WEBVTT 00:00:00.400 --> 00:00:03.336 Good evening everyone and welcome to 00:00:03.360 --> 00:00:05.656 our February council meeting. I'm Mayor 00:00:05.680 --> 00:00:08.456 Libby Stapleton and it's a pleasure to 00:00:08.480 --> 00:00:11.480 welcome everyone joining us tonight. 00:00:11.679 --> 00:00:13.735 this meeting is also being live streamed so 00:00:13.759 --> 00:00:16.696 a big welcome to those tuning in online 00:00:16.720 --> 00:00:19.656 as well as those in our gallery. and 00:00:19.680 --> 00:00:21.496 of course welcome to my fellow 00:00:21.520 --> 00:00:24.520 counselors and a really warm welcome 00:00:24.880 --> 00:00:27.415 back to councelor Schonfelder who is 00:00:27.439 --> 00:00:30.136 joining us online and has recently 00:00:30.160 --> 00:00:32.856 returned from medical leave. 00:00:32.880 --> 00:00:35.416 Live captioning will accompany the live 00:00:35.440 --> 00:00:36.936 stream of this meeting and we hope that 00:00:36.960 --> 00:00:39.576 this assists those who may have 00:00:39.600 --> 00:00:41.896 hearing difficulties. 00:00:41.920 --> 00:00:43.656 I'd like to acknowledge that we meet on 00:00:43.680 --> 00:00:46.375 Wadawurrung Country and that the Surf Coast 00:00:46.399 --> 00:00:48.776 municipality also includes the 00:00:48.800 --> 00:00:51.256 traditional country of the Gadabanud and 00:00:51.280 --> 00:00:53.896 Gulidjan People of the Eastern Maar Nation 00:00:53.920 --> 00:00:56.055 and I pay my respects to their Elders 00:00:56.079 --> 00:00:59.079 past, present and emerging. Surf Coast 00:00:59.280 --> 00:01:01.496 Council is committed to walking with 00:01:01.520 --> 00:01:03.496 traditional owners on a reconciliation 00:01:03.520 --> 00:01:06.520 journey that recognizes and celebrates 00:01:06.640 --> 00:01:09.576 culture and the unique land, sea, and 00:01:09.600 --> 00:01:12.600 waterway country of the Surf Coast. 00:01:13.040 --> 00:01:14.536 I would also like to acknowledge 00:01:14.560 --> 00:01:16.616 Aboriginal people attending or viewing 00:01:16.640 --> 00:01:19.640 this meeting tonight. 00:01:19.840 --> 00:01:21.415 Summer 00:01:21.439 --> 00:01:24.135 is usually a time of for our communities 00:01:24.159 --> 00:01:27.095 and sorry summer is usually a time of 00:01:27.119 --> 00:01:29.256 enjoyment for our communities and 00:01:29.280 --> 00:01:31.576 visitors alike. However, it also 00:01:31.600 --> 00:01:34.135 presents challenges with weather events 00:01:34.159 --> 00:01:37.159 often at its at their fiercest. And this 00:01:37.280 --> 00:01:39.336 summer has been especially challenging 00:01:39.360 --> 00:01:42.055 as we know with a number of extreme 00:01:42.079 --> 00:01:43.656 weather events. and we deeply 00:01:43.680 --> 00:01:46.296 acknowledge our neighboring councils 00:01:46.320 --> 00:01:48.055 and others around the state also 00:01:48.079 --> 00:01:51.016 impacted so significantly. 00:01:51.040 --> 00:01:53.415 As always, our communities stepped up at 00:01:53.439 --> 00:01:55.656 this time to protect and help each other 00:01:55.680 --> 00:01:58.055 through these challenges and so did our 00:01:58.079 --> 00:02:01.016 council staff. Fires kicked off in the 00:02:01.040 --> 00:02:03.176 ways in early January, quickly followed 00:02:03.200 --> 00:02:06.200 by the significant flash flood event in 00:02:06.240 --> 00:02:08.375 the higher reaches of the Otways in mid 00:02:08.399 --> 00:02:11.096 January. visitors and businesses have 00:02:11.120 --> 00:02:13.736 been so heavily impacted and we are 00:02:13.760 --> 00:02:15.416 working with local businesses in the 00:02:15.440 --> 00:02:18.440 ongoing recovery effort. There was some 00:02:18.480 --> 00:02:21.416 council property also damaged through 00:02:21.440 --> 00:02:23.575 the floods, but it was extremely 00:02:23.599 --> 00:02:25.575 pleasing to see that there were no 00:02:25.599 --> 00:02:27.575 significant injuries, which I'm sure 00:02:27.599 --> 00:02:29.656 everyone would agree was quite 00:02:29.680 --> 00:02:32.680 remarkable and amazing, a great relief. 00:02:33.920 --> 00:02:35.896 Our teams have worked hard in dealing 00:02:35.920 --> 00:02:37.656 with emergencies and supporting our 00:02:37.680 --> 00:02:39.736 neighbors to do the same. And this has 00:02:39.760 --> 00:02:41.896 while the emergency event may have 00:02:41.920 --> 00:02:44.295 seemed concentrated, the actual 00:02:44.319 --> 00:02:47.096 recovery and working with communities 00:02:47.120 --> 00:02:49.575 and neighbors has been has 00:02:49.599 --> 00:02:51.336 occurred over an extended period of 00:02:51.360 --> 00:02:54.136 time. And our staff are still now 00:02:54.160 --> 00:02:57.096 continuing to step up to help affected 00:02:57.120 --> 00:02:58.935 communities. 00:02:58.959 --> 00:03:00.696 But while dealing with emergencies, our 00:03:00.720 --> 00:03:03.336 communities and offices have still been 00:03:03.360 --> 00:03:05.656 able to deliver key events that are 00:03:05.680 --> 00:03:08.215 so fundamental to the Surf Coast Shire. 00:03:08.239 --> 00:03:10.935 Off the back of an intense period of 00:03:10.959 --> 00:03:13.096 heat and weather events, council 00:03:13.120 --> 00:03:15.416 supported the delivery of Pilparin 00:03:15.440 --> 00:03:17.416 truthtelling event on the 26th of 00:03:17.440 --> 00:03:19.495 January, which was another moving 00:03:19.519 --> 00:03:21.816 reflection led by Wadawang traditional 00:03:21.840 --> 00:03:24.056 owners with excellent support by our 00:03:24.080 --> 00:03:26.376 teams. 00:03:26.400 --> 00:03:28.456 The event welcomed many people from our 00:03:28.480 --> 00:03:31.256 community to cozy corner in toe for a 00:03:31.280 --> 00:03:34.056 peaceful and reflective ceremony. 00:03:34.080 --> 00:03:36.616 More recently, I was also delighted to 00:03:36.640 --> 00:03:38.135 kick off the celebrations and 00:03:38.159 --> 00:03:40.056 acknowledgement of international women's 00:03:40.080 --> 00:03:42.376 day events which will run across the 00:03:42.400 --> 00:03:45.176 shire over this week and next. Last 00:03:45.200 --> 00:03:47.575 Friday, I attended the Anglesea Art Space 00:03:47.599 --> 00:03:49.336 to officially launch the beautiful 00:03:49.360 --> 00:03:51.816 connections exhibition which will run 00:03:51.840 --> 00:03:54.295 until Sunday the 8th of March. And I do 00:03:54.319 --> 00:03:55.896 it's in acknowledgement of 00:03:55.920 --> 00:03:57.816 international women's day and I 00:03:57.840 --> 00:03:59.976 encourage anyone who's able to to get 00:04:00.000 --> 00:04:02.056 along to have a look at that exhibition. 00:04:02.080 --> 00:04:04.456 Other international women's day events 00:04:04.480 --> 00:04:07.480 include an in conversation event with 00:04:08.080 --> 00:04:10.775 broadcaster and author Jacinta Parsons 00:04:10.799 --> 00:04:13.799 in relation to her book a wisdom of 00:04:14.319 --> 00:04:17.256 age. and that will be at multiarts 00:04:17.280 --> 00:04:19.416 center otherwise known as the MAC next 00:04:19.440 --> 00:04:21.976 Wednesday the 4th of March. I do believe 00:04:22.000 --> 00:04:24.296 it's fully booked, but great to know 00:04:24.320 --> 00:04:26.376 that's happening. There are also a range 00:04:26.400 --> 00:04:28.536 of other local international women's day 00:04:28.560 --> 00:04:31.336 events um from lawn to Moria and I 00:04:31.360 --> 00:04:33.976 encourage anyone to who's interested 00:04:34.000 --> 00:04:36.136 to have a look on council's website 00:04:36.160 --> 00:04:38.296 for more information about each of these 00:04:38.320 --> 00:04:39.895 events. 00:04:39.919 --> 00:04:41.656 We've had other great events throughout 00:04:41.680 --> 00:04:44.216 the SH recently. Um but I'm going to 00:04:44.240 --> 00:04:46.776 actually call on a few counselors in 00:04:46.800 --> 00:04:48.936 a moment to share a little bit about 00:04:48.960 --> 00:04:51.496 some of those with you. So we will get 00:04:51.520 --> 00:04:54.520 underway with our agenda for now. 00:04:54.639 --> 00:04:56.776 just to recap on the process for council 00:04:56.800 --> 00:04:58.776 meetings. these operate according to 00:04:58.800 --> 00:05:01.256 our adopted governance rules which 00:05:01.280 --> 00:05:03.735 include the following procedures. During 00:05:03.759 --> 00:05:06.455 the meeting, the mover of a motion or an 00:05:06.479 --> 00:05:09.015 amendment may speak for a maximum of 5 00:05:09.039 --> 00:05:11.256 minutes to open the debate and then a 00:05:11.280 --> 00:05:12.936 further 2 minutes to make a closing 00:05:12.960 --> 00:05:14.615 statement. 00:05:14.639 --> 00:05:16.696 any other counselor including the 00:05:16.720 --> 00:05:19.175 seconder may speak to a motion for no 00:05:19.199 --> 00:05:22.199 more than 3 minutes. I ask that members 00:05:22.240 --> 00:05:24.615 of the gallery avoid using mobile 00:05:24.639 --> 00:05:26.455 phones during the meeting as this can be 00:05:26.479 --> 00:05:28.216 distracting for counselors as well as 00:05:28.240 --> 00:05:30.536 other members of the gallery. And I also 00:05:30.560 --> 00:05:32.856 note that any unauthorized recording of 00:05:32.880 --> 00:05:34.856 the meeting is prohibited under our 00:05:34.880 --> 00:05:36.776 governance rules. However, you can 00:05:36.800 --> 00:05:38.856 access a copy of the official recording 00:05:38.880 --> 00:05:41.880 on our website after the meeting. 00:05:42.479 --> 00:05:44.455 I would now like to recite the pledge as 00:05:44.479 --> 00:05:46.936 a sign of our commitment. As councilors, 00:05:46.960 --> 00:05:49.015 we carry out our responsibilities with 00:05:49.039 --> 00:05:51.735 diligence and integrity and make fair 00:05:51.759 --> 00:05:53.816 decisions of lasting value for the 00:05:53.840 --> 00:05:55.816 well-being of our community and 00:05:55.840 --> 00:05:58.136 environment. 00:05:58.160 --> 00:06:00.856 Do we have any apologies for tonight's 00:06:00.880 --> 00:06:02.615 meeting? 00:06:02.639 --> 00:06:05.416 I'm not aware of any apologies. 00:06:05.440 --> 00:06:07.336 although I do believe councelor Christ 00:06:07.360 --> 00:06:09.096 will be joining us online. 00:06:09.120 --> 00:06:11.735 Seems to be having trouble. Okay. So 00:06:11.759 --> 00:06:13.576 hopefully councelor Chris is able to 00:06:13.600 --> 00:06:16.056 join us online shortly. 00:06:16.080 --> 00:06:18.216 Um 00:06:18.240 --> 00:06:20.376 can I please have a mover and a seconder 00:06:20.400 --> 00:06:22.536 to confirm the minutes of the council 00:06:22.560 --> 00:06:24.936 meeting held on the 9th of December 00:06:24.960 --> 00:06:27.496 2025. 00:06:27.520 --> 00:06:30.376 Moved by councelor Phelps and seconded 00:06:30.400 --> 00:06:33.015 by councelor Walker. Thank you. And I 00:06:33.039 --> 00:06:36.039 will get councilors to vote in. 00:06:37.759 --> 00:06:40.759 Yeah. Wonderful. Supported unanimously. 00:06:41.199 --> 00:06:44.199 Thank you. 00:06:44.639 --> 00:06:47.639 And leave of absence requests. Do we 00:06:48.080 --> 00:06:50.136 have any leave of absence request this 00:06:50.160 --> 00:06:53.160 evening? Councelor Sean Felder. 00:06:53.759 --> 00:06:56.056 Good evening, Mayor. Just with the 00:06:56.080 --> 00:06:58.615 apologies, I abstain because I wasn't 00:06:58.639 --> 00:07:00.776 present for the last meeting. 00:07:00.800 --> 00:07:02.536 Thank you for clarifying that, Councelor 00:07:02.560 --> 00:07:05.336 Sean Felder. And you do have a leave of 00:07:05.360 --> 00:07:07.735 absence request you'd like to speak to. 00:07:07.759 --> 00:07:10.759 yes, please go ahead. 00:07:10.960 --> 00:07:12.856 Oh, sorry. Should I move that first? 00:07:12.880 --> 00:07:14.136 Mayor. 00:07:14.160 --> 00:07:15.816 , no. If you speak to it, councelor 00:07:15.840 --> 00:07:17.575 Sean Felder, then I'll call for a mover 00:07:17.599 --> 00:07:19.015 and a seconder. 00:07:19.039 --> 00:07:21.816 Thank you. Council previously approved 00:07:21.840 --> 00:07:24.295 the leave of absence for me which was in 00:07:24.319 --> 00:07:27.319 place until 1st of January 2026. 00:07:28.400 --> 00:07:31.400 I would like to ask the can the council 00:07:32.319 --> 00:07:34.615 retrospectively 00:07:34.639 --> 00:07:37.575 extend this leave of absence until 7th 00:07:37.599 --> 00:07:40.455 of February 2026. 00:07:40.479 --> 00:07:43.479 As many of you may know, I needed to 00:07:43.599 --> 00:07:45.816 take a period of medical leave following 00:07:45.840 --> 00:07:48.840 an accident. I am now on the mend and I 00:07:49.520 --> 00:07:52.136 am in the process of transitioning back 00:07:52.160 --> 00:07:55.160 to my full workload which means that I 00:07:55.360 --> 00:07:58.360 may have a little longer than usual to 00:07:58.400 --> 00:08:01.400 return correspondence. 00:08:02.000 --> 00:08:05.000 I will also only be attending tonight's 00:08:05.440 --> 00:08:08.136 meeting for 2 hours to ensure that I am 00:08:08.160 --> 00:08:11.160 taking care of my health and recovery. I 00:08:11.599 --> 00:08:13.976 thank everyone for the kindness and 00:08:14.000 --> 00:08:15.976 support I have received during this 00:08:16.000 --> 00:08:17.096 time. 00:08:17.120 --> 00:08:19.096 I would also like to thank council 00:08:19.120 --> 00:08:21.256 officers who have taken the time to 00:08:21.280 --> 00:08:23.895 bring me back up to speed on council 00:08:23.919 --> 00:08:26.455 business that I missed while I was on 00:08:26.479 --> 00:08:29.479 leave, including helping to ensure that 00:08:29.520 --> 00:08:32.520 I am prepared for tonight's meeting. 00:08:32.640 --> 00:08:35.640 Finally, Mayor, I'd like to thank Dr. 00:08:35.839 --> 00:08:38.839 Marvin Gal who is a Muslim doctor at the 00:08:38.959 --> 00:08:41.575 Edworth Hospital for the care that he 00:08:41.599 --> 00:08:44.056 has taken along with other medical 00:08:44.080 --> 00:08:47.080 professionals of me. Thank you. 00:08:47.680 --> 00:08:49.815 Thank you councelor Sean Felder. So can 00:08:49.839 --> 00:08:52.216 I please have a a mover and a seconder 00:08:52.240 --> 00:08:55.016 for this leave of absence councelor 00:08:55.040 --> 00:08:56.696 Patterson and seconded by councelor 00:08:56.720 --> 00:08:59.656 Bodsworth. Thank you. And all those in 00:08:59.680 --> 00:09:02.680 favor of the leave of absence request 00:09:04.320 --> 00:09:07.096 and that is supported unanimously. Thank 00:09:07.120 --> 00:09:10.120 you. Councilors, 00:09:10.880 --> 00:09:13.016 , declarations of conflicts of 00:09:13.040 --> 00:09:14.856 interest. If a counselor or an officer 00:09:14.880 --> 00:09:16.296 has a conflict of interest, they must 00:09:16.320 --> 00:09:18.776 declare it now and do so again just 00:09:18.800 --> 00:09:20.856 prior to the item being discussed. The 00:09:20.880 --> 00:09:22.616 counselor or officer will be 00:09:22.640 --> 00:09:24.696 requested to leave chambers or for those 00:09:24.720 --> 00:09:27.336 online will be placed in a virtual 00:09:27.360 --> 00:09:29.096 waiting room whilst the matter is being 00:09:29.120 --> 00:09:31.096 considered and once the matter is 00:09:31.120 --> 00:09:33.016 resolved the counselor or officer will 00:09:33.040 --> 00:09:34.616 be returned to the meeting. Are there 00:09:34.640 --> 00:09:36.776 any declarations of conflict of interest 00:09:36.800 --> 00:09:39.800 in relation to tonight's agenda? 00:09:41.360 --> 00:09:43.815 No. Thank you. So we'll move on to 00:09:43.839 --> 00:09:46.136 presentations and tonight we will be 00:09:46.160 --> 00:09:49.160 hearing from councilors Phelps Bodsworth 00:09:49.920 --> 00:09:52.136 and if councelor Gri is able to join 00:09:52.160 --> 00:09:54.776 us online councelor Grist regarding a 00:09:54.800 --> 00:09:56.856 number of events in the sh in recent 00:09:56.880 --> 00:09:59.336 months. So I'll start with you councelor 00:09:59.360 --> 00:10:00.216 Phelps. 00:10:00.240 --> 00:10:01.976 Thank you mayor. Um so I filled in for 00:10:02.000 --> 00:10:04.456 Mayor Stapleton at the talk motor show a 00:10:04.480 --> 00:10:05.976 couple of weeks ago on Sunday the 8th of 00:10:06.000 --> 00:10:08.375 Feb to give an acknowledgement of 00:10:08.399 --> 00:10:10.056 country. Um, I'd like to give a shout 00:10:10.080 --> 00:10:12.056 out to the Tori Rotary Club president, 00:10:12.080 --> 00:10:14.616 Kelly Binyan, and her team. , and the 00:10:14.640 --> 00:10:16.375 dozens and dozens of volunteers that 00:10:16.399 --> 00:10:18.375 made for a fabulous day. , it was 00:10:18.399 --> 00:10:20.616 indeed a beautiful day showing off at 00:10:20.640 --> 00:10:22.776 its best. There were 300 plus cars, 00:10:22.800 --> 00:10:25.176 motorbikes, vans, supercars, and some 00:10:25.200 --> 00:10:28.200 very, very passionate owners. Um, I was 00:10:28.240 --> 00:10:29.976 also tasked with making the mayor's 00:10:30.000 --> 00:10:31.736 choice, which was not easy given the 00:10:31.760 --> 00:10:33.176 range and a number of amazingly 00:10:33.200 --> 00:10:35.495 wellresented vehicles. , in the end I 00:10:35.519 --> 00:10:38.456 whittleled it down to a 1966 Morris Mini 00:10:38.480 --> 00:10:41.016 Koopa S owned by Bob Simpson. 00:10:41.040 --> 00:10:42.296 Good choice. 00:10:42.320 --> 00:10:44.776 Everyone said so. All in all, it was a 00:10:44.800 --> 00:10:46.136 great community out for thousands of 00:10:46.160 --> 00:10:47.576 people. It was a really good event. 00:10:47.600 --> 00:10:48.136 Thank you. 00:10:48.160 --> 00:10:50.055 Thanks, Councelor Phelps. 00:10:50.079 --> 00:10:52.776 And , Councelor Bodsworth. 00:10:52.800 --> 00:10:54.296 Thank you, Mayor. So, I'm going to 00:10:54.320 --> 00:10:55.815 provide a brief presentation on the 00:10:55.839 --> 00:10:57.736 Cadell Evans Great Ocean Road Race, 00:10:57.760 --> 00:11:00.296 which was held over the period of 28th 00:11:00.320 --> 00:11:03.320 of January to the 1st of Feb. Um, so the 00:11:03.440 --> 00:11:05.176 women's and men's Cadel Evans Great 00:11:05.200 --> 00:11:08.200 Ocean Road races were run and won the 00:11:08.560 --> 00:11:11.176 road races on Saturday the 31st and 00:11:11.200 --> 00:11:13.736 Sunday the 1st of Feb. New Zealand's 00:11:13.760 --> 00:11:16.136 Alli Wallist won backto back in the 00:11:16.160 --> 00:11:18.536 women's road race and Danish rider 00:11:18.560 --> 00:11:21.096 Tobias London Anderson took out the 00:11:21.120 --> 00:11:24.120 men's road race. These are top tier UCI 00:11:25.040 --> 00:11:27.016 world tour races. So they have the top 00:11:27.040 --> 00:11:28.776 um categorization 00:11:28.800 --> 00:11:31.416 possible of road races in the world. 00:11:31.440 --> 00:11:33.255 they bring the world's best riders to 00:11:33.279 --> 00:11:35.815 the surface and there was a bumper 00:11:35.839 --> 00:11:38.839 turnout from world teams this year and 00:11:38.959 --> 00:11:41.096 they're an amazing showcase of our 00:11:41.120 --> 00:11:43.656 region to the world via the excellent 00:11:43.680 --> 00:11:45.176 coverage and it's always a bit thrilling 00:11:45.200 --> 00:11:47.255 to see um all these squadrons of 00:11:47.279 --> 00:11:48.935 helicopters flying around over the top 00:11:48.959 --> 00:11:51.416 filming the race. Sadly, this year the 00:11:51.440 --> 00:11:53.495 Surf Coast Classic races, which are a 00:11:53.519 --> 00:11:56.519 fantastic um course between lawn and 00:11:56.959 --> 00:11:59.576 torquey, had to be cancelled um because 00:11:59.600 --> 00:12:02.536 of the fire risk. Um, but I do want to 00:12:02.560 --> 00:12:04.536 note that the writers very generously 00:12:04.560 --> 00:12:07.560 donated the prize purses this year and 00:12:07.600 --> 00:12:10.456 um, so for for recovery efforts down the 00:12:10.480 --> 00:12:13.096 coast um, which was an amazing gesture 00:12:13.120 --> 00:12:16.120 and um, the distribution of those um, 00:12:17.120 --> 00:12:19.896 those monies is still being , 00:12:19.920 --> 00:12:21.576 considered. 00:12:21.600 --> 00:12:24.136 , we held the welcome wave on Thursday 00:12:24.160 --> 00:12:26.456 the 29th of January which is an annual 00:12:26.480 --> 00:12:29.480 event to welcome the women's pro teams. 00:12:29.920 --> 00:12:32.920 Um it's a unique event in the world. Um 00:12:33.120 --> 00:12:35.976 the women's pro teams have often been a 00:12:36.000 --> 00:12:38.055 little overlooked next to the men's pro 00:12:38.079 --> 00:12:40.536 teams and so we've made this gesture for 00:12:40.560 --> 00:12:43.096 several years in a row to really elevate 00:12:43.120 --> 00:12:44.615 their efforts and to recognize how 00:12:44.639 --> 00:12:47.639 awesome they all are. Um, so there was a 00:12:47.680 --> 00:12:49.976 cacophony of cowbells, 00:12:50.000 --> 00:12:51.896 , hordes of nippers dressed in pink 00:12:51.920 --> 00:12:53.255 training kits, and quite a few 00:12:53.279 --> 00:12:55.336 counselors were there to greet the 00:12:55.360 --> 00:12:58.296 world's best female riders at this 00:12:58.320 --> 00:13:00.456 year's edition of the, um, of the 00:13:00.480 --> 00:13:03.096 welcome wave. Jangjack Surf Life- Saving 00:13:03.120 --> 00:13:04.856 Club looked fantastic. It was an amazing 00:13:04.880 --> 00:13:07.736 venue. We had 140 of the world's best 00:13:07.760 --> 00:13:10.760 riders, plus team managers, mechanics, 00:13:10.800 --> 00:13:13.800 swaners, event organizers, sponsors, and 00:13:14.079 --> 00:13:15.576 supporters. 00:13:15.600 --> 00:13:18.600 and welcome to country from water woman 00:13:19.120 --> 00:13:21.576 Karina Reckles and we had Mike Cussins 00:13:21.600 --> 00:13:24.600 on the did we do Mayor Libby joined race 00:13:24.880 --> 00:13:27.656 director Scott Southerntherland um for 00:13:27.680 --> 00:13:29.096 the traditional ringing in of the 00:13:29.120 --> 00:13:30.456 women's teams and this year that was 00:13:30.480 --> 00:13:32.776 particularly rockous 00:13:32.800 --> 00:13:34.456 women's team standing up on their chairs 00:13:34.480 --> 00:13:36.296 and shrieking 00:13:36.320 --> 00:13:39.176 which was great and we had a bunch of 00:13:39.200 --> 00:13:41.976 fun activities including a fun game of 00:13:42.000 --> 00:13:44.456 celebrity heads a round of Surf Coast 00:13:44.480 --> 00:13:46.136 Aussie bingo 00:13:46.160 --> 00:13:47.815 testing handball skills. We had a 00:13:47.839 --> 00:13:50.839 handball comp with um AFLW talent Gria 00:13:51.360 --> 00:13:54.360 McKean and we had the really what's 00:13:56.000 --> 00:13:57.815 often the highlight or equal highlight. 00:13:57.839 --> 00:14:00.136 I'll get to the other one in a sec. The 00:14:00.160 --> 00:14:02.536 um native animal encounters which are 00:14:02.560 --> 00:14:04.856 just an unforgettable experience for um 00:14:04.880 --> 00:14:07.336 a lot of the overseas visitors and super 00:14:07.360 --> 00:14:09.495 Instagrammable. I actually did a bit of 00:14:09.519 --> 00:14:12.136 Instagram research preparing these notes 00:14:12.160 --> 00:14:14.696 for tonight and saw a lot of really um 00:14:14.720 --> 00:14:17.720 fantastic images from the native animal 00:14:18.399 --> 00:14:20.696 encounters particularly. The other big 00:14:20.720 --> 00:14:22.375 highlight of the welcome wave is always 00:14:22.399 --> 00:14:25.399 the chocolate buffet. So the women 00:14:26.720 --> 00:14:28.536 raised the criterium in Julong that day 00:14:28.560 --> 00:14:31.096 and so they absolutely smashed the great 00:14:31.120 --> 00:14:33.416 ocean road chocolate archery um buffet 00:14:33.440 --> 00:14:36.136 in the evening. Mhm. And yeah, like I 00:14:36.160 --> 00:14:37.815 said, the welcome wave is unique in the 00:14:37.839 --> 00:14:40.055 world and 00:14:40.079 --> 00:14:42.375 a team member was overheard exiting 00:14:42.399 --> 00:14:43.976 saying it was the best welcome in the 00:14:44.000 --> 00:14:47.000 world. So we love to hear that. We were 00:14:48.000 --> 00:14:50.136 a few of us were sitting near Martina 00:14:50.160 --> 00:14:53.160 Fidanza who's from team Visma Lisa Bike 00:14:53.199 --> 00:14:55.656 who had won the criterium that day. So 00:14:55.680 --> 00:14:57.896 we're asking oh how'd your day go? 00:14:57.920 --> 00:15:00.920 Um yeah great day. what happened? 00:15:01.360 --> 00:15:02.615 What was good today? I won the 00:15:02.639 --> 00:15:05.416 criterium. So things like that are just 00:15:05.440 --> 00:15:08.296 so fantastic. So yeah, just concluding 00:15:08.320 --> 00:15:11.320 so proud that we put this event on. 00:15:11.839 --> 00:15:14.296 I'm so proud of the unique Surf Coast 00:15:14.320 --> 00:15:16.615 welcome that it provides which is has 00:15:16.639 --> 00:15:19.255 got just a an unforgettable Surf Coast 00:15:19.279 --> 00:15:21.175 vibe about it and such a strong local 00:15:21.199 --> 00:15:24.199 flavor and that a lot of that comes from 00:15:24.320 --> 00:15:27.320 our staff who set up the event and um 00:15:27.839 --> 00:15:29.336 and are there and provide amazing 00:15:29.360 --> 00:15:32.055 hospitality throughout. So, I love that 00:15:32.079 --> 00:15:34.055 Surf Coast Shark Council supports the 00:15:34.079 --> 00:15:37.079 the great the um Cadel Evans Great Ocean 00:15:37.199 --> 00:15:40.055 Road Race. Um, particularly love that we 00:15:40.079 --> 00:15:42.136 support the welcome wave, but also love 00:15:42.160 --> 00:15:44.696 the way we go about supporting it, which 00:15:44.720 --> 00:15:47.175 is a very thoughtful way um, really 00:15:47.199 --> 00:15:49.576 making the most of what the event can do 00:15:49.600 --> 00:15:51.896 in terms of stimulating global , 00:15:51.920 --> 00:15:54.136 interest in the area, showcasing amazing 00:15:54.160 --> 00:15:56.935 scenery, um, showcasing the fantastic 00:15:56.959 --> 00:15:59.175 riding opportunities and outdoor 00:15:59.199 --> 00:16:01.416 offering that we have. Um, so yeah, just 00:16:01.440 --> 00:16:03.976 couldn't have been prouder on welcome 00:16:04.000 --> 00:16:05.416 wave night. Thank you, man. 00:16:05.440 --> 00:16:08.216 Lovely. Thanks, Councelor Vodsworth and 00:16:08.240 --> 00:16:09.976 Councelor Gri. I'm glad you've been 00:16:10.000 --> 00:16:11.976 able to to join. You're having some tech 00:16:12.000 --> 00:16:14.456 problems there. 00:16:14.480 --> 00:16:15.896 Yeah, thanks Mayor. I'd like to say I 00:16:15.920 --> 00:16:17.016 knew what I was doing and I was just 00:16:17.040 --> 00:16:19.416 pressing buttons doing something. 00:16:19.440 --> 00:16:22.375 So, Council Gri is going to give us a 00:16:22.399 --> 00:16:25.399 bit of an update on um the great 00:16:26.079 --> 00:16:28.776 results that were achieved through Surf 00:16:28.800 --> 00:16:31.016 Coast Council's share in the spirit 00:16:31.040 --> 00:16:33.255 of Christmas festive campaign over 00:16:33.279 --> 00:16:35.976 Christmas. Thanks, Councelor Gri. 00:16:36.000 --> 00:16:38.136 That's great. Yeah. Um, so share the 00:16:38.160 --> 00:16:40.615 Surf Coast spirit Christmas activations. 00:16:40.639 --> 00:16:43.639 Um, and I'd like to table the the 00:16:44.639 --> 00:16:46.375 officer update provided to councils on 00:16:46.399 --> 00:16:49.399 the 12th of February regarding the 2025 00:16:49.680 --> 00:16:52.216 um Christmas activations and to have 00:16:52.240 --> 00:16:53.416 that included in the minutes for the 00:16:53.440 --> 00:16:54.615 benefit of interested community groups 00:16:54.639 --> 00:16:57.639 and traders in the Surf Coast. Um, this 00:16:57.680 --> 00:16:59.175 program demonstrates how relatively 00:16:59.199 --> 00:17:01.016 modest investment can generate strong 00:17:01.040 --> 00:17:03.255 community outcomes. the expenditure 00:17:03.279 --> 00:17:06.136 was a little over $84,000 coming under 00:17:06.160 --> 00:17:09.160 the $88,000 um budget allocation. 00:17:10.160 --> 00:17:12.696 council delivered Christmas trees and 00:17:12.720 --> 00:17:14.376 decorations across multiple townships, 00:17:14.400 --> 00:17:16.856 community carols, Santa activations, a 00:17:16.880 --> 00:17:19.096 blo campaign, and partnerships with 00:17:19.120 --> 00:17:21.576 local community groups. 00:17:21.600 --> 00:17:23.336 Importantly, the campaign reached over 00:17:23.360 --> 00:17:26.360 126,000 people. social sentiment was 00:17:26.480 --> 00:17:28.936 overwhelm overwhelmingly positive and 00:17:28.960 --> 00:17:31.096 only one minor complaint was received, 00:17:31.120 --> 00:17:33.736 the lowest level in several years. Um 00:17:33.760 --> 00:17:36.056 beyond the numbers, the real value is in 00:17:36.080 --> 00:17:37.336 community strengthening, families 00:17:37.360 --> 00:17:39.015 gathering at carols, children posting 00:17:39.039 --> 00:17:41.176 letters to Santa, local volunteers 00:17:41.200 --> 00:17:42.856 building decorations, schools and 00:17:42.880 --> 00:17:44.616 community groups contributing to town 00:17:44.640 --> 00:17:46.775 displays, and new residents engaging 00:17:46.799 --> 00:17:48.216 with their visitor centers for the first 00:17:48.240 --> 00:17:49.655 time. 00:17:49.679 --> 00:17:51.416 These activations help create shared 00:17:51.440 --> 00:17:54.296 experiences across to key winter angles 00:17:54.320 --> 00:17:55.895 areas inlet lawn and deans marsh 00:17:55.919 --> 00:17:58.456 reinforcing local civic pride connection 00:17:58.480 --> 00:18:00.696 and economic activity during our most 00:18:00.720 --> 00:18:03.256 important trading period. 00:18:03.280 --> 00:18:04.616 I'd like to commend officers on 00:18:04.640 --> 00:18:05.976 delivering a well-managed program that 00:18:06.000 --> 00:18:07.256 came in under budget and clearly 00:18:07.280 --> 00:18:09.176 strengthened community spirit. And I'd 00:18:09.200 --> 00:18:10.616 like to table, as I said, the report for 00:18:10.640 --> 00:18:12.296 inclusion in the minutes as I believe 00:18:12.320 --> 00:18:13.655 it's an important read for our community 00:18:13.679 --> 00:18:16.056 groups and traders to hopefully build on 00:18:16.080 --> 00:18:17.655 um what we did this year in future 00:18:17.679 --> 00:18:19.096 years. Thank you. 00:18:19.120 --> 00:18:21.655 Thank you, councelor Gri. we'll now 00:18:21.679 --> 00:18:24.679 move on to public questions. And we 00:18:25.760 --> 00:18:27.256 have 00:18:27.280 --> 00:18:28.936 two community members who have 00:18:28.960 --> 00:18:31.960 submitted four questions um for tonight. 00:18:32.720 --> 00:18:34.856 And our first question is from Matt 00:18:34.880 --> 00:18:37.655 Hines. And I can see that Matt is in the 00:18:37.679 --> 00:18:39.256 audience. I'll ask you to come up to the 00:18:39.280 --> 00:18:41.176 table, Matt, and you've got two 00:18:41.200 --> 00:18:42.696 questions that you'd like to ask. 00:18:42.720 --> 00:18:45.720 Yeah. 00:18:46.320 --> 00:18:48.456 Okay. Um 00:18:48.480 --> 00:18:50.136 firstly, thank you for the work that 00:18:50.160 --> 00:18:51.655 council has been doing recently to 00:18:51.679 --> 00:18:53.976 improve pedestrian and cycling safety, 00:18:54.000 --> 00:18:55.655 including the current works on Fischer 00:18:55.679 --> 00:18:58.056 Street and also the planned advocacy for 00:18:58.080 --> 00:19:00.056 increasing federal funding for active 00:19:00.080 --> 00:19:02.616 transport. The Fisher Street works have 00:19:02.640 --> 00:19:04.056 prompted many to query when other 00:19:04.080 --> 00:19:05.576 streets will receive improvements for 00:19:05.600 --> 00:19:08.296 safety. Many of the current safety works 00:19:08.320 --> 00:19:10.216 have come about via the safer cycling 00:19:10.240 --> 00:19:12.136 strategy, but there are many areas where 00:19:12.160 --> 00:19:13.976 the matter is one of primarily 00:19:14.000 --> 00:19:16.456 pedestrian safety. And when thinking 00:19:16.480 --> 00:19:17.736 about pedestrians, it's important to 00:19:17.760 --> 00:19:19.176 remember that this includes people who 00:19:19.200 --> 00:19:21.336 use wheelchairs and mobility scooters, 00:19:21.360 --> 00:19:22.775 as well as parents and grandparents 00:19:22.799 --> 00:19:25.176 pushing prams and strollers. 00:19:25.200 --> 00:19:26.936 Some obvious streets in Toki in need of 00:19:26.960 --> 00:19:28.216 safety improvements include the 00:19:28.240 --> 00:19:30.056 Esplanade, which has just three marked 00:19:30.080 --> 00:19:32.296 crossings for its entire length despite 00:19:32.320 --> 00:19:34.616 having high pedestrian traffic volumes. 00:19:34.640 --> 00:19:36.456 The Surf Coast Highway, which currently 00:19:36.480 --> 00:19:38.696 has no safe crossing between Surf City 00:19:38.720 --> 00:19:41.496 and the RACV, although lights planned 00:19:41.520 --> 00:19:43.496 for Bristol Road, will go partway in 00:19:43.520 --> 00:19:45.096 addressing the safety issues along this 00:19:45.120 --> 00:19:47.176 long stretch of road. And then there are 00:19:47.200 --> 00:19:49.015 the unofficial crossings on the same 00:19:49.039 --> 00:19:51.176 road further north at Deep Creek and 00:19:51.200 --> 00:19:53.816 Aldi. And despite multiple community 00:19:53.840 --> 00:19:55.816 consultations over the decades calling 00:19:55.840 --> 00:19:57.736 for Gilbert Street to be pedestrianized, 00:19:57.760 --> 00:19:59.895 it continues in its role as a shortcut 00:19:59.919 --> 00:20:01.576 through to Bristol Road. And on 00:20:01.600 --> 00:20:03.736 weekends, a queue of cars circling while 00:20:03.760 --> 00:20:05.816 they look for a park, while the Brit 00:20:05.840 --> 00:20:07.655 crossings cause confusion for both 00:20:07.679 --> 00:20:09.576 drivers and pedestrians. Are they a 00:20:09.600 --> 00:20:11.736 crossing? Are they not a crossing? And 00:20:11.760 --> 00:20:14.056 this is just in to the Great Ocean Road 00:20:14.080 --> 00:20:15.736 in Anglesy and Aries and Mount Joy 00:20:15.760 --> 00:20:17.976 Parade in Lawn also lack sufficient safe 00:20:18.000 --> 00:20:20.456 pedestrian crossings. So on to my 00:20:20.480 --> 00:20:22.376 question. Our council planning on 00:20:22.400 --> 00:20:24.216 developing a pedestrian safety strategy 00:20:24.240 --> 00:20:26.376 to guide future safety improvements 00:20:26.400 --> 00:20:28.216 either as part of a broader integrated 00:20:28.240 --> 00:20:30.856 transport plan as part of the next safer 00:20:30.880 --> 00:20:32.936 cycling strategy or as a standalone 00:20:32.960 --> 00:20:33.976 plan. 00:20:34.000 --> 00:20:35.416 Thanks for your question, Matt. I'm 00:20:35.440 --> 00:20:37.496 going to refer that to our CEO to 00:20:37.520 --> 00:20:38.936 respond to you. 00:20:38.960 --> 00:20:41.256 Hi Matt, thanks for asking your 00:20:41.280 --> 00:20:43.096 question. It's a it's an important 00:20:43.120 --> 00:20:46.056 issue. Um we don't currently have a 00:20:46.080 --> 00:20:49.080 pedestrian um strategy on our work plan 00:20:49.120 --> 00:20:51.096 and we don't have funding allocated to 00:20:51.120 --> 00:20:53.736 the development of a pedestrian strategy 00:20:53.760 --> 00:20:56.296 at this point. The way we tend to 00:20:56.320 --> 00:20:58.936 consider pedestrian safety is sort of as 00:20:58.960 --> 00:21:00.616 you were talking about is through either 00:21:00.640 --> 00:21:03.640 our road safety strategy or our safer 00:21:03.919 --> 00:21:06.216 cycling strategy. 00:21:06.240 --> 00:21:09.096 Um and we try to ensure that the work 00:21:09.120 --> 00:21:10.856 we're doing for pedestrians kind of 00:21:10.880 --> 00:21:13.880 align through these these strategies. 00:21:14.720 --> 00:21:17.720 That said, we have a pretty great team 00:21:17.840 --> 00:21:20.840 in in our um current acting GM of 00:21:21.679 --> 00:21:24.616 placemaking environment team who in his 00:21:24.640 --> 00:21:27.256 substantive role who who are very good 00:21:27.280 --> 00:21:30.056 at attracting grants um and getting 00:21:30.080 --> 00:21:32.856 funding for a range of things including 00:21:32.880 --> 00:21:35.880 pedestrian um safety infrastructure. And 00:21:36.320 --> 00:21:39.096 so we're really fortunate that we've got 00:21:39.120 --> 00:21:41.816 such a highly skilled team who are who 00:21:41.840 --> 00:21:44.840 are really um think about that a lot. So 00:21:45.840 --> 00:21:48.840 um and I guess 00:21:51.200 --> 00:21:54.056 while pedestrian safety is considered 00:21:54.080 --> 00:21:55.895 within a broader sort of integrated 00:21:55.919 --> 00:21:58.919 transport plan or as part of a safer 00:21:59.520 --> 00:22:02.520 cycling strategy 00:22:02.640 --> 00:22:04.775 as as a standalone strategy would be 00:22:04.799 --> 00:22:07.799 helpful. Um so I guess um at this point 00:22:10.240 --> 00:22:13.240 we don't have it on our plans. We it is 00:22:13.520 --> 00:22:14.936 something we're interested in and we 00:22:14.960 --> 00:22:16.696 will consider 00:22:16.720 --> 00:22:18.535 future opportunities particularly if we 00:22:18.559 --> 00:22:20.135 can attract some funding in order to 00:22:20.159 --> 00:22:23.159 fund the preparation of a pedestrian 00:22:23.840 --> 00:22:26.840 strategy um because it is a priority. So 00:22:26.880 --> 00:22:28.696 thanks thanks for your thanks for your 00:22:28.720 --> 00:22:29.416 question. 00:22:29.440 --> 00:22:30.056 Thank you. 00:22:30.080 --> 00:22:31.895 Thanks Matt. And would you like to ask 00:22:31.919 --> 00:22:33.416 your second question now? 00:22:33.440 --> 00:22:36.056 similar topic more specific 00:22:36.080 --> 00:22:38.696 example. so for over a year now the 00:22:38.720 --> 00:22:40.696 major north south shared pathway that 00:22:40.720 --> 00:22:42.216 runs parallel to the west side of the 00:22:42.240 --> 00:22:44.216 Surf Coast highway has been blocked at 00:22:44.240 --> 00:22:47.015 Grossman's road. The route is part is a 00:22:47.039 --> 00:22:48.616 key part of access to schools, 00:22:48.640 --> 00:22:50.296 childcare, recreational facilities, 00:22:50.320 --> 00:22:52.856 workplaces and hospitality businesses. 00:22:52.880 --> 00:22:55.096 The fencing in place to allow for the 00:22:55.120 --> 00:22:56.535 construction of a left turning lane has 00:22:56.559 --> 00:22:58.456 occupied the public reserve and public 00:22:58.480 --> 00:23:00.456 pathway and prevented access to the 00:23:00.480 --> 00:23:03.015 signalized pedestrian crossing. These 00:23:03.039 --> 00:23:04.296 works were meant to have been completed 00:23:04.320 --> 00:23:07.320 last year. In the meantime, no safe 00:23:07.360 --> 00:23:10.360 alternative crossing has been installed. 00:23:10.559 --> 00:23:12.296 This has resulted in pedestrians and 00:23:12.320 --> 00:23:14.456 cyclists choosing one of three paths. 00:23:14.480 --> 00:23:15.816 First, to walk along the highway to 00:23:15.840 --> 00:23:17.976 reach the lights, to walk on Grossman's 00:23:18.000 --> 00:23:19.576 road to reach the lights, or finally to 00:23:19.600 --> 00:23:21.976 use the temp the temporary path past the 00:23:22.000 --> 00:23:24.056 motel to attempt to cross the road at 00:23:24.080 --> 00:23:25.816 what has become the new intersection 00:23:25.840 --> 00:23:27.816 where the new where the new major 00:23:27.840 --> 00:23:29.895 development enters Grossman Road, which 00:23:29.919 --> 00:23:32.376 is not a safe place to cross. 00:23:32.400 --> 00:23:34.616 I do note that in the last few days, new 00:23:34.640 --> 00:23:36.616 signage has been put in place to direct 00:23:36.640 --> 00:23:39.096 pedestrians to cross at the bus stop. 00:23:39.120 --> 00:23:40.696 but this will still require pedestrians 00:23:40.720 --> 00:23:42.616 to negotiate their path across what can 00:23:42.640 --> 00:23:44.535 be a very busy road, especially during 00:23:44.559 --> 00:23:46.296 the school and childcare pickup times 00:23:46.320 --> 00:23:48.775 and the busy afterwork period. A 00:23:48.799 --> 00:23:50.856 temporary pedestrian refuge should be 00:23:50.880 --> 00:23:53.015 considered for this location. 00:23:53.039 --> 00:23:55.015 And my question, , how much longer 00:23:55.039 --> 00:23:56.456 will the private developer be permitted 00:23:56.480 --> 00:23:57.895 to block access to the pedestrian 00:23:57.919 --> 00:23:59.655 crossing? And what safety measures will 00:23:59.679 --> 00:24:01.816 council put in place in the meantime to 00:24:01.840 --> 00:24:03.096 allow for the safe crossing of 00:24:03.120 --> 00:24:06.120 Crossman's Road? 00:24:06.159 --> 00:24:07.576 Thank you, Matt, for the question. I'll 00:24:07.600 --> 00:24:09.256 refer that to the CEO also. 00:24:09.280 --> 00:24:12.280 Thanks, Matt. So, as you referred to, 00:24:12.320 --> 00:24:15.320 there is a temporary um signed 00:24:16.080 --> 00:24:18.456 detour for the footpath at the 00:24:18.480 --> 00:24:20.376 crossing. 00:24:20.400 --> 00:24:23.400 We understand from the developer that 00:24:23.520 --> 00:24:25.336 when they were as part of undertaking 00:24:25.360 --> 00:24:26.936 the works, they've encountered some 00:24:26.960 --> 00:24:29.960 underground services which um are in the 00:24:30.080 --> 00:24:31.736 way of them completing the works which 00:24:31.760 --> 00:24:33.336 is why there's been the delay in the 00:24:33.360 --> 00:24:36.056 completion of the project. Um the 00:24:36.080 --> 00:24:37.976 developers been liazing with the 00:24:38.000 --> 00:24:40.696 department of transport in terms of the 00:24:40.720 --> 00:24:43.015 movement or management of those those 00:24:43.039 --> 00:24:46.039 services um at the intersection and are 00:24:46.320 --> 00:24:48.056 trying to resolve the issue as quickly 00:24:48.080 --> 00:24:51.080 as they can. We understand from the 00:24:51.279 --> 00:24:54.279 developer that the work should be 00:24:54.400 --> 00:24:57.176 finalized in the next couple of months. 00:24:57.200 --> 00:24:59.576 In the meantime, we'll forward your 00:24:59.600 --> 00:25:01.576 concerns about the pedestrian safety to 00:25:01.600 --> 00:25:03.416 the developer to see what safety 00:25:03.440 --> 00:25:05.895 improvements can be made at the 00:25:05.919 --> 00:25:08.856 intersection in the interim. Thanks for 00:25:08.880 --> 00:25:09.496 your question. 00:25:09.520 --> 00:25:10.216 Thank you. 00:25:10.240 --> 00:25:12.376 Thanks, Matt. 00:25:12.400 --> 00:25:15.400 and our next two questions are from 00:25:15.760 --> 00:25:18.535 Jean Crowe. And I don't believe Jean is 00:25:18.559 --> 00:25:21.176 with us. So I will read these 00:25:21.200 --> 00:25:23.895 questions out on behalf of Jean. 00:25:23.919 --> 00:25:26.056 question one, in light of the recent 00:25:26.080 --> 00:25:28.376 signage debacle at the Darian Road 00:25:28.400 --> 00:25:31.015 Fisher Street roundabout, what controls 00:25:31.039 --> 00:25:33.416 has council implemented to prevent a 00:25:33.440 --> 00:25:35.895 similar waste of money in future? And 00:25:35.919 --> 00:25:37.576 further, what lessons were learned from 00:25:37.600 --> 00:25:40.600 this costly and embarrassing situation? 00:25:41.120 --> 00:25:44.120 I'll refer it to my CEO. 00:25:44.880 --> 00:25:47.336 Thanks for your questions, Jean. Um the 00:25:47.360 --> 00:25:49.816 Darian Road Fisher Street intersection 00:25:49.840 --> 00:25:52.840 works um received state government grant 00:25:53.919 --> 00:25:56.056 funding and one of the requirements as 00:25:56.080 --> 00:25:59.015 part of that grant was that we comply 00:25:59.039 --> 00:26:02.039 with the updated Australian standard AS1 00:26:03.039 --> 00:26:06.039 1742 for road signage. the signage 00:26:08.240 --> 00:26:10.775 um that was installed and then the 00:26:10.799 --> 00:26:12.936 community feedback that we received was 00:26:12.960 --> 00:26:15.960 reviewed by council and council chose 00:26:16.159 --> 00:26:19.159 to remove several signs to reduce con um 00:26:19.520 --> 00:26:21.336 congestion while still complying with 00:26:21.360 --> 00:26:24.056 the lower signage standards. There's a 00:26:24.080 --> 00:26:26.296 range of ways that you can comply with 00:26:26.320 --> 00:26:28.216 the Australian standards. So, 00:26:28.240 --> 00:26:30.216 complying with the lower signage 00:26:30.240 --> 00:26:32.856 standards outlined within the Australian 00:26:32.880 --> 00:26:35.880 road rules 00:26:36.320 --> 00:26:38.056 2000. 00:26:38.080 --> 00:26:40.616 since then, officers have provided 00:26:40.640 --> 00:26:42.696 feedback to the state government on the 00:26:42.720 --> 00:26:45.015 updated Australian standards and the 00:26:45.039 --> 00:26:47.015 level of signage congestion that 00:26:47.039 --> 00:26:50.039 strictly adhering to guidelines creates. 00:26:50.159 --> 00:26:52.376 In future, our officers will consider 00:26:52.400 --> 00:26:54.696 the level of signage congestion while 00:26:54.720 --> 00:26:56.456 still ensuring council meets its 00:26:56.480 --> 00:26:58.936 requirements to adequately sign 00:26:58.960 --> 00:27:01.336 intersections. So, thanks Jean for your 00:27:01.360 --> 00:27:03.816 for your first question. And the second 00:27:03.840 --> 00:27:05.655 question from Jean, the recent 00:27:05.679 --> 00:27:08.135 installation of dozens of no standing 00:27:08.159 --> 00:27:10.856 signs on Centerside Drive has reduced 00:27:10.880 --> 00:27:13.176 the visual amenity of the street. Was 00:27:13.200 --> 00:27:15.655 this issue considered when planning and 00:27:15.679 --> 00:27:18.056 approving this project? And further, 00:27:18.080 --> 00:27:19.816 would council consider reducing the 00:27:19.840 --> 00:27:22.296 sheer number of signs in this location? 00:27:22.320 --> 00:27:25.320 And I'll also refer that to our CEO. So, 00:27:25.360 --> 00:27:26.856 Jean, I'm sure you'll be relieved to 00:27:26.880 --> 00:27:29.496 hear that the signs are temporary. , 00:27:29.520 --> 00:27:31.895 so the no standing signs on Centerside 00:27:31.919 --> 00:27:34.919 Drive are a temporary meas measure, 00:27:35.039 --> 00:27:37.336 can't speak tonight, to enable bus 00:27:37.360 --> 00:27:39.976 movements um through this area whilst 00:27:40.000 --> 00:27:42.535 the detour is in place for works along 00:27:42.559 --> 00:27:45.336 Mary Jig Drive. We anticipate the works 00:27:45.360 --> 00:27:48.135 will be completed and signs removed by 00:27:48.159 --> 00:27:51.159 mid Jul mid July midappril. So it's only 00:27:51.919 --> 00:27:53.816 a little while longer and it's really 00:27:53.840 --> 00:27:55.655 to ensure that the buses can move 00:27:55.679 --> 00:27:58.456 through that area safely. But thanks for 00:27:58.480 --> 00:28:01.480 your question and that concludes our 00:28:01.600 --> 00:28:04.456 public question time this evening. So we 00:28:04.480 --> 00:28:07.336 will continue on. Um there are no 00:28:07.360 --> 00:28:10.360 petitions for tonight's meeting. but 00:28:12.000 --> 00:28:14.616 next up we do have a notice of motion. 00:28:14.640 --> 00:28:15.976 We have one notice of motion for 00:28:16.000 --> 00:28:17.976 tonight's meeting which relates to 00:28:18.000 --> 00:28:20.616 vandalism in the Surf Co Shire. Do we 00:28:20.640 --> 00:28:22.375 have a mover for this motion? Councelor 00:28:22.399 --> 00:28:25.399 Barker and seconded by Councelor Gri. 00:28:25.919 --> 00:28:27.655 Thank you. And councelor Barker I'll 00:28:27.679 --> 00:28:28.936 invite you to speak to the motion. 00:28:28.960 --> 00:28:30.375 Thanks May. I've got technical 00:28:30.399 --> 00:28:32.216 difficulties at the moment. So my notes 00:28:32.240 --> 00:28:35.240 are in the ether not in front of me. 00:28:35.360 --> 00:28:38.360 so I'll do my best to replicate them by 00:28:38.559 --> 00:28:41.496 memory. on Australia Day there was a 00:28:41.520 --> 00:28:43.816 community event in Anglesy 00:28:43.840 --> 00:28:46.056 either the night or the afternoon 00:28:46.080 --> 00:28:49.080 prior to that some vandals graffitied 00:28:49.600 --> 00:28:52.535 the tent that was part of that activity. 00:28:52.559 --> 00:28:54.535 Um, 00:28:54.559 --> 00:28:57.559 now obviously I'm on the record as of 00:28:58.159 --> 00:28:59.655 having supported Australia Day in the 00:28:59.679 --> 00:29:01.736 past and I support those that 00:29:01.760 --> 00:29:03.976 disagree to be able to have their say, 00:29:04.000 --> 00:29:07.000 but the way this graffiti was done 00:29:07.520 --> 00:29:09.655 violated private property rights. 00:29:09.679 --> 00:29:11.655 Individuals and groups had gone out and 00:29:11.679 --> 00:29:14.679 spent money to hire this equipment that 00:29:14.880 --> 00:29:17.655 vandals chose to spray with an 00:29:17.679 --> 00:29:20.296 anti-Australia day sentiment. as a 00:29:20.320 --> 00:29:22.456 free speech advocate, all power to you. 00:29:22.480 --> 00:29:24.216 If you've got different ideas, feel free 00:29:24.240 --> 00:29:27.096 to share them. But doing it in this 00:29:27.120 --> 00:29:30.120 format was neither inclusive nor 00:29:30.399 --> 00:29:33.399 respectful, and 00:29:34.480 --> 00:29:37.096 council has a policy on vandalism and 00:29:37.120 --> 00:29:38.936 graffiti. 00:29:38.960 --> 00:29:41.176 This notice of motion does not sway from 00:29:41.200 --> 00:29:44.200 that, but it does allow us the 00:29:44.240 --> 00:29:47.240 opportunity to put forward a public 00:29:47.760 --> 00:29:50.760 position that we are against graffiti in 00:29:52.240 --> 00:29:55.096 all forms, whether it's on private or 00:29:55.120 --> 00:29:57.096 public land. 00:29:57.120 --> 00:30:00.056 And 00:30:00.080 --> 00:30:02.056 I think that this council will be most 00:30:02.080 --> 00:30:04.616 effective at getting the message through 00:30:04.640 --> 00:30:07.640 because what I've seen around to key at 00:30:08.000 --> 00:30:11.000 least and the great Surf Coast region 00:30:11.120 --> 00:30:13.655 there's a lot of tags graffiti not 00:30:13.679 --> 00:30:16.296 political just people marking their 00:30:16.320 --> 00:30:17.816 territory 00:30:17.840 --> 00:30:20.216 but when it comes to political slogans 00:30:20.240 --> 00:30:22.535 on graffiti I've often seen them aligned 00:30:22.559 --> 00:30:24.696 with the progressive socialist 00:30:24.720 --> 00:30:27.096 collectivist whatever you want to call 00:30:27.120 --> 00:30:30.120 um ideology and I think that there's a 00:30:30.320 --> 00:30:32.135 lot of people in this room that would 00:30:32.159 --> 00:30:34.056 have a lot of influence over those 00:30:34.080 --> 00:30:37.080 people and if this council is to pass 00:30:38.000 --> 00:30:40.856 this notice of motion I think that it 00:30:40.880 --> 00:30:43.880 will be more effective than any other 00:30:45.840 --> 00:30:48.840 sort of um action that could be taken 00:30:49.440 --> 00:30:52.056 against it. I've personally publicly 00:30:52.080 --> 00:30:54.775 offered $500 for information that leads 00:30:54.799 --> 00:30:56.936 to the prosecution of the vandal in this 00:30:56.960 --> 00:30:59.416 case. I don't want to have to do that 00:30:59.440 --> 00:31:02.216 in the future. Um, and I would hope that 00:31:02.240 --> 00:31:04.056 there's some strong leadership within 00:31:04.080 --> 00:31:06.856 this group to be able to put aside 00:31:06.880 --> 00:31:09.655 personal political preferences and put 00:31:09.679 --> 00:31:12.679 forward a strong public position that 00:31:13.440 --> 00:31:15.976 Surf Coast Shire condemns graffiti and 00:31:16.000 --> 00:31:18.216 vandalism in all its forms, whether it's 00:31:18.240 --> 00:31:21.240 on public or private land, and set a 00:31:21.679 --> 00:31:23.895 line in the sand that regardless of what 00:31:23.919 --> 00:31:26.456 your views are, breaching private 00:31:26.480 --> 00:31:29.480 property rights by vandalizing them is 00:31:30.320 --> 00:31:32.936 not an appropriate way to go and if 00:31:32.960 --> 00:31:35.960 anything will more than likely harm your 00:31:36.399 --> 00:31:38.936 cause or that that you're the message 00:31:38.960 --> 00:31:41.495 that you're trying to get forward. 00:31:41.519 --> 00:31:44.456 that was the the motivation for putting 00:31:44.480 --> 00:31:46.856 this notice motion forward. Very happy 00:31:46.880 --> 00:31:49.255 to hear opposing views and I look 00:31:49.279 --> 00:31:52.279 forward to the end result. 00:31:52.799 --> 00:31:54.696 Thanks Councelor Barker and councelor 00:31:54.720 --> 00:31:57.720 Gri. 00:31:57.919 --> 00:32:00.919 Yeah, thanks Mayor. Um, 00:32:00.960 --> 00:32:03.176 so this motion appears straightforward, 00:32:03.200 --> 00:32:04.616 but it speaks to something much deeper 00:32:04.640 --> 00:32:06.936 than graffiti or damaged property. It 00:32:06.960 --> 00:32:09.495 speaks to who we are as a community. The 00:32:09.519 --> 00:32:11.015 intention of this motion is to ensure 00:32:11.039 --> 00:32:12.616 that no member of our community is left 00:32:12.640 --> 00:32:14.296 in any doubt that vandalism is not 00:32:14.320 --> 00:32:16.775 activism. It is not dialogue and is not 00:32:16.799 --> 00:32:19.576 civic engagement. It is unlawful damage 00:32:19.600 --> 00:32:21.976 that costs rapays money, burdens our 00:32:22.000 --> 00:32:23.655 staff and volunteers and diminishes the 00:32:23.679 --> 00:32:26.679 amenity and safety of our shared spaces. 00:32:27.360 --> 00:32:28.856 Council's 00:32:28.880 --> 00:32:30.456 council's graffiti management policy 00:32:30.480 --> 00:32:32.135 already recognizes that vandalism 00:32:32.159 --> 00:32:34.056 imposes financial and social costs and 00:32:34.080 --> 00:32:36.535 negatively impacts community well-being. 00:32:36.559 --> 00:32:38.296 This motion simply reinforces that 00:32:38.320 --> 00:32:40.135 principle that unlawful damage to 00:32:40.159 --> 00:32:41.416 property and disruption of lawful 00:32:41.440 --> 00:32:43.015 community events is inconsistent with 00:32:43.039 --> 00:32:45.495 our community values. But there is also 00:32:45.519 --> 00:32:46.775 something deeper here that we must 00:32:46.799 --> 00:32:49.416 explore. When standards slip, when 00:32:49.440 --> 00:32:51.655 unlawful behavior is excused as passion, 00:32:51.679 --> 00:32:53.895 when intimidation is called expression, 00:32:53.919 --> 00:32:55.576 the line between right and wrong starts 00:32:55.600 --> 00:32:57.416 to blur. 00:32:57.440 --> 00:32:58.856 Strong leadership means keeping that 00:32:58.880 --> 00:33:00.616 line clear. It means standing up for the 00:33:00.640 --> 00:33:02.616 rule of law. It means saying plainly 00:33:02.640 --> 00:33:05.096 what is acceptable and what is not. 00:33:05.120 --> 00:33:06.775 Across Australia, we have seen what can 00:33:06.799 --> 00:33:08.296 happen when leadership is unclear or 00:33:08.320 --> 00:33:10.775 hesitant on what is acceptable behavior. 00:33:10.799 --> 00:33:12.936 It starts with graffiti. It escalates to 00:33:12.960 --> 00:33:15.576 vandalism. It grows into aggressive 00:33:15.600 --> 00:33:17.576 protests and when boundaries continue to 00:33:17.600 --> 00:33:19.416 erode, we see tragic consequences such 00:33:19.440 --> 00:33:22.296 as the horrific attack of Bondi. 00:33:22.320 --> 00:33:23.895 No one is saying graffiti automatically 00:33:23.919 --> 00:33:26.616 leads to violence, but culture matters. 00:33:26.640 --> 00:33:29.255 Standards matter. The tone leaders set 00:33:29.279 --> 00:33:31.255 matters. When leaders speak clearly and 00:33:31.279 --> 00:33:32.856 act firmly, they strengthen the social 00:33:32.880 --> 00:33:35.336 contract. When they hesitate, confusion 00:33:35.360 --> 00:33:38.296 and chaos fills the space. Across our 00:33:38.320 --> 00:33:40.296 SH, many residents wish to express civic 00:33:40.320 --> 00:33:42.375 and national pride. Whether through 00:33:42.399 --> 00:33:44.056 flags, commemorations, cultural 00:33:44.080 --> 00:33:46.456 celebrations, or community events. These 00:33:46.480 --> 00:33:48.056 are lawful, peaceful expressions of 00:33:48.080 --> 00:33:49.655 belonging. They are not acts of 00:33:49.679 --> 00:33:51.096 exclusion. They are part of the rich 00:33:51.120 --> 00:33:53.576 fabric of local identity. 00:33:53.600 --> 00:33:55.176 When council policies are unclear, 00:33:55.200 --> 00:33:57.336 inconsistently applied or perceived to 00:33:57.360 --> 00:33:59.096 favor some viewpoints over others, we 00:33:59.120 --> 00:34:01.416 risk unintentionally creating division. 00:34:01.440 --> 00:34:02.696 When people believe their lawful 00:34:02.720 --> 00:34:03.816 expression of civic pride is 00:34:03.840 --> 00:34:05.416 discouraged, while unlawful behavior is 00:34:05.440 --> 00:34:07.416 tolerated or explained away, frustration 00:34:07.440 --> 00:34:09.815 grows, and in that vacuum, vandalism and 00:34:09.839 --> 00:34:12.696 intimidation can become emboldened. 00:34:12.720 --> 00:34:13.895 Our obligation under the Local 00:34:13.919 --> 00:34:15.575 Government Act 2020 is to act in the 00:34:15.599 --> 00:34:17.016 public interest and support safe, 00:34:17.040 --> 00:34:19.655 cohesive communities. Cohesion does not 00:34:19.679 --> 00:34:21.976 mean uniformity. It means mutual respect 00:34:22.000 --> 00:34:24.536 under the rule of law. I appreciate we 00:34:24.560 --> 00:34:25.976 cannot control every act of vandalism, 00:34:26.000 --> 00:34:27.575 but we can control the standards we set 00:34:27.599 --> 00:34:29.575 and we make it and we can make it clear 00:34:29.599 --> 00:34:31.416 that property will be respected, lawful 00:34:31.440 --> 00:34:33.575 events will be protected, volunteers and 00:34:33.599 --> 00:34:35.335 staff will be supported and cited and 00:34:35.359 --> 00:34:36.696 national pride when expressed lawfully 00:34:36.720 --> 00:34:39.575 and respectfully is welcome in the sh. 00:34:39.599 --> 00:34:41.016 If we are serious about inclusion, we 00:34:41.040 --> 00:34:42.456 must include those who love their town, 00:34:42.480 --> 00:34:44.776 their state, and their country. Strong 00:34:44.800 --> 00:34:46.375 leadership does not inflame. It does not 00:34:46.399 --> 00:34:48.375 divide. It clarifies it steadies and 00:34:48.399 --> 00:34:50.776 sets the tone. This motion is not about 00:34:50.800 --> 00:34:52.855 politics. It is about principle. It is 00:34:52.879 --> 00:34:54.216 about reaffirming that disagreement 00:34:54.240 --> 00:34:55.976 belongs to in debate, not on spray 00:34:56.000 --> 00:34:57.016 painted walls or through the 00:34:57.040 --> 00:35:00.040 intimidation of community events. 00:35:00.240 --> 00:35:02.136 So I call on my fellow councils to be 00:35:02.160 --> 00:35:03.896 clear, balanced, and firm. Let us 00:35:03.920 --> 00:35:05.656 publicly condemn vandalism in all its 00:35:05.680 --> 00:35:07.335 forms. Let us support those who clean it 00:35:07.359 --> 00:35:08.856 up and let us ensure our policies 00:35:08.880 --> 00:35:11.256 strengthen unity rather than division. I 00:35:11.280 --> 00:35:13.016 commend the motion. Thank you. 00:35:13.040 --> 00:35:14.616 Thanks, Councelor Gri. Would any other 00:35:14.640 --> 00:35:17.640 councilors like to speak to this item? 00:35:17.680 --> 00:35:19.496 Councelor Bodsworth. 00:35:19.520 --> 00:35:21.176 Thanks, Mayor, and um thanks to 00:35:21.200 --> 00:35:23.416 councilors Barker and Chris for the 00:35:23.440 --> 00:35:25.176 motion. I'm very happy to support this 00:35:25.200 --> 00:35:28.200 motion. I think it's it's all important 00:35:28.400 --> 00:35:31.335 that we're able to exchange perspectives 00:35:31.359 --> 00:35:34.359 respectfully and without resorting to 00:35:34.480 --> 00:35:37.480 offensive or violent or aggressive 00:35:37.520 --> 00:35:40.520 behavior. So, um very happy to support 00:35:40.880 --> 00:35:42.936 this motion and also very happy to 00:35:42.960 --> 00:35:45.656 condemn um people resorting to that kind 00:35:45.680 --> 00:35:48.296 of behavior in this instance or any 00:35:48.320 --> 00:35:50.696 instance. Um so, yeah, I appreciate the 00:35:50.720 --> 00:35:52.776 council's bringing to us. Thank you. 00:35:52.800 --> 00:35:54.776 Thanks, Councelor Bodsworth. Any other 00:35:54.800 --> 00:35:56.936 counselors? Councelor Phelps. 00:35:56.960 --> 00:35:58.376 Yeah, I'd just like to say I totally 00:35:58.400 --> 00:36:00.136 support this motion. just with one 00:36:00.160 --> 00:36:02.696 caveat, we do need to be careful not 00:36:02.720 --> 00:36:04.696 to give the one thing that some of these 00:36:04.720 --> 00:36:06.696 small-minded perpetrators want, which is 00:36:06.720 --> 00:36:07.976 publicity. 00:36:08.000 --> 00:36:10.136 to me, vandalism is cowardly 00:36:10.160 --> 00:36:11.896 destruction done under cover of darkness 00:36:11.920 --> 00:36:14.216 or out of view by people hiding their 00:36:14.240 --> 00:36:17.095 identity. Vandalism wastes money, wastes 00:36:17.119 --> 00:36:19.575 time, wastes resources and it's for no 00:36:19.599 --> 00:36:22.136 justifiable reason. So this is where we 00:36:22.160 --> 00:36:23.815 work, live, and play. And I encourage 00:36:23.839 --> 00:36:25.176 everyone to report graffiti and 00:36:25.200 --> 00:36:27.416 vandalism and to do what we can to make 00:36:27.440 --> 00:36:30.136 it socially unacceptable. Thank you. 00:36:30.160 --> 00:36:31.976 Thanks, Councelor Phelps. Any other 00:36:32.000 --> 00:36:34.856 counselors? Councelor Patterson. 00:36:34.880 --> 00:36:37.880 Thank you. Um so in its essence I agree 00:36:38.800 --> 00:36:41.256 with the motion that's put forward in 00:36:41.280 --> 00:36:44.280 our paper here and I also u don't see 00:36:44.960 --> 00:36:46.616 any place of vandalism and it's 00:36:46.640 --> 00:36:47.976 completely not acceptable here or 00:36:48.000 --> 00:36:50.376 anywhere. Um and we all condemn 00:36:50.400 --> 00:36:52.456 vandalism and damage to property and we 00:36:52.480 --> 00:36:54.296 have a graffiti management policy which 00:36:54.320 --> 00:36:56.376 is available on our website and we have 00:36:56.400 --> 00:36:59.176 a clear um section on our website 00:36:59.200 --> 00:37:01.256 outlining encouraging community to 00:37:01.280 --> 00:37:03.335 report vandalism. There's graffiti 00:37:03.359 --> 00:37:05.095 removal kits that can be provided to 00:37:05.119 --> 00:37:07.256 people um to help them remove it off 00:37:07.280 --> 00:37:09.496 property and there's time frames around 00:37:09.520 --> 00:37:11.976 when it needs to be removed etc. So the 00:37:12.000 --> 00:37:14.856 council has a very clear policy around 00:37:14.880 --> 00:37:17.815 graffiti management and the like and I 00:37:17.839 --> 00:37:20.839 support that. And so I I don't 00:37:21.359 --> 00:37:23.656 necessarily agree with some of the the 00:37:23.680 --> 00:37:25.335 deeper motivations potentially that have 00:37:25.359 --> 00:37:27.416 come through in in some of the councils 00:37:27.440 --> 00:37:29.496 that have spoken around that it's 00:37:29.520 --> 00:37:32.216 left-leaning politics that are you know 00:37:32.240 --> 00:37:34.296 potentially more prevalent in the 00:37:34.320 --> 00:37:36.616 vandalism. I do take offense to those 00:37:36.640 --> 00:37:39.095 sorts of commentary cuz I think in 00:37:39.119 --> 00:37:40.616 essence if it is as it is that we 00:37:40.640 --> 00:37:43.095 condemn vandalism I totally agree but I 00:37:43.119 --> 00:37:45.496 don't think we should be laying blame or 00:37:45.520 --> 00:37:48.136 insinuating that certain parts of our 00:37:48.160 --> 00:37:49.736 community are perpetrating more 00:37:49.760 --> 00:37:51.335 vandalism than others. I don't agree 00:37:51.359 --> 00:37:53.176 with that and I don't think that that's 00:37:53.200 --> 00:37:55.256 appropriate. So in essence, because of 00:37:55.280 --> 00:37:57.256 the motion as it stands in the report, I 00:37:57.280 --> 00:37:59.736 will be supporting that motion because 00:37:59.760 --> 00:38:02.456 of course I agree vandalism is is 00:38:02.480 --> 00:38:04.456 completely not okay. And I support the 00:38:04.480 --> 00:38:06.776 work that our officers do in working 00:38:06.800 --> 00:38:08.936 with our community and adhering to our 00:38:08.960 --> 00:38:11.095 graffiti management policy. And I think 00:38:11.119 --> 00:38:13.496 that has been done in this instance and 00:38:13.520 --> 00:38:15.896 in response to events that have happened 00:38:15.920 --> 00:38:18.296 um in recent months as as identified. 00:38:18.320 --> 00:38:21.256 So, I I will be supporting the motion in 00:38:21.280 --> 00:38:23.335 it the way that it's drafted in our 00:38:23.359 --> 00:38:24.936 paper. Thank you. 00:38:24.960 --> 00:38:26.696 Thanks, Councelor Patterson. Any other 00:38:26.720 --> 00:38:28.536 counselors wanting to speak? Councelor 00:38:28.560 --> 00:38:29.416 Walker. 00:38:29.440 --> 00:38:31.335 , thank you, Baron, and and thank you 00:38:31.359 --> 00:38:33.335 for everyone for, um, yeah, bringing it 00:38:33.359 --> 00:38:35.256 to light. Um, yeah, I support this 00:38:35.280 --> 00:38:37.335 motion. Um, how it's written, of course, 00:38:37.359 --> 00:38:40.359 too. So, um, vandalism, it's an action 00:38:40.800 --> 00:38:42.376 involving deliberate destruction or 00:38:42.400 --> 00:38:44.936 damage to private property. um 00:38:44.960 --> 00:38:46.776 destructive and damaging also comes down 00:38:46.800 --> 00:38:49.496 to um you know what we say and what we 00:38:49.520 --> 00:38:52.520 do. So I don't condone any form of of 00:38:53.440 --> 00:38:55.815 vandalism or graffiti in any any sort of 00:38:55.839 --> 00:38:58.376 way and support this in moving forward 00:38:58.400 --> 00:39:00.536 um in the motion that's here too. Um but 00:39:00.560 --> 00:39:02.456 also be aware if you want to get your 00:39:02.480 --> 00:39:05.335 point across, do it in a respectful way, 00:39:05.359 --> 00:39:07.416 not destructive and damaging um 00:39:07.440 --> 00:39:10.216 regardless of what opinions or or 00:39:10.240 --> 00:39:12.136 preferences or anything you have. So 00:39:12.160 --> 00:39:13.496 we're all adults and hopefully we can 00:39:13.520 --> 00:39:15.496 keep it that way. And we've seen an 00:39:15.520 --> 00:39:18.136 increase in graffiti prevalence not 00:39:18.160 --> 00:39:20.296 just on shy land but also on other land 00:39:20.320 --> 00:39:22.616 Gore cap land and things too. So um 00:39:22.640 --> 00:39:24.136 especially tagging and that sort of 00:39:24.160 --> 00:39:27.160 thing. So call it out and and yeah call 00:39:27.920 --> 00:39:30.055 it out when needed and and get it 00:39:30.079 --> 00:39:31.656 removed. We don't need it. 00:39:31.680 --> 00:39:33.575 Thanks Councelor Walker. Any other 00:39:33.599 --> 00:39:35.176 counselors? 00:39:35.200 --> 00:39:38.200 Councelor Crockett. 00:39:38.320 --> 00:39:40.616 Thank you Mayor. 00:39:40.640 --> 00:39:42.936 Um yeah, I agree um with the other 00:39:42.960 --> 00:39:45.256 councilors. I support the motion as it 00:39:45.280 --> 00:39:48.280 stands. I also um condemn unlawful 00:39:48.320 --> 00:39:51.320 damage to property and vandalism. 00:39:51.760 --> 00:39:54.376 but yeah, thinking about the context 00:39:54.400 --> 00:39:56.696 of this motion, I think it is important 00:39:56.720 --> 00:39:59.720 to acknowledge context and um you know, 00:40:00.640 --> 00:40:03.095 which is a complex community issue and 00:40:03.119 --> 00:40:06.119 event um on a date that is polarizing 00:40:06.560 --> 00:40:09.416 for some and and um you know, while that 00:40:09.440 --> 00:40:12.136 absolutely does not excuse any unlawful 00:40:12.160 --> 00:40:15.160 damage, it may help explain it. And um 00:40:16.000 --> 00:40:18.936 you know we can con condemn vandalism 00:40:18.960 --> 00:40:20.856 and we absolutely should but we should 00:40:20.880 --> 00:40:23.880 also ask maybe about its drivers or what 00:40:24.079 --> 00:40:27.079 what um conditions are contributing to 00:40:27.599 --> 00:40:30.456 it. So you know the motion recognizes 00:40:30.480 --> 00:40:32.936 that unlawful damage to property and 00:40:32.960 --> 00:40:34.376 disruption of community events is 00:40:34.400 --> 00:40:37.095 inconsistent with community values. Um 00:40:37.119 --> 00:40:40.055 and that is true and um but I think if 00:40:40.079 --> 00:40:42.456 if this motion is about community values 00:40:42.480 --> 00:40:44.856 and part of that must include you know 00:40:44.880 --> 00:40:47.016 constructive conversations that can 00:40:47.040 --> 00:40:50.040 educate and unify our community. The 00:40:50.160 --> 00:40:52.696 council has spoke about unifying and I 00:40:52.720 --> 00:40:55.496 think we can all agree in unity. So 00:40:55.520 --> 00:40:57.976 let's move forward together. 00:40:58.000 --> 00:41:01.000 Thanks councelor Crockett. any final 00:41:01.280 --> 00:41:04.280 comments councelor Barker? yeah, I'd 00:41:04.319 --> 00:41:06.376 just like to emphasize the point that 00:41:06.400 --> 00:41:09.400 council Phelps raised in that 00:41:09.760 --> 00:41:12.760 bringing attention to this does have 00:41:13.119 --> 00:41:16.119 potential risks. 00:41:16.960 --> 00:41:19.335 I was very hesitant about moving this 00:41:19.359 --> 00:41:21.176 notice of motion because of that one 00:41:21.200 --> 00:41:23.416 particular element and I think this 00:41:23.440 --> 00:41:26.440 balances the the issue without giving 00:41:28.480 --> 00:41:31.480 the notoriety to the individual. Um, and 00:41:32.240 --> 00:41:33.976 I think that's something that to we need 00:41:34.000 --> 00:41:37.000 to be aware of ongoing is that sometimes 00:41:37.760 --> 00:41:40.760 if an act is done, highlighting it can 00:41:41.599 --> 00:41:43.736 only 00:41:43.760 --> 00:41:46.696 boost their message. Um, but I think 00:41:46.720 --> 00:41:49.496 doing it this way is most effective. 00:41:49.520 --> 00:41:51.896 And what you'll notice in the CEO's 00:41:51.920 --> 00:41:54.536 report to this notice of motion is that 00:41:54.560 --> 00:41:57.016 repairing vandalism cost the 00:41:57.040 --> 00:41:59.335 municipality or cost council over 00:41:59.359 --> 00:42:01.896 $100,000 every year. So if we can put a 00:42:01.920 --> 00:42:03.575 little bit of a net dent dent in it, 00:42:03.599 --> 00:42:06.599 that just goes a fair way to being able 00:42:07.280 --> 00:42:09.496 to reallocate those funds into more 00:42:09.520 --> 00:42:11.896 essential services. 00:42:11.920 --> 00:42:13.335 Thanks, Councelor Barker. We'll now put 00:42:13.359 --> 00:42:16.359 the motion to a vote. All those in favor 00:42:18.319 --> 00:42:20.456 and the motion's carried unanimously. 00:42:20.480 --> 00:42:23.480 Thank you, councilors. 00:42:29.359 --> 00:42:32.359 And moving on to our reports. Um the 00:42:33.599 --> 00:42:36.295 first report on our agenda is the 00:42:36.319 --> 00:42:39.256 council plan year 1 action plan halfear 00:42:39.280 --> 00:42:42.055 report. And the purpose of this is to 00:42:42.079 --> 00:42:44.616 provide council with the report 00:42:44.640 --> 00:42:46.776 detailing the progress and status of 00:42:46.800 --> 00:42:49.176 council plan initiatives for the 00:42:49.200 --> 00:42:51.815 first half year of the council plan. We 00:42:51.839 --> 00:42:54.136 do have a recommendation before us. Does 00:42:54.160 --> 00:42:56.376 anyone wish to move a motion? Councelor 00:42:56.400 --> 00:42:58.376 Bodsworth as per the recommendation. 00:42:58.400 --> 00:42:58.776 Ma'am, 00:42:58.800 --> 00:43:00.536 thank you. And do we have a seconder for 00:43:00.560 --> 00:43:03.560 that? Councelor Phelps. Thank you. 00:43:03.680 --> 00:43:04.856 Council Bodsworth. 00:43:04.880 --> 00:43:06.856 Thank you, Maya. So, the recommendation 00:43:06.880 --> 00:43:09.880 is to for the council to receive a note 00:43:10.000 --> 00:43:13.000 um council plan year 1 action plan 00:43:13.119 --> 00:43:16.119 halfyear review. Um so, this is a report 00:43:17.280 --> 00:43:19.016 on the implementation of the first half 00:43:19.040 --> 00:43:21.335 year of the council plan up to the up to 00:43:21.359 --> 00:43:24.359 the 31st of January. So the council plan 00:43:24.560 --> 00:43:26.376 just to recap a little bit is is the 00:43:26.400 --> 00:43:29.400 road map for our council term. So it's 00:43:29.920 --> 00:43:31.736 potentially the most important document 00:43:31.760 --> 00:43:34.760 that a council produces in its term. 00:43:34.800 --> 00:43:37.800 and it's a result of deep and broad 00:43:38.240 --> 00:43:40.295 collaborative community engagement um 00:43:40.319 --> 00:43:42.055 which is a mandatory part of the council 00:43:42.079 --> 00:43:45.079 plan preparation process in Victoria, a 00:43:45.200 --> 00:43:47.896 deliberative engagement process and in 00:43:47.920 --> 00:43:50.216 our case fantastic buyin from our 00:43:50.240 --> 00:43:53.240 community and um and a great series of 00:43:54.000 --> 00:43:57.000 um deliberative meetings. Our council 00:43:57.839 --> 00:44:00.536 plan has five strategic directions, 00:44:00.560 --> 00:44:03.095 assets and infrastructure, climate and 00:44:03.119 --> 00:44:05.095 environmental leadership, community 00:44:05.119 --> 00:44:07.896 well-being, high performing council, and 00:44:07.920 --> 00:44:10.456 sustainable communities. Our council 00:44:10.480 --> 00:44:12.776 plan incorporates a municipal health and 00:44:12.800 --> 00:44:14.776 well-being plan, which is another 00:44:14.800 --> 00:44:17.416 mandatory document. And that plan also 00:44:17.440 --> 00:44:19.575 has five pillars. 00:44:19.599 --> 00:44:22.295 The report cross references progress on 00:44:22.319 --> 00:44:25.176 council plan initiatives with health and 00:44:25.200 --> 00:44:28.055 well-being plan pillars. 00:44:28.079 --> 00:44:30.295 This report provides transparency and 00:44:30.319 --> 00:44:32.616 accountability on progress in 00:44:32.640 --> 00:44:34.536 implementing the council plan including 00:44:34.560 --> 00:44:37.095 where progress is slow or troubled and 00:44:37.119 --> 00:44:39.176 there are a few examples of that in the 00:44:39.200 --> 00:44:42.136 report. Progress status categories are 00:44:42.160 --> 00:44:45.160 complete, on track, monitor or off 00:44:45.280 --> 00:44:47.976 track. Things I'd like to note from this 00:44:48.000 --> 00:44:51.000 report. 43 year 1 initiatives under five 00:44:51.440 --> 00:44:54.295 strategic directions. Status of those 00:44:54.319 --> 00:44:57.319 are six complete 33 on track and four 00:44:57.920 --> 00:44:59.736 monitor. 00:44:59.760 --> 00:45:01.976 Point 12 in this report notes that 00:45:02.000 --> 00:45:03.976 ongoing reporting on this council plan 00:45:04.000 --> 00:45:06.295 will include more detail on costs and 00:45:06.319 --> 00:45:09.319 benefits of council plan initiatives and 00:45:09.839 --> 00:45:12.776 a hallmark of this council's term so far 00:45:12.800 --> 00:45:15.736 has been an emphasis on return on 00:45:15.760 --> 00:45:17.815 investment or and value for money 00:45:17.839 --> 00:45:20.839 considerations of our spending. 00:45:22.160 --> 00:45:25.160 in terms of breaking down those 00:45:25.520 --> 00:45:27.575 themes of strategic directions, assets 00:45:27.599 --> 00:45:30.136 and infrastructure, we've got asset 00:45:30.160 --> 00:45:32.616 renewal and maintenance on track. 00:45:32.640 --> 00:45:34.456 we're hearing, for example, about the 00:45:34.480 --> 00:45:36.776 civil operations service level agreement 00:45:36.800 --> 00:45:39.256 further on in tonight's meeting. I want 00:45:39.280 --> 00:45:41.095 to acknowledge frustration out in the 00:45:41.119 --> 00:45:44.119 community about a few projects including 00:45:44.560 --> 00:45:47.496 the Bristol Road intersection in to 00:45:47.520 --> 00:45:49.095 where there's been a hold up due to 00:45:49.119 --> 00:45:51.896 relocation of NBN services. 00:45:51.920 --> 00:45:54.456 Pulks Road Bridge where there's been 00:45:54.480 --> 00:45:57.176 various holdups um redesigned and now 00:45:57.200 --> 00:45:59.575 we're on track to red decking that 00:45:59.599 --> 00:46:01.896 bridge and getting it back operational 00:46:01.920 --> 00:46:04.536 and the landslip in Fair Haven which um 00:46:04.560 --> 00:46:07.560 has been a a long saga caused a lot of 00:46:07.599 --> 00:46:10.295 community angst and after a period of 00:46:10.319 --> 00:46:13.095 geotechnical observation and analysis 00:46:13.119 --> 00:46:16.119 we're working on a solution. So yeah, 00:46:16.160 --> 00:46:19.160 want to reiterate the um 00:46:19.200 --> 00:46:20.936 awareness of the frustration out in the 00:46:20.960 --> 00:46:23.496 community on those things. Under climate 00:46:23.520 --> 00:46:26.055 and environmental leadership, um we've 00:46:26.079 --> 00:46:27.976 seen excellent preparedness, response, 00:46:28.000 --> 00:46:30.216 and recovery work recently by emergency 00:46:30.240 --> 00:46:33.240 management teams and um not noting that 00:46:34.400 --> 00:46:37.016 the 26 to 28 climate emergency action 00:46:37.040 --> 00:46:40.040 plans are work in progress. Soft plastic 00:46:40.079 --> 00:46:42.376 recycling is back. Um, we're also 00:46:42.400 --> 00:46:45.176 recycling agricultural bags, paint, and 00:46:45.200 --> 00:46:46.856 polystyrene. 00:46:46.880 --> 00:46:48.456 We've recently won a National Waste 00:46:48.480 --> 00:46:51.016 Innovation Award for our Surf Coast 00:46:51.040 --> 00:46:54.040 waste videos. So, if you to Google Surf 00:46:54.319 --> 00:46:56.295 Coast waste videos, you'll see a series 00:46:56.319 --> 00:46:59.319 of fantastic um videos about our waste 00:47:00.319 --> 00:47:02.936 um chain. Under community well-being, 00:47:02.960 --> 00:47:04.696 we've got the Anglesy community plan 00:47:04.720 --> 00:47:07.416 final meeting tonight as we speak and 00:47:07.440 --> 00:47:09.016 talking about a presentation to council 00:47:09.040 --> 00:47:11.496 and the next steps. that the wording by 00:47:11.520 --> 00:47:14.055 a aquatic and recreation center tracking 00:47:14.079 --> 00:47:17.079 for completion on time and on budget 00:47:17.200 --> 00:47:19.256 under high performing council. We're 00:47:19.280 --> 00:47:20.696 talking about expanded revenue 00:47:20.720 --> 00:47:22.856 opportunities in the report to make our 00:47:22.880 --> 00:47:25.256 SH stronger and less reliant on state 00:47:25.280 --> 00:47:27.896 and federal government funding which is 00:47:27.920 --> 00:47:29.335 something that it's difficult to bank 00:47:29.359 --> 00:47:31.976 on. we've also got important new 00:47:32.000 --> 00:47:33.815 performance reporting and continuous 00:47:33.839 --> 00:47:35.815 improvement initiatives. 00:47:35.839 --> 00:47:37.976 under sustainable communities. We've 00:47:38.000 --> 00:47:39.896 recently had the final meeting of the 00:47:39.920 --> 00:47:42.920 Winelc place plan um group which I hope 00:47:43.200 --> 00:47:44.696 other councilors will talk about in a 00:47:44.720 --> 00:47:46.536 sec and we've had some really important 00:47:46.560 --> 00:47:49.176 advocacy on housing from the mayor. Um 00:47:49.200 --> 00:47:51.335 we've had good partnership work with the 00:47:51.359 --> 00:47:54.359 lawn community and um I attended and 00:47:54.880 --> 00:47:57.880 spoke at a really interesting um 00:47:58.240 --> 00:48:00.295 festival type format thing called slow 00:48:00.319 --> 00:48:03.319 lane talking about housing in January. 00:48:03.440 --> 00:48:05.976 and I'll hold it there. Just note 00:48:06.000 --> 00:48:08.536 very finally some great progress working 00:48:08.560 --> 00:48:10.536 with others particularly the areas inlet 00:48:10.560 --> 00:48:13.560 community and Gappa on areas inlet bus 00:48:13.839 --> 00:48:16.696 issues. So thank you may 00:48:16.720 --> 00:48:18.536 I recommend this to colleagues. 00:48:18.560 --> 00:48:20.055 Thanks councelor Bodsworth councelor 00:48:20.079 --> 00:48:20.936 Phelps. 00:48:20.960 --> 00:48:23.095 Thank you mayor. Um so this report um 00:48:23.119 --> 00:48:25.815 outlines that there is a lot going on 00:48:25.839 --> 00:48:27.335 just some of which councelor Bodsworth 00:48:27.359 --> 00:48:29.335 just touched on. many of these 00:48:29.359 --> 00:48:30.856 actions are well underway or making 00:48:30.880 --> 00:48:33.335 progress and with relatively few of 00:48:33.359 --> 00:48:36.359 concern. There's a mix of short-term, 00:48:36.559 --> 00:48:38.136 medium-term, and long-term projects in 00:48:38.160 --> 00:48:39.896 here aligned to the directions and 00:48:39.920 --> 00:48:41.656 objectives in our four-year council 00:48:41.680 --> 00:48:43.335 plan. Again, as councelor Bodsworth just 00:48:43.359 --> 00:48:45.656 described, there's some support 00:48:45.680 --> 00:48:47.575 important preparatory and strategic work 00:48:47.599 --> 00:48:49.736 that will enable a step up in efficiency 00:48:49.760 --> 00:48:52.760 and effectiveness into the future as the 00:48:52.800 --> 00:48:55.416 budget continues to be squeezed, which 00:48:55.440 --> 00:48:57.496 I'm looking forward to seeing. I'd also 00:48:57.520 --> 00:48:59.016 like to com commend the SH staff and 00:48:59.040 --> 00:49:00.376 officers for what they've achieved so 00:49:00.400 --> 00:49:02.376 far and look forward to the end ofear 00:49:02.400 --> 00:49:04.295 progress report. Thank you. Thanks, 00:49:04.319 --> 00:49:05.575 Councelor Phelps. Would any other 00:49:05.599 --> 00:49:07.335 councilors like to speak to this item? 00:49:07.359 --> 00:49:09.496 Councelor Patterson. 00:49:09.520 --> 00:49:11.496 It's a good opportunity to raise a few 00:49:11.520 --> 00:49:12.856 great things that have happened across 00:49:12.880 --> 00:49:15.656 the year. I'll um the previous speakers 00:49:15.680 --> 00:49:18.055 have outlined more about the plan, but I 00:49:18.079 --> 00:49:19.896 just wanted to talk about a few of the 00:49:19.920 --> 00:49:22.920 highlights. So, the hockey pitch at 00:49:22.960 --> 00:49:25.960 Banuary Fields, very exciting. Um and 00:49:26.240 --> 00:49:28.535 that was finished ahead of time on 00:49:28.559 --> 00:49:30.535 budget and it's just an exceptional 00:49:30.559 --> 00:49:32.136 facility. So, I'm sure we'll have some 00:49:32.160 --> 00:49:34.216 budding hockey stars coming out of our 00:49:34.240 --> 00:49:35.896 Surf Coast as a result of that wonderful 00:49:35.920 --> 00:49:37.256 facility. I might even give it a try 00:49:37.280 --> 00:49:39.416 when they have an open day later in 00:49:39.440 --> 00:49:41.815 the year. Could be really fun. Um the 00:49:41.839 --> 00:49:44.295 delivery of the Surf Coast Arts Trail. 00:49:44.319 --> 00:49:47.319 So, 200 artists across 56 studios, 00:49:48.160 --> 00:49:50.376 15,000 visitors, and interestingly 00:49:50.400 --> 00:49:52.776 enough, 43% of those were from outside 00:49:52.800 --> 00:49:55.176 of our SH. And the SH is good at 00:49:55.200 --> 00:49:57.016 generating statistics and and tracking 00:49:57.040 --> 00:49:59.095 so we can see how effective it is. and 00:49:59.119 --> 00:50:01.736 roughly 2,08 00:50:01.760 --> 00:50:04.760 28,000 sorry um dollars worth of um 00:50:05.280 --> 00:50:06.856 sales and the like were generated out of 00:50:06.880 --> 00:50:08.696 the Surf Coast Arts Trail. So that's 00:50:08.720 --> 00:50:11.416 really some really clear stats um for 00:50:11.440 --> 00:50:13.176 the benefit of that Surf Coast Arts 00:50:13.200 --> 00:50:15.896 Trail. Um coming from an engineering 00:50:15.920 --> 00:50:17.335 background, I love that our social 00:50:17.359 --> 00:50:19.256 social infrastructure plan has been 00:50:19.280 --> 00:50:20.936 finalized. That's something that's I've 00:50:20.960 --> 00:50:22.376 been really excited, you know, wanting 00:50:22.400 --> 00:50:23.896 to work through over the time I've been 00:50:23.920 --> 00:50:25.815 council. And so I'm really it's really 00:50:25.839 --> 00:50:27.575 great to see a prioritized plan for our 00:50:27.599 --> 00:50:29.815 social infrastructure being completed. 00:50:29.839 --> 00:50:32.839 Um also the aquatic center um is well 00:50:33.280 --> 00:50:35.896 underway and we can you know we can see 00:50:35.920 --> 00:50:38.776 it just out here. We're all with baited 00:50:38.800 --> 00:50:40.616 breath waiting for it to be finished. 00:50:40.640 --> 00:50:42.055 Obviously it's still a while away but 00:50:42.079 --> 00:50:43.416 you know it's all coming along really 00:50:43.440 --> 00:50:46.295 well. Um and 00:50:46.319 --> 00:50:48.456 another really great um program which is 00:50:48.480 --> 00:50:50.376 on on track and continuing to be 00:50:50.400 --> 00:50:52.216 delivered is our community project 00:50:52.240 --> 00:50:53.736 delivery program. This is one of my 00:50:53.760 --> 00:50:55.815 favorite things that we do on council. 00:50:55.839 --> 00:50:57.736 Um, and that's working to empower our 00:50:57.760 --> 00:50:59.335 community to take action and and work 00:50:59.359 --> 00:51:01.575 with us in delivering um important 00:51:01.599 --> 00:51:03.416 things for the areas that they care a 00:51:03.440 --> 00:51:04.936 lot about and and that they the 00:51:04.960 --> 00:51:06.616 community sort of partners and works 00:51:06.640 --> 00:51:09.640 with. So um a couple of examples um of 00:51:10.319 --> 00:51:11.496 projects that have been delivered 00:51:11.520 --> 00:51:14.456 through this um is the Wintercy Memorial 00:51:14.480 --> 00:51:16.535 Memorial Grandstand, the Toi Football 00:51:16.559 --> 00:51:18.936 Club Storage um and the lawn landscaped 00:51:18.960 --> 00:51:20.616 reflection space. all wonderful 00:51:20.640 --> 00:51:21.896 community initiatives which we've 00:51:21.920 --> 00:51:24.920 partnered to to deliver. So, keep up the 00:51:25.040 --> 00:51:27.256 great work. It's only the first year um 00:51:27.280 --> 00:51:28.856 and I'm looking forward to see what else 00:51:28.880 --> 00:51:30.696 comes. Thank you. 00:51:30.720 --> 00:51:32.456 Thanks, Councelor Patterson. Would any 00:51:32.480 --> 00:51:34.216 other counselors like to speak to this 00:51:34.240 --> 00:51:36.136 motion? Councelor Barker. 00:51:36.160 --> 00:51:38.856 Thanks. Um yeah, the half year report 00:51:38.880 --> 00:51:40.856 does one important thing. Well, it 00:51:40.880 --> 00:51:43.880 confirms that 43 initiatives in our 00:51:44.079 --> 00:51:47.079 year action plan. Um 00:51:47.200 --> 00:51:49.256 out of them six are completed, 35 on 00:51:49.280 --> 00:51:52.280 track and two being monitored um due to 00:51:52.559 --> 00:51:55.095 merging issues. Um and that tells our 00:51:55.119 --> 00:51:56.456 community the things that we promised 00:51:56.480 --> 00:51:57.976 are at least being tracked and reported 00:51:58.000 --> 00:52:00.055 on. So in terms of accountability, it's 00:52:00.079 --> 00:52:02.616 all right. Um it also shows we're 00:52:02.640 --> 00:52:04.535 meeting our legal duty under section 100 00:52:04.559 --> 00:52:06.856 of the LGA to report on 00:52:06.880 --> 00:52:09.496 implementation of the council plan. So 00:52:09.520 --> 00:52:12.295 doing the homework and handing it in. 00:52:12.319 --> 00:52:14.535 but there's a problem. the report 00:52:14.559 --> 00:52:17.559 admits that this year 00:52:18.000 --> 00:52:19.736 the 1 halfyear report does not 00:52:19.760 --> 00:52:21.736 include financial information about the 00:52:21.760 --> 00:52:24.696 initiatives and that only over the 00:52:24.720 --> 00:52:26.456 course of the council plan will 00:52:26.480 --> 00:52:28.535 reporting be improved to include costs. 00:52:28.559 --> 00:52:31.176 Now this I find very anti-transparent 00:52:31.200 --> 00:52:33.896 otherwise known as opaque and anything 00:52:33.920 --> 00:52:35.976 government should not be opaque should 00:52:36.000 --> 00:52:37.815 be clear. It's your money you should 00:52:37.839 --> 00:52:40.295 know exactly what's going on with it. 00:52:40.319 --> 00:52:42.055 Um, we're asking families who are 00:52:42.079 --> 00:52:43.496 struggling with rates and the cost of 00:52:43.520 --> 00:52:46.216 living to trust us. 00:52:46.240 --> 00:52:49.240 Should be right. I don't think so. Um, 00:52:50.000 --> 00:52:52.936 while we tell them um what we're doing, 00:52:52.960 --> 00:52:55.815 but without the costs. It's like showing 00:52:55.839 --> 00:52:58.376 someone a shiny new car, they're hiding 00:52:58.400 --> 00:53:00.936 the repayment schedule. Like, it's all 00:53:00.960 --> 00:53:02.376 got to come together, both the good and 00:53:02.400 --> 00:53:04.216 the bad. 00:53:04.240 --> 00:53:05.656 For those of you who care about social 00:53:05.680 --> 00:53:07.256 justice and collective outcomes, you 00:53:07.280 --> 00:53:08.616 should want exactly the same thing that 00:53:08.640 --> 00:53:10.856 I'm asking for here. If we want to keep 00:53:10.880 --> 00:53:12.776 delivering community health, well-being, 00:53:12.800 --> 00:53:14.776 and climate initiatives, then we must 00:53:14.800 --> 00:53:17.095 prove that every dollar is working hard. 00:53:17.119 --> 00:53:19.016 Otherwise, when the state government, 00:53:19.040 --> 00:53:21.496 which is already in a financially 00:53:21.520 --> 00:53:23.656 stretched position, inevitably pulls 00:53:23.680 --> 00:53:26.535 back on grants, the first things to be 00:53:26.559 --> 00:53:28.776 cut will be the very programs that we 00:53:28.800 --> 00:53:31.416 say we value the most. 00:53:31.440 --> 00:53:34.295 And in actual fact, if we value them the 00:53:34.319 --> 00:53:36.136 most, we wouldn't be cutting them. But I 00:53:36.160 --> 00:53:38.216 can guarantee you if the funds from the 00:53:38.240 --> 00:53:40.776 state dry up, there'll be some cutting 00:53:40.800 --> 00:53:43.256 needed to make sure that we can deliver 00:53:43.280 --> 00:53:46.136 our core services well. 00:53:46.160 --> 00:53:47.656 the report talks about a high 00:53:47.680 --> 00:53:49.176 performing council and says council 00:53:49.200 --> 00:53:51.416 manages its finances prudently and works 00:53:51.440 --> 00:53:53.656 innovatively to deliver the best value. 00:53:53.680 --> 00:53:55.575 Now, to make that true, we need 00:53:55.599 --> 00:53:58.599 transparent financial data tied to each 00:53:59.280 --> 00:54:02.280 initiative, not just warm words. 00:54:03.359 --> 00:54:05.896 Given the way that the recommendation 00:54:05.920 --> 00:54:08.216 has been worded, 00:54:08.240 --> 00:54:11.240 I'll support receiving and noting it 00:54:11.920 --> 00:54:13.976 with a very clear expectation on the 00:54:14.000 --> 00:54:17.000 record. The fullear report must include 00:54:17.040 --> 00:54:19.496 initiative level costs and a frank 00:54:19.520 --> 00:54:22.520 assessment of which activities are core 00:54:23.119 --> 00:54:25.335 local government and which are optional. 00:54:25.359 --> 00:54:28.359 So we do not overpromise in an era where 00:54:28.400 --> 00:54:30.696 state and federal money will be scarce. 00:54:30.720 --> 00:54:32.216 That is how we protect community 00:54:32.240 --> 00:54:35.016 programs and that is how we respect the 00:54:35.040 --> 00:54:38.040 people who pay the bills. 00:54:40.000 --> 00:54:42.456 Thank you councelor Barker. And do any 00:54:42.480 --> 00:54:43.736 other councilors want to speak to this 00:54:43.760 --> 00:54:46.055 item? Councelor Crockett. Thank you, 00:54:46.079 --> 00:54:49.079 Mayor. I am yeah excited about what's 00:54:50.240 --> 00:54:51.575 happening in the action plan and 00:54:51.599 --> 00:54:53.256 satisfied with all the projects that are 00:54:53.280 --> 00:54:55.416 on track and commend the officers who 00:54:55.440 --> 00:54:57.416 are working hard on progressing the 00:54:57.440 --> 00:55:00.216 council and plan initiatives. I just 00:55:00.240 --> 00:55:01.256 wanted to speak to some of the 00:55:01.280 --> 00:55:03.095 initiatives that are being monitored for 00:55:03.119 --> 00:55:06.119 um changing timelines um which include 00:55:06.240 --> 00:55:09.176 the speed zone re reviews um which do 00:55:09.200 --> 00:55:10.456 involve collaborating with other 00:55:10.480 --> 00:55:13.480 transport stakeholders um but will be 00:55:13.520 --> 00:55:15.176 worth waiting for. I think speed 00:55:15.200 --> 00:55:18.200 management is um does contribute to a 00:55:18.400 --> 00:55:20.936 safer and more efficient road network 00:55:20.960 --> 00:55:23.416 and supports street for pe streets for 00:55:23.440 --> 00:55:26.440 people and wildlife as well. And the 00:55:28.240 --> 00:55:31.240 another um pedestrian safety project 00:55:31.440 --> 00:55:33.896 that's had a bit of interest is the um 00:55:33.920 --> 00:55:36.920 Spring Creek pedestrian bridge and um 00:55:37.119 --> 00:55:38.936 the work they're expected to start on 00:55:38.960 --> 00:55:40.856 site by the middle of the year for that 00:55:40.880 --> 00:55:42.856 one. 00:55:42.880 --> 00:55:44.856 Thank you councelor Crockett. Any other 00:55:44.880 --> 00:55:46.535 counselors? Councelor Walker. 00:55:46.559 --> 00:55:48.376 thank you mayor and and thank you 00:55:48.400 --> 00:55:50.616 everyone for highlighting um what we've 00:55:50.640 --> 00:55:52.216 done the first six months and what we're 00:55:52.240 --> 00:55:53.575 going to do, what's on track and what's 00:55:53.599 --> 00:55:56.599 not on track. So um as I mentioned six 00:55:57.119 --> 00:55:58.936 have been completed in the community 00:55:58.960 --> 00:56:00.936 plan tonight the hockey pitch community 00:56:00.960 --> 00:56:03.416 grants program Surf Coast arts trail the 00:56:03.440 --> 00:56:05.416 social social infrastructure plan and 00:56:05.440 --> 00:56:07.256 importantly the service review policy 00:56:07.280 --> 00:56:09.176 and program of service reviews which 00:56:09.200 --> 00:56:11.736 will even keep us more on track with 00:56:11.760 --> 00:56:13.815 a summary of key initiatives what's been 00:56:13.839 --> 00:56:16.456 happening um the progress and set of 00:56:16.480 --> 00:56:17.976 each of the strategic directions with 00:56:18.000 --> 00:56:19.736 assets and infrastructure we've got the 00:56:19.760 --> 00:56:22.216 spring creek reserve oval coming along 00:56:22.240 --> 00:56:24.055 community well-being including 00:56:24.079 --> 00:56:25.656 Christmas celebrations which we talked 00:56:25.680 --> 00:56:27.815 about earlier. Um continuing on the 00:56:27.839 --> 00:56:29.575 aquatic center and the community-led 00:56:29.599 --> 00:56:31.416 project which I'd like to highlight is 00:56:31.440 --> 00:56:33.656 the interactive lawn avenue of honor at 00:56:33.680 --> 00:56:36.376 the lawn P12 school. It's did mostly by 00:56:36.400 --> 00:56:38.136 the senior students. A project honors 00:56:38.160 --> 00:56:40.456 the 32 students of a local school who 00:56:40.480 --> 00:56:43.176 went off to World War creating a 00:56:43.200 --> 00:56:45.575 lasting place of remembrance, 00:56:45.599 --> 00:56:47.656 reflection, and learning. our high 00:56:47.680 --> 00:56:49.176 performing council with the service 00:56:49.200 --> 00:56:51.176 review policy I mentioned before is a is 00:56:51.200 --> 00:56:53.416 a a really good one to we're working 00:56:53.440 --> 00:56:56.055 towards sustainable communities 00:56:56.079 --> 00:56:58.055 including social infrastructure plan and 00:56:58.079 --> 00:57:00.136 of course housing um and I'd like to 00:57:00.160 --> 00:57:02.295 highlight the climate emergency 00:57:02.319 --> 00:57:04.295 climate environmental leadership with a 00:57:04.319 --> 00:57:05.896 strategic direction of communities are 00:57:05.920 --> 00:57:08.295 prepared ahead of emergencies supported 00:57:08.319 --> 00:57:11.016 during and resilience after this was 00:57:11.040 --> 00:57:14.040 highlighted um earlier by Mayor Ston for 00:57:14.079 --> 00:57:16.055 addressing the many emergencies and 00:57:16.079 --> 00:57:18.775 natural disasters we faced over summer. 00:57:18.799 --> 00:57:20.055 Having been involved directly in 00:57:20.079 --> 00:57:21.656 preparing for the fire season with the 00:57:21.680 --> 00:57:24.216 first 72 hours program during the 00:57:24.240 --> 00:57:26.136 emergencies and the emergency recovery 00:57:26.160 --> 00:57:28.136 centers and cleanups as a community 00:57:28.160 --> 00:57:30.295 member and a local counselor, it is 00:57:30.319 --> 00:57:32.456 really rewarding to see the community 00:57:32.480 --> 00:57:34.616 come together during a crisis without 00:57:34.640 --> 00:57:37.416 hesitation. Really shows you the value 00:57:37.440 --> 00:57:39.016 um of our community when they're under 00:57:39.040 --> 00:57:40.856 pressure and what they can do. Um 00:57:40.880 --> 00:57:41.976 there's still a lot to do with the 00:57:42.000 --> 00:57:43.736 recovery and resilience of a community 00:57:43.760 --> 00:57:45.656 strong. Hopefully the quarterly 00:57:45.680 --> 00:57:47.656 financial report coming next on the 00:57:47.680 --> 00:57:49.496 agenda provides detail of financial 00:57:49.520 --> 00:57:51.656 performance of the council including the 00:57:51.680 --> 00:57:54.616 council plan initiatives. Um this report 00:57:54.640 --> 00:57:56.456 brings clarity and transparency showing 00:57:56.480 --> 00:57:59.256 what is on track or not isn't on track 00:57:59.280 --> 00:58:01.016 to our community and keeps council on 00:58:01.040 --> 00:58:03.736 track for the four years beyond um our 00:58:03.760 --> 00:58:06.696 action plan and hopefully we keep seeing 00:58:06.720 --> 00:58:09.720 um things done into the future. Thanks. 00:58:10.319 --> 00:58:12.696 Thanks councelor Walker. Would any other 00:58:12.720 --> 00:58:14.535 counselors like to speak to this item? 00:58:14.559 --> 00:58:17.559 Councelor Gri. 00:58:17.599 --> 00:58:19.335 Yeah, thanks Mayor. Um I just like to 00:58:19.359 --> 00:58:21.575 second um councelor Barker's call for 00:58:21.599 --> 00:58:23.016 financials and costings to be linked to 00:58:23.040 --> 00:58:24.936 these reports in future, but um I'll be 00:58:24.960 --> 00:58:27.016 approving it for noting. Thank you. 00:58:27.040 --> 00:58:29.656 Thanks, Councelor Gri and any other 00:58:29.680 --> 00:58:31.416 counselors? Councelor Bodsworth, do you 00:58:31.440 --> 00:58:32.775 have any closing comments? 00:58:32.799 --> 00:58:34.775 Just a few things may so just in 00:58:34.799 --> 00:58:37.016 relation to how Grist Councelor Gri 00:58:37.040 --> 00:58:39.176 finished off just then. And I totally 00:58:39.200 --> 00:58:41.176 agree that um the cost reporting is 00:58:41.200 --> 00:58:43.656 super important and that we we've got 00:58:43.680 --> 00:58:46.680 room for improvement there. Um I just 00:58:47.040 --> 00:58:49.736 I'd just add that 00:58:49.760 --> 00:58:52.055 um reporting on costs need to needs to 00:58:52.079 --> 00:58:55.079 be accompanied by reporting on value or 00:58:55.440 --> 00:58:57.976 outcomes. Um because looking at costs 00:58:58.000 --> 00:59:00.136 alone without looking at what you got 00:59:00.160 --> 00:59:03.160 for those costs is um it's not sensible. 00:59:04.240 --> 00:59:06.136 it's it can be quite hard to measure 00:59:06.160 --> 00:59:09.160 outcomes in local government land um and 00:59:09.359 --> 00:59:11.736 so I really appreciate the work that's 00:59:11.760 --> 00:59:14.136 going on which is not finished yet um 00:59:14.160 --> 00:59:16.775 during this council term to better 00:59:16.799 --> 00:59:18.696 understand and be able to better report 00:59:18.720 --> 00:59:21.720 on outcomes and to enable people in our 00:59:22.319 --> 00:59:24.856 communities and ourselves as counselors 00:59:24.880 --> 00:59:27.575 to get a better handle on value and 00:59:27.599 --> 00:59:29.656 we're talking about public value that's 00:59:29.680 --> 00:59:32.295 generated by the spending that council 00:59:32.319 --> 00:59:35.256 does Um, and we've been talking, I 00:59:35.280 --> 00:59:37.176 think, as I said before, a lot more in 00:59:37.200 --> 00:59:38.856 this council term about return on 00:59:38.880 --> 00:59:41.880 investment. And that's across not just 00:59:42.000 --> 00:59:44.216 the usual private value concept of 00:59:44.240 --> 00:59:45.815 return on investment where it's about 00:59:45.839 --> 00:59:48.535 profit for shareholders, but in this 00:59:48.559 --> 00:59:51.559 case, it's um it's across profit, 00:59:52.319 --> 00:59:55.319 people, place, and planet. Um, so it's a 00:59:55.440 --> 00:59:58.440 multiple ROI type scenario and it's 00:59:58.559 --> 01:00:01.559 going to take us time to build up a good 01:00:01.680 --> 01:00:03.496 framework for measuring and reporting on 01:00:03.520 --> 01:00:05.656 return on investment. But I think that 01:00:05.680 --> 01:00:07.095 can be one of the missions of this 01:00:07.119 --> 01:00:09.815 particular council during our term which 01:00:09.839 --> 01:00:12.055 is contained in the council plan and is 01:00:12.079 --> 01:00:14.376 a work in progress. But yeah, thanks to 01:00:14.400 --> 01:00:17.400 councilors for their words on this one. 01:00:17.520 --> 01:00:19.496 Thanks councelor Bodsworth and we will 01:00:19.520 --> 01:00:21.976 now put the motion to a vote. All those 01:00:22.000 --> 01:00:24.616 in favor 01:00:24.640 --> 01:00:27.095 and the motion's carried unanimously. 01:00:27.119 --> 01:00:30.119 Thank you. 01:00:31.359 --> 01:00:33.896 And we now move on to the quarterly 01:00:33.920 --> 01:00:36.920 budget report for December 2025. And 01:00:37.839 --> 01:00:39.896 the purpose of this report is to present 01:00:39.920 --> 01:00:42.295 the quarterly budget report to council. 01:00:42.319 --> 01:00:44.456 and it includes the comprehensive income 01:00:44.480 --> 01:00:46.456 statement, the balance sheet, statement 01:00:46.480 --> 01:00:48.456 of cash flows, statement of changes in 01:00:48.480 --> 01:00:51.416 equity and statement of capital works. 01:00:51.440 --> 01:00:53.256 we do have a recommendation before 01:00:53.280 --> 01:00:55.736 us. Does anyone wish to move a motion? 01:00:55.760 --> 01:00:57.575 Councelor Patterson, as per the motion. 01:00:57.599 --> 01:00:58.616 Yes, as per the motion. 01:00:58.640 --> 01:01:01.256 And our second, 01:01:01.280 --> 01:01:03.736 councelor Phelps. Thank you. Councelor 01:01:03.760 --> 01:01:05.416 Patterson, would you like to speak? 01:01:05.440 --> 01:01:07.575 Thank you. So the quarterly budget 01:01:07.599 --> 01:01:09.575 report for December demonstrates a 01:01:09.599 --> 01:01:11.496 comparison the actuals and budgeted 01:01:11.520 --> 01:01:14.136 results to date um and explanations of 01:01:14.160 --> 01:01:16.936 material variances and as we can see 01:01:16.960 --> 01:01:19.095 from the quarterly reports the show 01:01:19.119 --> 01:01:21.095 is in its strong financial position um 01:01:21.119 --> 01:01:22.696 and therefore there's no need to prepare 01:01:22.720 --> 01:01:24.775 a revised budget. The council's 01:01:24.799 --> 01:01:27.799 operating surplus is 4.4 4 million 01:01:27.920 --> 01:01:30.376 favorable um year to date and that's a 01:01:30.400 --> 01:01:32.535 variance of around 8% and that's mainly 01:01:32.559 --> 01:01:33.976 to do with capital grants and the 01:01:34.000 --> 01:01:36.535 delivery of the ward via um aquatic and 01:01:36.559 --> 01:01:38.936 recreation project. Um but I also wanted 01:01:38.960 --> 01:01:41.656 to note the depreciation of council's 01:01:41.680 --> 01:01:43.976 assets is also favorable. There's been a 01:01:44.000 --> 01:01:45.736 change in the accounting policy and the 01:01:45.760 --> 01:01:47.656 measurement of the useful life of our 01:01:47.680 --> 01:01:50.680 assets. um that's come out of the 2425 01:01:50.960 --> 01:01:53.656 re-evaluation of B of buildings um 01:01:53.680 --> 01:01:55.416 compared to the estimate in what was put 01:01:55.440 --> 01:01:58.440 in our estimated budget for 2526 01:01:58.480 --> 01:02:01.176 um but all in all the budget's on track 01:02:01.200 --> 01:02:03.496 um and I encourage you to to note these 01:02:03.520 --> 01:02:05.736 quarterly budget reports I did also want 01:02:05.760 --> 01:02:07.736 to note um we can see in here that the 01:02:07.760 --> 01:02:10.760 rates um you know there's a slight rates 01:02:10.880 --> 01:02:12.775 and charges are down slightly to budget 01:02:12.799 --> 01:02:14.616 and I wanted to rates notice have gone 01:02:14.640 --> 01:02:16.535 out and I wanted to draw to people's 01:02:16.559 --> 01:02:18.535 attention in these difficult financial 01:02:18.559 --> 01:02:20.535 times encourage rate payers with any 01:02:20.559 --> 01:02:22.856 outstanding rates to contact council um 01:02:22.880 --> 01:02:24.775 and join a payment plan so that they do 01:02:24.799 --> 01:02:26.055 not attract interest on their 01:02:26.079 --> 01:02:27.496 outstanding debt. So, please get in 01:02:27.520 --> 01:02:30.136 touch with council if if that's a 01:02:30.160 --> 01:02:32.535 situation that you find yourself in. But 01:02:32.559 --> 01:02:35.559 I encourage people to um endorse the the 01:02:35.680 --> 01:02:37.416 quarterly budget. Thank you. 01:02:37.440 --> 01:02:39.016 Thanks, Councelor Patterson. Councelor 01:02:39.040 --> 01:02:40.055 Phelps. 01:02:40.079 --> 01:02:41.736 Thank you, Mayor. Um so, we're at the 01:02:41.760 --> 01:02:43.815 halfway point of the financial year. Um 01:02:43.839 --> 01:02:45.736 as um councelor Patterson has has 01:02:45.760 --> 01:02:47.416 outlined the finances look to be largely 01:02:47.440 --> 01:02:49.256 on track with some income and expense 01:02:49.280 --> 01:02:51.575 timing adjustments. As we'll see in an 01:02:51.599 --> 01:02:53.815 item coming up later in the agenda. I'd 01:02:53.839 --> 01:02:55.416 like to note that the independent audit 01:02:55.440 --> 01:02:56.616 and risk committee pour over these 01:02:56.640 --> 01:02:58.696 things with a fine tooth comb. So I'm 01:02:58.720 --> 01:03:00.535 confident that what we see here is 01:03:00.559 --> 01:03:02.775 does reflect the situation and it's also 01:03:02.799 --> 01:03:04.456 worth noting that the end of year annual 01:03:04.480 --> 01:03:06.295 report provides a better final overview 01:03:06.319 --> 01:03:08.136 of how well a budget went in terms of 01:03:08.160 --> 01:03:11.095 plan versus reality. , I'm happy to 01:03:11.119 --> 01:03:12.456 support the recommendation to note the 01:03:12.480 --> 01:03:14.535 December quarterly budget report. Thank 01:03:14.559 --> 01:03:14.936 you. 01:03:14.960 --> 01:03:16.456 Thanks, Councelor Phelps. Any other 01:03:16.480 --> 01:03:17.896 councilors wanting to speak to this 01:03:17.920 --> 01:03:19.095 item? Councelor Barker. 01:03:19.119 --> 01:03:21.015 Thanks. Um, yeah, calling budgets might 01:03:21.039 --> 01:03:22.535 one of the most important documents we 01:03:22.559 --> 01:03:25.256 see each year. Um, it tells us whether 01:03:25.280 --> 01:03:27.815 our ambitions match our bank balance. 01:03:27.839 --> 01:03:30.295 The report says that council remains in 01:03:30.319 --> 01:03:33.015 a s in a sustainable financial position 01:03:33.039 --> 01:03:35.015 and confirms that a revised budget is 01:03:35.039 --> 01:03:38.039 not required or good. 01:03:38.079 --> 01:03:40.616 But I appreciate the position that 01:03:40.640 --> 01:03:42.616 councelor Patterson put forward in that 01:03:42.640 --> 01:03:45.015 we can both identify what's happening, 01:03:45.039 --> 01:03:46.216 but I'm going to go a little bit 01:03:46.240 --> 01:03:48.616 further. So operating surplus 4.4 01:03:48.640 --> 01:03:51.176 million favorable, 8% variance, but when 01:03:51.200 --> 01:03:53.416 you read the fine print, most of that 01:03:53.440 --> 01:03:55.736 good news comes from the timing of 01:03:55.760 --> 01:03:58.535 capital grants and a change in the 01:03:58.559 --> 01:04:01.335 depreciation policy and the revaluation 01:04:01.359 --> 01:04:04.359 of buildings. We're on par there, 01:04:04.559 --> 01:04:06.616 but it's not because we are living 01:04:06.640 --> 01:04:08.616 within our means or easing the pressure 01:04:08.640 --> 01:04:10.535 on rates. 01:04:10.559 --> 01:04:12.055 So, I've done some smoke and mirrors and 01:04:12.079 --> 01:04:14.456 it's a little bit better, 01:04:14.480 --> 01:04:16.295 but if we want to get into a better 01:04:16.319 --> 01:04:18.856 position, we need some structural reform 01:04:18.880 --> 01:04:21.880 that I think is possible. But will we 01:04:22.160 --> 01:04:25.160 see it? Who knows? Um, 01:04:26.720 --> 01:04:29.656 the risk section is refreshingly honest. 01:04:29.680 --> 01:04:31.896 list breadth and level of council 01:04:31.920 --> 01:04:34.920 operations exceeds council's long-term 01:04:35.119 --> 01:04:38.119 financial sustainability 01:04:38.240 --> 01:04:40.936 as a serious risk. Now, to me, that's 01:04:40.960 --> 01:04:43.015 alarm bells. I appreciate the honesty in 01:04:43.039 --> 01:04:45.976 the report, but it's up to everyone 01:04:46.000 --> 01:04:49.000 involved to be able to tighten the belt 01:04:49.039 --> 01:04:52.039 so that we can reduce that risk. 01:04:56.000 --> 01:04:58.856 If we try to be everything for everyone, 01:04:58.880 --> 01:05:01.880 we'll be nothing for anyone. 01:05:02.000 --> 01:05:05.000 So, as I've said before, if we focus on 01:05:05.280 --> 01:05:07.896 the core essential services and do that 01:05:07.920 --> 01:05:10.616 well, we'll be supporting most of the 01:05:10.640 --> 01:05:13.640 community as best as possible. 01:05:13.839 --> 01:05:15.575 Now, community is already facing 01:05:15.599 --> 01:05:17.496 economic pressure on rateayers and a 01:05:17.520 --> 01:05:20.295 slowdown in development and its flow on 01:05:20.319 --> 01:05:23.319 impact to council revenue sources. 01:05:23.520 --> 01:05:25.896 Add to that the state government as I've 01:05:25.920 --> 01:05:27.815 said before and I will not stop hopping 01:05:27.839 --> 01:05:30.456 on about it because the the debt that 01:05:30.480 --> 01:05:33.480 Victorian government is in is 01:05:33.920 --> 01:05:36.055 astronomical. It beats I think three 01:05:36.079 --> 01:05:39.079 states combined together and that debt 01:05:39.760 --> 01:05:41.656 means that spending needs to be cut and 01:05:41.680 --> 01:05:43.815 if it's not cut it means that we're 01:05:43.839 --> 01:05:45.896 going to get support from the federal 01:05:45.920 --> 01:05:47.656 government and the federal government is 01:05:47.680 --> 01:05:50.055 going to give that money through the 01:05:50.079 --> 01:05:52.055 issuing of bonds and inflation is going 01:05:52.079 --> 01:05:54.136 to go rampant. So, like if you've got 01:05:54.160 --> 01:05:56.775 concerns about the cost of living at the 01:05:56.799 --> 01:05:59.799 moment and governments at every level 01:06:00.640 --> 01:06:03.256 don't stop their spending and cut it 01:06:03.280 --> 01:06:05.976 back massively, that cost of living 01:06:06.000 --> 01:06:07.335 pressure is just going to get worse and 01:06:07.359 --> 01:06:09.015 worse. 01:06:09.039 --> 01:06:11.896 Um, so yes, we should note the report 01:06:11.920 --> 01:06:14.616 because it's because hiding the 01:06:14.640 --> 01:06:17.640 numbers will not help. , 01:06:19.200 --> 01:06:21.095 and it's not an ideological point. 01:06:21.119 --> 01:06:23.256 That's basic financial survival. We need 01:06:23.280 --> 01:06:26.280 to focus on the basics. Do them well. Um 01:06:28.960 --> 01:06:30.775 there's more, but I'm out of time. So 01:06:30.799 --> 01:06:31.416 that's it. 01:06:31.440 --> 01:06:33.335 Thanks, Council Barker. would any 01:06:33.359 --> 01:06:34.936 other counselors like to speak to this 01:06:34.960 --> 01:06:37.176 motion? 01:06:37.200 --> 01:06:39.095 No. And Council Patterson, did you have 01:06:39.119 --> 01:06:40.696 any closing comments? We'll put the 01:06:40.720 --> 01:06:43.720 motion to a vote. All those in favor? 01:06:45.760 --> 01:06:48.216 And the motion's carried unanimously? 01:06:48.240 --> 01:06:51.240 Thank you, councilors. 01:06:51.280 --> 01:06:54.280 Next on the agenda is item 4.3 um which 01:06:55.680 --> 01:06:57.575 is motions for the ALGA conference and 01:06:57.599 --> 01:06:59.416 MA state council meeting. And the 01:06:59.440 --> 01:07:01.575 purpose of this report is to seek 01:07:01.599 --> 01:07:03.976 council's endorsement um of motions to 01:07:04.000 --> 01:07:05.976 be tabled at the Australian Local 01:07:06.000 --> 01:07:09.000 Government Association 2026 National 01:07:09.200 --> 01:07:11.015 General Assembly which will be held in 01:07:11.039 --> 01:07:14.039 June and at the Municipal Association of 01:07:14.160 --> 01:07:16.616 Victoria's State Council meeting 01:07:16.640 --> 01:07:19.640 which is coming up in May this year. As 01:07:19.839 --> 01:07:21.896 the recommendation has been updated 01:07:21.920 --> 01:07:24.616 to reflect a corrected meeting date, 01:07:24.640 --> 01:07:26.775 I will ask officers to share this on the 01:07:26.799 --> 01:07:29.015 screen just before we continue. So 01:07:29.039 --> 01:07:31.815 councilors can review the revised 01:07:31.839 --> 01:07:34.456 motion 01:07:34.480 --> 01:07:36.616 and the change in date there is just 01:07:36.640 --> 01:07:38.136 highlighted on the screen. Everything 01:07:38.160 --> 01:07:41.160 else remains the same. 01:07:43.599 --> 01:07:45.976 So we do have a recommendation before 01:07:46.000 --> 01:07:48.535 us. Does anyone wish to move a motion? 01:07:48.559 --> 01:07:49.736 Just a quick question. 01:07:49.760 --> 01:07:50.856 Yes, councelor Barker. 01:07:50.880 --> 01:07:52.136 I might not have been in the room when 01:07:52.160 --> 01:07:53.575 this was discussed, but is the actual 01:07:53.599 --> 01:07:55.256 date correct as well? 01:07:55.280 --> 01:07:57.815 Yes. Yes. So, it was 2025 instead of 01:07:57.839 --> 01:07:58.856 2026. 01:07:58.880 --> 01:08:00.696 The 29. That's good. Y. 01:08:00.720 --> 01:08:03.656 Yeah. , 01:08:03.680 --> 01:08:05.015 would anyone like to move a motion? 01:08:05.039 --> 01:08:06.936 Councelor Bodsworth as per the 01:08:06.960 --> 01:08:08.696 recommendation. Thank you. And do we 01:08:08.720 --> 01:08:10.376 have a seconder? Councelor Patterson. 01:08:10.400 --> 01:08:12.616 Thank you. And councelor Bodsworth, over 01:08:12.640 --> 01:08:13.575 to you. 01:08:13.599 --> 01:08:16.599 Thanks, Mayor. So yeah, ALGO Australian 01:08:17.520 --> 01:08:19.335 Local Government Association National 01:08:19.359 --> 01:08:22.135 General Assembly. I was at the last one. 01:08:22.159 --> 01:08:25.159 Um it was super interesting thing to be 01:08:25.279 --> 01:08:28.279 at. It's a huge get together of councils 01:08:28.960 --> 01:08:31.960 from all over Australia from right up at 01:08:32.880 --> 01:08:35.880 Columbomboo and Kanara down to OAR. Um 01:08:37.199 --> 01:08:38.616 very interesting to hear the breadth of 01:08:38.640 --> 01:08:41.640 issues covered. So the delegates um 01:08:42.880 --> 01:08:45.496 basically are in a huge theater, get a 01:08:45.520 --> 01:08:47.175 booklet of motions. We run through the 01:08:47.199 --> 01:08:49.175 motions and delegates vote on whether 01:08:49.199 --> 01:08:52.199 they support them being becoming a alga 01:08:52.239 --> 01:08:55.239 advocacy item or not. Um and then those 01:08:56.239 --> 01:08:58.695 motions go get get packaged and 01:08:58.719 --> 01:09:01.175 communication collateral gets prepared 01:09:01.199 --> 01:09:03.655 to take those forward as adv advocacy 01:09:03.679 --> 01:09:06.056 items. So, it's it's a bit of a process, 01:09:06.080 --> 01:09:07.735 but it's a really important thing for us 01:09:07.759 --> 01:09:10.456 to participate in and to be in the room 01:09:10.480 --> 01:09:12.456 um to make sure that the Surf Coast 01:09:12.480 --> 01:09:14.295 Municipality is standing up and being 01:09:14.319 --> 01:09:17.319 counted in that kind of forum. Um with 01:09:17.359 --> 01:09:19.175 the MAV, the Municipal Association 01:09:19.199 --> 01:09:22.199 Victoria, it's a similar scenario. So, 01:09:23.199 --> 01:09:26.199 in talking to this, I mean, I I we've 01:09:26.480 --> 01:09:28.215 worked together on putting these motions 01:09:28.239 --> 01:09:30.695 together. Um Darren Chill has put a lot 01:09:30.719 --> 01:09:32.616 of work which I'd like to acknowledge 01:09:32.640 --> 01:09:35.640 into preparing these um not not just 01:09:35.759 --> 01:09:37.735 sitting in the office sort of working on 01:09:37.759 --> 01:09:40.376 them but calling others and working out 01:09:40.400 --> 01:09:42.856 what other councils are are planning and 01:09:42.880 --> 01:09:44.536 that kind of thing and what the broader 01:09:44.560 --> 01:09:46.856 context is for these areas that we're 01:09:46.880 --> 01:09:48.775 advocating on. 01:09:48.799 --> 01:09:51.799 So on the first one, the um proposed 01:09:51.839 --> 01:09:54.839 ALGA motion number one is regarding 01:09:55.280 --> 01:09:57.896 telecommunications with a focus on peak 01:09:57.920 --> 01:10:00.695 demand. And um I'm going to leave other 01:10:00.719 --> 01:10:02.376 counselors to talk about that, which I'm 01:10:02.400 --> 01:10:04.616 sure that they'll do. All I want to say 01:10:04.640 --> 01:10:07.016 is that we saw in January how much you 01:10:07.040 --> 01:10:09.336 don't want to be trying to get your 01:10:09.360 --> 01:10:11.736 phone or your emergency big app to 01:10:11.760 --> 01:10:14.760 reload when something's going down. 01:10:15.520 --> 01:10:16.856 you don't want to be sitting minutes 01:10:16.880 --> 01:10:18.056 counted. You don't want to be sitting 01:10:18.080 --> 01:10:20.856 there trying to get connectivity at a 01:10:20.880 --> 01:10:23.880 time like that. In terms of algamotion 01:10:23.920 --> 01:10:25.896 number two, 01:10:25.920 --> 01:10:27.655 , and that's relating to a 01:10:27.679 --> 01:10:29.896 continuation of what was a 4-year 01:10:29.920 --> 01:10:31.496 program of the federal government, which 01:10:31.520 --> 01:10:34.520 was the National Active Transport Fund. 01:10:34.880 --> 01:10:37.816 That was a program that allocated $100 01:10:37.840 --> 01:10:40.135 million, which sounds like a lot. That 01:10:40.159 --> 01:10:41.976 was over four years and over the entire 01:10:42.000 --> 01:10:44.456 continent. So, it actually spreads out 01:10:44.480 --> 01:10:47.480 pretty thin. And compared to um 01:10:48.400 --> 01:10:51.096 worldwide investments in active travel 01:10:51.120 --> 01:10:52.776 and reducing car dependency, it's 01:10:52.800 --> 01:10:55.800 actually quite pitiful. So um there was 01:10:56.640 --> 01:10:59.175 a lot of both at the National General 01:10:59.199 --> 01:11:01.096 Assembly and at the Algo Roads Congress 01:11:01.120 --> 01:11:03.576 in Bendigo last year, there was a lot of 01:11:03.600 --> 01:11:06.376 council interest in active travel. 01:11:06.400 --> 01:11:08.776 councils are recognizing that it makes 01:11:08.800 --> 01:11:11.800 sense not just for um the environment 01:11:12.719 --> 01:11:15.336 but also it's reducing road trauma, it's 01:11:15.360 --> 01:11:17.256 reducing pollution, it's reducing health 01:11:17.280 --> 01:11:19.416 costs from pollution, it's increasing 01:11:19.440 --> 01:11:21.576 physical activity, reducing health 01:11:21.600 --> 01:11:23.336 health costs and improving mental health 01:11:23.360 --> 01:11:25.416 around that. It's saving household 01:11:25.440 --> 01:11:28.440 budgets. It's saving council finances. 01:11:29.120 --> 01:11:32.120 Um and it's reducing congestion like 01:11:33.120 --> 01:11:34.776 what Matt talked about earlier tonight 01:11:34.800 --> 01:11:37.655 with um people searching in central key 01:11:37.679 --> 01:11:40.679 looking for parking spaces. So a lot of 01:11:41.120 --> 01:11:42.536 different reasons for investing in 01:11:42.560 --> 01:11:44.776 active travel. Currently Australia 01:11:44.800 --> 01:11:47.800 spends $714 per person on roads every 01:11:49.040 --> 01:11:52.040 year but just 90 cents of that amount 01:11:52.159 --> 01:11:53.576 goes to walking and cycling 01:11:53.600 --> 01:11:55.576 infrastructure. So that's the kind of 01:11:55.600 --> 01:11:57.736 disparity that we're talking about in 01:11:57.760 --> 01:12:00.536 putting this motion forward and talking 01:12:00.560 --> 01:12:02.695 about this that disparity and and the 01:12:02.719 --> 01:12:05.256 return on investment from that funding. 01:12:05.280 --> 01:12:07.416 Um 01:12:07.440 --> 01:12:09.655 researchers indicated that every 01:12:09.679 --> 01:12:12.456 kilometer traveled by car has a societal 01:12:12.480 --> 01:12:14.856 net cost of about 22 cents per 01:12:14.880 --> 01:12:17.576 kilometer. Whereas every kilometer 01:12:17.600 --> 01:12:20.536 traveled by both walking and cycling has 01:12:20.560 --> 01:12:23.016 a societal net benefit of of around the 01:12:23.040 --> 01:12:25.976 same amount around 20 21 cents per 01:12:26.000 --> 01:12:27.736 kilometer. So they're an absolute mirror 01:12:27.760 --> 01:12:30.536 image of each other in terms of um value 01:12:30.560 --> 01:12:33.336 for money spending on on cars and 01:12:33.360 --> 01:12:36.360 spending on not cars. 01:12:36.560 --> 01:12:38.376 So that's the main one that I want to 01:12:38.400 --> 01:12:40.376 focus on. Um I'm going to leave 01:12:40.400 --> 01:12:43.400 colleagues to talk about motion as well. 01:12:43.600 --> 01:12:45.976 So yeah, I think we've done a great job 01:12:46.000 --> 01:12:47.736 this year round with these proposals and 01:12:47.760 --> 01:12:49.736 I hope that council support them. 01:12:49.760 --> 01:12:51.256 Thanks Council Bodsworth. Council 01:12:51.280 --> 01:12:53.655 Patterson. Thank you. Um council 01:12:53.679 --> 01:12:55.816 Bodsworth and I will tag team. He has a 01:12:55.840 --> 01:12:58.536 passion in the ALG motions and I'm as 01:12:58.560 --> 01:13:00.376 the chair of the Jalong Regional Library 01:13:00.400 --> 01:13:02.376 very enthusiastic about the motion for 01:13:02.400 --> 01:13:05.400 MAV around um increasing um state 01:13:06.080 --> 01:13:07.976 government funding for public libraries 01:13:08.000 --> 01:13:09.896 to ensure allocations are needs based 01:13:09.920 --> 01:13:12.920 and reflective of population growth. So 01:13:13.120 --> 01:13:15.096 um it's the motion is calling on the 01:13:15.120 --> 01:13:16.616 Victorian government to reform the 01:13:16.640 --> 01:13:18.456 public libraries funding program to 01:13:18.480 --> 01:13:20.056 ensure funding is needs-based 01:13:20.080 --> 01:13:21.896 considerate considering population 01:13:21.920 --> 01:13:24.376 growth and equity measures such as 01:13:24.400 --> 01:13:27.336 socioeconomic and age profiles. So 01:13:27.360 --> 01:13:29.416 according to public libraries Victoria 01:13:29.440 --> 01:13:31.496 government funding for libraries has not 01:13:31.520 --> 01:13:34.520 reflected population growth since 2018. 01:13:35.679 --> 01:13:38.456 um and council's mav motion is informed 01:13:38.480 --> 01:13:40.856 by the work of public life Victoria 01:13:40.880 --> 01:13:43.256 including their bud budget submission 01:13:43.280 --> 01:13:45.096 and most importantly drawing attention 01:13:45.120 --> 01:13:47.336 to the important role libraries play in 01:13:47.360 --> 01:13:49.976 our community and they do provide so 01:13:50.000 --> 01:13:51.496 much value for the community. If you 01:13:51.520 --> 01:13:53.016 haven't been down to one of our local 01:13:53.040 --> 01:13:54.695 libraries, you really should because 01:13:54.719 --> 01:13:56.616 they're not just about books anymore. 01:13:56.640 --> 01:13:58.936 There's lots more um going on at the 01:13:58.960 --> 01:14:00.616 libraries. It's about literacy and 01:14:00.640 --> 01:14:02.776 learning. But libraries also have a 01:14:02.800 --> 01:14:04.616 significant role in building community 01:14:04.640 --> 01:14:06.695 connectness and therefore delivering on 01:14:06.719 --> 01:14:09.336 our health and well-being outcomes. Um 01:14:09.360 --> 01:14:11.256 they play a vital role in early years 01:14:11.280 --> 01:14:13.256 literacy and supporting families 01:14:13.280 --> 01:14:15.655 managing the cost of living. If it's a 01:14:15.679 --> 01:14:17.736 cold day and you've got nowhere to go, 01:14:17.760 --> 01:14:19.576 the library will be warm. If it's a hot 01:14:19.600 --> 01:14:22.376 day and you're struggling with heat, 01:14:22.400 --> 01:14:23.816 the libraries will be cool. there's 01:14:23.840 --> 01:14:26.616 internet, there's areas to sit, there's 01:14:26.640 --> 01:14:28.776 books, you know, it just goes on and on. 01:14:28.800 --> 01:14:30.616 As well as the amazing speakers and and 01:14:30.640 --> 01:14:33.640 events that happen. Um, in CO, it was 01:14:34.159 --> 01:14:35.816 really evident the importance of 01:14:35.840 --> 01:14:37.416 libraries because when people needed to 01:14:37.440 --> 01:14:39.976 get their um authentification for their 01:14:40.000 --> 01:14:42.056 vaccinations on their phones, they would 01:14:42.080 --> 01:14:43.576 go to the libraries and the librarians 01:14:43.600 --> 01:14:45.096 would help them to do that. So, there's 01:14:45.120 --> 01:14:47.416 so many layers um to our public 01:14:47.440 --> 01:14:50.135 libraries. I was over at the Armstrong 01:14:50.159 --> 01:14:53.016 Creek Library um when it opened last 01:14:53.040 --> 01:14:56.040 year and um or the year before and there 01:14:57.360 --> 01:14:58.856 was a new member who'd never been to the 01:14:58.880 --> 01:15:00.616 library and they're like, "But how much 01:15:00.640 --> 01:15:02.856 does it cost?" And the librarian's like, 01:15:02.880 --> 01:15:05.256 "You can join for free." No, no, no. 01:15:05.280 --> 01:15:06.695 There must be a cost. And they're like, 01:15:06.719 --> 01:15:09.096 "No, you can access books. You can come 01:15:09.120 --> 01:15:11.655 here and it's free." And the the person 01:15:11.679 --> 01:15:13.096 just couldn't understand that they 01:15:13.120 --> 01:15:14.776 didn't have to pay anything to join this 01:15:14.800 --> 01:15:16.616 amazing library. And that was just a 01:15:16.640 --> 01:15:18.536 really interesting um I just assumed 01:15:18.560 --> 01:15:21.016 everybody knew libraries were free. Um 01:15:21.040 --> 01:15:23.256 so I really think we it's an important 01:15:23.280 --> 01:15:25.016 motion because we need to ensure there's 01:15:25.040 --> 01:15:26.776 that equity for everybody in accessing 01:15:26.800 --> 01:15:29.256 libraries. Um and without adequate 01:15:29.280 --> 01:15:30.936 funding with that funding burden 01:15:30.960 --> 01:15:33.896 continuing to fall onto local government 01:15:33.920 --> 01:15:35.896 um that could put in jeopardy these 01:15:35.920 --> 01:15:37.736 amazing services. So we want to ensure 01:15:37.760 --> 01:15:40.215 that the funding is shared and the state 01:15:40.239 --> 01:15:41.976 government continues to contribute it 01:15:42.000 --> 01:15:44.215 adequately or increase their their 01:15:44.239 --> 01:15:45.976 funding. So, thank you. I encourage 01:15:46.000 --> 01:15:48.616 councilors to support this math motion. 01:15:48.640 --> 01:15:50.376 Thanks, councelor Patterson. Any other 01:15:50.400 --> 01:15:52.296 counselors? Councelor Walker. 01:15:52.320 --> 01:15:54.456 , thank you, mayor, and and thank you 01:15:54.480 --> 01:15:56.456 to other councils for um highlighting 01:15:56.480 --> 01:15:59.016 some of the motions. I'm going to um 01:15:59.040 --> 01:16:00.616 highlight the other motion around mobile 01:16:00.640 --> 01:16:01.896 coverage, which I'm very passionate 01:16:01.920 --> 01:16:03.976 about. When we talk around recovery from 01:16:04.000 --> 01:16:06.456 emergencies, I'll talk around mobile 01:16:06.480 --> 01:16:08.376 coverage. The Australian Parliament is 01:16:08.400 --> 01:16:09.896 considering a bill that seeks to ensure 01:16:09.920 --> 01:16:11.896 a minimum standard of mobile coverage. A 01:16:11.920 --> 01:16:13.816 minimum is not enough. The aim of the 01:16:13.840 --> 01:16:15.175 bill is to ensure a minimum level of 01:16:15.199 --> 01:16:16.616 coverage, but it does not take into 01:16:16.640 --> 01:16:18.215 account the impact of peak demand on 01:16:18.239 --> 01:16:20.536 local network performance. In a surf 01:16:20.560 --> 01:16:22.215 coast show, there are many examples of 01:16:22.239 --> 01:16:23.976 network coverage failing to support peak 01:16:24.000 --> 01:16:25.816 demand and of the network being 01:16:25.840 --> 01:16:27.256 vulnerable to certain weather 01:16:27.280 --> 01:16:29.576 conditions. When we talk of adequate 01:16:29.600 --> 01:16:31.256 mobile coverage, this isn't talking 01:16:31.280 --> 01:16:33.496 about slow internet or bad reception or 01:16:33.520 --> 01:16:35.896 fixed line MBN. We're talking about no 01:16:35.920 --> 01:16:37.976 mobile reception at all. At certain 01:16:38.000 --> 01:16:39.416 times when population goes from a 01:16:39.440 --> 01:16:42.215 th00and to 20,000 there's no mobile 01:16:42.239 --> 01:16:44.135 phone or internet at all in particular 01:16:44.159 --> 01:16:46.296 lawn and areas in both bushfire prone 01:16:46.320 --> 01:16:48.616 zones. I witnessed this every day from 01:16:48.640 --> 01:16:50.936 Boxing Day until mid January with times 01:16:50.960 --> 01:16:53.416 of no reception at all. We had a little 01:16:53.440 --> 01:16:54.695 circle going around looking for a 01:16:54.719 --> 01:16:56.616 satellite that's what my phone showed 01:16:56.640 --> 01:16:58.456 and messaging coming through hours 01:16:58.480 --> 01:17:00.856 later. This is imperative that this is 01:17:00.880 --> 01:17:02.776 addressed when we rely on emergency apps 01:17:02.800 --> 01:17:04.296 and warnings through the internet on 01:17:04.320 --> 01:17:06.376 mobile devices or need to make emergency 01:17:06.400 --> 01:17:08.936 calls or even book a restaurant. And in 01:17:08.960 --> 01:17:11.336 the many hours tourists traveling on the 01:17:11.360 --> 01:17:12.936 famous Great Ocean Road, there are 01:17:12.960 --> 01:17:14.695 significant black spots including 01:17:14.719 --> 01:17:16.296 Cumberland River where there's no 01:17:16.320 --> 01:17:19.096 reception at all. They rely on Star Link 01:17:19.120 --> 01:17:20.695 just for their reception. That's where 01:17:20.719 --> 01:17:23.096 the floods were. At least seven times on 01:17:23.120 --> 01:17:24.695 the Great Shore between Law and Apollo 01:17:24.719 --> 01:17:27.416 Bay, there is no reception at all. Not 01:17:27.440 --> 01:17:29.576 limited reception, none. It can have 01:17:29.600 --> 01:17:31.336 significant impact on businesses who 01:17:31.360 --> 01:17:33.816 rely online transactions in peak summer 01:17:33.840 --> 01:17:36.840 period when demand is high. A booster 01:17:37.280 --> 01:17:39.736 system in peak peak season and in 01:17:39.760 --> 01:17:41.976 genuine mobile blackspots needs to be 01:17:42.000 --> 01:17:44.776 addressed and hopefully this motion 01:17:44.800 --> 01:17:47.416 to MA hopefully addresses that um in 01:17:47.440 --> 01:17:50.440 moving forward um in our recovery and 01:17:50.640 --> 01:17:52.456 yep it's good. 01:17:52.480 --> 01:17:53.976 Thanks councelor Walker. Any other 01:17:54.000 --> 01:17:56.056 councilors? 01:17:56.080 --> 01:17:57.416 Council Phelps. 01:17:57.440 --> 01:17:58.856 Yeah, I'd just like to say the these 01:17:58.880 --> 01:18:00.376 three motions are of direct importance 01:18:00.400 --> 01:18:03.096 to people in Surf Kosha um as as already 01:18:03.120 --> 01:18:05.175 covered. Um having a mobile phone 01:18:05.199 --> 01:18:06.936 network that not only copes with peak 01:18:06.960 --> 01:18:09.256 summer traffic, but more essentially 01:18:09.280 --> 01:18:11.016 copes with emergency situations when 01:18:11.040 --> 01:18:12.456 much more capacity is needed for 01:18:12.480 --> 01:18:15.256 warnings, text messages, and phone calls 01:18:15.280 --> 01:18:16.936 by multiple thousands of visitors and 01:18:16.960 --> 01:18:19.096 locals who may be in a state of high 01:18:19.120 --> 01:18:20.856 anxiety. 01:18:20.880 --> 01:18:22.376 to not only continue the federal 01:18:22.400 --> 01:18:23.976 funding for active transport which is 01:18:24.000 --> 01:18:26.695 due to end in 2029 but to also raise it 01:18:26.719 --> 01:18:28.376 to the levels recommended by the United 01:18:28.400 --> 01:18:30.856 Nations to increase funding to our 01:18:30.880 --> 01:18:32.456 wonderful library service to reflect the 01:18:32.480 --> 01:18:34.616 benefits it provides to everyone young 01:18:34.640 --> 01:18:36.936 and old for social connection learning 01:18:36.960 --> 01:18:39.336 entertainment and so much more. It's 01:18:39.360 --> 01:18:41.655 important to contribute to national 01:18:41.679 --> 01:18:43.976 national and state priorities and to 01:18:44.000 --> 01:18:45.576 have our council's voice heard on behalf 01:18:45.600 --> 01:18:47.736 of Rape. So I strongly encourage 01:18:47.760 --> 01:18:50.296 accepting this recommendation. Thanks, 01:18:50.320 --> 01:18:52.376 Councelor Phelps 01:18:52.400 --> 01:18:54.456 and Council Bodsworth. Did you have any 01:18:54.480 --> 01:18:56.695 closing? Oh, sorry. Council B. 01:18:56.719 --> 01:18:57.736 Council Grist, come down. 01:18:57.760 --> 01:19:00.760 Council Gri 01:19:05.360 --> 01:19:08.056 sending the microphone on. Um, thanks 01:19:08.080 --> 01:19:10.215 Mayor. Um, if we are genuinely concerned 01:19:10.239 --> 01:19:11.976 about telecommunications coverage, , 01:19:12.000 --> 01:19:14.056 which I am also, I feel we must first 01:19:14.080 --> 01:19:16.135 ask ourselves in our community what 01:19:16.159 --> 01:19:17.655 practical infrastructure we are prepared 01:19:17.679 --> 01:19:19.816 to support here at home. 01:19:19.840 --> 01:19:21.416 We cannot reject upgrades like those 01:19:21.440 --> 01:19:23.416 proposed by Bob Reserve and Jan Jarken 01:19:23.440 --> 01:19:24.936 and turn around and ask CRA to fix a 01:19:24.960 --> 01:19:27.256 capacity problem for us. In my view, 01:19:27.280 --> 01:19:28.856 that creates poor optics and invites 01:19:28.880 --> 01:19:31.496 accusations of inconsistency. If we are 01:19:31.520 --> 01:19:32.776 unwilling to support reasonable 01:19:32.800 --> 01:19:34.695 infrastructure in our own m municipality 01:19:34.719 --> 01:19:36.456 and yes, sometimes in our own backyards, 01:19:36.480 --> 01:19:38.296 then escalating this issue nationally 01:19:38.320 --> 01:19:39.816 risks looking symbolic rather than 01:19:39.840 --> 01:19:41.816 serious. Before advocating to the 01:19:41.840 --> 01:19:43.016 Commonwealth, I think we need to be 01:19:43.040 --> 01:19:44.695 crystal clear as a community about what 01:19:44.719 --> 01:19:46.296 solutions we will actually stand behind 01:19:46.320 --> 01:19:48.135 locally. 01:19:48.159 --> 01:19:49.655 As for the math motion to call on the 01:19:49.679 --> 01:19:51.096 state government to reform spending, I'd 01:19:51.120 --> 01:19:53.496 like to say a lot of things, but suffice 01:19:53.520 --> 01:19:55.416 to say, $15 billion would pay for a lot 01:19:55.440 --> 01:19:56.856 of library books. And there are more 01:19:56.880 --> 01:19:58.296 poignant questions we should be asking 01:19:58.320 --> 01:19:59.576 the state government in regard to the 01:19:59.600 --> 01:20:02.456 spending. Furthermore, attending Algar 01:20:02.480 --> 01:20:04.296 and math conferences involves travel, 01:20:04.320 --> 01:20:05.736 registration fees, staff time, and 01:20:05.760 --> 01:20:07.896 associated expenses. Unless there is a 01:20:07.920 --> 01:20:09.016 clear measurable outcome for our 01:20:09.040 --> 01:20:11.096 residents, these excursions become a 01:20:11.120 --> 01:20:13.016 high cost exercise with uncertain 01:20:13.040 --> 01:20:15.096 return. It risk looking like activity 01:20:15.120 --> 01:20:17.736 without any local impact. 01:20:17.760 --> 01:20:19.256 Must also be said that organizations 01:20:19.280 --> 01:20:21.336 like Algra and MV add another 01:20:21.360 --> 01:20:23.736 bureaucratic layer and cost between 01:20:23.760 --> 01:20:25.816 local communities and decision makers. 01:20:25.840 --> 01:20:27.336 Their advocacy often results in more 01:20:27.360 --> 01:20:29.096 federal and state programs, more 01:20:29.120 --> 01:20:30.616 extraction and spending of taxpayers 01:20:30.640 --> 01:20:32.056 money and more centralized solutions 01:20:32.080 --> 01:20:34.296 that may not may not always align with 01:20:34.320 --> 01:20:36.616 our community's priorities. For those 01:20:36.640 --> 01:20:38.215 reasons, cost consistency, 01:20:38.239 --> 01:20:39.736 accountability, and effectiveness, I 01:20:39.760 --> 01:20:41.496 cannot support this motion. It may feel 01:20:41.520 --> 01:20:43.336 constructive, but it does not directly 01:20:43.360 --> 01:20:45.816 improve outcomes for our residents. 01:20:45.840 --> 01:20:47.736 Thanks. Thanks, Council Griff. Council 01:20:47.760 --> 01:20:48.215 Barker. 01:20:48.239 --> 01:20:51.239 Thanks. Um, all of these motions 01:20:53.600 --> 01:20:56.600 are not our circus, not our monkeys. 01:20:56.719 --> 01:20:59.336 First one, Alga motion one, talking 01:20:59.360 --> 01:21:02.360 about the telecommunications issue. As 01:21:02.400 --> 01:21:05.400 councelor Gris touched on, , we've 01:21:06.400 --> 01:21:09.400 rejected or downgraded 01:21:10.239 --> 01:21:12.536 telecommunications proposals coming 01:21:12.560 --> 01:21:15.560 before this chamber before. So, 01:21:16.320 --> 01:21:19.320 we've got to have consistency. 01:21:19.840 --> 01:21:22.536 Either we are for good mobile 01:21:22.560 --> 01:21:25.496 telecommunication or we're not. It seems 01:21:25.520 --> 01:21:27.896 that we're trying to hedge our bets 01:21:27.920 --> 01:21:30.920 either way. And where we get some push 01:21:31.360 --> 01:21:34.360 back, we then prevent the improvement to 01:21:37.040 --> 01:21:38.776 telecommunications 01:21:38.800 --> 01:21:41.800 or we actually look at the risks 01:21:42.000 --> 01:21:45.000 associated and support the introduction 01:21:45.920 --> 01:21:48.920 not at our cost but just at our approval 01:21:49.440 --> 01:21:50.936 so that we can get better 01:21:50.960 --> 01:21:52.536 communications. 01:21:52.560 --> 01:21:55.560 now alga motion number two talks 01:21:55.840 --> 01:21:58.296 about active transport and calling on 01:21:58.320 --> 01:22:01.175 the federal government to pay up. Shared 01:22:01.199 --> 01:22:03.256 responsibility is no responsibility. 01:22:03.280 --> 01:22:06.280 Either local active transport is our 01:22:06.800 --> 01:22:09.800 responsibility and we pay 01:22:09.840 --> 01:22:11.576 or it's federal governments and they 01:22:11.600 --> 01:22:13.816 pay. When we start trying to share it 01:22:13.840 --> 01:22:16.840 around it doesn't work. 01:22:17.360 --> 01:22:20.360 If it is valuable and we do want to 01:22:21.360 --> 01:22:23.816 commit assets to it, then we'll do it. 01:22:23.840 --> 01:22:25.976 But don't be calling on other parts of 01:22:26.000 --> 01:22:28.056 government to bail you out. Now, onto 01:22:28.080 --> 01:22:31.080 the MA motion talking about libraries. 01:22:31.920 --> 01:22:34.135 Libraries are not free. They're paid for 01:22:34.159 --> 01:22:37.159 by rateayers and taxpayers. 01:22:38.080 --> 01:22:40.456 Whether you own a house and pay state 01:22:40.480 --> 01:22:43.480 taxes, whether you are a rate payer and 01:22:44.639 --> 01:22:47.576 pay that directly or whether you rent, 01:22:47.600 --> 01:22:50.600 you pay the rates through your landlord. 01:22:52.560 --> 01:22:55.336 Either libraries are valued 01:22:55.360 --> 01:22:57.736 and councils take on responsibility for 01:22:57.760 --> 01:23:00.760 them and councils fund them 100%. or 01:23:01.280 --> 01:23:03.096 they don't because I don't think it's 01:23:03.120 --> 01:23:05.655 fair that someone living in Balorat, 01:23:05.679 --> 01:23:08.679 Bendigo, Miljura ends up paying for a 01:23:08.719 --> 01:23:10.695 library in Toi they'll never see and 01:23:10.719 --> 01:23:12.936 they'll never use. So either we take on 01:23:12.960 --> 01:23:14.856 that responsibility and cover the cost 01:23:14.880 --> 01:23:17.880 completely or we don't. I won't be 01:23:17.920 --> 01:23:19.736 supporting the motion because it's just 01:23:19.760 --> 01:23:21.816 going to be a waste of time, effort, and 01:23:21.840 --> 01:23:24.615 resources to send people to these 01:23:24.639 --> 01:23:27.496 meetings that's going to deliver no 01:23:27.520 --> 01:23:30.215 productive outcome. 01:23:30.239 --> 01:23:32.056 Thanks councelor Barker and councelor 01:23:32.080 --> 01:23:34.056 Shafelder. 01:23:34.080 --> 01:23:37.080 Mayor, I would like to ask advice from 01:23:37.199 --> 01:23:40.199 you if I may with um councelor Barker's 01:23:41.520 --> 01:23:44.520 reference to the council or the 01:23:45.360 --> 01:23:48.360 different conferences being a circus 01:23:48.480 --> 01:23:51.480 and with councilors being referred to 01:23:52.159 --> 01:23:54.056 as monkeys. 01:23:54.080 --> 01:23:57.080 I I think that is inappropriate and I 01:23:57.360 --> 01:23:59.336 would like him to withdraw those 01:23:59.360 --> 01:24:01.816 comments please. 01:24:01.840 --> 01:24:04.296 Um thanks for your feedback councelor 01:24:04.320 --> 01:24:07.320 Sean Felder. I I would suggest that um 01:24:07.600 --> 01:24:10.135 councelor Barker wasn't referring to us 01:24:10.159 --> 01:24:13.159 specifically as as monkeys but was um 01:24:14.080 --> 01:24:17.080 relaying I guess a phrase a term that is 01:24:17.520 --> 01:24:19.496 used in the community. But I appreciate 01:24:19.520 --> 01:24:20.856 your feedback and I would encourage 01:24:20.880 --> 01:24:22.936 councelor Barker to ensure that his 01:24:22.960 --> 01:24:25.960 comments remain respectful of all of us. 01:24:26.639 --> 01:24:28.936 Thanks councelor Sean Felder. 01:24:28.960 --> 01:24:31.175 Mayor, I did want to also speak on the 01:24:31.199 --> 01:24:32.615 motion as well. 01:24:32.639 --> 01:24:35.016 Thanks councelor Shan Felders. 01:24:35.040 --> 01:24:37.496 I would like to say that it's very 01:24:37.520 --> 01:24:40.520 important for um different councils to 01:24:41.040 --> 01:24:44.040 lobby state and federal governments 01:24:44.560 --> 01:24:47.560 and councils that are similar to us such 01:24:48.560 --> 01:24:51.416 as Morningington Peninsula Shire which 01:24:51.440 --> 01:24:53.336 has a coastal area as well as a 01:24:53.360 --> 01:24:56.360 hinterland area as well as other 01:24:56.400 --> 01:24:59.400 councils as well. our population is not 01:25:00.080 --> 01:25:02.135 as great as the large larger 01:25:02.159 --> 01:25:05.159 metropolitan councils and rural and 01:25:05.600 --> 01:25:08.600 regional parts of Australia. Um I 01:25:10.159 --> 01:25:13.159 know that it's possibly um 01:25:13.600 --> 01:25:16.456 I wouldn't know the exact percentage but 01:25:16.480 --> 01:25:18.536 the majority of people live in 01:25:18.560 --> 01:25:21.560 Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. So um 01:25:22.000 --> 01:25:24.135 outside of the large capital cities, 01:25:24.159 --> 01:25:27.096 it's very important for a voice to be 01:25:27.120 --> 01:25:30.120 heard from non- capital parts of 01:25:32.000 --> 01:25:33.976 Australia. And I think that if if we 01:25:34.000 --> 01:25:37.000 don't engage in the MAV and and Alga, 01:25:39.440 --> 01:25:42.440 then I think we do a disservice to to 01:25:43.360 --> 01:25:45.576 our own communities without advocating 01:25:45.600 --> 01:25:48.296 on their their behalf. 01:25:48.320 --> 01:25:51.256 I don't want to debate my colleagues on 01:25:51.280 --> 01:25:54.280 every point they raise, but council va 01:25:54.560 --> 01:25:57.496 did refer to handouts or did refer to 01:25:57.520 --> 01:26:00.376 receiving more money from other tiers of 01:26:00.400 --> 01:26:02.856 government. It is actually a fact that 01:26:02.880 --> 01:26:05.880 the federal government has received 01:26:05.920 --> 01:26:08.920 money from Victorian taxpayers that has 01:26:09.040 --> 01:26:11.976 been subsidizing other states and 01:26:12.000 --> 01:26:15.000 Victoria has the fastest growing 01:26:15.040 --> 01:26:18.040 population in the country and receiving 01:26:18.480 --> 01:26:20.135 more money from the federal government 01:26:20.159 --> 01:26:23.159 is warranted in relation to that. As far 01:26:23.760 --> 01:26:26.760 as all the comments made by my 01:26:27.360 --> 01:26:29.496 colleagues about active transport and 01:26:29.520 --> 01:26:32.376 libraries and mobile phones, it is so 01:26:32.400 --> 01:26:34.856 important and I actually don't want to 01:26:34.880 --> 01:26:36.856 be too melodramatic, but I think it's 01:26:36.880 --> 01:26:39.576 almost life and death particularly with 01:26:39.600 --> 01:26:42.536 the mobile phone coverages when there's 01:26:42.560 --> 01:26:44.536 fires and floods and and other 01:26:44.560 --> 01:26:46.296 emergencies. 01:26:46.320 --> 01:26:49.320 So um I wish um I wish those conferences 01:26:51.120 --> 01:26:54.120 well and yourself mayor attending them. 01:26:54.239 --> 01:26:56.215 I wish you all the very best. A few 01:26:56.239 --> 01:26:59.175 years ago I had the um honor of 01:26:59.199 --> 01:27:01.896 attending a conference in Canberra and 01:27:01.920 --> 01:27:03.976 it was great to meet other counselors 01:27:04.000 --> 01:27:07.000 from other parts of Australia and 01:27:07.520 --> 01:27:10.520 sharing um ideas and networking is so 01:27:12.000 --> 01:27:15.000 important. So, um, I really hope this 01:27:15.440 --> 01:27:18.440 motion is, , supported. Thank you. 01:27:18.480 --> 01:27:20.056 Thanks, Councelor Sean Felder and 01:27:20.080 --> 01:27:21.816 Councelor Crockett. 01:27:21.840 --> 01:27:24.296 Thank you. Just wanted to add that I 01:27:24.320 --> 01:27:26.456 support these motions as part of our 01:27:26.480 --> 01:27:29.256 advocacy to the levels of government 01:27:29.280 --> 01:27:32.280 that do have power and oversight on 01:27:32.560 --> 01:27:34.536 these matters. Um I think council is 01:27:34.560 --> 01:27:36.376 really well placed to provide the advice 01:27:36.400 --> 01:27:39.096 on what's needed being the closest level 01:27:39.120 --> 01:27:41.096 of government to community and receiving 01:27:41.120 --> 01:27:44.056 the latest advice and guidance um from 01:27:44.080 --> 01:27:45.816 residents but often without the 01:27:45.840 --> 01:27:48.776 resources or powers to implement. Um so 01:27:48.800 --> 01:27:51.800 I hope these motions have impact. 01:27:51.840 --> 01:27:53.976 Thanks Councelor Crockett and Councelor 01:27:54.000 --> 01:27:55.816 Bodsworth do you have any closing 01:27:55.840 --> 01:27:57.336 comments? 01:27:57.360 --> 01:28:00.296 Yeah, just thanks to everyone for the 01:28:00.320 --> 01:28:02.296 the good variety of views that we've 01:28:02.320 --> 01:28:05.256 heard on these these um respective 01:28:05.280 --> 01:28:07.896 motions. Just on the value of being 01:28:07.920 --> 01:28:10.296 there, I guess um I think councelor 01:28:10.320 --> 01:28:12.296 Seanfelder nailed it when he said that 01:28:12.320 --> 01:28:15.320 if we're not in the room um our voice 01:28:15.600 --> 01:28:17.096 isn't represented and that's the voice 01:28:17.120 --> 01:28:18.856 of the people that we're representing. 01:28:18.880 --> 01:28:20.936 So I think that we are letting those 01:28:20.960 --> 01:28:23.960 people down if we're not there. Um these 01:28:24.480 --> 01:28:27.480 gatherings provide unequal access to 01:28:29.040 --> 01:28:31.976 decision makers and they provide a a 01:28:32.000 --> 01:28:34.615 really unique opportunity for council 01:28:34.639 --> 01:28:37.016 councils, representatives, delegates to 01:28:37.040 --> 01:28:39.416 get together and and present a combined 01:28:39.440 --> 01:28:42.135 voice. And I guess one piece of evidence 01:28:42.159 --> 01:28:44.135 for that was at the Alga Roads Congress 01:28:44.159 --> 01:28:47.159 in Bendigo last year where um um federal 01:28:47.520 --> 01:28:49.896 infrastructure minister Katherine King 01:28:49.920 --> 01:28:52.056 was present gave a an opening address 01:28:52.080 --> 01:28:53.816 one morning and I had the opportunity to 01:28:53.840 --> 01:28:56.840 ask her a question about continuing the 01:28:57.120 --> 01:29:00.120 national active transport fund and her 01:29:00.400 --> 01:29:03.400 answer was equivocal and that question 01:29:03.440 --> 01:29:05.016 and answer triggered a lot of interest 01:29:05.040 --> 01:29:07.816 from councilors delegates from all over 01:29:07.840 --> 01:29:09.655 Australia who are at that congress. ress 01:29:09.679 --> 01:29:12.679 and I have heard that um that Minister 01:29:13.199 --> 01:29:15.655 King has been um really surprised and 01:29:15.679 --> 01:29:18.056 struck by the amount of interest that 01:29:18.080 --> 01:29:21.080 she's had from all over Australia in um 01:29:21.120 --> 01:29:23.416 improving investment in active travel. 01:29:23.440 --> 01:29:25.816 So that's just one anecdote on the 01:29:25.840 --> 01:29:27.256 impact that you can have if you're in 01:29:27.280 --> 01:29:30.280 the room. And if you're not in the room, 01:29:30.560 --> 01:29:32.215 you're not going to have that impact. We 01:29:32.239 --> 01:29:33.896 can we can write all the letters we want 01:29:33.920 --> 01:29:35.655 or we can make all the representations 01:29:35.679 --> 01:29:37.896 we like. There's nothing like being face 01:29:37.920 --> 01:29:40.920 to face for um putting our 01:29:41.280 --> 01:29:44.280 municipality's best foot forward. 01:29:44.639 --> 01:29:45.175 Thanks. 01:29:45.199 --> 01:29:46.936 Thanks, Council Bodsworth. We'll now put 01:29:46.960 --> 01:29:49.960 the motion to a vote. All those in favor 01:29:51.280 --> 01:29:54.280 and against. And the motion's carried 01:29:54.400 --> 01:29:57.400 72. Thank you, councilors. 01:30:04.239 --> 01:30:07.239 Next up we have item 4.4 four, which 01:30:07.679 --> 01:30:09.896 is the status of the Surf Coast SH 01:30:09.920 --> 01:30:12.695 Hinterland economy, , including the 01:30:12.719 --> 01:30:14.936 drought relief resilience update. And 01:30:14.960 --> 01:30:17.096 the purpose of this report is to provide 01:30:17.120 --> 01:30:19.016 councilors with an update on the 01:30:19.040 --> 01:30:21.175 hinterland economy, an outline of the 01:30:21.199 --> 01:30:23.655 drought relief and resilience measures 01:30:23.679 --> 01:30:25.976 that have been taken and to report on 01:30:26.000 --> 01:30:27.416 the status of drought conditions 01:30:27.440 --> 01:30:29.496 affecting the Surf Coast and southwest 01:30:29.520 --> 01:30:31.496 Victoria. , we do have a 01:30:31.520 --> 01:30:33.256 recommendation before us. Does anyone 01:30:33.280 --> 01:30:35.816 wish to move a motion in relation to 01:30:35.840 --> 01:30:37.816 this report? 01:30:37.840 --> 01:30:39.016 Councelor Barker, as per the 01:30:39.040 --> 01:30:39.655 recommendation. 01:30:39.679 --> 01:30:40.296 Yes. 01:30:40.320 --> 01:30:42.456 And a seconder. 01:30:42.480 --> 01:30:45.480 Councelor Sean Felder. Thank you. And 01:30:45.760 --> 01:30:46.936 councelor Barker, would you like to 01:30:46.960 --> 01:30:48.215 speak to this item? 01:30:48.239 --> 01:30:49.816 Just briefly, I support receiving this 01:30:49.840 --> 01:30:51.976 report. I'd like council to be explicit 01:30:52.000 --> 01:30:54.536 that we distinguish between emergency 01:30:54.560 --> 01:30:57.096 phase support, recovery phase support, 01:30:57.120 --> 01:31:00.120 and normal business risks. Um, in a 01:31:01.199 --> 01:31:02.936 world where the state government is 01:31:02.960 --> 01:31:05.175 financially stretched, we need to 01:31:05.199 --> 01:31:07.256 protect both our farmers and our rate 01:31:07.280 --> 01:31:09.096 payers by staying focused on only what 01:31:09.120 --> 01:31:12.056 council can do and by respecting the 01:31:12.080 --> 01:31:14.695 ability of landholders to manage their 01:31:14.719 --> 01:31:17.016 own businesses without endless new 01:31:17.040 --> 01:31:19.496 layers of intervention. 01:31:19.520 --> 01:31:21.816 Because what you'll find is that while 01:31:21.840 --> 01:31:24.840 financial support is 01:31:26.000 --> 01:31:29.000 of benefit, it also creates complexities 01:31:29.760 --> 01:31:32.135 where everything needs to be checked and 01:31:32.159 --> 01:31:34.776 verified to make sure it's worthwhile. 01:31:34.800 --> 01:31:37.576 And this is the same for anything, 01:31:37.600 --> 01:31:39.416 whether it's any particular end 01:31:39.440 --> 01:31:42.440 industry. I don't like governments 01:31:43.600 --> 01:31:45.576 getting involved because they distort 01:31:45.600 --> 01:31:48.600 the economy. And if you let people be 01:31:48.880 --> 01:31:50.695 and stop taking their money, they'll be 01:31:50.719 --> 01:31:53.175 able to survive and not need these 01:31:53.199 --> 01:31:56.056 handouts. 01:31:56.080 --> 01:31:57.896 Thanks, Councelor Barker. Councelor Sean 01:31:57.920 --> 01:31:59.496 Felder, would you like to speak to this 01:31:59.520 --> 01:32:00.456 item? 01:32:00.480 --> 01:32:03.175 , yes, please, Mayor. And I'd like to 01:32:03.199 --> 01:32:05.976 note that the status of the Surf Coast 01:32:06.000 --> 01:32:08.536 Shai hinterland economy 01:32:08.560 --> 01:32:11.560 um is um at the moment adversely 01:32:12.719 --> 01:32:15.096 affected from drought conditions 01:32:15.120 --> 01:32:16.936 unfortunately. 01:32:16.960 --> 01:32:19.960 And um I know that the hinterland does 01:32:20.560 --> 01:32:23.560 include other um sectors including 01:32:24.320 --> 01:32:27.320 tourism as well and construction 01:32:27.360 --> 01:32:30.360 and um I know that there are also a 01:32:31.840 --> 01:32:34.840 large proportion of the population who 01:32:35.040 --> 01:32:38.040 commute they commute to city of Brad 01:32:38.320 --> 01:32:41.320 Jalong and to other areas for their work 01:32:42.320 --> 01:32:45.320 and um that's interesting in itself. 01:32:46.000 --> 01:32:48.376 because of transport issues as well. 01:32:48.400 --> 01:32:51.400 It's we have um a major road being 01:32:52.560 --> 01:32:55.496 the Princess Highway traveling through 01:32:55.520 --> 01:32:57.416 the Hinterland part of our 01:32:57.440 --> 01:32:59.096 municipality 01:32:59.120 --> 01:33:02.120 and um we have probably one of the most 01:33:02.639 --> 01:33:04.615 famous roads in the world of course the 01:33:04.639 --> 01:33:07.639 Great Ocean Road and we do have another 01:33:08.000 --> 01:33:11.000 road that is of I would say regional 01:33:12.639 --> 01:33:15.175 or even state significance and that is 01:33:15.199 --> 01:33:18.199 Kotway Road. Um sadly the drought at the 01:33:20.639 --> 01:33:23.639 moment is almost lowest on record and 01:33:26.159 --> 01:33:29.159 which is a real concern and it is having 01:33:30.000 --> 01:33:32.776 a terrible effect on primary producers 01:33:32.800 --> 01:33:35.336 and um 01:33:35.360 --> 01:33:37.896 I I really hope that the conditions 01:33:37.920 --> 01:33:40.920 improve but we have had fires in 01:33:43.120 --> 01:33:45.976 neighboring municipalities or more so 01:33:46.000 --> 01:33:49.000 the KA hotway. way sh and I I know that 01:33:49.120 --> 01:33:52.120 in the report it does refer to the 01:33:52.960 --> 01:33:55.960 fact that dams are at a low level and 01:33:56.320 --> 01:33:58.936 when it comes to the fire brigades 01:33:58.960 --> 01:34:01.960 that access water they do access dam 01:34:02.239 --> 01:34:05.239 water at times and that is um crucial 01:34:06.639 --> 01:34:09.336 also for stock as well the fact that the 01:34:09.360 --> 01:34:12.360 lower water levels have a adverse 01:34:13.280 --> 01:34:16.280 effect on stock and Many primary 01:34:16.960 --> 01:34:19.736 producers have destopped at the moment 01:34:19.760 --> 01:34:21.976 and they haven't restocked because we're 01:34:22.000 --> 01:34:25.000 waiting for the break to happen and 01:34:25.199 --> 01:34:27.976 we're hoping that a lay n minar 01:34:28.000 --> 01:34:29.816 continues. 01:34:29.840 --> 01:34:32.376 So I do really appreciate the report. 01:34:32.400 --> 01:34:35.096 It's quite extensive and I actually 01:34:35.120 --> 01:34:38.120 would encourage the federal, state and 01:34:38.719 --> 01:34:41.655 local government to try and help farmers 01:34:41.679 --> 01:34:44.536 as much as possible so that we don't 01:34:44.560 --> 01:34:47.560 have to import food or fiber from 01:34:48.080 --> 01:34:50.936 either interstate or or overseas and the 01:34:50.960 --> 01:34:53.496 fact that if we have decentralization as 01:34:53.520 --> 01:34:55.976 well, I believe that has a better impact 01:34:56.000 --> 01:34:59.000 on the environment and on community as 01:34:59.600 --> 01:35:02.536 well. , mayor. Thank you. 01:35:02.560 --> 01:35:04.695 Thanks, Councelor Sean Felder. Would any 01:35:04.719 --> 01:35:06.376 other counselors like to speak to this 01:35:06.400 --> 01:35:08.936 item? 01:35:08.960 --> 01:35:11.960 No. Oh, sorry. Councelor G. 01:35:13.760 --> 01:35:15.655 Thanks, Mayor. There are elements here 01:35:15.679 --> 01:35:17.416 that are strongly worth supporting. , 01:35:17.440 --> 01:35:18.936 firstly, the focus on providing 01:35:18.960 --> 01:35:21.016 information, facilitating, facilitating 01:35:21.040 --> 01:35:22.135 connections rather than directly 01:35:22.159 --> 01:35:24.536 intervening in markets is appropriate. 01:35:24.560 --> 01:35:26.056 Ensuring that land holders and small 01:35:26.080 --> 01:35:27.736 businesses are aware of available 01:35:27.760 --> 01:35:30.296 drought support, regulatory relief and 01:35:30.320 --> 01:35:32.296 financial assistance is a legitimate and 01:35:32.320 --> 01:35:34.456 limited role for local government. 01:35:34.480 --> 01:35:36.296 Transparency, coordination and reducing 01:35:36.320 --> 01:35:37.655 red tape for all constructive 01:35:37.679 --> 01:35:39.576 contributions. 01:35:39.600 --> 01:35:41.096 Secondly, any effort to streamline 01:35:41.120 --> 01:35:43.336 processes, remove unnecessary regulatory 01:35:43.360 --> 01:35:45.256 burdens, and allow primary producers 01:35:45.280 --> 01:35:46.695 greater flexibility to respond to 01:35:46.719 --> 01:35:49.016 seasonal conditions is consistent with 01:35:49.040 --> 01:35:51.096 economic resilience. The best form of 01:35:51.120 --> 01:35:52.776 drought resilience is often adaptive 01:35:52.800 --> 01:35:54.936 capacity and that comes from freedom to 01:35:54.960 --> 01:35:57.175 innovate, diversify income streams, and 01:35:57.199 --> 01:36:00.199 respond quickly to market signals. 01:36:00.400 --> 01:36:01.976 However, there are also areas that 01:36:02.000 --> 01:36:04.615 warrant caution where responses drift 01:36:04.639 --> 01:36:06.615 toward ongoing subsidy dependence. 01:36:06.639 --> 01:36:08.376 Direct financial intervention or 01:36:08.400 --> 01:36:10.215 expansion of council programs beyond 01:36:10.239 --> 01:36:12.456 core functions, we should pause. 01:36:12.480 --> 01:36:14.376 Long-term economic resilience is built 01:36:14.400 --> 01:36:16.695 on strong copyrights, functioning 01:36:16.719 --> 01:36:18.376 markets, manageable rates, and low 01:36:18.400 --> 01:36:20.615 barriers to enterprise. not on layering 01:36:20.639 --> 01:36:22.056 additional bureaucracy or creating 01:36:22.080 --> 01:36:23.256 permanent support structures that 01:36:23.280 --> 01:36:25.736 distort incentives. 01:36:25.760 --> 01:36:27.896 Similarly, if drought responses if 01:36:27.920 --> 01:36:29.736 drought responses become a vehicle for 01:36:29.760 --> 01:36:31.976 broader policy expansion or new spending 01:36:32.000 --> 01:36:33.336 commitments without clear sunset 01:36:33.360 --> 01:36:35.496 clauses, measurable outcomes or cost 01:36:35.520 --> 01:36:37.496 discipline that would be concerning 01:36:37.520 --> 01:36:39.256 particularly in the context of council 01:36:39.280 --> 01:36:41.816 debt and rate pay pressure. 01:36:41.840 --> 01:36:43.336 In short, supporting this report for 01:36:43.360 --> 01:36:45.095 noting makes sense. It provides valuable 01:36:45.119 --> 01:36:46.936 situational awareness. But as we 01:36:46.960 --> 01:36:49.095 respond, we should prioritize reducing 01:36:49.119 --> 01:36:51.496 regulatory friction, avoiding structural 01:36:51.520 --> 01:36:53.256 increases in council expenditure and 01:36:53.280 --> 01:36:55.095 streng strengthening the conditions for 01:36:55.119 --> 01:36:57.976 voluntary marketled recovery. Resilience 01:36:58.000 --> 01:36:59.736 ultimately comes from economic freedom, 01:36:59.760 --> 01:37:01.736 flexibility and local initiative and our 01:37:01.760 --> 01:37:03.896 policies setting should reflect that. 01:37:03.920 --> 01:37:04.776 Thanks. 01:37:04.800 --> 01:37:06.456 Thanks councelor Grist. Any other 01:37:06.480 --> 01:37:07.976 councilors wanting to speak? Councelor 01:37:08.000 --> 01:37:09.576 Phelps. Thank you. 01:37:09.600 --> 01:37:11.256 Thank you ma'am. Um the report includes 01:37:11.280 --> 01:37:13.016 lots of facts and figures about what's 01:37:13.040 --> 01:37:14.376 been done over the last year or so. So 01:37:14.400 --> 01:37:16.536 it is worth reading through. I'd just 01:37:16.560 --> 01:37:18.135 like to say that it's been great to see 01:37:18.159 --> 01:37:20.215 the support provided to those affected 01:37:20.239 --> 01:37:22.776 by droughts around Surf Cohen. Um 01:37:22.800 --> 01:37:24.135 there's been a lot done, much of it 01:37:24.159 --> 01:37:26.056 behind the scenes, but plenty of direct 01:37:26.080 --> 01:37:28.856 contact too. There's a long way to go 01:37:28.880 --> 01:37:30.456 for some and the outlook isn't 01:37:30.480 --> 01:37:32.056 particularly positive for catching up on 01:37:32.080 --> 01:37:34.135 the lack of rainfall. But I'd like to 01:37:34.159 --> 01:37:35.655 emphasize that help continues to be 01:37:35.679 --> 01:37:37.336 available in a variety of forms and I 01:37:37.360 --> 01:37:39.256 encourage anyone affected to get in 01:37:39.280 --> 01:37:40.936 touch with the SHI as a a starting 01:37:40.960 --> 01:37:43.256 point. My thanks to the SHI staff who 01:37:43.280 --> 01:37:44.695 pulled together all the various programs 01:37:44.719 --> 01:37:46.615 and supports available and provided that 01:37:46.639 --> 01:37:49.095 valuable assistance and I'm happy to 01:37:49.119 --> 01:37:51.016 support this recommendation to note the 01:37:51.040 --> 01:37:52.856 status of the Surf Coast Shinterland 01:37:52.880 --> 01:37:55.256 Hinterland economy and more importantly 01:37:55.280 --> 01:37:57.816 the local drought response activities. 01:37:57.840 --> 01:37:58.536 Thank you. 01:37:58.560 --> 01:37:59.976 Thanks Council Phelps. Council 01:38:00.000 --> 01:38:02.296 Bodsworth. Yeah, just really briefly to 01:38:02.320 --> 01:38:04.296 say that I really appreciate this report 01:38:04.320 --> 01:38:07.320 and the information that's in it. Um, I 01:38:07.920 --> 01:38:09.256 really really support what other 01:38:09.280 --> 01:38:11.416 counselors have said about it as well. 01:38:11.440 --> 01:38:12.936 Um, I think there's a lot of insights 01:38:12.960 --> 01:38:14.856 that we can take from this reading 01:38:14.880 --> 01:38:17.336 carefully um that we can take into our 01:38:17.360 --> 01:38:19.416 own policy considerations here on 01:38:19.440 --> 01:38:21.896 council. Um, I like the recognition of 01:38:21.920 --> 01:38:24.135 the expertise that's in in the 01:38:24.159 --> 01:38:27.159 hinterland in the farming community. Um, 01:38:27.280 --> 01:38:29.256 as councelor Gri talked about, it's it's 01:38:29.280 --> 01:38:31.336 that kind of expertise and the 01:38:31.360 --> 01:38:33.496 opportunity to be creative and to adapt 01:38:33.520 --> 01:38:36.520 that's really a key to resilience. Um, 01:38:36.960 --> 01:38:39.655 so yeah, really appreciate having access 01:38:39.679 --> 01:38:41.496 to this and appreciate the great work 01:38:41.520 --> 01:38:43.256 that is pulling it together and the 01:38:43.280 --> 01:38:44.856 great work that people are doing 01:38:44.880 --> 01:38:47.175 throughout the Surf Coast land. 01:38:47.199 --> 01:38:49.175 Thanks councelor Bodsworth, councelor 01:38:49.199 --> 01:38:50.615 Crockett. 01:38:50.639 --> 01:38:52.856 Thank you mayor. I also appreciate the 01:38:52.880 --> 01:38:55.880 work that's gone into this report. Um 01:38:56.080 --> 01:38:57.736 and it's really important. The surf 01:38:57.760 --> 01:39:00.615 coast hinterland covers over 60% of the 01:39:00.639 --> 01:39:03.016 municipality. So it's a really important 01:39:03.040 --> 01:39:06.040 part of the local economy. Um but the 01:39:06.480 --> 01:39:07.976 the 01:39:08.000 --> 01:39:10.536 report is quite sobering. It um you know 01:39:10.560 --> 01:39:13.560 the drought situation in the SH is um 01:39:13.760 --> 01:39:16.615 partly stabilized but not recovered. Um 01:39:16.639 --> 01:39:18.135 you know there's farmers underwater 01:39:18.159 --> 01:39:21.159 stress. There's elevated fire risk um 01:39:21.440 --> 01:39:24.440 due to the um dryness of it all. And um 01:39:25.280 --> 01:39:27.496 you know we're dependent on consistent 01:39:27.520 --> 01:39:30.135 rainfall for full recovery. Um but 01:39:30.159 --> 01:39:33.159 recovery is not guaranteed. Um so we you 01:39:33.679 --> 01:39:35.496 know we can't always just wait for rain 01:39:35.520 --> 01:39:38.056 to fall. There is you know a declining 01:39:38.080 --> 01:39:41.016 trend in rainfall. So more highs, fewer 01:39:41.040 --> 01:39:44.040 lows and reduction in the number of um 01:39:45.040 --> 01:39:48.040 you know rain producing cold fronts. Um 01:39:48.480 --> 01:39:50.615 we we need to get serious about water 01:39:50.639 --> 01:39:53.256 security and and what and do what we can 01:39:53.280 --> 01:39:55.336 in our patch. Um you know expanding our 01:39:55.360 --> 01:39:58.215 water reuse and recycling and continue 01:39:58.239 --> 01:39:59.976 to advocate to the state government as 01:40:00.000 --> 01:40:02.695 well to fund um a sustainable water 01:40:02.719 --> 01:40:05.175 network um across the state with the 01:40:05.199 --> 01:40:07.576 help of Ban Water um which is already 01:40:07.600 --> 01:40:10.456 one of our advocacy priorities. Um but 01:40:10.480 --> 01:40:13.480 yeah, it just is important to a reminder 01:40:13.520 --> 01:40:16.135 of how scarce and precious water is to 01:40:16.159 --> 01:40:18.456 us right now. 01:40:18.480 --> 01:40:20.376 Thank you, Councelor Crockett. Any other 01:40:20.400 --> 01:40:21.976 counselors? 01:40:22.000 --> 01:40:23.336 Councelor Walker. 01:40:23.360 --> 01:40:25.016 Thank you, Mayor and and and thank you 01:40:25.040 --> 01:40:28.040 um everyone. this report updates us 01:40:28.560 --> 01:40:30.296 on the Surf Coast intern economy 01:40:30.320 --> 01:40:31.655 outlining the drought relief and 01:40:31.679 --> 01:40:33.576 resilience measures taken and report on 01:40:33.600 --> 01:40:35.016 the status of drought conditions 01:40:35.040 --> 01:40:36.936 affecting Surf Coast but also the 01:40:36.960 --> 01:40:39.896 southwest Victoria. Drought has placed 01:40:39.920 --> 01:40:41.655 pressure on agricultural productivity, 01:40:41.679 --> 01:40:43.576 water security and community well-being 01:40:43.600 --> 01:40:46.536 across rural townships. There's been 01:40:46.560 --> 01:40:48.215 drought response and support activity 01:40:48.239 --> 01:40:50.856 including relief grants ongoing support 01:40:50.880 --> 01:40:52.695 connection and resilience. But the thing 01:40:52.719 --> 01:40:55.175 that can help the problem is rain which 01:40:55.199 --> 01:40:57.976 we can't control. Currently as of last 01:40:58.000 --> 01:41:01.000 week statewide 52% full 17% lower than 01:41:01.679 --> 01:41:04.536 previous years. Melbourne 71% full 11% 01:41:04.560 --> 01:41:06.376 lower than previous years. And regional 01:41:06.400 --> 01:41:09.400 48% full 90% lower than previous years. 01:41:09.600 --> 01:41:12.456 We're far from through a drought. We 01:41:12.480 --> 01:41:14.296 also need to take in account the recent 01:41:14.320 --> 01:41:16.376 fires with a lot of the volunteers 01:41:16.400 --> 01:41:18.056 across the region being farmers and 01:41:18.080 --> 01:41:19.576 residents of the hintterland who are out 01:41:19.600 --> 01:41:21.496 there fighting fires without hesitation. 01:41:21.520 --> 01:41:22.856 often having to leave their own 01:41:22.880 --> 01:41:25.576 properties to fight fires and protect 01:41:25.600 --> 01:41:27.655 their neighbors, protecting their 01:41:27.679 --> 01:41:29.016 community and taking water from 01:41:29.040 --> 01:41:31.016 droughtridden properties from them dams. 01:41:31.040 --> 01:41:32.776 I thank you all for your hard work and 01:41:32.800 --> 01:41:35.016 resilience. In receiving these updates, 01:41:35.040 --> 01:41:36.536 you demonstrate a continued commitment 01:41:36.560 --> 01:41:38.296 to involvement in supporting drought 01:41:38.320 --> 01:41:40.296 relief and recovery. It's an in-depth 01:41:40.320 --> 01:41:42.936 report um and matters pertaining to the 01:41:42.960 --> 01:41:45.416 hinterland economy more broadly. Thanks. 01:41:45.440 --> 01:41:48.440 Thanks, Councelor Walker. And Council 01:41:48.560 --> 01:41:50.376 Barker, any closing comments? No. We'll 01:41:50.400 --> 01:41:52.056 now put the motion to a vote. All those 01:41:52.080 --> 01:41:55.080 in favor 01:41:55.840 --> 01:41:57.816 and the motion's carried unanimously. 01:41:57.840 --> 01:41:59.976 Thank you, councilors. 01:42:00.000 --> 01:42:03.000 next up we have item 4.5 which is 01:42:04.400 --> 01:42:07.256 the addendum to the adopted to Janjuk 01:42:07.280 --> 01:42:09.736 retail and employment land strategy 01:42:09.760 --> 01:42:12.215 otherwise known as the rails. And the 01:42:12.239 --> 01:42:13.896 purpose of this report is to seek 01:42:13.920 --> 01:42:16.920 council's adoption of the rails addendum 01:42:17.520 --> 01:42:19.976 report. We do have a recommendation 01:42:20.000 --> 01:42:22.776 before us. does anyone wish to move a 01:42:22.800 --> 01:42:25.576 motion? Councelor Patterson as per the 01:42:25.600 --> 01:42:28.600 recommendation and a seconder. Councelor 01:42:28.800 --> 01:42:31.800 Bodsworth. Thank you. And councelor 01:42:32.480 --> 01:42:33.576 Patterson, would you like to speak to 01:42:33.600 --> 01:42:34.056 the motion? 01:42:34.080 --> 01:42:37.080 Yes, I would. Thanks. So, a lot has 01:42:37.119 --> 01:42:39.016 changed since the retail and employment 01:42:39.040 --> 01:42:41.175 land strategy was prepared in 2020 and 01:42:41.199 --> 01:42:43.736 then endorsed by council in 2021. So 01:42:43.760 --> 01:42:45.496 this addendum is important to provide 01:42:45.520 --> 01:42:48.215 the context and data to make informed 01:42:48.239 --> 01:42:50.615 decisions into the future around retail 01:42:50.639 --> 01:42:53.576 and employment in to agenda. So the 01:42:53.600 --> 01:42:55.655 addendum report will enable officers to 01:42:55.679 --> 01:42:57.336 commence preparing a planning scheme 01:42:57.360 --> 01:42:59.416 amendment to incorporate key policy 01:42:59.440 --> 01:43:02.056 corrections in coast land scheme. This 01:43:02.080 --> 01:43:04.615 amendment has been delayed for some time 01:43:04.639 --> 01:43:07.016 as a result of the uncertainty around 01:43:07.040 --> 01:43:08.936 the co years and the impact of the 01:43:08.960 --> 01:43:11.496 distinctive areas and landscape work. So 01:43:11.520 --> 01:43:13.976 some of the things to consider um that 01:43:14.000 --> 01:43:15.496 have impacted the rails or the retail 01:43:15.520 --> 01:43:17.416 and employment land strategy since they 01:43:17.440 --> 01:43:20.440 were prepared in 2020 in rel to co and 01:43:20.800 --> 01:43:23.175 more specifically the impact of that and 01:43:23.199 --> 01:43:26.199 the changing way people work um shop and 01:43:26.960 --> 01:43:29.016 those sorts of things. So as a result 01:43:29.040 --> 01:43:31.095 the demands have changed on land use 01:43:31.119 --> 01:43:32.695 with a lot more shopping being done 01:43:32.719 --> 01:43:34.776 online and work being carried out 01:43:34.800 --> 01:43:37.175 remotely. So this has changed the demand 01:43:37.199 --> 01:43:39.175 pattern for land use and in particular 01:43:39.199 --> 01:43:40.536 there's been an increased demand for 01:43:40.560 --> 01:43:42.856 warehousing in our industrial precincts 01:43:42.880 --> 01:43:45.576 and we've seen that um in the west coast 01:43:45.600 --> 01:43:48.376 business park the urban future strategy 01:43:48.400 --> 01:43:51.400 was adopted in m 20 mid 2025 um and that 01:43:52.560 --> 01:43:54.135 work was completed by council and that's 01:43:54.159 --> 01:43:55.496 a really important piece of work which 01:43:55.520 --> 01:43:57.976 also needs to be considered um and the 01:43:58.000 --> 01:43:59.416 distinctive areas and landscape 01:43:59.440 --> 01:44:01.416 statement of planning policy so this 01:44:01.440 --> 01:44:03.655 sets out sets out the protected 01:44:03.679 --> 01:44:06.056 settlement boundary around to B key and 01:44:06.080 --> 01:44:07.816 the proposed changes to zoning for the 01:44:07.840 --> 01:44:10.536 Spring Creek area. In addition, this 01:44:10.560 --> 01:44:12.456 will also impact our urban centers and 01:44:12.480 --> 01:44:14.296 where growth will happen in our SH and 01:44:14.320 --> 01:44:16.936 that all needs to be considered. So 01:44:16.960 --> 01:44:19.175 considerations for the addendum report 01:44:19.199 --> 01:44:21.655 also relate to updated commentary data 01:44:21.679 --> 01:44:24.056 and evidence and and they will enable 01:44:24.080 --> 01:44:25.816 further planning and development of the 01:44:25.840 --> 01:44:28.456 messmate road area. So technical data is 01:44:28.480 --> 01:44:31.175 needed to provide direction on what the 01:44:31.199 --> 01:44:33.496 extent of employment land is land is 01:44:33.520 --> 01:44:35.416 needed to be allocated for the messmate 01:44:35.440 --> 01:44:37.816 road area. The west coast business park 01:44:37.840 --> 01:44:39.576 as I mentioned earlier has demonstrated 01:44:39.600 --> 01:44:41.416 the benefit of having employment land 01:44:41.440 --> 01:44:43.416 allocated so that people can live and 01:44:43.440 --> 01:44:45.576 work in the same area and we can see 01:44:45.600 --> 01:44:47.336 this already and we want these learnings 01:44:47.360 --> 01:44:49.496 to be applied for planning and zoning 01:44:49.520 --> 01:44:52.520 for memate road. also reszoning of land 01:44:52.800 --> 01:44:55.336 in North Ki to enable further small 01:44:55.360 --> 01:44:57.336 scale shops in the north to key shopping 01:44:57.360 --> 01:45:00.360 precinct. So there's currently a cap um 01:45:00.719 --> 01:45:02.615 on the extent of commercial shopping 01:45:02.639 --> 01:45:05.496 area or floor area within North K, but 01:45:05.520 --> 01:45:07.896 with the residential growth in North K. 01:45:07.920 --> 01:45:10.135 is proposed that increasing commercial 01:45:10.159 --> 01:45:12.456 offerings would be really wellreceived 01:45:12.480 --> 01:45:14.135 and you can see that when you're there 01:45:14.159 --> 01:45:15.736 that there are so many people living in 01:45:15.760 --> 01:45:18.376 that area and having um additional shops 01:45:18.400 --> 01:45:20.615 there would make um would be really 01:45:20.639 --> 01:45:22.695 beneficial. It would minimize the need 01:45:22.719 --> 01:45:24.695 for reliance on cars and encourage 01:45:24.719 --> 01:45:25.976 community connection, people coming 01:45:26.000 --> 01:45:28.536 together in their local area. Then we 01:45:28.560 --> 01:45:30.376 also move on to Bangs Cresant. Um this 01:45:30.400 --> 01:45:32.296 is a great mixeduse area and the 01:45:32.320 --> 01:45:35.016 addendum encourages this to continue and 01:45:35.040 --> 01:45:36.776 there's so much potential um in the 01:45:36.800 --> 01:45:39.256 Baines Cresant area. Um and there's also 01:45:39.280 --> 01:45:41.095 opportunities to enhance what's already 01:45:41.119 --> 01:45:42.856 really great and make it even more 01:45:42.880 --> 01:45:44.536 vibrant and this may include some level 01:45:44.560 --> 01:45:47.175 of housing um which is addressed in the 01:45:47.199 --> 01:45:49.416 addendum report but really the need for 01:45:49.440 --> 01:45:52.440 a precinct level plan for this area. So 01:45:52.480 --> 01:45:54.135 the aim of the implementation of the 01:45:54.159 --> 01:45:56.615 rails and addendum report recommendation 01:45:56.639 --> 01:45:58.456 is to facilitate new investment in the 01:45:58.480 --> 01:46:00.456 toi economy by encouraging employment 01:46:00.480 --> 01:46:02.376 land and development in appropriate 01:46:02.400 --> 01:46:04.695 specific locations resulting in the 01:46:04.719 --> 01:46:07.175 efficient use and development of land 01:46:07.199 --> 01:46:08.856 given the protected settlement boundary 01:46:08.880 --> 01:46:11.655 around key. It will also be used to 01:46:11.679 --> 01:46:13.576 develop a planning scheme amendment to 01:46:13.600 --> 01:46:15.416 incorporate these key policy directions 01:46:15.440 --> 01:46:18.440 into the Surf Coast planning scheme. 01:46:18.880 --> 01:46:20.776 Many of you are probably interested in 01:46:20.800 --> 01:46:22.776 the Dell SP and how the state government 01:46:22.800 --> 01:46:24.456 is progressing progressing with the 01:46:24.480 --> 01:46:26.215 implementation of this in the planning 01:46:26.239 --> 01:46:28.615 scheme and this work is being led by the 01:46:28.639 --> 01:46:29.816 state government and they are 01:46:29.840 --> 01:46:31.976 progressing incorporating elements of 01:46:32.000 --> 01:46:33.976 the Dell into the scheme with a recent 01:46:34.000 --> 01:46:36.456 amendment to introduce the Dell policy 01:46:36.480 --> 01:46:38.536 into the Surf Coast planning scheme and 01:46:38.560 --> 01:46:40.776 we understand more is planned um to be 01:46:40.800 --> 01:46:42.615 introduced in the next few months which 01:46:42.639 --> 01:46:45.639 is good news. So I encourage my fellow 01:46:46.000 --> 01:46:48.135 councilors to support this motion so 01:46:48.159 --> 01:46:49.896 that council can progress with the surf 01:46:49.920 --> 01:46:51.576 coast planning scheme amendment and have 01:46:51.600 --> 01:46:54.600 sound evidence to inform future planning 01:46:54.880 --> 01:46:57.416 support and support to Janjuk to 01:46:57.440 --> 01:47:00.056 continue to be a vibrant community. 01:47:00.080 --> 01:47:02.135 Thanks councelor Patterson and councelor 01:47:02.159 --> 01:47:03.976 Bodsworth. 01:47:04.000 --> 01:47:06.456 Thanks um councelor Patterson's pretty 01:47:06.480 --> 01:47:08.695 much said it all. 01:47:08.719 --> 01:47:11.416 I was a big fan of the RAS back in the 01:47:11.440 --> 01:47:13.896 last council term and I think that this 01:47:13.920 --> 01:47:15.976 um addendum really adds to it and 01:47:16.000 --> 01:47:18.456 updates it in a good way. Um I'm just 01:47:18.480 --> 01:47:20.135 going to hark back to the previous item 01:47:20.159 --> 01:47:23.159 on the hintterland report and just talk 01:47:23.199 --> 01:47:25.736 about one of my favorite things which is 01:47:25.760 --> 01:47:28.760 the analogy with farming. And I think 01:47:29.440 --> 01:47:32.135 it's why this kind of deep thinking 01:47:32.159 --> 01:47:35.159 about um economic strategy, sort of 01:47:36.320 --> 01:47:37.896 long-term economic and employment 01:47:37.920 --> 01:47:39.655 strategy for the municipality is so 01:47:39.679 --> 01:47:42.679 important because in my mind what we're 01:47:43.600 --> 01:47:46.600 doing on our role on the council with 01:47:46.719 --> 01:47:49.175 this municipality is a little bit like 01:47:49.199 --> 01:47:51.496 what a careful farmer does with a really 01:47:51.520 --> 01:47:54.056 precious farm, which is kind of what 01:47:54.080 --> 01:47:55.576 we've got. We've got a municipality 01:47:55.600 --> 01:47:58.600 that's outstanding in in its um sort of 01:47:59.119 --> 01:48:01.655 globally recognized values. 01:48:01.679 --> 01:48:04.679 Um we need to make it productive and we 01:48:05.040 --> 01:48:06.776 need to make it profitable so that we 01:48:06.800 --> 01:48:09.800 can reinvest those profits into the 01:48:10.159 --> 01:48:11.496 things that we've talked about tonight 01:48:11.520 --> 01:48:13.496 like libraries which are super important 01:48:13.520 --> 01:48:16.520 but don't in themselves bring in money. 01:48:16.639 --> 01:48:19.639 Um that's so we need to work our 01:48:20.000 --> 01:48:22.856 municipality hard, but we don't want to 01:48:22.880 --> 01:48:24.856 work it so hard that we're depleting it 01:48:24.880 --> 01:48:27.095 and running it down. And that's where I 01:48:27.119 --> 01:48:29.016 think the analogy with farming is really 01:48:29.040 --> 01:48:32.040 important. And any good complex 01:48:32.800 --> 01:48:34.456 multiaceted 01:48:34.480 --> 01:48:37.480 farm needs a good plan. And that's um 01:48:38.159 --> 01:48:39.736 that that's kind of how I look at this 01:48:39.760 --> 01:48:41.896 RS relendum. 01:48:41.920 --> 01:48:44.135 I think they're just really good 01:48:44.159 --> 01:48:45.816 insights 01:48:45.840 --> 01:48:48.615 brought together to provide sensible and 01:48:48.639 --> 01:48:50.936 really placebased 01:48:50.960 --> 01:48:53.960 um directions for retail and employment 01:48:54.560 --> 01:48:57.256 strategy. So I couldn't really support 01:48:57.280 --> 01:48:59.416 this more. I think it's super important 01:48:59.440 --> 01:49:02.440 work for the future of our of our 01:49:03.040 --> 01:49:06.040 municipalities economy, employment and 01:49:06.560 --> 01:49:08.936 lifestyle. 01:49:08.960 --> 01:49:11.655 Big fan. Thanks, Councelor Bodsworth. 01:49:11.679 --> 01:49:14.056 Any other counselors? Councelor Barker, 01:49:14.080 --> 01:49:17.080 I did have a very long detailed part 01:49:17.760 --> 01:49:20.056 to say on this, but I'll just summize it 01:49:20.080 --> 01:49:22.376 as quickly as I can. 01:49:22.400 --> 01:49:25.016 The addendum and the evidence base for 01:49:25.040 --> 01:49:26.936 it is sound, but the practical 01:49:26.960 --> 01:49:29.960 application of it in the rails is going 01:49:30.560 --> 01:49:32.856 to result in land that's more expensive 01:49:32.880 --> 01:49:35.880 to develop, which is in turn going to 01:49:35.920 --> 01:49:38.296 reduce the amount of opportunities that 01:49:38.320 --> 01:49:41.320 can be had within especially the west 01:49:41.360 --> 01:49:44.360 extension of the um 01:49:45.040 --> 01:49:47.496 the business park. 01:49:47.520 --> 01:49:50.520 And we're never going to know it, 01:49:50.719 --> 01:49:53.016 but the controls that the rails will 01:49:53.040 --> 01:49:56.040 impact on will result in people in to 01:49:57.520 --> 01:49:59.416 seeking employment in Jalong or 01:49:59.440 --> 01:50:02.440 Melbourne or businesses rather than 01:50:02.719 --> 01:50:05.016 being based in Toi potentially close to 01:50:05.040 --> 01:50:07.816 the home of the owner 01:50:07.840 --> 01:50:10.776 will seek a location elsewhere 01:50:10.800 --> 01:50:13.175 and it will just drive 01:50:13.199 --> 01:50:15.016 that employment opportunity that could 01:50:15.040 --> 01:50:18.040 have been local elsewhere. 01:50:19.199 --> 01:50:22.199 The intent that this seeks to achieve in 01:50:23.360 --> 01:50:25.896 having a controlling element over the 01:50:25.920 --> 01:50:27.896 growth 01:50:27.920 --> 01:50:30.920 is going to result in choices made by 01:50:31.440 --> 01:50:33.336 people that we will never know. But I 01:50:33.360 --> 01:50:36.296 can guarantee you that if these controls 01:50:36.320 --> 01:50:38.456 remain, 01:50:38.480 --> 01:50:40.936 the economic growth and opportunities in 01:50:40.960 --> 01:50:43.576 this area will be hamstrung. and because 01:50:43.600 --> 01:50:45.256 of that I won't be supporting the 01:50:45.280 --> 01:50:47.336 recommendation. 01:50:47.360 --> 01:50:49.095 Thank you councelor Barker. Would any 01:50:49.119 --> 01:50:50.776 other councilors like to speak to this 01:50:50.800 --> 01:50:53.496 item? Councelor Phelps. 01:50:53.520 --> 01:50:55.336 Yeah, there was a lot to go through for 01:50:55.360 --> 01:50:56.936 me in these two reports being the 01:50:56.960 --> 01:50:59.175 original talking Janjuk retail and 01:50:59.199 --> 01:51:00.856 employment land strategy and then this 01:51:00.880 --> 01:51:03.016 recently completed addendum. to me 01:51:03.040 --> 01:51:05.256 they both provide sensible advice and 01:51:05.280 --> 01:51:07.576 directions to take. I'd like to thank 01:51:07.600 --> 01:51:08.776 members of the committee for their 01:51:08.800 --> 01:51:10.536 recent input. However, I do believe the 01:51:10.560 --> 01:51:12.615 retail and employment land strategy and 01:51:12.639 --> 01:51:15.576 the endom with its updated data is 01:51:15.600 --> 01:51:17.175 considered and takes into account a 01:51:17.199 --> 01:51:18.776 holistic approach to the commercial 01:51:18.800 --> 01:51:21.256 commercial future of TI. Um, so 01:51:21.280 --> 01:51:23.095 accordingly on balance, I support this 01:51:23.119 --> 01:51:25.336 recommendation and encourage councilors 01:51:25.360 --> 01:51:28.360 to do likewise for a better. Thank you. 01:51:28.560 --> 01:51:30.215 Thanks councelor Phelps. Any other 01:51:30.239 --> 01:51:31.816 councilors wanting to speak? Councelor 01:51:31.840 --> 01:51:32.856 Crockett. 01:51:32.880 --> 01:51:35.880 Thank you, Mayor. Um I yeah I think the 01:51:36.480 --> 01:51:39.175 addendum before us tonight responds to 01:51:39.199 --> 01:51:41.575 identified issues that um you know need 01:51:41.599 --> 01:51:44.599 to be addressed and um it positions to 01:51:46.000 --> 01:51:48.936 talk as a regional service center. Um it 01:51:48.960 --> 01:51:51.095 has a bit of a shift to higher density 01:51:51.119 --> 01:51:53.175 and um strategic and what I think is 01:51:53.199 --> 01:51:55.575 sensible development um which makes the 01:51:55.599 --> 01:51:58.599 best use of what land we do have and um 01:52:00.480 --> 01:52:02.615 ensures as well that growth happens 01:52:02.639 --> 01:52:05.639 within existing boundaries. Um so this 01:52:06.960 --> 01:52:08.856 yeah allows us to respond to current 01:52:08.880 --> 01:52:11.880 pressures and um allows to talk to 01:52:12.159 --> 01:52:14.615 generate more local jobs and commercial 01:52:14.639 --> 01:52:17.639 activity as well as housing. Um and it 01:52:18.000 --> 01:52:20.056 made me think um back to our youth 01:52:20.080 --> 01:52:22.376 survey that was conducted recently and 01:52:22.400 --> 01:52:23.816 um you know a large portion of young 01:52:23.840 --> 01:52:25.575 people growing up on the Surf Coast were 01:52:25.599 --> 01:52:27.416 unsure if they would still be in the SH 01:52:27.440 --> 01:52:29.816 in the next 10 years due to limited job 01:52:29.840 --> 01:52:32.840 opportunities and housing diversity. So 01:52:33.040 --> 01:52:34.695 I'm sure this would be welcomed by the 01:52:34.719 --> 01:52:37.016 young people who live here now who rely 01:52:37.040 --> 01:52:39.655 on this growth um to be able to stay and 01:52:39.679 --> 01:52:42.536 contribute in their local community. 01:52:42.560 --> 01:52:44.456 Thanks Councelor Crockett. Any other 01:52:44.480 --> 01:52:46.296 counselors? 01:52:46.320 --> 01:52:49.175 Councelor Sea Felder. 01:52:49.199 --> 01:52:51.976 Thank you, Mayor. I'd like to highlight 01:52:52.000 --> 01:52:55.000 the importance of amenity 01:52:55.040 --> 01:52:58.040 and and these employment precincts 01:52:59.040 --> 01:53:01.976 enhance the local amenity and the fact 01:53:02.000 --> 01:53:05.000 that so many members of our community 01:53:05.440 --> 01:53:08.440 want a small town feel and was once like 01:53:11.199 --> 01:53:14.199 a a fishing village. And I think that 01:53:14.320 --> 01:53:17.320 the um Gilbert Street and um Bell Street 01:53:19.440 --> 01:53:21.976 for example and also even Janjuk as 01:53:22.000 --> 01:53:24.936 well, it does have a small town feel 01:53:24.960 --> 01:53:27.960 about it and a fishing village feel and 01:53:28.880 --> 01:53:31.016 I know that councelor Patterson talked 01:53:31.040 --> 01:53:34.040 about retail changing and that's a 01:53:34.719 --> 01:53:37.336 pertinent point particularly with on 01:53:37.360 --> 01:53:39.976 online retailing and the like and and 01:53:40.000 --> 01:53:42.215 the same with the need for warehousing 01:53:42.239 --> 01:53:44.536 which can be accommodated 01:53:44.560 --> 01:53:47.095 for example at Bane's Cresant and it can 01:53:47.119 --> 01:53:50.119 be located out of sight as far as on the 01:53:50.320 --> 01:53:53.320 main esplanard or the main Surf Coast 01:53:53.360 --> 01:53:56.360 highway and um that adds to the visual 01:53:57.679 --> 01:54:00.679 um ambience of of toi because so many 01:54:03.520 --> 01:54:06.520 people say that to is is so beautiful 01:54:06.960 --> 01:54:09.095 and I think 01:54:09.119 --> 01:54:11.016 it's important not to kill the goose 01:54:11.040 --> 01:54:13.256 that lays the golden 01:54:13.280 --> 01:54:16.280 And our municipality, the visual 01:54:16.400 --> 01:54:19.400 beauty of it needs to be retained and 01:54:19.840 --> 01:54:22.840 enhanced. Coupled with that walkability 01:54:23.920 --> 01:54:26.920 as well and active transport and people 01:54:27.440 --> 01:54:30.376 who are locals and even people from 01:54:30.400 --> 01:54:33.400 Jalong coming to the Surf Coast and to 01:54:34.400 --> 01:54:37.400 traveling perhaps by a push bike, a more 01:54:38.320 --> 01:54:41.320 environmentally friendly way of travel. 01:54:41.679 --> 01:54:44.296 That's something that has to be 01:54:44.320 --> 01:54:46.376 seriously considered. And I know with 01:54:46.400 --> 01:54:49.400 the business park and with memate road 01:54:49.520 --> 01:54:51.336 precinct too, the fact that you've got 01:54:51.360 --> 01:54:54.360 the employment area further northwest 01:54:55.520 --> 01:54:58.296 there as well and and the capacity is 01:54:58.320 --> 01:55:00.615 available because I have worked 01:55:00.639 --> 01:55:02.856 previously as a policy analyst at the 01:55:02.880 --> 01:55:05.816 Victorian Farmers Federation and I have 01:55:05.840 --> 01:55:08.840 been aware of industry um requirements 01:55:09.679 --> 01:55:12.679 such as ports and and different types of 01:55:13.199 --> 01:55:15.416 circumstances and there's a saying 01:55:15.440 --> 01:55:17.736 that if you don't have industry, you 01:55:17.760 --> 01:55:20.760 don't have community. And I think that 01:55:20.960 --> 01:55:23.960 um having employment available for 01:55:24.880 --> 01:55:26.695 local people so they don't have to 01:55:26.719 --> 01:55:29.719 commute, that's a huge positive and um 01:55:31.599 --> 01:55:34.215 to have a mix as well is important in 01:55:34.239 --> 01:55:36.776 different types of industries 01:55:36.800 --> 01:55:39.800 as well. So I commend this item. 01:55:40.239 --> 01:55:41.256 Thank you. 01:55:41.280 --> 01:55:42.936 Thank you, Councelor Sean Felder. Would 01:55:42.960 --> 01:55:45.256 any other councilors like to speak? 01:55:45.280 --> 01:55:48.280 Councelor Grist. 01:55:50.880 --> 01:55:53.816 Thanks, Mayor. , so it's positive if 01:55:53.840 --> 01:55:55.736 this agenda enables more employment land 01:55:55.760 --> 01:55:58.376 and therefore employment opportunity and 01:55:58.400 --> 01:56:00.135 if it reduces barriers to business 01:56:00.159 --> 01:56:02.615 entry. Competition and supply, not 01:56:02.639 --> 01:56:04.376 protection of the existing centers are 01:56:04.400 --> 01:56:05.816 what keeps prices down and and 01:56:05.840 --> 01:56:08.215 investment flowing. Our trust will be 01:56:08.239 --> 01:56:09.976 cautious of only prescriptive planning 01:56:10.000 --> 01:56:11.496 that attempts to micromanage retail 01:56:11.520 --> 01:56:14.520 outcomes. Our role needs to be clear um 01:56:15.040 --> 01:56:18.040 predictable rules not to design to set 01:56:18.880 --> 01:56:20.456 clear predictable rules not design 01:56:20.480 --> 01:56:22.615 the market. On balance I'll be 01:56:22.639 --> 01:56:23.736 supporting the addendum with the 01:56:23.760 --> 01:56:25.336 principle that economic growth is best 01:56:25.360 --> 01:56:27.016 driven by private investment and 01:56:27.040 --> 01:56:29.416 regulatory restraint. Thanks. 01:56:29.440 --> 01:56:31.336 Thanks Councelor Gri and any other 01:56:31.360 --> 01:56:33.575 councilors? Councelor Patterson. Any 01:56:33.599 --> 01:56:35.175 closing comments? No. We'll put the 01:56:35.199 --> 01:56:38.199 motion to a vote. All those in favor 01:56:38.960 --> 01:56:41.575 and against and the motion is carried 01:56:41.599 --> 01:56:44.135 81. Thank you councilors. 01:56:44.159 --> 01:56:47.159 And we will move on to item 4.6 which 01:56:48.880 --> 01:56:51.575 is the civil operations service level 01:56:51.599 --> 01:56:54.376 agreement and the purpose of this report 01:56:54.400 --> 01:56:56.936 is to prevent the revised SLA 01:56:56.960 --> 01:56:59.736 agreement to council for adoption. We do 01:56:59.760 --> 01:57:02.760 have a recommendation before us. 01:57:02.800 --> 01:57:05.800 would anyone like to move a motion? 01:57:08.639 --> 01:57:10.695 Sorry, Council Phelps. And is that as 01:57:10.719 --> 01:57:11.976 per the recommendation? Per the 01:57:12.000 --> 01:57:12.536 recommendation. 01:57:12.560 --> 01:57:15.095 Yes. And a seconder. Councelor Sean 01:57:15.119 --> 01:57:17.976 Felder. Thank you. And Council Phelps, 01:57:18.000 --> 01:57:19.496 would you like to speak to the motion? 01:57:19.520 --> 01:57:20.936 Thank you. Yeah. I personally love to 01:57:20.960 --> 01:57:22.376 see a bit of rationalization and 01:57:22.400 --> 01:57:24.376 alignment like this. And as a bonus, a 01:57:24.400 --> 01:57:25.976 couple of response time improvements as 01:57:26.000 --> 01:57:28.296 well. the civil operations service 01:57:28.320 --> 01:57:29.976 level agreement operates in conjunction 01:57:30.000 --> 01:57:31.816 with the road management plan which is 01:57:31.840 --> 01:57:33.416 an important document outlining the 01:57:33.440 --> 01:57:36.056 standards and responses for our sh's 01:57:36.080 --> 01:57:39.016 1,000 km plus of roads sealed whe 01:57:39.040 --> 01:57:41.175 whether sealed or unsealed. the 01:57:41.199 --> 01:57:42.856 surface level agreement in covers 01:57:42.880 --> 01:57:44.936 infrastructure such as drainage, curbon 01:57:44.960 --> 01:57:47.016 channels, street sweeping, response to 01:57:47.040 --> 01:57:49.655 graffiti and vandalism, some vegetarian 01:57:49.679 --> 01:57:52.679 vegetation management, 01:57:54.800 --> 01:57:57.496 street signs and and more. Um I'd like 01:57:57.520 --> 01:57:59.336 to note that Circos compares well to 01:57:59.360 --> 01:58:01.736 other similar governments um local 01:58:01.760 --> 01:58:04.536 governments and to the M municipal 01:58:04.560 --> 01:58:06.776 association of Victoria suggested 01:58:06.800 --> 01:58:08.936 template by defining similar or better 01:58:08.960 --> 01:58:10.615 standards to them. 01:58:10.639 --> 01:58:12.215 while road management and civil 01:58:12.239 --> 01:58:13.896 operations are a very large part of the 01:58:13.920 --> 01:58:15.816 annual budget, I do regard them as core 01:58:15.840 --> 01:58:17.336 business for the SH and it's good to see 01:58:17.360 --> 01:58:19.655 this service level agreement being 01:58:19.679 --> 01:58:21.336 improved with more accessible language 01:58:21.360 --> 01:58:23.896 and taking on board community views. So 01:58:23.920 --> 01:58:25.736 I support the adoption of this revised 01:58:25.760 --> 01:58:28.376 civil operations civil sorry service 01:58:28.400 --> 01:58:29.655 level agreement. Thank you. 01:58:29.679 --> 01:58:31.416 Thanks Council Phelps and Council Sean 01:58:31.440 --> 01:58:32.936 Felder. Would you like to speak to the 01:58:32.960 --> 01:58:34.856 motion? 01:58:34.880 --> 01:58:37.880 Thank you. I'd like to um concur with um 01:58:39.199 --> 01:58:42.199 the sentiments expressed by the 01:58:42.400 --> 01:58:45.400 deputy mayor and the importance of 01:58:45.599 --> 01:58:48.056 having a road management plan is is 01:58:48.080 --> 01:58:51.080 essential and um the technology as well 01:58:51.920 --> 01:58:54.776 is improving all the time but 01:58:54.800 --> 01:58:57.800 particularly with dust suppressant 01:58:58.080 --> 01:59:01.080 and I I have noticed in the community 01:59:01.119 --> 01:59:03.416 there has been encouragement for people 01:59:03.440 --> 01:59:06.296 to drive slower. lower to try and lower 01:59:06.320 --> 01:59:09.320 dust levels because the differences 01:59:10.159 --> 01:59:13.159 between driving 5 km or 10 km less is 01:59:14.320 --> 01:59:17.256 only a few seconds depending on how far 01:59:17.280 --> 01:59:20.056 you're traveling. And I I do think that 01:59:20.080 --> 01:59:22.456 with the weather we've had recently with 01:59:22.480 --> 01:59:24.936 very strong winds, you have to be 01:59:24.960 --> 01:59:26.936 careful driving with trees and 01:59:26.960 --> 01:59:28.456 vegetation 01:59:28.480 --> 01:59:31.480 that are roadside and also um the 01:59:32.719 --> 01:59:34.936 conditions as well like to be very 01:59:34.960 --> 01:59:37.175 careful when it comes to stock that 01:59:37.199 --> 01:59:39.336 might get out onto roads. And I know 01:59:39.360 --> 01:59:42.215 even on the Great Ocean Road and in 01:59:42.239 --> 01:59:44.695 coastal areas, there's been kangaroos 01:59:44.719 --> 01:59:47.719 and and deer, I've been told, that have 01:59:47.840 --> 01:59:50.840 been on different roads and for people 01:59:51.040 --> 01:59:54.040 to to travel carefully and safely. 01:59:55.840 --> 01:59:58.840 So, I commend this item and I I do also 01:59:59.599 --> 02:00:02.599 agree with councelor Phelps about 02:00:03.840 --> 02:00:06.840 this item being a core service and 02:00:07.679 --> 02:00:10.679 being a very important 02:00:11.520 --> 02:00:14.296 requirement of the council. And I I know 02:00:14.320 --> 02:00:17.320 that other colleagues also value the 02:00:18.639 --> 02:00:20.936 importance of having wildlife corridors 02:00:20.960 --> 02:00:23.736 and drainage as well. the importance of 02:00:23.760 --> 02:00:26.760 that in relation to wildlife being able 02:00:26.960 --> 02:00:28.856 to travel across roads perhaps 02:00:28.880 --> 02:00:31.880 underneath roads as well. So um I very 02:00:34.480 --> 02:00:36.776 happy about it. Thank you mayor. 02:00:36.800 --> 02:00:38.456 Thank you councelor Sean Felder. Would 02:00:38.480 --> 02:00:40.135 any other councilors like to speak to 02:00:40.159 --> 02:00:42.856 this item? Councelor Barker. 02:00:42.880 --> 02:00:44.456 Again 02:00:44.480 --> 02:00:46.376 long prepared speech but I'll keep it 02:00:46.400 --> 02:00:48.615 short. Um it's not a legislative 02:00:48.639 --> 02:00:51.496 requirement. it's got gender gender 02:00:51.520 --> 02:00:53.736 equity impact assessment for civil 02:00:53.760 --> 02:00:55.336 operations. 02:00:55.360 --> 02:00:56.936 What we provide should not matter 02:00:56.960 --> 02:00:58.936 whether you're 02:00:58.960 --> 02:01:00.776 of any particular description. If you're 02:01:00.800 --> 02:01:03.800 a person, we aim to deliver it. Um 02:01:05.679 --> 02:01:08.679 and it's just too explicit, too 02:01:09.040 --> 02:01:10.536 restrictive, 02:01:10.560 --> 02:01:12.695 not agile enough to respond if 02:01:12.719 --> 02:01:15.256 conditions are different. and I won't 02:01:15.280 --> 02:01:17.016 be supporting it. 02:01:17.040 --> 02:01:19.016 Thanks, Councelor Barker. And any other 02:01:19.040 --> 02:01:21.575 counselors? 02:01:21.599 --> 02:01:24.456 No. And councelor Phelps, did you 02:01:24.480 --> 02:01:26.135 have any closing comments? 02:01:26.159 --> 02:01:27.655 Okay, we'll now put the motion to a 02:01:27.679 --> 02:01:30.679 vote. All those in favor 02:01:30.960 --> 02:01:33.256 and against. 02:01:33.280 --> 02:01:36.280 And the motion is carried 72. 02:01:36.480 --> 02:01:39.016 and I would suggest that now is an 02:01:39.040 --> 02:01:41.416 appropriate time for us to take a a 02:01:41.440 --> 02:01:44.296 short 10-minute break. Um, and councelor 02:01:44.320 --> 02:01:46.215 Sean Felder, I understand you won't be 02:01:46.239 --> 02:01:48.536 rejoining us after the break, so thank 02:01:48.560 --> 02:01:51.560 you for attending online. Um, for 02:01:51.599 --> 02:01:54.599 everybody else, we will be back at 8:15 02:01:56.239 --> 02:01:59.239 to continue. I would like someone to 02:02:00.080 --> 02:02:02.536 move that we suspend standing orders, 02:02:02.560 --> 02:02:05.016 councelor Patterson, and seconded by 02:02:05.040 --> 02:02:07.336 councelor Sean Felder. Thank you. And 02:02:07.360 --> 02:02:09.816 all those in favor 02:02:09.840 --> 02:02:11.896 and the motion's carried unanimously. 02:02:11.920 --> 02:02:14.920 Thank you. 02:02:15.440 --> 02:02:18.056 And welcome back to our live stream. 02:02:18.080 --> 02:02:19.976 If I could please have a mover and a 02:02:20.000 --> 02:02:22.456 seconder to resume standing orders. 02:02:22.480 --> 02:02:24.936 Councelor Barker and seconded by council 02:02:24.960 --> 02:02:27.960 Patterson and all those in favor. 02:02:29.599 --> 02:02:32.056 Thank you. And just noting councelor 02:02:32.080 --> 02:02:34.695 Grist hasn't rejoined online. Oh, here 02:02:34.719 --> 02:02:37.496 he comes now. Thank you councelor Grist. 02:02:37.520 --> 02:02:40.520 And we are moving on to item 4.7. 02:02:42.000 --> 02:02:43.736 the proposed guidelines for Surf 02:02:43.760 --> 02:02:46.456 Coast Event Grant Program. And the 02:02:46.480 --> 02:02:48.296 purpose of this report is to consider 02:02:48.320 --> 02:02:51.016 the updated major and special event 02:02:51.040 --> 02:02:53.336 grant guidelines and the new community 02:02:53.360 --> 02:02:55.575 event grant guidelines which fall under 02:02:55.599 --> 02:02:58.376 the event grant program. We do have a 02:02:58.400 --> 02:03:01.400 recommendation before us. Do we have a a 02:03:01.440 --> 02:03:04.440 mover of a motion? 02:03:05.360 --> 02:03:06.615 Councelor Walker as per the 02:03:06.639 --> 02:03:08.296 recommendation. I spare the 02:03:08.320 --> 02:03:11.256 recommendation. 02:03:11.280 --> 02:03:13.575 And a seconder, 02:03:13.599 --> 02:03:16.599 Council Crockett. Thank you. 02:03:16.719 --> 02:03:18.135 And councelor Walker, would you like to 02:03:18.159 --> 02:03:19.175 speak to the item? 02:03:19.199 --> 02:03:22.056 Yes, please, ma'am. Um, I love the 02:03:22.080 --> 02:03:23.736 events on the Surf Coast. We've heard 02:03:23.760 --> 02:03:25.016 about some of the great events over 02:03:25.040 --> 02:03:27.575 summer so far, some big, some small, 02:03:27.599 --> 02:03:30.056 some cancelled, but all valid. We have 02:03:30.080 --> 02:03:31.496 such an amazing backyard to host events 02:03:31.520 --> 02:03:33.655 on the Surf Coast and the Great in the 02:03:33.679 --> 02:03:35.976 region. And welcome the new grant 02:03:36.000 --> 02:03:37.575 guidelines. There's categories of 02:03:37.599 --> 02:03:39.175 tourism events, boutique creative 02:03:39.199 --> 02:03:40.695 special focus events, and community 02:03:40.719 --> 02:03:42.135 events. Each of these streams are 02:03:42.159 --> 02:03:44.376 outlined in the program. I welcome the 02:03:44.400 --> 02:03:45.896 new waiting criteria resulting in 02:03:45.920 --> 02:03:47.655 funding being allocated to events that 02:03:47.679 --> 02:03:49.256 deliver better outcomes to the surf 02:03:49.280 --> 02:03:50.856 coast community and allows ongoing 02:03:50.880 --> 02:03:53.256 sustainability of events, reducing the 02:03:53.280 --> 02:03:56.280 risk to council. Events drive visitation 02:03:56.560 --> 02:03:58.135 and general overnight stays, which adds 02:03:58.159 --> 02:03:59.896 to the viability of local businesses and 02:03:59.920 --> 02:04:02.056 generate employment. They raise profile 02:04:02.080 --> 02:04:03.736 of their host town, but also enrich 02:04:03.760 --> 02:04:05.976 lives of residents. Events can champion 02:04:06.000 --> 02:04:07.336 social, cultural, health or 02:04:07.360 --> 02:04:09.095 environmental issues in our community. 02:04:09.119 --> 02:04:11.416 They can support participation and 02:04:11.440 --> 02:04:14.056 celebrate our local communities. The 02:04:14.080 --> 02:04:16.456 guidelines contain clear expectations 02:04:16.480 --> 02:04:19.336 for event organizers seeking funding, 02:04:19.360 --> 02:04:22.056 streamline administrative processes, 02:04:22.080 --> 02:04:23.976 improve evaluation criteria, and 02:04:24.000 --> 02:04:25.575 increase recognition of access, 02:04:25.599 --> 02:04:28.376 inclusion, and environmental outcomes. 02:04:28.400 --> 02:04:30.215 The guidelines create improve clarity, 02:04:30.239 --> 02:04:32.215 consistency, and transparency across 02:04:32.239 --> 02:04:34.695 different event funding streams. I 02:04:34.719 --> 02:04:36.615 recommend these proposed guidelines. 02:04:36.639 --> 02:04:37.256 Thanks. 02:04:37.280 --> 02:04:39.575 Thanks, Council Walker and Council 02:04:39.599 --> 02:04:42.296 Crockett. 02:04:42.320 --> 02:04:44.936 Thank you, Mayor. I also, yeah, welcome 02:04:44.960 --> 02:04:47.960 this update um for the grant guidelines. 02:04:48.960 --> 02:04:51.960 I think communityled events are so 02:04:52.159 --> 02:04:54.135 important and they're more than just a 02:04:54.159 --> 02:04:56.135 day on the calendar. they're a community 02:04:56.159 --> 02:04:59.159 project and um to have locals involved 02:04:59.199 --> 02:05:01.816 in shaping our public spaces um and 02:05:01.840 --> 02:05:03.575 activating our neighborhoods and 02:05:03.599 --> 02:05:06.599 showcasing our beloved natural areas. Um 02:05:07.599 --> 02:05:10.599 so and um council is doing a good job of 02:05:11.920 --> 02:05:14.456 um always trying to improve our user 02:05:14.480 --> 02:05:17.480 experience. Um so these new guidelines 02:05:17.840 --> 02:05:20.056 um for major special and community 02:05:20.080 --> 02:05:23.016 events um have been created in response 02:05:23.040 --> 02:05:25.896 to event organizer feedback and aligned 02:05:25.920 --> 02:05:28.920 with our council plan. Um, I like that 02:05:29.119 --> 02:05:32.119 the um new guidelines reward events 02:05:32.560 --> 02:05:34.856 demonstrating excellence beyond the 02:05:34.880 --> 02:05:37.880 basics for um access and inclusion as 02:05:38.080 --> 02:05:39.976 well as um considering environmental 02:05:40.000 --> 02:05:43.000 impact and um the efficiency in um 02:05:43.840 --> 02:05:46.376 people now being able to apply for the 02:05:46.400 --> 02:05:48.776 event um to run an event three years in 02:05:48.800 --> 02:05:51.655 a row in one single application. 02:05:51.679 --> 02:05:54.679 And um I also support that the um events 02:05:55.280 --> 02:05:58.280 being held within the surf coach outside 02:05:58.639 --> 02:06:01.336 of peak season. So December, January um 02:06:01.360 --> 02:06:04.056 driving year round visitation. Um you 02:06:04.080 --> 02:06:06.056 know as we've seen recently with climate 02:06:06.080 --> 02:06:08.856 events um businesses can no longer rely 02:06:08.880 --> 02:06:11.416 on a guaranteed summer trade. for this 02:06:11.440 --> 02:06:14.440 um extension throughout the year um and 02:06:15.679 --> 02:06:18.376 um will help with you know slow tourism 02:06:18.400 --> 02:06:21.400 and sustainable visitation um to support 02:06:21.440 --> 02:06:23.976 our local economy year round. 02:06:24.000 --> 02:06:25.655 Thank you. Councelor Crockett, would any 02:06:25.679 --> 02:06:27.336 other councilors like to speak to this 02:06:27.360 --> 02:06:29.416 motion? 02:06:29.440 --> 02:06:30.695 Councelor Barker, 02:06:30.719 --> 02:06:32.296 I won't be supporting the motion because 02:06:32.320 --> 02:06:34.135 the my belief is the fundamental 02:06:34.159 --> 02:06:35.896 structure of grants is terrible. doesn't 02:06:35.920 --> 02:06:37.095 support the voluntary interaction 02:06:37.119 --> 02:06:39.095 between consenting adults because it 02:06:39.119 --> 02:06:41.256 separates the funding source to those 02:06:41.280 --> 02:06:44.055 who are receiving it. Um doesn't have 02:06:44.079 --> 02:06:46.456 enough publishing and promotion of the 02:06:46.480 --> 02:06:49.095 grant recipients and the values that 02:06:49.119 --> 02:06:51.016 needs 02:06:51.040 --> 02:06:54.040 much better transparency. 02:06:54.079 --> 02:06:57.079 Um, and the issue with aligning the 02:06:58.239 --> 02:07:01.095 council direction with the grants 02:07:01.119 --> 02:07:04.119 application just shows that you may have 02:07:04.880 --> 02:07:06.936 someone in the community running an 02:07:06.960 --> 02:07:09.960 event that provides an objectively let's 02:07:10.480 --> 02:07:12.135 say 9 out of 10 benefit to the 02:07:12.159 --> 02:07:14.536 community. But if that's not in 02:07:14.560 --> 02:07:17.560 alignment with the council direction and 02:07:18.239 --> 02:07:21.239 there's another event that objectively 02:07:21.360 --> 02:07:23.095 has a five out of 10 benefit to the 02:07:23.119 --> 02:07:25.416 community, that 5 out of 10 benefit will 02:07:25.440 --> 02:07:27.816 get the money and the 9 out of 10 won't 02:07:27.840 --> 02:07:30.135 because it's not in alignment with the 02:07:30.159 --> 02:07:32.215 council direction. So for these reasons, 02:07:32.239 --> 02:07:33.976 I will not be supporting the motion and 02:07:34.000 --> 02:07:36.615 I'll encourage others that want a more 02:07:36.639 --> 02:07:39.256 equitable outcome to join me in opposing 02:07:39.280 --> 02:07:40.615 the motion. 02:07:40.639 --> 02:07:42.135 Thanks Councelor Barker. Councelor 02:07:42.159 --> 02:07:43.256 Phelps. 02:07:43.280 --> 02:07:45.016 Thank you, Mayor. Um, yeah, I'm pleased 02:07:45.040 --> 02:07:46.856 to see a separate separate guidelines 02:07:46.880 --> 02:07:48.376 for community events. I think a 02:07:48.400 --> 02:07:49.976 different approach should apply where 02:07:50.000 --> 02:07:52.296 the objective of an event is getting a 02:07:52.320 --> 02:07:53.976 local community together to socialize, 02:07:54.000 --> 02:07:55.256 to have fun, or to get to know each 02:07:55.280 --> 02:07:58.280 other and or um I would say some fine 02:07:58.639 --> 02:08:00.055 tuning may come to light over the next 02:08:00.079 --> 02:08:02.695 year or so. Other than that, these prov 02:08:02.719 --> 02:08:04.456 documents provide a clear guide to those 02:08:04.480 --> 02:08:06.856 seeking support for events from Surf 02:08:06.880 --> 02:08:09.880 Coast SH. Um I think council of barker 02:08:10.000 --> 02:08:12.135 raises a good point about the acquitt 02:08:12.159 --> 02:08:14.695 process and and what what benefits come 02:08:14.719 --> 02:08:17.256 from providing the funds. aside from 02:08:17.280 --> 02:08:19.655 that I'm happy to adopt both guidelines. 02:08:19.679 --> 02:08:20.296 Thank you. 02:08:20.320 --> 02:08:21.816 Thanks councelor Phelps. Any other 02:08:21.840 --> 02:08:24.215 councilors 02:08:24.239 --> 02:08:27.239 and 02:08:27.280 --> 02:08:28.776 council Walker would you like to make 02:08:28.800 --> 02:08:30.055 any closing comments? 02:08:30.079 --> 02:08:31.575 thank you mayor. It's also important 02:08:31.599 --> 02:08:33.416 that we've got some fantastic events 02:08:33.440 --> 02:08:35.416 coming up too that not just we support 02:08:35.440 --> 02:08:37.256 but um from the community. So you got 02:08:37.280 --> 02:08:38.936 your your markets coming up, the Deans 02:08:38.960 --> 02:08:40.936 Marsh Festival, there is Inland Music 02:08:40.960 --> 02:08:42.936 Festival, the Ripkill Pro and the Grades 02:08:42.960 --> 02:08:44.456 Road Run Festival in the next couple of 02:08:44.480 --> 02:08:46.376 months. So get out there and support 02:08:46.400 --> 02:08:48.135 them while you can. Thanks. 02:08:48.159 --> 02:08:49.896 Great. Thanks, Councelor Walker. And 02:08:49.920 --> 02:08:51.896 we'll now put the motion to a vote. All 02:08:51.920 --> 02:08:54.920 those in favor 02:08:55.119 --> 02:08:57.175 and against. 02:08:57.199 --> 02:08:59.976 And the motion is carried 62. Thank you, 02:09:00.000 --> 02:09:03.000 councilors. 02:09:04.159 --> 02:09:07.159 And next up we have item 02:09:07.599 --> 02:09:09.655 4.8 which is the audit and risk 02:09:09.679 --> 02:09:12.536 committee bianual activity report. And 02:09:12.560 --> 02:09:14.296 the purpose of this report is to provide 02:09:14.320 --> 02:09:15.896 counselors with an update on the 02:09:15.920 --> 02:09:18.536 activities findings and recommendations 02:09:18.560 --> 02:09:20.376 of the audit and risk committee for the 02:09:20.400 --> 02:09:23.400 past 6 months as required by section 545 02:09:24.639 --> 02:09:26.936 of the local government act. we do 02:09:26.960 --> 02:09:28.856 have a recommendation before us. Does 02:09:28.880 --> 02:09:31.496 anyone wish to move a motion? 02:09:31.520 --> 02:09:34.520 Councelor Gri as per the recommendation. 02:09:35.119 --> 02:09:38.119 Thank you. And do we have a seconder? 02:09:38.560 --> 02:09:41.175 Councelor Bodsworth. Thank you. And 02:09:41.199 --> 02:09:42.695 councelor Gri, would you like to speak 02:09:42.719 --> 02:09:44.215 to the motion? 02:09:44.239 --> 02:09:46.376 I would. Thanks, Mayor. Um, the report 02:09:46.400 --> 02:09:47.816 provides a valuable snapshot of 02:09:47.840 --> 02:09:49.336 council's governance and risk oversight 02:09:49.360 --> 02:09:51.736 over the past 6 months. What stands out 02:09:51.760 --> 02:09:53.175 in this report is the breadth of 02:09:53.199 --> 02:09:55.016 oversight undertaken by the committee. 02:09:55.040 --> 02:09:57.175 It has continued to monitor internal and 02:09:57.199 --> 02:10:00.199 external audit activity, oversees the 02:10:00.239 --> 02:10:02.215 status of audit recommendations and 02:10:02.239 --> 02:10:03.655 review key risk areas, including 02:10:03.679 --> 02:10:06.135 financial management, compliance, 02:10:06.159 --> 02:10:07.816 governance controls, and emerging 02:10:07.840 --> 02:10:10.135 organizational risks. Importantly, the 02:10:10.159 --> 02:10:12.055 report highlights ongoing monitoring of 02:10:12.079 --> 02:10:13.976 the internal audit program and progress 02:10:14.000 --> 02:10:16.055 against degree management actions, 02:10:16.079 --> 02:10:18.456 oversight of financial report processes, 02:10:18.480 --> 02:10:20.135 including review of financial statements 02:10:20.159 --> 02:10:21.655 and compliance with legislative 02:10:21.679 --> 02:10:24.296 requirements. Consideration of strategic 02:10:24.320 --> 02:10:26.456 and operational risk registers, ensuring 02:10:26.480 --> 02:10:28.376 key risks are identified, assessed, and 02:10:28.400 --> 02:10:30.936 treated, and continued focus on fraud 02:10:30.960 --> 02:10:33.655 control, policy, currency, and 02:10:33.679 --> 02:10:36.055 governance framework improvements. 02:10:36.079 --> 02:10:37.575 it's reassuring to see that outstanding 02:10:37.599 --> 02:10:38.936 audit actions are being tracked and 02:10:38.960 --> 02:10:40.776 reported transparently and that there is 02:10:40.800 --> 02:10:42.296 a structured process in place to 02:10:42.320 --> 02:10:43.976 escalate any overdue or high-risisk 02:10:44.000 --> 02:10:45.976 matters that demonstrates a maturing 02:10:46.000 --> 02:10:47.095 governance culture rather than a 02:10:47.119 --> 02:10:49.416 reactive one. The audit risk committee 02:10:49.440 --> 02:10:50.936 plays a crucial role under the local 02:10:50.960 --> 02:10:52.695 government act 2020 in providing 02:10:52.719 --> 02:10:54.856 independent assurance and advice to 02:10:54.880 --> 02:10:57.336 council. This by annual report gives 02:10:57.360 --> 02:10:58.695 councilors confidence that appropriate 02:10:58.719 --> 02:11:00.376 scrutiny is occurring behind the scenes 02:11:00.400 --> 02:11:02.135 particularly around financial integrity, 02:11:02.159 --> 02:11:04.456 risk management and internal controls. 02:11:04.480 --> 02:11:05.976 For those reasons, I support the item 02:11:06.000 --> 02:11:07.655 being received and noted. It reflects a 02:11:07.679 --> 02:11:09.336 functioning governance framework, active 02:11:09.360 --> 02:11:10.856 oversight, and a commitment to 02:11:10.880 --> 02:11:12.936 continuous improvement, all of which are 02:11:12.960 --> 02:11:14.695 fundamental to maintaining community 02:11:14.719 --> 02:11:17.175 trust in council stewardship. Thanks. 02:11:17.199 --> 02:11:18.695 Thanks, Councelor Gria and Councelor 02:11:18.719 --> 02:11:19.896 Bodsworth. 02:11:19.920 --> 02:11:22.456 , not much to add to that, but just to 02:11:22.480 --> 02:11:24.376 um say that we're really lucky to have 02:11:24.400 --> 02:11:26.615 the ordinary committee independent 02:11:26.639 --> 02:11:29.575 members that we have. Um we recent or 02:11:29.599 --> 02:11:31.336 we're partway through a recruit 02:11:31.360 --> 02:11:33.736 recruitment process for a new member and 02:11:33.760 --> 02:11:36.456 um and chair Mick Olri has said that 02:11:36.480 --> 02:11:39.336 he's never seen such a strong field of 02:11:39.360 --> 02:11:41.496 respondents to that vacancy. So that's 02:11:41.520 --> 02:11:43.175 um 02:11:43.199 --> 02:11:45.256 great for us. We get an amazing choice 02:11:45.280 --> 02:11:47.496 and we have fantastic caliber of members 02:11:47.520 --> 02:11:49.655 on the committee. So, um, yeah, as 02:11:49.679 --> 02:11:52.679 Councelor Gri said, the scope of the the 02:11:52.880 --> 02:11:55.880 review, um, is good and it's it's all 02:11:56.400 --> 02:11:58.055 there in the report for counselors to 02:11:58.079 --> 02:12:00.055 read. So, I think, um, yeah, we're lucky 02:12:00.079 --> 02:12:01.976 with what a good place we we're in with 02:12:02.000 --> 02:12:03.896 our audit and risk committee. 02:12:03.920 --> 02:12:05.575 Thanks, Councelor Bodsworth. Any other 02:12:05.599 --> 02:12:06.936 counselors wanting to speak to this 02:12:06.960 --> 02:12:08.856 item? Councelor Phelps and then 02:12:08.880 --> 02:12:10.055 councelor Barker. I 02:12:10.079 --> 02:12:11.095 was going to say the the work of the 02:12:11.119 --> 02:12:12.376 audit and risk committee is is 02:12:12.400 --> 02:12:13.976 fundamental, I think, to having 02:12:14.000 --> 02:12:16.055 confidence in the finances and processes 02:12:16.079 --> 02:12:19.079 of Surf Coast SH. the industry 02:12:19.440 --> 02:12:21.416 independent industry experts in 02:12:21.440 --> 02:12:23.256 conjunction with councilors Patterson 02:12:23.280 --> 02:12:25.496 and Grist look into all sorts of 02:12:25.520 --> 02:12:27.336 operational and financial aspects and 02:12:27.360 --> 02:12:29.256 consistently report that surf coach is 02:12:29.280 --> 02:12:31.655 doing well and in some cases leading the 02:12:31.679 --> 02:12:34.055 way. the bannual report lists what 02:12:34.079 --> 02:12:35.496 they've covered for the last 6 months of 02:12:35.520 --> 02:12:37.575 2025 including fraud and corruption 02:12:37.599 --> 02:12:40.536 control policy and system procurement 02:12:40.560 --> 02:12:42.456 policy external audits insurance 02:12:42.480 --> 02:12:45.336 coverage and costs and much more. So, 02:12:45.360 --> 02:12:46.615 I'm very glad we have this committee 02:12:46.639 --> 02:12:48.376 independently double-checking things as 02:12:48.400 --> 02:12:50.135 much of what they do is way above my pay 02:12:50.159 --> 02:12:51.976 grade and accordingly I recommend that 02:12:52.000 --> 02:12:54.055 we receive a note the audit and risk 02:12:54.079 --> 02:12:56.296 committee banual activity report. Thank 02:12:56.320 --> 02:12:56.695 you. 02:12:56.719 --> 02:12:58.055 Thanks councelor Phelps. Councelor 02:12:58.079 --> 02:12:58.936 Barka. 02:12:58.960 --> 02:13:00.615 it's easy to receive a note and move 02:13:00.639 --> 02:13:01.976 on. The problem is a lot of the 02:13:02.000 --> 02:13:04.135 interesting detail is buried. the 02:13:04.159 --> 02:13:06.135 report refers to issues being managed or 02:13:06.159 --> 02:13:08.215 no significant issues. but it doesn't 02:13:08.239 --> 02:13:10.376 make it obvious to the average resident 02:13:10.400 --> 02:13:13.400 how many moderate issues are still open, 02:13:13.840 --> 02:13:16.776 how long they've been open and what it 02:13:16.800 --> 02:13:19.736 might be costing them 02:13:19.760 --> 02:13:21.655 in an environment where the state budget 02:13:21.679 --> 02:13:23.496 is tight and we're wrestling with our 02:13:23.520 --> 02:13:26.456 own serious risks 02:13:26.480 --> 02:13:28.215 like the risk that the breadth and level 02:13:28.239 --> 02:13:30.615 of council operations exceeds council's 02:13:30.639 --> 02:13:32.536 long-term financial sustainability that 02:13:32.560 --> 02:13:35.560 I've mentioned earlier. 02:13:35.599 --> 02:13:37.175 I'd like the ordinary risk committee to 02:13:37.199 --> 02:13:38.776 be more explicit about the big 02:13:38.800 --> 02:13:41.095 structural concerns if they share the 02:13:41.119 --> 02:13:43.256 concerns that I have. Not just whether 02:13:43.280 --> 02:13:44.615 we tick the right boxes, but whether 02:13:44.639 --> 02:13:46.135 we're taking on too many functions, 02:13:46.159 --> 02:13:49.159 relying too much on grants that might or 02:13:49.440 --> 02:13:51.655 disappear, or running systems that are 02:13:51.679 --> 02:13:54.679 more complex than they need to be. 02:13:55.119 --> 02:13:57.496 Happy to note the report, but I'd like 02:13:57.520 --> 02:14:00.135 to see the next one have a short plain 02:14:00.159 --> 02:14:02.296 English summary of the top few risks and 02:14:02.320 --> 02:14:04.135 key outstanding actions written for the 02:14:04.159 --> 02:14:06.695 people who actually pay for this, the 02:14:06.719 --> 02:14:09.575 residents. Plain English, easy to 02:14:09.599 --> 02:14:11.175 understand. 02:14:11.199 --> 02:14:13.816 That will be just one small component to 02:14:13.840 --> 02:14:16.536 building community trust and respect in 02:14:16.560 --> 02:14:18.856 this organization because as we've seen 02:14:18.880 --> 02:14:21.880 trust in institutions is waning and when 02:14:23.119 --> 02:14:26.119 we hide information or finances from the 02:14:27.520 --> 02:14:29.655 community the people that are paying for 02:14:29.679 --> 02:14:32.376 us to operate that just breeds 02:14:32.400 --> 02:14:35.400 resentment. So more transparency, more 02:14:36.079 --> 02:14:39.079 accountability and historically the 02:14:40.000 --> 02:14:42.135 audit and risk committee has also 02:14:42.159 --> 02:14:44.536 highlighted that we're not doing enough 02:14:44.560 --> 02:14:47.016 in the climate 02:14:47.040 --> 02:14:48.695 um 02:14:48.719 --> 02:14:51.575 management space. I'd actually highlight 02:14:51.599 --> 02:14:53.896 that we're we are already doing too much 02:14:53.920 --> 02:14:56.215 and that in itself is a risk. So I see 02:14:56.239 --> 02:14:58.856 there's a fundamental difference between 02:14:58.880 --> 02:15:01.336 what I see is the the practical reality 02:15:01.360 --> 02:15:03.896 and what the ordinary committee see 02:15:03.920 --> 02:15:06.920 is the reality. So I'll be noting the 02:15:07.199 --> 02:15:09.416 report but there's some areas that 02:15:09.440 --> 02:15:11.416 I'd like to see improve. 02:15:11.440 --> 02:15:13.175 Thanks councelor Barker. Would any other 02:15:13.199 --> 02:15:16.199 counselors like to speak to this item 02:15:16.800 --> 02:15:18.376 and councelor Grizz did you have any 02:15:18.400 --> 02:15:21.400 closing comments? 02:15:22.159 --> 02:15:25.095 No. Thank you mate. Okay, we will now 02:15:25.119 --> 02:15:27.336 put the motion to a vote. All those 02:15:27.360 --> 02:15:29.896 in favor 02:15:29.920 --> 02:15:32.055 and the motion's carried unanimously. 02:15:32.079 --> 02:15:35.016 Thank you, councilors. 02:15:35.040 --> 02:15:37.816 And item 4.9 is the audit and risk 02:15:37.840 --> 02:15:39.736 committee annual assessment. And the 02:15:39.760 --> 02:15:42.296 purpose of this report is to present 02:15:42.320 --> 02:15:44.215 the audit and risk committee annual 02:15:44.239 --> 02:15:47.239 assessment to council for noting. Do 02:15:47.280 --> 02:15:48.776 we have a recommendation. Does anyone 02:15:48.800 --> 02:15:51.256 wish to move a motion? 02:15:51.280 --> 02:15:53.416 Council 02:15:53.440 --> 02:15:56.055 Bodsworth as per the recommendation and 02:15:56.079 --> 02:15:59.079 a seconder for that. 02:16:01.520 --> 02:16:03.816 Councelor Phelps. Thank you. And 02:16:03.840 --> 02:16:05.336 councelor Bosworth, would you like to 02:16:05.360 --> 02:16:07.575 speak to that item? 02:16:07.599 --> 02:16:10.536 I'll just speak to it very briefly. 02:16:10.560 --> 02:16:13.336 So the um this is a a legislative 02:16:13.360 --> 02:16:16.360 requirement. Um it's to help the 02:16:16.400 --> 02:16:18.055 committee to to keep function 02:16:18.079 --> 02:16:19.655 functioning at a high level and the 02:16:19.679 --> 02:16:21.976 results that we're seeing are based on a 02:16:22.000 --> 02:16:25.000 survey of committee members. Um so 02:16:25.360 --> 02:16:27.496 generally positive feedback with some 02:16:27.520 --> 02:16:29.336 suggested improvements which are all in 02:16:29.360 --> 02:16:32.216 the report and the only thing I' I'd 02:16:32.240 --> 02:16:35.240 like to note is a highly constructive 02:16:35.359 --> 02:16:37.495 relationship between the um committee 02:16:37.519 --> 02:16:39.976 and the organization. That's all I have 02:16:40.000 --> 02:16:41.096 to say about this. 02:16:41.120 --> 02:16:42.615 Thanks Councelor Bodsworth and councelor 02:16:42.639 --> 02:16:44.695 Phelps. I'll sim to councelor Bossworth 02:16:44.719 --> 02:16:46.216 just said it's a very positive report on 02:16:46.240 --> 02:16:47.896 on the whole um and and there are a 02:16:47.920 --> 02:16:49.976 couple of useful comments in there that 02:16:50.000 --> 02:16:51.816 should be followed up. That's all I 02:16:51.840 --> 02:16:52.375 have. 02:16:52.399 --> 02:16:53.896 Thanks councelor Phelps. Any other 02:16:53.920 --> 02:16:56.695 counselors? Councelor Barker. I'll 02:16:56.719 --> 02:16:58.216 support knowing the assessment, but just 02:16:58.240 --> 02:17:00.136 ask that next year's assessment includes 02:17:00.160 --> 02:17:01.976 a frank section on weaknesses of the 02:17:02.000 --> 02:17:05.000 organization and follow-up actions both 02:17:05.040 --> 02:17:07.256 for internal and the community to 02:17:07.280 --> 02:17:09.976 understand. and a stronger focus on 02:17:10.000 --> 02:17:12.375 long-term financial resilience, not just 02:17:12.399 --> 02:17:14.295 compliance. While the compliance 02:17:14.319 --> 02:17:17.319 component is important, financial 02:17:18.960 --> 02:17:21.960 resilience in a a changing economy is 02:17:22.080 --> 02:17:24.615 going to be, I think, our single biggest 02:17:24.639 --> 02:17:27.639 risk. And if we are not ready for any 02:17:27.679 --> 02:17:30.375 changes that occur, , that just puts 02:17:30.399 --> 02:17:33.176 us in a a very bad position. Happy to 02:17:33.200 --> 02:17:34.615 speak with any of the members of the 02:17:34.639 --> 02:17:36.615 ordinary committee on what my concerns 02:17:36.639 --> 02:17:38.455 are in more detail if they want to 02:17:38.479 --> 02:17:41.479 learn. 02:17:41.920 --> 02:17:44.920 Thanks, Councelor Barker. Um, would any 02:17:44.960 --> 02:17:46.295 other councils like to speak to this 02:17:46.319 --> 02:17:49.319 item? 02:17:50.639 --> 02:17:52.455 No. And councelor Bodsworth, would you 02:17:52.479 --> 02:17:54.375 like to make any closing comments? No. 02:17:54.399 --> 02:17:55.896 We'll put the motion to a vote. All 02:17:55.920 --> 02:17:58.856 those in favor? 02:17:58.880 --> 02:18:00.856 And the motion's carried unanimously. 02:18:00.880 --> 02:18:03.335 Thank you, councilors. 02:18:03.359 --> 02:18:06.359 next up, we have the award of 02:18:06.479 --> 02:18:09.479 contract T26 02:18:09.519 --> 02:18:11.976 025 for plumbing maintenance services. 02:18:12.000 --> 02:18:14.056 And the purpose of the report is to seek 02:18:14.080 --> 02:18:16.295 council's approval to award the contract 02:18:16.319 --> 02:18:19.016 to a panel of three contractors. And as 02:18:19.040 --> 02:18:21.096 the recommendation was redacted in the 02:18:21.120 --> 02:18:23.575 open agenda, I'll now ask officers to 02:18:23.599 --> 02:18:25.655 share the unredacted recommendation on 02:18:25.679 --> 02:18:28.136 the screen for a quick read before we 02:18:28.160 --> 02:18:31.160 continue. 02:18:44.800 --> 02:18:46.455 Okay, 02:18:46.479 --> 02:18:48.136 thank you. And we do have a 02:18:48.160 --> 02:18:49.736 recommendation before us. Does anyone 02:18:49.760 --> 02:18:52.760 wish to move a motion? 02:18:54.160 --> 02:18:56.615 Council Patterson. Thank you. And do we 02:18:56.639 --> 02:18:59.639 have a seconder? 02:19:00.319 --> 02:19:02.056 Council Bodsworth. Thank you. And 02:19:02.080 --> 02:19:03.415 Council Patterson, would you like to 02:19:03.439 --> 02:19:06.439 speak to the item? Yes, just briefly. 02:19:06.479 --> 02:19:07.976 So, the contract is for a panel for 02:19:08.000 --> 02:19:09.415 plumbing maintenance services to 02:19:09.439 --> 02:19:11.575 maintain the ongoing serviceability of 02:19:11.599 --> 02:19:13.415 council's facilities, public reserves, 02:19:13.439 --> 02:19:15.655 and open spaces. and it's an award of a 02:19:15.679 --> 02:19:17.736 2-year panel of rates contract. And the 02:19:17.760 --> 02:19:19.256 contract will operate on a schedule of 02:19:19.280 --> 02:19:22.216 rates with annual CPI adjustments um and 02:19:22.240 --> 02:19:24.295 for an initial term of two years with 02:19:24.319 --> 02:19:26.375 the option for further extensions at the 02:19:26.399 --> 02:19:28.216 discretion of council. It's likely 02:19:28.240 --> 02:19:30.455 expenditure of around 100 $1 million 02:19:30.479 --> 02:19:32.535 over the contract period and the the 02:19:32.559 --> 02:19:34.455 current panel expires on the 31st of 02:19:34.479 --> 02:19:37.096 March 2026. And as we can see, it's 02:19:37.120 --> 02:19:39.176 great that there's some local plumbers 02:19:39.200 --> 02:19:41.256 um included in the mix and I encourage 02:19:41.280 --> 02:19:44.280 councilors to um support the motion. 02:19:44.719 --> 02:19:46.216 Thanks, councelor Patterson. Councelor 02:19:46.240 --> 02:19:47.335 Bodsworth. 02:19:47.359 --> 02:19:49.335 Yeah, I was just going to note the local 02:19:49.359 --> 02:19:51.736 content as well. Um there's a waiting 02:19:51.760 --> 02:19:54.696 for local content and that we got a good 02:19:54.720 --> 02:19:57.720 competitive field. Um council has had 02:19:58.080 --> 02:20:01.016 access to a confidential tender report 02:20:01.040 --> 02:20:04.040 um heading into this meeting to get our 02:20:04.080 --> 02:20:06.216 heads around the process and um and the 02:20:06.240 --> 02:20:07.896 rigor and the fairness of the process 02:20:07.920 --> 02:20:09.736 and I'm definitely satisfied with that. 02:20:09.760 --> 02:20:11.576 So I think it's a good result. 02:20:11.600 --> 02:20:13.176 Thanks councelor Bodsworth. Would any 02:20:13.200 --> 02:20:14.696 other councilors like to speak to this 02:20:14.720 --> 02:20:16.216 item? Councelor Barker? 02:20:16.240 --> 02:20:18.696 , it's good to have a consolidated um 02:20:18.720 --> 02:20:20.536 contract that includes a number of 02:20:20.560 --> 02:20:22.936 providers. , but there's just a couple 02:20:22.960 --> 02:20:25.096 of key concerns that there's no explicit 02:20:25.120 --> 02:20:27.576 discussion of how cost escalation will 02:20:27.600 --> 02:20:29.256 be handled over the contract term. Now, 02:20:29.280 --> 02:20:31.256 thinking in mind this 3 years, there 02:20:31.280 --> 02:20:33.736 will be significant cost escalations. 02:20:33.760 --> 02:20:35.816 And it's not just cost, it's also the 02:20:35.840 --> 02:20:38.056 revenue. What will council do if future 02:20:38.080 --> 02:20:39.496 budgets come under pressure due to 02:20:39.520 --> 02:20:41.656 reduced external funding from the 02:20:41.680 --> 02:20:42.696 state? 02:20:42.720 --> 02:20:45.720 or federal government. Um delegating 02:20:45.920 --> 02:20:47.576 the full execution extension options to 02:20:47.600 --> 02:20:50.536 the CEO is efficient. but it reduces 02:20:50.560 --> 02:20:53.415 res councils and rate payers um 02:20:53.439 --> 02:20:56.439 access to a timely um reporting method. 02:20:57.520 --> 02:21:00.520 So I can see the intent to consolidate 02:21:01.680 --> 02:21:04.680 this all. but there's some serious 02:21:04.720 --> 02:21:06.936 concerns that I think will play out over 02:21:06.960 --> 02:21:08.856 the next few years that this contract 02:21:08.880 --> 02:21:11.880 does not specify. So I won't be 02:21:12.479 --> 02:21:13.976 supporting the motion. 02:21:14.000 --> 02:21:15.656 Thanks councelor Barker. Any other 02:21:15.680 --> 02:21:17.096 councilors wanting to speak to this 02:21:17.120 --> 02:21:19.415 item? 02:21:19.439 --> 02:21:21.096 And any closing comments? Councelor 02:21:21.120 --> 02:21:21.736 Patterson? 02:21:21.760 --> 02:21:22.295 No. 02:21:22.319 --> 02:21:23.896 Okay, we'll put the motion to a vote. 02:21:23.920 --> 02:21:26.920 All those in favor 02:21:27.120 --> 02:21:29.176 and against. 02:21:29.200 --> 02:21:32.056 And the motion is carried 62. Thank you 02:21:32.080 --> 02:21:33.816 councilors. 02:21:33.840 --> 02:21:36.840 next we have item 4.11 which is the 02:21:37.120 --> 02:21:38.856 project budget adjustments and cash 02:21:38.880 --> 02:21:41.880 reserve transfers for February 2026. 02:21:42.880 --> 02:21:45.016 And the purpose of this report is to 02:21:45.040 --> 02:21:46.936 present the proposed budget 02:21:46.960 --> 02:21:49.096 adjustments and cash reserve transfers 02:21:49.120 --> 02:21:51.496 for council approval. And the report 02:21:51.520 --> 02:21:53.816 presents adjustments including existing 02:21:53.840 --> 02:21:56.216 projects that require adjustment, 02:21:56.240 --> 02:21:58.616 project closures, new projects to be 02:21:58.640 --> 02:22:01.640 initiated, CEO approved transfers under 02:22:02.080 --> 02:22:04.856 delegations, or corrections to prior 02:22:04.880 --> 02:22:07.096 reports presented to council. We do have 02:22:07.120 --> 02:22:09.736 a recommendation before us. Would anyone 02:22:09.760 --> 02:22:12.216 like to move a motion? 02:22:12.240 --> 02:22:13.496 Councelor Phelps, as per the 02:22:13.520 --> 02:22:16.375 recommendation. Thank you. And seconded 02:22:16.399 --> 02:22:19.399 by 02:22:22.640 --> 02:22:24.776 A seconder for the motion. Thanks 02:22:24.800 --> 02:22:26.856 councelor Bodsworth 02:22:26.880 --> 02:22:28.536 and councelor Phelps would you like to 02:22:28.560 --> 02:22:29.496 speak to this item? 02:22:29.520 --> 02:22:31.496 I just in brief this regular item is a 02:22:31.520 --> 02:22:33.256 significant transparency measure in 02:22:33.280 --> 02:22:35.335 itself should address the suggestions 02:22:35.359 --> 02:22:37.576 earlier of councilors Gris Bodsworth and 02:22:37.600 --> 02:22:40.056 Barker raised during the council plan 02:22:40.080 --> 02:22:42.536 year one action plan halfyear report. I 02:22:42.560 --> 02:22:44.455 do agree that it would be good though to 02:22:44.479 --> 02:22:46.295 see financial information outlining how 02:22:46.319 --> 02:22:48.536 each project went alongside other 02:22:48.560 --> 02:22:51.560 factors in the council plan action plan 02:22:52.800 --> 02:22:55.096 report. this project budget 02:22:55.120 --> 02:22:57.335 adjustment that the project budget 02:22:57.359 --> 02:22:59.096 adjustments and cash reserve transfers 02:22:59.120 --> 02:23:01.256 report in provides clear information 02:23:01.280 --> 02:23:03.736 about where variations have occurred and 02:23:03.760 --> 02:23:05.576 why and also includes the final figures 02:23:05.600 --> 02:23:08.136 for closed and finished projects. I 02:23:08.160 --> 02:23:09.576 encourage councilors to approve the 02:23:09.600 --> 02:23:12.375 project budget adjustments as outlined. 02:23:12.399 --> 02:23:13.016 Thank you. 02:23:13.040 --> 02:23:14.455 Thank you, councelor Phelps. Councelor 02:23:14.479 --> 02:23:15.896 Bodsworth. 02:23:15.920 --> 02:23:17.576 , nothing to it. Thanks, M. 02:23:17.600 --> 02:23:19.256 Okay. Would any other councilors like to 02:23:19.280 --> 02:23:21.976 speak to this item? Council Barker, 02:23:22.000 --> 02:23:24.536 I won't be supporting this as it's 02:23:24.560 --> 02:23:26.616 allocating a quarter of million dollars 02:23:26.640 --> 02:23:28.536 from the state through the safe local 02:23:28.560 --> 02:23:31.560 roads and streets program um into our 02:23:32.960 --> 02:23:34.776 safe cycling and pedestrian route 02:23:34.800 --> 02:23:37.800 project and Getting all of Victorians to 02:23:40.000 --> 02:23:41.576 contribute a quarter of a million 02:23:41.600 --> 02:23:44.600 dollars to our cycling project is not 02:23:45.200 --> 02:23:47.176 fair on any measure from my perspective. 02:23:47.200 --> 02:23:49.335 So, I won't be supporting it. 02:23:49.359 --> 02:23:51.256 Thanks, Councelor Barker. , would any 02:23:51.280 --> 02:23:52.696 other counselors like to speak to this 02:23:52.720 --> 02:23:54.056 item, Council Walker? 02:23:54.080 --> 02:23:55.576 , just a quick one. Thank you, Mayor. 02:23:55.600 --> 02:23:58.600 Um, appreciate from officers giving us a 02:23:59.359 --> 02:24:01.816 bit more detail in this, which is great. 02:24:01.840 --> 02:24:04.295 So I think the basis for variation gives 02:24:04.319 --> 02:24:06.375 us a lot more context um not just for us 02:24:06.399 --> 02:24:08.375 but also for our community in um 02:24:08.399 --> 02:24:11.016 transparency and and clarity also. So I 02:24:11.040 --> 02:24:14.040 appreciate that. Um that's all. Thanks. 02:24:14.160 --> 02:24:15.736 Thank you councelor Walker. Any other 02:24:15.760 --> 02:24:17.335 counselors? 02:24:17.359 --> 02:24:19.656 No. And councelor Bodsworth did you have 02:24:19.680 --> 02:24:21.415 any closing comments? 02:24:21.439 --> 02:24:22.776 Sorry councelor Phelps. 02:24:22.800 --> 02:24:24.936 No thank you. 02:24:24.960 --> 02:24:27.415 My bad. I will now put the motion to a 02:24:27.439 --> 02:24:30.439 vote. All those in favor 02:24:30.640 --> 02:24:32.455 and against 02:24:32.479 --> 02:24:35.415 and the motion is carried 62. Thank you 02:24:35.439 --> 02:24:37.256 councilors. 02:24:37.280 --> 02:24:40.056 next up we have item 4.12 which is 02:24:40.080 --> 02:24:41.896 the local government countback report 02:24:41.920 --> 02:24:44.536 for talk ward and the purpose of this 02:24:44.560 --> 02:24:46.776 report is to present the local 02:24:46.800 --> 02:24:48.696 government countback report to council 02:24:48.720 --> 02:24:51.720 for the 2025 to talk countback. We do 02:24:51.840 --> 02:24:53.576 have a recommendation before us. Does 02:24:53.600 --> 02:24:56.600 anyone wish to move a motion? 02:24:57.680 --> 02:24:59.335 councelor Walker and seconded by 02:24:59.359 --> 02:25:02.056 councelor Phelps. Thank you. And 02:25:02.080 --> 02:25:03.335 councelor Walker, would you like to 02:25:03.359 --> 02:25:04.375 speak to this item? 02:25:04.399 --> 02:25:07.399 just briefly to say after 3 months um 02:25:09.840 --> 02:25:12.455 welcome Phoebe 02:25:12.479 --> 02:25:14.696 officially. No, it's all right. Um no, 02:25:14.720 --> 02:25:17.656 it's great to get a full um full quorum 02:25:17.680 --> 02:25:20.680 of council's back. So thanks and 02:25:20.720 --> 02:25:21.496 welcome. 02:25:21.520 --> 02:25:23.096 Thank you councelor Walker and councelor 02:25:23.120 --> 02:25:25.096 Phelps. I just just note that it is a 02:25:25.120 --> 02:25:26.696 formal receipt of the countback 02:25:26.720 --> 02:25:29.720 report um from the 2025 local government 02:25:29.760 --> 02:25:32.216 countback courtesy of the local 02:25:32.240 --> 02:25:35.016 government electoral regulations. 02:25:35.040 --> 02:25:37.096 So it's yeah it's a it's a formal a 02:25:37.120 --> 02:25:38.696 formal report. Thank you. 02:25:38.720 --> 02:25:40.856 Thank you councelor Phelps and would any 02:25:40.880 --> 02:25:42.295 other councilors like to speak to this 02:25:42.319 --> 02:25:45.319 item? Councelor Crockett. 02:25:46.080 --> 02:25:48.856 Thank you mayor. I'm supportive of 02:25:48.880 --> 02:25:51.176 noting this report as um I wouldn't be 02:25:51.200 --> 02:25:53.736 here otherwise. So, um it is an honor 02:25:53.760 --> 02:25:55.576 and a privilege to have been elected in 02:25:55.600 --> 02:25:57.256 the countback and I'm really grateful to 02:25:57.280 --> 02:26:00.280 be here. I um also note that um the 02:26:01.200 --> 02:26:03.016 process of a countback as opposed to 02:26:03.040 --> 02:26:04.696 something like a bi-election or similar 02:26:04.720 --> 02:26:06.936 is appreciated um when it comes to 02:26:06.960 --> 02:26:09.415 saving time, money, and resources from 02:26:09.439 --> 02:26:12.439 council. So, um I support this efficient 02:26:12.640 --> 02:26:14.455 process as well. 02:26:14.479 --> 02:26:15.976 Thank you, councelor Crockett. Would any 02:26:16.000 --> 02:26:17.415 other counselors like to speak to this 02:26:17.439 --> 02:26:19.176 item? Councelor Barka, 02:26:19.200 --> 02:26:22.200 I'd just like to see the causal factors 02:26:22.880 --> 02:26:24.536 that were the catalyst for this 02:26:24.560 --> 02:26:27.256 countback occurring be made public. Um, 02:26:27.280 --> 02:26:30.280 that's not my job to make that happen. 02:26:30.479 --> 02:26:32.295 Thank you, Councelor Barker. Any other 02:26:32.319 --> 02:26:35.256 counselors? 02:26:35.280 --> 02:26:37.256 And , councelor Walker, did you have 02:26:37.280 --> 02:26:38.295 any closing comments? 02:26:38.319 --> 02:26:39.415 , no, thanks. 02:26:39.439 --> 02:26:41.096 And we'll now put the motion to a vote. 02:26:41.120 --> 02:26:44.120 All those in favor? 02:26:44.240 --> 02:26:46.295 And the motion is carried unanimously. 02:26:46.319 --> 02:26:48.856 Thank you, councilors. 02:26:48.880 --> 02:26:51.880 And item 4.13 which is the instrument 02:26:52.160 --> 02:26:54.536 of appointment and authorization under 02:26:54.560 --> 02:26:56.856 the planning and environment act and the 02:26:56.880 --> 02:26:59.335 report is to seek council's appointment 02:26:59.359 --> 02:27:01.976 of authorized officers under the act 02:27:02.000 --> 02:27:03.816 through the updated instrument of 02:27:03.840 --> 02:27:06.216 appointment and authorization and this 02:27:06.240 --> 02:27:08.536 instrument requires updating due to 02:27:08.560 --> 02:27:11.176 recent staff changes. we do have a 02:27:11.200 --> 02:27:13.576 recommendation before us. Does anyone 02:27:13.600 --> 02:27:15.816 wish to move a motion? 02:27:15.840 --> 02:27:17.896 Councelor 02:27:17.920 --> 02:27:19.415 Phelps. Thank you. And seconded by 02:27:19.439 --> 02:27:21.896 Councelor Patterson. Thank you. And 02:27:21.920 --> 02:27:23.736 councelor Phelps, , did you have 02:27:23.760 --> 02:27:24.856 anything you'd like to say? 02:27:24.880 --> 02:27:26.136 Just quickly, again, this is a regular 02:27:26.160 --> 02:27:29.160 item as as you note, Mayor. Um, it's, 02:27:30.080 --> 02:27:32.375 , just identifies the changes in 02:27:32.399 --> 02:27:33.976 officers who have the authority to carry 02:27:34.000 --> 02:27:35.656 out roles within the legislative 02:27:35.680 --> 02:27:36.536 framework. 02:27:36.560 --> 02:27:38.375 Thanks, Councelor Phelps. And councelor 02:27:38.399 --> 02:27:39.096 Patterson, 02:27:39.120 --> 02:27:40.056 nothing to add. 02:27:40.080 --> 02:27:41.656 Did any other councilors want to speak 02:27:41.680 --> 02:27:44.295 to this item? And for Barker, 02:27:44.319 --> 02:27:46.936 I'd like it to be made known public why 02:27:46.960 --> 02:27:49.496 we keep having these changes of staff. 02:27:49.520 --> 02:27:51.816 Um, even if it's just a short little 02:27:51.840 --> 02:27:54.840 note as to why some staff members have 02:27:55.200 --> 02:27:56.696 left, , I think that would be of 02:27:56.720 --> 02:27:59.576 benefit to the community. 02:27:59.600 --> 02:28:01.976 Thanks, councelor Barker. And would any 02:28:02.000 --> 02:28:03.496 other councilors like to speak to this 02:28:03.520 --> 02:28:06.520 item? 02:28:07.120 --> 02:28:08.936 Okay, we'll now put the Oh, sorry, 02:28:08.960 --> 02:28:10.616 Council Phelps. Any closing comments? 02:28:10.640 --> 02:28:12.536 No. we'll put the motion to a vote. 02:28:12.560 --> 02:28:15.560 All those in favor 02:28:15.760 --> 02:28:18.760 and against and the motion's carried 02:28:19.520 --> 02:28:21.736 71. 02:28:21.760 --> 02:28:24.696 Thank you counselors. And item 4.14 02:28:24.720 --> 02:28:26.056 which is the conflict of interest 02:28:26.080 --> 02:28:28.616 records and the purpose of the report is 02:28:28.640 --> 02:28:31.256 to present the records received since 02:28:31.280 --> 02:28:33.656 the previous council meeting. We do have 02:28:33.680 --> 02:28:36.216 a recommendation. Does anyone wish to 02:28:36.240 --> 02:28:38.375 move a motion? Council Patterson as per 02:28:38.399 --> 02:28:39.976 the recommendation. recommendation and 02:28:40.000 --> 02:28:42.216 seconded by 02:28:42.240 --> 02:28:45.016 council Bodsworth. Thank you. And did 02:28:45.040 --> 02:28:47.415 you want to speak to this? Council 02:28:47.439 --> 02:28:48.776 Bodsworth. 02:28:48.800 --> 02:28:50.856 Any other councilors? 02:28:50.880 --> 02:28:52.616 we'll put the motion to a vote. All 02:28:52.640 --> 02:28:55.016 those in favor 02:28:55.040 --> 02:28:57.016 and the motion's carried unanimously. 02:28:57.040 --> 02:28:59.256 Thank you councilors. 02:28:59.280 --> 02:29:02.216 And we now move on to the closed section 02:29:02.240 --> 02:29:03.816 of our meeting. We do have one 02:29:03.840 --> 02:29:06.696 confidential item to consider tonight. 02:29:06.720 --> 02:29:09.016 So we will need to close the meeting to 02:29:09.040 --> 02:29:12.040 the public and end our live stream. I 02:29:12.160 --> 02:29:13.896 wish to thank everyone who has joined us 02:29:13.920 --> 02:29:16.696 this evening both in person and online 02:29:16.720 --> 02:29:19.720 and I will call for councilors to move 02:29:19.840 --> 02:29:21.335 and second a motion to move into 02:29:21.359 --> 02:29:23.816 confidential please. Councelor Patterson 02:29:23.840 --> 02:29:26.776 and seconded by councelor Phelps and all 02:29:26.800 --> 02:29:29.800 those in favor 02:29:30.240 --> 02:29:33.240 and against and the motion's carried 62. 02:29:33.840 --> 02:29:36.216 Thank you. We'll now end the live 02:29:36.240 --> 02:29:39.240 stream.