Ordinary Council Meeting wrap - June 2020

Published on 30 June 2020

Councillors - April 2020.jpg

The adoption of the 2020/2021 Budget and a commitment to work with the Cohuna community and Coliban Water regarding the viability of the Cohuna Aerodrome highlighted Gannawarra Shire Council’s June Ordinary Council Meeting.

Held in accordance with the State Government’s COVID-19 Omnibus (Emergency Measures) Act 2020, the meeting was closed to the public, but the livestream of the meeting broke records for the most viewed video and live event on Council’s Facebook page.

The key item discussed was the adoption of the Gannawarra Shire Council 2020/2021 Budget, highlighted by a transformational $17.5 million Capital Works program. Councillors also approved a reduction in the total amount of revenue raised through rates from 2.0 per cent to 1.5 per cent, recognising COVID-19’s impact on the local economy. More information about Council’s 2020/2021 Budget can be found here.

In the other major item discussed, Council committed to work with the Cohuna community and Coliban Water after Councillors agreed to endorse the Chief Executive Officer to surrender the Cohuna Airfield Licence back to the landowner being Coliban Water. More information about this decision can be found here.

Meanwhile, in response to Member for Murray Plains, Peter Walsh’s request on 18 June for the Victorian Premier to institute a Commission of Inquiry into the Gannawarra Shire Council, Council resolved to write to the Premier and provide documentary evidence to dismiss Mr Walsh’s statements.

The letter will also respectfully urge the Premier to seek a retraction and apology by Mr Walsh to set the parliamentary and public record straight.

Other matters adopted during the meeting included:

  • Updating the Instrument of Delegation to the Chief Executive Officer – the document which eliminates the need for all functions and duties to be dealt with by Council resolution – to ensure Council complies with Local Government Act 2020;
  • The repealing of Policy No. 120 – Community Care Services, which is no longer required as the aged care regulatory functions of the Secretary of the Department of Health were transferred to the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commissioner on 1 January 2020;
  • The noting of the recommendations and outcomes of the Audit Committee meeting held on 10 June 2020;
  • Giving public notice of Council’s intention to discontinue an unused government road reserve adjacent to Mystic Park East Road. Submissions regarding the proposal are welcome and will be considered at the August 2020 Ordinary Meeting of Council; and
  • The granting of a planning permit for the development of two dwellings on one lot at 16 McCann Crescent, Kerang.

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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