WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:04.000 MAYOR PATTISON: Good evening, everybody, and welcome to the July Council meeting. 00:00:04.000 --> 00:00:08.000 I'm Mayor Liz Pattison and it's a pleasure to welcome members of the community 00:00:08.000 --> 00:00:09.000 into the Chambers tonight. 00:00:09.000 --> 00:00:13.000 This meeting is also being live streamed, so a big welcome to those tuning 00:00:13.000 --> 00:00:16.000 in online, and of course welcome to my fellow Councillors, 00:00:16.000 --> 00:00:19.000 including Councillor Schonfelder, Councillor Hodge 00:00:19.000 --> 00:00:23.000 and Councillor Wellington, who will be joining us online tonight. 00:00:23.000 --> 00:00:25.000 Live captioning will accompany the live stream 00:00:25.000 --> 00:00:28.000 of the meeting and we hope that this assists those 00:00:28.000 --> 00:00:30.000 who may have hearing difficulties. 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:33.000 The Surf Coast Shire local government area spans the traditional lands 00:00:33.000 --> 00:00:37.000 of the Wadawurrung people and the Gulidjan and Gadubanud peoples of the Maar Nation. 00:00:37.000 --> 00:00:42.000 I would like to acknowledge that here in Torquay in the main Council office 00:00:42.000 --> 00:00:44.000 we are gathered on Wadawurrung country. 00:00:44.000 --> 00:00:48.000 I pay my respects to Elders past, present and emerging. 00:00:48.000 --> 00:00:52.000 The Wadawurrung people have nurtured and protected these lands and waterways 00:00:52.000 --> 00:00:55.000 for thousands of generations and I am so grateful for the opportunity 00:00:55.000 --> 00:00:58.000 to live and work in such a beautiful part of the world. 00:00:58.000 --> 00:01:01.000 We also wish to acknowledge the traditional owners 00:01:01.000 --> 00:01:04.000 of the lands on which each of you is attending 00:01:04.000 --> 00:01:08.000 and acknowledge any Aboriginal people who are viewing the meeting tonight. 00:01:08.000 --> 00:01:12.000 We have a really exciting annual event happening in our region soon 00:01:12.000 --> 00:01:16.000 with the Surf Coast Arts Trail taking place on Saturday, the 5th and 6th 00:01:16.000 --> 00:01:19.000 of August. 00:01:19.000 --> 00:01:23.000 Since its inception 12 years ago, the Arts Trail has become a key feature 00:01:23.000 --> 00:01:26.000 of our events calendar, showcasing the creativity and talent 00:01:26.000 --> 00:01:31.000 of artists living and working in the Surf Coast Shire. 00:01:31.000 --> 00:01:34.000 A bigger and better Arts Trail than ever is planned for this year, 00:01:34.000 --> 00:01:38.000 with art lovers once again able to visit art studios and galleries 00:01:38.000 --> 00:01:40.000 in person. 00:01:40.000 --> 00:01:43.000 I'm really looking forward to heading out and having a look. 00:01:43.000 --> 00:01:46.000 There will be more than 200 artists and 58 venues 00:01:46.000 --> 00:01:50.000 will be offering a diverse range of art forms, including painting, 00:01:52.000 --> 00:01:56.000 glassware, ceramics, jewellery, sculpture and textiles. 00:01:56.000 --> 00:02:00.000 For more information on the Arts Trail, you can visit our website or contact our 00:02:00.000 --> 00:02:02.000 friendly customer service team. 00:02:02.000 --> 00:02:05.000 In other exciting news, it was announced last week that 00:02:05.000 --> 00:02:10.000 the 2025 UCI Gran Fondo World Championships cycling event 00:02:10.000 --> 00:02:12.000 will be coming to Lorne. 00:02:12.000 --> 00:02:14.000 I'm really pleased that the Surf Coast continues 00:02:14.000 --> 00:02:18.000 to attract international sporting events which create great tourism opportunities 00:02:18.000 --> 00:02:20.000 for our region. 00:02:20.000 --> 00:02:25.000 There's about 3,200 participants and crew expected to come to the event 00:02:25.000 --> 00:02:28.000 as well as spectators from across the globe. 00:02:28.000 --> 00:02:31.000 So that's some exciting things that are happening in our shire 00:02:31.000 --> 00:02:33.000 and now the exciting Council meeting. 00:02:33.000 --> 00:02:35.000 We'll get on to the agenda. 00:02:35.000 --> 00:02:38.000 So there's a few process things that I'll go through. 00:02:38.000 --> 00:02:42.000 Council meetings operate in accordance to our Governance Rules, 00:02:42.000 --> 00:02:45.000 which include the following procedures. 00:02:45.000 --> 00:02:49.000 During the meeting, the mover of a motion or an amendment may speak 00:02:49.000 --> 00:02:52.000 for a maximum of 5 minutes to open the debate 00:02:52.000 --> 00:02:55.000 and then a further 2 minutes to make a closing statement. 00:02:55.000 --> 00:02:58.000 Any other Councillor, including the seconder, may speak 00:02:58.000 --> 00:03:01.000 to a motion for no more than 3 minutes. 00:03:01.000 --> 00:03:04.000 I ask that members of the gallery avoid using mobile phones 00:03:04.000 --> 00:03:08.000 during the meeting as this can distract the Councillors as well as other members 00:03:08.000 --> 00:03:09.000 of the gallery. 00:03:09.000 --> 00:03:13.000 I also note that any unauthorised recording of the meeting is prohibited 00:03:13.000 --> 00:03:15.000 under our Governance Rules. 00:03:15.000 --> 00:03:18.000 However, you can access a copy of the official recording on our website 00:03:18.000 --> 00:03:20.000 after the meeting. 00:03:20.000 --> 00:03:24.000 I will now recite the pledge as a sign of our commitment: 00:03:24.000 --> 00:03:28.000 "As Councillors we carry out our responsibilities with diligence 00:03:28.000 --> 00:03:32.000 and integrity and make fair decisions of lasting value for the wellbeing 00:03:32.000 --> 00:03:36.000 of our community and environment." 00:03:36.000 --> 00:03:42.000 And do we have any apologies for tonight's meeting? 00:03:42.000 --> 00:03:44.000 No. 00:03:44.000 --> 00:03:45.000 Confirmation of minutes 00:03:45.000 --> 00:03:48.000 - can I please have a mover and a seconder to confirm the minutes 00:03:48.000 --> 00:03:52.000 from the Council meeting on Tuesday, the 27th of June 2023 00:03:52.000 --> 00:03:54.000 - CR ALLEN: No, I wasn't there, sorry. 00:03:54.000 --> 00:03:56.000 MAYOR PATTISON: Oh, you weren't there 00:03:56.000 --> 00:04:00.000 - for the Council meeting held on Tuesday, the 27th of June 2023 00:04:00.000 --> 00:04:03.000 and the Special Council Meeting for Hearing of Submissions on the 4th 00:04:03.000 --> 00:04:04.000 of July from those in attendance 00:04:04.000 --> 00:04:10.000 - moved Councillor Gazzard and seconded by Councillor Bodsworth. 00:04:10.000 --> 00:04:13.000 All those in favour. 00:04:13.000 --> 00:04:15.000 And the motion is carried unanimously. 00:04:22.000 --> 00:04:26.000 Do we have any leave of absence requests? 00:04:26.000 --> 00:04:28.000 No? 00:04:28.000 --> 00:04:30.000 Declaration of conflicts of interest. 00:04:30.000 --> 00:04:32.000 If a Councillor or an officer has a conflict of interest, 00:04:32.000 --> 00:04:36.000 they must declare it now and do so again just prior 00:04:36.000 --> 00:04:39.000 to the item being discussed. 00:04:39.000 --> 00:04:42.000 Do we have any conflicts of interest? 00:04:42.000 --> 00:04:44.000 No. 00:04:46.000 --> 00:04:49.000 We have a couple of presentations from our Councillors. 00:04:49.000 --> 00:04:50.000 Councillor Allen. 00:04:50.000 --> 00:04:52.000 CR ALLEN: Thanks, Mayor. 00:04:52.000 --> 00:04:54.000 I've got two presentations, if I may. 00:04:54.000 --> 00:04:58.000 Sadly, due to the aftermath of contracting COVID, I was absent 00:04:58.000 --> 00:05:01.000 at the June Council meeting, when I had intended to speak 00:05:01.000 --> 00:05:04.000 about the dinner held at the Stribling Pavilion 00:05:04.000 --> 00:05:08.000 to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Lorne Men's Shed. 00:05:08.000 --> 00:05:11.000 The occasion was recognised by other Councillors 00:05:11.000 --> 00:05:13.000 at last month's meeting. 00:05:13.000 --> 00:05:18.000 I wish to pay tribute to the then President, Allan Walls, 00:05:18.000 --> 00:05:22.000 key committee members Garry Fenton and Don Baldwin, who along 00:05:22.000 --> 00:05:27.000 with many others worked tirelessly to make the shed a reality and when faced 00:05:27.000 --> 00:05:33.000 at the time with very strong opposition, they conducted themselves with dignity, 00:05:33.000 --> 00:05:37.000 focusing on the outcome, responding when required 00:05:37.000 --> 00:05:42.000 with not an angry word, an example that is relevant at most times and 00:05:42.000 --> 00:05:44.000 in most settings. 00:05:44.000 --> 00:05:49.000 Allan Walls was recognised at the dinner with a life membership by the Shedders, 00:05:49.000 --> 00:05:55.000 one so richly deserved for his strength, leadership and determination, 00:05:55.000 --> 00:05:59.000 applying his considerable business and administration skills to the task 00:05:59.000 --> 00:06:02.000 of making Lorne Men's Shed a reality. 00:06:02.000 --> 00:06:08.000 It thrives, contributing significantly to our community and to the health 00:06:08.000 --> 00:06:11.000 of its members and their families. 00:06:11.000 --> 00:06:17.000 Allan has always expressed his gratitude to the officers, led by Mr Chris Pike, 00:06:17.000 --> 00:06:22.000 to the then Mayor, Margot Smith, and current Councillor Rose Hodge 00:06:22.000 --> 00:06:26.000 and particularly to ex-Councillor Clive Goldsworthy, who absorbed a lot 00:06:26.000 --> 00:06:28.000 of the pressure at the Council and in the community 00:06:28.000 --> 00:06:32.000 during the development and approval stages. 00:06:32.000 --> 00:06:37.000 I support this recognition and thanks to the officers and Councillors. 00:06:39.000 --> 00:06:42.000 Secondly, on Saturday, the Lorne Community Connect had 00:06:42.000 --> 00:06:47.000 the privilege of hosting the Anglesea players stage 2 00:06:47.000 --> 00:06:54.000 very powerful performances of Shadows of Angels, written by a local playwright, 00:06:54.000 --> 00:06:58.000 the play that they will be taking to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival later 00:06:58.000 --> 00:07:01.000 this year, a wonderful achievement. 00:07:01.000 --> 00:07:05.000 They are fundraising to support their trip and the Lorne Community Connect was 00:07:05.000 --> 00:07:09.000 delighted to make a substantial donation. 00:07:09.000 --> 00:07:13.000 I note that the G21 Draft Regional Football Strategy is 00:07:13.000 --> 00:07:15.000 on the agenda tonight. 00:07:15.000 --> 00:07:18.000 I look forward to the formulation and release 00:07:18.000 --> 00:07:22.000 of a G21 regional arts strategy incorporating performance 00:07:22.000 --> 00:07:24.000 support and development. 00:07:24.000 --> 00:07:26.000 Thank you. 00:07:26.000 --> 00:07:28.000 MAYOR PATTISON: Thank you, Councillor Allen. 00:07:28.000 --> 00:07:31.000 And we also have a presentation from Councillor Bodsworth. 00:07:31.000 --> 00:07:33.000 CR BODSWORTH: Thanks, Mayor. 00:07:33.000 --> 00:07:38.000 I'd like to offer a brief presentation on the Anglesea Community House value 00:07:38.000 --> 00:07:42.000 report which was delivered recently. 00:07:42.000 --> 00:07:45.000 So every year all funded neighbourhood houses must 00:07:45.000 --> 00:07:49.000 provide information about their activity and usage 00:07:49.000 --> 00:07:52.000 to the department via data submitted to the peak body 00:07:52.000 --> 00:07:55.000 of Neighbourhood Houses Victoria. 00:07:55.000 --> 00:07:58.000 This year the data has been collated into a community value report 00:07:58.000 --> 00:08:00.000 for each community house. 00:08:00.000 --> 00:08:08.000 With regard to Anglesea Community House, on an income of $305,000, 00:08:08.000 --> 00:08:11.000 the Anglesea Community House returned a value to the community of close 00:08:11.000 --> 00:08:15.000 to $2.4 million. 00:08:15.000 --> 00:08:21.000 The community value equates to $7.88 for each $1 of income. 00:08:21.000 --> 00:08:27.000 It equates to $26.44 for every $1 of Neighbourhood House coordination 00:08:27.000 --> 00:08:33.000 program funding and around $1,000 for every hour that the Neighbourhood 00:08:33.000 --> 00:08:35.000 House is in use. 00:08:35.000 --> 00:08:40.000 It also includes around $1 million worth of volunteering value. 00:08:40.000 --> 00:08:44.000 So I'd just like to congratulate Anglesea Community House, 00:08:44.000 --> 00:08:48.000 the committee, the staff and all of the volunteers who were involved 00:08:48.000 --> 00:08:50.000 in delivering that fantastic result. 00:08:50.000 --> 00:08:53.000 Thank you. 00:08:53.000 --> 00:08:55.000 MAYOR PATTISON: Thank you. 00:08:55.000 --> 00:08:58.000 That is the end of our presentations. 00:08:58.000 --> 00:09:01.000 We've not received any submissions for this meeting, so we'll move on 00:09:01.000 --> 00:09:03.000 to our public question time. 00:09:05.000 --> 00:09:09.000 Members of the public who wish to ask a question to Council are able 00:09:09.000 --> 00:09:12.000 to submit their written question in accordance with our Governance Rules 00:09:12.000 --> 00:09:17.000 and we've had 9 community members submit questions and we have 18 in total tonight. 00:09:17.000 --> 00:09:20.000 If you are here to read out your questions, 00:09:20.000 --> 00:09:24.000 I request that you keep any preamble brief, in the interests of time, 00:09:24.000 --> 00:09:28.000 because there are 19 of them to get through and we've received a lot 00:09:28.000 --> 00:09:31.000 of questions tonight. 00:09:31.000 --> 00:09:35.000 I will not be reading the preamble if I am reading questions out 00:09:35.000 --> 00:09:39.000 on someone's behalf who hasn't come in and this will enable us 00:09:39.000 --> 00:09:40.000 to get more questions in. 00:09:40.000 --> 00:09:43.000 We normally allocate around half an hour to questions, 00:09:43.000 --> 00:09:45.000 but I really hope we'll move through and be able 00:09:45.000 --> 00:09:48.000 to address everybody's questions tonight. 00:09:48.000 --> 00:09:52.000 And all of the questions and the full preamble, and the like, 00:09:52.000 --> 00:09:55.000 that people have put through have been provided 00:09:55.000 --> 00:09:57.000 to Councillors prior, so all the Councillors have the 00:09:57.000 --> 00:10:02.000 full information that has been provided from the public. 00:10:02.000 --> 00:10:06.000 So we will now get into those questions. 00:10:06.000 --> 00:10:08.000 Mira White, did you want to 00:10:08.000 --> 00:10:13.000 - are you here and did you want to do your own question? 00:10:13.000 --> 00:10:15.000 No? 00:10:15.000 --> 00:10:20.000 Alright, I'll read out Mira's question then for her. 00:10:20.000 --> 00:10:24.000 "Could you please provide an update as to the progress 00:10:24.000 --> 00:10:27.000 against works or plans in the past six months for the Department 00:10:27.000 --> 00:10:31.000 of Transport and Council to progress works for pathways and a crossing 00:10:31.000 --> 00:10:34.000 at the Great Ocean Road/Strathmore Drive intersection, 00:10:34.000 --> 00:10:39.000 including progress of the engineering improvement options?" 00:10:39.000 --> 00:10:43.000 So I'll pass that over to our CEO. 00:10:43.000 --> 00:10:46.000 This is an operational matter in relation to the crossing. 00:10:46.000 --> 00:10:51.000 I also did want to point out for Mira, Mira provided two questions to us 00:10:51.000 --> 00:10:55.000 for the last Council meeting, but it was agreed that we would postpone 00:10:55.000 --> 00:10:57.000 them to this meeting. 00:10:57.000 --> 00:11:01.000 So Mira will actually have four questions for this Council meeting and I'll pass it 00:11:01.000 --> 00:11:02.000 over to our CEO. 00:11:02.000 --> 00:11:04.000 MS ROBYN SEYMOUR: Thank you, Mayor. 00:11:04.000 --> 00:11:07.000 Thanks for your question, Mira, and thank you for agreeing to hold 00:11:07.000 --> 00:11:10.000 over your questions from last month's meeting. 00:11:10.000 --> 00:11:13.000 I understand that we wrote to you in the week following last month's 00:11:13.000 --> 00:11:17.000 meeting and the information I'll provide tonight is consistent 00:11:17.000 --> 00:11:18.000 with that correspondence. 00:11:18.000 --> 00:11:22.000 The Department of Transport and Planning has advised that a pedestrian 00:11:22.000 --> 00:11:27.000 crossing improvement project at the Great Ocean Road/Strathmore Drive 00:11:27.000 --> 00:11:31.000 intersection is still being considered for funding in a number 00:11:31.000 --> 00:11:34.000 of road project funding. 00:11:34.000 --> 00:11:38.000 Whilst the project does not currently have funding committed, 00:11:38.000 --> 00:11:43.000 DTP staff have conveyed to us that they understand the importance 00:11:43.000 --> 00:11:47.000 of this project for safe access to schools. 00:11:47.000 --> 00:11:51.000 Pedestrian priority projects across the state arterial road network are 00:11:51.000 --> 00:11:55.000 prioritised using prescriptive criteria, including pedestrian 00:11:55.000 --> 00:12:00.000 and traffic volume data, crash data and other relevant data. 00:12:00.000 --> 00:12:04.000 Council continues to advocate on behalf of the community 00:12:04.000 --> 00:12:07.000 for road safety improvements at this location 00:12:07.000 --> 00:12:10.000 and we would encourage community members to continue drawing the Government's 00:12:10.000 --> 00:12:13.000 attention to this issue as well. 00:12:17.000 --> 00:12:20.000 With regards to pathways in the area 00:12:20.000 --> 00:12:23.000 - are you happy for me to continue? 00:12:23.000 --> 00:12:25.000 MAYOR PATTISON: Yes. 00:12:25.000 --> 00:12:28.000 MS ROBYN SEYMOUR: With regards to pathways in the area, Council 00:12:28.000 --> 00:12:31.000 is currently in the detailed design stage for pathway improvements 00:12:31.000 --> 00:12:37.000 from Christian College to Bellbrae along the Old Great Ocean Road track, 00:12:37.000 --> 00:12:42.000 with construction estimated to commence at the end of 2023. 00:12:42.000 --> 00:12:46.000 Council will be developing design plans for a pathway extension 00:12:46.000 --> 00:12:49.000 on the Great Ocean Road from Christian College 00:12:49.000 --> 00:12:53.000 to Duffields Road/Sibelius intersection in the next 12 months. 00:12:53.000 --> 00:12:56.000 We will then proceed to construction as soon as we're able 00:12:56.000 --> 00:13:00.000 to secure the necessary funding for this. 00:13:00.000 --> 00:13:04.000 In relation to the pathway on the Strathmore Drive side 00:13:04.000 --> 00:13:08.000 of Great Ocean Road, Council will consider this 00:13:08.000 --> 00:13:12.000 for funding in the future once the location for the crossing 00:13:12.000 --> 00:13:15.000 of the Great Ocean Road is confirmed by DTP. 00:13:15.000 --> 00:13:17.000 Council will be engaging with the community 00:13:17.000 --> 00:13:20.000 on our social infrastructure plan later this year, 00:13:20.000 --> 00:13:24.000 which includes the consideration of future pathway connections 00:13:24.000 --> 00:13:27.000 and I encourage all community members interested in this 00:13:27.000 --> 00:13:31.000 to make a submission regarding the pathway at this time. 00:13:34.000 --> 00:13:37.000 MAYOR PATTISON: And Mira's second question : "What recent contact has occurred 00:13:37.000 --> 00:13:42.000 under Safe Routes to School between Council, DOT and CCG", 00:13:42.000 --> 00:13:44.000 which is Christian College Geelong 00:13:44.000 --> 00:13:49.000 - "to ensure the school's planning obligations are met and safe passage 00:13:49.000 --> 00:13:52.000 to school is secured for students? 00:13:52.000 --> 00:13:56.000 MS ROBYN SEYMOUR: In January 2022, Council gained approval 00:13:56.000 --> 00:13:59.000 for the installation of the current zone on the Great Ocean Road 00:13:59.000 --> 00:14:02.000 with a static speed sign in place. 00:14:02.000 --> 00:14:07.000 We recently requested an update from DTP on the installation 00:14:07.000 --> 00:14:11.000 of electronic school zone signage, which was part 00:14:11.000 --> 00:14:14.000 of the Christian College Geelong original planning permit. 00:14:14.000 --> 00:14:18.000 They have told us that this work should occur in conjunction 00:14:18.000 --> 00:14:22.000 with the pedestrian crossing improvement works on the Great Ocean Road once they've 00:14:22.000 --> 00:14:25.000 secured funding for this project. 00:14:25.000 --> 00:14:29.000 Following this, Christian College and Council can work together 00:14:29.000 --> 00:14:33.000 to submit a joint application to the Safe Routes to School program, 00:14:33.000 --> 00:14:36.000 which will encourage safer active travel to school 00:14:36.000 --> 00:14:41.000 and develop safer driver behaviour patterns at school drop-off and pick-up. 00:14:41.000 --> 00:14:46.000 In the interim, officers are in regular contact with Victoria Police 00:14:46.000 --> 00:14:49.000 and will continue to recommend this location be 00:14:49.000 --> 00:14:51.000 monitored for compliance. 00:14:51.000 --> 00:14:57.000 I also note that you refer to the installation of wombat crossings. 00:14:57.000 --> 00:15:01.000 Council officers are not aware of discussions concerning this, however, 00:15:01.000 --> 00:15:06.000 wish to clarify that a wombat crossing is a raised asphalt crossing similar 00:15:06.000 --> 00:15:09.000 to a speed hump and would not be a treatment that DTP 00:15:09.000 --> 00:15:13.000 would consider for the Great Ocean Road. 00:15:13.000 --> 00:15:18.000 Lastly, regarding the planning permit conditions 00:15:18.000 --> 00:15:21.000 placed on Christian College, the original permit required Christian 00:15:21.000 --> 00:15:24.000 College to enter into a section 173 00:15:24.000 --> 00:15:29.000 agreement regarding its long-term access being via a future road constructed 00:15:29.000 --> 00:15:33.000 as part of the proposed Spring Creek development. 00:15:33.000 --> 00:15:35.000 As this development is now not expected to proceed, 00:15:35.000 --> 00:15:40.000 Council will re-engage with DTP to discuss how this change impacts those 00:15:40.000 --> 00:15:45.000 original planning permit conditions and any actions which may be 00:15:45.000 --> 00:15:47.000 required moving forward. 00:15:47.000 --> 00:15:49.000 But thank you for your advocacy on this issue. 00:15:52.000 --> 00:15:54.000 MAYOR PATTISON: Another question from Mira White 00:15:54.000 --> 00:15:58.000 - as the two previous questions were submitted from last month, as we've talked 00:15:58.000 --> 00:16:02.000 about, there are two questions for this month and the first question 00:16:02.000 --> 00:16:10.000 is Planning Permit Number 14/0374 and 17-0386, as I understand it, 00:16:10.000 --> 00:16:14.000 requires Christian College Geelong to provide electronic verbal speed limit 00:16:14.000 --> 00:16:17.000 signs as part of the condition of the permit. 00:16:17.000 --> 00:16:20.000 As Councillors responsible for ensuring planning permit conditions 00:16:20.000 --> 00:16:24.000 are met, why hasn't this been required of the school in a timely manner? 00:16:24.000 --> 00:16:30.000 "MS ROBYN SEYMOUR: Thanks, Mira, and thank you for your questions 00:16:30.000 --> 00:16:34.000 regarding the permit obligations for Christian College, particularly 00:16:34.000 --> 00:16:37.000 around the electronic variable speed limit signs. 00:16:37.000 --> 00:16:42.000 The two relevant planning permits do not explicitly require the installation 00:16:42.000 --> 00:16:46.000 of such signs, but rather stipulate in the event 00:16:46.000 --> 00:16:50.000 additional mitigating traffic management measures are required, the installation 00:16:50.000 --> 00:16:53.000 and costs must be covered by the applicant. 00:16:53.000 --> 00:16:57.000 The planning permit does not include conditions regarding the timing 00:16:57.000 --> 00:16:59.000 of such works. 00:16:59.000 --> 00:17:02.000 However, as I outlined before, Council has been liaising 00:17:02.000 --> 00:17:05.000 with the Department of Transport and Planning for information 00:17:05.000 --> 00:17:09.000 about its requirements as well as the timing of these works. 00:17:09.000 --> 00:17:14.000 At this stage, there's no grounds for Council to pursue an enforcement order 00:17:14.000 --> 00:17:19.000 to VCAT and we'll continue to work with the department on this matter. 00:17:19.000 --> 00:17:22.000 MAYOR PATTISON: And sorry, I should have read Mira's questions 00:17:22.000 --> 00:17:24.000 together, so I'll just read 00:17:24.000 --> 00:17:27.000 - the last question relates to the enforcement component that our CEO 00:17:27.000 --> 00:17:29.000 has just referred to and Mira's second question was: 00:17:29.000 --> 00:17:33.000 "As Council, the school and the Department of Transport have had nine years 00:17:33.000 --> 00:17:36.000 to consider how to provide variable speed limit signs 00:17:36.000 --> 00:17:39.000 and any corresponding pedestrian crossing infrastructure, 00:17:39.000 --> 00:17:44.000 will Council now apply to VCAT for an order pursuant to S114 Planning 00:17:44.000 --> 00:17:46.000 and Environment Act to ensure the conditions 00:17:46.000 --> 00:17:48.000 of the planning permit are met" 00:17:48.000 --> 00:17:51.000 and Robyn's response around enforcement related 00:17:51.000 --> 00:17:52.000 to that question. 00:17:52.000 --> 00:17:54.000 MS ROBYN SEYMOUR: Apologies, Mayor. 00:17:54.000 --> 00:17:55.000 MAYOR PATTISON: No worries. 00:17:55.000 --> 00:17:59.000 We now move on to a question from Alan Manson. 00:17:59.000 --> 00:18:01.000 Alan, are you 00:18:01.000 --> 00:18:02.000 - great. 00:18:07.000 --> 00:18:10.000 So if you wanted to read your questions and then we can respond to them. 00:18:10.000 --> 00:18:11.000 Thanks, Alan. 00:18:11.000 --> 00:18:13.000 MR ALAN MANSON: Thank you. 00:18:19.000 --> 00:18:28.000 So my question 1 relates to the gender neutral of the toilets 00:18:28.000 --> 00:18:32.000 and changeroom facilities within the shire. 00:18:32.000 --> 00:18:35.000 My first question is I understand from reading the minutes 00:18:35.000 --> 00:18:41.000 of Council meetings that Council says they are obligated under federal 00:18:41.000 --> 00:18:45.000 and state laws to accommodate transgender diversity 00:18:45.000 --> 00:18:49.000 toilet and changeroom facilities in the shire. 00:18:49.000 --> 00:18:53.000 My question is this: can the Mayor identify 00:18:53.000 --> 00:18:57.000 for me the exact sections and subsections referred 00:18:57.000 --> 00:19:02.000 to in the various pieces of legislation that specifically require 00:19:02.000 --> 00:19:06.000 local Councils to reassign their public toilet 00:19:06.000 --> 00:19:13.000 and changeroom male and female facilities to become gender neutral? 00:19:13.000 --> 00:19:17.000 Can the Mayor provide me with a written copy of these requirements, 00:19:17.000 --> 00:19:18.000 please? 00:19:18.000 --> 00:19:23.000 Also, can the Mayor read these laws out to those in the meeting so that 00:19:23.000 --> 00:19:27.000 the community can appreciate the legislative obligations 00:19:27.000 --> 00:19:31.000 that Councillors are required to enforce? 00:19:31.000 --> 00:19:33.000 Thank you. 00:19:33.000 --> 00:19:35.000 MAYOR PATTISON: Thanks for your question, Alan. 00:19:35.000 --> 00:19:38.000 We're discussing this and making decisions on the Local Law tonight 00:19:38.000 --> 00:19:41.000 in our Council meeting and therefore it's appropriate for our CEO 00:19:41.000 --> 00:19:44.000 to respond to those questions, so I'll pass that to our CEO. 00:19:44.000 --> 00:19:46.000 MS ROBYN SEYMOUR: Hi, Alan, and thank you 00:19:46.000 --> 00:19:48.000 - MR ALAN MANSON: Yeah, good, thank you. 00:19:48.000 --> 00:19:50.000 MS ROBYN SEYMOUR:- 00:19:50.000 --> 00:19:51.000 - for your question. 00:19:51.000 --> 00:19:53.000 We can refer you to the relevant legislation, 00:19:53.000 --> 00:19:56.000 there's no problems with that, but firstly I just wanted 00:19:56.000 --> 00:19:58.000 to offer some clarification. 00:19:58.000 --> 00:20:02.000 You mentioned in your email that male and female facilities will be reassigned 00:20:02.000 --> 00:20:05.000 as gender neutral. 00:20:05.000 --> 00:20:08.000 We're not proposing to do that. 00:20:08.000 --> 00:20:13.000 The toilet signage will remain the same and we will provide a range 00:20:13.000 --> 00:20:17.000 of male/female and all-gender options across the shire. 00:20:17.000 --> 00:20:21.000 We're proposing to remove the fine which currently applies 00:20:21.000 --> 00:20:25.000 to individuals using the facility, which is designed for a different gender 00:20:25.000 --> 00:20:27.000 - MR ALAN MANSON: Well, I understand that. 00:20:27.000 --> 00:20:29.000 I do understand that. 00:20:29.000 --> 00:20:32.000 MS ROBYN SEYMOUR: The specific legislation we're referring to 00:20:32.000 --> 00:20:38.000 is the federal Sex Discrimination Act of 1984 and the Victorian Local Government 00:20:38.000 --> 00:20:41.000 Act of 2020. 00:20:41.000 --> 00:20:46.000 Firstly, section 72(a) of the Local Government Act 2020 states 00:20:46.000 --> 00:20:51.000 that a local law must not be inconsistent with any other Act. 00:20:51.000 --> 00:20:54.000 Our current Local Law does not comply with this requirement 00:20:54.000 --> 00:20:58.000 as it contains a clause which is inconsistent 00:20:58.000 --> 00:21:00.000 with the Sex Discrimination Act. 00:21:00.000 --> 00:21:06.000 The relevant sections are 5(b) and 5(c). 00:21:06.000 --> 00:21:11.000 These sections are quite lengthy, so rather than reading them out verbatim, 00:21:11.000 --> 00:21:12.000 I'll provide a summary. 00:21:12.000 --> 00:21:14.000 However, you can access this legislation 00:21:14.000 --> 00:21:16.000 full online. 00:21:16.000 --> 00:21:17.000 MR ALAN MANSON: Okay. 00:21:17.000 --> 00:21:21.000 MS ROBYN SEYMOUR: In the summary, the Sex Discrimination Act makes it 00:21:21.000 --> 00:21:25.000 unlawful to discriminate against another person on the grounds 00:21:25.000 --> 00:21:29.000 of their gender identity or intersex status. 00:21:29.000 --> 00:21:36.000 Many of Council's local public toilets only have male and female options. 00:21:36.000 --> 00:21:40.000 In this case, people who identify as gender diverse, non-binary 00:21:40.000 --> 00:21:46.000 or transgender cannot lawfully access toilets or facilities of their choice. 00:21:46.000 --> 00:21:49.000 Therefore, they are treated less favourably than 00:21:49.000 --> 00:21:52.000 a person from a different gender identity or 00:21:52.000 --> 00:21:55.000 a person who is not of intersex status. 00:21:58.000 --> 00:22:00.000 That's the answer to your first question. 00:22:00.000 --> 00:22:03.000 MR ALAN MANSON: Oh, well, yeah, I'm aware of all of that, 00:22:03.000 --> 00:22:09.000 but that isn't really answering the concerns that this has raised. 00:22:09.000 --> 00:22:14.000 Well, first of all, look, I'm really interested in the law here. 00:22:14.000 --> 00:22:16.000 MAYOR PATTISON: Alan, we do have 00:22:16.000 --> 00:22:19.000 - if you wouldn't mind sticking to the questions because we've got 19 00:22:19.000 --> 00:22:20.000 to get through. 00:22:20.000 --> 00:22:22.000 MR ALAN MANSON: Yes, okay. 00:22:22.000 --> 00:22:23.000 Alright. 00:22:23.000 --> 00:22:27.000 Well, I'll give you my second question because it probably addresses everything. 00:22:27.000 --> 00:22:31.000 So the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission states 00:22:31.000 --> 00:22:34.000 on its website in relation to the Victoria's Human Rights Charter 00:22:34.000 --> 00:22:38.000 that, quote, "The charter enshrines civil, political and cultural rights 00:22:38.000 --> 00:22:40.000 into Victorian law. 00:22:40.000 --> 00:22:44.000 Public authorities must observe those rights. 00:22:44.000 --> 00:22:48.000 New policies and legislation must also take 00:22:48.000 --> 00:22:52.000 into account human rights and public authorities 00:22:52.000 --> 00:22:55.000 - for example, people working for the Government 00:22:55.000 --> 00:22:59.000 - must also observe human rights so that members 00:22:59.000 --> 00:23:05.000 of the community are not treated unfairly ", unquote. 00:23:05.000 --> 00:23:11.000 In my email to Councillors last Friday, I reminded you of two of these rights 00:23:11.000 --> 00:23:16.000 - namely, the right to privacy in section 13 and the right 00:23:16.000 --> 00:23:21.000 to the protection of the family and to children in section 17 00:23:21.000 --> 00:23:26.000 - that governing bodies such as local councils are obligated 00:23:26.000 --> 00:23:28.000 to observe. 00:23:28.000 --> 00:23:33.000 My second question to you is this: can the Mayor or someone else please 00:23:33.000 --> 00:23:40.000 explain that by Councillors voting yes to the change in the law, on what basis 00:23:40.000 --> 00:23:44.000 is the privacy and the protection under the Charter 00:23:44.000 --> 00:23:49.000 of Human Rights being afforded to women and girls in the shire? 00:23:49.000 --> 00:23:50.000 MAYOR PATTISON: Thanks, Alan. 00:23:50.000 --> 00:23:52.000 MR ALAN MANSON: Thank you. 00:23:52.000 --> 00:23:54.000 MAYOR PATTISON: And I'll pass that on to our CEO. 00:23:54.000 --> 00:23:56.000 MS ROBYN SEYMOUR: Thanks, Alan. 00:23:56.000 --> 00:23:59.000 So we've done extensive research and benchmarking and found no evidence 00:23:59.000 --> 00:24:03.000 that removing the penalty associated with the relevant clause in our Local Law 00:24:03.000 --> 00:24:05.000 will have any impact on the privacy or safety 00:24:05.000 --> 00:24:08.000 of individuals who use our facilities. 00:24:08.000 --> 00:24:13.000 An audit of the other 78 councils shows that 67 of these, 00:24:13.000 --> 00:24:19.000 or 86%, do not have a similar clause prohibiting people of one gender 00:24:19.000 --> 00:24:24.000 from entering a facility designated for another gender and there 00:24:24.000 --> 00:24:30.000 is no evidence to indicate a rise in safety and privacy violations in the 00:24:30.000 --> 00:24:35.000 many places that already comply with these legislative requirements. 00:24:35.000 --> 00:24:39.000 We know that people, including children, suffer from discrimination and harm 00:24:39.000 --> 00:24:43.000 as a result of their gender identity and the proposed change is seeking 00:24:43.000 --> 00:24:45.000 to address and mitigate this. 00:24:45.000 --> 00:24:48.000 It aims to protect affected families and children 00:24:48.000 --> 00:24:52.000 from the associated discrimination and harm. 00:24:52.000 --> 00:24:54.000 MR ALAN MANSON: Well, I don't think that that addresses 00:24:54.000 --> 00:24:56.000 my question really because this 00:24:56.000 --> 00:24:58.000 - MAYOR PATTISON: Thanks, Alan. 00:24:58.000 --> 00:24:59.000 It's not a conversation 00:24:59.000 --> 00:25:01.000 - MR ALAN MANSON: Okay. 00:25:01.000 --> 00:25:02.000 MAYOR PATTISON:- 00:25:02.000 --> 00:25:04.000 - and we do appreciate 00:25:04.000 --> 00:25:05.000 you presenting your question. 00:25:05.000 --> 00:25:08.000 We'll now move on because we have some other questions to follow up, 00:25:08.000 --> 00:25:12.000 but we appreciate you taking the time to come in and raising your concerns and 00:25:12.000 --> 00:25:15.000 all of your correspondence was provided to all the Councillors, 00:25:15.000 --> 00:25:16.000 so we appreciate that. 00:25:16.000 --> 00:25:20.000 SPEAKER: Excuse me, but as ratepayers, aren't we entitled to voice our opinions, 00:25:20.000 --> 00:25:22.000 thank you very much, without being cut off? 00:25:22.000 --> 00:25:26.000 MAYOR PATTISON: So we've got a process in our Governance Rules which dictates 00:25:26.000 --> 00:25:27.000 that. 00:25:27.000 --> 00:25:29.000 There are many opportunities. 00:25:29.000 --> 00:25:32.000 So under our Governance Rules we submit questions, and so that's the process 00:25:32.000 --> 00:25:34.000 that we're following. 00:25:34.000 --> 00:25:36.000 There's plenty of opportunities to engage with Council. 00:25:36.000 --> 00:25:40.000 I have Meet your Mayor sessions monthly, we all can be called, emailed 00:25:40.000 --> 00:25:42.000 and contacted, so there are plenty of opportunities to engage. 00:25:42.000 --> 00:25:44.000 The process of a Council meeting follows 00:25:44.000 --> 00:25:46.000 our Governance Rules. 00:25:46.000 --> 00:25:48.000 I'll now move on to our next question. 00:25:48.000 --> 00:25:50.000 Sam Fernando, are you here to ask your question? 00:25:50.000 --> 00:25:51.000 SPEAKER: (Inaudible). 00:25:51.000 --> 00:25:53.000 MAYOR PATTISON: I'll leave you 00:25:53.000 --> 00:25:56.000 - if you'd like to remain in the gallery, I'll ask you to be quiet. 00:25:56.000 --> 00:25:57.000 Otherwise you'll need to leave. 00:25:57.000 --> 00:25:59.000 We'll be moving on with our next question. 00:25:59.000 --> 00:26:02.000 Sam Fernando, would you like to be reading your question to us? 00:26:02.000 --> 00:26:05.000 SPEAKER: She can read it, but I'm actually representing (inaudible). 00:26:05.000 --> 00:26:07.000 MAYOR PATTISON: Great. 00:26:07.000 --> 00:26:08.000 Thank you so much. 00:26:08.000 --> 00:26:10.000 I'd love you to come and read your question. 00:26:10.000 --> 00:26:12.000 Thank you. 00:26:12.000 --> 00:26:14.000 SPEAKER: Sam can read it if you'd like. 00:26:14.000 --> 00:26:15.000 MAYOR PATTISON: No, no, I'd love you to. 00:26:15.000 --> 00:26:18.000 I think Sam has asked you to, so that would be wonderful. 00:26:18.000 --> 00:26:19.000 Thanks. 00:26:19.000 --> 00:26:21.000 SPEAKER: Okay, I will. 00:26:21.000 --> 00:26:22.000 I just haven't got my glasses. 00:26:22.000 --> 00:26:26.000 Alright, in the agenda 4.1, item 10 notes that the research undertaken 00:26:26.000 --> 00:26:29.000 during this review has determined that there is no evidence 00:26:29.000 --> 00:26:33.000 of negative impacts to community safety due 00:26:33.000 --> 00:26:36.000 to the proposed changes. 00:26:36.000 --> 00:26:41.000 Can you please provide the scope of the review undertaken, 00:26:41.000 --> 00:26:48.000 who was the review conducted by, the date of the review, what actual data was used 00:26:48.000 --> 00:26:52.000 to provide the above conclusion? 00:26:54.000 --> 00:26:59.000 Was the impact of biological men in biological female prisons considered 00:26:59.000 --> 00:27:05.000 in the review, noting that many of the women were assaulted as 00:27:05.000 --> 00:27:10.000 they are biological male overpowered the women? 00:27:10.000 --> 00:27:14.000 Did the review consider that there are currently facilities available, 00:27:17.000 --> 00:27:21.000 unisex facilities given in disabled toilets are already 00:27:21.000 --> 00:27:24.000 in use for unisex? 00:27:26.000 --> 00:27:29.000 Who funded the review and what was the cost? 00:27:29.000 --> 00:27:32.000 MAYOR PATTISON: Thank you for reading the question. 00:27:32.000 --> 00:27:35.000 Once again, it's related to something we're making a decision on, 00:27:35.000 --> 00:27:36.000 so our CEO will respond. 00:27:36.000 --> 00:27:40.000 MS ROBYN SEYMOUR: Can you thank Sam for her question. 00:27:40.000 --> 00:27:44.000 You'll see attachment 5 of the Local Law Report contains 00:27:44.000 --> 00:27:48.000 the Gender Equity Impact Assessment. 00:27:48.000 --> 00:27:51.000 This is quite an extensive document which contains links 00:27:51.000 --> 00:27:55.000 to the research that's been referenced throughout the officer report. 00:27:55.000 --> 00:27:59.000 As this information is publicly available and we have a lot of questions 00:27:59.000 --> 00:28:05.000 to get through tonight, I won't go into it in detail on the first five points 00:28:05.000 --> 00:28:07.000 of your question. 00:28:07.000 --> 00:28:11.000 With regard to the availability of unisex facilities, 00:28:11.000 --> 00:28:13.000 not all Council facilities, particularly older ones, 00:28:13.000 --> 00:28:16.000 have a separate unisex toilet. 00:28:16.000 --> 00:28:22.000 As the review was conducted internally, there was no additional cost 00:28:22.000 --> 00:28:26.000 beyond the ordinary operating budget that we have within Council. 00:28:26.000 --> 00:28:31.000 SPEAKER: I'd like to see where they review putting paedophiles in 00:28:31.000 --> 00:28:34.000 with young children. 00:28:34.000 --> 00:28:36.000 MAYOR PATTISON: Thank you. 00:28:36.000 --> 00:28:37.000 We'll move on with our next question. 00:28:37.000 --> 00:28:39.000 Craig Ritchie, will you be speaking to your 00:28:39.000 --> 00:28:41.000 - reading your question? 00:28:41.000 --> 00:28:43.000 No? 00:28:43.000 --> 00:28:44.000 I'll read out Craig's question. 00:28:44.000 --> 00:28:47.000 So I'll just be reading out the question. 00:28:47.000 --> 00:28:52.000 "What is Council doing to ensure all views are given to consideration, 00:28:52.000 --> 00:28:56.000 regardless of how offensive they may be to those who oppose them?" 00:28:56.000 --> 00:29:02.000 I'll pass that on, and it's in the context of the Local Law conversation. 00:29:02.000 --> 00:29:04.000 MS ROBYN SEYMOUR: Thanks for your question, Craig. 00:29:04.000 --> 00:29:08.000 Council engaged in a broad community consultation process as part 00:29:08.000 --> 00:29:12.000 of the Local Law review, which included placing the document 00:29:12.000 --> 00:29:14.000 on public exhibition and inviting submissions 00:29:14.000 --> 00:29:16.000 from the community. 00:29:16.000 --> 00:29:20.000 We also held a meeting to hear submissions on this item. 00:29:20.000 --> 00:29:23.000 All of the submissions have been considered 00:29:23.000 --> 00:29:27.000 and you can find comprehensive responses to the themes raised 00:29:27.000 --> 00:29:34.000 within the submissions at attachment 4 of the officers' report on the Local Law. 00:29:34.000 --> 00:29:37.000 MAYOR PATTISON: And we'll now move on to the second question. 00:29:37.000 --> 00:29:39.000 "Would you change your policies if presented 00:29:39.000 --> 00:29:43.000 with another independent study with an agreed methodology which seeks 00:29:43.000 --> 00:29:46.000 data from a wider range of up-to-date and varied sources 00:29:46.000 --> 00:29:49.000 if this new study provided a credible rebuttal 00:29:49.000 --> 00:29:51.000 of the existing study's findings?" 00:29:56.000 --> 00:30:02.000 MS ROBYN SEYMOUR: As your second question, Craig, maintaining 00:30:02.000 --> 00:30:07.000 of clause 2.1(j) would be inconsistent with Federal Government legislation and 00:30:07.000 --> 00:30:09.000 is therefore recommended to be removed. 00:30:09.000 --> 00:30:14.000 The research that was undertaken in our view is reliable and unbiassed and 00:30:14.000 --> 00:30:16.000 in line with best practice. 00:30:16.000 --> 00:30:20.000 Whilst I appreciate there are varying views on this matter, 00:30:20.000 --> 00:30:25.000 we're confident in the quality of the research undertaken 00:30:25.000 --> 00:30:28.000 and you can access the sources of the evidence reviewed as part 00:30:28.000 --> 00:30:31.000 of the Gender and Equity Impact Assessment, which 00:30:31.000 --> 00:30:33.000 is attached to the Local Law Report. 00:30:35.000 --> 00:30:40.000 MAYOR PATTISON: And we thank Craig Ritchie for his question. 00:30:40.000 --> 00:30:41.000 We'll now move on. 00:30:41.000 --> 00:30:46.000 Is Amy Lissek here to read their question? 00:30:46.000 --> 00:30:48.000 No? 00:30:48.000 --> 00:30:49.000 I'll read that one for Amy. 00:30:49.000 --> 00:30:53.000 "Are the toilet facilities that present as toilet blocks 00:30:53.000 --> 00:30:54.000 with open changeroom facilities 00:30:54.000 --> 00:30:56.000 - Cosy Corner, for example 00:30:56.000 --> 00:31:02.000 - going to be changed? " MS ROBYN SEYMOUR: Hi, Amy, and thank you 00:31:02.000 --> 00:31:04.000 for your questions. 00:31:04.000 --> 00:31:07.000 Our Governance Rules allow for two questions, so in the interests 00:31:07.000 --> 00:31:11.000 of time and fairness, I'll provide you with a written response 00:31:11.000 --> 00:31:14.000 to your remaining questions and I'll respond to 2 now. 00:31:14.000 --> 00:31:18.000 A lot of the matters you raised have been addressed in other responses, 00:31:18.000 --> 00:31:21.000 so I'll answer two of the questions that have not been raised 00:31:21.000 --> 00:31:24.000 by anyone else tonight. 00:31:24.000 --> 00:31:27.000 We don't anticipate that the removal of this clause will result 00:31:27.000 --> 00:31:32.000 in major changes to the way toilets and facilities are used. 00:31:32.000 --> 00:31:37.000 Toilet signage will remain the same and we will still provide a range of male, 00:31:37.000 --> 00:31:41.000 female and all-gender options across the shire. 00:31:41.000 --> 00:31:45.000 With regard to your first question, any future upgrades 00:31:45.000 --> 00:31:49.000 to our existing facilities are not within the scope of the Local Law, 00:31:49.000 --> 00:31:53.000 but the proposed change, if adopted, would remove the fine currently associated 00:31:53.000 --> 00:31:59.000 with a person entering a facility for a different gender. 00:31:59.000 --> 00:32:00.000 MAYOR PATTISON: And we 00:32:00.000 --> 00:32:04.000 - MS ROBYN SEYMOUR: And as for the second question 00:32:04.000 --> 00:32:07.000 - MAYOR PATTISON: I'll just read the second question: 00:32:07.000 --> 00:32:10.000 "Will Council provide sanitary bins in all toilets now and how does this fit 00:32:10.000 --> 00:32:12.000 with those that have urinals? 00:32:12.000 --> 00:32:15.000 Will the urinals be removed to make women feel more comfortable? 00:32:15.000 --> 00:32:19.000 "MS ROBYN SEYMOUR: As for your second question, we have no plans 00:32:19.000 --> 00:32:22.000 to change the infrastructure and the resources provided 00:32:22.000 --> 00:32:23.000 in our existing facilities. 00:32:23.000 --> 00:32:27.000 We will consider design matters as part of any plans for new 00:32:27.000 --> 00:32:29.000 and upgraded facilities. 00:32:29.000 --> 00:32:33.000 MAYOR PATTISON: We now move on to Julie Orton's question. 00:32:33.000 --> 00:32:34.000 Julie, are you here? 00:32:34.000 --> 00:32:36.000 Great. 00:32:36.000 --> 00:32:38.000 Would you like to come forward and read them? 00:32:42.000 --> 00:32:44.000 MS JULIE ORTON: Yes. 00:32:48.000 --> 00:32:51.000 How does the proposed change to the Council's toilet 00:32:51.000 --> 00:32:56.000 and changeroom facilities make it in any way legally consistent 00:32:56.000 --> 00:33:00.000 with the Commission for Children and Youth Protection's Child Safe 00:33:00.000 --> 00:33:06.000 Standards and the 11 standards that must be 00:33:06.000 --> 00:33:12.000 implemented by any organisation, including the Surf Coast Shire? 00:33:12.000 --> 00:33:16.000 I request that all Councillors please familiarise 00:33:16.000 --> 00:33:19.000 yourselves both individually and collectively 00:33:19.000 --> 00:33:25.000 with the 11 Child Safe Standards, particularly Standard 9, which deals 00:33:25.000 --> 00:33:27.000 with privacy of children. 00:33:27.000 --> 00:33:30.000 MAYOR PATTISON: Thank you for your question. 00:33:30.000 --> 00:33:33.000 Just as an aside, our Councillors and executive management team have 00:33:33.000 --> 00:33:37.000 recently had a session around Child Safe Standards, so we are up 00:33:37.000 --> 00:33:39.000 to date and familiar with those standards. 00:33:39.000 --> 00:33:43.000 But I'll pass on to our CEO to respond directly to the question. 00:33:43.000 --> 00:33:45.000 MS ROBYN SEYMOUR: Thanks, Julie, and thanks 00:33:45.000 --> 00:33:47.000 for raising the Child Safe Standards. 00:33:47.000 --> 00:33:51.000 Council is committed to being a Child Safe organisation 00:33:51.000 --> 00:33:56.000 and we have undertaken a lot of work to ensure that we meet the Child Safe 00:33:56.000 --> 00:33:58.000 Standards. 00:33:58.000 --> 00:34:02.000 Our child safety officers were consulted on this issue. 00:34:02.000 --> 00:34:07.000 Both outlined child abuse as a complex issue influenced by a range 00:34:07.000 --> 00:34:10.000 of risk and protective factors. 00:34:10.000 --> 00:34:13.000 Segregating genders is not considered an effective method 00:34:13.000 --> 00:34:16.000 of preventing child abuse. 00:34:18.000 --> 00:34:22.000 So the removal of this clause would not be consistent 00:34:22.000 --> 00:34:25.000 with the Child Safe Standards, nor would it put children 00:34:25.000 --> 00:34:28.000 at increased risk of child abuse. 00:34:28.000 --> 00:34:30.000 SPEAKER: Oh, that's rubbish! 00:34:30.000 --> 00:34:32.000 MS JULIE ORTON: Oh, dear me. 00:34:32.000 --> 00:34:35.000 My second question is how do Council members 00:34:35.000 --> 00:34:41.000 and staff propose to police and protect the privacy of children 00:34:41.000 --> 00:34:47.000 and women against any possible predatory behaviours 00:34:47.000 --> 00:34:54.000 and provide the legislated safety for all children and women, 00:34:54.000 --> 00:34:58.000 including those who are victims of sexual abuse, harassment 00:34:58.000 --> 00:35:05.000 and violence while using these facilities, if this 00:35:05.000 --> 00:35:09.000 - sorry, if this amendment is adopted? 00:35:09.000 --> 00:35:15.000 Any change must be done properly by creating purpose-built 00:35:15.000 --> 00:35:17.000 toilets and changerooms. 00:35:17.000 --> 00:35:25.000 Please do not risk any female of any age or ethnicity becoming a victim 00:35:25.000 --> 00:35:30.000 of antisocial behaviour and incurring the consequences for all, 00:35:30.000 --> 00:35:36.000 including Surf Coast Councillors and entities. 00:35:36.000 --> 00:35:40.000 MAYOR PATTISON: Thanks for your second question. 00:35:40.000 --> 00:35:42.000 And I'll pass that to our CEO. 00:35:42.000 --> 00:35:45.000 MS ROBYN SEYMOUR: Thank you, Julie, for your question. 00:35:45.000 --> 00:35:46.000 There are state laws in place 00:35:46.000 --> 00:35:49.000 - the Summary Offences Act and the Crimes Act 00:35:49.000 --> 00:35:53.000 - to prevent people from behaving in an offensive or threatening way, 00:35:53.000 --> 00:35:56.000 including in Council facilities. 00:35:56.000 --> 00:36:00.000 If another person is acting in a way that makes anyone feel 00:36:00.000 --> 00:36:05.000 unsafe, remove yourself from that situation, call triple 0 00:36:05.000 --> 00:36:07.000 and request police assistance. 00:36:10.000 --> 00:36:12.000 MS JULIE ORTON: Third question, how does my 00:36:12.000 --> 00:36:14.000 - MAYOR PATTISON: Sorry, Julie, we allow two questions. 00:36:14.000 --> 00:36:20.000 MS JULIE ORTON: How does a child get protected at the stadium, stadium toilets, 00:36:20.000 --> 00:36:23.000 a 10-year-old child in alone? 00:36:23.000 --> 00:36:26.000 MAYOR PATTISON: So thank you for your questions. 00:36:26.000 --> 00:36:30.000 Bo Carter, will you be putting forward a question? 00:36:30.000 --> 00:36:32.000 MS ROBYN SEYMOUR: I can't see Bo. 00:36:32.000 --> 00:36:33.000 MAYOR PATTISON: No, Bo is not here. 00:36:33.000 --> 00:36:37.000 I'll read out Bo's question: "In regards to the Gender and Equity Impact Assessment 00:36:37.000 --> 00:36:42.000 on page 51 of the meeting agenda it states that the Gender Equity 00:36:42.000 --> 00:36:45.000 and Impact Assessment was written by the Gender Equity Advisor. 00:36:45.000 --> 00:36:49.000 Who is the Gender Equity Advisor? "And I'll read the second question 00:36:49.000 --> 00:36:52.000 as well, because we can respond together with those:" 00:36:52.000 --> 00:36:54.000 In regards to the process, why weren't the public given 00:36:54.000 --> 00:36:58.000 the opportunity to be part of the discussion with key staff 00:36:58.000 --> 00:37:02.000 and stakeholders and are the residents of the Surf Coast Shire considered 00:37:02.000 --> 00:37:07.000 stakeholders? "I pass that on to our CEO. 00:37:07.000 --> 00:37:10.000 MS ROBYN SEYMOUR: Hi, Bo, and I'm sorry you're not here 00:37:10.000 --> 00:37:12.000 with us tonight, but thank you for your questions and 00:37:12.000 --> 00:37:17.000 for your continued interest in the local law development. 00:37:17.000 --> 00:37:22.000 Although the assessment was undertaken by specialist Council staff, I can confirm 00:37:22.000 --> 00:37:28.000 as the Chief Executive I am responsible for the document and the recommendations. 00:37:28.000 --> 00:37:31.000 Community input was not sought specifically on the development 00:37:31.000 --> 00:37:35.000 of the Gender Impact Assessment as, like a technical study, 00:37:35.000 --> 00:37:39.000 it required technical expertise. 00:37:39.000 --> 00:37:43.000 Instead, we invited community feedback on the proposed changes 00:37:43.000 --> 00:37:45.000 to the Local Law itself. 00:37:45.000 --> 00:37:49.000 The four-week submission period on the Local Law has recently closed 00:37:49.000 --> 00:37:52.000 and Council has held a hearing of submissions meeting. 00:37:56.000 --> 00:37:58.000 MAYOR PATTISON: Cherie Solomon 00:37:58.000 --> 00:38:01.000 - is Cherie here to present their question? 00:38:01.000 --> 00:38:03.000 No? 00:38:03.000 --> 00:38:06.000 I'll read the question: "What measures has Council taken 00:38:06.000 --> 00:38:10.000 to ensure the research undertaken on this topic is objective and unbiassed? 00:38:10.000 --> 00:38:13.000 There are only three research papers referenced and this is not adequate 00:38:13.000 --> 00:38:15.000 to justify a change to Local Law. 00:38:15.000 --> 00:38:19.000 "I'll put that one to our CEO as well. 00:38:19.000 --> 00:38:22.000 MS ROBYN SEYMOUR: Hi, Cherie, and thank you for your question 00:38:22.000 --> 00:38:25.000 and the links to some of the additional articles. 00:38:25.000 --> 00:38:29.000 The purpose of the proposed change is to improve access and inclusion 00:38:29.000 --> 00:38:32.000 and bring the law in line with legislative requirements. 00:38:32.000 --> 00:38:36.000 In putting forward this proposal, officers undertook research 00:38:36.000 --> 00:38:43.000 to ensure that it would not negatively impact people's safety and privacy. 00:38:43.000 --> 00:38:46.000 As part of this research, we spoke to the Victoria Police 00:38:46.000 --> 00:38:50.000 and Council's Child Safe officers, who all raised no concerns. 00:38:53.000 --> 00:38:57.000 As mentioned earlier, we identified that 86% 00:38:57.000 --> 00:39:03.000 of Councils do not have a similar clause prohibiting people of one gender entering 00:39:03.000 --> 00:39:06.000 a facility designated for another gender. 00:39:06.000 --> 00:39:11.000 No evidence was found to indicate that a rise in safety 00:39:11.000 --> 00:39:16.000 and privacy violations in the many places that don't have this kind of clause 00:39:16.000 --> 00:39:18.000 in their Local Law. 00:39:18.000 --> 00:39:21.000 Officers undertook research from a range of sources and focused 00:39:21.000 --> 00:39:26.000 on those that were peer reviewed, had a clearly defined research scope 00:39:26.000 --> 00:39:31.000 and were based on representative samples to ensure findings documented behavioural 00:39:31.000 --> 00:39:35.000 patterns rather than individual examples. 00:39:35.000 --> 00:39:38.000 MAYOR PATTISON: And we'll now move on to the second question: "What measures 00:39:38.000 --> 00:39:41.000 will Council take to ensure the safety and security 00:39:41.000 --> 00:39:45.000 of women in the proposed change, if the proposed change is passed?" 00:39:45.000 --> 00:39:48.000 MS ROBYN SEYMOUR: And in regards to your second question, 00:39:48.000 --> 00:39:50.000 we have undertaken a thorough review of the research 00:39:50.000 --> 00:39:53.000 and have not found any evidence that removing the clause 00:39:53.000 --> 00:39:56.000 will impact the privacy or safety of women. 00:39:56.000 --> 00:40:01.000 Ensuring safety is a priority and, as I've mentioned earlier, 00:40:01.000 --> 00:40:04.000 there are state laws, the Summary Offences Act 00:40:04.000 --> 00:40:07.000 and the Crimes Act, in place to protect our community 00:40:07.000 --> 00:40:10.000 from people behaving in an offensive or a threatening way 00:40:10.000 --> 00:40:14.000 anywhere, including in Council toilets and facilities. 00:40:16.000 --> 00:40:21.000 MAYOR PATTISON: We now move on to our last set of questions and it comes 00:40:21.000 --> 00:40:25.000 from Kelvin Granger and Dean Hurlston from Council Watch Inc. 00:40:25.000 --> 00:40:29.000 and their question is: "Can Council please advise the dollar 00:40:29.000 --> 00:40:32.000 amount of cost shifting from the State Government they estimate 00:40:32.000 --> 00:40:37.000 they incurred in 2022 to 2023 financial year?" 00:40:37.000 --> 00:40:40.000 And I'll pass that one on to the CEO. 00:40:40.000 --> 00:40:43.000 MS ROBYN SEYMOUR: Thank you for your question, Kelvin and Dean. 00:40:43.000 --> 00:40:47.000 This is a very topical issue for the sector at the moment and in terms 00:40:47.000 --> 00:40:52.000 of the total cost to Council, this is not easy to define because 00:40:52.000 --> 00:40:55.000 of the length of time and number of services impacted. 00:40:55.000 --> 00:40:59.000 But we do have a number of examples for you. 00:40:59.000 --> 00:41:05.000 Back in the 1970s, libraries were reported to be funded fifty-fifty 00:41:05.000 --> 00:41:09.000 between the Victorian State Government and local government. 00:41:09.000 --> 00:41:14.000 Now the state is funding 26% and Council is funding 74%. 00:41:14.000 --> 00:41:22.000 That's around an additional $250,000 per annum to our Council. 00:41:22.000 --> 00:41:24.000 Maternal and child health is another service 00:41:24.000 --> 00:41:28.000 that was initially funded fifty-fifty arrangement and is now closer 00:41:28.000 --> 00:41:33.000 to a sixty-forty split, with Council covering the larger majority 00:41:33.000 --> 00:41:35.000 of the costs. 00:41:35.000 --> 00:41:39.000 Another example of cost shifting is shown in Council being responsible 00:41:39.000 --> 00:41:43.000 for bus stop renewal, despite public transport being 00:41:43.000 --> 00:41:45.000 a responsibility of the State Government. 00:41:45.000 --> 00:41:50.000 This recently cost us more than $100,000. 00:41:50.000 --> 00:41:53.000 There are some State Government legislative changes that have also 00:41:53.000 --> 00:41:57.000 increased costs to Councils, including the increased requirements 00:41:57.000 --> 00:42:00.000 on building services in relation to swimming pools 00:42:00.000 --> 00:42:03.000 and barrier compliance inspections. 00:42:03.000 --> 00:42:08.000 We welcome the state upper house inquiry into local government funding 00:42:08.000 --> 00:42:10.000 and service delivery. 00:42:10.000 --> 00:42:13.000 Like the Municipal Association of Victoria, we wish 00:42:13.000 --> 00:42:17.000 to see this inquiry providing answers and additional resources 00:42:17.000 --> 00:42:20.000 to meet the growing number of obligations the State Government 00:42:20.000 --> 00:42:22.000 requires of Councils. 00:42:22.000 --> 00:42:26.000 Thank you, Dean and Kelvin, for your question. 00:42:26.000 --> 00:42:30.000 MAYOR PATTISON: Well, that's the end of our public question time and thank you 00:42:30.000 --> 00:42:33.000 to those that submitted their questions to the Council meeting. 00:42:33.000 --> 00:42:36.000 For those of you that weren't aware of the process, questions need 00:42:36.000 --> 00:42:40.000 to be submitted to Council by 3 o'clock the day prior 00:42:40.000 --> 00:42:44.000 to the Council meeting and anyone could submit two questions. 00:42:44.000 --> 00:42:48.000 There are plenty of other less formal ways that you can engage with Council. 00:42:48.000 --> 00:42:52.000 So if you're feeling dissatisfied with your ability to engage 00:42:52.000 --> 00:42:56.000 in this particular Council meeting, please we do appreciate your input 00:42:56.000 --> 00:42:59.000 and encourage you to get in touch the other ways 00:42:59.000 --> 00:43:02.000 through customer service through our website or contacting 00:43:02.000 --> 00:43:03.000 Councillors via email or phone. 00:43:03.000 --> 00:43:05.000 So please stay in contact. 00:43:05.000 --> 00:43:09.000 We now move on to the more formal parts of our Council meeting 00:43:09.000 --> 00:43:12.000 and the next area is petitions. 00:43:12.000 --> 00:43:17.000 So we have no new petitions, but we have noted that the petition 00:43:17.000 --> 00:43:20.000 that was submitted at our last Council meeting has received 00:43:20.000 --> 00:43:26.000 an additional 562 signatures and that's the petition titled "Petition 00:43:26.000 --> 00:43:28.000 to the Surf Coast Shire to Leave the Local Law on Men's 00:43:28.000 --> 00:43:30.000 and Women's Facilities Alone", 00:43:30.000 --> 00:43:32.000 and as I mentioned, we received and noted that 00:43:32.000 --> 00:43:34.000 at the last Council meeting. 00:43:34.000 --> 00:43:37.000 Council will be asked to note these additional signatures 00:43:37.000 --> 00:43:42.000 when considering the agenda item, the first item on our agenda, 4.1, 00:43:42.000 --> 00:43:46.000 for the Proposed Community Amenity Local Law 2023. 00:43:46.000 --> 00:43:48.000 We now move on to Notices of Motion. 00:43:48.000 --> 00:43:52.000 We have a Notice of Motion from Councillor Wellington relating 00:43:52.000 --> 00:43:55.000 to the Proposed Community Amenity Local Law and a copy 00:43:55.000 --> 00:43:57.000 of this has been published in the meeting agenda. 00:43:57.000 --> 00:44:02.000 Officers have asked me to advise that as part of this motion seeks deferral 00:44:02.000 --> 00:44:06.000 of consideration of the Local Law, if this motion is carried, then Council 00:44:06.000 --> 00:44:12.000 will also need to defer agenda item 4.1, being the consideration 00:44:12.000 --> 00:44:14.000 of the Community Amenity Local Law. 00:44:16.000 --> 00:44:20.000 Councillor Wellington, do you wish to move this notice of motion? 00:44:23.000 --> 00:44:25.000 I didn't hear that, sorry. 00:44:25.000 --> 00:44:26.000 Do we need to check the volume? 00:44:26.000 --> 00:44:28.000 Yes. 00:44:28.000 --> 00:44:29.000 CR WELLINGTON: Thank you. 00:44:29.000 --> 00:44:32.000 I should say I've got laryngitis, Mayor Pattison, 00:44:32.000 --> 00:44:36.000 and I probably shouldn't be at this meeting, but I wished 00:44:36.000 --> 00:44:38.000 to participate in this discussion, 00:44:38.000 --> 00:44:40.000 in the discussion on (inaudible). 00:44:43.000 --> 00:44:46.000 MAYOR PATTISON: That's great. 00:44:46.000 --> 00:44:47.000 Thank you. 00:44:47.000 --> 00:44:49.000 Thank you. 00:44:49.000 --> 00:44:52.000 We will make sure that we keep our ears trained so we can hear you clearly. 00:44:52.000 --> 00:44:55.000 Is there a seconder for this motion? 00:44:55.000 --> 00:44:56.000 Councillor Barker? 00:44:56.000 --> 00:45:00.000 And is that as per the notice of motion advertised? 00:45:00.000 --> 00:45:03.000 Councillor Wellington, do you wish to speak to your motion? 00:45:03.000 --> 00:45:05.000 CR WELLINGTON: I do. 00:45:05.000 --> 00:45:07.000 Before I start, can I just ask how many signatures 00:45:07.000 --> 00:45:11.000 in total we received on the petition (inaudible). 00:45:13.000 --> 00:45:20.000 MAYOR PATTISON: So there was 562 new signatures and I think it was 212, 00:45:20.000 --> 00:45:22.000 but I'll seek clarification. 00:45:22.000 --> 00:45:25.000 MS ROBYN SEYMOUR: I thought it was less than that. 00:45:25.000 --> 00:45:30.000 MAYOR PATTISON: It was somewhere between 150 and 250, but we can get back 00:45:30.000 --> 00:45:32.000 to you, take that one on notice. 00:45:32.000 --> 00:45:35.000 CR WELLINGTON: Thank you. 00:45:35.000 --> 00:45:36.000 Thanks very much. 00:45:36.000 --> 00:45:43.000 And I've got a couple of questions before I move on to talking on the motion. 00:45:43.000 --> 00:45:46.000 Our Governance Rules, 35.7 (inaudible) council meeting 00:45:46.000 --> 00:45:51.000 Governance Rules prohibit the CEO from making recommendations to Council 00:45:51.000 --> 00:45:57.000 about Notices of Motion, but the CEO's report on this matter states 00:45:57.000 --> 00:46:01.000 that officers remain firmly of the recommendation (inaudible) 00:46:01.000 --> 00:46:07.000 do not recommend development of clause to the effect of the one proposed 00:46:07.000 --> 00:46:10.000 in this Notice of Motion. 00:46:10.000 --> 00:46:15.000 That is a recommendation and appears to breach our Governance Rules. 00:46:18.000 --> 00:46:20.000 I've spoken to officers about this (inaudible) 00:46:20.000 --> 00:46:22.000 - MAYOR PATTISON: Sorry, Councillor Wellington, 00:46:22.000 --> 00:46:25.000 are you asking a question or are you speaking to your motion? 00:46:25.000 --> 00:46:27.000 Okay, so have you framed your question? 00:46:27.000 --> 00:46:28.000 CR WELLINGTON: No. 00:46:28.000 --> 00:46:32.000 So governance officers have advised me that that Governance Rule doesn't apply 00:46:32.000 --> 00:46:38.000 because it only applies to motions put forward by officers, 00:46:38.000 --> 00:46:42.000 but that obviously doesn't apply in the context of a Notice of Motion 00:46:42.000 --> 00:46:43.000 by Council. 00:46:43.000 --> 00:46:49.000 So I'm just wondering how it can be that this CEO report, which basically acts 00:46:49.000 --> 00:46:54.000 as an opposition report to my Notice of Motion, is able to 00:46:54.000 --> 00:46:57.000 - has been able to (inaudible). 00:46:57.000 --> 00:46:59.000 MAYOR PATTISON: Thank you, I'll take that question. 00:46:59.000 --> 00:47:04.000 So it's my understanding that Governance has provided an assessment 00:47:04.000 --> 00:47:11.000 and has responded to your concern and that on that basis, we will be proceeding 00:47:11.000 --> 00:47:14.000 with the Notice of Motion tonight based on that advice. 00:47:14.000 --> 00:47:20.000 The CEO has not made a recommendation for this non Notice of Motion 00:47:20.000 --> 00:47:25.000 as per our reports in our standard reporting 00:47:25.000 --> 00:47:29.000 for the Council meeting and the report draws on points 00:47:29.000 --> 00:47:34.000 and issues that were raised in the report for item 4.1 of our Council meeting 00:47:34.000 --> 00:47:36.000 of the agenda. 00:47:36.000 --> 00:47:39.000 So we will be progressing with the Notice of Motion tonight. 00:47:39.000 --> 00:47:42.000 So would you like to speak to your motion, Councillor Wellington? 00:47:42.000 --> 00:47:48.000 CR WELLINGTON: I'd like to put notice of dissent on that (inaudible). 00:47:48.000 --> 00:47:51.000 MAYOR PATTISON: We don't have a conversation on a Notice of Dissent. 00:47:51.000 --> 00:47:52.000 I'll just seek clarification. 00:47:52.000 --> 00:47:56.000 CR WELLINGTON: (Inaudible) on the basis that the report includes 00:47:56.000 --> 00:47:59.000 a recommendation that the Notice of Motion not be accepted. 00:47:59.000 --> 00:48:02.000 MAYOR PATTISON: If we just pause for one moment, I'll just refer 00:48:02.000 --> 00:48:05.000 to my Governance Rules and then we can proceed. 00:48:39.000 --> 00:48:40.000 I'll just confirm with Governance. 00:48:40.000 --> 00:48:42.000 We'll be back in one moment. 00:49:10.000 --> 00:49:12.000 Thank you for your procedural motion. 00:49:12.000 --> 00:49:15.000 Unfortunately, motions of dissent can only be put on a point 00:49:15.000 --> 00:49:18.000 of order and I was just answering a question, 00:49:18.000 --> 00:49:20.000 so it's not actually applicable in our Governance Rules. 00:49:20.000 --> 00:49:23.000 Would you like to speak to your motion, Councillor Wellington? 00:49:28.000 --> 00:49:32.000 CR WELLINGTON: (Inaudible) the Notice of Motion actually asks for the CEO 00:49:32.000 --> 00:49:37.000 to prepare a report and so it's directed at the CEO and if the CEO 00:49:37.000 --> 00:49:42.000 - the CEO clearly has an interest in whether or not the Notice of Motion 00:49:42.000 --> 00:49:44.000 is accepted or not. 00:49:44.000 --> 00:49:47.000 I'm just wondering how (inaudible) has been able 00:49:47.000 --> 00:49:54.000 to (inaudible) report which rejects the Notice of Motion when it's a Notice 00:49:54.000 --> 00:49:58.000 of Motion requesting her to prepare some work and 00:49:58.000 --> 00:50:00.000 she clearly has a conflict of interest in it. 00:50:00.000 --> 00:50:03.000 MAYOR PATTISON: I'll take that question now and we'll put that to our CEO. 00:50:03.000 --> 00:50:08.000 So the question as put to our CEO, thanks. 00:50:08.000 --> 00:50:11.000 MS ROBYN SEYMOUR: Councillor Wellington, I think my interpretation 00:50:11.000 --> 00:50:20.000 of the report that has been prepared is that it addresses your Notice of Motion 00:50:20.000 --> 00:50:26.000 and then it also links to the report 4.1, which is the consideration 00:50:26.000 --> 00:50:31.000 of the Local Law, because it's really hard to actually look at one without the other. 00:50:35.000 --> 00:50:39.000 So there's consistency across the two reports. 00:50:39.000 --> 00:50:43.000 But I don't believe that we have provided a recommendation, 00:50:43.000 --> 00:50:48.000 a formal recommendation, on the Notice of Motion in this report. 00:50:48.000 --> 00:50:52.000 I just think there's consistency of language across the two reports 00:50:52.000 --> 00:50:58.000 and we've addressed some of the issues specifically that you've 00:50:58.000 --> 00:50:59.000 raised as part of your Notice of Motion. 00:51:03.000 --> 00:51:04.000 MAYOR PATTISON: Thank you. 00:51:04.000 --> 00:51:07.000 Will you now be speaking to your motion, Councillor Wellington? 00:51:07.000 --> 00:51:10.000 CR WELLINGTON: Thank you very much. 00:51:10.000 --> 00:51:18.000 I will say at the start (inaudible) proposition every 00:51:18.000 --> 00:51:26.000 person should have access to a safe and clean toilet in the public domain 00:51:26.000 --> 00:51:31.000 and so the issue there is really our balance of competing demands 00:51:31.000 --> 00:51:35.000 on behalf of women more than men, but my points are the same, 00:51:35.000 --> 00:51:40.000 but I do feel there's a particular issue for women here more 00:51:43.000 --> 00:51:50.000 in prominence (inaudible) would be very unhappy with women in male toilets 00:51:50.000 --> 00:51:52.000 as well, but I think there's a particular sensitive 00:51:52.000 --> 00:51:56.000 issue that's really important for women. 00:51:56.000 --> 00:52:00.000 I do want to say also in terms of our Governance Rules, I'm limited 00:52:00.000 --> 00:52:05.000 to 500 words in terms of justifying my motion 00:52:05.000 --> 00:52:09.000 and the CEO has double that in her rebutting argument. 00:52:09.000 --> 00:52:11.000 She's not supposed to rebut a Notice of Motion. 00:52:14.000 --> 00:52:16.000 She's supposed to put forward the facts related 00:52:16.000 --> 00:52:19.000 to the issues raised in the Notice of Motion, and I think that (inaudible) 00:52:19.000 --> 00:52:21.000 that this doesn't breach the Governance Rules. 00:52:21.000 --> 00:52:24.000 I think it's a clear breach and I think it needs to be looked at. 00:52:27.000 --> 00:52:30.000 I also just make the point that our Governance Rules (inaudible) lot 00:52:30.000 --> 00:52:35.000 of provisions that this Council implemented a few years ago in an attempt 00:52:35.000 --> 00:52:37.000 to stop this sort of debate that we're having 00:52:37.000 --> 00:52:42.000 around this issue and others, attempting to make it very difficult for Councillors 00:52:42.000 --> 00:52:44.000 to raise issues. 00:52:44.000 --> 00:52:48.000 I objected to those very strongly at the time and a lot 00:52:48.000 --> 00:52:52.000 of the people in the community did too, but unfortunately that wasn't successful 00:52:52.000 --> 00:52:54.000 and I suspect we're on the same pathway tonight. 00:52:54.000 --> 00:52:56.000 Well, we are, actually. 00:52:56.000 --> 00:52:59.000 But I'm really sorry about that. 00:52:59.000 --> 00:53:02.000 So I want to say to the community I am doing my best to try 00:53:02.000 --> 00:53:08.000 to get these issues up for proper debate, respectful debate, and, you know, 00:53:08.000 --> 00:53:13.000 it's interesting to me that Council relies on being a leader in some respects 00:53:13.000 --> 00:53:14.000 with Governance Rules. 00:53:14.000 --> 00:53:17.000 Its response to my problems with the previous Governance Rules 00:53:17.000 --> 00:53:21.000 when I said, "Well, no other Council has these, or very few", 00:53:23.000 --> 00:53:25.000 the answer was, "Yes, but we're a leader." 00:53:25.000 --> 00:53:29.000 Here the answer is the complete opposite, we're (inaudible) all the other Councils 00:53:29.000 --> 00:53:32.000 that don't have them because (inaudible) purpose really. 00:53:32.000 --> 00:53:33.000 I just wanted to make that point. 00:53:33.000 --> 00:53:36.000 In terms of the rebuttal that's been put forward 00:53:36.000 --> 00:53:38.000 by officers of my Notice of Motion, well, first of all, 00:53:38.000 --> 00:53:41.000 I note that a new Local Law would require gender identity, 00:53:41.000 --> 00:53:44.000 of course it does, it's part of the motion. 00:53:44.000 --> 00:53:50.000 It's widely understood that gender means the gender person assumes (inaudible) 00:53:50.000 --> 00:53:56.000 and mostly, but not always, gender is male or female. 00:54:00.000 --> 00:54:03.000 (Inaudible) incorporates (inaudible) and it's strongly arguable (inaudible) 00:54:03.000 --> 00:54:07.000 previous meeting that the current Local Law certainly does not discriminate 00:54:07.000 --> 00:54:11.000 against trans people on the basis of the accepted definition 00:54:11.000 --> 00:54:15.000 of gender identity, but it would be helpful 00:54:15.000 --> 00:54:18.000 to have a definition in our Local Law and we could copy it 00:54:18.000 --> 00:54:22.000 from the federal Sex Discrimination Act. 00:54:22.000 --> 00:54:24.000 The purpose of Local Laws is not just about enforcement. 00:54:24.000 --> 00:54:29.000 Whether our officers feel they're capable of understanding if a person is presenting 00:54:29.000 --> 00:54:33.000 as a defined gender in male or female in my view highlights the need 00:54:33.000 --> 00:54:36.000 for training of officers, not the discarding 00:54:36.000 --> 00:54:40.000 of a law that makes women in particular feel safer. 00:54:40.000 --> 00:54:44.000 Local Laws set expected standards of conduct and they allow officers to act 00:54:44.000 --> 00:54:48.000 if, for example, a person of male gender who is born 00:54:48.000 --> 00:54:53.000 and has assumed male gender decides to repeatedly enter or just 00:54:53.000 --> 00:54:57.000 to enter female facilities and one of my residents said (inaudible) 00:54:57.000 --> 00:55:05.000 a male resident said that. 00:55:05.000 --> 00:55:08.000 (Inaudible) assault, no penalties to be made to the male conducting themself 00:55:08.000 --> 00:55:13.000 in that way unless they've also harassed or threatened people. 00:55:13.000 --> 00:55:15.000 That is not what 00:55:15.000 --> 00:55:22.000 - generally women have a sense of security they're trying to protect, 00:55:22.000 --> 00:55:26.000 but some women do have a real fear of harassment and assault, 00:55:26.000 --> 00:55:31.000 but generally it's a sense of security that they wish to protect. 00:55:31.000 --> 00:55:36.000 We will be in serious trouble in a range of issues if we rely 00:55:36.000 --> 00:55:41.000 on the enforcement efforts of our officers entirely for Local Law. 00:55:41.000 --> 00:55:45.000 For many years, for example, (inaudible) Local Laws (inaudible) nature 00:55:45.000 --> 00:55:48.000 strip treatments and the fact we have (inaudible) topic, 00:55:48.000 --> 00:55:53.000 though, did create a standard and platform for reform once a problem is identified 00:55:53.000 --> 00:55:56.000 and that is exactly what we're having here. 00:55:56.000 --> 00:56:00.000 (Inaudible) local law to address the problems that are 00:56:00.000 --> 00:56:02.000 going to be generated by us 00:56:02.000 --> 00:56:09.000 - address the issues that actually affect only a very small number 00:56:09.000 --> 00:56:14.000 of people (inaudible) of non-binary or diverse gender. 00:56:14.000 --> 00:56:15.000 They are the ones 00:56:15.000 --> 00:56:18.000 - contrary to the advice that we've received, 00:56:18.000 --> 00:56:21.000 I believe that they are the ones who are clearly affected 00:56:21.000 --> 00:56:23.000 by this Local Law and not transgender people who identify 00:56:23.000 --> 00:56:25.000 as a particular gender. 00:56:25.000 --> 00:56:30.000 MAYOR PATTISON: Sorry, Councillor Allen. 00:56:30.000 --> 00:56:32.000 Councillor Allen has 00:56:32.000 --> 00:56:33.000 - CR ALLEN: Thanks, Mayor. 00:56:33.000 --> 00:56:35.000 Could I move, if Councillor Wellington wishes, 00:56:35.000 --> 00:56:38.000 an extension of time of 2 more minutes? 00:56:38.000 --> 00:56:40.000 CR WELLINGTON: Thank you. 00:56:40.000 --> 00:56:42.000 I can't see the timer, actually, but I appreciate that. 00:56:42.000 --> 00:56:44.000 MAYOR PATTISON: The time has finished. 00:56:44.000 --> 00:56:45.000 Yes, that's accepted, yes. 00:56:45.000 --> 00:56:48.000 CR WELLINGTON: It's not on the screen, Mayor Pattison. 00:56:48.000 --> 00:56:50.000 MAYOR PATTISON: No, they were just resetting it 00:56:50.000 --> 00:56:54.000 because you'd finished your time, so there's an additional 2 minutes. 00:56:54.000 --> 00:56:55.000 CR WELLINGTON: Thank you again. 00:56:55.000 --> 00:56:57.000 Thank you to Councillor Allen. 00:56:57.000 --> 00:57:00.000 Can I thank Councillor Allen and Councillor Barker for their support 00:57:00.000 --> 00:57:01.000 for this matter. 00:57:01.000 --> 00:57:05.000 As I said, the reliance on a number of other Councils that don't have such 00:57:05.000 --> 00:57:08.000 Local Law in place is misplaced (inaudible) opposite argument 00:57:08.000 --> 00:57:09.000 , changing (inaudible). 00:57:09.000 --> 00:57:15.000 The resistance to community engagement on this issue is really concerning to me. 00:57:15.000 --> 00:57:18.000 I understand it's an emotive topic, individuals have specific views, 00:57:18.000 --> 00:57:21.000 but to suggest that a law should not be debated publicly 00:57:21.000 --> 00:57:26.000 because some people might (inaudible) is not an acceptable argument. 00:57:26.000 --> 00:57:30.000 Our role is to lead a reasonable and respectful debate 00:57:30.000 --> 00:57:34.000 and I believe this Council has presented the arguments (inaudible) 00:57:34.000 --> 00:57:37.000 to the community in a very biassed way, in the same way it's responded 00:57:37.000 --> 00:57:42.000 to my Notice of Motion, effectively supporting (inaudible) 00:57:42.000 --> 00:57:46.000 without actively disclosing to the community the significant indirect 00:57:46.000 --> 00:57:49.000 impost (inaudible) of women of removing it. 00:57:49.000 --> 00:57:54.000 And I thank the people in the community who've done a lot of work 00:57:54.000 --> 00:57:56.000 to raise this issue. 00:57:56.000 --> 00:57:59.000 I am absolutely of the view that biological women 00:57:59.000 --> 00:58:05.000 who identify as women also deserve the recognition and respect of this shire. 00:58:10.000 --> 00:58:13.000 CR WELLINGTON: One final point is that no Local Law 00:58:13.000 --> 00:58:16.000 on gender facilities (inaudible) on our toilets (inaudible) 00:58:16.000 --> 00:58:24.000 is both redundant and misleading, as was pointed out by a number 00:58:24.000 --> 00:58:26.000 of submitters and has been also I think tonight. 00:58:26.000 --> 00:58:28.000 People are saying well, if you haven't got any way 00:58:28.000 --> 00:58:32.000 to enforce that, why do you potentially mislead people 00:58:32.000 --> 00:58:35.000 into thinking that it has something because it doesn't. 00:58:35.000 --> 00:58:37.000 I agree with that point of view. 00:58:37.000 --> 00:58:43.000 I think this is terribly, terribly sad and the ideologically driven response 00:58:43.000 --> 00:58:45.000 of the Councillors, the majority of Councillors 00:58:45.000 --> 00:58:49.000 around this table (inaudible) Notice of Motion tonight, but I feel compelled 00:58:49.000 --> 00:58:51.000 to put it forward on behalf of the community. 00:58:53.000 --> 00:58:55.000 Thank you. 00:58:59.000 --> 00:59:03.000 MAYOR PATTISON: Councillor Barker, do you wish to speak to the motion? 00:59:03.000 --> 00:59:04.000 CR BARKER: Thanks, Mayor. 00:59:04.000 --> 00:59:06.000 As a libertarian, I care about everyone's right 00:59:06.000 --> 00:59:08.000 to live their life the way they see fit so long as 00:59:08.000 --> 00:59:10.000 they cause no harm to others. 00:59:10.000 --> 00:59:15.000 What I see happening here on this issue is a conflict of rights. 00:59:15.000 --> 00:59:20.000 The proposal at 4.1 recommended by officers seeks to limit the rights 00:59:20.000 --> 00:59:24.000 of many, predominantly women, with the intent of supporting the rights 00:59:24.000 --> 00:59:28.000 of a minority who are equally entitled to have their rights considered. 00:59:28.000 --> 00:59:33.000 I think simple design tweaks could conserve established social norms, 00:59:33.000 --> 00:59:36.000 while advancing progressive changes. 00:59:36.000 --> 00:59:41.000 This motion, the Notice of Motion, is essential to gain greater clarity 00:59:41.000 --> 00:59:44.000 on the specific issues surrounding the Proposed Local Law Amendment 00:59:44.000 --> 00:59:49.000 and gives officers the opportunity to remove the omnibus style of ramming 00:59:49.000 --> 00:59:51.000 through a mix of significant policy changes. 00:59:51.000 --> 00:59:55.000 If the Proposed Community Amenity (Amendment) Local Law 2023 gets passed 00:59:55.000 --> 00:59:59.000 in its current form, you will see significant backlash 00:59:59.000 --> 01:00:04.000 from the community more than what has been shown 01:00:04.000 --> 01:00:06.000 in the tabled petition on the matter. 01:00:06.000 --> 01:00:09.000 The community interest shown by the 97% opposition 01:00:09.000 --> 01:00:13.000 and numbers in the gallery tonight is just the tip of the iceberg. 01:00:13.000 --> 01:00:16.000 What you will find in any decision-making body is that 01:00:16.000 --> 01:00:18.000 if you take the affected people of your decision making 01:00:18.000 --> 01:00:22.000 along the journey of change, you will get a much more receptive 01:00:22.000 --> 01:00:27.000 response than what has happened with this issue, where many generations 01:00:27.000 --> 01:00:32.000 of cultural norms are being squashed by a tiny amount of decision makers. 01:00:32.000 --> 01:00:35.000 We are governed mostly by socialists. 01:00:35.000 --> 01:00:37.000 That has contributed significantly to the cost 01:00:37.000 --> 01:00:40.000 of living crisis we're currently in and the reason we're heading 01:00:40.000 --> 01:00:43.000 into a recession and are dumping a significant amount 01:00:43.000 --> 01:00:46.000 of social change, such as what's being proposed 01:00:46.000 --> 01:00:51.000 in these related amendments, on to society in such a short period of time. 01:00:51.000 --> 01:00:54.000 Between the economic impacts and the social changes, 01:00:54.000 --> 01:00:57.000 it is simply too much for society to absorb. 01:00:57.000 --> 01:01:01.000 It is causing anxiety among many, including those identified 01:01:01.000 --> 01:01:04.000 as the minority needing attention. 01:01:04.000 --> 01:01:08.000 This status mindset where the surfs are expected to blindly follow the directives 01:01:08.000 --> 01:01:12.000 of big government is causing long-term societal damage and if you care 01:01:12.000 --> 01:01:17.000 about the whole of society, you'll support this Notice of Motion. 01:01:17.000 --> 01:01:22.000 The CEO's report ends with what I see is a recommendation, and I quote, 01:01:22.000 --> 01:01:27.000 "In summary, officers do not recommend the development of this option as there 01:01:27.000 --> 01:01:31.000 is no evidence of benefit and it is likely to have the unintended effect 01:01:31.000 --> 01:01:35.000 of causing significant harm to vulnerable community members." 01:01:35.000 --> 01:01:41.000 By my reading, that is contrary to clause 24.1 and clause 35.7 01:01:41.000 --> 01:01:43.000 of our Governance Rules. 01:01:43.000 --> 01:01:47.000 Most importantly, this Notice of Motion gives us some breathing space 01:01:47.000 --> 01:01:52.000 to reconsider contentious elements of agenda item 4.1. 01:01:52.000 --> 01:01:55.000 I think it would be wise to allow this Notice of Motion to pass 01:01:55.000 --> 01:01:59.000 and deal with the issue with greater consideration. 01:01:59.000 --> 01:02:01.000 MAYOR PATTISON: Thank you. 01:02:01.000 --> 01:02:05.000 Would any other Councillors like to speak to the motion? 01:02:05.000 --> 01:02:06.000 Councillor Allen? 01:02:06.000 --> 01:02:08.000 CR ALLEN: Thanks, Mayor. 01:02:08.000 --> 01:02:11.000 As a matter of law, local government authorities cannot have 01:02:11.000 --> 01:02:16.000 a local law that is inconsistent with state and/or Commonwealth law. 01:02:16.000 --> 01:02:21.000 Our Local Amenity Law clause 2.1(j) is inconsistent 01:02:21.000 --> 01:02:26.000 with the Commonwealth legislation, the Sex Discrimination Act 1984, 01:02:26.000 --> 01:02:29.000 and as such must be removed. 01:02:29.000 --> 01:02:34.000 The question then arises are we to be silent on the matter of entry 01:02:34.000 --> 01:02:39.000 into Council facilities for people over the age of 6 or for carers 01:02:39.000 --> 01:02:44.000 with a disabled person or do we consider, as is the case with the motion moved 01:02:44.000 --> 01:02:48.000 by Councillor Wellington, to maintain our general prohibition 01:02:48.000 --> 01:02:52.000 on persons accessing a facility designated for a gender with which 01:02:52.000 --> 01:02:57.000 they do not identify with the listed exceptions? 01:02:57.000 --> 01:03:01.000 I had a lengthy discussion with Councillor Wellington 01:03:01.000 --> 01:03:05.000 as her views are well known and coincide with those of a significant number 01:03:05.000 --> 01:03:07.000 of residents. 01:03:07.000 --> 01:03:13.000 I am concerned by the fears, whether real or perceived, of many women. 01:03:13.000 --> 01:03:17.000 I agreed to second her motion that we are debating tonight. 01:03:19.000 --> 01:03:21.000 After reading all the relevant information contained 01:03:21.000 --> 01:03:26.000 in the meeting papers, I have, after an agonising few days, decided 01:03:26.000 --> 01:03:29.000 to withdraw my support for the motion. 01:03:29.000 --> 01:03:32.000 I do so for the following reasons. 01:03:32.000 --> 01:03:37.000 I have consistently maintained that we cannot have a local law that 01:03:37.000 --> 01:03:40.000 is inconsistent with superior jurisdictions. 01:03:40.000 --> 01:03:44.000 The report refers to inconsistencies with section 5(b) and (c) 01:03:44.000 --> 01:03:47.000 of the Commonwealth Act. 01:03:47.000 --> 01:03:53.000 There is a compelling argument that the proposed law will be unenforceable. 01:03:53.000 --> 01:03:56.000 If this motion is accepted tonight, then we will be required 01:03:56.000 --> 01:04:00.000 to undergo another period of community consultation. 01:04:00.000 --> 01:04:03.000 I am now aware, as I am not on social media, 01:04:03.000 --> 01:04:07.000 of the many harmful comments that have been posted directed 01:04:07.000 --> 01:04:10.000 against the trans community, a community which 01:04:10.000 --> 01:04:14.000 is generally very resilient, but at the same time contains 01:04:14.000 --> 01:04:20.000 many vulnerable members and I do not wish to prolong these hateful attacks. 01:04:20.000 --> 01:04:22.000 One aspect of Councillor Wellington's motion 01:04:22.000 --> 01:04:28.000 that I strongly support is the recognition of the rights of non-binary people. 01:04:28.000 --> 01:04:33.000 Finally, the statistics showing that the overwhelming number of LGAs, 01:04:33.000 --> 01:04:37.000 86% in Victoria, are removing such a by-law 01:04:37.000 --> 01:04:41.000 reassures me that rather quickly the real and perceived threat of harm 01:04:41.000 --> 01:04:43.000 will disappear. 01:04:43.000 --> 01:04:47.000 My one regret is that this information was not provided 01:04:47.000 --> 01:04:49.000 to Councillors sooner. 01:04:49.000 --> 01:04:54.000 I apologise to the many residents who will be disappointed if the by-law 01:04:54.000 --> 01:04:57.000 is to be removed and to Councillor Wellington, 01:04:57.000 --> 01:05:02.000 to whom two weeks ago I promised support for her motion. 01:05:02.000 --> 01:05:06.000 Her concern is real and she speaks from the heart for a significant number 01:05:06.000 --> 01:05:08.000 of people in the shire. 01:05:08.000 --> 01:05:09.000 Thank you. 01:05:09.000 --> 01:05:11.000 MAYOR PATTISON: Thank you. 01:05:11.000 --> 01:05:13.000 Do any other Councillors wish to speak to the motion? 01:05:13.000 --> 01:05:15.000 Councillor Bodsworth? 01:05:15.000 --> 01:05:16.000 CR BODSWORTH: Thanks, Mayor. 01:05:16.000 --> 01:05:20.000 I thank Councillors Wellington, Councillor Barker and Councillor Allen 01:05:20.000 --> 01:05:24.000 for their words as well. 01:05:24.000 --> 01:05:26.000 I've also agonised over this one. 01:05:26.000 --> 01:05:31.000 I find it a really difficult tradeoff kind of situation. 01:05:31.000 --> 01:05:36.000 I'm very concerned about people's perceptions of safety 01:05:36.000 --> 01:05:39.000 in municipal buildings. 01:05:39.000 --> 01:05:43.000 I'm going to speak a little bit further on the next item 4.1 on the agenda, 01:05:43.000 --> 01:05:49.000 so I won't speak too much on this one, but I don't support the Notice of Motion. 01:05:49.000 --> 01:05:52.000 On balance, I'm not supporting it because I'm concerned 01:05:52.000 --> 01:05:55.000 about its enforceability. 01:05:55.000 --> 01:05:56.000 I believe that 01:05:56.000 --> 01:06:01.000 - I definitely support its intent, I support the place where it comes from. 01:06:01.000 --> 01:06:05.000 Councillor Wellington's explained that. 01:06:05.000 --> 01:06:08.000 I support where she's coming from with it. 01:06:08.000 --> 01:06:13.000 I believe that the existing local law provisions, if we are to get rid 01:06:13.000 --> 01:06:17.000 of this particular clause, are adequate to cover the kind 01:06:17.000 --> 01:06:19.000 of fears that people have voiced. 01:06:19.000 --> 01:06:23.000 There will remain five clauses in the local law which cover the kind 01:06:23.000 --> 01:06:27.000 of eventualities that people are concerned about. 01:06:27.000 --> 01:06:31.000 That's leaving aside state law, of which there are several laws also 01:06:31.000 --> 01:06:34.000 that cover the kinds of things that people are concerned about. 01:06:34.000 --> 01:06:37.000 So, for those reasons, I won't support the notice of motion. 01:06:37.000 --> 01:06:39.000 Thank you. 01:06:39.000 --> 01:06:40.000 MAYOR PATTISON: Thank you. 01:06:40.000 --> 01:06:42.000 Any other Councillors? 01:06:42.000 --> 01:06:43.000 Councillor Stapleton? 01:06:43.000 --> 01:06:45.000 CR STAPLETON: Thank you. 01:06:45.000 --> 01:06:49.000 I do not support the motion and while I appreciate its intention 01:06:49.000 --> 01:06:54.000 and I understand the response to this issue has obviously raised genuine 01:06:54.000 --> 01:06:59.000 concerns in the community, it is clear to me that this clause in our Local Law 01:06:59.000 --> 01:07:01.000 is best removed. 01:07:01.000 --> 01:07:07.000 Given that 67 of 78 other Councils in Victoria have removed or do not have 01:07:07.000 --> 01:07:12.000 this clause and there has been no evidence to suggest it has created safety issues 01:07:12.000 --> 01:07:16.000 within those municipalities, there is little justification for keeping it 01:07:16.000 --> 01:07:18.000 in our own local laws. 01:07:18.000 --> 01:07:22.000 A clause of this kind, as we've heard, is not enforceable 01:07:22.000 --> 01:07:25.000 and we cannot expect Council officers to be in a position where they're 01:07:25.000 --> 01:07:28.000 attempting to determine a person's gender 01:07:28.000 --> 01:07:30.000 or gender identity. 01:07:30.000 --> 01:07:34.000 Delaying this decision would initiate a second round of public exhibition, 01:07:34.000 --> 01:07:37.000 prolonging the debate and potentially causing further harm 01:07:37.000 --> 01:07:40.000 to some members of our community. 01:07:40.000 --> 01:07:44.000 Of course women in our community deserve the respect of this shire 01:07:44.000 --> 01:07:48.000 and there are many women sitting around this table who also have daughters 01:07:48.000 --> 01:07:51.000 and mothers living in this community. 01:07:51.000 --> 01:07:54.000 Of course we care about their rights and sense of safety. 01:07:56.000 --> 01:08:01.000 We know that 86% of Councils across the state have removed or 01:08:01.000 --> 01:08:07.000 do not have this clause and there is no evidence of adverse impacts 01:08:07.000 --> 01:08:08.000 as a result. 01:08:08.000 --> 01:08:12.000 Therefore, I support us moving forward with the revised Local Law which 01:08:12.000 --> 01:08:15.000 will be debated next. 01:08:15.000 --> 01:08:17.000 MAYOR PATTISON: Thank you. 01:08:17.000 --> 01:08:18.000 Councillor Gazzard? 01:08:18.000 --> 01:08:20.000 CR GAZZARD: Thank you. 01:08:20.000 --> 01:08:23.000 I also won't be supporting the Notice of Motion. 01:08:23.000 --> 01:08:28.000 I think that it's a human right for access to water and sanitation 01:08:28.000 --> 01:08:32.000 and everyone needs a place to go to the toilet. 01:08:32.000 --> 01:08:34.000 All-gender bathrooms are not new. 01:08:34.000 --> 01:08:36.000 Most of us have one in our own home. 01:08:36.000 --> 01:08:42.000 We have shared bathrooms in the Councillor lounge and I think that it's inclusive 01:08:42.000 --> 01:08:45.000 and safe. 01:08:45.000 --> 01:08:49.000 Shared bathrooms create more inclusive societies that protect human dignity. 01:08:53.000 --> 01:08:57.000 MAYOR PATTISON: I'll just ask people in the gallery to please be respectful. 01:08:57.000 --> 01:08:59.000 Otherwise you can leave the gallery. 01:08:59.000 --> 01:09:02.000 We need silence so Councillors can concentrate when they're speaking. 01:09:02.000 --> 01:09:05.000 Please can we all be respectful? 01:09:05.000 --> 01:09:08.000 CR GAZZARD: If a person of any gender is going to use a toilet, I think we'd 01:09:08.000 --> 01:09:11.000 all agree that should be allowed as a basic human right. 01:09:11.000 --> 01:09:15.000 If a person, regardless of gender, is entering any toilet with the intent 01:09:15.000 --> 01:09:19.000 to harm, that is unlawful regardless of the Local Law. 01:09:19.000 --> 01:09:23.000 So I won't be supporting this. 01:09:23.000 --> 01:09:25.000 MAYOR PATTISON: Thank you. 01:09:25.000 --> 01:09:28.000 Councillor Wellington, did you have any closing remarks? 01:09:28.000 --> 01:09:29.000 CR WELLINGTON: Thank you. 01:09:29.000 --> 01:09:31.000 I do. 01:09:31.000 --> 01:09:33.000 First of all, I'd like to thank Councillor Barker 01:09:33.000 --> 01:09:39.000 and Councillor Allen (inaudible) there's no issue for not supporting the motion. 01:09:39.000 --> 01:09:44.000 The fact that he supported to put it up for debate is the important issue 01:09:44.000 --> 01:09:47.000 and the fact that our local laws potentially inhibit 01:09:47.000 --> 01:09:50.000 that significantly by requiring three supporting Councillors 01:09:50.000 --> 01:09:55.000 makes me very reliant on Councillor Barker and Councillor Allen, 01:09:55.000 --> 01:09:59.000 I think the only two who've done that, but possibly Councillor Bodsworth has done 01:09:59.000 --> 01:10:01.000 it, I think, once in the past as well. 01:10:01.000 --> 01:10:03.000 I very much appreciate that. 01:10:03.000 --> 01:10:06.000 I think debate is important about important issues. 01:10:06.000 --> 01:10:10.000 The purpose of the Notice of Motion is to accommodate all 01:10:10.000 --> 01:10:13.000 of the groups that have been identified so that we are not inconsistent 01:10:13.000 --> 01:10:14.000 with other laws. 01:10:14.000 --> 01:10:18.000 I believe that accommodating children over 6 is not a problem at all. 01:10:18.000 --> 01:10:21.000 Accommodating transgender individuals is not a problem at all. 01:10:21.000 --> 01:10:25.000 In fact, it is my view that they are already accommodated in the Local 01:10:25.000 --> 01:10:28.000 Law and they are not prohibited from entering the facilities 01:10:28.000 --> 01:10:32.000 of their choice at the moment, but we could readily clarify that 01:10:32.000 --> 01:10:36.000 with a definition of what gender means in terms of gender identity. 01:10:36.000 --> 01:10:42.000 So the people who are left are the non-binary gender diverse people and 01:10:42.000 --> 01:10:46.000 according to the statistics that is somewhere between 75,000 and 100,000. 01:10:46.000 --> 01:10:48.000 They are nevertheless important and it would be simple 01:10:48.000 --> 01:10:52.000 to include an exclusion for those people. 01:10:52.000 --> 01:10:54.000 People are not just concerned, Councillor Bodsworth, 01:10:54.000 --> 01:10:57.000 about being assaulted in public toilet. 01:10:57.000 --> 01:11:00.000 They're concerned about their sense of security and protection, 01:11:00.000 --> 01:11:04.000 having spent their whole lives being educated about not putting themselves 01:11:04.000 --> 01:11:08.000 in positions of vulnerability in isolated places and that is what 01:11:08.000 --> 01:11:12.000 will be occurring if they use public toilets which are open 01:11:12.000 --> 01:11:17.000 to people of male gender if there are women are doing it. 01:11:17.000 --> 01:11:22.000 It's about anxiety, it's about a sense of security. 01:11:22.000 --> 01:11:25.000 Actual attacks in public places are quite rare. 01:11:25.000 --> 01:11:27.000 I'm not surprised to hear the opposition. 01:11:27.000 --> 01:11:30.000 It was completely expected. 01:11:30.000 --> 01:11:33.000 I'm glad we've had the debate and I'm glad the community understands it 01:11:33.000 --> 01:11:36.000 more now than they would have done if we hadn't had the debate. 01:11:36.000 --> 01:11:42.000 And I'm sorry that the debate has caused some level of aggression 01:11:42.000 --> 01:11:45.000 - aggressive language towards people of different genders. 01:11:45.000 --> 01:11:48.000 MAYOR PATTISON: I ask you to wind that up because you're now over time, thank you, 01:11:48.000 --> 01:11:50.000 Councillor Wellington. 01:11:50.000 --> 01:11:52.000 We'll now put the motion to the vote. 01:11:52.000 --> 01:11:54.000 All those in 01:11:54.000 --> 01:11:59.000 - so the motion, just to clarify, is the motion as put forward 01:11:59.000 --> 01:12:02.000 by Councillor Wellington for this Notice of Motion. 01:12:02.000 --> 01:12:06.000 So all those in favour of the Notice of Motion. 01:12:06.000 --> 01:12:08.000 And all those opposed. 01:12:11.000 --> 01:12:12.000 Thank you. 01:12:12.000 --> 01:12:20.000 And the motion is lost and it's 7 opposed 01:12:20.000 --> 01:12:23.000 - or 2 in favour and 7 opposed. 01:12:25.000 --> 01:12:31.000 We'll now move on to the reports for our meeting tonight. 01:12:31.000 --> 01:12:36.000 So the first report is 4.1, Proposed Community Amenity Local Law. 01:12:38.000 --> 01:12:44.000 CR WELLINGTON: Mayor Pattison, can I please ask a question? 01:12:47.000 --> 01:12:48.000 MAYOR PATTISON: Yes. 01:12:48.000 --> 01:12:51.000 CR WELLINGTON: I just feel that the issue of 01:12:51.000 --> 01:12:56.000 - obviously the issue has been raised about omnibus recommendations 01:12:56.000 --> 01:12:59.000 and this recommendation deals with public toilets, it deals with safety, 01:12:59.000 --> 01:13:04.000 it deals with nature strips and a couple of other minor things. 01:13:04.000 --> 01:13:06.000 It is my view that it should be put 01:13:06.000 --> 01:13:09.000 - each of the recommendations should be put forward separately 01:13:09.000 --> 01:13:12.000 because it's an improper governance approach to incorporate 01:13:12.000 --> 01:13:14.000 - MAYOR PATTISON: Can you just 01:13:14.000 --> 01:13:15.000 clarify your question, sorry? 01:13:15.000 --> 01:13:17.000 So your question is you would like 01:13:17.000 --> 01:13:22.000 - CR WELLINGTON: I would like it separated into separate elements, please. 01:13:22.000 --> 01:13:24.000 MAYOR PATTISON: If you'll just give me a moment to 01:13:24.000 --> 01:13:27.000 - I'll pass that to our CEO. 01:13:27.000 --> 01:13:30.000 MS ROBYN SEYMOUR: Thank you, Councillor Wellington, for your question. 01:13:30.000 --> 01:13:37.000 It's pretty standard practice around things like laws for those 01:13:37.000 --> 01:13:44.000 to be considered in packages and so it's a bit like when our local laws 01:13:44.000 --> 01:13:49.000 in 2021 sunsetted, we remade the whole laws 01:13:49.000 --> 01:13:50.000 and we've considered them in parts. 01:13:50.000 --> 01:13:53.000 That's pretty standard with things like road rules. 01:13:53.000 --> 01:13:58.000 They're considered in packages of changes on a semi regular basis. 01:13:58.000 --> 01:14:01.000 This is not inconsistent with that. 01:14:01.000 --> 01:14:05.000 In terms of us separating them tonight, that's not possible 01:14:05.000 --> 01:14:11.000 because they've been certified legally in their entirety and if we looked 01:14:11.000 --> 01:14:14.000 at them separately and only supported part of them, 01:14:14.000 --> 01:14:18.000 then we'd have to reconsider the whole thing. 01:14:22.000 --> 01:14:27.000 MAYOR PATTISON: We now move on to the Community Amenity Local Law 2023. 01:14:27.000 --> 01:14:30.000 The purpose of this report is to present the proposed Community Amenity 01:14:30.000 --> 01:14:34.000 Local Law incorporating the Residential Nature Strip Guidelines to Council 01:14:34.000 --> 01:14:36.000 for adoption. 01:14:36.000 --> 01:14:38.000 We have a recommendation that's in the agenda papers. 01:14:38.000 --> 01:14:40.000 Do I have a mover of a motion? 01:14:40.000 --> 01:14:42.000 Councillor Stapleton. 01:14:42.000 --> 01:14:43.000 And seconded Councillor Barker? 01:14:43.000 --> 01:14:46.000 CR BARKER: I just need to make a statement beforehand. 01:14:46.000 --> 01:14:49.000 MAYOR PATTISON: Oh, certainly, sorry about that, yes. 01:14:49.000 --> 01:14:50.000 Please go ahead. 01:14:50.000 --> 01:14:54.000 CR BARKER: Given community demand for an online petition and limited time 01:14:54.000 --> 01:14:56.000 to get one created, I supported the lead petitioner 01:14:56.000 --> 01:14:57.000 by creating one myself. 01:14:57.000 --> 01:15:00.000 This attracted more than 200 additional signatures 01:15:00.000 --> 01:15:02.000 to the petition, but this has created a situation 01:15:02.000 --> 01:15:04.000 that I need to address. 01:15:04.000 --> 01:15:07.000 I hope that in the future, as other contentious issues arise, 01:15:07.000 --> 01:15:10.000 many more people in the community are prepared to take the lead 01:15:10.000 --> 01:15:15.000 in generating petitions so that I can focus on voting down these issues. 01:15:15.000 --> 01:15:18.000 Based on advice that I've received, I want to take this opportunity 01:15:18.000 --> 01:15:21.000 to inform the Council and the gallery that I'll not be voting 01:15:21.000 --> 01:15:22.000 on this item. 01:15:22.000 --> 01:15:25.000 As I was the creator of the online petition in relation 01:15:25.000 --> 01:15:30.000 to the removal of clause 2.1(j) of the Local Law, I do not want there 01:15:30.000 --> 01:15:32.000 to be a perception of bias. 01:15:32.000 --> 01:15:34.000 I respect the democratic process and the integrity 01:15:34.000 --> 01:15:38.000 of Council decision making and I have made the decision 01:15:38.000 --> 01:15:40.000 to remove myself from this item. 01:15:40.000 --> 01:15:45.000 But you can know that if I was to vote, it would be a resounding no. 01:15:45.000 --> 01:15:47.000 MAYOR PATTISON: Thank you, Councillor Barker. 01:15:51.000 --> 01:15:54.000 So Councillor Stapleton, you'll move the motion 01:15:54.000 --> 01:15:55.000 as per the recommendation? 01:15:55.000 --> 01:15:57.000 And do I have a seconder? 01:15:57.000 --> 01:15:58.000 Councillor Gazzard. 01:15:58.000 --> 01:16:01.000 As per the recommendation? 01:16:01.000 --> 01:16:04.000 And Councillor Stapleton, would you like to speak? 01:16:04.000 --> 01:16:06.000 CR STAPLETON: Sure, thank you. 01:16:06.000 --> 01:16:11.000 So it's important that our Community Amenity Local Law is up to date 01:16:11.000 --> 01:16:12.000 and effective. 01:16:12.000 --> 01:16:16.000 Tonight we're considering adoption of the Community Amenity (Amended) 01:16:16.000 --> 01:16:19.000 Local Law 2023. 01:16:19.000 --> 01:16:22.000 The Local Law went through an extensive review 01:16:22.000 --> 01:16:28.000 and engagement in 2021, with follow-up engagement this year in response 01:16:28.000 --> 01:16:31.000 to specific issues that we knew were important to our community, 01:16:31.000 --> 01:16:36.000 such as nature strips and tiny houses on wheels, as well as changes identified 01:16:36.000 --> 01:16:39.000 by officers through the review process. 01:16:39.000 --> 01:16:44.000 The key changes proposed in the amended Local Law that's before us tonight include 01:16:44.000 --> 01:16:47.000 the addition of new Residential Nature Strip Guidelines 01:16:47.000 --> 01:16:50.000 , expanding the definition of no smoking areas 01:16:50.000 --> 01:16:56.000 to include e-cigarettes and vapes, extending provisions for camping 01:16:56.000 --> 01:16:59.000 and temporary accommodation and keeping of animals 01:16:59.000 --> 01:17:05.000 to support people fleeing family violence, and removing clause 2.1(j), which relates 01:17:05.000 --> 01:17:09.000 to the use of public facilities, which has obviously attracted the most 01:17:09.000 --> 01:17:13.000 attention of all the proposed changes and is where I will focus my comments tonight. 01:17:15.000 --> 01:17:18.000 Removal of this clause would mean our facilities 01:17:18.000 --> 01:17:23.000 are inclusive and respectful of everyone, regardless of their gender, 01:17:23.000 --> 01:17:26.000 so that everyone in the community has lawful options 01:17:26.000 --> 01:17:29.000 to use essential public facilities. 01:17:29.000 --> 01:17:32.000 It would also allow children over the age of 6 to be accompanied 01:17:32.000 --> 01:17:36.000 by a parent or caregiver of a different gender when using toilets 01:17:36.000 --> 01:17:38.000 of other facilities. 01:17:38.000 --> 01:17:41.000 As we heard through the previous item, the Notice of Motion, 01:17:41.000 --> 01:17:45.000 we have considered amending rather than removing this clause. 01:17:45.000 --> 01:17:48.000 However, it is apparent that that would not have had 01:17:48.000 --> 01:17:52.000 the desired outcome, particularly with respect to Council officers being 01:17:52.000 --> 01:17:55.000 able to enforce it. 01:17:55.000 --> 01:17:58.000 The vast majority of concerns raised by community have been 01:17:58.000 --> 01:18:03.000 around the issue of safety, especially for women, when using public toilets. 01:18:03.000 --> 01:18:08.000 These concerns are real and genuine and it makes it difficult for Councillors 01:18:08.000 --> 01:18:12.000 to make a decision that on the surface is confronting and could appear 01:18:12.000 --> 01:18:15.000 to put women in our community at risk. 01:18:15.000 --> 01:18:20.000 However, we know that 86% of local Councils do not have this clause 01:18:20.000 --> 01:18:23.000 in their Local Law and there is no evidence that 01:18:23.000 --> 01:18:28.000 they have increased safety issues in their communities as a result. 01:18:28.000 --> 01:18:32.000 Of the remaining 10 Councils that still have this clause, we know that they 01:18:32.000 --> 01:18:36.000 will also need to address this issue when their Local Law comes up for review. 01:18:36.000 --> 01:18:40.000 I believe our neighbours at Colac Otway Shire are currently 01:18:40.000 --> 01:18:45.000 exhibiting their own Local Law review with the same clause removed. 01:18:45.000 --> 01:18:48.000 Removal of this clause would not only ensure Council's laws are 01:18:48.000 --> 01:18:51.000 consistent with the federal Sex Discrimination Act 01:18:51.000 --> 01:18:53.000 and the Victorian Gender Equality Act. 01:18:53.000 --> 01:18:57.000 It would mean our laws are more inclusive of people in our community. 01:19:00.000 --> 01:19:04.000 Keeping this clause in our law is impractical in many situations. 01:19:04.000 --> 01:19:08.000 We have a mix of genders using facilities at the same time for sporting 01:19:08.000 --> 01:19:11.000 and other events each week across the shire. 01:19:11.000 --> 01:19:14.000 Realistically, we don't expect to see major changes 01:19:14.000 --> 01:19:17.000 to the way the majority of people use our public toilets 01:19:17.000 --> 01:19:20.000 as a result of this change. 01:19:20.000 --> 01:19:23.000 I do not want to discount the community's fears 01:19:23.000 --> 01:19:27.000 and concerns around the proposed change as I know they are genuine, 01:19:27.000 --> 01:19:30.000 but the evidence shows me they are unfounded. 01:19:30.000 --> 01:19:33.000 This is not a decision Council is taking lightly. 01:19:33.000 --> 01:19:36.000 The Gender Equity Impact Assessment undertaken in relation 01:19:36.000 --> 01:19:40.000 to this gave significant consideration to the safety and privacy of 01:19:40.000 --> 01:19:44.000 all people using Council's toilets and facilities. 01:19:44.000 --> 01:19:47.000 A review of the evidence, which is attached to the agenda report 01:19:47.000 --> 01:19:51.000 for anyone interested, shows there is no reason to expect negative impacts 01:19:51.000 --> 01:19:54.000 to community safety due to proposed changes. 01:19:54.000 --> 01:19:57.000 There have been discussions with key stakeholders, 01:19:57.000 --> 01:20:01.000 including Council's child safety officers and the Torquay Police. 01:20:01.000 --> 01:20:05.000 However, if residents are concerned about their safety, there are laws 01:20:05.000 --> 01:20:09.000 in place to protect our community from people behaving 01:20:09.000 --> 01:20:11.000 in an offensive or threatening way. 01:20:11.000 --> 01:20:16.000 People should definitely call the police if they have any issues like this. 01:20:16.000 --> 01:20:19.000 The review of the Local Law has been well considered 01:20:19.000 --> 01:20:23.000 and done over a lengthy period to weigh up research, benchmarking 01:20:23.000 --> 01:20:24.000 and community views. 01:20:24.000 --> 01:20:28.000 We do want the Surf Coast Shire to be a place that everyone can continue 01:20:28.000 --> 01:20:30.000 to enjoy and appreciate. 01:20:30.000 --> 01:20:34.000 A large part of that is to ensure that it is safe and inclusive. 01:20:34.000 --> 01:20:39.000 These changes will help to achieve that and therefore I urge my fellow Councillors 01:20:39.000 --> 01:20:41.000 to support this amended Local Law. 01:20:41.000 --> 01:20:43.000 Thank you. 01:20:43.000 --> 01:20:44.000 MAYOR PATTISON: Thank you. 01:20:44.000 --> 01:20:47.000 Councillor Gazzard, would you like to speak to the motion? 01:20:47.000 --> 01:20:48.000 CR GAZZARD: Thank you. 01:20:48.000 --> 01:20:51.000 With regards to the removal of the clause, I support 01:20:51.000 --> 01:20:55.000 - well, I support the whole motion, but I think it's important to think 01:20:55.000 --> 01:20:59.000 about how we provide facilities and how they might affect or affirm trans 01:20:59.000 --> 01:21:02.000 and gender diverse people in our community. 01:21:02.000 --> 01:21:06.000 For trans and gender diverse individuals, selecting a bathroom becomes 01:21:06.000 --> 01:21:10.000 a calculation of self-preservation, a type of self-surveillance in an effort 01:21:10.000 --> 01:21:14.000 to minimise the likelihood of harassment and violence. 01:21:14.000 --> 01:21:16.000 This is something that most of us don't need to think 01:21:16.000 --> 01:21:20.000 about when we're going to the toilet. 01:21:20.000 --> 01:21:24.000 Trans people are among the most vulnerable in our community 01:21:24.000 --> 01:21:30.000 and this law improves inclusivity and safety 01:21:30.000 --> 01:21:33.000 for our gender diverse population. 01:21:33.000 --> 01:21:37.000 I thank everyone for their submissions and I acknowledge the concerns, 01:21:37.000 --> 01:21:41.000 particularly by women, around the prospect of sexual assault 01:21:41.000 --> 01:21:44.000 in using gender-inclusive bathrooms, but I really think we should challenge 01:21:44.000 --> 01:21:50.000 the notion that bodies assigned male at birth are inherently violent. 01:21:50.000 --> 01:21:53.000 Safety for everyone in our community can not only be guaranteed 01:21:53.000 --> 01:21:56.000 through gender-specific or sex-segregated bathroom arrangements. 01:21:59.000 --> 01:22:02.000 I think it's important to note that violence against women, 01:22:02.000 --> 01:22:09.000 which is a huge issue, affects 1 in 3 women as per the WHO estimates 01:22:09.000 --> 01:22:13.000 and 90% of that, 90% of that is perpetrated 01:22:13.000 --> 01:22:16.000 by an intimate partner in the home. 01:22:16.000 --> 01:22:18.000 So I don't think 01:22:18.000 --> 01:22:21.000 - if we're really focusing on improving outcomes for women 01:22:21.000 --> 01:22:26.000 and decreasing violence against women, we should be investing in infrastructure, 01:22:26.000 --> 01:22:29.000 in education, in mental health and health care. 01:22:33.000 --> 01:22:37.000 On that note, I'm very happy to see the change in the Local Law 01:22:37.000 --> 01:22:43.000 to support those who are fleeing domestic violence to allow them care for their pets 01:22:43.000 --> 01:22:48.000 for a longer duration and for parking facilities and I'm excited 01:22:48.000 --> 01:22:52.000 to see the Residential Nature Strip Guidelines finally be put in place. 01:22:52.000 --> 01:22:53.000 Thank you. 01:22:53.000 --> 01:22:55.000 MAYOR PATTISON: Thank you. 01:22:55.000 --> 01:22:57.000 Do any other Councillors wish to speak to the motion? 01:22:57.000 --> 01:22:59.000 Councillor Bodsworth? 01:22:59.000 --> 01:23:00.000 CR BODSWORTH: Thanks, Mayor. 01:23:00.000 --> 01:23:04.000 I don't have a lot more to add, but I just want to I guess use my voice 01:23:04.000 --> 01:23:08.000 on this issue as well because it has been a difficult one I 01:23:08.000 --> 01:23:10.000 think for all of us. 01:23:10.000 --> 01:23:13.000 I think all of the Councillors have approached this 01:23:13.000 --> 01:23:19.000 in a genuine, thoughtful, careful way, have really tried to do what they think 01:23:19.000 --> 01:23:22.000 is best. 01:23:22.000 --> 01:23:25.000 As we headed towards this, I always believed that it would be 01:23:25.000 --> 01:23:27.000 a contentious issue. 01:23:27.000 --> 01:23:30.000 I believed that there would be angst around it. 01:23:30.000 --> 01:23:35.000 I think it's perfectly reasonable for people to be concerned when it comes 01:23:35.000 --> 01:23:39.000 to issues of safety for themselves or for their loved ones. 01:23:39.000 --> 01:23:42.000 I think all of that is completely normal. 01:23:42.000 --> 01:23:49.000 As Councillor Wellington has said and Councillor Barker as well, it's a time 01:23:49.000 --> 01:23:50.000 of changing social norms. 01:23:50.000 --> 01:23:56.000 I think this is an example of where changing norms involve some pain. 01:23:56.000 --> 01:23:57.000 It's difficult to get things right. 01:23:57.000 --> 01:24:02.000 So I believe that we've got this right. 01:24:02.000 --> 01:24:04.000 I believe that the evidence 01:24:04.000 --> 01:24:07.000 - well, I'm going with the weight of the evidence that I've got in front 01:24:07.000 --> 01:24:11.000 of me, which is not at all to discount the perceptions 01:24:11.000 --> 01:24:15.000 and how important perceptions are to people, so that's completely valid 01:24:15.000 --> 01:24:20.000 and I'm concerned about any upset that people might feel 01:24:20.000 --> 01:24:25.000 in the decision that we're making, as sometimes happens on Council. 01:24:25.000 --> 01:24:27.000 It's just an unfortunate position to be in. 01:24:27.000 --> 01:24:32.000 But I've certainly done my best to get my head across all of these issues. 01:24:32.000 --> 01:24:35.000 I'm persuaded by the evidence that underpins this 01:24:35.000 --> 01:24:38.000 recommendation so that I will support the recommendation. 01:24:38.000 --> 01:24:44.000 And as I said when I spoke earlier on the Notice of Motion, if this clause is 01:24:44.000 --> 01:24:48.000 to be removed, there remain several other clauses. 01:24:48.000 --> 01:24:50.000 I want to quickly run through a couple of those. 01:24:50.000 --> 01:24:55.000 So what would remain is "a person must not commit any nuisance 01:24:55.000 --> 01:25:00.000 in a municipal building; interfere with any other person's use and enjoyment 01:25:00.000 --> 01:25:03.000 of a municipal building; act in a manner which endangers any 01:25:03.000 --> 01:25:09.000 other person; use indecent, insulting, offensive or abusive language; behave 01:25:09.000 --> 01:25:13.000 in an indecent, offensive, insulting or riotous manner." 01:25:13.000 --> 01:25:19.000 As I said before, in addition to that, there are state laws under the Crimes 01:25:19.000 --> 01:25:22.000 and Summary Offences Act also. 01:25:22.000 --> 01:25:24.000 So I don't believe that we need this clause, 01:25:24.000 --> 01:25:28.000 the clause that we're proposing to remove, to cover the kinds 01:25:28.000 --> 01:25:33.000 of things that people are concerned about, whether it be actual safety or perceived 01:25:33.000 --> 01:25:35.000 safety. 01:25:35.000 --> 01:25:38.000 For all those reasons, I support the recommendation. 01:25:38.000 --> 01:25:44.000 I'm also happy to see the Nature Strip Guidelines 01:25:44.000 --> 01:25:48.000 and I'll give a shout-out, which a couple of us have done before, to Patrick 01:25:48.000 --> 01:25:52.000 and Sue Carter, who've been particularly staunch 01:25:52.000 --> 01:25:57.000 on the value that nature strips offer environmentally and in terms 01:25:57.000 --> 01:26:01.000 of amenity and climate. 01:26:01.000 --> 01:26:02.000 Thank you. 01:26:02.000 --> 01:26:05.000 MAYOR PATTISON: Thank you. 01:26:05.000 --> 01:26:08.000 Councillor Wellington, would you like to speak to the motion? 01:26:08.000 --> 01:26:11.000 Oh, actually, sorry, I've just noticed that Councillor 01:26:11.000 --> 01:26:14.000 Schonfelder has had his hand up prior to you, sorry. 01:26:14.000 --> 01:26:16.000 Councillor Schonfelder, I didn't see the yellow hand raised 01:26:16.000 --> 01:26:18.000 in the background. 01:26:18.000 --> 01:26:19.000 It's a bit difficult to see. 01:26:19.000 --> 01:26:21.000 So sorry, Councillor Wellington. 01:26:21.000 --> 01:26:24.000 Councillor Schonfelder, would you like to speak to the motion? 01:26:27.000 --> 01:26:29.000 CR SCHONFELDER: Mayor, you can hear me alright? 01:26:29.000 --> 01:26:31.000 MAYOR PATTISON: Yes, we can hear you fine, thanks. 01:26:31.000 --> 01:26:34.000 CR SCHONFELDER: I'd like to thank Councillor Wellington 01:26:34.000 --> 01:26:36.000 for her Notice of Motion. 01:26:36.000 --> 01:26:44.000 I notice that both Councillor Wellington and I voted against putting the item out 01:26:44.000 --> 01:26:47.000 to the community for community consultation in relation 01:26:47.000 --> 01:26:53.000 to the amenity changes and my position has remained unchanged 01:26:53.000 --> 01:26:54.000 in relation to that. 01:26:54.000 --> 01:26:59.000 I concur with Councillor Wellington when it comes to women wanting 01:26:59.000 --> 01:27:06.000 to have a safe place and also having their own privacy respected. 01:27:06.000 --> 01:27:14.000 No-one in the community who has contacted me has been homophobic or has been anti 01:27:14.000 --> 01:27:19.000 trans people or intolerant in any manner whatsoever. 01:27:21.000 --> 01:27:27.000 Our country has become very multicultural and changes are taking place 01:27:27.000 --> 01:27:32.000 and it's important to note that the fastest-growing religion 01:27:32.000 --> 01:27:39.000 in Australia is actually Islam and in some municipalities in Melbourne 01:27:39.000 --> 01:27:42.000 and also in Shepparton there are aquatic centres 01:27:42.000 --> 01:27:48.000 that allow women to swim only with other women and I think it's very 01:27:48.000 --> 01:27:50.000 important to recognise that. 01:27:50.000 --> 01:27:54.000 And in relation to amenities, I think it's probably best 01:27:54.000 --> 01:28:00.000 to have alterations made where people who are transgendered could go 01:28:00.000 --> 01:28:05.000 to a separate bathroom similar to people who are possibly disabled. 01:28:07.000 --> 01:28:12.000 So once again, I thank the community who have contacted 01:28:12.000 --> 01:28:18.000 me about this issue and I feel as though the Muslim community as well 01:28:18.000 --> 01:28:25.000 as other communities who feel strongly about this issue should be listened to. 01:28:25.000 --> 01:28:28.000 Thank you. 01:28:28.000 --> 01:28:30.000 MAYOR PATTISON: Thank you. 01:28:30.000 --> 01:28:33.000 Councillor Wellington, did you wish to speak to the motion? 01:28:36.000 --> 01:28:38.000 CR WELLINGTON: Thank you, yes, I do. 01:28:38.000 --> 01:28:41.000 I just wanted to address the issue of the omnibus provisions and I do have 01:28:41.000 --> 01:28:45.000 to say that the bundling up of road rules in a single provision 01:28:45.000 --> 01:28:47.000 is really quite a different thing from the bundling up 01:28:47.000 --> 01:28:53.000 of this public facility toilet issue with things like vaping and that, 01:28:53.000 --> 01:28:56.000 it's just not comparable. 01:28:56.000 --> 01:29:00.000 I have to vote against this motion in that I strongly support the stronger 01:29:00.000 --> 01:29:07.000 approach to nature strip reform because I can't support the approach 01:29:07.000 --> 01:29:08.000 to public toilets. 01:29:08.000 --> 01:29:12.000 So it's really a very, very poor governance practice to do this. 01:29:12.000 --> 01:29:17.000 I just note that the Ombudsman has spoken about this in the past and I think this 01:29:17.000 --> 01:29:20.000 is not a good way for the Council to be exercising good governance. 01:29:20.000 --> 01:29:26.000 We can establish all four options, in response to Councillor Allen, 01:29:26.000 --> 01:29:30.000 without removal of the clause. 01:29:30.000 --> 01:29:34.000 I believe transgender people are already permitted to access Council facilities 01:29:34.000 --> 01:29:36.000 according to the gender (inaudible). 01:29:36.000 --> 01:29:39.000 I don't think the Local Law precludes that at the moment at all 01:29:39.000 --> 01:29:43.000 and I think we can clarify that, we can state it in the Local Law, 01:29:43.000 --> 01:29:50.000 we can fix the issue of children like children aged more than 6 who need 01:29:50.000 --> 01:29:55.000 to go to toilets with their mother, that can be fixed. 01:29:55.000 --> 01:29:59.000 The people who are left who are currently clearly excluded 01:29:59.000 --> 01:30:06.000 by the law are the (inaudible) 100,000 who are bisexual or 01:30:06.000 --> 01:30:12.000 - sorry, not bisexual, who are gender fluid and don't identify 01:30:12.000 --> 01:30:15.000 with a particular gender and they are the ones who 01:30:15.000 --> 01:30:22.000 - clearly everyone deserves clean (inaudible) public toilet facilities 01:30:22.000 --> 01:30:25.000 and it should be clarified in this Local Law that it (inaudible) 01:30:25.000 --> 01:30:28.000 those people from selecting a toilet in which they feel safest. 01:30:28.000 --> 01:30:31.000 I agree with Councillor Gazzard that those people often have terrible 01:30:31.000 --> 01:30:36.000 difficulty finding a public facility that does feel safe for them. 01:30:36.000 --> 01:30:38.000 That won't be changed by our Local Law either. 01:30:38.000 --> 01:30:42.000 That's about community attitudes and it's about community education 01:30:42.000 --> 01:30:46.000 and that won't be changed in this Local Law. 01:30:46.000 --> 01:30:50.000 I think benchmarking against other Councils is very fraught. 01:30:50.000 --> 01:30:53.000 If you look at the level of community satisfaction of the sector, 01:30:53.000 --> 01:30:55.000 it's very low. 01:30:55.000 --> 01:30:56.000 It's getting worse. 01:30:56.000 --> 01:31:01.000 And I don't think we should be learning off each other what the best thing to do 01:31:01.000 --> 01:31:03.000 is. 01:31:03.000 --> 01:31:04.000 It's not just about actual assault. 01:31:04.000 --> 01:31:08.000 A man could use a female toilet with no ill intent in circumstances where 01:31:08.000 --> 01:31:13.000 the male toilet (inaudible) and there will be no prohibition at all 01:31:13.000 --> 01:31:17.000 and many women will find that very confronting 01:31:17.000 --> 01:31:24.000 and I don't think the community (inaudible) approach at all. 01:31:24.000 --> 01:31:27.000 A lack of evidence does not prove that something is not happening. 01:31:27.000 --> 01:31:30.000 It simply proves that the evidence is not accumulated or collated. 01:31:30.000 --> 01:31:32.000 It may still emerge. 01:31:34.000 --> 01:31:39.000 I cannot vote for this motion because I support part of it, 01:31:39.000 --> 01:31:42.000 but I don't support the other part of it and it's very unfortunate that Council is 01:31:42.000 --> 01:31:45.000 in this position. 01:31:45.000 --> 01:31:49.000 And I do reiterate my concern about the way that Council appears 01:31:49.000 --> 01:31:53.000 to have reached this decision (inaudible) rather than engaging really frankly 01:31:53.000 --> 01:31:55.000 and openly 01:31:55.000 --> 01:31:58.000 - MAYOR PATTISON: Thank you, Councillor Wellington. 01:31:58.000 --> 01:31:59.000 You've now exceeded your time. 01:31:59.000 --> 01:32:01.000 Councillor Stapleton, would you like to 01:32:01.000 --> 01:32:03.000 - sorry. 01:32:03.000 --> 01:32:06.000 CR WELLINGTON: I missed that I intend to retire from the meeting 01:32:06.000 --> 01:32:08.000 after the motion. 01:32:08.000 --> 01:32:09.000 MAYOR PATTISON: Okay. 01:32:09.000 --> 01:32:12.000 Thanks for letting us know, Councillor Wellington. 01:32:12.000 --> 01:32:14.000 Sorry, Councillor Allen, did you wish to speak to the motion? 01:32:14.000 --> 01:32:16.000 CR ALLEN: Thanks, Mayor. 01:32:16.000 --> 01:32:18.000 Look, I can't add much more to what I've already said. 01:32:18.000 --> 01:32:20.000 I do agree with Councillor Gazzard in the sense 01:32:20.000 --> 01:32:25.000 that violence in the home is the real issue against women and 01:32:25.000 --> 01:32:31.000 against children that we as a society have to face as a principle dealing 01:32:31.000 --> 01:32:34.000 with children who are abused at home. 01:32:34.000 --> 01:32:38.000 It is heart wrenching and as a society we really have to come 01:32:38.000 --> 01:32:40.000 to terms with that. 01:32:40.000 --> 01:32:45.000 I do believe that this will settle and that people 01:32:45.000 --> 01:32:49.000 will conduct themselves properly within the public facilities. 01:32:49.000 --> 01:32:51.000 If they don't, there is a criminal law. 01:32:51.000 --> 01:32:55.000 I mean, we assume that a man is going to abuse a little girl, 01:32:55.000 --> 01:33:02.000 but at the moment a man can abuse a boy in public toilets. 01:33:02.000 --> 01:33:09.000 It's a very difficult, very sensitive, emotional and heart-wrenching issue 01:33:09.000 --> 01:33:16.000 and I thank Councillor Wellington for her leadership in this and her views 01:33:16.000 --> 01:33:19.000 and I agree with her that we really shouldn't be 01:33:19.000 --> 01:33:23.000 bundling up these Local Amenity Laws. 01:33:25.000 --> 01:33:30.000 I think we really do need to look at the Governance Rules about this matter. 01:33:30.000 --> 01:33:32.000 Thank you. 01:33:32.000 --> 01:33:36.000 MAYOR PATTISON: Councillor Stapleton, do you have any closing remarks? 01:33:36.000 --> 01:33:40.000 CR STAPLETON: Yes, there's not a lot to add and I assume 01:33:40.000 --> 01:33:43.000 by this point in the debate that most Councillors will have decided 01:33:43.000 --> 01:33:47.000 whether or not they want to support this motion, 01:33:47.000 --> 01:33:52.000 but if anyone does still feel undecided, please consider that I don't think anyone 01:33:52.000 --> 01:33:55.000 around this table, nor our Council officers, 01:33:55.000 --> 01:33:59.000 who've worked so hard on this amendment, would want to support a local law 01:33:59.000 --> 01:34:04.000 that makes life more unsafe for women or for anyone in our community. 01:34:04.000 --> 01:34:10.000 The proposed change to the Local Law to remove clause 2.1(j) is confronting 01:34:10.000 --> 01:34:15.000 and it has raised fears for some people about women's safety in public spaces 01:34:15.000 --> 01:34:17.000 and it's reassuring to know that so many people 01:34:17.000 --> 01:34:20.000 in our community do care about that. 01:34:20.000 --> 01:34:24.000 However, as Councillors and leaders in our community, we need 01:34:24.000 --> 01:34:28.000 to make decisions based on the evidence before us. 01:34:28.000 --> 01:34:31.000 We can't let fear of what may happen get in the way 01:34:31.000 --> 01:34:34.000 of making a decision that is right. 01:34:34.000 --> 01:34:36.000 This is not about being led or following 01:34:36.000 --> 01:34:38.000 other Councils. 01:34:38.000 --> 01:34:42.000 It's about the impact it's having or not having in their communities. 01:34:42.000 --> 01:34:46.000 At this point in time, there is no evidence to suggest the removal 01:34:46.000 --> 01:34:51.000 of this clause has had any impact on women's safety in other communities 01:34:51.000 --> 01:34:55.000 and therefore I urge my fellow Councillors to support the proposed change 01:34:55.000 --> 01:34:57.000 and adopt the amended Local Law tonight. 01:34:57.000 --> 01:34:59.000 Thank you. 01:34:59.000 --> 01:35:00.000 MAYOR PATTISON: Thank you. 01:35:00.000 --> 01:35:02.000 We'll now put the motion to the vote. 01:35:02.000 --> 01:35:06.000 All those in favour of the recommendation. 01:35:10.000 --> 01:35:13.000 And all those opposed. 01:35:13.000 --> 01:35:16.000 And the motion is carried 6-2. 01:35:16.000 --> 01:35:18.000 CR WELLINGTON: Can I have what the vote 01:35:18.000 --> 01:35:20.000 - oh, I'm sorry, yes. 01:35:20.000 --> 01:35:22.000 MAYOR PATTISON: Carried 6-2, because I know those 01:35:22.000 --> 01:35:24.000 on the screen can't see that. 01:35:24.000 --> 01:35:29.000 Given that we've had some long conversations, public questions, 01:35:29.000 --> 01:35:32.000 and the like, we will now suspend Standing Orders 01:35:32.000 --> 01:35:37.000 for a break of 20 minutes and we will come back after that. 01:35:37.000 --> 01:35:39.000 So we'll be coming back at 8 o'clock. 01:35:39.000 --> 01:35:41.000 So for those online, you can head off. 01:35:41.000 --> 01:35:43.000 We'll put the motion to 01:35:43.000 --> 01:35:45.000 - I'll need a mover, sorry. 01:35:45.000 --> 01:35:48.000 Councillor Bodsworth, yes, and a seconder 01:35:48.000 --> 01:35:51.000 - sorry, Councillor Schonfelder, you're seconding? 01:35:51.000 --> 01:35:54.000 CR SCHONFELDER: I was going to move it, but I'm happy to second it. 01:35:54.000 --> 01:35:55.000 MAYOR PATTISON: Great. 01:35:55.000 --> 01:35:58.000 All those in favour to suspend Standing Orders. 01:35:58.000 --> 01:35:59.000 Thank you. 01:35:59.000 --> 01:36:01.000 It's carried unanimously. 01:36:01.000 --> 01:36:03.000 We will see those online at 8 o'clock and those in the gallery, 01:36:03.000 --> 01:36:06.000 if they choose to remain, we'll see you back at 8 o'clock. 01:36:06.000 --> 01:36:08.000 Thank you, everybody, for your involvement so far. 01:36:08.000 --> 01:36:12.000 (Short break) MAYOR PATTISON: Thank you. 01:36:12.000 --> 01:36:15.000 We will now recommence our Council meeting 01:36:15.000 --> 01:36:19.000 Can I have a mover to recommence Standing Orders? 01:36:19.000 --> 01:36:22.000 Moved by Councillor Allen, seconded by Councillor Stapleton. 01:36:22.000 --> 01:36:24.000 All those in favour. 01:36:24.000 --> 01:36:26.000 And the motion is carried unanimously. 01:36:26.000 --> 01:36:30.000 We now move on to item 4.2, Growing Regions Program 01:36:30.000 --> 01:36:31.000 - Funding Opportunity. 01:36:31.000 --> 01:36:34.000 The purpose of this report is to seek Council's endorsement 01:36:34.000 --> 01:36:37.000 to submit a funding application for the Winchelsea Pool Redevelopment 01:36:37.000 --> 01:36:40.000 project to the Growing Regions Program 2023. 01:36:40.000 --> 01:36:42.000 Do I have a mover of a motion? 01:36:42.000 --> 01:36:43.000 Councillor Schonfelder 01:36:43.000 --> 01:36:45.000 - is that as per the recommendation? 01:36:45.000 --> 01:36:46.000 Thank you. 01:36:46.000 --> 01:36:48.000 And a seconder? 01:36:48.000 --> 01:36:49.000 Councillor Allen. 01:36:49.000 --> 01:36:52.000 Councillor Schonfelder, would you like to speak to the motion? 01:36:52.000 --> 01:36:54.000 CR SCHONFELDER: Yes, please. 01:36:54.000 --> 01:36:59.000 I'd like to endorse the submission of interest 01:36:59.000 --> 01:37:05.000 and subsequent funding application to the Growing Regions Program 2023 01:37:05.000 --> 01:37:09.000 for the Winchelsea Pool Redevelopment project on the following basis: 01:37:09.000 --> 01:37:13.000 $2.2 million from the Growing Regions Program 01:37:13.000 --> 01:37:16.000 and $3.3 million from Council's existing asset 01:37:16.000 --> 01:37:19.000 renewal project allocation. 01:37:19.000 --> 01:37:24.000 This recommendation authorises the Chief Executive Officer 01:37:24.000 --> 01:37:29.000 to execute a funding agreement on behalf of Council should the application be 01:37:29.000 --> 01:37:30.000 successful. 01:37:30.000 --> 01:37:35.000 If Council accepts this recommendation, officers will submit an expression 01:37:35.000 --> 01:37:38.000 of interest and subsequent funding application 01:37:38.000 --> 01:37:41.000 for the Winchelsea Pool Redevelopment project with the potential 01:37:41.000 --> 01:37:45.000 to reduce the amount of asset renewal funds required. 01:37:45.000 --> 01:37:47.000 This would provide opportunities for Council 01:37:47.000 --> 01:37:51.000 to address other renewal priorities and for the Federal Government 01:37:51.000 --> 01:37:56.000 to partner in the key project for Winchelsea and surrounds. 01:37:56.000 --> 01:38:01.000 A key consideration in this is that the officers assess projects 01:38:01.000 --> 01:38:08.000 that met the GRP funding criteria are aligned to Council's strategic planning 01:38:08.000 --> 01:38:12.000 framework and had leverage funding allocated. 01:38:12.000 --> 01:38:16.000 The Winchelsea Pool Redevelopment project has been most suitable 01:38:16.000 --> 01:38:17.000 for this funding program. 01:38:17.000 --> 01:38:24.000 The project has asset renewal program funding allocated within the 2023-24 01:38:24.000 --> 01:38:27.000 budget and will be submitted by late 2024. 01:38:30.000 --> 01:38:36.000 I encourage my colleagues to support this item for endorsement. 01:38:36.000 --> 01:38:37.000 MAYOR PATTISON: Thank you. 01:38:37.000 --> 01:38:39.000 Councillor Allen, did you wish to speak? 01:38:39.000 --> 01:38:41.000 CR ALLEN: Thanks, Mayor. 01:38:41.000 --> 01:38:44.000 The Growing Regions Fund replaces the previous Federal Government's Building 01:38:44.000 --> 01:38:46.000 Better Regions fund. 01:38:46.000 --> 01:38:50.000 Under that fund, we were partly funded for the work at Wurdi Baierr 01:38:50.000 --> 01:38:52.000 and the Stribling Reserve. 01:38:52.000 --> 01:38:57.000 This fund is earmarked for regional and rural capital works program. 01:38:57.000 --> 01:39:00.000 The expression of interest, as Councillor Schonfelder said, 01:39:00.000 --> 01:39:06.000 is report 2.2 million under the program to support the redevelopment 01:39:06.000 --> 01:39:09.000 of the Winchelsea Pool and I think, importantly, 01:39:09.000 --> 01:39:12.000 we should note that it must be submitted, the EOI must be submitted 01:39:12.000 --> 01:39:14.000 by August the 1st. 01:39:14.000 --> 01:39:18.000 Now, if that's successful, we will move to stage 2 and we'll require 01:39:18.000 --> 01:39:20.000 to submit a full application. 01:39:20.000 --> 01:39:24.000 The Deans Marsh Hall redevelopment is another capital works program 01:39:24.000 --> 01:39:29.000 that would fit the criteria, but as stated in the report, 01:39:29.000 --> 01:39:34.000 the final plans and costings will not be finalised in time 01:39:34.000 --> 01:39:38.000 for the deadline for the EOI, which is, of course, August the 1st. 01:39:40.000 --> 01:39:45.000 I support the application and, if successful, it will release funds 01:39:45.000 --> 01:39:47.000 for additional asset renewal in the shire. 01:39:47.000 --> 01:39:51.000 Hopefully the bulk of these funds can be directed 01:39:51.000 --> 01:39:54.000 to rural road renewal. 01:39:54.000 --> 01:39:57.000 Smaller scale projects can also be considered. 01:39:57.000 --> 01:40:01.000 For example, the gymnasium at the Stribling Reserve was retained 01:40:01.000 --> 01:40:03.000 and incorporated in the new complex. 01:40:03.000 --> 01:40:06.000 It was recently discovered to have mould under the floor. 01:40:06.000 --> 01:40:10.000 If this is not addressed in the short term, then there is a danger we 01:40:10.000 --> 01:40:14.000 will have a longer-term problem with termites, and I'm sure there are many 01:40:14.000 --> 01:40:20.000 other such examples that Councillors can quote that this additional renewal funding 01:40:20.000 --> 01:40:21.000 will be most welcome. 01:40:21.000 --> 01:40:23.000 Thank you. 01:40:23.000 --> 01:40:24.000 MAYOR PATTISON: Thank you. 01:40:24.000 --> 01:40:26.000 Would any other Councillors wish to speak? 01:40:26.000 --> 01:40:28.000 Councillor Barker? 01:40:28.000 --> 01:40:29.000 CR BARKER: Thanks, Mayor. 01:40:29.000 --> 01:40:32.000 Another funding opportunity, more of an opportunity 01:40:32.000 --> 01:40:35.000 to grab some more taxpayer funds because we have an addiction 01:40:35.000 --> 01:40:36.000 to other people's money. 01:40:36.000 --> 01:40:38.000 Now, what does this cost every Australian 01:40:38.000 --> 01:40:40.000 taxpayer? 01:40:40.000 --> 01:40:41.000 5 cents, 14 cents, $2? 01:40:41.000 --> 01:40:44.000 It's a rhetorical question, I don't expect you to know. 01:40:44.000 --> 01:40:47.000 If this motion passes, I'd like to thank every Australian taxpayer 01:40:47.000 --> 01:40:49.000 for their 14 cent contribution to the renewal 01:40:49.000 --> 01:40:51.000 of the Winchelsea Pool redevelopment. 01:40:51.000 --> 01:40:54.000 Just know that every decision we make in here creates externalities that I'll 01:40:54.000 --> 01:40:56.000 continue to highlight. 01:40:56.000 --> 01:40:57.000 I won't be supporting this. 01:41:00.000 --> 01:41:03.000 MAYOR PATTISON: Councillor Schonfelder, did you have any closing remarks? 01:41:03.000 --> 01:41:08.000 CR SCHONFELDER: Just very briefly, residents and taxpayers 01:41:08.000 --> 01:41:14.000 of the Surf Coast do pay income tax which does go to Canberra and in a way, 01:41:14.000 --> 01:41:22.000 we can get some of our money back with our successful application. 01:41:22.000 --> 01:41:25.000 The people of Winchelsea are very excited about the pool 01:41:25.000 --> 01:41:30.000 and I thank the Council officers for all the work they've done in relation 01:41:30.000 --> 01:41:33.000 to this project and I'd just like to highlight the project 01:41:33.000 --> 01:41:37.000 will incorporate environmentally sustainable design principles. 01:41:37.000 --> 01:41:41.000 If there's an option to use recycled materials in the project, 01:41:41.000 --> 01:41:46.000 it will be considered and that's a wonderful goal to have. 01:41:46.000 --> 01:41:48.000 Thank you, Mayor. 01:41:48.000 --> 01:41:49.000 MAYOR PATTISON: Thank you. 01:41:49.000 --> 01:41:51.000 We'll now put the motion to the vote. 01:41:51.000 --> 01:41:53.000 All those in favour. 01:41:53.000 --> 01:41:54.000 And opposed. 01:41:54.000 --> 01:41:56.000 And the motion is carried 7-1 01:41:56.000 --> 01:42:02.000 - no, sorry, not 7-1, 6-1. 01:42:02.000 --> 01:42:04.000 Apologies for my mathematics. 01:42:04.000 --> 01:42:06.000 We have two Councillors that aren't with us. 01:42:06.000 --> 01:42:10.000 So apologies for that, but it's carried. 01:42:10.000 --> 01:42:16.000 We now move on to item 4.3, TAC 2023 Local Government Grant Program. 01:42:16.000 --> 01:42:19.000 The purpose of this report is to inform Council of Transport 01:42:19.000 --> 01:42:22.000 and Accident Commission grant opportunities and seek approval 01:42:22.000 --> 01:42:26.000 to submit applications for pedestrian and cycling safety improvements. 01:42:26.000 --> 01:42:29.000 Do we have a mover of a motion? 01:42:29.000 --> 01:42:30.000 Councillor Gazzard 01:42:30.000 --> 01:42:32.000 - is that as per the recommendation? 01:42:32.000 --> 01:42:33.000 CR GAZZARD: Yes. 01:42:33.000 --> 01:42:35.000 MAYOR PATTISON: And a seconder? 01:42:35.000 --> 01:42:36.000 Councillor Stapleton. 01:42:36.000 --> 01:42:38.000 Would you like to speak, Councillor Gazzard? 01:42:38.000 --> 01:42:40.000 CR GAZZARD: Yes, please. 01:42:40.000 --> 01:42:43.000 This is a really exciting opportunity for a Local Government Grant Program. 01:42:43.000 --> 01:42:47.000 So pedestrian and cyclist safety improvements 01:42:47.000 --> 01:42:51.000 along the Surf Coast Highway service road between Baines Crescent 01:42:51.000 --> 01:43:00.000 to Bristol Road are applying for $100,000 from TAC and more excitingly, 01:43:00.000 --> 01:43:03.000 an options analysis study to develop a safe cycling connection 01:43:03.000 --> 01:43:08.000 between Torquay and Geelong, which would really be so amazing. 01:43:08.000 --> 01:43:12.000 Investment in cycling has multiple benefits, 01:43:12.000 --> 01:43:16.000 including curbing emissions, improving air quality, increasing rates 01:43:16.000 --> 01:43:20.000 of active transport, which reduce risk of disease and enhance mental health. 01:43:20.000 --> 01:43:24.000 Research has found that cycling is the happiest way to travel. 01:43:24.000 --> 01:43:28.000 A UK government report found the average benefit cost ratio for walking 01:43:28.000 --> 01:43:35.000 and cycling projects deliver benefits of 13 to 35 times the cost. 01:43:35.000 --> 01:43:38.000 In Aotearoa, New Zealand, transport planners estimate 01:43:38.000 --> 01:43:42.000 money spent on high-quality cycling infrastructure yields benefits 01:43:42.000 --> 01:43:45.000 between 10 to 25 times the cost. 01:43:45.000 --> 01:43:50.000 A study in London found that an increase in cycling trips significantly contributes 01:43:50.000 --> 01:43:53.000 to the emergence of new local shops and businesses. 01:43:53.000 --> 01:43:55.000 So I think this will be 01:43:55.000 --> 01:44:02.000 - anything that improves cycling strategy and safety in our shire is very beneficial 01:44:02.000 --> 01:44:04.000 to the community. 01:44:04.000 --> 01:44:05.000 MAYOR PATTISON: Thank you. 01:44:05.000 --> 01:44:08.000 Councillor Stapleton, did you wish to speak? 01:44:08.000 --> 01:44:09.000 CR STAPLETON: Yes. 01:44:09.000 --> 01:44:11.000 I don't have a lot to add. 01:44:11.000 --> 01:44:12.000 This one is a no-brainer really. 01:44:12.000 --> 01:44:15.000 The TAC is offering grant in a competitive process and Surf Coast 01:44:15.000 --> 01:44:17.000 is well placed for success. 01:44:17.000 --> 01:44:21.000 It aligns with strategy 5 in our Council plan to make it easier 01:44:21.000 --> 01:44:26.000 for people to move around our towns and in nature without relying on cars 01:44:26.000 --> 01:44:30.000 and it also, importantly, aligns with the G21 Transport Strategy, 01:44:30.000 --> 01:44:34.000 which was launched just this week and advocates for increased use 01:44:34.000 --> 01:44:38.000 of active transport within and between local areas as one 01:44:38.000 --> 01:44:40.000 of its key priorities. 01:44:40.000 --> 01:44:44.000 The selected projects are well considered and we know that the need is there 01:44:44.000 --> 01:44:46.000 for our community. 01:44:46.000 --> 01:44:49.000 There is currently no safe way to ride from Torquay to Geelong. 01:44:49.000 --> 01:44:53.000 If the funding application is successful, Council would take detailed designs 01:44:53.000 --> 01:44:55.000 to the community for feedback. 01:44:55.000 --> 01:44:58.000 And lastly, it would be great to see even more investment 01:44:58.000 --> 01:45:01.000 in cycling infrastructure and improved pathways for pedestrians 01:45:01.000 --> 01:45:06.000 and hopefully there are many more TAC grants just like this to come. 01:45:06.000 --> 01:45:09.000 MAYOR PATTISON: Would any other Councillors like to speak 01:45:09.000 --> 01:45:10.000 to the motion? 01:45:10.000 --> 01:45:12.000 Councillor Bodsworth? 01:45:12.000 --> 01:45:14.000 CR BODSWORTH: Thanks, Mayor, very briefly. 01:45:14.000 --> 01:45:19.000 I definitely welcome the opportunity to support these grant applications. 01:45:19.000 --> 01:45:23.000 I'm really pleased to see our Safer Cycling Strategy being 01:45:23.000 --> 01:45:28.000 put to good use and also our existing Pathway Strategy 01:45:28.000 --> 01:45:29.000 as well. 01:45:29.000 --> 01:45:31.000 And with regard 01:45:31.000 --> 01:45:34.000 - I thank Councillor Gazzard for those statistics relating to cycling. 01:45:34.000 --> 01:45:39.000 And as Councillor Stapleton mentioned, the G21 Transport Strategy contains some 01:45:39.000 --> 01:45:45.000 really interesting projections on delays in traffic, stuck in traffic 01:45:45.000 --> 01:45:51.000 under a business as usual scenario, so it's gone to a lot of effort 01:45:51.000 --> 01:45:55.000 to capture or to sort of project the kinds of delays that people 01:45:55.000 --> 01:46:01.000 will be experiencing stuck in traffic on our current trajectory with traffic 01:46:01.000 --> 01:46:02.000 on the roads. 01:46:02.000 --> 01:46:11.000 So in the last census, in the Surf Coast municipality 0.6% of people travelled 01:46:11.000 --> 01:46:18.000 by bike to work on census day, being online with the Victorian average. 01:46:18.000 --> 01:46:22.000 So we've got a very tiny percentage of people currently travelling to work 01:46:22.000 --> 01:46:24.000 by bike 01:46:24.000 --> 01:46:27.000 - a greater percentage travelling to school, but still fairly small 01:46:27.000 --> 01:46:30.000 - and, you know, there's just fantastic benefits there 01:46:30.000 --> 01:46:34.000 for the taking if we manage to provide the safe connections and a lot 01:46:34.000 --> 01:46:38.000 of the people who would potentially ride a bike, a lot 01:46:38.000 --> 01:46:43.000 of the trips that people undertake by car are very short, under 5 Ks, 01:46:43.000 --> 01:46:48.000 totally doable by bike, but it's safety that's the main barrier 01:46:48.000 --> 01:46:51.000 for people taking those trips by bike. 01:46:51.000 --> 01:46:56.000 So it's about 19 Ks between Torquay centre and Geelong centre by bike, 01:46:56.000 --> 01:47:01.000 so that's a pretty easy hour bike ride, particularly on an e-bike, 01:47:01.000 --> 01:47:06.000 and according to the transport strategy, that hour could well be time that people 01:47:06.000 --> 01:47:09.000 are spending stuck in traffic in a vehicle anyway. 01:47:09.000 --> 01:47:13.000 So, yeah, it's a great option and I hope we can follow this through. 01:47:13.000 --> 01:47:15.000 MAYOR PATTISON: Sounds good. 01:47:15.000 --> 01:47:17.000 And Councillor Barker? 01:47:17.000 --> 01:47:18.000 CR BARKER: Thanks, Mayor. 01:47:18.000 --> 01:47:20.000 I'm a cyclist. 01:47:20.000 --> 01:47:22.000 I give as much room as I can to cyclists when I'm driving cars 01:47:22.000 --> 01:47:25.000 and trucks and I know the shared use of roads are a safety concern 01:47:25.000 --> 01:47:27.000 for many cyclists. 01:47:27.000 --> 01:47:30.000 There will always be room to improve ways for cyclists to move 01:47:30.000 --> 01:47:32.000 through the municipality, but as we move head first 01:47:32.000 --> 01:47:36.000 into a recession, we need to stop discretionary spending, 01:47:36.000 --> 01:47:38.000 not only here but every level of government. 01:47:38.000 --> 01:47:41.000 I'd be very happy to support infrastructure spending where 01:47:41.000 --> 01:47:46.000 the funding source is voluntarily raised, perhaps by a collective of cyclists, 01:47:46.000 --> 01:47:50.000 as this would support a philosophy that I support, the voluntary interaction 01:47:50.000 --> 01:47:52.000 between consenting adults. 01:47:52.000 --> 01:47:53.000 But what are grants? 01:47:53.000 --> 01:47:56.000 An opportunity for us to reach out to another level of government 01:47:56.000 --> 01:48:00.000 for taxpayer funds because we can't afford to pay for everything required 01:48:00.000 --> 01:48:01.000 of us or what we want to do. 01:48:01.000 --> 01:48:04.000 In this case, it highlights how our vehicle TAC fees 01:48:04.000 --> 01:48:07.000 attached to registration are far too high when not only do they pay 01:48:07.000 --> 01:48:10.000 for multimillion dollar advertising campaigns, but also directing $130,000 01:48:10.000 --> 01:48:14.000 to us for a cycling infrastructure works and a study. 01:48:14.000 --> 01:48:18.000 All this from a State Government body that is part of a state with record-breaking 01:48:18.000 --> 01:48:21.000 levels of debt that dwarves multiple other states combined, yet apparently 01:48:21.000 --> 01:48:24.000 they can fritter away even more money to us here. 01:48:24.000 --> 01:48:27.000 Support this if you want to grow the tax burden 01:48:27.000 --> 01:48:30.000 on every other Victorian during a cost of living crisis or you can join me 01:48:30.000 --> 01:48:33.000 in saying no to financially unsustainable actions. 01:48:33.000 --> 01:48:35.000 That's all. 01:48:35.000 --> 01:48:37.000 MAYOR PATTISON: Thank you. 01:48:37.000 --> 01:48:39.000 Councillor Gazzard, did you have any closing remarks? 01:48:39.000 --> 01:48:41.000 No. 01:48:41.000 --> 01:48:42.000 We'll now put the motion to the vote. 01:48:42.000 --> 01:48:44.000 All those in favour. 01:48:44.000 --> 01:48:46.000 And the motion is carried. 01:48:46.000 --> 01:48:50.000 Oh, all those against, sorry. 01:48:50.000 --> 01:48:52.000 I'm sorry about that. 01:48:52.000 --> 01:48:54.000 Anyway, moving along, apologies. 01:48:54.000 --> 01:48:56.000 Thank you. 01:48:56.000 --> 01:49:06.000 The next item on the agenda, Grants Mod Program Review. 01:49:06.000 --> 01:49:10.000 This report seeks Council's endorsement of two new grant streams 01:49:10.000 --> 01:49:12.000 and recommends changes to the Grant Program guidelines. 01:49:12.000 --> 01:49:15.000 Do we have a mover? 01:49:15.000 --> 01:49:16.000 Councillor Allen 01:49:16.000 --> 01:49:18.000 - is that as per the recommendation? 01:49:18.000 --> 01:49:19.000 CR ALLEN: As per recommendation. 01:49:19.000 --> 01:49:21.000 MAYOR PATTISON: And a seconder? 01:49:21.000 --> 01:49:22.000 Councillor Gazzard. 01:49:22.000 --> 01:49:24.000 Would you like to speak, Councillor? 01:49:24.000 --> 01:49:26.000 CR ALLEN: Thanks, Mayor. 01:49:26.000 --> 01:49:28.000 I always find it a pleasure to speak to the grants program, 01:49:28.000 --> 01:49:31.000 a program I support, with the only regret being that 01:49:31.000 --> 01:49:34.000 we did not allocate sufficient funds. 01:49:34.000 --> 01:49:39.000 As a past recipient of grant funding, naturally prior to my term on Council, 01:49:39.000 --> 01:49:43.000 I have firsthand knowledge and appreciation of the importance 01:49:43.000 --> 01:49:46.000 of these grants to community not-for-profit 01:49:46.000 --> 01:49:49.000 voluntary organisations linked to the needs 01:49:49.000 --> 01:49:53.000 of their community in the most direct of ways. 01:49:53.000 --> 01:49:57.000 The grants do create a more meaningful partnership between the Council 01:49:57.000 --> 01:50:01.000 and the community and it enables the Council, 01:50:01.000 --> 01:50:05.000 through the grant guidelines, to direct funding towards priorities 01:50:05.000 --> 01:50:08.000 in the Council plan. 01:50:08.000 --> 01:50:11.000 A hypothetical example is a project that promotes male 01:50:11.000 --> 01:50:14.000 participation in the performing arts. 01:50:14.000 --> 01:50:19.000 This would meet the established grants criteria and meet two Council priorities, 01:50:19.000 --> 01:50:21.000 health and gender equity. 01:50:23.000 --> 01:50:27.000 The change to remove Councillors from the approval process has been 01:50:27.000 --> 01:50:31.000 a positive one, speeding up the awarding of grants and getting resources 01:50:31.000 --> 01:50:35.000 into the hands of the community in a more timely manner. 01:50:35.000 --> 01:50:38.000 To date, we have funded 55 projects totalling 01:50:38.000 --> 01:50:44.000 very close to $140,000, with a wide variety of projects reflecting 01:50:44.000 --> 01:50:46.000 the range of streams. 01:50:46.000 --> 01:50:50.000 For example, in my ward, the Lorne Gardening Group, 01:50:50.000 --> 01:50:52.000 the Historical Society and the bowls club were successful, 01:50:52.000 --> 01:50:57.000 and in Deans Marsh tree carving and the solstice art exhibition reflect 01:50:57.000 --> 01:51:00.000 the range of streams that I referred to. 01:51:00.000 --> 01:51:03.000 In Lorne, a program was funded to target any year 10 01:51:03.000 --> 01:51:07.000 to 12 students in the shire who wish to learn more about the means 01:51:07.000 --> 01:51:09.000 to reduce examination stress. 01:51:11.000 --> 01:51:17.000 The Quick Response and the Artist and Creative streams were very popular, 01:51:17.000 --> 01:51:19.000 both being significantly oversubscribed. 01:51:21.000 --> 01:51:24.000 I am very pleased to see that several streams 01:51:24.000 --> 01:51:32.000 require a community/organisation co-contribution in funds and/or in kind, 01:51:32.000 --> 01:51:37.000 varying from 50 to 30% of the project value. 01:51:37.000 --> 01:51:40.000 This co-contribution demonstrates that the project has real 01:51:40.000 --> 01:51:43.000 community support and value. 01:51:43.000 --> 01:51:48.000 I was going to say put your money where your mouth is, but I decided 01:51:48.000 --> 01:51:50.000 against it. 01:51:50.000 --> 01:51:54.000 I have much pleasure in supporting the recommendation and it 01:51:54.000 --> 01:51:56.000 is very pleasing to see how well the changes introduced 01:51:56.000 --> 01:52:01.000 into the program have been received in 2022/23. 01:52:01.000 --> 01:52:02.000 Thank you. 01:52:02.000 --> 01:52:04.000 MAYOR PATTISON: Thank you. 01:52:04.000 --> 01:52:06.000 Councillor Gazzard, did you wish to speak to the motion? 01:52:06.000 --> 01:52:08.000 CR GAZZARD: Yes, I'll support the motion. 01:52:08.000 --> 01:52:12.000 I think the grants program is amazing and anything we can do to streamline 01:52:12.000 --> 01:52:18.000 and make the funds available to community as quickly as possible is to be endorsed. 01:52:18.000 --> 01:52:26.000 So we've got 55 community projects funded, $100,000 of funding provided and I really 01:52:26.000 --> 01:52:30.000 like the emphasis on municipal health and wellbeing and note that 27 01:52:30.000 --> 01:52:36.000 of the 96 project applications had a health and wellbeing focus. 01:52:41.000 --> 01:52:44.000 The specific standalone stream of health and wellbeing grants I think is 01:52:44.000 --> 01:52:51.000 to be commended and looking at the previous grants that we've had, 01:52:51.000 --> 01:52:55.000 it's really impressive seeing the focus on men's wellbeing, Men's Sheds, 01:52:55.000 --> 01:53:02.000 play groups, sports, a lot of school-based mental health programs 01:53:02.000 --> 01:53:07.000 and environmental tree planting and energy saving, so a shout-out 01:53:07.000 --> 01:53:15.000 to the Surf Coast Energy Group, SANE and Torquay Landcare Group. 01:53:15.000 --> 01:53:20.000 So I am very happy to support this ongoing grants program. 01:53:20.000 --> 01:53:21.000 MAYOR PATTISON: Councillor Barker? 01:53:21.000 --> 01:53:23.000 CR BARKER: Thanks, Mayor. 01:53:23.000 --> 01:53:27.000 I too am pleased to speak to grants programs for a different reason. 01:53:27.000 --> 01:53:30.000 If this recommendation was simply to note projects funded 01:53:30.000 --> 01:53:33.000 through the grant program, I wouldn't have had an issue supporting it 01:53:33.000 --> 01:53:37.000 , but given it's endorsing methods directing how involuntarily taken funds 01:53:37.000 --> 01:53:38.000 - ie, rates 01:53:38.000 --> 01:53:41.000 - are redistributed to the winners selected by Council, 01:53:41.000 --> 01:53:43.000 I will be voting against the recommendation. 01:53:43.000 --> 01:53:46.000 This is just another example of where people are being paid 01:53:46.000 --> 01:53:49.000 by involuntarily taken funds and have been insulated 01:53:49.000 --> 01:53:51.000 from the economic turmoil experienced by many over the 01:53:51.000 --> 01:53:55.000 past few years are carrying on with a business as usual mindset. 01:53:55.000 --> 01:53:58.000 That is not the reality that I see. 01:53:58.000 --> 01:54:01.000 If you are happy to continue picking winners and losers, 01:54:01.000 --> 01:54:03.000 go ahead and vote for this recommendation. 01:54:03.000 --> 01:54:08.000 If, though, like me, you see taking money from some and redistributing to others 01:54:08.000 --> 01:54:11.000 is morally wrong, I invite you to join me voting 01:54:11.000 --> 01:54:13.000 against this recommendation. 01:54:15.000 --> 01:54:18.000 MAYOR PATTISON: Councillor Stapleton, would you like to speak to the motion? 01:54:18.000 --> 01:54:20.000 CR STAPLETON: Yes, I'll say a few words. 01:54:20.000 --> 01:54:22.000 Thanks, Mayor. 01:54:22.000 --> 01:54:24.000 So the grants program is a really great program 01:54:24.000 --> 01:54:28.000 and it's been running in its new format for the past year. 01:54:28.000 --> 01:54:30.000 If you want to know what impact grants have 01:54:30.000 --> 01:54:34.000 in helping our community to thrive, have a read through the grants awarded 01:54:34.000 --> 01:54:35.000 during the past 12 months. 01:54:35.000 --> 01:54:40.000 It's staggering to see the variety and number of community organisations 01:54:40.000 --> 01:54:44.000 all achieving such great outcomes and supporting each other 01:54:44.000 --> 01:54:47.000 and the broader community through this grants program. 01:54:47.000 --> 01:54:51.000 There is clearly the demand and interest from residents and local groups 01:54:51.000 --> 01:54:54.000 for these grants to continue and I'm pleased that Council 01:54:54.000 --> 01:54:58.000 is in a position to be able to support them. 01:54:58.000 --> 01:55:02.000 It's also important to note that an audit of Council's grants program was undertaken 01:55:02.000 --> 01:55:05.000 in April/May this year to consider the adequacy 01:55:05.000 --> 01:55:09.000 of Council's policies, procedures and controls for the overall management 01:55:09.000 --> 01:55:10.000 of grant funding. 01:55:10.000 --> 01:55:14.000 While the audit findings were generally good, it did make some recommendations 01:55:14.000 --> 01:55:18.000 which will help Council to continuously improve the grants program 01:55:18.000 --> 01:55:22.000 and I look forward to seeing some of these implemented in coming years. 01:55:22.000 --> 01:55:24.000 Thank you. 01:55:26.000 --> 01:55:29.000 MAYOR PATTISON: Councillor Allen, did you have any closing remarks? 01:55:29.000 --> 01:55:31.000 CR ALLEN: No, thanks, Mayor. 01:55:31.000 --> 01:55:33.000 MAYOR PATTISON: We'll now put the motion to the vote. 01:55:33.000 --> 01:55:35.000 All those in favour. 01:55:35.000 --> 01:55:36.000 And all those opposed. 01:55:36.000 --> 01:55:38.000 And the motion is carried. 01:55:42.000 --> 01:55:46.000 We now move on to 4.5, Project Budget Adjustments 01:55:46.000 --> 01:55:47.000 and Cash Reserve Transfers 01:55:47.000 --> 01:55:49.000 - July 2023. 01:55:49.000 --> 01:55:52.000 This report is presented for Council ratification and approval 01:55:52.000 --> 01:55:56.000 of proposed project budget adjustments and cash reserve transfers 01:55:56.000 --> 01:55:59.000 relating to the 2022-23 financial year. 01:55:59.000 --> 01:56:01.000 Do I have a mover? 01:56:01.000 --> 01:56:02.000 Councillor Barker 01:56:02.000 --> 01:56:04.000 - is it as per the recommendation? 01:56:04.000 --> 01:56:05.000 CR BARKER: Yes, Mayor. 01:56:05.000 --> 01:56:07.000 MAYOR PATTISON: And a seconder? 01:56:07.000 --> 01:56:08.000 Councillor Stapleton. 01:56:08.000 --> 01:56:10.000 Did you want to speak to it, Councillor Barker? 01:56:10.000 --> 01:56:12.000 CR BARKER: No, thank you. 01:56:12.000 --> 01:56:13.000 MAYOR PATTISON: No. 01:56:13.000 --> 01:56:15.000 Councillor Stapleton? 01:56:15.000 --> 01:56:16.000 CR STAPLETON: I'll say a few words. 01:56:16.000 --> 01:56:18.000 Thanks, Mayor. 01:56:18.000 --> 01:56:21.000 This item is to provide transparency for Council and the community 01:56:21.000 --> 01:56:24.000 around movements in budgets for various projects across the shire 01:56:24.000 --> 01:56:26.000 and changes to cash reserves. 01:56:26.000 --> 01:56:29.000 You will see in the report a greater number of projects than usual due 01:56:29.000 --> 01:56:31.000 to the end of the financial year and transfers of funding 01:56:31.000 --> 01:56:34.000 from projects that are not progressing at this time. 01:56:34.000 --> 01:56:36.000 There is just one item I would like to highlight, which 01:56:36.000 --> 01:56:42.000 is the Point Roadknight Drainage Outfall, where it is recommended returning $550,000 01:56:42.000 --> 01:56:44.000 to the Asset Renewal Reserve. 01:56:44.000 --> 01:56:50.000 This renewal project had 700,000 allocated to it, but the cost estimate obtained via 01:56:50.000 --> 01:56:54.000 a quantity surveyor is 1.8 million, clearly significantly higher than 01:56:54.000 --> 01:56:57.000 the project budget allows. 01:56:57.000 --> 01:57:00.000 So it is proposed that Council returns a large portion of the budget back 01:57:00.000 --> 01:57:04.000 to the Asset Renewal Reserve given the current scope 01:57:04.000 --> 01:57:08.000 of the project cannot be completed within this allocation. 01:57:08.000 --> 01:57:11.000 It is unfortunate that the project cannot proceed at this time, 01:57:11.000 --> 01:57:14.000 but the costs are well above what Council had budgeted. 01:57:14.000 --> 01:57:16.000 It sounds familiar. 01:57:16.000 --> 01:57:19.000 There will be people in the community disappointed about this, 01:57:19.000 --> 01:57:23.000 but it's a complex job, with the pipe running under sand dunes 01:57:23.000 --> 01:57:26.000 and potentially impacting culturally sensitive areas, 01:57:26.000 --> 01:57:28.000 so it's not an easy fix. 01:57:28.000 --> 01:57:31.000 Fortunately, one of the two parts has been functioning well 01:57:31.000 --> 01:57:35.000 for at least the last 12 months without any reported flooding issues 01:57:35.000 --> 01:57:39.000 and we certainly hope that continues to be the case. 01:57:39.000 --> 01:57:41.000 The funds left on the project will enable officers 01:57:41.000 --> 01:57:44.000 to progress the cultural heritage management permit requirements 01:57:44.000 --> 01:57:47.000 and associated authority approvals. 01:57:47.000 --> 01:57:50.000 Then the proposed renewal works can be considered as part 01:57:50.000 --> 01:57:55.000 of future renewal program budget allocations and I would hope to see that 01:57:55.000 --> 01:57:57.000 in next year's budget, all going well. 01:57:57.000 --> 01:57:59.000 Thank you. 01:57:59.000 --> 01:58:00.000 MAYOR PATTISON: Thank you. 01:58:00.000 --> 01:58:02.000 Any other Councillors? 01:58:02.000 --> 01:58:03.000 Councillor Bodsworth? 01:58:03.000 --> 01:58:05.000 CR BODSWORTH: Thanks, Mayor. 01:58:05.000 --> 01:58:06.000 There are a couple of 01:58:06.000 --> 01:58:10.000 - first, I thank Councillor Stapleton for raising the Point Roadknight storm 01:58:10.000 --> 01:58:12.000 water pipes one, which is an interesting situation. 01:58:12.000 --> 01:58:14.000 Two others that I would like to 01:58:14.000 --> 01:58:16.000 - three others that I'd like to quickly mention. 01:58:16.000 --> 01:58:20.000 One is there's information in there about revenue raised 01:58:20.000 --> 01:58:21.000 through litter enforcement. 01:58:21.000 --> 01:58:24.000 I think it's great that we've increased our capacity 01:58:24.000 --> 01:58:27.000 to enforce litter regulations. 01:58:27.000 --> 01:58:33.000 Another one was about Anglesea arts space and an amount there relating to commission 01:58:33.000 --> 01:58:37.000 from arts sales and I just think that highlights the value 01:58:37.000 --> 01:58:41.000 of the Anglesea arts space, which Council effectively sponsors 01:58:41.000 --> 01:58:44.000 through paying the lease for the building. 01:58:44.000 --> 01:58:47.000 It's a space of huge value to the community and it's great 01:58:47.000 --> 01:58:54.000 to see that the artists who are usually upcoming artists selling enough work 01:58:54.000 --> 01:58:57.000 to provide those commission figures. 01:58:57.000 --> 01:59:01.000 And the other one I'd like to mention is the grant funding 01:59:01.000 --> 01:59:07.000 for Painkalac Creek flood mitigation modelling and adaptation planning, 01:59:07.000 --> 01:59:10.000 so State Government grant funding, and I'd particularly like 01:59:10.000 --> 01:59:13.000 to acknowledge the advocacy of the Aireys Inlet community 01:59:13.000 --> 01:59:19.000 around the need to balance environmental concerns 01:59:19.000 --> 01:59:24.000 and flooding risks to property with the Painkalac Creek. 01:59:24.000 --> 01:59:25.000 Thanks. 01:59:25.000 --> 01:59:27.000 MAYOR PATTISON: Thank you. 01:59:27.000 --> 01:59:29.000 Councillor Barker, no closing remarks? 01:59:29.000 --> 01:59:30.000 We'll now 01:59:30.000 --> 01:59:32.000 - oh, sorry, Councillor Allen. 01:59:32.000 --> 01:59:35.000 CR ALLEN: We're just having some power issues here with our computers. 01:59:35.000 --> 01:59:39.000 They aren't turned on for some reason. 01:59:42.000 --> 01:59:48.000 From the report, I note that $1,719,163 net is being transferred 01:59:48.000 --> 01:59:50.000 to our cash reserves. 01:59:50.000 --> 01:59:53.000 I'd just like to point out that this is not unusual at this time of the year, 01:59:53.000 --> 01:59:56.000 reflecting the end of the financial year. 01:59:56.000 --> 02:00:00.000 Note in table 1 there are examples of funds returned to source 02:00:00.000 --> 02:00:03.000 as the projects are incomplete for a variety 02:00:03.000 --> 02:00:08.000 of reasons explained in the report to be allocated at a later date. 02:00:08.000 --> 02:00:09.000 Projects varying in size 02:00:09.000 --> 02:00:14.000 - for example, $550,000 to the Point Roadknight Drainage Outfall; 02:00:14.000 --> 02:00:22.000 $119,553 from the Agile Workplace project; and just over $9,000 for the completion 02:00:22.000 --> 02:00:28.000 of the Telstra pit on the Birregurra-Deans Marsh Pathway. 02:00:28.000 --> 02:00:33.000 There is a significant allocation of funds, $698,892, 02:00:33.000 --> 02:00:36.000 to the Surf Coast Aquatic and Health Centre 02:00:36.000 --> 02:00:40.000 from the annual interest earned from the upfront grant funding 02:00:40.000 --> 02:00:46.000 as per the funding agreement; examples where the funds are not expended 02:00:46.000 --> 02:00:50.000 due to a lack of tenders and others being above the allocated budget 02:00:50.000 --> 02:00:53.000 - for example, netball renewal works at the Eastern Reserve 02:00:53.000 --> 02:00:55.000 and the Stribling Reserve. 02:00:55.000 --> 02:00:59.000 Hopefully these projects will be completed in the next financial 02:00:59.000 --> 02:01:00.000 year. 02:01:00.000 --> 02:01:03.000 I also note that over $200,000 has been returned 02:01:03.000 --> 02:01:09.000 to the accumulated unallocated cash reserve due to project savings. 02:01:09.000 --> 02:01:13.000 It is my hope that officers will consider these savings 02:01:13.000 --> 02:01:18.000 as a potential source of funds to complete unfinished projects. 02:01:18.000 --> 02:01:22.000 I can count on five that come to mind in the Lorne ward. 02:01:22.000 --> 02:01:25.000 Thank you. 02:01:25.000 --> 02:01:26.000 MAYOR PATTISON: Thank you. 02:01:26.000 --> 02:01:29.000 And thank you, Governance, for sorting out our power issues. 02:01:29.000 --> 02:01:31.000 We will plod on. 02:01:31.000 --> 02:01:32.000 Gary, has that been resolved? 02:01:32.000 --> 02:01:34.000 We're all good? 02:01:34.000 --> 02:01:38.000 We've sorted it out because we've moved to the other one, so don't worry about it. 02:01:38.000 --> 02:01:40.000 Councillor Barker, you didn't have any closing remarks, 02:01:40.000 --> 02:01:42.000 did you? 02:01:42.000 --> 02:01:43.000 No. 02:01:43.000 --> 02:01:45.000 We'll now put the motion to the vote. 02:01:45.000 --> 02:01:47.000 Gary and Libby, we're going to vote. 02:01:47.000 --> 02:01:48.000 We'll now put the motion to the vote. 02:01:48.000 --> 02:01:50.000 All those in favour. 02:01:50.000 --> 02:01:53.000 And opposed. 02:01:53.000 --> 02:01:56.000 Just to clarify, we're all in favour, yes? 02:01:56.000 --> 02:01:58.000 Yes, great, awesome, and the motion is carried. 02:02:00.000 --> 02:02:02.000 CR BARKER: I'm naturally an agreeable person. 02:02:02.000 --> 02:02:04.000 MAYOR PATTISON: No, no, I know. 02:02:04.000 --> 02:02:05.000 I just 02:02:05.000 --> 02:02:08.000 - I couldn't see because people weren't quite moving 02:02:08.000 --> 02:02:11.000 at the same time and I wasn't sure if there was some confusion there, 02:02:11.000 --> 02:02:14.000 so I just wanted to make sure we're all on the same page and that's wonderful. 02:02:14.000 --> 02:02:20.000 4.6, Award of Contract T23-031 Road Works and Resealing Horseshoe Bend Road Torquay. 02:02:20.000 --> 02:02:24.000 The purpose of this report is to inform Council of the contract awarded 02:02:24.000 --> 02:02:27.000 by the CEO under an authorisation provided via 02:02:27.000 --> 02:02:32.000 resolution at the 28 March 2023 Council meeting. 02:02:32.000 --> 02:02:35.000 MS ROBYN SEYMOUR: Do we need to take a break while we sort this out? 02:02:35.000 --> 02:02:38.000 MAYOR PATTISON: Do we need to suspend for a moment while you guys sort 02:02:38.000 --> 02:02:39.000 out your computers? 02:02:39.000 --> 02:02:41.000 Gary, are you okay 02:02:41.000 --> 02:02:42.000 - Councillor Allen, sorry. 02:02:42.000 --> 02:02:44.000 CR ALLEN: No, Mayor, I'm not. 02:02:44.000 --> 02:02:45.000 Anyway, you soldier on. 02:02:45.000 --> 02:02:48.000 MAYOR PATTISON: But we can pause for a moment if there's a need to. 02:02:48.000 --> 02:02:51.000 CR BODSWORTH: If you're happy to work through adversity, 02:02:51.000 --> 02:02:52.000 we can continue. 02:02:52.000 --> 02:02:54.000 CR ALLEN: It's alright, go on. 02:02:54.000 --> 02:02:56.000 I have some battery left, but not a lot. 02:02:56.000 --> 02:02:57.000 OFFICER: It will die. 02:02:57.000 --> 02:02:59.000 CR ALLEN: It will die soon. 02:02:59.000 --> 02:03:00.000 OFFICER: Yes, you should get it 02:03:00.000 --> 02:03:02.000 - MAYOR PATTISON: We'll just pause for a moment. 02:03:02.000 --> 02:03:04.000 SPEAKER: I move that we suspend. 02:03:04.000 --> 02:03:07.000 MAYOR PATTISON: Can we just pause? 02:03:07.000 --> 02:03:08.000 MAYOR PATTISON: Good? 02:03:42.000 --> 02:03:44.000 Okay. 02:03:44.000 --> 02:03:46.000 We'll resume with item 4.6. 02:03:46.000 --> 02:03:49.000 So do I have a mover of a motion? 02:03:49.000 --> 02:03:52.000 Councillor Schonfelder, you're moving the motion? 02:03:52.000 --> 02:03:54.000 Yes. 02:03:54.000 --> 02:03:55.000 And that's as per the recommendation? 02:03:55.000 --> 02:03:57.000 CR SCHONFELDER: Yes, Mayor. 02:03:57.000 --> 02:03:58.000 MAYOR PATTISON: Yes, great. 02:03:58.000 --> 02:04:00.000 And do I have a seconder? 02:04:00.000 --> 02:04:01.000 Councillor Gazzard. 02:04:01.000 --> 02:04:04.000 Councillor Schonfelder, would you like to speak? 02:04:04.000 --> 02:04:06.000 CR SCHONFELDER: Yes, please, Mayor. 02:04:06.000 --> 02:04:09.000 The Council notes the award of T23-031 Roadworks 02:04:09.000 --> 02:04:17.000 and Resealing Horseshoe Bend Road, Torquay to Fulton Hogan Industries Pty Ltd 02:04:17.000 --> 02:04:19.000 for 1.26 million. 02:04:23.000 --> 02:04:27.000 The award of the contract has allowed Council 02:04:27.000 --> 02:04:30.000 to renew the road surface and undertake road safety improvements 02:04:30.000 --> 02:04:33.000 along Horseshoe Bend Road between South Beach Road 02:04:33.000 --> 02:04:35.000 and Quay Boulevard. 02:04:35.000 --> 02:04:41.000 Based on past project experience, expertise and the project risks, the award 02:04:41.000 --> 02:04:47.000 of the contract to Fulton Hogan Industries is expected to deliver the best value 02:04:47.000 --> 02:04:49.000 for money outcome for Council. 02:04:49.000 --> 02:04:52.000 A public tender process was conducted in accordance 02:04:52.000 --> 02:04:55.000 with Council's procurement policy. 02:04:55.000 --> 02:04:57.000 A total of three contractors submitted tenders 02:04:57.000 --> 02:04:59.000 for this contract. 02:04:59.000 --> 02:05:02.000 Each submission was assessed against pre-determined 02:05:02.000 --> 02:05:06.000 evaluation criteria, including price and non-price criteria. 02:05:06.000 --> 02:05:13.000 The contract will operate on a lump sum for the duration of the contract period. 02:05:13.000 --> 02:05:19.000 Council has external grant funding to undertake road safety improvement works 02:05:19.000 --> 02:05:23.000 and a combination of Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program 02:05:23.000 --> 02:05:27.000 and renewal funding to renew the road surface 02:05:27.000 --> 02:05:30.000 with an asphalt overlay. 02:05:30.000 --> 02:05:34.000 I know the road very well, Horseshoe Bend Road, and it's one 02:05:34.000 --> 02:05:38.000 of my favourite roads, to be honest, and like many people who live 02:05:38.000 --> 02:05:45.000 in our wonderful community, I enjoy seeing all the Norfolk pine trees in the 02:05:47.000 --> 02:05:49.000 different areas adjacent to this road. 02:05:49.000 --> 02:05:56.000 So I hope it goes well making this road safer and better for our community. 02:05:56.000 --> 02:05:58.000 Thank you, Mayor. 02:05:58.000 --> 02:05:59.000 MAYOR PATTISON: Thank you. 02:05:59.000 --> 02:06:01.000 Councillor Gazzard? 02:06:01.000 --> 02:06:02.000 No? 02:06:02.000 --> 02:06:04.000 Would any other councillors like to speak? 02:06:04.000 --> 02:06:06.000 Councillor Barker? 02:06:06.000 --> 02:06:09.000 CR BARKER: I'll support this recommendation as it's simply for noting, 02:06:09.000 --> 02:06:12.000 so technically happy to support, but looking at the works proposed, 02:06:12.000 --> 02:06:15.000 I don't think it's entirely necessary and we should be seeking 02:06:15.000 --> 02:06:17.000 to maintain the worst of our road networks first. 02:06:17.000 --> 02:06:19.000 MAYOR PATTISON: Thank you. 02:06:19.000 --> 02:06:21.000 Any other Councillors wish to speak? 02:06:21.000 --> 02:06:22.000 No. 02:06:22.000 --> 02:06:24.000 Councillor Schonfelder, any closing remarks? 02:06:24.000 --> 02:06:26.000 CR SCHONFELDER: No, thank you. 02:06:26.000 --> 02:06:27.000 MAYOR PATTISON: No. 02:06:27.000 --> 02:06:29.000 We'll put the motion to the vote. 02:06:29.000 --> 02:06:30.000 All those in favour. 02:06:30.000 --> 02:06:32.000 And the motion is carried unanimously. 02:06:32.000 --> 02:06:36.000 We now move on to 4.7, Draft G21 Regional Football 02:06:36.000 --> 02:06:38.000 - that's soccer 02:06:38.000 --> 02:06:40.000 - Strategy for 2023-2033. 02:06:40.000 --> 02:06:45.000 This report is presented to inform Council of the Draft G21 Regional Football 02:06:45.000 --> 02:06:49.000 Strategy which will be publicly exhibited for a six-week 02:06:49.000 --> 02:06:51.000 period. 02:06:51.000 --> 02:06:52.000 Do we have a mover of a motion? 02:06:52.000 --> 02:06:54.000 Councillor Gazzard 02:06:54.000 --> 02:06:55.000 - as per the recommendation? 02:06:55.000 --> 02:06:57.000 CR GAZZARD: Yes. 02:06:57.000 --> 02:06:58.000 MAYOR PATTISON: Yes. 02:06:58.000 --> 02:07:00.000 And a seconder? 02:07:00.000 --> 02:07:01.000 Councillor Bodsworth. 02:07:01.000 --> 02:07:03.000 Councillor Gazzard, would you like to speak? 02:07:03.000 --> 02:07:05.000 CR GAZZARD: Yes, thank you. 02:07:05.000 --> 02:07:07.000 I endorse the motion, so the Draft G21 Regional Football 02:07:07.000 --> 02:07:10.000 Strategy to go on public exhibition for six weeks. 02:07:10.000 --> 02:07:15.000 I think this is a really exciting strategy to reduce the risk of gender inequity 02:07:15.000 --> 02:07:20.000 in football and futsal and reduce stagnation with G21 regions 02:07:20.000 --> 02:07:22.000 of ongoing growth. 02:07:22.000 --> 02:07:27.000 Excitingly, the strategy reports a 114% increase 02:07:27.000 --> 02:07:29.000 in female participation in football, 02:07:29.000 --> 02:07:35.000 - my British husband calls it football, but soccer for us 02:07:35.000 --> 02:07:41.000 - and 25% of all participants are female with an aim to get to 50% 02:07:41.000 --> 02:07:42.000 for gender equity. 02:07:42.000 --> 02:07:46.000 We know that female footballers are paid less, promoted less 02:07:46.000 --> 02:07:50.000 and receive less public interest than their male counterparts, 02:07:50.000 --> 02:07:55.000 but excitingly, in the FIFA Women's World Cup records are being broken. 02:07:55.000 --> 02:08:00.000 117,000 spectators attended the first two games 02:08:00.000 --> 02:08:05.000 of the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup on Thursday in Auckland and Sydney, 02:08:05.000 --> 02:08:10.000 so 42,000 fans in New Zealand, which was the 02:08:10.000 --> 02:08:15.000 - set the record for the biggest ever crowd at a soccer game in Aotearoa, New Zealand, 02:08:15.000 --> 02:08:18.000 men or women's, the previous record being 37,000, 02:08:18.000 --> 02:08:24.000 and 75,000 fans attended in Sydney, which smashed the record 02:08:24.000 --> 02:08:27.000 for women's soccer game attendance in Australia. 02:08:27.000 --> 02:08:34.000 Viewership is set to cross 2 billion, up from 1.1 billion in 2019. 02:08:34.000 --> 02:08:40.000 I think the notion that men's sports are better, faster and more interesting 02:08:40.000 --> 02:08:44.000 is incorrect and it's really exciting to see more female participation 02:08:44.000 --> 02:08:47.000 in sports. 02:08:47.000 --> 02:08:50.000 If you haven't seen the French ad that went 02:08:50.000 --> 02:08:54.000 - the France ad that went viral, it's really worth seeing. 02:08:54.000 --> 02:09:02.000 There's footage of Les Bleues, their soccer team, really fast paced, 02:09:02.000 --> 02:09:04.000 exciting, scoring 02:09:04.000 --> 02:09:08.000 - high-scoring game and then it reverses and it was actually AI edited 02:09:08.000 --> 02:09:11.000 and it was all women's, it was the women's team. 02:09:11.000 --> 02:09:13.000 So you should all watch it, I think. 02:09:13.000 --> 02:09:20.000 It really highlights the widespread sexism and misogyny in sports. 02:09:20.000 --> 02:09:23.000 Anyway, so back to the strategy, I think this is really exciting 02:09:23.000 --> 02:09:26.000 and endorse. 02:09:26.000 --> 02:09:28.000 Thank you. 02:09:28.000 --> 02:09:29.000 MAYOR PATTISON: Thank you. 02:09:29.000 --> 02:09:31.000 Councillor Bodsworth, would you like to speak? 02:09:31.000 --> 02:09:33.000 CR BODSWORTH: No, thanks, Mayor. 02:09:33.000 --> 02:09:34.000 MAYOR PATTISON: Thank you. 02:09:34.000 --> 02:09:36.000 Any other Councillors? 02:09:36.000 --> 02:09:37.000 Councillor Barker? 02:09:37.000 --> 02:09:39.000 CR BARKER: Thanks, Mayor. 02:09:39.000 --> 02:09:41.000 Given the City of Greater Geelong have pulled support 02:09:41.000 --> 02:09:43.000 of G21, I think it's time we reconsider our 02:09:43.000 --> 02:09:45.000 connection with the organisation. 02:09:45.000 --> 02:09:48.000 I don't think it's worthwhile continuing with the association with G21 and I 02:09:48.000 --> 02:09:51.000 will be voting against this motion as a precursor to our removal 02:09:51.000 --> 02:09:56.000 of connection with G21 and then everyone will be happy after that. 02:09:56.000 --> 02:09:59.000 MAYOR PATTISON: Would any other Councillors like to speak? 02:09:59.000 --> 02:10:03.000 CR BARKER: Just again very good timing for this strategy to go out. 02:10:03.000 --> 02:10:06.000 Why do we insist on calling it football? 02:10:06.000 --> 02:10:08.000 I mean, we're not European, we're Australian. 02:10:08.000 --> 02:10:10.000 Why don't we label it soccer? 02:10:10.000 --> 02:10:12.000 That's my only comment. 02:10:12.000 --> 02:10:16.000 MAYOR PATTISON: I'll take that as a comment. 02:10:16.000 --> 02:10:20.000 Did you have any closing remarks, Councillor Gazzard? 02:10:20.000 --> 02:10:22.000 CR GAZZARD: No, but I'd encourage people to make submissions if 02:10:22.000 --> 02:10:25.000 they think there should be changes to the draft. 02:10:25.000 --> 02:10:26.000 Thank you. 02:10:26.000 --> 02:10:28.000 MAYOR PATTISON: Sounds good. 02:10:28.000 --> 02:10:29.000 We'll now put the motion to the vote. 02:10:29.000 --> 02:10:31.000 All those in favour. 02:10:31.000 --> 02:10:32.000 All those opposed. 02:10:32.000 --> 02:10:34.000 And the motion is carried. 02:10:36.000 --> 02:10:40.000 Now we move on to 4.8, MAV State Council Meeting Motion. 02:10:40.000 --> 02:10:44.000 The purpose of this report is to seek Council's endorsement of a motion 02:10:44.000 --> 02:10:48.000 to be tabled at the Municipal Association of Victoria State Council Meeting 02:10:48.000 --> 02:10:49.000 on 13 October. 02:10:49.000 --> 02:10:52.000 Do we have a mover of a motion? 02:10:52.000 --> 02:10:53.000 Councillor Schonfelder 02:10:53.000 --> 02:10:55.000 - is that as per the recommendation? 02:10:55.000 --> 02:10:57.000 Yes. 02:10:57.000 --> 02:10:58.000 And seconded by Councillor Stapleton. 02:10:58.000 --> 02:11:01.000 Did you want to speak to it, Councillor Schonfelder? 02:11:01.000 --> 02:11:03.000 CR SCHONFELDER: Yes, please, Mayor. 02:11:03.000 --> 02:11:05.000 The recommendation is that Council resolves 02:11:05.000 --> 02:11:12.000 to submit the following motion to the MAV State Council Meeting, first, 02:11:12.000 --> 02:11:18.000 MAV calls on the Victorian Government to reform the Victorian Planning System 02:11:18.000 --> 02:11:21.000 to give greater weight to environmental sustainability 02:11:21.000 --> 02:11:24.000 in the assessment process, in line with the guidelines 02:11:24.000 --> 02:11:28.000 for sustainable buildings and subdivisions, developed 02:11:28.000 --> 02:11:34.000 by the Council Alliance for Sustainable and Built Environment, which is CASBE. 02:11:34.000 --> 02:11:37.000 The outcome of an acceptance of this recommendation will enable Council 02:11:37.000 --> 02:11:42.000 to seek state sector support for an initiative that aims 02:11:42.000 --> 02:11:46.000 to provide an opportunity for development proposals to be assessed 02:11:46.000 --> 02:11:52.000 according to criteria that support environmental sustainability. 02:11:52.000 --> 02:11:55.000 The MAV is a peak body for Victorian Councils 02:11:55.000 --> 02:12:00.000 and a biannual State Council meeting provides a means for member Councils 02:12:00.000 --> 02:12:02.000 to enlist support for advocacy. 02:12:02.000 --> 02:12:06.000 Motions passed at MAV State Council meetings effectively 02:12:06.000 --> 02:12:08.000 have the endorsement of the local government sector 02:12:08.000 --> 02:12:10.000 at a state level. 02:12:10.000 --> 02:12:13.000 The motion proposed through this report aligns 02:12:13.000 --> 02:12:20.000 with several MAV stated strategic priorities, namely, healthy, diverse 02:12:20.000 --> 02:12:25.000 and thriving communities; well-planned, connected 02:12:25.000 --> 02:12:30.000 and resilient built environments; changing climate and a circular economy. 02:12:30.000 --> 02:12:33.000 The motion aligns with Council's strategic priorities, 02:12:33.000 --> 02:12:41.000 including Council Plan 2021-2025, and Council's adopted advocacy priority. 02:12:44.000 --> 02:12:48.000 Now, I should mention that having grown up in Barrabool, 02:12:48.000 --> 02:12:54.000 I had second cousins who were dairy farmers and I had three cousins 02:12:54.000 --> 02:12:59.000 who operated dairy farms and dairy farms could not operate any more 02:12:59.000 --> 02:13:05.000 due to the changing climate and I think that (inaudible) was very 02:13:05.000 --> 02:13:07.000 correct when he said that it is 02:13:07.000 --> 02:13:15.000 - one of the biggest challenges of our generation is climate change. 02:13:15.000 --> 02:13:18.000 On Facebook, I follow the Matterhorn mountain 02:13:18.000 --> 02:13:24.000 and that region of Switzerland and at the moment the mountain has the least 02:13:24.000 --> 02:13:30.000 amount of snow on it than it has ever had in recorded history. 02:13:30.000 --> 02:13:35.000 So there are many examples of records that have been broken, 02:13:35.000 --> 02:13:39.000 including heatwaves in Europe and North America. 02:13:39.000 --> 02:13:42.000 And I know some people argue that the climate is cyclical, 02:13:42.000 --> 02:13:48.000 and I believe that is true, but I also do believe that human impacts 02:13:48.000 --> 02:13:52.000 on the environment are so significant. 02:13:52.000 --> 02:13:57.000 And another example of this is groundwater extraction 02:13:57.000 --> 02:14:02.000 for human consumption which is at a very large level which makes 02:14:02.000 --> 02:14:05.000 micro climate change. 02:14:05.000 --> 02:14:12.000 Particularly witnessing that in the Barwon Valley, which is 02:14:12.000 --> 02:14:14.000 in our municipality. 02:14:14.000 --> 02:14:17.000 I ask my colleagues to support this very important motion, 02:14:17.000 --> 02:14:19.000 please, Mayor. 02:14:19.000 --> 02:14:20.000 Thank you. 02:14:20.000 --> 02:14:23.000 MAYOR PATTISON: Thank you, Councillor Schonfelder. 02:14:23.000 --> 02:14:25.000 Councillor Stapleton, would you like to speak? 02:14:25.000 --> 02:14:26.000 CR STAPLETON: Thank you, Mayor. 02:14:26.000 --> 02:14:29.000 The Municipal Association of Victoria presents an excellent 02:14:29.000 --> 02:14:33.000 opportunity to advocate for key issues at a state level. 02:14:33.000 --> 02:14:36.000 The proposed motion for Surf Coast to take to the MAV State Conference 02:14:36.000 --> 02:14:41.000 will enable Council to amplify its advocacy on climate change 02:14:41.000 --> 02:14:43.000 and environmental sustainability. 02:14:43.000 --> 02:14:47.000 This motion reflects the dire need for more action to address 02:14:47.000 --> 02:14:50.000 and mitigate impacts of climate change. 02:14:50.000 --> 02:14:52.000 Planning is one place where Councils can 02:14:52.000 --> 02:14:55.000 make a difference, but we need the State Government 02:14:55.000 --> 02:14:58.000 to support changes to the Planning & Environment Act 02:14:58.000 --> 02:15:01.000 and the Victorian Planning Provisions. 02:15:01.000 --> 02:15:05.000 Surf Coast Shire is advocating for a review of the planning controls 02:15:05.000 --> 02:15:09.000 to ensure climate change impacts can be considered as part 02:15:09.000 --> 02:15:14.000 of the planning assessment process as Council currently has limited powers 02:15:14.000 --> 02:15:16.000 to assess applications according to 02:15:16.000 --> 02:15:19.000 environmental sustainability criteria. 02:15:19.000 --> 02:15:22.000 There are many ways buildings could be assessed for higher ratings 02:15:22.000 --> 02:15:27.000 on environmental sustainability, such as daylight, ventilation, shading, 02:15:27.000 --> 02:15:33.000 zero carbon development, water efficiency, stormwater management, site permeability, 02:15:33.000 --> 02:15:35.000 and building materials. 02:15:35.000 --> 02:15:38.000 We've learnt more about sustainable subdivisions too, 02:15:38.000 --> 02:15:41.000 where relatively simple measures can contribute 02:15:41.000 --> 02:15:43.000 to better environmental performance. 02:15:43.000 --> 02:15:48.000 These should be the new planning norms and there is really no time to wait. 02:15:48.000 --> 02:15:52.000 Just yesterday we heard that the ice caps of the Antarctic are severely threatened. 02:15:52.000 --> 02:15:55.000 Normally after a summer melt the ice returns. 02:15:55.000 --> 02:15:58.000 However, this year that has not been the case. 02:15:58.000 --> 02:16:02.000 As Councillor Schonfelder mentioned, the Northern Hemisphere is suffering 02:16:02.000 --> 02:16:05.000 through blistering temperatures and fires. 02:16:05.000 --> 02:16:08.000 Other places are facing torrential rain and floods. 02:16:08.000 --> 02:16:12.000 And we know there is a cost, not just socially and environmentally, 02:16:12.000 --> 02:16:14.000 but economically too. 02:16:14.000 --> 02:16:20.000 Heatwaves alone have already cost the world economy $16 trillion in losses 02:16:20.000 --> 02:16:24.000 since the 1990s and the costs are mounting. 02:16:24.000 --> 02:16:27.000 In Australia, climate change has cost us billions 02:16:27.000 --> 02:16:29.000 of dollars and it is expected the annual cost 02:16:29.000 --> 02:16:35.000 of extreme weather events in Australia will reach $35 billion by 2050, 02:16:35.000 --> 02:16:39.000 or an average $2,500 per household per year, 02:16:39.000 --> 02:16:43.000 according to a report by the Insurance Council of Australia. 02:16:43.000 --> 02:16:48.000 This figure is only for the direct cost of damage to homes and infrastructure. 02:16:48.000 --> 02:16:53.000 It doesn't include the wider economic impact on jobs, lost production, 02:16:53.000 --> 02:16:57.000 food shortages and health, not to mention loss of biodiversity 02:16:57.000 --> 02:16:59.000 and impacts on nature. 02:16:59.000 --> 02:17:03.000 So if you're not motivated by the need to protect our planet, its people 02:17:03.000 --> 02:17:05.000 and animals from the impacts of climate change, 02:17:05.000 --> 02:17:09.000 hopefully you'll be motivated by the financial cost to our community. 02:17:09.000 --> 02:17:13.000 Addressing climate change isn't just the responsibility of Federal 02:17:13.000 --> 02:17:15.000 and State Governments. 02:17:15.000 --> 02:17:18.000 It's our responsibility too and it's the responsibility 02:17:18.000 --> 02:17:21.000 of every individual in our community. 02:17:21.000 --> 02:17:24.000 The intention of this motion is to achieve more environmentally 02:17:24.000 --> 02:17:27.000 sustainable development in the Surf Coast Shire and the achievement 02:17:27.000 --> 02:17:32.000 of this goal would take us one step closer to improving climate resilience 02:17:32.000 --> 02:17:33.000 and reducing emissions. 02:17:33.000 --> 02:17:35.000 Thank you. 02:17:35.000 --> 02:17:37.000 MAYOR PATTISON: Thank you. 02:17:37.000 --> 02:17:38.000 Councillor Barker? 02:17:38.000 --> 02:17:40.000 CR BARKER: Thanks, Mayor. 02:17:40.000 --> 02:17:43.000 It's incumbent on all of us who care about housing affordability 02:17:43.000 --> 02:17:45.000 to support measures that make owning a home easier. 02:17:45.000 --> 02:17:49.000 We're in a housing affordability crisis and what is being proposed here is 02:17:49.000 --> 02:17:52.000 to increase the stranglehold on the housing industry that's already 02:17:52.000 --> 02:17:54.000 suffering. 02:17:54.000 --> 02:17:56.000 You don't need to be an economics professor 02:17:56.000 --> 02:18:00.000 to know that increasing environmental hurdles to housing construction 02:18:00.000 --> 02:18:06.000 is only going to put upward pressure on housing prices and reduce supply. 02:18:06.000 --> 02:18:09.000 If you want to make housing affordability more 02:18:09.000 --> 02:18:12.000 difficult, you're welcome to vote for this motion. 02:18:12.000 --> 02:18:15.000 I understand the economic ramifications of this motion, 02:18:15.000 --> 02:18:20.000 however well intentioned they are, and I care about people who are struggling 02:18:20.000 --> 02:18:23.000 to afford a home and, as such, will be voting against the motion 02:18:23.000 --> 02:18:24.000 and I invite you to join me. 02:18:27.000 --> 02:18:31.000 MAYOR PATTISON: Do any other Councillors want to speak to the motion? 02:18:31.000 --> 02:18:34.000 Councillor Schonfelder, have you got any closing remarks? 02:18:34.000 --> 02:18:37.000 CR SCHONFELDER: Just to thank Councillor Stapleton 02:18:37.000 --> 02:18:41.000 for seconding the motion and for bringing up some very valid points 02:18:41.000 --> 02:18:46.000 and I know that in the past houses were built with eaves 02:18:46.000 --> 02:18:50.000 and that's a simple way of providing more shade 02:18:50.000 --> 02:18:54.000 and an environmentally friendly measure. 02:18:57.000 --> 02:19:02.000 In Florida I've been informed there are insurance companies that are no 02:19:02.000 --> 02:19:05.000 longer willing to ensure houses that are close 02:19:05.000 --> 02:19:10.000 to beach front areas, so that's another concern that's very 02:19:10.000 --> 02:19:12.000 pertinent for our area. 02:19:12.000 --> 02:19:14.000 Thank you, Mayor. 02:19:14.000 --> 02:19:16.000 MAYOR PATTISON: Thank you. 02:19:16.000 --> 02:19:17.000 We'll now put the motion to the vote. 02:19:17.000 --> 02:19:19.000 All those in favour. 02:19:19.000 --> 02:19:20.000 And opposed. 02:19:20.000 --> 02:19:22.000 And the motion is carried. 02:19:25.000 --> 02:19:29.000 We now move on to 4.9, Risk Appetite Statements. 02:19:29.000 --> 02:19:31.000 The purpose of this report is for Council to consider 02:19:31.000 --> 02:19:34.000 and adopt the Risk Appetite Statements. 02:19:34.000 --> 02:19:36.000 Do I have a mover of a motion? 02:19:36.000 --> 02:19:38.000 Councillor Bodsworth 02:19:38.000 --> 02:19:39.000 - is it as per the recommendation? 02:19:39.000 --> 02:19:41.000 CR BODSWORTH: Yes, thanks, Mayor. 02:19:41.000 --> 02:19:43.000 MAYOR PATTISON: And a seconder? 02:19:43.000 --> 02:19:44.000 Councillor Gazzard. 02:19:44.000 --> 02:19:48.000 Would you like to speak to the motion, Councillor Bodsworth? 02:19:48.000 --> 02:19:50.000 CR BODSWORTH: Thanks, Mayor. 02:19:50.000 --> 02:19:54.000 As Councillors know, these Risk Appetite Statements have been 02:19:54.000 --> 02:19:59.000 through quite a long and arduous process in their development 02:19:59.000 --> 02:20:05.000 and there are definitely mixed feelings about the versions that we see in front 02:20:05.000 --> 02:20:12.000 of us here, but I have no hesitation in recommending that we adopt them 02:20:12.000 --> 02:20:18.000 as per the recommendation, which is not to say that I love them because I don't. 02:20:18.000 --> 02:20:22.000 There are various things that I have trouble with 02:20:22.000 --> 02:20:25.000 with the Risk Appetite Statements and I'm not going to go 02:20:25.000 --> 02:20:31.000 into those things now because they're a personal view 02:20:31.000 --> 02:20:34.000 on the Risk Appetite Statements that I don't think would 02:20:34.000 --> 02:20:37.000 - I don't think I can improve on them. 02:20:37.000 --> 02:20:41.000 I think the main trouble that I have with them is where 02:20:41.000 --> 02:20:45.000 they sit in the overall risk management system that we're evolving. 02:20:45.000 --> 02:20:50.000 We've done a lot of work in growing our risk management system 02:20:50.000 --> 02:20:53.000 and these are just one component of that system. 02:20:53.000 --> 02:20:57.000 So I think it's really important where we've got to and I appreciate the work 02:20:57.000 --> 02:21:01.000 that all the people involved have done to get us to where we are 02:21:01.000 --> 02:21:06.000 and I think the next step is to adopt them and to use them and it's only 02:21:06.000 --> 02:21:10.000 by using them that we're going to get a better understanding. 02:21:10.000 --> 02:21:13.000 We could fiddle around with them forever, but it's only 02:21:13.000 --> 02:21:18.000 by using them that we're going to understand how well they work for us. 02:21:18.000 --> 02:21:20.000 They're mainly an inward-facing thing. 02:21:20.000 --> 02:21:26.000 They're mainly Council's positioning for the understanding of the organisation 02:21:26.000 --> 02:21:30.000 around key issues stemming from the Council plan. 02:21:30.000 --> 02:21:36.000 So I believe that it's time to put them to use and through the use of them 02:21:36.000 --> 02:21:39.000 to evolve them as we need to. 02:21:39.000 --> 02:21:44.000 These are essentially live statements which we can adapt and improve 02:21:44.000 --> 02:21:47.000 as we feel we need to. 02:21:47.000 --> 02:21:49.000 It's on that basis, not because I love them, 02:21:49.000 --> 02:21:54.000 that I urge Councillors to adopt them and let's put them to use and get 02:21:54.000 --> 02:21:57.000 to know them better and improve them. 02:21:57.000 --> 02:21:58.000 Thanks. 02:21:58.000 --> 02:22:00.000 MAYOR PATTISON: Thank you. 02:22:00.000 --> 02:22:01.000 And Councillor Gazzard? 02:22:01.000 --> 02:22:03.000 CR GAZZARD: Thank you. 02:22:03.000 --> 02:22:04.000 I support 02:22:04.000 --> 02:22:06.000 - CR BARKER: Mayor 02:22:06.000 --> 02:22:09.000 - MAYOR PATTISON: Sorry, it was seconded by Councillor Gazzard. 02:22:09.000 --> 02:22:10.000 Did you have a question? 02:22:10.000 --> 02:22:12.000 CR BARKER: Oh, sorry, yes. 02:22:12.000 --> 02:22:13.000 No, carry on. 02:22:13.000 --> 02:22:15.000 CR GAZZARD: I support the motion as well. 02:22:15.000 --> 02:22:18.000 I think I'm proud of the work that's been done 02:22:18.000 --> 02:22:21.000 with these risk appetite statements and of course they're not perfect 02:22:21.000 --> 02:22:25.000 and we'll never agree on everything, but they do represent the seven themes 02:22:25.000 --> 02:22:29.000 in our Council plan and I think it's a good practice 02:22:29.000 --> 02:22:36.000 to be more aware of risk, but also where there's a balance 02:22:36.000 --> 02:22:42.000 of risk that we're happy to take in order to progress towards our strategic goals. 02:22:42.000 --> 02:22:48.000 So agree that they can be reviewed, they're not fixed and they can change, 02:22:48.000 --> 02:22:53.000 so I think it's good to try them and see how it goes 02:22:53.000 --> 02:22:56.000 and something that can help guide us in our decision making 02:22:56.000 --> 02:22:58.000 and the Council officers as well. 02:22:58.000 --> 02:23:00.000 So happy to adopt these. 02:23:00.000 --> 02:23:01.000 MAYOR PATTISON: Thank you. 02:23:01.000 --> 02:23:03.000 Councillor Allen? 02:23:03.000 --> 02:23:06.000 CR ALLEN: Thanks, Mayor. 02:23:06.000 --> 02:23:09.000 I reluctantly do not support this recommendation. 02:23:09.000 --> 02:23:13.000 I'm mindful of the considerable work undertaken 02:23:13.000 --> 02:23:18.000 by the officers in an attempt to get Councillor agreement. 02:23:18.000 --> 02:23:22.000 I participated in the workshops, expressed my concerns, 02:23:22.000 --> 02:23:24.000 which were partly addressed in the second version. 02:23:24.000 --> 02:23:29.000 However, I am still very much ill at ease with the result. 02:23:29.000 --> 02:23:30.000 Why? 02:23:30.000 --> 02:23:35.000 I believe these statements are so general that they won't be useful. 02:23:35.000 --> 02:23:37.000 They took us a long time to formulate. 02:23:37.000 --> 02:23:43.000 They will, I believe, give us and the officers little effective guidance 02:23:43.000 --> 02:23:47.000 Risk assessment is based very much upon the item under consideration 02:23:47.000 --> 02:23:51.000 and needs a detailed risk analysis and then, if appropriate, 02:23:51.000 --> 02:23:55.000 we would receive feedback from the Audit and Risk Committee. 02:23:55.000 --> 02:24:00.000 There are often conflicting risks associated with an issue. 02:24:00.000 --> 02:24:04.000 For example, removing trees to minimise fire risk is opposed 02:24:04.000 --> 02:24:10.000 to maintaining township character and environmental protection. 02:24:10.000 --> 02:24:14.000 Catastrophic events in the Northern Hemisphere are real evidence supporting 02:24:14.000 --> 02:24:17.000 the urgent need to reduce carbon emissions. 02:24:17.000 --> 02:24:24.000 Planting trees is one proven strategy, but we remove them to reduce the risk that 02:24:24.000 --> 02:24:28.000 we can reasonably predict but don't know when and 02:24:28.000 --> 02:24:31.000 with what severity it will occur. 02:24:31.000 --> 02:24:36.000 The statement does not consider short-term versus long-term risk. 02:24:36.000 --> 02:24:40.000 I appreciate that this is an attempt to inform longer-term 02:24:40.000 --> 02:24:46.000 planning, but so often in this context we will take the short-term view 02:24:46.000 --> 02:24:49.000 for budgetary and expediency reasons. 02:24:51.000 --> 02:24:58.000 Finally, what we say all too often is not in reality what we do 02:24:58.000 --> 02:25:01.000 because we are not prepared to take acceptable risk 02:25:01.000 --> 02:25:05.000 and some policies take an inordinate amount of time to develop, which 02:25:05.000 --> 02:25:10.000 in my view is contrary to our aim to empower local communities. 02:25:10.000 --> 02:25:14.000 If we are genuine in our aim to improve both physical health 02:25:14.000 --> 02:25:17.000 and mental health, we would allocate significantly increased 02:25:17.000 --> 02:25:23.000 funds to the arts and creative industries that we know are important 02:25:23.000 --> 02:25:27.000 to decrease the risk of poor mental health outcomes 02:25:27.000 --> 02:25:34.000 and balance what we rightly allocate to physical health, but we don't. 02:25:34.000 --> 02:25:36.000 Thank you. 02:25:36.000 --> 02:25:38.000 MAYOR PATTISON: Thank you. 02:25:38.000 --> 02:25:39.000 Councillor Barker? 02:25:39.000 --> 02:25:41.000 CR BARKER: Thanks, Mayor. 02:25:41.000 --> 02:25:43.000 First, I apologise for my inappropriate interjection. 02:25:43.000 --> 02:25:45.000 MAYOR PATTISON: No worries. 02:25:45.000 --> 02:25:47.000 CR BARKER: Those of you who have read the agenda in detail 02:25:47.000 --> 02:25:50.000 will see that I haven't attended briefings for this item. 02:25:50.000 --> 02:25:53.000 I've tried to attend briefings, but I find the environment 02:25:53.000 --> 02:25:56.000 in these briefings is not welcoming at best and I'll leave it at that. 02:25:56.000 --> 02:25:59.000 I find the contempt for ratepayers and residents to be unbearable 02:25:59.000 --> 02:26:02.000 and the ideology that's constantly expressed is seriously opposed 02:26:02.000 --> 02:26:04.000 to what I value. 02:26:04.000 --> 02:26:11.000 Getting on to the environment, as Councillor Allen has highlighted, 02:26:11.000 --> 02:26:15.000 we've got a situation happening right before us 02:26:15.000 --> 02:26:19.000 at the moment where we're installing wombat crossings next to the Quay oval 02:26:19.000 --> 02:26:24.000 and we're removing trees and injecting a whole bunch more concrete 02:26:24.000 --> 02:26:33.000 and bitumen that for me is a totally negative outcome with regards 02:26:33.000 --> 02:26:36.000 to environmental considerations, and that then leads me back 02:26:36.000 --> 02:26:39.000 to these risk appetite statements and why I 02:26:39.000 --> 02:26:42.000 will not be supporting this motion. 02:26:42.000 --> 02:26:46.000 There's disregard for the community in theme 1, the lack 02:26:46.000 --> 02:26:51.000 of financial consideration in theme 3, theme 4's risk appetite statement 02:26:51.000 --> 02:26:57.000 is too broad, theme 5 is anti free market, the risk appetite of theme 6 is vague 02:26:57.000 --> 02:27:01.000 and can place arts above core Council functions, 02:27:01.000 --> 02:27:04.000 I don't think this organisation is capable of living up 02:27:04.000 --> 02:27:07.000 to theme 7's risk appetite statement, and 02:27:07.000 --> 02:27:09.000 for those reasons I won't be supporting the motion. 02:27:12.000 --> 02:27:14.000 MAYOR PATTISON: Thank you. 02:27:14.000 --> 02:27:17.000 Do we have any other speakers on the motion? 02:27:17.000 --> 02:27:19.000 No? 02:27:19.000 --> 02:27:22.000 Councillor Bodsworth, do you have any closing remarks? 02:27:22.000 --> 02:27:24.000 CR BODSWORTH: Briefly, thanks, Mayor. 02:27:24.000 --> 02:27:29.000 I appreciate the thoroughness with which Councillor Barker has addressed 02:27:29.000 --> 02:27:36.000 this and Councillor Allen's remarks too and I will just reiterate what I said 02:27:36.000 --> 02:27:39.000 before, which is that the risk appetite statements are 02:27:39.000 --> 02:27:43.000 part of a much bigger framework of risk management. 02:27:43.000 --> 02:27:47.000 It's important that that framework functions in a systematic way, so this 02:27:47.000 --> 02:27:49.000 is just part of that system. 02:27:49.000 --> 02:27:53.000 It's also kind of a moment in time with the Risk Appetite Statements 02:27:53.000 --> 02:27:57.000 and they're open to improvement and evolution as we go along. 02:27:57.000 --> 02:28:01.000 And in reference to some of Councillor Allen's comments, 02:28:01.000 --> 02:28:05.000 one of the beauties of the Risk Appetite Statements 02:28:05.000 --> 02:28:12.000 is that it positions us to take risks as well as to avoid them and risk 02:28:12.000 --> 02:28:15.000 and opportunity go hand in hand and there are opportunities that 02:28:15.000 --> 02:28:18.000 we've identified already on our term as Council. 02:28:18.000 --> 02:28:22.000 For example, the Bob Pettitt Bike Park opportunity, 02:28:22.000 --> 02:28:28.000 where we empowered local riders to dump dirt and work and get on the tools 02:28:28.000 --> 02:28:30.000 to create the bike park that they wanted 02:28:30.000 --> 02:28:36.000 - we did that because we positioned our sort of 02:28:36.000 --> 02:28:40.000 - or we reached a position on those risks that meant that we backed 02:28:40.000 --> 02:28:45.000 the community and I think that that's one thing that 02:28:45.000 --> 02:28:47.000 we can achieve with the right risk appetite settings 02:28:47.000 --> 02:28:49.000 is that we can 02:28:49.000 --> 02:28:53.000 - it sets us up to take opportunities as well as to mitigate risks. 02:28:53.000 --> 02:28:59.000 So I think that that's an important part of what these offer and, yeah, 02:28:59.000 --> 02:29:03.000 I'm looking forward to seeing them in action and improving them over time. 02:29:03.000 --> 02:29:05.000 MAYOR PATTISON: Thank you. 02:29:05.000 --> 02:29:06.000 We'll now put the motion to the vote. 02:29:06.000 --> 02:29:09.000 All those in favour. 02:29:09.000 --> 02:29:11.000 And all those opposed. 02:29:11.000 --> 02:29:12.000 And the motion is carried. 02:29:14.000 --> 02:29:19.000 We now move on to item 4.10, Biannual Audit and Risk Committee Update. 02:29:19.000 --> 02:29:21.000 The purpose of this report is to present the Audit 02:29:21.000 --> 02:29:24.000 and Risk Committee Biannual Activity Report to Council. 02:29:24.000 --> 02:29:27.000 Do I have a mover? 02:29:27.000 --> 02:29:29.000 Councillor Bodsworth 02:29:29.000 --> 02:29:30.000 - as per the recommendation? 02:29:30.000 --> 02:29:32.000 CR BODSWORTH: Yes, thanks, Mayor. 02:29:32.000 --> 02:29:33.000 MAYOR PATTISON: And a seconder? 02:29:33.000 --> 02:29:35.000 Councillor Barker. 02:29:35.000 --> 02:29:37.000 Did you want to speak to it, Councillor Bodsworth? 02:29:37.000 --> 02:29:39.000 CR BODSWORTH: Thanks, Mayor. 02:29:39.000 --> 02:29:42.000 So I'm a councillor representative on the Audit and Risk Committee, 02:29:42.000 --> 02:29:45.000 as is Councillor Wellington and Councillor Barker was previously 02:29:45.000 --> 02:29:50.000 a representative on the committee, so noting that the Audit 02:29:50.000 --> 02:29:53.000 and Risk Committee is an advisory committee providing 02:29:53.000 --> 02:29:57.000 oversight of governance risk internal controls 02:29:57.000 --> 02:30:02.000 - for example, including oversight of the grants program audit that we talked 02:30:02.000 --> 02:30:06.000 about a little earlier on. 02:30:06.000 --> 02:30:10.000 The update from the Audit and Risk Committee includes a 2023 work 02:30:10.000 --> 02:30:14.000 plan, reporting on legislative compliance 02:30:14.000 --> 02:30:18.000 - for example, the compliance with the new Environmental Protection Act, 02:30:18.000 --> 02:30:22.000 which the committee has been particularly vigilant on 02:30:22.000 --> 02:30:27.000 and provided some great guidance for our officers in compliance 02:30:27.000 --> 02:30:32.000 with that Act; financial monitoring and performance internal 02:30:32.000 --> 02:30:38.000 and external audits; internal controls, including now cyber security 02:30:38.000 --> 02:30:43.000 as a standing agenda item, which I think is a really important addition 02:30:43.000 --> 02:30:48.000 to the committee's standing agenda; and the risk management 02:30:48.000 --> 02:30:50.000 like we were just talking about then, the Audit 02:30:50.000 --> 02:30:58.000 and Risk Committee update includes noting of significant progress in risk awareness 02:31:00.000 --> 02:31:02.000 and management capability. 02:31:02.000 --> 02:31:06.000 And I note also that the committee has reviewed the Risk Appetite Statements that 02:31:06.000 --> 02:31:08.000 we just talked about. 02:31:08.000 --> 02:31:11.000 So I'd just like to acknowledge the hard work that 02:31:11.000 --> 02:31:15.000 the committee members do, the Audit and Risk 02:31:15.000 --> 02:31:18.000 - they're incredibly attentive to detail. 02:31:18.000 --> 02:31:23.000 They always put a huge amount of time and effort into their preparation 02:31:23.000 --> 02:31:26.000 for meetings and I can't fault the committee. 02:31:26.000 --> 02:31:30.000 I think we're really lucky to have them and they add a huge value 02:31:30.000 --> 02:31:33.000 to the organisation. 02:31:33.000 --> 02:31:34.000 MAYOR PATTISON: That's great. 02:31:34.000 --> 02:31:36.000 Councillor Barker? 02:31:36.000 --> 02:31:39.000 CR BARKER: Just very briefly, very happy to see the progress of the Audit 02:31:39.000 --> 02:31:43.000 and Risk Committee travelling very productively. 02:31:43.000 --> 02:31:48.000 I would like to highlight that I think the workload is now better managed 02:31:48.000 --> 02:31:51.000 with five meetings per year, where it used to be done in four, 02:31:51.000 --> 02:31:55.000 and they were pretty hectic meetings, so hopefully they're a little less hectic 02:31:55.000 --> 02:31:56.000 now. 02:31:56.000 --> 02:32:01.000 But just one thing I did have a question on is why was Wednesday, 02:32:01.000 --> 02:32:02.000 26 July highlighted? 02:32:04.000 --> 02:32:07.000 MAYOR PATTISON: I'll pass that to our CEO. 02:32:07.000 --> 02:32:09.000 MS ROBYN SEYMOUR: It's a good question. 02:32:09.000 --> 02:32:12.000 We moved the meeting because the Chair wasn't available and so 02:32:12.000 --> 02:32:17.000 we had the meeting last Friday rather than as published in this report. 02:32:17.000 --> 02:32:18.000 CR BARKER: Thanks. 02:32:20.000 --> 02:32:23.000 MAYOR PATTISON: Did you want to speak any further? 02:32:23.000 --> 02:32:24.000 That's it? 02:32:24.000 --> 02:32:26.000 Do any other Councillors wish to speak? 02:32:26.000 --> 02:32:28.000 No. 02:32:28.000 --> 02:32:29.000 Closing remarks? 02:32:29.000 --> 02:32:31.000 We'll put the motion to the vote. 02:32:31.000 --> 02:32:32.000 All those in favour. 02:32:32.000 --> 02:32:34.000 And the motion is carried unanimously. 02:32:37.000 --> 02:32:41.000 We now move on to 4.11, Councillor Expenses and Attendance 02:32:41.000 --> 02:32:45.000 at Meetings from 1 April to 30 June 2023. 02:32:45.000 --> 02:32:49.000 This report is presented for Council to note Councillors' allowances, expenses 02:32:49.000 --> 02:32:53.000 and attendance at meetings for the June 2023 quarter. 02:32:53.000 --> 02:32:54.000 Do we have a mover of a motion? 02:32:54.000 --> 02:32:56.000 Councillor Allen 02:32:56.000 --> 02:32:57.000 - is it as per the recommendation? 02:32:57.000 --> 02:32:59.000 CR ALLEN: As per the recommendation. 02:32:59.000 --> 02:33:01.000 MAYOR PATTISON: And a seconder? 02:33:01.000 --> 02:33:02.000 Councillor Barker. 02:33:02.000 --> 02:33:04.000 Would you like to speak, Councillor Allen? 02:33:04.000 --> 02:33:06.000 CR ALLEN: No, thanks, Mayor. 02:33:06.000 --> 02:33:08.000 MAYOR PATTISON: Councillor Barker, would you like to speak. 02:33:08.000 --> 02:33:10.000 CR BARKER: No, thanks. 02:33:10.000 --> 02:33:12.000 MAYOR PATTISON: Any other Councillors? 02:33:12.000 --> 02:33:13.000 Councillor Bodsworth? 02:33:13.000 --> 02:33:15.000 CR BODSWORTH: Thanks, Mayor. 02:33:15.000 --> 02:33:17.000 There's a few things I'd like to mention. 02:33:17.000 --> 02:33:19.000 One is that this is about transparency to the community. 02:33:19.000 --> 02:33:21.000 Another one is that in the expenses I've got 02:33:21.000 --> 02:33:24.000 an expense there relating to the Australian Institute 02:33:24.000 --> 02:33:26.000 of Company Directors course, which I'm really grateful 02:33:26.000 --> 02:33:29.000 for the opportunity to have done that course. 02:33:29.000 --> 02:33:30.000 I haven't finished it yet. 02:33:30.000 --> 02:33:34.000 Councillor Stapleton is also doing it and several Councillors have done it 02:33:34.000 --> 02:33:38.000 before us, so fantastic that we get the opportunity to do that course. 02:33:38.000 --> 02:33:39.000 And that will do me. 02:33:39.000 --> 02:33:41.000 Thanks. 02:33:41.000 --> 02:33:43.000 MAYOR PATTISON: I assume there's no closing remarks. 02:33:43.000 --> 02:33:45.000 CR ALLEN: No, thanks. 02:33:45.000 --> 02:33:46.000 MAYOR PATTISON: No. 02:33:46.000 --> 02:33:48.000 So we'll put the motion to the vote. 02:33:48.000 --> 02:33:49.000 All those in favour. 02:33:49.000 --> 02:33:51.000 And the motion is carried unanimously. 02:33:53.000 --> 02:33:56.000 Instrument of Appointment and Authorisation 02:33:56.000 --> 02:34:00.000 - Planning and Environment Act 1987, item 4.12. 02:34:00.000 --> 02:34:03.000 The purpose of this report is to seek Council's appointment 02:34:03.000 --> 02:34:06.000 of authorised officers under the Planning and Environment Act 1987 02:34:06.000 --> 02:34:09.000 through the updated Instrument of Authorisation and Appointment. 02:34:09.000 --> 02:34:11.000 Do we have a mover of a motion? 02:34:11.000 --> 02:34:13.000 Councillor Stapleton 02:34:13.000 --> 02:34:14.000 - is it as per the recommendation? 02:34:14.000 --> 02:34:16.000 And a seconder? 02:34:16.000 --> 02:34:17.000 Councillor Gazzard. 02:34:17.000 --> 02:34:19.000 Would you like to speak, Councillor Stapleton? 02:34:19.000 --> 02:34:21.000 CR STAPLETON: No, thank you. 02:34:21.000 --> 02:34:22.000 MAYOR PATTISON: No. 02:34:22.000 --> 02:34:24.000 And Councillor Gazzard? 02:34:24.000 --> 02:34:25.000 No. 02:34:25.000 --> 02:34:27.000 Any other Councillors? 02:34:27.000 --> 02:34:28.000 No. 02:34:28.000 --> 02:34:30.000 We'll now put the motion to the vote. 02:34:30.000 --> 02:34:32.000 All those in favour. 02:34:32.000 --> 02:34:33.000 And the motion is carried unanimously. 02:34:33.000 --> 02:34:36.000 We now move on to 4.12, Conflict of Interest Records. 02:34:36.000 --> 02:34:38.000 The purpose of this report is to present conflict 02:34:38.000 --> 02:34:41.000 of interest records received since the previous Council meeting. 02:34:41.000 --> 02:34:44.000 Do we have a mover of a motion? 02:34:44.000 --> 02:34:45.000 Councillor Gazzard. 02:34:45.000 --> 02:34:47.000 Is it as per the recommendation? 02:34:47.000 --> 02:34:48.000 Yes. 02:34:48.000 --> 02:34:50.000 And seconded by Councillor Bodsworth. 02:34:50.000 --> 02:34:52.000 Would you like to speak, Councillor Gazzard? 02:34:52.000 --> 02:34:54.000 No. 02:34:54.000 --> 02:34:55.000 And yourself, Councillor Bodsworth? 02:34:55.000 --> 02:34:57.000 CR BODSWORTH: No, thanks, Mayor. 02:34:57.000 --> 02:34:58.000 MAYOR PATTISON: No. 02:34:58.000 --> 02:35:00.000 Any other Councillors? 02:35:00.000 --> 02:35:01.000 No. 02:35:01.000 --> 02:35:03.000 We'll put the motion to the vote. 02:35:03.000 --> 02:35:04.000 All those in favour. 02:35:04.000 --> 02:35:06.000 And the motion is carried unanimously. 02:35:06.000 --> 02:35:09.000 There's no urgent business, so I now declare the meeting commence 02:35:09.000 --> 02:35:15.000 - the end of our meeting, sorry, at exactly 9 o'clock. 02:35:15.000 --> 02:35:19.000 So thank you, everybody, for your time and for joining us online and in the gallery. 02:35:19.000 --> 02:35:20.000 Thank you so much. 02:35:20.000 --> 02:35:22.000 Goodbye.