Council Meeting wrap - April 2021

Published on 22 April 2021

Council Meeting, April 2021.jpg

The placement of Council’s 2021/2022 Proposed Budget out for community feedback and the awarding of the tender for the redevelopment of the Cohuna Recreation Reserve’s Morton Garner Pavilion highlighted Gannawarra Shire Council’s April 2021 meeting.

Held at the Cohuna Community Meeting Room, the meeting was the first Council Meeting to be held in the town since April 2017, with seven residents watching proceedings in the public gallery.

The major topic of discussion at the meeting was Council’s 2021/2022 Proposed Budget, which residents can provide feedback on until 5pm Monday, 24 May 2021.

A $16.179 million investment in capital works is a key feature of the proposed budget, which will support projects across the municipality. The proposed budget also complies with the State Government’s Fair Go Rates System, which legislates that the total revenue raised through municipal rates cannot increase by more than 1.5 per cent compared to the previous year.

Residents are able to provide feedback regarding the 2021/2022 Proposed Council Budget online at www.gsc.vic.gov.au/budget up to 5pm on Monday, 24 May.  All submissions received will help formulate the final version of the 2021/2022 Budget, which is to be presented to the June 2021 Council Meeting on Wednesday, 16 June.

Residents are also encouraged to have their say on Council’s Draft Revenue and Rating Plan, which provides in-depth details regarding Council’s revenue sources, as well as how rates and charges are calculated and relevant policies that align with Council’s financial operations. To view this document, visit www.gsc.vic.gov.au/budget, with feedback accepted up to 5pm on Monday, 24 May.

Meanwhile, CJ & BT McLoughlan Builders has been awarded the tender for the redevelopment of the Cohuna Recreation Reserve’s Morton Garner Pavilion.

The project, supported by a successful Federal Government grant provided to the Cohuna and District Agricultural, Pastoral and Horticultural Society, will involve replacing the current pavilion with a new multi-purpose facility that can be used for agriculture, sporting and community events.

Other outcomes from the meeting included:

  • Inviting community feedback on setting the Councillor allowance at $21,049 per annum and the Mayoral allowance at $62,884 per annum;
  • The endorsement of three reviewed policies – Outstanding Debt, Councillor Allowances and Support, and Investments;
  • The adoption of a new policy, Councillor Gifts, which provides  clear guidelines to ensure Councillors are not compromised in the performance of their duties by accepting gifts or benefits in certain circumstances;
  • Confirmation of the 2021/2022 Audit and Risk Committee annual sitting fee, being $1,740 for the Chair and $1,240 for Independent Members;
  • Noting the summary of discussion of the Audit and Risk Committee meeting held on 23 March 2021;
  • Noting the annual review of the Domestic Animal Management Plan; and
  • An agreement that Council will investigate the possibility of a child/day care centre in Cohuna.

Matters relating to the removal of trees, protection of native vegetation on private properties and aquatic facility management were also addressed on the night during Question Time.

For more information, including a link to the video from this meeting and minutes, please visit www.gsc.vic.gov.au/meetings

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