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Minutes
For the Scheduled Council Meeting Soldiers
Memorial Hall 6:00 PM 22 April 2025
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Minutes
For the Scheduled Council Meeting Soldiers
Memorial Hall 6:00 PM 22 April 2025
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Minutes Scheduled Council Meeting 4
Contents
5. Acceptance of Apologies & Granting of Leave of Absence
8. Conflict of Interest Disclosure
13.1 Revocation of Council Policies
14. Community and Infrastructure
14.1 Community Asset Committee Nominations
15. Sustainability and Culture
15.1 Draft Climate Adaptation Plan
17. Advisory Committee Reports
18. Minutes of Advisory Committee Meetings
18.1 Minutes of Advisory Committee Meetings
Minutes Scheduled Council Meeting 4
1. Acknowledgement to Country
It is my privilege to respectfully acknowledge the traditional custodians of our wonderful country. We give our thanks to our ancestors whose vision, determination, innovation and resilience built our prosperous inclusive and democratic country. We acknowledge that we are the proud inheritors of this legacy, and we accept the challenge to continue to nourish and nurture our communities and we pledge to work to implement and enhance opportunities for the benefit of future generations, our children and their children into the future.
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
Councillors:
Irene Grant, David Fuller, Harry Bussell, Harvey Benton, Ashlee Fitzpatrick, Allison Winters, Tania Maxwell
Officers:
Brendan McGrath, Chief Executive Officer; Sarah Brindley, Director Corporate and Leisure; Ben Thomas, Acting Director Community and Infrastructure; Stephen Swart, Director Sustainability and Culture
Administration:
Executive Services Coordinator; Executive Assistant Corporate and Leisure
Councillors:
Officers: Marcus Goonan, Director Community and Infrastructure
5. Acceptance of Apologies & Granting of Leave of Absence
Nil
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(Moved: Councillor H Benton/Councillor D Fuller)
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 noting the correction of names in items 21.3 and 21.6. |
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
(c) the circumstances that give rise to the conflict of interest.
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
For full transcript, please refer to the recording on the Rural City of Wangaratta YouTube channel.
Time markers are noted in (minutes:seconds) format.
11. Councillor Reports
Nil
12. Executive Services
Nil
Minutes Scheduled Council Meeting 7
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:
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(Moved: Councillor A Fitzpatrick/Councillor D Fuller)
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
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Risks |
Likelihood |
Consequence |
Rating |
Mitigation Action |
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Failure to keep Council’s policy library updated may result in operational inefficiencies or insufficient coverage over key areas.
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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.
1 Sewer
Connection Exemption Policy 2015 
2 Sister
City Friendship City Relationship Program Policy 2011 
3 Development
Approval Facilitation Policy 2015
Minutes Scheduled Council Meeting 10
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.
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(Moved: Councillor H Bussell/Councillor A Fitzpatrick)
That Council endorses and discloses the appointments to the following Community Asset Committee:
1. Milawa Public Hall and Park
Councillor Cr. Harry Bussell disclosed the appointments:
Judy White Julie Hourigan Colin Reed Graham Wilson Carlyn Trethowan Maureen Titcomb Leanne Finnigan Susie Mill |
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
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Risks |
Likelihood |
Consequence |
Rating |
Mitigation Action |
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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 Responsibilities Planner 
3 Instrument
of Sub Delegation 
Minutes Scheduled Council Meeting 12
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
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.
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(Moved: Councillor A Winters/Councillor D Fuller)
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
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Risks |
Likelihood |
Consequence |
Rating |
Mitigation Action |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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.
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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.
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Level of public participation |
Promises to the public/stakeholders |
Tools/Techniques |
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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.
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Websites, social media, rural noticeboards, drop-in sessions and newspapers. |
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Consult |
65 responses were received in the first community survey, with a further 22 during the public exhibition period.
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Connect Wangaratta website, two surveys. |
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Involve |
Stakeholder groups were directly consulted/engaged.
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One on one meetings with |
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Collaborate |
Feedback was integrated into final draft Plan and then placed on exhibition.
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Empower |
The final Strategy will be considered by Council in April 2025.
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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
Minutes Scheduled Council Meeting 14
16. Special Committee Reports
Nil
17. Advisory Committee Reports
Nil
Minutes Scheduled Council Meeting 16
18. Minutes of Advisory Committee Meetings
18.1 Minutes of Advisory Committee Meetings
Meeting Type: Scheduled Council Meeting
Date of Meeting: 22 April 2025
Author: Councillor and Executive Services Support Officer
Approver: Executive Services Coordinator
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
Minutes of Advisory Committee Meetings and committee reports are reported to Council for information (please refer attachments.)
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Date |
Meeting details |
Refer |
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5 December 2024 |
Audit and Risk Committee |
Attachment |
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3 February 2025 |
Arts and Culture Advisory Committee |
Attachment |
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(Moved: Councillor A Fitzpatrick/Councillor D Fuller)
That Council notes the minutes of these Advisory Committees. |
Attachments
1 05
December 2024 Audit and Risk Committee Minutes
2 ACAC
Committee Meeting Minutes - February 2025
Minutes Scheduled Council Meeting 18
19. Notices of Motion
Nil
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21.1 |
(19:56) Question taken on Notice:
Mr John Bridges asked the following question at the Council meeting at 6pm on 22 April which was taken on notice and assigned to Director Marcus Goonan for reply. Question 1 - Can I please have an update on the Wangaratta-Whitfield Road?
Response provided by Acting Director Community and Infrastructure Ben Thomas “Council officers continue to advocate to the state government for Improvements to the Wangaratta – Whitfield Road. These incudes reviewing the condition onsite of the road with the senior Regional Roads staff this month. Council officers are advocating for improvements to the road width and seal quality practically in the section between Moyhu and Whitfield. Advocacy will continue.”
Discussion was held on the deteriorating condition of the road. “What can we as a community and as a council do to get some action on this road?” Cr. Irene Grant responded “I think that is one of the problems isn’t it. That across Victoria, that road isn’t the only problem that Regional Roads Victoria have. One of the things we need to do is advocate as a community is not just state, but federal we need to also need to talk to them about the importance of that road to the whole tourist infrastructure of this part of the world.”
“Chris Hazel and I have been working on this for five years. We are no further advanced than what it was when we started.”
Cr. Irene Grant responded “I was the mayor twenty years ago and we were talking about this road then. I mean this is a terrible problem.
“So is that saying something about how hard it is work done or is it saying something about community and council or all of the above.”
Cr. Irene Grant responded “Council has always worked quite diligently. We’ve had recent conservations with Jaclyn Symes, we’ve had conversations with Regional Roads Victoria which I’ll ask Brendan to elaborate on. I think there’s never been a time when we haven’t worked and spoken to whomever we could on the importance of this road and the safety of this road to the community.”
Chief Executive Officer Brendan McGrath responded “just to add to the mayors’ comments. Certainly, recognise all the work you and Chris have done along with the community survey and the strategy document that you’ve completed as a result of that is great one and we’ve had a number of conversations about that. The reality is it’s not a council road we don’t control the maintenance on it. I’ve spent more time talking to various levels of government about the condition of that road then I would have about any other priority of council. It remains one of the 6 or 7 priorities in our advocacy document. As the mayor mentioned, the mayor, deputy mayor and I met with the treasurer and the minister for regional development 6, 7 or 8 weeks ago and it was one of the projects that we spoke to her about. The executive director the region we’ve had him up here a couple of times now and drive sections of it. Everyone we talked to acknowledges it’s a high priority it’s just of whether they can get the budget to stretch far enough to address this as opposed to the many other state priorities they have. We’ve got a budget coming out in May from state government level. Let’s hope it’s generous in terms of road maintenance. We’ll certainly continue to talk to anyone we think has any influence about it John. I think one of the things that can have an impact in the leadup to an election is the community making noise about it. It’s fine to come along and make noise to us about it, but I think you need to find a way as a community to make sure the government is hearing directly from you as a priority as well as the work that we’re doing.”
Chris Hazel commented on the condition of the road and making noise on behalf of the community. She did appreciate the point Brendan made about making more noise on behalf of the community directly to other levels of government.
Cr Tanya Maxwell responded “thank you Chris and John for your question in regard to the road. I’m not privy the past history on this road. Do you have emails and correspondence that you have sent to the state government and to VicRoads and the only reason I ask that is because those dates and times and responses can be valuable for our advocacy as well.”
Chris responded “I understand the point that you’re making. What we have done is gone through the Rural City of Wangaratta as we thought it was the main step for us to advocate to fix this road. So what your suggesting is that we go straight to the state and federal government and then start putting everything in writing.”
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21.2 |
(30:46) Question taken on Notice: Ms Cassandra Pollock asked the following question at the Council meeting at 6pm on 22 April which was taken on notice and assigned to Director Sarah Brindley for reply. Question 1 - My question is in reference to the three public community engagement sessions held at WPACC to help council develop it's Council Plan. Following these sessions all the participants were emailed a survey to gather feedback with how it all went. One of the questions on this survey was along the lines of - Did providing a shopping voucher as a reward incentivize your decision to participate in the sessions?
What proportion of people voted NO to that particular survey question? Response “Thank you Cassandra for your question. 26 people completed the survey.
Of those, 50% stated that the voucher influenced their decision to attend a community engagement workshop. And 62% said they had never attended a community engagement session with the council previously.
From the community, we received the following positive comments on incentives: "Was very well done, felt comfortable and engaging. Really great to have so many council staff present and involved. Very grateful for the voucher in recognition of our time and very timely given the current costs of living."
"The voucher was a lovely contribution towards the fuel it takes me to drive into Wang from Whitfield. I believe that being in community groups/council reference group/Advisory groups is important but difficult when it is all voluntary."
The Community Vision and Council Plan are some of the most significant deliverables council has to deliver in each four-year cycle. We are very appreciative of all community members who have given their time and energy to engage in this process.
Cassandra Pollock “Did it cost $12,000 to provide shopping vouchers for all the participants? I’m asking the council if you may be aware that indigo Shire tried a different strategy, and they gave three $100 door prizes to participants that participated in their consultation strategy. I’m asking the council to consider something more along those lines in the future in terms of being more economically considerate.”
Cr Irene Grant responded, “I absolutely agree with you.”
Director Corporate Leisure Sarah Brindley responded “I don’t disagree with you. There are many ways to do this. Ultimately our goal was to drive as much participation as we could, and we did fill the spots which was what we were looking for. It’s certainly it’s not something we would make regular practice of, and councillors have also indicated that as their intent. We’ve looked at various councils and what they’ve been doing in discussion with the consultants have been guiding us on driving community engagement for this. One of the reasons we sought feedback was to understand how much of an impact those vouchers did have.”
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21.3 |
(34:45) Mr Craig Thorpe Question – Mr Thorpe acknowledged the veterans that have allowed this democracy to take place, and it might be nice for council to consider that in their welcome at this time of year. “The Moyhu community has its own ANZAC ceremony day here in the Lions Park. One of the flagpoles is broken. Is the flagpole going to be fixed before Friday?” Acting Director Community and Infrastructure Ben Thomas responded “I caught up with Hayley 30 minutes ago about this. We’re going to talk first thing tomorrow and see what we can do about it.”
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21.4 |
(35:45) Ms Wendy Thorpe Question – Ms Thorpe briefed councillors on a sport and recreation grant the Moyhu Tennis Club received between 2014 – 2015 to upgrade the tennis courts. An explanation was provided on the issues that have been experienced in relation to the failure of the surface of the courts and value they provide to the community. The club have been working with council representatives and Tennis Victoria to get them up to standard. A letter was received from Mr Ken Clarke stating in 2024 2025 was the year it was going to be rectified. “My question is that going to happen?”
Chief Executive Officer Brendan McGrath responded “all I can say is we are definitely aware of the issues. I have been out there myself and I can’t recall whether I met you when I was out there having a look. We are definitely aware of them. I think we’ve had a couple of go’s at least to do a temporary rectification to keep them functional. It’s not in the current year’s budget. I don’t know off the top of my head where it sits in our long-term financial plan, but we can check that out and get back to you on that.”.
“The Everton tennis courts got fully funded by the Rural City of Wangaratta and we’ve been told that we have to go out and spend another $50,000 to get a scoping plan and a new strategic plan. For a small club that’s expensive and then to raise another $1.2million to get all four courts upgraded with basketball courts and pickle ball, we don’t have the capacity to do that. Had we had what we were promised to the community back in 2015 we wouldn’t be here now.”
Chief Executive Officer Brendan McGrath responded “I’m pretty sure that the Everton courts weren’t fully funded by Council. I’m pretty certain they were a sport and recreation Victoria grant application that we contributed to as we normally to for sport and recreation applications. I don’t know whether we did to yours originally or not, but that’s the usual way we try and do these things. I can’t say much more than that other than to say we’re definitely aware of the condition of them and we can find out where they are in terms of our current planning.”
Acting Director Community Infrastructure Ben Thomas responded, “we will get one of our recreation officers to get in touch and have that conversation with you about where it sits.”
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21.5 |
(39:01) Ms Allison Stephens. Question – “In relation to the proposed King Valley signage being proposed next to the Prosecco Road sculpture. Are you planning on having any public meetings where people can contribute ideas?”
Chief Executive Officer Brendan McGrath responded “The process we are going through at the moment is to work out exactly what the final location of the sculpture and the signage might be. We are cognisant that we don’t just want to put a sign in front of the artwork because that wouldn’t be a great outcome. We have been having some conversations with the artists, this work is being led primarily by Tourism North East and us. We’ve been talking to the artists, and we’ve been talking to our own arts advisory group. With the department that’s responsible for that intersection who we were talking about earlier, there’s a range of potential outcomes that we might end up with. We might end up for example, with a sign in the roundabout and the artwork where it is. We might end up moving the artwork to the roundabout and putting a sign where that was, but the intent is to make sure whatever the final outcome is, that it’s respectful of the site and prominence and it doesn’t detract from the work that’s been done to install the artwork.
“Are you expecting it to be the same size the sign to be as big as proposed to be 10 metres by 4 metres?” Chief Executive Officer Brendan McGrath responded “I don’t know is the short answer. There’s a process I think either gone out or about to go out to get some concepts back from potential people to install that. It’s not a sign or a billboard per se, so it won’t be a big square thing. I think the intent is for it to potentially be individual letters spelling King Valley which need to be pretty sizeable to have some impact. Depending on what the final form of the sign and the size is like will depend on the responses that come back and budgets and that consultation process that’s underway.
“So, are you going to let members of the community be part of that Consultation?” Chief Executive Officer Brendan McGrath responded, “I don’t know what is planned is the short answer, but I’m happy to go and check.”
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21.6 |
(41:46) Mr Peter Shanley Question – Following the recent storm event and a request made on 14 February regarding removal of debris which had been pushed into a table drain, I’m following up to see if we can get that cleaned and pass on to the operator to make sure the debris is pushed up onto the bank and not into the table drain.”
Acting Director Community and Infrastructure Ben Thomas responded “I can follow that up and get back to you if you like. I will catch up with you after the meeting.”
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21.7 |
(43:10) Ms Gail Day Question – “Could we get some landscaping at the Oxley roundabout or specifically can we have the reeds weeds reduced? Chief Executive Officer Brendan McGrath responded “You’re talking about the same roundabout we were just discussing with the signage and the sculpture I would assume?”
“We were hopefully when the sculpture when in that you would actually mow the landscape.”
Chief Executive Officer Brendan McGrath responded “the roundabout is not a Council roundabout. It is a state roundabout, and we don’t do the maintenance, but we’re very happy to follow that up with Regional Roads Victoria.”
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21.8 |
(44:03) Mr John Kirby Question – “Could we have a hot mix or concrete path from the recreation reserve back down to the corner street, so the new and existing resident have a safe walking path to the café and the store?
Chief Executive Officer Brendan McGrath responded “thanks for your question, John we not in a position to be able to commit to delivering that tonight. It may be possible that we could tie that to some of the future development in Moyhu as it occurs through planning permit applications. For example, it’s not unusual to require for past to be constructed between key assets when those sorts of developments go on, but I couldn’t commit to being able to deliver that for you tonight.”
“My other question is a relation to drainage at the corner of Bartley Street and Whitfield Road. There are deep drains that exist there and fortunately the place has been sewered, so it doesn’t smell. Could Council see fit to put some piping in there and fill it in so that eye saw is no longer there.”
Cr. Irene Grant responded, “that’s another thing to put on budget list.”
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21.9 |
(47:11) Mr Brian Fox Question – There seems to be need for a central person to be employed by the Council to direct a question to that is responsible then to reply to you. I sent seven letters the other day that suggested that Councillors buy the railway hotel. It was advertised for sale for 1.3 million. The elderly citizens could have moved into the hotel, or we could’ve used it for a car park. Why didn’t you Councillor Fitzpatrick reply to my letter suggesting Council may consider buying the railway hotel?”
Cr. Ashlee Fitzpatrick responded “thank you for your question, Mr Fox. As a team here we do have conversations and if you want seven different replies it may not be the best use of our time. We do have our team leader Madam Mayor, and she may rely on our behalf of all of us.”
Cr. Irene Grant responded “You talked about would council appoint a person that would be in charge of a response. Well, that’s what each individual councillor actually does. That’s our role that we are there as a contact to the community and if the community have a concern or a question or an idea or a thought they come to their councillor about that. I did see that particular e-mail that you sent through to me.”
“New signs have gone up on parking meters. Why didn’t you go along with a bucket of water and clean the parking meters?” Chief Executive Officer Brendan McGrath responded “I’m not sure how you would assess the condition of the parking meter under the hood and we’ve used the hood to put the new signage in. We will ask the team to go and just have a check of those hoods and make sure they are in a clean condition which they do on a regular basis and see if they need any attention or not.”
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Nil
The Meeting closed at 6:54pm.
