I note in the distinctive area and landscapes work
and retail and employment land strategy, higher density
precincts that are more cycleable and higher population
and smaller footprint is the kind of thing that can get
us a high level of activity without the kind of spread
out infrastructure that this is a good example of.
So in no way against the award of the project or
anything like that.
I just look forward to us exploring some of those
underlying financial sustainability issues in relation
to density a little bit more as we move forward.
Thanks.
>> LIZ PATTISON: Thank you.
Counselor Wellington.
>> HEATHER WELLINGTON: Thank you.
I think that issue of density in Torquay is going to be
a really critical and substantial conversation with the
community.
Obviously, the implementation means -- continue on the
projected growth levels, it means high density.
I don't think that conversation's really been had with
the Torquay community in any meaningful way, to be
honest.
And I think that it will most certainly need to be had
and there will have to be a real engagement of the
community.
What does it look like and what are the limits to it?
If we're not going to develop out and there's a
commitment to population growth and continuing some of
that growth into the Torquay area, the only alternative
is to increase the density of the town.
It's a really significant issue.
And we need to start that conversation with the
community. I think it wasn't really highlighted in the
process.
And should have been.
>> LIZ PATTISON: Thank you.
Counselor Hodge, before we vote, I wanted to clarify.
We have the recommendation back up.
Confirming this is the recommendation?
Great.
Would you have any closing remarks?
Put the motion to vote.
All those in favour?
And the motion is carried unanimously.
Conflict of interest records.
We have a recommendation to note the conflict of
interest records.
>> HEATHER WELLINGTON: In relation to that motion --
sorry to interrupt.
That motion had additional text in it that shouldn't be
included.
The one on the screen.
>> LIZ PATTISON: That's why we put it up to confirm we
had the correct text.
>> HEATHER WELLINGTON: It has additional text that says
dollar value to be added.
It has administrative text that shouldn't be in it.
>> LIZ PATTISON: Counselor?
>> There was remnant text from previous recommendation
left under point three.
It was supposed to stop at point three.
>> LIZ PATTISON: The one that was up there was the
tidied up corrected?
No?
Could we put that motion up again please.
>> HEATHER WELLINGTON: The one that was up had text in it.
That's why I raised it.
I noticed it as it was flicking off.
It's administrative issue.
Where it says value to be added in final report.
>> LIZ PATTISON: In brackets under 2.a.
>> HEATHER WELLINGTON: I don't think that's meant to be
there, is it?
>> No, I don't think it is.
>> LIZ PATTISON: Okay.
Governance will clear that up.
Thanks for pointing that out.
If we move on to our conflict of interest records. We
have a recommendation to note the conflict of interest
records since the previous Council meeting.
Do I have a mover of the motion?
Thank you, counselor Schonfelder.
And second?
Thank you, counselor Bodsworth.
Counselor Schonfelder, do you wish to speak?
>> ADRIAN SCHONFELDER: No, thank you.
>> MIKE BODSWORTH: No, thanks.
>> HEATHER WELLINGTON: Sorry.
Can I ask a question?
>> LIZ PATTISON: Sure.
>> HEATHER WELLINGTON: My understanding of meetings
conducted under the auspices of Council is I thought
there were meetings at which there was --
there were five or more counselors present as well as
an officer.
And I tried to find it in the act quickly before the
meeting and I couldn't find a definition of it.
I just noticed on the community action network meeting
on page 132, there was only two counselors and an
officer.
And I wondered is that really use of meeting?
Is that actual definition of the meeting conducted
under the auspices of Council?
>> LIZ PATTISON: I'll pass that question to our CEO.
>> Thank you very much, mayor.
Governance or GM of strategy or effectiveness, are you
able to assist with counselor Wellington's question?
>> I think we will need to table that on notice.
I don't think we have that definition on hand but we
will follow it up.
>> HEATHER WELLINGTON: Thank you.
>> LIZ PATTISON: Thank you.
So just to clarify, we have a mover and a seconder.
Did any other counselors wish to speak to the motion?
No?
Any closing statements?
No.
I'll put the motion to the vote.
All those in favour?
The motion is carried unanimously.
There is no urgent business for tonight's meeting.
So I declare the meeting closed at 7:15 p.m.
thank you for your attendance.