Scheduled Council - Agenda - 22 April 2025 Attachments

Agenda Scheduled Council Meeting 1

Rural City of Wangaratta Live Stream

Clause 24 of the Governance Rules provides the following:

“This public meeting is being recorded to improve access to the meeting for our community. The recording will be published and will be retained by Council in accordance with Council’s legal obligations. As a visitor in the public gallery, your presence may be recorded.”

1. Acknowledgement to Country

We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the lands, on which the Rural City of Wangaratta communities reside.

We pay our respect to their Elders past, present and emerging, and celebrate and respect their continuing cultures.

We are committed to walking beside all traditional owners as we move toward reconciliation.

2. Opening Prayer

Almighty God, we humbly ask thee to bless and guide this council in its deliberations so that we may truly preserve the welfare of the people whom we serve. Amen

3. Present

4. Absent

5. Acceptance of Apologies & Granting of Leave of Absence

Order of Business

6. Citizen Ceremony

7. Confirmation of Minutes

Recommendation:

That Council read and confirm the Minutes of the Scheduled Meeting of 25 March 2025 as a true and accurate record of the proceedings of the meeting.

8. Conflict of Interest Disclosure

In accordance with section 130 of the Local Government Act 2020 a councillor who has a conflict of interest in respect of a matter must disclose the conflict of interest in the manner required by Council's Governance Rules and exclude themselves from the decision making process in relation to that matter, including any discussion or vote on the matter and any action in relation to the matter.

Clause 28.1 of Council's Governance Rules requires a councillor to indicate that they have a conflict of interest by clearly stating:

(a) the item for which they have a conflict of interest; and

(b) whether their conflict of interest is general or material; and

Immediately prior to the consideration of the item in which they have a conflict of interest, a councillor must indicate to the meeting the existence of the conflict of interest and leave the meeting.

A councillor who discloses a conflict of interest and leaves a Council meeting must not communicate with any participants in the meeting while the decision is being made.

9. Reception of Petitions

10. Hearing of Deputations

Presentation of Reports

11. Councillor Reports

Nil

Officers’ Reports

12. Executive Services

Nil

Agenda Scheduled Council Meeting 1

13. Corporate and Leisure

13.1 Revocation of Council Policies

Meeting Type: Scheduled Council Meeting

Date of Meeting: 22 April 2025

Category: Strategic

Author: Governance & Reporting Advisor

Approver: Director Corporate and Leisure

No Council officers or contractors who have provided advice in relation to this report have declared a conflict of interest regarding the matter under consideration.

Executive Summary

This report is presented to Council to revoke the following policies for the reasons detailed below:

Recommendation:

That Council revokes the following three policies:

a. Sewer Connection Exemption Policy 2015 (Attachment 1)

b. Sister City – Friendship Relationship Program Policy 2011 (Attachment 2) ; and

c. Development Approval Facilitation Policy 2015 (Attachment 3).

Background

Council’s governance team has undertaken an audit of Council’s policy library to ensure that the policy framework across the organisation is fit for purpose and reflective of the current operations and strategic direction of the organisation. This audit has identified the following policies as being no longer required for the reasons set out below.

1. Sewer Connection Exemption Policy 2015

2. Sister City – Friendship City Relationship Program Policy 2011

3. Development Approval Facilitation Policy 2015

The Sewer Connection Exemption Policy 2015 can be revoked as the content of the policy is now captured by legislation and there is now no longer a need for a policy.

The Sister City – Friendship City Relationship Policy 2011 can also be revoked as Wangaratta has not been a sister city participant since 2016 and there is no likely involvement moving forward.

The Development Approval Facilitation Policy 2015 has not been used since 2015 and Council uses other processes for significant development proposals.

Implications

Policy Considerations

There are no specific Council policies or strategies that relate to this report. The policy audit undertaken by governance has considered the policy framework across the organisation with impacted policy owners to ensure that Council’s policy framework is current.

Financial/Economic Implications

There are no financial or economic implications identified for the subject of this report.

Legal/Statutory

There are no legal/statutory implications identified for the subject of this report. Legislation now captures the substance of some policies in some cases (i.e the Sewer Connection Exemption Policy 2015) and there are no legislative impacts for any other policy under this report.

Social and Diversity

There are no social impacts identified for the subject of this report.

Equity Impact Assessment (EIA)

There are no equity impacts identified for the subject of this report.

Environmental/Sustainability Impacts

There are no environmental/ sustainability impacts identified for the subject of this report.

Strategic Links

Nil strategic links satisfied by the production of this report.

Risk Management

Risks

Likelihood

Consequence

Rating

Mitigation Action

Failure to keep Council’s policy library updated may result in operational inefficiencies or insufficient coverage over key areas.

Unlikely

Minor

4 – Low

Ensuring an accurate and timely notification of policy reviews to all responsible officers

Consultation/Communication

Officers believe that appropriate consultation has occurred and the matter is now ready for Council consideration.

Options for Consideration

Council may either deteremine to revoke the above policies, or request further work be undertaken by council officers before doing so.

Conclusion

An audit of Council policies has been undertaken by Council’s governance team and identified the policies in this report as being past their respective lives. They are presented for formal councillor revocation today.

Attachments

1 Sewer Connection Exemption Policy 2015 ⇩

2 Sister City Friendship City Relationship Program Policy 2011 ⇩

3 Development Approval Facilitation Policy 2015 ⇩

Agenda Scheduled Council Meeting 1

14. Community and Infrastructure

14.1 Community Asset Committee Nominations

Meeting Type: Scheduled Council Meeting

Date of Meeting: 22 April 2025

Category: Strategic

Author: Community & Recreation Coordinator

Approver: Director Community and Infrastructure

No Council officers or contractors who have provided advice in relation to this report have declared a conflict of interest regarding the matter under consideration.

Executive Summary

This report is presented to Council to endorse the nominations of volunteers to committees of management (COM) under the Community Asset Committee Instrument of Delegation. These are community members who wish to be considered for inclusion on the local committees of management. Council Officers are in support of the nominations in the attachment to the following COM:

Milawa Public Hall and Park

The nominations are for a period of three years.

Recommendation:

That Council endorses and discloses the appointments to the following Community Asset Committee:

1. Milawa Public Hall and Park

Background

New Committee nominations can be taken at any point and will be endorsed at a Council Meeting once a quarter. Nominees can still attend meetings before that endorsement, but without voting rights.

All appointments to Community Asset Committees are made in line with Council’s policy governing appointments to Council Committees.

The Instrument of Sub-Delegation details in section 3.1(8) that all appointments to the committees will be made by Council in accordance with the Council policy governing appointments to Council Committees.

Implications

Policy Considerations

The Community Asset Committee Instrument of Delegation and the Appointment to Council Committees Policy apply to these nominations.

Financial/Economic Implications

There are no financial or economic implications identified for the subject of this report.

Legal/Statutory

The requirement for nominations is made in accordance with the Local Government Act

Social and Diversity

The Community Asset Committees provide an important service to their communities, providing a gathering place and social centre for their rural communities. A strong and vibrant committee will benefit the community, and close links between the committee and Council will create greater awareness of needs in that community.

Equity Impact Assessment (EIA)

There are no equity impacts identified for the subject of this report.

Environmental/Sustainability Impacts

COM’s are responsible for the management of any environmental issues relating to the land upon which their facilities are situated.

Strategic Links

Council Plan 2021 – 2025

This report supports the 2021-2025 Council Plan through the following objectives and actions:

1. Strengthening our Leadership

1. Continue to support the delivery of the Rural Placemaking Plans in partnership with our rural communities.

2. Nurturing our Wellbeing

1. With support and training, ensure that our community groups and committees have

strong governance and are inclusive and viable.

2.3.3 Increase opportunities for people to connect to their community and each other.

2.3.4.1 Provide quality and accessible community facilities based on community needs.

3. Expanding our Economy

4.4.2 Enhance the activity in our rural townships

Risk Management

Risk Management Framework

Risks	Likelihood	Consequence	Rating	Mitigation Action
Governance risk associated with the sub- delegation of powers from the CEO to Community Asset Committees	3 - Possible	3 - Moderate	6 - Medium	The appointment of members by a formal resolution of Council reduces governance risk by ensuring that all members appointed to a committee are covered by Council’s public liability insurance.

Consultation/Communication

Officers believe that appropriate consultation has occurred and the matter is now ready for Council consideration.

Options for Consideration

· That Council endorses the nominations to the Community Asset Committees

· That Council does not endorse the nominations to the Community Asset Committees.

Conclusion

Council officers have reviewed the nominations received for endorsement to the relevant Community Asset Committees which will delegate the control, management and maintenance of its council owned community assets and uphold Councils requirements under the Local Government Act.

Attachments

1 Community Asset Committee Nominations - Confidential

2 Community Asset Committee Responsibillities Planner ⇩

3 Instrument of Sub Delegation ⇩

Agenda Scheduled Council Meeting 1

15. Sustainability and Culture

15.1 Draft Climate Adaptation Plan

Meeting Type: Scheduled Council Meeting

Date of Meeting: 22 April 2025

Category: Strategic

Author: Environment and Sustainability Coordinator

Approver: Director Sustainability and Culture

No Council officers or contractors who have provided advice in relation to this report have declared a conflict of interest regarding the matter under consideration.

Executive Summary

This report is presented to Council to adopt the Climate Adaptation Plan. The Plan (see Attachment 1) has been reviewed and updated in response to feedback and submissions received during the exhibition period, as detailed in Attachment 2.

Recommendation:

That Council:

1. Considers the submissions received during the exhibition period for the draft Climate Adaptation Plan.

2. Endorses the amendments made to the draft Climate Adaptation Plan.

3. Adopts the Climate Adaptation Plan.

Background

The draft Climate Adaptation Plan (the Plan) aims to enhance the resilience of Council operations and, by extension, our community, against natural hazards and extreme weather events. These include storms, floods, heatwaves, droughts, and bushfires. A key component of the Plan is a 10-year action plan that outlines strategic priorities to reduce vulnerability to these impacts while also identifying opportunities arising from climate-related changes.

Under the Local Government Act 2020, Councils are required to plan for climate change risks. Additionally, an audit of Environmental Management & Sustainability identified the absence of a climate adaptation plan as a moderate risk. These factors were key drivers behind the Plan’s development, which has been made possible through funding from Emergency Management Victoria and collaboration with consultants WSP.

The Plan was shaped through extensive early engagement with the community and stakeholders, including surveys and workshops conducted in August and September 2024. This input ensured the Plan reflects local priorities and concerns. Following Council endorsement, the draft Plan was placed on public exhibition from 12 December 2024 to 14 February 2025, allowing the community and stakeholders to review and provide further feedback. To support engagement during the exhibition period, Council facilitated drop-in sessions and conducted an online survey. Feedback from the public consultation process was overwhelmingly positive, with 96% of survey respondents indicating they largely agreed with the Plan’s recommendations, following a review of the feedback received 3 minor changes were made to the Plan (see Attachment 2).

Implications

Policy Considerations

The Climate Adaptation Plan supports and complements the Council Plan 2021-2025, as well as a number of strategies relating to climate change, assets, planning, emergency management and environmental sustainability.

This report supports Council’s Climate Adaptation and Mitigation Policy 2022-2025, Environmental Sustainability Strategy 2021-2026 and Asset Plan 2022-2032. In addition it aligns with other relevant Victorian State legislation including the Climate Change Act 2017, Environment Protection Act 2017, Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988, Planning and Environment Act 1987, Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008, and at a National level the Climate Change Act 2022, National Climate Resilience and Adaptation Strategy.

Financial/Economic Implications

The Plan recommends and prioritises actions over 10 years for Council that will have costs associated. These actions will be dependent on funding from project bids, grant applications and in house resources, subject to the prioritisation of the long term financial plan.

Legal/Statutory

Under the Local Government Act 2020, “Councils are required to promote the economic, social and environmental sustainability of the municipal district, including mitigation and planning for climate change risks.” and the Plan aligns with the climate resilience objectives for 2050 outlined in the Victorian Government’s Climate Change Strategy.

Social and Diversity

The Plan acknowledges that climate change impacts are not felt equally across society, with vulnerable groups such as older residents, remote rural communities, and those with limited resources,facing heightened risks from extreme weather events. By integrating social and diversity considerations, the Plan ensures that adaptation measures are inclusive and support those most at risk, strengthening community resilience across Wangaratta.

Equity Impact Assessment (EIA)

Equity is a principle of delivery for the strategy, and an Equity Impact Assessment was completed for this strategy. The EIA highlighted the importance of seeking input from vulnerable members in rural townships (drop in sessions in rural locations) and the viewpoint of younger people (through youth council engagement).

Environmental/Sustainability Impacts

The Plan acknowledges the significant environmental challenges posed by climate change in Wangaratta, including increased risks to biodiversity, prolonged droughts, and more frequent extreme weather events such as bushfires and flooding. By integrating climate resilience into asset management, land use planning, and environmental stewardship, the Plan aims to protect natural ecosystems, enhance sustainable land management practices - ultimately strengthening community resilience and ensuring a healthier environment for future generations.

Strategic Links

Council Plan 2021 – 2025

This report supports the 2021-2025 Council Plan through the following objectives and actions:

1. Strengthening our Leadership

1.2.3 Proactively manage risk across all areas of Council.

2. Nurturing our Wellbeing

2.2.4.1 Support all our community members to be healthy and well, especially our most vulnerable.

2.6.1 Ensure we are prepared for emergency response and recovery

2.6.1.5 Build community and Council capacity and resilience to respond to emergencies and disasters that are a result of climate change.

2.6.1.6 Continue delivery of programs to support the resilience and recovery of business and the community in the face of adverse events such as bushfire, pandemic and drought.

3. Valuing our Environment

3.1.3 Enhance our natural environment

3.13.4 Partner with traditional owners to incorporate traditional ecological knowledge into strategies and practices concerning the management of the natural environment

3.3.1 Increase the capacity of the community to mitigate and adapt to climate change

3.3.1.1 Explore and advance opportunities to be community leaders in adapting to the impacts of climate change

4. Expanding our Economy

4.2.6 Support economic recovery following emergencies

4.2.6.1 Understand the economic impacts for our businesses and community following an adverse event

4.2.6.2 Advocate for government support and assistance programs to support recovery from adverse events.

Rural City of Wangaratta 2033 Community Vision

This report supports the 2033 Community Vision through the following objectives:

G1 Strengthen Council’s approach to designing and supporting inclusive and liveable communities

G4 Support all our community members to be healthy and well, especially our most vulnerable

K1 Ensure we are prepared for emergency response and recovery

L1 Collaborate with external stakeholders on community-based environment and sustainability initiatives

L2 Facilitate design and development that creates environmentally supportive impacts

N2 Increase the capacity of the community to mitigate and adapt to climate change

Q6 Support economic recovery following emergencies

CC1 Ensure decision making upholds a balance between environmental sustainability, the need for development and acknowledges risks to the landscape

Risk Management

Risks	Likelihood	Consequence	Rating	Mitigation Action
Changing priorities or leadership resulting in reduced support for adaptation initiatives	3 - Possible	3- Moderate	3 -Medium	Maintain strong evidence-based justification for actions and build long-term community and stakeholder support to sustain momentum.
Expectation for Council to fund all recommendations	2- Unlikely	2- Minor	4 - Low	Communication throughout the entire process and within the document clearly outlines required external grant funding requirements.
Legal or regulatory changes impacting Council’s ability to implement certain actions	2- Unlikely	3 - Moderate	4 - Low	Stay informed of legislative changes and advocate for policies that support climate adaptation.
Climate change impacts worsen faster than projected, making actions insufficient	3 - Possible	4- Major	7- High	Regular review and update of the Plan to incorporate the latest climate projections and emerging risks.

Consultation/Communication

Extensive consultation was undertaken throughout the development of the strategy to ensure it reflects council, community and stakeholder priorities. The Plan was informed by early engagement activities, including:

· A workshop with 21 Council officers.

· A workshop with the Youth Council.

· A workshop with Council’s Environmental & Sustainability Reference Group (ESRG) to discuss the initial vision, concerns, and proposed community survey questions.

· A four-week community survey, receiving 65 responses.

· Four drop-in sessions held in Moyhu, Glenrowan, Wangaratta, and Milawa.

· Meetings with key stakeholders, including the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action, Goulburn Murray Climate Alliance, Country Fire Authority, North East Catchment Management Authority, Environmental Protection Agency, and North East Water.

· A follow-up ESRG workshop in November to provide further feedback on the developed draft Plan.

Following Council endorsement, the Plan was placed on public exhibition from 12 December 2024 to 14 February 2025. To encourage further community input, three additional drop-in sessions were held, emails were sent to previous survey participants, and the consultation was promoted through Council’s media channels and physical flyers distributed in rural areas. These efforts resulted in 25 attendees at the drop-in sessions and 22 additional survey submissions.

Level of public participation	Promises to the public/stakeholders	Tools/Techniques
Inform	An extensive comms campaign was undertaken during the the development and consulation period. Between August 2024 and February 2025, the Plan’s webpage received 521 visits, and 124 participants downloaded the factsheets and draft Plan.	Websites, social media, rural noticeboards, drop-in sessions and newspapers.
Consult	65 responses were received in the first community survey, with a further 22 during the public exhibition period.	Connect Wangaratta website, two surveys.
Involve	Stakeholder groups were directly consulted/engaged.	One on one meetings with
Collaborate	Feedback was integrated into final draft Plan and then placed on exhibition.
Empower	The final Strategy will be considered by Council in April 2025.	Council meeitng to consider adoption of the strategy.

Officers believe that appropriate consultation has occurred and the matter is now ready for Council consideration.

Options for Consideration

1. That Council endorses the changes to the draft Climate Adaptation Plan and adopts the Climate Adaptation Plan. (recommended)

2. That Council does not endorses the changes to the draft Climate Adaptation Plan, does not adopt the Climate Adaptation Plan and returns the grant funding. (not recommended)

Conclusion

Submissions regarding the draft Climate Adaptation Plan have been considered and changes made to the Plan in response. The amended Climate Adaptation Plan is ready for Council adoption.

Attachments

1 Draft Climate Adaptation Plan ⇩

2 Summary of Comments & Changes ⇩

Date	Meeting details	Refer
5 December 2024	Audit and Risk Committee	Attachment
3 February 2025	Arts and Culture Advisory Committee	Attachment