CR PATTISON: Hello.
Welcome.
Good evening and welcome to our December council meeting.
I'm Mayor Liz Pattison and it's a pleasure to welcome members
of the community both here in person and streaming online.
Tonight's meeting is being live streamed and a big welcome
to my fellow Councillors, including Councillor Wellington,
who will be joining us online, and Councillors that we have here with us.
Live captioning will accompany the live streaming
of this meeting and we hope that this assists those
who may be having hearing difficulties.
I would like to acknowledge that here in Torquay at the main Council office
we are gathered on Wadawurrung country.
I pay my respects to Elders past, present and emerging.
The Wadawurrung people have nurtured and protected these lands and waterways
for thousands of generations and I'm so grateful for the opportunity
to live and work in such a beautiful part of the world.
We also wish to acknowledge the traditional owners
of the lands on which each person is attending
and acknowledge any Aboriginal people who are viewing the meeting tonight.
This is our first Council meeting
- sorry, not the first, final.
What am I reading here?
Apologies.
This is our final Council meeting for 2023, with our next meeting scheduled
for February 2024.
We have a lot of exciting events happening in our community over the festive season.
A current highlight is the community carols,
which have recently started with family and friends gathering
to enjoy the festive vibe and singing a tune together.
The carols are spread throughout the shire this year,
with Aireys Inlet, Winchelsea, Anglesea, Deans Marsh, Jan Juc, Torquay and Lorne
all hosting carols.
Across the remainder of December and into January,
our events calendar offers markets for locals and visitors
and including the return of the Night Jar festival in Torquay,
which is very exciting.
It's a slightly different format this year , so make sure you check
out when it's actually on because it's not the same as other years,
but it should be lots of fun.
We also look forward to the upcoming events that are organised
by our Surf Lifesaving Clubs and raise vital funds
for important lifesaving equipment and projects, such as the Lorne Pier
to Pub, Danger Ocean Swim and the Tim Gates Classic
and there are lots of other events as well.
Other major events across the busy month of January include the Cadel Evans Great
Ocean Road Race and the Pilk Purriyn truth telling.
I really look forward to seeing lots of our community members out and about
at these events over the summer.
And now on to our agenda for tonight.
So if we get into the process a little bit for people,
Council meetings operate according to our adopted Governance Rules,
which include the following procedures.
During the meeting, the mover of a motion or an amendment may speak
for a maximum of 5 minutes to open the debate
and then a further 2 minutes to make a closing statement.
Any other Councillor, including the seconder, may speak
to a motion for no more than 3 minutes.
I ask that members of the gallery avoid using mobile phones
during the meeting as this can be distracting for Councillors
as well as other members of the gallery.
I also note that any unauthorised recording of the meeting is prohibited
under our Governance Rules.
However, you can access a copy of the recording on our website
after the meeting.
I'll now recite the pledge as a sign of our commitment: "As Councillors,
we carry out our responsibilities with diligence and integrity
and make fair decisions of lasting value for the wellbeing of our community
and environment."
- so we have received an apology from Councillor Bodsworth
for tonight's meeting.
Can I please have a mover and a seconder to accept this apology
- moved by Councillor Allen and seconded by Councillor Stapleton.
All those in favour.
And the motion is carried unanimously.
Confirmation of minutes
- can I please have a mover and a seconder to confirm the minutes
of the Council meeting held on 28 November 2023?
Moved by Councillor Gazzard and seconded by Councillor Hodge.
Thank you.
All those in favour.
And the motion is carried unanimously.
Are there any leave of absence requests from Councillors?
No.
Declarations of conflicts of interest
- if a Councillor or an officer has a conflict of interest,
they must declare it now and do so again just prior
to the item being discussed.
Do we have any conflicts of interest from officers or Councillors?
No.
And we have some presentations.
Councillor Hodge?
CR HODGE: Yes, thank you, Mayor.
I'd just like to say a few words.
Torquay lost a fantastic lady last week, Jean Young.
She just turned 90 and she was awarded an OAM for her services
to the community.
And I just want to read a few words from her actual paper at her funeral:
The world is a little bit duller, there is a little less kindness here
for a woman who gave so much to others.
She was so direct and she gave me a what for to sometimes if
she wasn't happy with Council, but her words were always wise,
a serious straight shooter and an unwavering approach to others.
With Jean, she did over 35 years volunteer work at Outpost,
which is the feeding of people in unfortunate circumstances in Geelong,
and when you think of 35 years, it's a long time.
She was a foundation and an esteemed member of the Feed Me
in Surf Coast Torquay and they actually closed for the day
on her funeral last Friday out of respect and they catered for her.
It was at St Luke's and there was over 300 people packed
into this small church to say goodbye to a lady that was very, very special
and the world is a bit sadder.
Thanks.
CR PATTISON: Thanks, Rose.
Councillor Schonfelder?
CR SCHONFELDER: Thank you, Mayor.
I was reflecting on my time as a Councillor and to be honest,
where I am most warmly welcome is at the different Fire Brigade brigades
and last Wednesday was the funeral for the late Les Grossman,
who ironically had been a volunteer at the Freshwater Creek Fire Brigade
for 74 years, and the reason why I remember that
is I was born in 1974, so the numbers correlate there.
His family have also been involved in the Modewarre Football Club as well and
he has been a junior coach there and his father was a founding member
of the Freshwater Creek Fire Brigade and I watched the funeral online
and I was very impressed with how his grandchildren spoke
and I was also very impressed with the fact that he was very fond
of dogs.
His wife told him in his recent time not to buy another dog and he went
and had a look at some Kelpies and a little Kelpie puppy jumped
on his lap and he said he's going to take the puppy home with him
and his wife wasn't too pleased about it.
But he was a very decent man and Winston Churchill said you are what
you give and I think in the case of both Jean,
which Councillor Hodge has mentioned, and also with Les, wonderful members
of our community who have certainly given a lot to other people.
Thank you, Mayor.
CR PATTISON: Thank you.
We have not got any submissions for this meeting, so we now move on
to public question time.
And we have a question from Sarah Molnar.
Did you want to come up and read your question?
SARAH MOLNAR: Thank you.
Thanks, everyone.
My name is Sarah, from Torquay.
My question, my first question, is on November 27 the Greater Dandenong
City Council passed Motion No.
- Conflict in Gaza expressing strong commitment
to addressing the impact of the Gaza conflict.
Key points included formal recognition of the conflict's significant impact
on the community, standing in solidarity with affected individuals,
promoting interfaith dialogues for peace.
The motion called on the Victorian Government to advocate
for a ceasefire, end its ties with companies involved in the conflict,
and demand actions from the Australian State
and Federal Governments.
It condemned war crimes by both parties, advocates for accountability
under international law, condemns discrimination, and calls
for an end to the illegal occupation of Palestinian territories.
My question is will the Surf Coast Shire consider
a similar motion in solidarity with those affected and advocate for peace
and a total ceasefire in Gaza?
CR PATTISON: Thanks for your question, Sarah, and for coming in tonight
to read it to us.
Like all of us, I'm devastated by what's happening in Gaza right now.
The stories, images and footage are just horrific.
I feel deeply for all those involved and I know so many of us are feeling a
strong sense of despair.
I'm aware of the great work that community groups do
locally to support refugees and others displaced by war and
of local interfaith peace vigils.
If you're not already connected in with these groups,
it may be worth reaching out.
I'm going to ask our CEO, Robyn Seymour, to answer your question
in some more detail.
MS ROBYN SEYMOUR: Hi, Sarah, and thank you very much for coming
along tonight and for asking your question.
The war in Gaza, as the Mayor said, is shocking and I think each and every one
of us when we've seen the footage, we've heard the stories, are horrified
by what's happening in Gaza at the moment and I think I can speak on behalf
of Council when I say our hearts go out to all of those who are impacted
by the conflict, whether it's those who have family members
in Gaza or whether it's those who are affected
by what we're all kind of witnessing from here.
The Federal Government is the appropriate level of government
to advocate for peace, for a peaceful resolution.
That said, it's in all of our natures to really kind of want
to take action when you see such horrific things happening,
but Council doesn't have a means to influence the conflict
in Gaza and so we're not proposing to take a position on the matter.
But thank you for your question, Sarah, and thank you also for your concern.
SARAH MOLNAR: Thank you.
Okay.
CR PATTISON: Do you want to do your second question?
SARAH MOLNAR: Yes, I will, I will.
If the Shire declines to pass a similar motion
to Dandenong Council as stated in my previous question, in light
of Francesca Albanese, who is the UN Special
- I'll say the word
- Rapporteur stating that Israel has allegedly carried
out mass ethnic cleansing of Palestinians under the guise of self-defence,
how does the Shire plan to address concerns related
to potential human rights violations and contribute to a just
and sustainable resolution in the region?
MS ROBYN SEYMOUR: Thanks, Sarah, for your second question and I guess,
as mentioned in my first response, we don't have a means
to actually influence the situation in Gaza.
It's a Federal Government matter and it's appropriate that the Federal
Government advocate for the peaceful resolution
of the conflict.
But again, we really appreciate your concern.
I think it's a shared concern.
It's a really distressing situation and we thank you for coming along
and asking your question tonight.
SARAH MOLNAR: Thank you, everybody.
Cheers.
CR PATTISON: That brings our public question time to an end
and we now move on to our petitions.
So we have received two petitions for this meeting.
The first petition is requesting that Council reconsiders its
proposal to install a viewing platform on the southern bank
of the Barwon River Loop walk and communicates with local residents
regarding their concerns.
We have a recommendation before us.
Does anyone wish to move a motion?
Councillor Wellington
- is that as per the recommendation?
CR WELLINGTON: Yes, thank you.
CR PATTISON: And do I have a seconder?
Councillor Schonfelder.
Would you like to speak to the motion, Councillor Wellington?
CR WELLINGTON: Just briefly, thanks, Mayor.
This is a petition that's been put forward by a group
of residents whose properties abut really the public space along the
- oh, gosh, it's escaping me, but it's either the west
- I think it's the west side of the Barwon at that point, it might be the south,
but anyway, part of the River Loop and it's the properties that are located
in McDonald Drive, so it has been signed by all of the adjacent properties.
I think one of the issues here is about consultation
with residents who are affected potentially by the creation
of gathering spaces and I think some of the concerns are about the potential
for what is a relatively secluded space quite
close to the platypus
- an area where platypus have been known to live or to stop off.
There are concerns that
- the neighbours are concerned that they didn't know anything about this until
they saw somebody drilling the land to determine if it was suitable
for foundations.
So I think we do need to talk to residents.
They put their views forward in a very respectful way.
We can't just rely on the overarching community groups.
I was asked a question a few weeks ago about why I was engaged
and I was told that the community in Winchelsea supported the loop
and that no doubt is correct, but I don't think we can rely
on leading community groups to actually do the hard work
of the consultation with individual residents.
We as a Council have an obligation to do that ourselves.
So I'm hoping
- a lot of people in Winchelsea absolutely support this loop
and it's a great opportunity to open up the Barwon and for people to enjoy it.
It is a relatively secluded area.
There are concerns about youth gathering perhaps.
It probably goes back to another topic of interest really about what we do
for youth in Winchelsea to make sure that they've got constructive
things to do.
But I think we do need to talk to these residents and need to work
through what the impacts could be and what our options there might be
to ensure that we don't develop something which creates an impact
for local residents.
As a Councillor, many times when we think put
up a basketball ring and it would be great for the local community, but we forget
about the neighbours who have the bang, bang, bang of the basketball every day
and don't appreciate that.
My view is that everybody is entitled to be consulted.
So I'm hoping that this petition going forward will
- it's obviously an opportunity for officers to think about how
to approach and about meeting with these residents and talking to them
and trying to understand their concerns and hopefully trying to respond to them.
So I commend the petition to Council.
Thank you.
CR PATTISON: And our CEO has a couple of points that she wanted to just update
in relation to the
- is it
- Councillor Schonfelder, are you happy if Robyn
- CR SCHONFELDER: You need to wait.
CR WELLINGTON: We're in the middle of a debate, Mayor Pattison.
CR SCHONFELDER: Mayor Pattison, I'm happy to ask
- CR PATTISON: Well, actually, it was remiss of me,
Councillor Wellington.
I had meant that Robyn had an opportunity to just explain some feedback on it,
but it's fine, we can do it before we vote or even after.
CR SCHONFELDER: Well, Mayor, I was going to ask, my understanding
is it's the north-eastern part.
It's east of the river and it's north of the highway.
It's near the swimming pool.
CR WELLINGTON: No.
CR SCHONFELDER: No, it's not?
CR WELLINGTON: It's McDonald Drive, which is on the (inaudible) side
of the river.
CR PATTISON: Thanks for clarifying that, Councillor Wellington.
CR SCHONFELDER: Do you want me to ask a
- I'm happy to ask a question.
CR PATTISON: Councillor, you continue with your speaking
and I think once we've voted, then our CEO can update people
on the status of just some communication with community.
So continue on, Councillor Schonfelder.
CR SCHONFELDER: Oh, thank you, Mayor.
I'd like to thank the people who have signed
the petition and with care and respect acknowledge their concerns.
I would like to make the point, though, that I do have in-laws
who have people who get married and they're photographed in front
of their house and I know it's not the Grand Canal
of Venice, but the river precinct is a tourist area and also
is a place where people go for recreation as well,
so I think that needs to be taken into account in relation to this issue.
So it's like a balancing act that we have and I do think that
with young people congregating
- I'm not saying that Councillor Wellington is necessarily suggesting that a negative
activity might take place, but I think to encourage young people
to be active in the community and to exercise is a good thing.
I like to think of it in a positive mindset.
Thank you, Mayor.
CR PATTISON: Thank you.
Would any other Councillors like to speak to the motion?
Do you have any closing remarks, Councillor Wellington?
CR WELLINGTON: Yes, thanks, Mayor Pattison.
I would like it to be thought of (inaudible) and I think it's a bad idea
that those who congregate (inaudible).
The people from McDonald Drive, my understanding is that
they are (inaudible) community using that loop.
So it's not an issue of wanting, you know, a public area for private use only,
absolutely.
It's about
- first of all, it's about Council complying
with its engagement policy and actually talking
to people who are likely to be affected by this and listening to their views
and determining whether they're happy with what is taken into account.
I don't think there's any intention of the community to exclude people or to
- it's a question of (inaudible) and there are ideas about what could be
better and those people have the local knowledge and they've got the right
to express their views and I think they've been in a very
moderate way.
Hopefully we can get a group together of the community members and the officers
to talk about whether this is the best design and is the best way
to deliver something that suits both the community and the broader community
and the very local community that is, you know, entitled
to know what's happening in the neighbourhood and to have a say.
I think that's the idea of this, so I'd like
to think we do a really proactive (inaudible).
We really need to address that (inaudible).
Thank you.
CR PATTISON: Thank you.
We now put the motion to the vote.
All those in favour.
And the motion is carried unanimously.
And CEO, would you like to give us a little update
on the status around that?
MS ROBYN SEYMOUR: Sure.
Thank you for both Councillor Wellington and Councillor Schonfelder's comments
in relation to the petition.
I just thought it might be of interest to Councillors and also to the community,
we hadn't actually heard from the residents prior
to receiving the petition, so we did reach out to them in the last couple of days
to talk to the lead petitioner and we've organised a time to meet
with them early in the new year.
Part of the reason, Councillor Wellington, we hadn't done community consultation
on the design is because we've been doing the cultural heritage work
and the environmental studies and coming up with a design and we've just completed
that section of the work and so we've been looking
at the design and so the intention had been to go to community
with that design having done the cultural heritage and environmental work.
So the timing is actually perfect and I think the lead petitioner is away up
until the first week of January and we're meeting with them and some
of the local residents the week after that to take them through what the current kind
of thoughts are around the design.
So it's actually perfect timing for us to be able to meet with community.
CR WELLINGTON: Good.
Thank you.
CR PATTISON: That's good.
We now move on to our next petition and that's requesting that Council save
the Winchelsea Visitor Information Centre by installing a portable accommodation pod
adjacent to the old Winchelsea Library for use by library volunteers while
the library is unavailable.
We have a recommendation before us and does anyone wish to move a motion?
Councillor Wellington
- is that as per the recommendation?
It is.
And a seconder?
Councillor Schonfelder.
Would you like to speak, Councillor Wellington?
CR WELLINGTON: Briefly, thank you, Mayor.
The Visitor Information Centre (inaudible) which is a beautiful historic building
just on the Geelong side of Winchelsea down near the river
and it's a great little stopping spot because there's a cafe there
and a playground and public toilets, so it's a very busy little hub
for the community, for visitors, and it was an excellent place for VIP.
VIP is being run by a really dedicated small group but very cohesive group
of volunteers whose sole objective was to be proud of their town and to explain
to people the great things that you can do in Winchelsea.
So it's been an effective and committed group.
Unfortunately, the building became cracked and there was uncertainty really
about how serious that was and how progressive it was.
So the VIP was removed and closed to the public, closed for use,
and the VIP was relocated to the Shire Hall, which
is just not in the same accessible location and it really wasn't a success.
Actually, they had to compete with other users of the hall,
so they couldn't always be there when they needed to be
and (inaudible) attraction for community and for groups.
So a lot of the volunteers regrettably peeled
off feeling that what they were doing wasn't very productive.
There's a small group who are really keen and really want to resume their role
of guiding the community to do great things around Winchelsea.
So they've come up with an idea of a portable pod really which,
from their perspective, is affordable and potentially could be placed
on the land next to VIP while we wait to see what happens.
I understand that the current view is that the crack is not progressing,
but we need another six months' observation.
I am not sure how reliably we can say that this facility wouldn't be open
in June next year and I'm not sure how reliably Council
is willing to commit to the VIP that they can reassume their use of it.
So I think we do need to give as much certainty as we can to this group
and as much accommodation as we can to allow them to get on
with their volunteer work.
So I concede (inaudible) put forward their petition.
I think their initiative is really commendable.
I think their commitment to the (inaudible) is commendable
and I would hate us (inaudible) because when people want to help and
they can't, they eventually tend to go and look elsewhere to volunteer.
We don't want that to happen.
We want this group to stay together and we want people to be able
to find their way around Winchelsea and understand what it offers and it seems
like this could be very carefully looked at and provide some interim accommodation
until we get the VIP up and running and this group can have certainty
of future as well.
So I commend the petition to Council.
CR PATTISON: Thank you.
Councillor Schonfelder, would you like to speak?
CR SCHONFELDER: Thanks.
I concur with the sentiments expressed from Councillor Wellington
and commend the volunteers for the wonderful work they do
and I know that there are volunteers that help with visitor information centres
in Lorne and other parts of the Surf Coast which provide
an invaluable contribution to our community.
Following structural assessments after drainage rectification works,
the actual library had the commencement of 12 months of crack monitoring
and it commenced in August, so I just worked
out that it would be in February, that that will be after a six-month
period.
So I don't know, Mayor, whether one of our managers wants
to give a brief update on that or not, but I just make that point
and thank the people who signed the petition.
CR PATTISON: Thanks, Councillor Schonfelder.
This is sort of about receiving the petition
and those responses and the like will come in the report that comes
back to Council, so thanks for speaking on the motion.
Would any other Councillors like to speak?
No.
Do you have any closing remarks, Councillor Wellington?
No.
We'll put the motion to the vote.
All those in favour.
And the motion is carried unanimously.
We have no Notices of Motion, so now we move on to the main part
of the agenda, our reports.
So the first one is around our Tiny Houses on Wheels pilot.
The purpose of this report is to seek Council's endorsement
of the Tiny Houses on Wheels Pilot to commence from 13 December 2023
until 13 December 2026.
So we have a recommendation before us.
Do I have a mover of a motion?
Councillor Stapleton
- as per the recommendation?
CR STAPLETON: Yes, thanks, Mayor.
CR PATTISON: Seconded by Councillor Allen.
Would you like to speak, Councillor Stapleton?
CR STAPLETON: I would, thank you, Mayor.
So I'm very excited to move this motion on Tiny Houses, which have been a focus
for this Council since the beginning of our term.
Thank you to officers for the time and effort you've committed over the
past few years to explore multiple pathways
to progress a Tiny House pilot on the Surf Coast and
for recommending this pilot for Council's consideration tonight.
The actual pilot proposed is for Tiny Houses on Wheels and
if supported, would run for a total three years,
giving interested parties plenty of time to prepare for living in a Tiny House,
to apply and then potentially participate
in the pilot.
We know we have a housing affordability crisis.
We know we are living in a climate emergency.
We know that Tiny Houses cost less to build and run
and leave a smaller environmental footprint than traditional housing.
For these reasons alone, it is worth pursuing this pilot.
I'm not suggesting that it is a silver bullet that
will resolve either the housing or the climate change issues we face,
but by supporting Tiny Houses, we are drawing a line in the sand
and acknowledging that we need to look at different ways of doing things.
By opening our minds to more creative ways of living
and embracing the opportunities presented by Tiny Houses, we are embracing change
and adding diversity to the housing mix.
There is no denying that there are mixed views on Tiny Houses, but a pilot
will allow Council to seek community feedback
and assess impacts of Tiny Houses, including their contribution
to easing the affordable housing crisis, and while the cost of housing
is a key driver for the Tiny House pilot, it's important that we don't lose sight
of other values underpinning Tiny House living.
Some people choose to live in smaller homes, to live more sustainably
and have a reduced impact on the environment.
I appreciate that Tiny House living is not for everyone,
but for those that want or need to live in a Tiny House,
this pilot represents an opportunity to explore whether this can work
on the Surf Coast and how Council should apply the lessons
from the pilot into future decisions around housing planning.
We understand there are various complexities surrounding the regulation
of Tiny Houses on Wheels, which is one reason why it's taken so long
to bring this pilot to the community.
However, officers have explored multiple ways
of implementing a pilot, undertaken risk assessments
and sought legal advice on the best way forward.
The purpose of the pilot is to test Tiny Houses as a lawful
and safe contribution to the Surf Coast housing mix.
An application process has been designed to enable Tiny Houses to be considered
in circumstances where they do not contravene the Planning Scheme
Every application will be assessed individually
for suitability to be part of the pilot and acceptance into the pilot
will be subject to an assessment against relevant criteria,
including legal compliance, safety, environmental impacts, amenity, access
and connection to services and utilities.
Officers have been working through planning zones
and building regulations, wastewater management, appropriate siting,
consideration of bushfire overlays and emergency management, as well
as pilot criteria and monitoring.
Needless to say this pilot has been well considered
, but no doubt we will learn more as it progresses.
It's important to note that the Tiny House pilot
is focused entirely on options for affordable housing
and key worker accommodation and that they will not be permitted for short-term
BNB-style accommodation.
Those that are approved will receive a temporary residence permit
through the Community Amenity Local Law subject to terms and conditions which
will be valid until the pilot ends in December 2026.
We would be entering the pilot with a view to working with residents to monitor
and evaluate the impacts of Tiny Houses, as well as understanding the impact
on Council's resources and processes.
Importantly, the monitoring will involve both residents living
in Tiny Houses as well as their neighbours.
Community feedback will be vital so we can better understand people's personal
experiences.
Surf Coast is not the first in Australia to look at Tiny House living,
with a number of Councils in WA already allowing tiny houses
and Mount Alexander Shire in Victoria recently abolishing the need
for a permit to live in a Tiny House following their
own successful trial.
Tiny Houses offer a cost effective and more expedient solution to some
of the issues of affordable housing, with typical costs to build ranging
from $80,000 to $160,000.
Compare that to the median house price in the Surf
Coast of at least $1.3 million.
Surf Coast Shire now has the unenviable title as the most expensive place
in regional Victoria to buy a house and one
of the most expensive in the country.
So it's not surprising that Council already has 10 to 12 residents ready
to apply for the Tiny House pilot and another 60 or so who have
registered their interest.
Not only will Tiny Houses enable people to live more affordably on the Surf Coast,
they use fewer resources to build, less energy to run and
will help our community move towards zero carbon emissions.
I believe this is an excellent opportunity for our community
to demonstrate leadership in the way we live and I hope my fellow Councillors
support this motion so we can all learn more about the pros and cons
of Tiny House living.
Thank you.
CR PATTISON: Thank you.
Councillor Allen, would you like to speak?
CR ALLEN: Thank you, Mayor.
I'm very pleased that we have completed the detailed work to make,
if accepted this evening, the Tiny Houses on Wheels pilot a reality.
I wish to recognise the leadership shown by Councillor Stapleton, who has advocated
for and progressed two years ago when Mayor the Tiny House concept as a way
to help address our chronic shortage of essential worker accommodation
to the point where we will be one of the first Councils in the nation
to trial the Tiny Houses on Wheels pilot as Mayor Councillor Stapleton invited
the Tiny Houses Association to a briefing to outline the advantages of tiny houses.
I acknowledge that the Victorian Government has recently announced
the first steps in allowing second dwellings or granny
flats.
The details are yet to be released.
Therefore, it is uncertain at this stage what impact this may have
on the trial.
However, given the accommodation crisis facing
the majority of our communities, we should not wait.
Plus Tiny Houses on Wheels may form an important part of the mix
to address the accommodation crisis.
Assessment of the suitability of applicants is, in my view, rigorous,
excluding any proposal, once assessed, that would require a planning permit.
Proposals must, for example, prove that they provide suitable sanitary facilities,
provide electrical and plumbing compliance certificates,
and that the units are fitted with smoke alarms, that
they are properties sited regarding setback requirements
to protect neighbour amenity, avoid vegetation removal
and have vehicle access and parking.
Neighbours will be informed and their feedback sought
at different stages of the pilot.
The pilot, as Councillor Stapleton said, excludes the use of the house
for short-term holiday rental and the registration is not transferrable.
The officers have taken care to ensure that the pilot is lawful
and that the occupants will be safe.
This pilot is a very tangible way that the Council can, in the short term, assist
with the essential worker accommodation crisis and in the long term assess
the viability of the option in the mix of solutions in our emergency.
It's pleasing for me to note that the empty shops that were
in Lorne last year are being occupied, with preparations well under way
for the start of the season, but it adds to the problem of staffing.
Tiny Houses on Wheels may well help some of the struggling smaller businesses
to house their staff.
Thank you.
CR PATTISON: Thank you.
Would any other Councillors like to speak to the motion?
Councillor Wellington?
CR WELLINGTON: Thank you.
Look, the first thing I would say is (inaudible) best place
to address it so it's true this is being driven as a solution for a couple
of years and consumed a lot of officer time.
It's also true that there is a shortage of accommodation on the Surf Coast,
(inaudible) Tiny Homes (inaudible) I think the Council itself
is not a housing authority.
That's not its job.
I don't object to a pilot per se, but I'm concerned that there's a lot
of uncertainty to me in the design of this pilot.
Essentially there's already a house on a property,
the only zoning Tiny House can be established would be
in residential (inaudible), so we're talking
about bringing Tiny Houses on properties which in some parts
of the shire are really quite small.
At the same time as we're doing that government (inaudible)
new legislation and regulations or regulatory framework
in place for people to build granny flats without permits and to use them
for whatever purpose they choose, not necessarily for grannies or grandmas,
but to add to the housing options.
So we're sort of introducing a research project
in the context of a significant change in the environment
and we don't know what that change means and what the regulation (inaudible).
We do know that there will be restrictions (inaudible).
There will be requirements that granny flats will have to be on properties
of a certain size, there will be no restrictions on how
they can be used.
They will still require building permit, they'll need
to meet residential design codes (inaudible) requirements, et cetera.
So there will be a regulatory framework around that which is not present in this.
I have numerous questions that haven't been answered (inaudible) how waste
will be disposed of, how neighbours will be consulted (inaudible) not before,
(inaudible) if it's the property next door to them without knowing anything about it
until the job is done.
And then there will be issues about there are problems with that
about how it can be regulated over a three-year period.
(Inaudible) residents around Torquay particularly
about noise issues.
(Inaudible) to the police rather than themselves
and I'm not really confident that we have got enough processes in place
to ensure (inaudible) not adversely affected.
So I won't be supporting this, but I think that there are a lot more
details around the framework.
And the final point I want to make is that if we're looking at affordable housing,
we have evaluation framework which hasn't been published to the public
but I've seen it and it doesn't even collect data
about cost
- CR PATTISON: Councillor Wellington, I'll get you to wrap it up now
because you're over time.
CR WELLINGTON: So I'm concerned that we've got an evaluation framework
that won't answer the question, we say it's important, whether or not this
is an affordable solution for all housing.
CR PATTISON: Thanks, Councillor Wellington.
You're well over the time now, so thank you for your time.
CR WELLINGTON: Can I just have a small extension of time?
There's Tiny Houses cost more per square metre to build (inaudible).
So the notion of them being an efficient house
is not necessarily correct.
Thank you.
CR PATTISON: Thank you.
Would any other Councillors like to speak to the motion?
Councillor Gazzard?
CR GAZZARD: Thank you.
I'll support the pilot.
I agree there's obviously some issues that will arise and can be addressed
during this pilot, but I think it's really innovative
and Tiny Houses are much more efficient in a small space, it's less energy
to light and cool and heat.
They often generate their own solar and self-sufficient
powering themselves.
It usually will only be one or two people in there.
So I think in this plan the setbacks from the road and
from neighbouring properties is pretty generous.
I don't expect every block in the Surf Coast to have a Tiny House.
I think this will be, you know, not a huge issue, but
will allow some people to have family live close by,
whether it's their kids or grandparents, and live in a more sustainable way.
So I really support this.
CR PATTISON: Thank you.
Would you like any closing remarks, Councillor Stapleton?
CR STAPLETON: I would.
Can I just ask a quick question?
CR PATTISON: Sure.
CR STAPLETON: Just around the notification of neighbours,
I just wanted to clarify because my understanding was that
they would be advised before a Tiny House was actually moved on
to a property.
Could we just confirm that?
CR PATTISON: Yes, I'll pass that on to our CEO.
MS ROBYN SEYMOUR: Thank you, Councillor Stapleton.
The intention would be once the permit has been approved that we would notify
neighbours, so we'd be informing them that there would be a Tiny House
on Wheels moving into their neighbours' property.
So it would be
- it's likely to be close to when the Tiny House on Wheels is put
in place, but the intention would be to inform the neighbours ahead of that.
CR STAPLETON: Thank you.
Closing comments.
CR PATTISON: Sure.
CR STAPLETON: So with soaring rents and escalating property prices over the
past few years, Surf Coast Shire cannot continue
with a business as usual approach to housing.
More and more people in our community are facing
increased mortgage stress, there are fewer rentals available,
children who have grown up here cannot afford
to buy or even live here, there is an extreme lack
of diverse housing options on the Surf Coast and our businesses
and service providers have been crying out for Council to do more to find ways
to accommodate key workers.
I see this pilot as one very positive way we can support our community
to live more affordably and more simply.
It also provides an opportunity, as Councillor Gazzard mentioned,
for multigenerational households, helping local kids and grandparents
to continue living on the Surf Coast.
Australians typically build the largest houses in the world,
on par or sometimes even ahead of the USA, but more
and more people are taking greater responsibility
for their environmental impacts and are wanting
to shrink their environmental footprint.
The Planning Scheme is silent on Tiny Houses, so a pilot
on the Surf Coast potentially provides an opportunity for the State Government
to learn from our experience and look at how Tiny Houses could
and should be managed in a more consistent framework across the state.
Tiny House living is already popular in many parts of the world,
including the USA and Japan, so in many respects Australia
is trailing a global movement and we need to take steps now to make it easier
for people to live in them here.
Thank you.
CR PATTISON: Thank you.
We'll now put the motion to the vote.
All those in favour.
And all those opposed.
And the motion is carried 6-1.
We now move on to our next item and that is the Moriac
- CR WELLINGTON: Can I just ask a question?
I can't see (inaudible).
Are we two Councillors short tonight?
CR PATTISON: That's right.
Councillor Bodsworth is an apology and Councillor Barker has not yet arrived.
We now move on to 4.2, Moriac Structure Plan.
The purpose of this report is to present the Moriac Structure Plan
to Council for adoption.
Do I have a mover of a motion?
Councillor Schonfelder
- as per the recommendation?
CR SCHONFELDER: Yes.
CR PATTISON: And do I have a seconder?
Councillor Wellington.
Would you like to speak to the motion, Councillor Schonfelder?
CR SCHONFELDER: Yes, please, Mayor.
Thank you, Mayor.
The Moriac Structure Plan will provide a strategic framework
to guide land use and development decisions
for the next 10 years.
The plan will ensure that future incremental growth
is responsive to the constraints of the landscape and respectful
of the rural character of the town.
I am a sixth generation resident of the Surf Coast Shire
and this year marks 175 years since my family has lived continuously
here and with great care and respect I acknowledge the first
Australians and the Wadawurrung traditional owners
as the first custodians of Moriac and the surrounding district
and acknowledge the consideration of traditional owner knowledge
and culture that we must recognise in future decision making.
The Moriac Structure Plan identifies what is unique and valued about Moriac
and clarifies both the current and future role of the town
and the region.
It also presents a history of the landscape describing
the significant transformations which have occurred
since European arrival, also establishes a vision
and guiding principles to guide future land use planning
decisions, responds to the key issues and influences identified in the Moriac
Structure Plan 2022 background report in developing a preferred growth framework
, considers the future servicing needs of residents and presents options
for building upon the existing strengths of the compact urban form.
It identifies a preferred location for future growth
and presents an implementation plan outlining future actions
and responsibilities.
The Strategic Framework Plan provides the following land use directions:
avoids impacts on the Byourac Junction of the Thompson and Raven Creeks,
and I hope I've pronounced the Byourac correctly; also supports the rezoning
of farming land or farming zone land south of the Hinterland Estate
for future low-density residential zone development.
It supports the consolidation of commercial land use and developments
within central Moriac, investigates the development potential
of land located to the east of Hendy Main Road fronting the Thompson
Creek, provides additional pedestrian crossings
on Hendy Main Road, retains existing tree clusters
and plantation rows on land identified for future development,
and given we have a climate emergency and given the changes in weather,
that point I must say is very important.
It also ensures the zoning of public land reflects the current
and intended use of the land.
It investigates stormwater infrastructure needs and, where required,
undertakes upgrades and improvement works.
I commend the officers for the work they have done and
without sounding too sycophantic, Mayor, I would like to commend Chris Pike,
who's sitting to my left, the General Manager
of Placemaking & Environment, for his overseeing of this structure plan
and also Kate Sullivan and Tim Waller, Council planners, for their work
in relation to the structure plan.
I have seen a number of different documents in my work life
and I have to say that the Structure Plan in the way
in which it acknowledges First Nations people and considers the First Nations
perspectives is groundbreaking and something that we should be very proud
of and I have told people that I have campaigned
for retaining amenity in the Surf Coast and I know that First Nations people,
they have a history in our area and they want to protect certain areas
and I believe that is so important.
There's a saying that life is not just about the destination, it's also
about the journey as well and I think the protection of green belts
and protection of farming zones is so important
and I think we have actually achieved this with our Structure Plan.
Thank you, Mayor.
CR PATTISON: Thank you, Councillor Schonfelder.
Councillor Wellington, would you like to speak?
CR WELLINGTON: Thank you very much, Mayor Pattison.
It's a very well written document and very well presented, actually.
It's the result of a substantial piece of work and a lot of consultation
with the Moriac community.
Moriac is a really beautiful township and people really value
the environment with (inaudible).
There is pretty clear direction in this document as to
whether future growth of the town is appropriately
- will appropriately proceed.
Not everyone in the town supports growth, so I think there certainly is and
will continue to be a debate about that, but a lot of the community I think feels
that there has been benefit from the most recent developments
around the town and there's no doubt that estates like the Hinterland Estate,
it's absolutely beautiful, beautifully done and I think a lot
of people feel that that kind of development (inaudible)
and sensitive urban design is actually really very appropriate
and can continue in the setting (inaudible) to the creek or potentially
down to the creek.
There are some very significant structural issues in Moriac.
The main one, in my view, (inaudible) road going through it,
a very busy road that splits the town and there is also (inaudible) which forms
a natural barrier to the town.
Ultimately, in my view (inaudible) Moriac (inaudible)
creates significant (inaudible) intersection (inaudible) it
is a beautiful area.
The structure plan I think is absolutely clear
about what it's proposing.
The only question I have about it is there's a very interesting history
in here about (inaudible) pre-European settlement and it's extremely interesting
and I'm sure a lot of people will find it interesting.
Whether this is the appropriate place for that I kind of question.
I know there's quite a view in the community that, you know,
very forceful statements about what happened at the time
of European settlement.
I think they acknowledge, but whether they need
to be reproducing (inaudible) I think a lot of people in the community would
agree with that that they would acknowledge what happened
with (inaudible) don't necessarily think it's appropriate (inaudible)
about this document, but generally I think it's a good document
with clear direction and I support it.
CR PATTISON: Thank you.
Would any other Councillors like to speak?
Councillor Allen?
CR ALLEN: Thanks, Mayor.
I am very pleased to support the adoption of the Moriac Structure Plan 2023.
The plan has been developed within the framework
of our shire being one of the fastest growing municipalities
in the state.
Moriac is not identified as a location for significant urban growth in terms
of our regional planning, but rather a location
for limited growth being respectful of the rural character of the township.
I'd like to acknowledge the active participation
of the Moriac and district residents in the process
that began in 2021 and given my lack of experience in the crafting
of a township structure plan, I was very impressed
by the fact that the consultation process delivered some modifications
- for example, the boundary alignment
- reflecting the majority of view in the township.
The township and district residents and the officers must be congratulated
on the richness of the plan.
Thank you.
CR PATTISON: Thank you, Councillor Allen.
Any other Councillors?
Councillor Schonfelder, any closing remarks?
CR SCHONFELDER: Just in closing, just a few brief points.
I do agree with Councillor Wellington about the safety of the railway line
and it's interesting to note that the railway went
in that direction through Moriac because of Mount Moriac being higher
and it was a bit like the trams that went around the shrine, there was a hill there,
so it was easier for the trains to go along on a flatter area.
If the recommendation of the Moriac Structure Plan is adopted
at tonight's meeting, Council will commence preparation for an amendment
to the Surf Coast Planning Scheme.
The Planning Scheme amendment process, once exhibited,
will provide a further opportunity for submissions
to key policy elements contained within the plan,
and I do note that there are some people in the Moriac community who feel
that there could be a further very small amount of growth to the western part
and also in the southern part of Hendy Main Road, west
of Hendy Main Road to Heidi Road.
I know there's a debate that's ongoing and never ending and I've been a submitter
to the process of electoral boundaries where do you have a creek or do you have
a river or do you have a road as a boundary
and I know there are probably pros and cons in that debate,
but I personally feel a road is a better boundary,
but that's a debate that can be had in the future.
Moriac is, and I can quote a Bruce Springsteen song
and say My Hometown, if you're familiar with that song, and
over my lifetime I've witnessed the growth of Moriac,
the I'd say conservative growth, and also the fact that the trees,
the trees make a huge difference.
As Councillor Wellington said, I concur, it's a very pretty and a beautiful town
that the people of Moriac love.
Thank you, Mayor.
CR PATTISON: Thank you.
We'll now put the motion to the vote.
All those in favour.
And the motion is carried unanimously.
We now move on to 4.3, Proposed Lease to Powercor
- Part of 30 Wadawurrung Way, Torquay.
The purpose of this report is to seek Council's endorsement
to advertise its intent to enter into a lease agreement
with Powercor Australia Limited and to seek endorsement for an exemption
from Council's Property Use Agreement Policy.
I will also note that point 5 of the report refers to the endorsement
of option C at the June 2022 Council meeting.
However, this was updated at the February 23 Council meeting
to be option 4
- it's getting a bit technical
- but I just want to make sure that people are aware
that our plans for the pool include a 25 metre indoor pool, one program pool,
gym, program spaces, allied health suites, cafe and supporting amenities.
So officers have advised that this oversight in the report does not have any
impact on the rest of the report or the recommendation.
So just putting that out there for people to understand.
Do I have a mover of a motion?
CR HODGE: Happy to move.
CR PATTISON: Councillor Hodge?
CR HODGE: As the report says.
CR PATTISON: Thank you, and seconded?
Councillor Gazzard.
CR HODGE: Yes, look, just in simple terms, this is a lease agreement
at 30 Wadawurrung Way, which is just to our right over here,
and it's a substation and it's a 7 by 2 square substation.
This is the power that's needed to go into the aquatic centre that the Mayor
has just described.
It's going out for community consultation.
So my understanding is that Powercor has the responsibility of the substation
of course, but we have the responsibility of perhaps the fencing and the protection
of that substation and to make sure that it actually can
look really good.
So we might get feedback in from the students that might want
to do a mural on any walls or fencing that goes around, which is good.
But this is needed for the next stage of our pool and it's an agreement
with Powercor for 30 years with the following 20 years,
so we hope the pool lasts that long.
So I hope Councillors agree with this.
It will go out to the community and hopefully with all this coming
into fruition we will be able to get started
with the pool hopefully mid next year.
So thank you, Mayor.
CR PATTISON: Thank you.
Councillor Gazzard?
CR GAZZARD: Yes, it's just an exciting next step and just
to reiterate the plan to electrify the pool and not use any gas,
so happy with that moving forward.
CR PATTISON: Would any other Councillors like to speak?
Councillor Hodge, closing remarks?
CR HODGE: No closing, no, thank you, Mayor.
CR PATTISON: We now put the motion to the vote.
All those in favour.
And the motion is carried unanimously.
We now move on to item 4.4, Event Grants and Sponsorship Guidelines.
The purpose of this report is to present the updated Event Grant
and Sponsorship Guidelines to Council for adoption.
Do I have a mover of a motion?
Councillor Allen
- as per the recommendation?
CR ALLEN: As per the recommendation, Mayor.
CR PATTISON: And a seconder?
Councillor Stapleton.
Would you like to speak, Councillor Allen?
CR ALLEN: Thank you.
On balance, I support the recommendations contained
in this report.
Events conducted throughout the shire bring enormous
economic and social benefits to our community.
The four recommendations focus on events in the non-peak period,
which excludes January and Easter, thus attempting
to generate additional economic and social activity in the period
of underutilised capacity.
For example, particularly the boutique and tourism event stream would lead
to increased overnight stays.
Although not part of the categories listed in this report, the economic benefits
of events can be clearly demonstrated from the Lorne Sculpture Biennale.
For example, the 22 Lorne Sculpture Biennale estimated
that we received 18,300 visitors.
60% came specifically for the Biennale, 43% stayed overnight, an average
of 2.7 nights away, which generated an additional $1.275
million into the economy and I think that's an underestimate
because they based it on an average of $100 a night.
I'd like to know where they get accommodation for $100 a night.
But that does demonstrate the importance of events to the economies
of our communities.
So recommendation 1, community events, is aimed primarily at local residents.
I support allocating an annual $7,000 sum, which will ensure the funding
will be allocated for this purpose, particularly as it's divided
into two tranches in April and October in an attempt to reduce the drop-off
rate caused by, in some cases, the extended period
between the approval allocation and the actual event.
Recommendation 2, I support the dropping of the three-year
maximum for boutique creative and tourism events
to encourage the sustainability of the event, my only reservation being
that it may entrench some events and it may act as a deterrent
to new initiatives.
Recommendation 3
- again, on balance, I support this recommendation
to ensure that events have an all-abilities focus
- for example, access to events.
However, I did and still have slight reservations
about the subjective nature of the assessment.
I was assured in the agenda briefing this morning that guidelines will be developed
for this criteria and that officers will support organisations
to meet this particular criteria when making an application.
I'm pleased that the report highlights the needs of neurodiverse people.
For example, young people with learning disabilities become highly
engaged in most of these types of events, and I draw here on my experience
as a teacher and principal.
Students who struggle with their learning due to a lack
of success in the mainstream subjects attendance would be low, but you put
on a rock eisteddfod and all of a sudden attendance is brilliant.
Students who otherwise didn't have a pathway, there's something they can do.
They can help back stage, they can help with the sets, they can help
with the props, they can act, they can sing,
and suddenly attendance is brilliant.
So it's important for people who aren't engaged normally
in such events that such events can use volunteers and generate that engagement
with people who otherwise don't achieve success.
Recommendation 4, additional funding for Christmas carols, is needed due
to the increased demand with two
- which is said the two communities missed out on funding this year
and I also support the need for some flexibility in the sum that's
awarded due to the varying attendance in the event
in different townships.
So I'm very happy to move the motion.
Thank you.
CR PATTISON: Thank you, Councillor Allen.
Would you like to speak to the motion, Councillor Stapleton?
CR STAPLETON: Yes, I'll just add a couple of things.
I think this is a great example of Council officers embracing the concept
of continuous improvement with these proposed changes
to the Event Grants Program.
There was a major review and an overhaul of the program in 2020, but officers have
since identified additional opportunities for improvement,
which are outlined in this report for our consideration
and which Councillor Allen has just done a great job of providing an overview of.
I'm really pleased to see increased funding
for community Christmas carols, which will ensure that each township has
an opportunity to apply for a grant, and I just think it's worth noting
that feedback on the grant process for carols was provided by a couple
of local community groups, so it's really great
to see that officers have taken that feedback on board
and presented recommendations to improve the guidelines there
and also I think the short turnaround times for community grants
is a great improvement.
I know that it's been challenging in the past for some community groups
and volunteers to apply so far in advance for this funding, so I'm sure that part
of the change will be very much welcomed.
Thank you.
CR PATTISON: Thank you.
Would any other Councillors like to speak to the motion?
Councillor Wellington?
You're on mute, Councillor Wellington.
CR WELLINGTON: Look, I'm happy to support it.
I'm a little bit puzzled about the changes that present
opportunities, 6.3 on page 135, "To increase awareness and level
of access and inclusion opportunities
- including challenging gender stereotypes
- within events", I couldn't really follow, to be honest,
when I read this how the guidelines are actually going
to challenge gender stereotypes, why this event could do that in terms
of our grant funding, but interested to see what the outcome of all of that is.
But certainly access and inclusive to everybody, that's important,
but it didn't quite follow
- the goal didn't quite follow through for me
in terms of how the guidelines actually presented.
But other than that, I'm happy to support it and no doubt we'll see
whether there's more events that challenge gender stereotypes in the shire
and I guess the proof will be in the pudding.
Thank you.
CR PATTISON: Any closing remarks, Councillor Allen?
CR ALLEN: No, thanks, Mayor.
CR PATTISON: We'll now put the motion to the vote.
All those in favour.
And the motion is carried unanimously.
We now move on to Community Asset Committee Update.
The purpose of this report is to seek Council's approval
to dissolve the Globe Theatre Community Asset Committee and
to present annual reporting on Council's eight Community Asset
Committees.
Do I have a mover of a motion
- Councillor Allen.
As per the recommendation?
CR ALLEN: Thanks, Mayor.
CR PATTISON: And a seconder?
Councillor Hodge
- sorry, Councillor Wellington, did you want to second?
Sure.
Would you like to speak, Councillor Allen?
CR ALLEN: Yes, thank you, Mayor.
Look, in doing so I thank the many volunteers
who carry out this vital work.
It is a role that can be both very rewarding and frustrating.
I make that assessment from the feedback that I frequently
receive.
I do have some concerns about the report, the tables included in the report.
The figures, for example, at first glance don't add up and this is
because we use an accrual accounting system.
Now, I'm treading on very thin ice here, but I'm going to attempt
to explain why the figures don't add up.
The expenditure items may include, for example, a payment in this period,
but for an item that was purchased in the previous period and similarly,
payments may be made in the future for items that rightly belong
in the current accounting period.
So by adjusting for these items, the figures don't at first glance seem
to add up, just to explain to people who may look at the reports.
But I do believe that some statements are a bit misleading.
For example, the meeting quotas were not met is listed.
But given the pandemic, one was not surprised that
during that period the quotas weren't met.
Also with Stribling Reserve not submitting an assets register when the facility was
being rebuilt is again misleading.
Now, I note I think the asset register is in the process of being started.
Mayor, could I ask, please, for clarification on the assets register
and perhaps some comments about why we have statements
about quotas not being met?
CR PATTISON: Sure, thanks, Councillor Allen.
I'll put that question to Ms Gatt.
MS GAIL GATT: Thank you, Mayor.
Through you, thanks, Councillor Allen, for your question.
In terms of the asset register for Stribling Reserve, my understanding
is that our staff have been working with the committee quite closely
in the last couple of weeks and in compiling that register,
so I believe it's almost complete, about 80% there, so not too far
to go there.
I acknowledge your points around some of the commentary and acknowledge that
- I guess just wanted to make the point that this
is the first time this report has been put to Council.
We are obliged or we have a requirement to report
on the Community Asset Committees to Council under the Local Government Act
and this is the first time that we have done this
since the new Act came into force.
So we are continuously improving our reporting and so do acknowledge
that perhaps some of the commentary could have been
a bit more explanatory, I suppose, in terms of some of the struggles that
the committees might have had during the COVID times
around meeting the quotas and submitting registers.
But the reports as they appear for the 2021 year
and the 21/22 year very much just present the facts,
so they present the black and white data, I suppose,
but you can see in the year 22/23 report, the commentary reflects the work
that Council officers have been doing with the committees in more recent times
since we've come out of the pandemic.
So we will look to build on that reporting and make it a bit more accurate moving
forward in terms of the commentary.
CR ALLEN: Thanks, Ms Gatt.
Look, with those explanations, thank you, I'm happy to move the motion and
in doing so, again I want to thank the many volunteers
who are part of Community Asset
- part of the Community Asset Committee structure in the shire.
Thank you.
CR PATTISON: Thank you, Councillor Allen.
Would you like to speak to the motion, Councillor Wellington?
CR WELLINGTON: I want to make some points about (inaudible).
I've always been a very strong supporter of local governance and management
of these facilities.
The Globe is just a critical building in Winchelsea not just
for its (inaudible) community asset, but also because of its history
and its association with (inaudible) quite an unsung hero (inaudible) the theatre was
built (inaudible) at one point she was considered to be one
of the greatest singers in her particular genre as well.
So it's a really important building.
Unfortunately, it has been affected by termites and that has raised
- and it's been closed for quite some time now.
It does say in the report
- and I might just stop and ask a question, if I may
- it says that the building was infested with termites and I am just wondering
if that can be interpreted as suggesting that that termite
infestation is under control and I know we've got the opening day,
but whether there is any indication of whether the facility might be open
(inaudible).
CR PATTISON: Thanks for that question.
I put that through to our CEO.
MS ROBYN SEYMOUR: Thanks, Councillor Wellington.
There has been work done to address the termite issue
and we're hoping that we can once again open the Globe Theatre, because it
is such an important building and facility for our Winchelsea community
and the broader shire, in the first quarter next year.
Hopefully it would be good if we can do it by February,
but at the worst case we're thinking March at the latest.
CR WELLINGTON: Thank you.
The community will be on the tail of Council, and rightly so,
to make sure that does progress and that the facility
is reopened (inaudible) as Councillors would know a number
of facilities have been closed for maintenance issues.
It will be very, very important in future that the problem of termites
is properly managed and infestations are prevented.
I'm very supportive of the loss of the committee
because I think there's nothing like (inaudible)
to actually effectively hold Council to account
and make sure that the maintenance is really strong in this area,
having seen the damage caused by this problem.
So I'm very, very supportive.
I think there's been a number of incredible volunteers who've worked
for the community via this committee for a long time and it's understandable
that people wish to move on and can't continue to do it forever.
I don't think that there was a very active effort to try to replace the committee.
I think in the report it says something like (inaudible) so there wasn't really
a strong (inaudible).
I would have liked to have seen this decision (inaudible)
until the building is reopened, but I understand (inaudible) for that
to happen.
But there is a possibility (inaudible) is willing to stand up,
it's possible that we could get a new committee convened in future
and that committee would have a really important role for this building
for the heritage of the shire and for the benefit of the local community.
There are a lot of volunteers in Winchelsea, people put
in enormous effort (inaudible) we should give time.
Thanks.
CR PATTISON: Thank you.
Would any other Councillors like to speak to the motion?
Do you have any closing remarks, Councillor Allen?
CR ALLEN: No, thanks, Mayor.
CR PATTISON: We'll now put the motion to the vote.
All those in favour.
And the motion is carried unanimously.
We now move on to the Award of Contract Under 2023-24
Capital Works Program
- Horseshoe Bend Road Bridge.
The purpose of this report is to inform Council of the contract awarded
by the Chief Executive Officer for T24-006 Storm Event Road Reinstatement
- Horseshoe Bend Road.
Can I get a mover of a motion?
Councillor Schonfelder
- is that as per the recommendation?
And seconded Councillor Hodge.
Would you like to speak, Councillor Schonfelder?
CR SCHONFELDER: Yes, please.
Thank you, Mayor.
I recall quite vividly the storm event that took place last year
and I have stated previously that in 1991 I was 16 and went to Hong Kong
and noticed that the weather there was similar to the storm we had last year,
with very strong downpours of rain, and I don't know if you call it
like cyclonic conditions or typhoons, but I hadn't experienced rain
like that ever in Melbourne.
I was in Melbourne at the time with the CEO at the Municipal Association
of Victoria Conference and it was quite interesting how there
were Councillors and different Council officers
who were returning back to different parts of Victoria due
to a widespread flood event that was taking place and, sadly,
we did have damage that occurred to Horseshoe Bend Road Bridge.
Horseshoe Bend Road is one of my favourite roads
within the municipality.
It's very unique.
I am biassed in relation to other roads as well that I'm quite fond of, which like
all people I imagine the Great Ocean Road and Barrabool Road as examples
and also Cape Otway Road and Winchelsea-Deans Marsh Road as well.
The purpose of this report, as the Mayor has stated,
is to award the contract for the reinstatement of this bridge
and the Council notes the award to Aquatech Civil & Plumbing
Pty Ltd for $525,526.35, excluding GST.
The award of this contract allows Council to expedite repairs of the storm damage
to the bridge following flooding of Thompson Creek with initial works
to focus on reopening the road for the peak Christmas period at the end
of January 2024.
The road will be closed to allow reinstatement of the road surface
and undertake repairs to the roadside barriers
and install additional beaching to protect the road
from future storm events.
Key considerations include a public tender process which was conducted
in accordance with Council's Procurement Policy.
A total of eight contractors submitted tenders
for this contract.
Each submission was assessed against pre-determined
evaluation criteria, including price and non-price criteria.
The contract will operate as a lump-sum contract for the duration
of the construction project.
While Council resolved to provide authority
for the Chief Executive Officer to award the contract
if it was greater than $600,000, this was not needed based
on the successful tenderer's price being within their existing delegations.
Council had resolved, however, to receive a report
at the next practicable Council meeting detailing the contract award
and the successful contractor.
This report responds to that resolution.
We're very happy to have received funds for the reinstatement work
from the Federal Government's Natural Disaster Funding Assistance Program,
which has now been granted.
The program will meet the full cost of the reinstatement works
with no financial contribution required from Council,
and I might add that I know people have wanted the bridge repaired
and wanted the road to be functioning and I understand that,
but I must say the fact that we've saved money by receiving this grant is wonderful
and I know that what we're trying to do is be frugal and try
to save money where possible and this is an example of such a great outcome.
The community has been kept informed of progress of this road closure
through resident letters, media releases and the shire website and the community
will continue to be informed about what is occurring at this road.
I know that seeing is believing and I've talked with Councillor Bodsworth
and I note in his absence that I've been meaning
to ride my bike along Horseshoe Bend Road and I intend
to do it sooner rather than later.
So you can say it's famous last words.
Thank you, Mayor.
CR PATTISON: Thank you.
Councillor Hodge?
CR HODGE: Yes, thank you, Mayor, just very quickly.
This road has really grown in the number of cars along it because of the growth
in Torquay North and of course the connection
to Armstrong Creek and I know there's been a lot
of commuters that have been frustrated with the delays.
But as Councillor Schonfelder said, getting the federal grant was a
huge saving to the shire, but also there was so much flooding
in those days the geotechnic equipment that needs to be assessed was being
used everywhere else, so we really had to wait for that
and that's why the frustration, you know, on the length was because of that
and the federal money.
But it's great to see that it's now on the way to be repaired.
It will be open for traffic over the Christmas period,
but of course closed again to make sure that everything is done.
I think the people of Torquay North and Armstrong Creek community
will be very grateful when this is done and I'd like to thank the officers
that are able to get this federal grant for us because a saving of, you know,
over half a million dollars for a road is a great saving.
So thank you to the people that have contacted me.
The end is in sight, so let's hope we can get the
tender process done, finished and the road rebuilt.
Thank you.
CR PATTISON: Thank you.
Do any other Councillors wish to speak to the motion?
Councillor Wellington?
Yes, Councillor Wellington, did you want to speak to the motion?
CR WELLINGTON: Thank you
- can you hear me?
CR PATTISON: I think there was a slight delay.
Yes, we can hear you, that's fine.
CR WELLINGTON: (Inaudible) caused a lot of disruption (inaudible) rural community
transport materials and get access to rural facilities
along that road (inaudible) wait for the Christmas period
and then do complete reinstatement afterwards.
So for whatever reason that couldn't be scheduled earlier,
that initial reinstatement, but I think everyone will be very pleased
that it has now been done and hopefully will get (inaudible) also a bit more
resilient (inaudible) hopefully the bridge will be stronger and more resilient
and people's frustrations (inaudible) resolved (inaudible) thank you.
CR PATTISON: Thank you.
Any closing remarks, Councillor Schonfelder?
No.
We'll now put the motion to the vote.
All those in favour.
And the motion is carried unanimously.
We now move on to 4.7, Award of Contract T24-001
Netball Courts Reconstruction, Lorne and Winchelsea.
The purpose of this report is to seek Council's approval
for the award of contract T24-001 Netball Courts Reconstruction
Winchelsea and Lorne.
As part of the recommendation was redacted in the public agenda, officers,
can you now please put the unredacted version of the recommendation
on the screen so that we can all see who it's awarded to and the sum?
Thank you, that's up there now.
So do I have a Councillor to move the motion?
Thank you, Councillor Allen
- as per this recommendation on the screen?
CR ALLEN: Thank you, Mayor.
CR PATTISON: Yes.
And a seconder?
Councillor Wellington.
Would you like to speak to the motion, Councillor Allen?
CR ALLEN: Thank you, Mayor.
I can only really talk about the situation at Lorne.
The need to rectify the surface of the netball court
at Stribling Reserve stems from poor decisions and work starting
in 2014
- for example, oval drainage problems and contractual obligations not met
- but importantly, for this item, the laying
of an asphalt surface rather than concrete , but the local advice
at the time was that asphalt was inappropriate for the site,
which has sadly proven to be correct.
There have been recent attempts to patch the surface, all unsuccessful,
and a delay in the decision to replace the surface, which
as we can see from the additional funds requested,
that has proven costly.
The surface in its present state is unlikely to gain accreditation
and I understand that one team last year was close to refusing to play
on the surface.
I am aware of concerns in the Lorne community that
the process has been very slow and that we are in danger
of not being ready for the start of the 2024 season.
I would like the community to understand that the officers attempted
to resolve the matter sooner, but from the initial call
for tenders none were received, which caused unnecessary delay.
There are many lessons to be learnt from this saga,
but finally we are in a position, if this motion passes,
to provide a safe playing surface for the 60 weekly players
and 20 people who play over the Christmas program and for the 12
under 11s who participate in netball development in Lorne and
for the students at the college who also use the surface.
We're fortunate that this time we have a choice and I support the recommendation.
CR PATTISON: Thank you, Councillor Allen.
Councillor Stapleton, would you like to speak to the
- CR ALLEN: No, it's Councillor Wellington.
CR PATTISON: Oh, sorry, Councillor Wellington, would you like
to speak to the motion?
CR WELLINGTON: I don't have much more to add to that, just
to say that the netball clubs in this town are just so important
and really offer fantastic experience for
- well, for people of all ages really, but it's critical that these courts are
safe.
(Inaudible) enormous damage with poorly constructed courts and hazards
on courts and it really raises the issue about public duty.
We have to make sure these are safe.
So I'm (inaudible) resurfaced and I know there
is an external construction supervisor, which is really good
because hopefully that (inaudible) and we won't (inaudible) recommended
consultant (inaudible) good outcome for this project.
So I think people of Winchelsea will be thrilled
to get the courts resurfaced and it will be safer for everybody
and really pleased to see this coming up.
Thank you.
CR PATTISON: Thank you.
Would any other Councillors like to speak to the motion?
Do you have any closing remarks, Councillor Allen?
CR ALLEN: No, thanks, Mayor.
CR PATTISON: No?
We'll put the motion to vote.
All those in favour.
And the motion is carried unanimously.
We now move on to item 4.8, Award of Contract T24-007 Recruitment
and Vendor Neutral Managed Services.
The purpose of this report is to seek Council's approval
for a customer service agreement for the supply of contingent labour
under a recruitment neutral vendor managed service model pursuant
to the MAV recruitment services contract.
As part of the recommendation was redacted in the public agenda, we'll now have it up
on the screen.
Do I have a mover of a motion?
CR HODGE: I think that's the wrong one.
CR PATTISON: It is, isn't it?
Yes, that's
- that's the one.
Thank you.
Do I have a mover of this motion?
Thank you, Councillor Stapleton, and seconded by Councillor Hodge.
Would you like to speak, Councillor Stapleton?
CR STAPLETON: Look, just briefly.
This contract will enable Council to manage its temporary staff
in a systematic process.
The contract has been navigated by the Municipal Association of Victoria
through a panel, so the rates that have been negotiated
will be in Council's interests.
I think that all the detail there in the report
provides the various considerations, but essentially MAV tenders on behalf of
all Victorian Councils provides conditions that are more beneficial than what Council
would be able to negotiate through its own sort
of public tender process and the recommended supplier is seen
to offer the best value for money outcome based
on our Council's specific labour hire requirements, so yes,
I recommend supporting this contract.
Thank you.
CR PATTISON: Thank you.
Councillor Hodge?
CR HODGE: No, nothing else to add, thank you, Mayor.
CR PATTISON: Thank you.
Do any other Councillors wish to speak?
Any closing remarks, Councillor Stapleton?
CR STAPLETON: No, thanks Mayor.
CR PATTISON: We'll now put the motion to the vote.
All those in favour.
And the motion is carried unanimously.
We now move on to Award of contract T24-002
Offsite Records Storage and Imaging Services.
The purpose of this report is to seek Council authorisation
to enter a customer service agreement for the provision of offsite storage
of archived materials and associated digital imaging services
pursuant to the MAV Records Storage and Imaging Services Contract.
As part of the recommendation was redacted in the public agenda,
we now have the unredacted version on the screen.
Do I have a mover of a motion?
Councillor Schonfelder
- as per the recommendation?
And do I have a seconder?
Councillor Gazzard.
Would you like to speak to it, Councillor Schonfelder?
CR SCHONFELDER: Just briefly, Mayor, I'd like
to state that I in a previous role worked as a data adjudicator
and that was people who were analysing the census and we had like samples
of where people would have two different types of analysis
and I would have to adjudicate on that, and I'm aware that this area
is so important when it comes to data capture and storage
and the fact that digitalisation
- I hope I've said it correctly
- is occurring in many organisations and many tiers of government
as well when it comes to storage and the importance of that
and also the importance of privacy as well.
So by adopting the above recommendations, Council will continue to have the capacity
to meet the regulatory
- hopefully I've said that correct too, the regulatory
- standards associated with the management of both its physical
and electronic records and have access to a comprehensive range
of digital services under a standing offer arrangement.
Mayor, I have to hope that in relation to the photographs,
they're stored very carefully and I would actually like some
of the photographs of former Councillors from Surf Coast Shire and previously
from the Shire of Barrabool and Winchelsea to be on public display
because it includes relatives of mine.
So hopefully that can be considered as well, Mayor.
CR PATTISON: Well, we'll have to talk about that at another time,
but tonight we're just considering this item, but interesting point there, Adrian.
Councillor Gazzard, would you like to speak to the motion?
CR GAZZARD: Just that it is vital that we have secure storage,
both physical and digital, particularly as we move into a more digital world
and the risk of hacking and data taking, so it's really an important thing that
we have a good tender.
CR PATTISON: Would any other Councillors like to speak?
Any closing remarks, Councillor Schonfelder?
CR SCHONFELDER: No, thank you.
CR PATTISON: We'll now put the motion to the vote.
All those in favour.
And the motion is carried unanimously.
We now move on to our Audit and Risk Committee Annual Assessment.
The purpose of this report is to present the Audit
and Risk Committee Annual Assessment to Council for noting.
Do I have a mover of a motion?
Councillor Stapleton.
CR STAPLETON: Let Councillor Wellington.
CR PATTISON: Councillor Wellington, did you want to move this one?
Yes.
CR STAPLETON: Yes, I'll second it.
CR PATTISON: Given you're on the Audit and Risk Committee, it makes sense,
Councillor Wellington.
So is that as per the recommendation?
Yes.
And Councillor Stapleton, would you like to second?
Yes.
Would you like to speak to the motion, Councillor Wellington?
CR WELLINGTON: Thank you.
The Audit and Risk Committee is a very important committee that assists
Council with its governance, two Councillors
and four independent members of it, assessment by members of the association
with the way the committee goes about its business, which
is a standard governance practice, obviously, to do that.
I think the results really speak for themselves.
All the members participated, which was very positive.
There was agreement (inaudible) statements
There's satisfaction with the charter, the role is clear for the community,
people are happy with the members on the committee.
There's a few suggestions about how we could improve processes,
perhaps support the committee to access (inaudible), et cetera.
But generally I think the feedback was positive (inaudible) satisfied
as a Councillor of the functioning of that committee, really enjoy it
and it's a good opportunity to really think about some
of the particular risks that (inaudible) and the way that they are managed.
There was an opportunity in the survey for people to make (inaudible) comments
and I think I might have been one of the only ones who did that,
or did most of them, they've been deleted from this version,
but there was a few comments, suggestions I made.
(Inaudible) useful of itself.
It's interesting to me it shows that you can do surveys, quantitative surveys
of small numbers of people and you can present the results
and you don't have any problems with breach of privacy.
So I hope that we can adopt the same approach and disclose the results
of our staff satisfaction survey in the same way.
It strikes me that (inaudible) being made public, but really you can see
from this result that you can't possibly tell who said what (inaudible).
Thank you.
CR PATTISON: Councillor Stapleton, would you like to speak?
CR STAPLETON: Yes, look, I'll just add acknowledgment
of the efforts of all the committee members on Audit
and Risk, including our two Councillor reps,
Mike Bodsworth and Councillor Heather Wellington.
I know it's a significant commitment of time and the contributions of
all members on this committee is very important
to the effective functioning of Council, so we really appreciate that.
And likewise, appreciated having the Chair of Audit and Risk, Michael Ulbrick,
come into a briefing earlier this month to present an update to Council,
which I found really helpful, and he also acknowledged how much
the committee values the contribution by Councillors Bodsworth and Wellington
and very grateful that they've both been reappointed to provide some continuity
on the committee.
He noted that the year has gone very well and that the members
of the committee do cover a very wide breadth of skills,
and I think it's also worth noting that he spoke about the external audit
by VAGO representatives and how well that went
and highlighted that our finance team were really on top of things.
So thank you, appreciate all the time and effort of our Audit
and Risk Committee.
Cheers.
CR PATTISON: Would any other Councillors like to speak?
Councillor Allen?
CR ALLEN: Thanks, Mayor.
Look, I also would like to acknowledge the work
of Councillor Wellington and Councillor Bodsworth.
I think it's wonderful
- it's a great comfort to us to know that you have two really skilled
Councillors on that very, very important committee,
that we're using the corporate skills of Councillor Wellington,
her experience being on Council, and with Councillor Bodsworth adding
succession planning in a sense because we've had two years
with Councillor Barker, two years with Councillor Bodsworth, and that seems
to me to be a very good process.
So I would like to thank them both for their work.
They don't get a lot of recognition, they certainly don't get paid for it,
and it is an enormous amount of work that they're undertaking.
CR PATTISON: Thank you, Councillor Allen.
Any closing remarks, Councillor Wellington?
CR WELLINGTON: Thanks very much for those acknowledgments
and nothing further to say.
Thank you.
CR PATTISON: Thank you.
We'll now put the motion to the vote.
All those in favour.
And the motion is carried unanimously.
We now move on to the Appointment of Audit and Risk Committee Chair.
The purpose of this report is for Council to consider the appointment of the Chair
of the Audit and Risk Committee.
Do I have a mover of a motion?
Councillor Wellington
- is that as per the recommendation?
Yes.
And seconded by Councillor Hodge.
Did you want to speak to that, Councillor Wellington?
CR WELLINGTON: I would just like to say that Michael has done a really good
job.
He's very experienced, he's got the strong support
of the committee and he puts a lot of time and effort into following things through
and making sure that the committee gets on really well.
So I think he's very much supported by everyone associated with this committee
and I really look forward to continuing to work with him (inaudible).
Thank you.
CR PATTISON: Thank you.
Councillor Hodge?
CR HODGE: And just very quickly, yes, I agree with the words
of Councillor Wellington.
I think Michael Ulbrick was a terrific pick-up.
I know he lives in Jan Juc now, but his experience and vast experience
in local government as a CEO and sort of a mentor to many people right through,
it's been extraordinary that he was able to come here and to be chair,
and as Councillor Stapleton said
in a previous agenda item, when he came and spoke to us, it was clear, precise
and terrific to have him and I think congratulations
to the people that put him on the board because I think he's a terrific asset
to our Audit and Risk Committee.
Thank you.
CR PATTISON: Would any other Councillors like to speak?
No?
Any closing remarks, Councillor Wellington?
CR WELLINGTON: No, thank you.
CR PATTISON: No.
We'll put the motion to the vote.
All those in favour?
And the motion is carried unanimously.
We now move on to Project Budget Adjustments
and Cash Reserve Transfers for December 2023.
The purpose of this report is to present proposed
project budget adjustments and cash reserve transfers
to Council for approval.
Do I have a mover of a motion?
Councillor Schonfelder
- as per the recommendation?
And a seconder?
Councillor Allen.
Would you like to speak, Councillor Schonfelder?
CR SCHONFELDER: Yes, please.
I'd like to highlight the fact that a mural will be installed
on the Winchelsea Child Care Centre building at 63 Hesse Street
on the building's north external wall facing the entrance
to the Winchelsea station precinct.
Growing Winchelsea identified the opportunity for this mural
to be a placemaking project professionally done by a local artist and
with design input from a range of stakeholders.
Growing Winchelsea, with the support of Council, is now working
with the property owner and other local stakeholders
to deliver the project.
Growing Winchelsea were successful in being allocated $5,000
from Council's Community Initiatives Grant Program to go towards this mural
and I actually had the honour of presenting a representative
from Growing Winchelsea the $5,000 grant
at our Council's Community Initiatives Grant ceremony and that was John Hutton
and Council is also seeking contributions from other funding partners for the mural.
This community-led project will be supported
through Council's project and procurement processes.
We've heard this evening about the building that's happening
for the swimming pool, it's to do with the power substation
and the possibility of having public art there
and one achievement I'm very proud of as a member of this Council
is the fact that we have encouraged public art
and I know that has been championed by Councillor Allen
and has been strongly supported by my peers.
I believe it does lift people's spirits and I know when I travel around Victoria
and other places, I love to see public art and sculptures
and I find it really interesting.
I feel as though it's an empowering process
for local communities as well and I'm hoping the kindergarten children
will also be involved.
I do have a suggestion.
I don't know if it would be adopted, but I do like Little Miss Red Riding Hood
and I'd like the wolf to be dressed up as Grandma, that would be nice to have
as public art, but there may be other suggestions
as well.
So I'll wait keenly and see what might eventuate.
Thank you, Mayor.
CR PATTISON: Thank you.
And Councillor Allen, would you like to speak?
CR ALLEN: My mind is reeling at the moment trying to think
of some other addition, but it's a bit late,
I'm a bit slow tonight.
Look, this is fairly straightforward, this document, but it's an important part
of public transparency so that the community
is aware of how project funds are allocated and moved
and it's an important part of this being available to our community.
Thank you.
CR PATTISON: Would any other Councillors like to speak?
Councillor Wellington.
CR WELLINGTON: The mural project is going to be wonderful
and the beautification of railway stations has been a really
important program across the state and this wall faces directly where
the passenger train goes past (inaudible) going
in either direction.
It's a beautiful old station at Winchelsea and there's a tremendous opportunity
for that to become a feature of what people see in Winchelsea
and the way (inaudible).
So I won't make any suggestions about what might be on it,
but I am sure that the artist will come up with something really beautiful
and I think it will just add more to the character of Winchelsea and
to the people's understanding of Winchelsea as a real hub of artists
and people who are doing all sorts of creative, wonderful things.
Thank you.
CR PATTISON: Thank you.
Any closing remarks, Councillor Schonfelder?
CR SCHONFELDER: No, thank you, Mayor.
CR PATTISON: We'll now put the motion to the vote.
All those in favour.
And the motion is carried unanimously.
We now move on to Instrument of Delegation
- Council to Members of Council Staff.
The purpose of this report is to present the reviewed
and updated Instrument of Delegation from Council to members
of Council staff for adoption.
Do I have a mover of a motion?
Councillor Allen
- as per the recommendation?
CR ALLEN: Thanks, Mayor.
CR PATTISON: And seconded by Councillor Hodge.
Would you like to speak, Councillor Allen?
CR ALLEN: No, thanks, Mayor.
CR PATTISON: Councillor Hodge?
CR HODGE: Just very quickly, the delegation has got a few changes
in it, but all these changes have gone through Maddocks Lawyers and instruments
of delegation package and templates and they've been thoroughly vetted.
So there are a lot of changes, but it's all been checked (inaudible),
which has been a really good process.
Thank you.
CR PATTISON: Thank you.
Councillor Wellington, would you like to speak?
CR WELLINGTON: Thank you.
I'd just like to say that it looks pretty dry (inaudible)
but it's actually a really critical document.
It shows you how many different powers the Council has which need
to be formally delegated under legislation and those powers impact on people's rights
and people's obligations, so it needs to be clear who's got
the authority to actually exercise them.
So I think we can't go through it line by line and make sure that it's correct,
but I think the fact that it's put forward to Council shows the importance
of the document and the need for this all to be done very promptly so that people
are confident that when they are dealt with by Council they'll be dealt with
in accordance with the appropriate authorities
of Council.
So it's a very important document in my view.
CR PATTISON: Thank you.
We'll now put the motion to the vote.
All those in favour.
And the motion is carried unanimously.
We now move on to
- I think this is our last order of business, it is, the Conflict
of Interest Records.
The purpose of this report is to present conflict
of interest records received since the previous Council meeting.
Do I have a mover of a motion?
Councillor Stapleton
- as per the recommendation?
CR STAPLETON: Yes, Mayor.
CR PATTISON: And a seconder?
Councillor Gazzard.
Would you like to speak, Councillor Stapleton?
CR STAPLETON: No, thank you, Mayor.
CR PATTISON: No.
Councillor Gazzard?
No.
We'll now put the motion to the vote.
All those in favour.
And the motion is carried unanimously.
We have no urgent business, so that brings our meeting to a close
at 7.48pm.
Thank you everyone for your attendance.
Thanks for those that have stayed the whole time in the gallery and
for those online.
Good night.
And merry Christmas, yes, Merry Christmas, everybody.
We'll see you in February.