Council Meeting wrap - December 2020

Published on 18 December 2020

The endorsement to place the Draft Community Engagement Policy out for comment and the awarding of the Koondrook All Abilities Playground tender highlighted Gannawarra Shire Council’s December meeting.

Held at Northern District Community Health’s Kerang headquarters, the meeting was the final monthly meeting for 2020.

One of the major outcomes of the meeting was the endorsement to place Council’s Draft Community Engagement Policy on display for comment, with feedback accepted up to 5pm on Friday, 22 January 2021. The policy – which is required under the Local Government Act 2020 - replaces the need to undertake 28-day consultation processes, highlighting that there are different levels of engagement with the community depending on the type of decision that is needed to be made.

Meanwhile, construction of the Koondrook All Abilities Playground will proceed in 2021 after Council awarded CJ & BT McLoughlan Pty Ltd the tender to undertake this unique project. The works – supported by a $390,000 grant from the State Government’s Regional Infrastructure Fund – will involve the installation of play equipment and activities accessible and inclusive to all, particularly for children with a disability. Once complete, this new space will encourage greater socialisation and physical activity for the local community and regional visitors.

Councillors also agreed to amend its COVID-19 Hardship Policy to include provision for the pro rata relief for assessments paying a multiple commercial garbage charge who are impacted by COVID-19. This pro rata relief is part of Council’s ongoing support to businesses and residents impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, with initial restrictions implemented in March 2020 and the second Victorian lockdown affecting local hospitality and accommodation providers.

Other matters adopted during the meeting included:

• Enabling the public to attend Council Meetings from February 2021;
• The endorsement of three reviewed policies – Occupational Health and Safety, Memorials on Roadside and Public Open Spaces and Appointment of Acting Chief Executive Officer;
• The noting of the summary of discussions at the December 2020 Audit and Risk Committee meeting; and
• Advertising for the appointment of one independent member to the Audit and Risk Committee.

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