agenda of ordinary council meeting - 24 october 2017 · ordinary council meeting agenda 24 october...

Ordinary Council Meeting Agenda 24 October 2017

Tuesday, 24 October 2017

7.00pm

Quambatook

AGENDA

Ordinary Council Meeting


Order Of Business

1 Acknowledgement of Country ............................................................................................. 3

2 Opening Declaration............................................................................................................ 3

3 Apologies and Leave of Absence .......................................................................................... 3

4 Confirmation of Minutes ..................................................................................................... 3

5 Declaration of Conflict of Interest ....................................................................................... 3

6 Question Time ..................................................................................................................... 4

7 Assembly of Councillors....................................................................................................... 6

7.1 Assembly of Councillors September 21 2017 to October 24 2017 .............................. 6

8 Business Reports for Decision .............................................................................................. 9

8.1 Council Policy Review ................................................................................................... 9

8.2 Section 86 Committees of Council ............................................................................. 17

8.3 Plan of Subdivision - Street name .............................................................................. 20

8.4 Application for Planning Permit P17.055 - Notice of Decision to Approve ............... 23

8.5 Heavy Plant Replacement Contract VP84654 - Purchase .......................................... 38

8.6 Murray River Group of Councils - Advocacy Meetings in Canberra ........................... 40

8.7 2016/17 Annual Report - Receive and Note .............................................................. 43

9 Information Reports .......................................................................................................... 45

Nil

10 Urgent Items ..................................................................................................................... 45

11 Notices of Motion ............................................................................................................. 45

Nil

12 Delegates Reports ............................................................................................................. 45

12.1 Delegates Report - 21 September to 24 October, 2017 ............................................ 45

13 Confidential Items ............................................................................................................. 47


1 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY

I would like to take this time to acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land, and pay my respect to elders both past and present

2 OPENING DECLARATION

We, the Councillors of the Shire of Gannawarra, declare that we will undertake the duties of the office of Councillor, in the best interests of our community, and faithfully, and impartially, carry out the functions, powers, authorities and discretions vested in us, to the best of our skill and

judgement.

3 APOLOGIES AND LEAVE OF ABSENCE

4 CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES

Ordinary Meeting - 20 September 2017

5 DECLARATION OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST

The Local Government Amendment (Councillor Conduct and Other Matters) Act 2008.

A Councillor, member of a special committee, or member of Council staff has a conflict of interest in a matter if he or she has a direct interest or an indirect interest in that matter.

A person has a direct interest in a matter if there is a likelihood that the benefits, obligations, opportunities or circumstances of the person would be directly altered if the matter is decided in a particular way. This includes where there is a likelihood that the person will receive a direct benefit or loss that can be measured in financial terms or that the residential amenity of the person will be directly affected if the matter is decided in a particular way.

A person has an indirect interest in a matter if the person has: a close association in the matter because a family member, a relative or a member of their

household has a direct or indirect interest in the matter an indirect financial interest in the matter a conflicting duty – although there are circumstances where a person does not have a

indirect interest because of a conflicting duty received an ‘applicable gift’ become an interested party in the matter by initiating civil proceedings or becoming a

party to civil proceedings in relation to the matter. Disclosure of conflict of interest If a Councillor or member of a special committee has a conflict of interest in a matter which is to be or is likely to be considered at a meeting of the Council or special committee, the Councillor or member must:

if he or she will be present at the meeting, make a full disclosure of that interest by advising of the class and nature of the interest to either –

the Council or special committee immediately before the matter is considered at the meeting, or


in writing to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Where the disclosure is made to the CEO in writing, the Councillor or member need only disclose the class of interest to the meeting, immediately before the matter is considered.

if he or she will not be present at the meeting, make a full disclosure to the CEO or Chairperson of the meeting, in writing, of the class and nature of the interest. If a Chairperson is given a written disclosure, he or she must give the written disclosure to the CEO.

The CEO must keep written disclosures in a secure place for 3 years after the date the Councillor or member of the special committee who made the disclosure ceases to be a Councillor or member, and destroy the written disclosure when the 3 year period expires.

While the matter is being considered or any vote taken, the Councillor or member of a special committee with the conflict of interest must leave the room and notify the Mayor or Chairperson of the special committee he or she is doing so. The Mayor or Chairperson must notify the Councillor or member that he or she may return to the room after consideration of the matter and all votes have been cast.

A CEO or Chairperson of a special committee must record in the minutes of the meeting the declaration of the conflict of interest, the class of the interest and, if the Councillor or member has disclosed the nature of the interest to the meeting, the nature of the interest.

A failure by a Councillor or member to comply with section 79 of the Act may result in a penalty of up to 100 penalty units and disqualification under section 29(2) of the Act.

6 QUESTION TIME

Question Time at Council meetings enables an opportunity for members of the public in the gallery to address questions to the Council of the Shire of Gannawarra.

QUESTIONS FROM THE GALLERY

All questions are to be directed to the Chair.

Members of the public may ask questions from the gallery and should provide their name (and organisation if relevant) at the beginning of their questions.

There is a maximum number of 3 questions of up to 2 minutes each.

Chair will respond or refer to Councillor or CEO.

Sometimes a Councillor/officer may indicate that they require further time to research an answer. In this case, the answer will be provided in writing generally within 10 days.

Where a question cannot be answered on the spot, the person is asked to write out their questions on a form provided to enable an accurate response to be prepared.

Questions will be answered at the meeting, or later in writing, unless the Chairperson has determined that the relevant question relates to:

• Personal matters • The personal hardship of any resident or ratepayers • Industrial matters • Contractual matters • Proposed developments • Legal advice • Matters affecting the security of council property • An issue outside the Gannawarra Shire Council core business • Or any other matter which the Council considers would prejudice it or any person


• A matter which may disadvantage the Council or any other person • Is defamatory, indecent, abusive or objectionable in language or substance • Is repetitive of a question already answered (whether at the same or an earlier

meeting) • Is asked to embarrass an officer or another Councillor

No debate or discussion of questions or answers shall be permitted and all questions and

answers shall be as brief as possible.


Item 7.1

7 ASSEMBLY OF COUNCILLORS

7.1 ASSEMBLY OF COUNCILLORS SEPTEMBER 21 2017 TO OCTOBER 24 2017

Author: Eric Braslis, CEO

Authoriser: Eric Braslis, CEO

Attachments: 1 Assembly of Councillors Record Form - 25 September 2 Assembly of Councillors Record Form - 09 October 2017

RECOMMENDATION

That Council notes the records of Assembly of Councillors from 21 September, 2017 to 24 October, 2017.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

To present to Council written records of Assembly of Councillors in accordance with section 80A of the Local Government Act 1989.

DECLARATIONS OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST

In accordance with Section 80B of the Local Government Act 1989, the Officer preparing this report declares no conflict of interest in regards to this matter.

COUNCIL PLAN

Council Plan 2017-2021: Good Governance and a Healthy Organisation.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

In accordance with Section 80A of the Local Government Act 1989 a written record of assembly of councillors must be reported at an ordinary Council meeting and minuted as soon as practicable.

The record must include:

1. The names of all Councillors and members of council staff attending

2. The matters considered

3. Any conflict of interest disclosures made by a councillor attending

4. Whether a Councillor who has disclosed a conflict of interest left the assembly.

CONSULTATION

Consultation with Councillors and staff has occurred to ensure the accuracy of the Assemblies of Councillors records.

CONCLUSION

To ensure compliance with Section 76A of the Local Government Act 1989 it is recommended that Council note the Assemblies of Councillors records as outlined in this report.


Item 7.1- Attachment 1


Item 8.1

8 BUSINESS REPORTS FOR DECISION

8.1 COUNCIL POLICY REVIEW

Author: Alissa Harrower, Governance and Compliance Coordinator

Authoriser: Tom O'Reilly, Director Corporate Services

Attachments: 1 Policy No. 033 - Occupational Health and Safety 2 Policy No. 105 - Memorials on Roadsides and Public Open Spaces

RECOMMENDATION

That Council endorse the following policies:

Policy No. 033 – Occupational Health and Safety

Policy No. 105 – Memorials on Roadsides and Public Open Spaces

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Council officers undertake regular reviews of Council policies to ensure they are up to date and reflective of current practices. This report addresses the following policies which have recently been reviewed:

Policy No. 033 – Occupational Health and Safety

Policy No. 105 – Memorials on Roadsides and Public Open Spaces

BACKGROUND

Council officers undertake regular reviews of Council policies to ensure compliance with relevant legislation and that they are reflective of current practice. Council policies are reviewed as needed, however most policies must be reviewed within either 12 months or two years of a Council Election. Reviewed policies are presented to Council for endorsement, or repealed if it has been determined the policy is no longer required.

POLICY CONTEXT

Council Plan 2017– 2021: Good Governance and a Healthy Organisation - Identify innovative opportunities that create improvements.

DISCUSSION

Policy No Policy Name Comments

033 Occupational Health and Safety

Changes to Council Policy 033 reflect the requirement for all contractors to be compliant in the Rapid Contractor system. This has resulted in specific health and safety requirements, addressed in Rapid, being removed from the policy and more broad requirements being added.


Item 8.1

105 Memorials on Roadsides and Public Open Spaces

Changes to Council Policy 105 reflect staff title changes and a change to the Policy title from Roadside Memorials to Memorials on Roadsides and Public Open Spaces.

CONSULTATION

Council’s Executive Leadership and Management Teams have been involved in the review of these policies.

CONFLICT OF INTEREST

In accordance with Section 80B of the Local Government Act, the Officer preparing this report declares no conflict of interest in regards to this matter.

CONCLUSION

This report addresses recently reviewed policies for the consideration of Council to ensure compliance with relevant legislation and that they are reflective of current practice. Review of all 31 Council policies required to be reviewed within 12 months of a Council Election is now complete. The 20 Council policies required to be reviewed within two years of a Council Election will be presented to Council for endorsement over the coming months.


Item 8.2


Item 8.2

8.2 SECTION 86 COMMITTEES OF COUNCIL

Author: Lisa Clue, Manager Governance

Authoriser: Tom O'Reilly, Director Corporate Services

Attachments: Nil

RECOMMENDATION

That Council:

1. Appoint members of the Leitchville War Memorial Swimming Pool and Quambatook Caravan Park Committees of Council as advised to Council and summarised in this report to respective Special Committees in accordance with Section 86 of the Local Government Act 1989 for the ensuing 12 months.

2. Appoint members as advised to Council and summarised in this report to the Community Halls Committee of Council for the two year period to the 2019 Annual Meeting.

3. Exempt members of the Community Halls, Leitchville War Memorial Swimming Pool and Quambatook Caravan Park Committees of Council from the requirement to submit primary and ordinary returns of interest in accordance with Section 81 of the Local Government Act 1989.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Under section 86 of the Local Government Act 1989 (the Act), Councils may establish one or more special committees and delegate to committee members certain functions, duties or powers. This section of the Act also requires Council to review all delegations to special committees within 12 months after a general election.

A recent review of delegations to special committees resulted in Council, at its September Ordinary meeting, abolishing six special committees managing rural halls and establishing a Community Halls Committee of Council. The review identified no required changes to delegations to the Leitchville War Memorial Swimming Pool or Quambatook Caravan Park Committees at this point in time.

Committee and Office Bearer details have now been received from each Gannawarra Shire Council Special (Section 86) Committee and Committee members are now to be formally appointed by Council.

This report also considers exempting members of each special committee from being required to submit a primary or ordinary return under Section 81(2A) of the Act

BACKGROUND

Special committees established by councils under Section 86 of the Act operate as part of the Council to undertake delegated functions, such as managing Council owned or controlled cultural or recreational facilities, conducting specific projects or providing advisory services to Council. This section of the Act also requires Council to review all delegations to special committees within 12 months after a general election.

Gannawarra Shire Council currently has three special committees.


Item 8.2

Each Committee is required to provide the following documentation after its Annual General Meeting:

copies of Minutes from all meetings conducted throughout the year

financial statements

names of office bearers and committee members for ensuing year/s to subsequently be formally appointed by Council

signed Instruments of Delegation.

POLICY CONTEXT

Section 86 - Local Government Act 1989

Policy No. 127 – Compliance

Council Plan 2017 – 2021 – Sustainable Natural and Built Environment - Managing facilities and assets now and into the future.

DISCUSSION

A recent review of delegations to special committees resulted in Council, at its September Ordinary meeting, abolishing six special committees managing rural halls and establishing a Community Halls Committee of Council. The review identified no required changes to delegations to the Leitchville War Memorial Swimming Pool or Quambatook Caravan Park Committees at this point in time.

The Leitchville War Memorial Swimming Pool and Quambatook Caravan Park Committees have now conducted Annual General Meetings and forwarded requested information to Council. The first meeting of the Community Halls Committee was held on 2 October 2017 and nominations put forward representing the Gannawarra, Lake Charm, Murrabit, Myall, Dingwall and Koroop Halls. Members of the Leitchville War Memorial Swimming Pool and Quambatook Caravan Park Committees are appointed for a twelve month period (2017/18); members of the Community Halls Committee are appointed for a two year period. The periods of appointment are monitored and reviewed to ensure they suit the needs of each special committee.

Community Halls Committee Committee: GSC Mayor, Lisa Clue, Glenn Bottcher, Trevor Ibbs, Stuart Simms, Fiona Copland, Neil Hopkins, Jeanette Coulter, Graham Cockroft, Gary Napier, Alan Bott, Ron Zanker, John Corry and Stuart Richardson.

Leitchville War Memorial Swimming Pool

Committee: Sky Perry, Ryan O’Mahoney, Caitlin Taylor-Irvin, Michelle Gladman, Mitch Brain, Linda Jones and Darren Hogan.

Quambatook Caravan Park Committee: David Hosking, Robyn Hosking, Trevor Bennett, Norma Bennett, Lionel Richie and Jackie Ritchie.

Under Section 81(2A) of the Act, a Council may exempt a member of a special committee who is not a Councillor from being required to submit a primary or an ordinary interest return.

As the risk to Council resulting from a Special Committee member’s conflict of interest has been mitigated through the Instruments of Delegation, and consequently assessed as negligible, Council may exercise its right to exempt members from being required to submit primary and ordinary interest returns.


Item 8.2

Council staff continue to monitor each Special Committee’s capacity to comply with the Act and requirements contained within Instruments of Delegation, and provide support and advice as required.

CONSULTATION

A number of Council staff maintain regular contact with members of Section 86 Committees to support and monitor legislative compliance, maintenance requirements and operational matters.



CONCLUSION

Each Special Committee has conducted meetings and generated documentation in accordance with their respective instruments of delegation and members may now be formally appointed by Council and exempted from the requirement to submit primary or ordinary returns.


Item 8.3

8.3 PLAN OF SUBDIVISION - STREET NAME

Author: Jo Haw, Manager Strategic Assets

Authoriser: Geoff Rollinson, Director Infrastructure Services

Attachments: 1 Proposed location for Sherwood Drive

RECOMMENDATION

That Council approve the use of the name ‘Sherwood Drive’ for the street in the new Plan of Subdivision 807519J for an estate off Ninth Street Kerang providing that there is no community objection lodged to the use of the name.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Council has been approached by a local developer to adopt a name for a street in a new plan of subdivision off Ninth Street, Kerang. The name chosen is SHERWOOD DRIVE. Sherwood is a name on Council’s already adopted list of potential names for assets in the Shire and does not require prior approval.

BACKGROUND

Under the Geographic Places Names Act 1998, Council is a naming authority for any public or private road, feature or locality within Victoria for the purposes of naming, renaming, changing boundary alignments or street numbering and must adhere to the Naming rules for places in Victoria – Statutory requirements for naming roads, features and localities 2016 guidelines.

In accordance with the guidelines, Council’s role is to approve the use of a name and then oversee the process through to completion, with consideration to appropriateness, heritage and cultural relativity, duplication, linkages to place, discriminatory potential and recognising public interest. Once approved there must be a 28 day community consultation period with an opportunity provided for objections or submissions.

If there are no objections or submissions from the community, Council can adopt the name and then make a recommendation to the Office of Geographic Names for approval and registration.

POLICY CONTEXT

Council Plan 2017-21: Sustainable natural and built environment

DISCUSSION

Public safety is paramount and the competent registration of place, feature and road names is imperative to ensure that emergency services can locate addresses immediately. Council has the responsibility to ensure that the naming process is carried out efficiently and in a timely manner. Also, the development of this housing estate is assisting in the business and residential potential of Kerang and lodgement of the Plan of Subdivision 807519J cannot be completed until the naming of the street is finalised.


Item 8.3

CONSULTATION

Officers have been in consultation with the developer and will publicly advertise the street naming process after Council has approved the use of the name ‘Sherwood Drive’.



CONCLUSION

The name ‘Sherwood Drive’ has been proposed by the developer of the Ninth Street estate and meets the criteria required to recommend the registration of the name with the Office of Geographic Names. Council’s approval of the name will ensure that the naming process can continue to finalisation in a timely manner.


Item 8.4

8.4 APPLICATION FOR PLANNING PERMIT P17.055 - NOTICE OF DECISION TO APPROVE

Author: Kellie Burmeister, Statutory Planning Officer

Authoriser: Peter Bergman, Manager Planning and Regulatory Services

Applicant: Grey Box Energy Field Pty Ltd

Owner: Woodleigh Terrace Pty Ltd

Proposal: Use and development of a renewable energy facility (solar farm).

Location: Lot 2, PS613260, Kerang-Leitchville Road, Horfield

Attachments: 1 Aerial of Site 2 Site Plan


Item 8.4

RECOMMENDATION

That Council approve Planning Application P17.055 for the use and development of a renewable energy facility (solar farm) and issue a Notice of Decision to Grant a Permit at Lot 2, PS613260, Kerang-Leitchville Road, Horfield subject to the following conditions:

1. Amended Plans Required

Before the building works commence amended plans to the satisfaction of the Responsible Authority must be submitted to and approved by the Responsible Authority. When approved, the plans will be endorsed and then form part of the permit. The plans must be drawn to scale with dimensions and three copies must be provided. The plans must be generally in accordance with the plans and information submitted with the application but modified to include:

Site plan showing the location of all buildings and works, including access ways and car parking areas.

Elevation plans showing all buildings, solar panels and supporting structures

Landscaping plans and planting schedule as required by condition 2

Environmental Management Plan as required by condition 3

Details of proposed signage on the site

2. Landscape Plan Required Prior to the building works commencing, a landscape plan to the satisfaction of the Responsible Authority must be submitted to and approved by the Responsible Authority. When approved, the plan will be endorsed and will then form part of the permit. The plan must be drawn to scale with dimensions and three copies must be provided. The landscaping plan must consist of indigenous trees and shrubs to ensure an effective visual screen to the satisfaction of the Responsible Authority.

A planting schedule of all proposed trees, shrubs and ground covers, including botanical names, common names, sizes at maturity, and quantities of each plant must be included.

3. Environmental Management Plan Prior to the building works commencing, an Environmental Management Plan for the management and operation of the use and development must be submitted to and approved by the Responsible Authority. Three copies must be provided. When approved, the plan will be endorsed and will then form part of the permit. The Environmental Management Plan must address the following:

Site maintenance and weed and pest management

Construction management

Soil and stormwater management

Fire management

Traffic management

Procedures to ensure that no significant adverse environmental impacts occur as a result of the use and development

Decommissioning of the facility

The Environmental Management Plan must be reviewed annually by the facility operator and any consequential changes to the plan must be submitted to and approved by the Responsible Authority.

The use must be conducted in accordance with the endorsed Environmental Management


Item 8.4

Plan at all times.

4. General Requirement Use and development of the site for the proposed Renewable Energy Facility as detailed within the application and shown on the endorsed plan must not be altered or modified unless to comply with conditions of this permit without the written consent of the Responsible Authority.

5. Permit Expiry This permit will expire if one of the following circumstances applies: a) The development is not started within 3 years of the date of this permit. b) The development is not completed within 5 years of commencement and the use has not

come into operation within this time. An application to the Responsible Authority to extend the periods referred to must be received by the date of expiry or within three months afterwards.

6. Amenity The use and development must be conducted so that it has minimum impact on the amenity of the area by reason of:

the transportation of materials, goods and commodities to and from the premises

the appearance of any building, works or materials

the emission of noise, vibration, dust, wastewater, waste products or reflected light

In the event of any such nuisance in the opinion of the Responsible Authority occurring, additional suitable procedures for suppression must be developed and implemented to the satisfaction of the Responsible Authority.

7. Minimising Glare The proposed solar panels must be non-reflective to the satisfaction of the Responsible Authority.

8. Control of Light Spill All external lighting must be designed, baffled and located so as to prevent any adverse effect on adjoining land to the satisfaction of the Responsible Authority.

9. Generation of Dust The applicant must ensure that dust suppression is undertaken in the form of constant water spraying or other natural based proprietary dust suppressant to ensure that dust caused by works within the site does not cause a nuisance to surrounding properties to the satisfaction of the Responsible Authority.

10. No Mud on Roads Appropriate measures must be implemented throughout the construction stage of the development and during operation of the facility, to rectify and/or minimise mud, crushed rock or other debris being carried onto public roads from the subject land to the satisfaction of the Responsible Authority.

11. Vehicle Crossing Any new or otherwise vehicular entrances to the subject land from the road shall be constructed at a location and of a size and standard satisfactory to the Responsible Authority. Consent for ‘Works Within the Road Reserve’ must be obtained from Council prior to carrying out any vehicle crossing works. All disused or redundant vehicle crossings must be removed and reinstated to the satisfaction of the Responsible Authority.

12. Damage to Roads


Item 8.4

Any damage to Council or Roads Corporation assets (i.e. roads, table drains etc) shall be repaired at the cost of the applicant to the satisfaction of the Responsible Authority. This includes damage caused as a result of a significant increase in heavy vehicle movements.

13. Drainage The drainage discharge from the site shall not exceed current discharge unless otherwise approved by the Responsible Authority.

14. Completion of Landscaping Before the use/occupation of the development starts or by such later date as approved by the Responsible Authority in writing, the landscaping works shown on the endorsed plans must be carried out and completed to the satisfaction of the Responsible Authority.

15. Landscaping Maintenance The landscaping shown on the endorsed plans must be maintained to the satisfaction of the Responsible Authority. Any dead, diseased or damaged plants are to be replaced within twelve months.

16. Decommissioned Facility Within 2 years of the plant being decommissioned, all infrastructure on the site must be removed and the site restored to its original condition to the satisfaction of the Responsible Authority unless otherwise agreed in writing by the Responsible Authority.

17. Cohuna Aerodrome The structures must not impact on the Cohuna Aerodrome’s Obstacle Limitation Surfaces and must not produce significant adverse glare or glint impact on aircraft within the vicinity of the Cohuna Aerodrome.

18. Derelict Dwelling and Buildings The derelict dwelling and associated buildings must be demolished or removed to the satisfaction of the Responsible Authority.

19. Environmental Health Officer a) The development must be serviced by a wastewater system sufficient to accommodate

the maximum expected workforce. b) The wastewater system must be capable of retaining all wastewater within the

boundaries of the property in a hygienic manner. c) The system must be installed in accordance with the requirements of the Australian

Standard AS/NZ 1547:2000 On-site domestic wastewater management and EPA Code of Practice – Onsite Wastewater Management, July 2016.

20. VicRoads a) Direct vehicular access from the subject land to Cohuna-Leitchville Road must not be

permitted. b) Before the commencement of works on the subject land as part of the development

hereby approved and before the engagement of any haulage contractors, a Traffic Impact Assessment Report (TIAR) and a detailed Traffic Management Plan prepared by a VicRoads pre-qualified contractor to the satisfaction of VicRoads and the Gannawarra Shire Council in its capacity as road authority under the Road Management Act 2004 for local (public) roads used to transport material to/from and within the vicinity of the solar energy facility.

c) All works shall be undertaken at no cost to VicRoads.

Notes:


Item 8.4

The proponent is responsible for any damage caused to construction vehicles or other vehicles in the event that the safe and usable quality of any public road and associated infrastructure is degraded or compromised as a result of the development, and that VicRoads or the Gannawarra Shire Council will not accept liability for any such damage.

No work must be commenced in, on, under or over the road reserve without having first obtaining all necessary approvals under the Road Management Act 2004, the Road Safety Act 1986, and any other relevant acts or regulations created under those Acts.

The provision of a security bond may be required prior to the commencement of works equal to the estimated costs of the rehabilitation/replacement of any infrastructure identified as being at risk to the satisfaction of VicRoads and the Gannawarra Shire Council.

21. Goulburn Murray Water a) All construction and ongoing activities must be in accordance with sediment control

principles outlined in ‘Construction Techniques for Sediment Pollution Control’ (EPA, 1991).

b) All solar panels must be setback at least ten metres from Goulburn Murray Water’s Torrumbarry 2/8/14 Drain.

22. Powercor The permit holder shall:-

Negotiate with Powercor for the connection of the development, to the existing power distribution network.

Any buildings must comply with the clearances required by the Electricity Safety (Installations) Regulations.

Any construction work must comply with Energy Safe Victoria’s “No Go Zone” rules.

Set aside for the use of Powercor Australia Ltd reserves and/or easements satisfactory to Powercor Australia Ltd where any electric substation (other than a pole mounted type) is required. Alternatively, at the discretion of Powercor Australia Ltd a lease(s) of the site(s) and for easements for associated powerlines, cables and access ways shall be provided. Such a lease shall be for a period of 30 years. Powercor Australia Ltd will register such leases on the title by way of a caveat prior to the registration of the plan of subdivision.

Provide easements satisfactory to Powercor Australia Ltd, where easements have not been otherwise provided, for all existing Powercor Australia Ltd electric lines on the land and for any new powerlines required to service the lots and adjoining land, save for lines located, or to be located, on public roads set out on the plan. These easements shall show on the plan an easement(s) in favour of "Powercor Australia Ltd" for “Power Line” pursuant to Section 88 of the Electricity Industry Act 2000.

Obtain for the use of Powercor Australia Ltd any other easement external to the development.

23. North Central Catchment Management Authority a) The finished floor level of the proposed switch room must be constructed a minimum of

450 millimetres above natural ground level. b) Fencing around the perimeter of the site must be of an open style construction so as to

ensure that flood waters can flow unimpeded through the site.

Notes: Flood levels for the 1% AEP flood event have not been determined for this area under the Water Act 1989. However information available at North Central CMA indicates that in the


Item 8.4

event of a 1% AEP flood event it is possible that the property may be subject to inundation.

Information available to North Central CMA indicates that during the January 2011 flood event the flood level for the location described was estimated to range from 80.9 metres AHD to 81.9 metres AHD.

Survey data available to the North Central CMA indicates that the property ranged in elevation from 80.7 metres AHD to 81.8 metres AHD. Please note that land levels provided by the North Central CMA are an estimate only and should not be relied on by the applicant.

24. Country Fire Authority a) Access

Access into and around both sites for the fire appliances including a perimeter road around both the north and south sections shall be provided. Roads shall be of all weather construction, have a minimum load capacity of 15 tonnes and curves shall have a minimum inner radius of 10m

The minimum trafficable width of the roadways shall be 6m or 4m width if passing bays are provided.

b) Vegetation Management

A minimum perimeter vegetation buffer zone between the boundary fence and the solar arrays of 10m where vegetation will be managed for minimal fuel.

Vegetation shall be modified and managed in accordance with the following requirements: - Grass must be short cropped and maintained during the declared fire danger

period. - Vegetation in and around the solar arrays and transformers shall be maintained

in minimal fuel condition (ie grass not more than 100mm in height) during the declared fire danger period.

c) Water Supply

Fire water tanks to be provided strategically around both sites and for each section we recommend a minimum of 4 tanks with one being located approximately in each corner.

Water tanks shall be constructed of steel or concrete.

Water tanks shall be a minimum capacity of 22,500 litres and have CFA approved fittings. The suction fitting shall be a 100mm Storz connection.

Each tank shall be clearly signed FIRE WATER, be maintained at full capacity and shall have a water level indicator.

Provide a truck hardstand area within 4m of each tank outlet. d) Buildings

If there are any buildings on site suitable portable fire extinguishers shall be provided.

e) On-site and Remote Shut-off

The project shall have on-site and remote capability to shut off the solar farm if a fire or fault occurs. The operation of these devices shall be by the site management.

f) Signage at the Site Entry

Suitable warning signage and site contact details to be provided at the main entry for emergency services personnel.

g) Emergency Management Plan

An EMP is to be developed for the site covering a range of hazards including on site fire/explosion and bushfire (grassfire) in the vicinity.


Item 8.4

Note: CFA recommends that the Solar Farm Manager contact the District 20 Operations Manager prior to commissioning of the facility to ensure the responding brigades are aware of all site operating procedures for pre-response planning purposes.

25. EPA Victoria a) Nuisance dust and/or airborne particles must not be discharged beyond the boundaries

of the premises. b) Noise emitted for the premises must not exceed the recommended levels as set out in

Noise from Industry in Regional Victoria (NIRV; EPA Publication 1411, 2011) or as amended.

NOTE 1: A BUILDING PERMIT MUST BE OBTAINED PRIOR TO COMMENCING ANY BUILDING WORKS.

NOTE 2: THE PROPONENT SHOULD BE MADE AWARE THAT ANY APPROVAL DOES NOT MITIGATE ANY COMPLAINTS MADE

IN THE FUTURE FOR GLARE AND GLINT, AND THAT THESE WOULD BE REFERRED TO CASA FOR ASSESSMENT PER

MANUAL OF STANDARDS PART 139, SUB PART 9.21.2 LEGISLATIVE BACKGROUND.

9.21.2.1 THE CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY (CASA) HAS THE POWER THROUGH REGULATION 94

OF THE CIVIL AVIATION REGULATIONS 1988 (CAR 1988), TO REQUIRE LIGHTS WHICH MAY CAUSE

CONFUSION, DISTRACTION OR GLARE TO PILOTS IN THE AIR TO BE EXTINGUISHED OR MODIFIED.

NOTE 3: ANY WORKS REQUIRED WITHIN THE ROAD RESERVE MUST BE IN ACCORDANCE WITH COUNCIL’S “ROAD

OPENING HANDBOOK”. ANY NEW VEHICLE CROSSING OR ALTERATION TO EXISTING CROSSINGS MUST BE IN

ACCORDANCE WITH COUNCIL’S “ROAD OPENING HANDBOOK”. A “ROAD OPENING PERMIT” MUST BE

OBTAINED PRIOR TO ANY WORKS BEING UNDERTAKEN WITHIN THE ROAD RESERVE.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

This report is being presented to Council to determine a planning application for the use and development of land for a renewable energy facility (solar farm) at Lot 2, PS613260, Kerang-Leitchville Road, Horfield. The estimated cost of development is $45,500,000.

The application was advertised to surrounding property owners and occupiers and two objections were received.

The proposal is considered to be appropriate for the site and consistent with the provisions of the Gannawarra Planning Scheme.

PURPOSE

To seek Council’s decision on planning application P17.055 for the use and development of a renewable energy facility (solar farm).

DECLARATIONS OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST


COUNCIL PLAN

Council Plan 2017-2021 – Economic diversity, growth and prosperity – Support and advocate for sustainable and renewable energy industries within the Shire.


Item 8.4

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

The subject site fronts the Kerang-Leitchville Road, opposite Cohuna-Leitchville Road, running north to south to Horfield School Road. The Horfield electrical substation and a dwelling adjoin the property to the north. On the opposite side of Kerang-Leitchville Road is the Horfield church which is occasionally used for services and community activities.

The land adjoining the subject site is predominantly used for irrigated pastures and cropping. A dwelling, on a small lot (in separate ownership) is located within the southern section of the development site and is accessed from Horfield School Road via a carriageway easement running along the eastern boundary of the subject site.

A derelict dwelling, associated outbuildings and calf igloo is situated behind the above dwelling and is proposed to be demolished as part of this application.

The total site has an approximate area of 128 hectares with the solar development being approximately 82 hectares of that land.

The land has been laid out for irrigated pastures and has historically been used for animal grazing.

Some vegetation exists on the site which will need to be removed, however, this does not trigger a planning permit as it is mainly exotic species planted as tree belts to provide protection to stock.

It is proposed to construct a 35 DC Megawatt solar farm which will generate 30 Megawatts AC of power and will be comprised of two large solar array areas in the north and south sections of the subject land.

The system will total 35 Megawatts DC but may vary slightly due to panel efficiency increase through the amount of solar modules will remain the same. The inverter capacity is 29.52 MVA AC.

The panels will be wired through underground conduits form the solar arrays to the inverters, a transformer will step the voltage up to high voltage and then the high voltage cables will be reticulated underground to the substation. Each inverter converts electricity from direct current to alternating current which is essential before it connects to the distribution network.

The panels will be mounted on a north-south axis in rows of 30, 60 or 90 tracking the sun from east to west through the day. The photovoltaic panels are proposed as 320 watt 72 cells per panel and will have a maximum height of less than 3 metres above natural ground level when fully angled to the east or west. When level, panels will be a maximum of 2 metres above ground level. The rows of modules axis will be spaced at 6 metres apart from east to west with piles approximately 8 metres apart supporting the axis. The spacing is required to ensure no shading occurs and allows for ease of access for maintenance purposes. The minimum distance between panels when the panels are level will be 4 meters.

A small switch room not more than 8 metres x 4 metres in area and a maximum height of 4 metres will be constructed offsite and installed to the south of the substation. The switch room is not habitable and will have sensor lights externally for night time maintenance when required.

Perimeter security cyclone wire fencing of a height of over 2 metres will be installed to enclose the entire solar farm. The proposed landscaping will be on the outside of the security fencing.

Routine monitoring and maintenance will be required on a casual basis. This would be carried out by one or two locally employed contractors. Maintenance tasks would include cleaning the solar panels to maximise their efficiency, tracking maintenance, land and vegetation management and high voltage switching operations. The project is designed to operate for 30 years and after that


Item 8.4

period the solar farm is likely to be upgraded in line with future technology advancement and innovation.

The land will be managed to be kept free of weeds by routine spraying and mowing particularly prior and during the fire season. An ongoing weed management plan is proposed which would be overseen by a local contractor and managed by the project’s operations and maintenance partner.

Construction works are estimated to be completed within nine months and the proposal will not be implemented in stages.

The volumes of traffic entering and exiting the site will only be noticeable during the construction stage. There will be approximately 32 heavy vehicle movements per day.

The workforce of approximately 100 can be expected to car pool, therefore the daily car movements are estimated to be 66 for workers and supervisors with an additional 20 trips for travel to Cohuna or Kerang each day.

The site will be accessed via the Kerang Leitchville Road and Horfield School Road.

The solar panel areas 1 and 2 will be accessed from Kerang-Leitchville Road to the north via a 6m wide internal roadway which runs north south from Kerang-Leitchville Road to Horfield School Road.

The carriageway easement from the small house lot to Horfield School Road will be maintained by the solar farm operator.

CONSULTATION

The application was advertised by mail to adjoining property owners and occupiers and was also advertised in the Gannawara Times newspaper on 8 September 2017. Two written objections were received.

Several meetings and consultation were held with one of the objectors and it is considered that mediation would not be successful.

ASSESSMENT

The subject land is situated within a Farming Zone (FZ) under the Gannawarra Planning Scheme. The use of land for a Renewable Energy Facility can be considered within this zone pursuant to Clause 35.07-1 and must meet the requirements of Clause 52.42. The development of land for this use also triggers a planning permit pursuant to Clause 35.07.4. Some of the purposes of the FZ are “to provide for the use of land for agriculture”, “to ensure than non-agricultural uses, including dwellings, do not adversely affect the use of land for agriculture’ and ‘to encourage the retention of employment and population to support rural communities”.

Pursuant to the Gannawarra Planning Scheme, a planning permit is required under clauses 35.07-1, 35.07-4 and 42.01-2.

The subject land is affected by the Environmental Significance Overlay Schedule 4 (ESO4).

The key objective of the ESO4 is:

To ensure that any development maintains the free passage and temporary storage of floodwaters, minimises flood damage, is compatible with the flood hazard and with local drainage conditions and will not cause any significant rise in flood levels or flow velocity.

The Kerang-Leitchville Road is zoned Road Zone Category 2 (RDZ2) which is a local road managed by Council. East from the intersection with the Cohuna-Leitchville Road, the zoning changes to


Item 8.4

Road Zone Category 1 (RDZ1). It is classed as an arterial road managed by VicRoads. The development site wholly adjoins the RDZ2.

Notice of the application was given to VicRoads, North Central Catchment Management Authority (NCCMA), Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), Goulburn Murray Water (GMW), EPA Victoria, the Country Fire Authority (CFA), SP AusNet and Powercor under Section 52 of the Planning and Environment Act 1989. CASA and Powercor advised they had no objection and had no conditions. All other authorities had no objections to the proposal subject to conditions should Council resolve to approve the application.

The application was also referred internally to Council’s Engineering, Building and Environmental Health Departments who offered no objection to the proposal subject to conditions and/or notes.

The application was advertised and two written objections were received to the application. The issues identified within the objection include:

The area will be fenced however vermin control cannot be guaranteed through fencing and as we predominantly grow pasture for livestock grazing (dairy cattle) our concern regards eradication of pest (poisons, etc). Deceased pests on our property pose an immeasurable concern for livestock through Botulism contamination. We have no way of controlling or restricting what chemicals/poisons are used on the adjoining property as per the management plan and how, who and when action will take place.

Weed infestation is a concern and the proposed use of poisons continually on land internally on the property and the surrounding boundary fence line where we have established tree lines in place is threatened.

Our farm value will be degraded as the adjoining land will not be used for primary production and therefore not receive the annual rainfall naturally across the area and there will be no input of nutrients for the period of the lease, 30 years. We have concerns as to the long term affects this has on surrounding ground and erosion that will take place.

Although the production of “clean solar energy” is the aim of the project, in the management plan there has to be tractors used to burn diesel fuel in order to keep the grass at a suitable height – this seems to contradict the uses of clean energy by continually burning diesel.

The proposed vegetation plan around the perimeter will take years to establish a visual screening and we believe the maintenance of this proposal is unworkable.

Our concerns for the site also involve the close proximity to local towns – 10kms to Cohuna and Leitchville and we consider that the land/soil is extremely viable and is currently growing and producing a profitable cereal crop. This is not currently unproductive land.

Visual impact – We are highly sceptical that any of the proposed species for landscaping will provide the visual screening proposed within an acceptable time period (i.e. 5 years).

Ecology and habitat – No ecological survey results have been provided to us. We believe the removal of existing established flora will have a devastating effect on resident native flora and fauna and provide an optimum opportunity for pest species to establish (particularly rabbits).

Traffic impact during and after construction – speed, size/weight and frequency of trucks during construction will impact heavily on access to our property, with the resulting dust and noise impacting on our lifestyle.


Item 8.4

DISCUSSION

This proposal has been assessed against the zone and policy provisions of the Gannawarra Planning Scheme.

The site is situated within a Farming Zone. Purposes of this zone are:

To provide for the use of land for agriculture.

To encourage the retention of productive agricultural land.

To ensure that non-agricultural uses, including dwellings, do not adversely affect the use of land for agriculture.

To encourage the retention of employment and population to support rural communities.

To encourage use and development of land based on comprehensive and sustainable land management practices and infrastructure provisions.

It is considered that the use is consistent with the purposes of the zone and that conditions can be incorporated into any approval to further demonstrate this.

Decision Guidelines of Clause 65 require the consideration of the purpose of the zone, the orderly planning of the area and the effect of a proposal on the amenity of the area. It is considered that this proposal is consistent with the purpose of the zone and any amenity issues for the area can be dealt with by the inclusion of conditions in relation to amenity impacts.

The issues raised in the objections received can be dealt with by the inclusion of conditions to alleviate concerns.

In response to the issues raised by the objectors, the following relate to how Council will address each of the issues should approval by granted for the proposal.

Vermin control through the use of poisons, chemicals, etc – This will be addressed in the Environmental Management Plan (condition 3) which will be required prior to the commencement of any development. Poisons and chemicals can be used for the eradication of pests and vermin in any operation and the use and development of the land for a solar farm will have no greater impact than any other use. The applicant has advised that they would be willing to use rabbit proof fencing to help alleviate vermin control.

Weed infestation and the use of poisons – This will be addressed in the required Environmental Management Plan (condition 3). In addition to this, chemical users in Victoria have a legal obligation to ensure that chemicals stay within the target area. This is managed through Agriculture Victoria.

Farm value will be degraded due to the land not being used for primary production – Although part of the land will be used for the solar farm development, approximately 46 hectares will be retained for farming purposes. In addition, the unsubstantiated claim of devaluation of land is not a relevant planning consideration.

Clean solar energy yet diesel equipment will be used to keep the grass at a suitable length – Given the lifespan of the solar farm and the relatively infrequent use of diesel equipment, it is thought the overall generation of solar energy will out way the limited use of tractors, etc. In addition, this is not a planning consideration.

The proposed vegetation screen will take years to establish and be unworkable – This will be addressed in conditions 2, 14 and 15.


Item 8.4

Loss of productive agricultural land – Although part of the land will be for the proposed solar farm, this is an allowable use under Clause 35.07-1 (Farming Zone) and a significant part of the farm will still be retained for farming purposes. The amount of land used for solar farms compared to the Farming Zone is insignificant.

Visual impact – This will be addressed by landscaping as required by conditions 2, 14 and 15.

Ecology and habitat – Although there is some vegetation (non-native) to be removed as part of the development, the site is currently infested with noxious weeds such as boxthorns which harbour rabbits. The proposal includes the need for more landscaping than exists on site. The applicant has provided a flora and fauna due diligence report which concluded that the proposed project was assessed as highly unlikely to have a direct or indirect impact on the flora and fauna in the area.

Traffic impact during and after construction resulting in dust and noise – The applicant will be required to provide a satisfactory Traffic Impact Assessment Report and Traffic Management Plan prior to the commencement of works (condition 19b). Dust and noise can be controlled through conditions 6 and 9.

The State Planning Policy Framework (SPPF)

Clause 11.13-2 A diversified economy – The objective is “to realise opportunities to strengthen and diversify the economy”. In addition, one of the strategies is to “support emerging and potential growth sectors such as nature-based tourism, mining and renewable energy generation and protect these activities from urban encroachment”.

Clause 15.02-1 Energy and resource efficiency – The objective is “to encourage land use and development that is consistent with the efficient use of energy and the minimisation of greenhouse gas emissions”. One of the strategies is to “improve efficiency in energy use through greater use of renewable energy”.

Clause 19.01-1 Provision of renewable energy – The objective is “to promote the provision of renewable energy in a manner that ensures appropriate siting and design considerations are met”. One of the strategies is to “facilitate renewable energy developments in appropriate locations”.

The proposal is considered to be consistent with both state and regional planning policy.

Local Planning Policy Framework (LPPF)

Clause 21.10-1 Renewable energy – Objective 1 is “to increase energy supplies from renewable sources, particularly from solar generation of electricity, and reduce dependence on fossil fuels”. One of the strategies is to “promote and encourage the establishment of a solar electricity generation industry in the municipality, including electricity generation on ‘solar farms’, the manufacture of components and research into solar applications”.

The proposal is again consistent with local planning policy.

Particular Provisions

Clause 52.42 Renewable Energy Facility – The purpose is “to facilitate the establishment and expansion of renewable energy facilities, in appropriate locations, with minimal impact on the amenity of the area”.


Item 8.4

OPTION ANALYSIS

Council has two options in relation to this report:

1. To approve Planning Application P17.055 and issue a Notice of Decision to issue a planning permit subject to appropriate conditions. The objector has the opportunity to appeal Council’s decision at VCAT. The applicant can appeal against conditions.

2. To refuse Planning Application P17.055 and issue a Notice of Refusal stating the grounds of refusal. The applicant then has the opportunity to appeal Council’s decision at VCAT.

RISK IMPLICATIONS

There are no risk implications to Council.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

N/A

CONCLUSION

The proposed use and development is considered to be appropriate for this site. The application was advertised satisfactorily. Two objections were received.

It is considered that the proposal is consistent with the Gannawarra Planning Scheme, in particular state and local planning policy and the purpose of the Farming Zone.

Given the above, it is recommended that the application be approved subject to conditions as outlined earlier in this report (see recommendation).


Item 8.5

8.5 HEAVY PLANT REPLACEMENT CONTRACT VP84654 - PURCHASE

Author: Steve Fullerton, Manager Operational Services

Authoriser: Geoff Rollinson, Director Infrastructure Services

Attachments: Nil

RECOMMENDATION

That Council award contract VP84654 to The Truck Specialists Isuzu Trucks for the Supply and Delivery of one 6 x 4 Cab Chassis Prime Mover and trailer with a Gross Vehicle Mass of a minimum of 50,000kg for the lump sum payment not subject to rise and fall at the amount of $286,179.00 (GST Inclusive).

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Tenders were called for the supply and delivery of one 6 x 4 Cab chassis Prime mover and trailer for the purpose of undertaking construction and maintenance works on Council owned assets. A total of nine tenders were received.

A copy of the tender evaluation has previously been provided to the Councillors.

BACKGROUND

Heavy Plant Replacement is an item listed on the capital works program every year with funds allocated depending on the need for replacement vehicles and plant. Currently there is $504,074 remaining in the budget for 17/18 financial year.

Council currently uses the existing truck & trailer purchased in 2002, having travelled 760,000kms to cart all materials for Council works. The recommended truck and trailer is part of the heavy plant replacement program developed to ensure that Council can fulfil their responsibilities to provide the efficient management of Councils motor vehicle fleet. It is expected Council will receive approximately $50,000 for the current truck and trailer. However this price is demand dependant at auction time.

POLICY CONTEXT

Council Plan 2017-2021: Sustainable Natural and Built Environment - Implement Council’s Capital Works Program.

DISCUSSION

The evaluation criteria and weighting contained in the contract conditions for VP84654 were as follows.

Criteria Weight

1. Specification Compliance 30%

2. Price of the tender 20%


Item 8.5

3. Standing/Reputation of equipment and tenderer within the industry 20%

4. Range of warranty services and location of tenderer’s service, parts, technical and backup facilities

20%

5. Local Benefit 10%

The following table summarises the weighted score assigned to each tenderer using the evaluation criteria listed above:

Tenderer Cost (GST Inc.) Score Weighted Score

Tenderer A $332,200 80/100 18.0

The Truck Specialists $286,178 99/100 21.8

Tenderer C* $292,370 82/100 17.8

Tenderer D $310,588 69/100 14.5

Tenderer E $345,925 85/100 17.2

Tenderer F $321,255 83/100 19.0

Tenderer G $281,493 96/100 21.4

Tenderer H* $308,975 81/100 16.7

Tenderer I $287,919 79/100 16.8

(* These tenderers did not meet the tender requirements).

A copy of the tender evaluation has previously been provided to the Councillors.

CONSULTATION

All relevant Council staff and external contactors were consulted for this matter.



CONCLUSION

The Truck Specialists Isuzu Trucks received the highest weighted score, and was the second lowest priced tenderer to meet all the tender requirements. Being a local supplier and Council having previous dealings with Isuzu, it is considered the best value option for Council and is the preferred tenderer.


Item 8.6

8.6 MURRAY RIVER GROUP OF COUNCILS - ADVOCACY MEETINGS IN CANBERRA

Author: Eric Braslis, CEO


Attachments: 1 MRGC - ADVOCACY PRIORITIES (under separate cover) 2 MRGC Position Paper - ENERGY (under separate cover) 3 MRGC Position Paper - REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT (under separate cover) 4 MRGC Position Paper - TOURISM (under separate cover) 5 MRGC Position Paper - WATER (under separate cover) 6 MRGC Position Paper - ROADS & BRIDGES (under separate cover)

RECOMMENDATION

That Council receive and note a summary of the recent activities undertaken in Canberra on behalf of the Council and the community though the Murry Regional Group of Councils.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Mayors and CEOs from Mildura, Swan Hill, Loddon, Moira, Gannawarra and Campaspe Councils met with Ministers and senior politicians in Canberra on 12 and 13 September 2017, to discuss matters of importance for the region. The range of topics that were addressed in the two days of meetings included energy, tourism, water, roads and bridges and economic and regional development.

BACKGROUND

The Murray River Group of Councils (MRGC) comprising of Mildura Rural City Council, Swan Hill Rural City Council, Gannawarra Shire, Loddon Shire, Shire of Campaspe and Moira Shire recently sent a delegation of eleven of Mayors and CEOs and the MRGC Executive Officer travelled to Canberra on 11 – 13 September and met with Ministers, Shadow Ministers and the Murray Darling Basin Authority. The delegation was led by Cr Adrian Weston, Mayor of Campaspe Shire and the 2017 Chair of MRGC.

The aim of the trip was to advocate directly to the Federal Government on behalf of northern Victorian communities on issues of shared interest.

The MRGC agreed advocacy priorities that were the focus of the trip include:

Water

Energy

Tourism

Roads and Bridges

Digital connectivity

Regional economic development


Item 8.6

POLICY CONTEXT

MRGC advocacy aligns with - Council Plan (and Advocacy Plan - Campaspe & Gannawarra). MRGC advocacy is also aligned with: Loddon Mallee / Hume RDA Regional Strategic Plan, Mallee / Loddon Campaspe / Goulburn Regional Partnerships priorities

DISCUSSION

The MRGC delegation met with the region’s local Federal Members of Parliament, Ministers with responsibility for key advocacy priority issues, Shadow Ministers and with the Chair and CEO of the Murray Darling Basin Authority. : Nine meetings were held at Parliament House:

Andrew Broad MP– Member for Mallee

Damian Drum MP – Member for Murray

Senator Hon Fiona Nash – Minister for Regional Development, Minister for Regional Communications and Minister for Local Government

Hon Josh Frydenberg MP – Minister for Environment and Energy

Hon Darren Chester – Minister for Infrastructure and Transport

Office of Hon Barnaby Joyce– Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources

Office of Hon Steven Ciobo– Minister for Tourism

Hon Tony Burke MP– Shadow Minister for Environment and Water

Stephen Jones MP– Shadow Minister for Regional Communications, Shadow Minister for Regional Services

The Group also met with officers from the of the Murray Darling Basin Authority, including the Chair Neil Andrews and CEO Philip Glyde to discuss the impact of the Basin Plan on our northern Victorian communities and contribute to the MDBA’s understanding of our region as it develops its social and economic impact analysis.

Strong messages were conveyed by the Group directly to Ministers and Shadow Ministers as well as to the MDBA about the negative socio-economic impacts on communities from water recovery through the Murray Darling Basin Plan. The delegation was briefed by the MDBA on the 2017 assessment it is undertaking as well as on the status of the Sustainable Diversion Limit adjustment mechanism that will be finalised in December this year.

On energy, the delegation stressed the need for secure access to affordable energy for our communities and particularly food manufacturing and agricultural businesses across the region to preserve their competitive advantage. Another key message was around the enormous potential for solar generation in the region and the investment to increase the capacity of the transmission network as well as national policy certainty required, to unlock the potential $4billion investment pipeline.

Growing the visitor economy through investment in two key projects; Ports of the Murray and the Murray River Adventure Trail, was the focus of advocacy to the office of the Minister for Tourism.

The MRGC also called for increased investment in our regional and rural roads network and Murray River crossings to improve transport connectivity and road safety within and through northern Victoria.


Item 8.6

The delegation stressed the importance of federal funding to the work of local government, such as the Financial Assistance Grants Scheme and particularly the indexation of those grants, Roads to Recovery and the Black Spot funding.

Position papers on each of the MRGCs key advocacy priorities were provided to the politicians at each meeting and follow up correspondence reinforcing the key messages and extending invitations to visit the region. These are attached to this report.

A media release was produced following the event and regional ABC conducted a radio interview with the Chair of the MRGC in response.

The delegation received a good hearing from Ministers and Shadow Ministers and was able to deliver key messages and build awareness of the MRGC. Ministers told the delegation that they appreciated councils working collaboratively on issues and supporting regional priorities as MRGC does.

CONSULTATION

N/A


None

CONCLUSION

MRGCs joint advocacy work enables councils to have the needs of their communities heard by the federal government and opposition, where decisions are made about policies and funding that impact the communities directly.


Item 8.7

8.7 2016/17 ANNUAL REPORT - RECEIVE AND NOTE

Author: Katrina Thorne, Community Development Officer

Authoriser: Narelle O'Donoghue, Manager Community Health

Attachments: 1 2016/17 Annual Report_FINAL (under separate cover)

RECOMMENDATION

That Council:

1. Receive the 2016/17 Annual Report and note that it was submitted to the Local Government Minister prior to 30 September 2017

2. Make the 2016/17 Annual Report available for public inspection and provide a copy to the State Library of Victoria

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

To receive the Gannawarra Shire Council 2016/2017 Annual Report.

BACKGROUND

Council is required under Section 131 of the Local Government Act 1989 to prepare an Annual Report and provide it to the Local Government Minister within three months of the end of each financial year or such longer period as the Minister may permit in a particular case. It must contain:

1. A report of its operations during the financial year

2. Audited standard statements for the financial year

3. Audited financial statements of the financial year

4. A copy of the performance statement prepared under Section 132

5. A copy of the report on the performance statement prepared under Section 133

As per Section 134 of the Local Government Act 1989 14 days public notice has been given advising that the Annual Report will be discussed at this meeting and that copies of the Annual Report can be obtained either at Council’s customer service centres or on Council’s website.

POLICY CONTEXT

Council is required under Section 131 of the Local Government Act 1989 to prepare an Annual Report and provide it to the Local Government Minister within three months of the end of each financial year or such longer period as the Minister may permit in a particular case.

The preparation and submission of an Annual Report also aligns with the 2017 – 2021 Council Plan.

DISCUSSION

The preparation of the Annual Report is a requirement of the Local Government Act 1989.


Item 8.7

CONSULTATION

The Department of Environment Land Water and Planning has produced a Local Government Better Practice Guide for both the Report of Operations and the Performance Reporting, which has been closely followed in the production of the Annual Report.

A range of resources have been used to gather the information in the Annual Report including the Australian Bureau of Statistics Census 2011, Council Minutes, media releases and other reporting documents for the past financial year.

Council executive and staff have been consulted as to the accuracy of the information relating to their areas of expertise.



CONCLUSION

The 2016/17 Annual Report was submitted to the Minister for Local Government as per Section 131 of the Local Government Act 1989. The document will be publicly available at Council’s customer service centres and on our website at www.gannawarra.vic.gov.au

http://www.gannawarra.vic.gov.au/


Item 12.1

9 INFORMATION REPORTS

Nil

10 URGENT ITEMS

11 NOTICES OF MOTION

Nil

12 DELEGATES REPORTS

12.1 DELEGATES REPORT - 21 SEPTEMBER TO 24 OCTOBER, 2017

Author: Allison Peace, Administration Assistant - Chief Executive Office


Attachments: Nil

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Delegate Reports from 21 September to 24 October, 2017

Cr Brian Gibson 21 Sept Walk to School Program – Kerang Christian School 22 Sept Walk to School Program – Kerang Primary Schools 04 Oct Rural and Regional Councils Sustainability Workshop – Bendigo 10 Oct Citizenship Ceremony – Kerang 12 Oct Emergency Management Committee Special Meeting – Melbourne 13 Oct Loddon Campaspe Councils meeting – Bendigo MAV Rural North Central Meeting – Bendigo 17 Oct Seniors Expo – Kerang Cocktail function for Local Government – Parliament House 18 Oct RCV Mayor, Councillor and CEO Forum – Melbourne 19-20 Oct MAV Annual Conference – Melbourne 24 Oct Children’s Week event - Cohuna Cr Mark Arians 27 Sept Kerang Progress Association meeting Cr Jodie Basile 19-20 Oct MAV Annual Conference - Melbourne Cr Charlie Gillingham 22 Sept Quambatook Produce, Art, Craft & Photography Exhibition 10 Oct Kerang Lakes Community Development Group meeting 17 Oct Seniors Expo - Kerang


Item 12.1

Cr Lorraine Learmonth 26 Sept Pool Users Meeting – Cohuna 27 Sept Kow Swamp Community Meeting – Leitchville 04 Oct Leitchville Progress Association meeting 05 Oct Seniors Festival – Koondrook 06 Oct Seniors Lunch – Cohuna 10 Oct Citizenship Ceremony – Kerang 11 Oct Kerang Elder Group meeting 12 Oct LMWTTG meeting – Melbourne Waste Expo - Melbourne 16 Oct Cohuna & District Progress Association meeting 17 Oct Seniors Expo – Kerang 18 Oct Richmond FC Korin Gamadji Institute Tour RCV Mayor, Councillor and CEO Forum – Melbourne 19 Oct Murray Regional Tourism AGM - Echuca 20 Oct Get to Know your backyard campaign – Cohuna 24 Oct Children’s Week event - Cohuna Cr Steve Tasker 05 Oct Koondrook Barham Bridge meeting 10 Oct Koondrook Development Committee Meeting 19 Oct Walk to School event - Koondrook Cr Sonia Wright 26 Sept Pool Users Meeting – Cohuna 27 Sept Kow Swamp Community Meeting – Leitchville 04 Oct Rural and Regional Councils Sustainability Workshop – Bendigo 10 Oct Citizenship Ceremony – Kerang 15 Oct Entrepreneurial Rural Women’s meeting – Cohuna 16 Oct Get to Know your backyard campaign - Cohuna 16 Oct Cohuna & District Progress Association meeting 18 Oct RCV Mayor, Councillor and CEO Forum – Melbourne 20 Oct Walk to School – Kerang South Primary 24 Oct Children’s Week event - Cohuna This table represents attendances by two or more Councillors at the following Council functions:

Function Attended

Councillor ()

Gib

son

Ari

ans

Bas

ile

Gill

ingh

am

Lear

mo

nth

Task

er

Wri

ght

Council Strategic Briefing (25 September)

Council Briefing (9 October)

Council Strategic Briefing (23 October)

Ordinary Council Meeting (24 October)

LoA = Leave of Absence A = Apology


13 CONFIDENTIAL ITEMS

RECOMMENDATION

That Council considers the confidential report(s) listed below in a meeting closed to the public in accordance with Section 89(2) of the Local Government Act 1989:

13.1 Recruitment of Permanent Chief Executive Officer

This matter is considered to be confidential under Section 89(2)(d) of the Local Government Act, and the Council is satisfied that discussion of this matter in an open meeting would, on balance, be contrary to the public interest as it deals with contractual matters.

agenda of ordinary council meeting - 24 october 2017 · ordinary council meeting agenda 24 october...

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