ALL COUNCILLORS - NGSC · PDF fileALL COUNCILLORS Councillors are requested to attend an Ordinary Meeting of the Council to be held ... Petition; Stawell Tyre Stockpile Project Update;

AGENDA________________________________________________________________

ALL COUNCILLORS

Councillors are requested to attend an Ordinary Meeting of the Council to be heldat 6.30pm on Tuesday 7 April, 2015 in the Council Chamber, Western Highway

Office, Stawell

AFFIRMATION

We recognise the traditional owners of the land.We are inspired by the early pioneers and by those who gave their lives for our

country.We now ask God’s blessing on our deliberations and on our commitment

to build a better lifestyle and environment.

BUSINESS01. APOLOGIES02. CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES03. MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES04. PRESENTATIONS/AWARDS05. PRESENTATION OF PETITIONS AND JOINT LETTERS06. DISCLOSURES OF INTEREST AND DECLARATIONS OF

CONFLICT OF INTEREST07. ASSEMBLIES OF COUNCILLORS08. ITEMS BROUGHT FORWARD09. CONSIDERATION OF REPORTS OF OFFICERS10. NOTICES OF MOTION OR RESCISSION11. REPORTS FROM COUNCILLORS/COMMITTEES12. URGENT BUSINESS13. PUBLIC QUESTION TIME14. CLOSURE OF MEETING PURSUANT TO SECTION 89(2) OF THE

LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT 198915. CLOSE

TABLE OF CONTENTS

01 APOLOGIES 302 CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES 303 MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES 304 PRESENTATIONS/AWARDS 305 PRESENTATION OF PETITIONS AND JOINT LETTERS 306 DISCLOSURES OF INTEREST AND DECLARATIONS OF CONFLICT

OF INTEREST 407 ASSEMBLIES OF COUNCILLORS 508 ITEMS BROUGHT FORWARD 609 CONSIDERATION OF REPORTS OF OFFICERS 7

09.1 Western Stawell Business Precinct Master Plan Report 709.2 Adoption of Stawell Aerodrome Master Plan 1209.3 Economic Development and Planning Partnerships Report 1609.4 Formal Naming of Roads Western Highway Community

Precinct 1909.5 Advocacy Program - Federal Government 2209.6 Halls Gap Tourist Resort Town Master Plan 2709.7 Development of a Major Promotion Sign 3109.8 Councillor Interstate Travel 35

10 NOTICES OF MOTION OR RESCISSION 3811 REPORTS FROM COUNCILLORS/COMMITTEES 3812 URGENT BUSINESS 3813 PUBLIC QUESTION TIME 3814 CLOSURE OF MEETING PURSUANT TO SECTION 89(2) OF THE

LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT 1989 3815 CLOSE 39

2 of 39

Northern Grampians Shire Council Ordinary Council Meeting - 7 April, 2015

01. APOLOGIES

Nil

02. CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES

Ordinary Meeting held on Monday 2 March, 2015Special Meeting held on Monday 23 March, 2015

03. MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES

Nil

04. PRESENTATIONS/AWARDS

Nil

05. PRESENTATION OF PETITIONS AND JOINT LETTERS

Nil

3 of 39


06. DISCLOSURES OF INTEREST AND DECLARATIONS OF CONFLICT OFINTEREST

A Councillor who has a conflict of interests and is attending the Councilmeeting of the Council must make a full disclosure of that interest.

(a) by either-

(i) advising the Council at the meeting of the details required underparagraphs (b) and (c) immediately before the matter is consideredat the meeting; or

(ii) advising the Chief Executive Officer in writing of the detailsrequired under paragraphs (b) and (c) before the meeting; and

(b) classifying the type of interest that has given rise to the conflict as either-

(i) a direct interest; or(ii) an indirect interest and specifying the particular kind of indirect

interest under:

section 78 - close association

section 78A - financial interest

section 78B - conflicting duties

section 78C - receipt of an applicable gift

section 78D - consequence of becoming an interested party

section 78E - impact on residential amenity; and

(c) describing the nature of the interest; and

(d) if the Councillor advised the Chief Executive Officer of the details underparagraph (a)(ii), the Councillor must make a disclosure of the class ofinterest only to the meeting immediately before the matter is consideredat the meeting.

Members of Staff

Under Section 80C of the Local Government Act 1989, officers or peopleengaged under contract to the Council providing a report or advice to Councilmust disclose any conflicts of interests in the matter, including the type ofinterest.

4 of 39


07. ASSEMBLIES OF COUNCILLORS

[Justine Linley, Chief Executive Officer] Section 80A of the Local Government Act 1989 requires that the writtenrecord of an Assembly of Councillors is, as soon as practicable, reported atan ordinary meeting of the Council and incorporated in the minutes of thatCouncil Meeting. The records for the period since the last ordinary Council meeting are listedbelow.

Date Description Matter/s considered

Councillor/ Officermaking

disclosure

ItemNo.

Leftmeeting

Y/N

25/02/2015 Walkers Lake Advisory

Terms of Reference; Projectscompleted - Boat Ramp and Toilet;

Water supply report;Management Plan

n/a n/a n/a

02/03/2015Civic Engagement

Briefing

Presentations; EconomicDevelopment & Planning

Partnerships Report; SUPL and SIEZProgress Report; St Arnaud CivicPrecinct Arts Project Report (and

Street Museum); Halls Gap A-FramePetition; Stawell Tyre Stockpile

Project Update; Airport Leases; PPA5.2014.73.1 359 Rinaldi Road Logan,

Use & Development of IntensiveAnimal Husbandry; Adoption of

Aerodrome Master Plan; Delegationsto CEO and Members of Staff Update;

Community Access Plan; Halls GapHub Precinct Management Tender

n/a n/a n/a

05/03/2015 Special Briefing Halls Gap Zoo VCAT Update n/a n/a n/a

10/03/2015Strategic Reports

Briefing

Proposed Roads and Bridge CapitalWorks Program 2015/16; Heavy Plant

Five Year Replacement Program;School Crossing Service Review

KarenHyslop

7.3. Yes

10/03/2015Aerodrome Advisory

CommitteeStawell Airport Master Plan Review

2014/15n/a n/a n/a

16/03/2015Economic

Development/PlanningTaskforce Briefing

Children's Services Review Update;Halls Gap Hub Precinct ManagementTender; Stawell Airport Master PlanReview; Western Stawell BusinessPrecinct Master Plan Presentation;

Halls Gap Master Plan BriefingUpdate; Economic Development &

Planning Partnerships Report

n/a n/a n/a

5 of 39


08. ITEMS BROUGHT FORWARD

Nil

6 of 39


09. CONSIDERATION OF REPORTS OF OFFICERS

IMPROVE SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC VIABILITY OF THE SHIRE &DELIVER TARGETED PROJECTS AND CORE SERVICES

09.1. Western Stawell Business Precinct Master Plan Report

Department: Economy and CommunityBusiness Unit: Strategic ProjectsDirector: Director Economy and CommunityManager Responsible: Manager Community DevelopmentAuthor/Position: Greg Little, acting Director Economy and

Community Summary The Western Stawell Business Precinct Master Plan (WSMP) is presented toCouncil for full consideration. The WSMP was developed with the express objectiveof identifying opportunities for business-commercial-industrial, retail developmentand expansion on the western edge of Stawell, including but not exclusive toFrewstal Expansion, Pleasant Creek and the Motorway sites. Ultimately theproject’s objectives will provide for job creation and investment growth, as well asimproved transport logistics. The attached WSMP is the result of extensive research and consultation withbusinesses within the precinct and relevant stakeholders over the eight months July2014- February 2015. It is based on expert advice from several consultanciesincluding: Echelon Planning – Planning and Project ManagementEssential Economics – Economic AnalysisTT Design – Landscape Master PlanCardno – Traffic Assessment, Services Engineering, and Infrastructure CostingEcolink Consulting - Ecological AssessmentDriscoll Engineering Services and its subcontractor Rail Operations Consulting- traffic and railway assessments The WSMP develops a map for the development of this high profile section of theWestern Highway over the next 15 years. The WSMP identifies and advances theintrinsic quality of the precinct and provides the tools to manage the change into athriving business precinct.

7 of 39


Recommendation That Council: 1. adopts the Western Stawell Business Precinct Master Plan;2. notes that planning scheme amendments will result from the Western

Stawell Business Precinct Master Plan and that these will be undertakenover the coming months as part of the overall project; and

3. notes that additional reports will result from the Western StawellBusiness Precinct Master Plan including a Public Infrastructure Plan,development action plan and an investment prospectus.

8 of 39


Background/Rationale The Western Stawell Business Precinct Master Plan (WSMP) has been created forthe development of a triangle parcel of industrial and business zoned land located onthe western edge of Stawell, fronting on to the Western Highway, and approximating100Ha in size. The area includes, but is not limited to, three prime industrial sites –the former Pleasant Creek Disability Residential facility, the former Motorway site(tyre retreading plant) and Frewstal Pty Ltd. Abattoirs (“Frewstal”). The precinctconsists of private and crown land, which is serviced by Council and VicRoads roadinfrastructure and VLine rail. Essentially the Master Planning project is to deliver:

● the Master Plan itself (including a vision statement);● a Development Plan (identifying opportunities and constraints, planning

options, a preferred development scenario and an implementation plan);● Costings and Development Contributions Plan● Development Strategy (incorporating a marketing strategy)● Action plan which identifies the next steps required to implement the Master

Plan.Once the WSMP is adopted by Council, the consultant will prepare the planningscheme amendment documentation to incorporate the Master Plan into the NorthernGrampians Planning Scheme. The documentation will include the Master Plan, therelevant planning scheme clauses and schedules, explanatory reports, prescribedforms and planning scheme amendment documentation necessary to support anamendment application. Please note: the former Motorway site has been identified within the WSMP, but dueto its unique attributes and risk profile, has been assigned its own project controlgroup and feasibility study. This work and any outcomes from it are now outside thescope of this WSMP and report. Legislation, Council Plan, Strategy and Policy Implications

Council Plan 2013 – 2017: Strategic Objective, Improved social and economicviability of the shire. Economic Strategy – We will develop the local economyand increase diversity of industry in the Northern Grampians Shire.

Options Council could elect not to endorse the WSMP in its current form or require it to goback on public exhibition for further consultation and potential refinement. This will,however, have a cost implication as the budget will be fully expended with thecurrent project scope and it is questionable whether there would be any furtherenhancement to the WSMP as a result of an additional consultation period.

9 of 39


Reporting Implications Considered in this report? Implication identified?

Social Y N

Heritage/Cultural Y Y

Amenity Y Y

Human Rights/Privacy Y N

Environmental Y Y

Economic & Marketing Y Y

Risk Management Y Y

Financial Y Y

Asset Management Y Y

Consultation Council is required to exhibit for 28 days, but we extended this timeframe given theChristmas break. The public exhibition period commenced on Thursday 11thDecember with a public meeting and presentation of the draft WSMP and closed onthe 23rd January 2015. Copies of the draft master plan were available on theCouncil website and in the Stawell Town Hall throughout the period. Submissionswere received from:

1. Wendy Jacobs2. Kevin Spence3. John Anselmi4. Frewstal5. Allan Ralph6. Gary West7. K. Gibson (resident in precinct)8. Whole of Transport submission (Department of Economic Development, Jobs,

Transport and Resources)9. RDV submission (Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning)

Responses have been prepared for each of the individual submissions. The last twosubmissions required considerable additional consultation as meetings were difficultto schedule over the December 2014-January 2015 period and key externalmanagers were not in attendance at briefings. As a result, multiple additionalmeetings were undertaken with State Government departments and agencies inorder to prepare the best solution for the Lake Road railway crossing and the servicelanes for the Pleasant Creek site and associated Western Highway interface. It is tobe noted that the state government changed the assessment criteria for works onthe Lake Road crossing as late as 13 February 2015 which has significantly changedthe options available to improve the railway crossing. The solutions agreed upon byState Government and the WSMP authors have been integrated into the WSMP.

10 of 39


Officer’s Declaration of Interest Under section 80C of the Local Government Act 1989 officers providing advice toCouncil must disclose any interests, including the type of interest. Acting Director Economic and Community Development - Greg LittleIn providing this advice as the Acting Director Economic and CommunityDevelopment, I have no disclosable interests in this report. Attachments Western Stawell Business Precinct Master Plan [9.1]

11 of 39


09.2. Adoption of Stawell Aerodrome Master Plan

Department: Infrastructure DepartmentBusiness Unit: InfrastructureDirector: Director Infrastructure & Environment Manager Responsible: Manager infrastructureAuthor/Position: Allan Ralph, Contract Engineer Summary To ask Council to consider the Stawell Aerodrome Master Plan review as part of theStawell Airport Stage 4 upgrade project and to adopt the draft Stawell AerodromeMaster Plan. Recommendation That Council adopts the Draft Stawell Airport Master Plan review aspresented.

12 of 39


Background/Rationale The Review was necessary to review and update the original Master Plan asadopted by Council on 29 January 2008. The original plan and the review werecarried out by Ray Oakley from Airports Plus P/L, who has provided technical airportadvice to Council for many years. Council required the original Master Plan to guidedevelopment at the airport, plus it is a requirement of the State Government to obtaingrant funding for larger airport works. The original Master Plan included infrastructure works associated with TaxiwayBravo and the General Aviation apron area that were not able to be achieved oncethe detailed survey and design for Stages 1 and 2 were developed. This led to several significant changes having to be made just prior to construction,such as;-

● closing the old Taxiway Alpha● relocate and construct a new Taxiway Alpha and Code C apron parking area● shift the terminal building location and other minor changes to meet the CASA

Regs. The resultant layout is believed to be a better layout and generally workssatisfactorily, with a clear delineation of Code C aircraft from the GA area. The Stage 3 and 4 projects consolidated those changes and therefore the MasterPlan is required to be reviewed and amended to reflect those changes and toprovide guidance for future development and future grant applications for furtherworks. It is important to note that the Master Plan is subject to change or amendmentwhenever Council sees fit, and will always be subject to detailed design of eachcomponent to meet CASA Regulations, which can also change from time to time. The Master Plan is not a legal requirement as such, but is very desirable as aplanning tool to guide further works. Many smaller airports do not have, or reallyneed, a Master Plan due to their small size, absence of development or restrictionson funding or use. [Eg. St Arnaud airport] Legislation, Council Plan, Strategy and Policy Implications As the Registered airport owner and operator, Council is required to ensure thesafety of aircraft at the airport and comply with all applicable CASA Regulations ie.Civil Aviation Act 1988Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998 (CASR)Civil Aviation Regulations 1988 (CAR)Civil Aviation Advisory Publications - CAAPsRules and practices for aerodromesCivil Aviation OrdersManual of Standards (MOS) Part 139 - Aerodromes

13 of 39


All Certified aerodromes are required to have an operating manual that has beenwritten in accordance with CASR 139 Division 139.B.2 requirements, however theStawell aerodrome is only a Registered aerodrome, and as such is not required toformally have a manual, and the full CASA requirements for a Certified aerodromeare therefore not applicable. This is important in considering some of the submissionpoints as received, as they are not applicable to the Stawell or St Arnaud airports.

Options Option 1To adopt the Draft Stawell Aerodrome Master Plan as reviewed and aspresented. (Recommended) Option 2Defer the Draft Stawell Aerodrome Master Plan as reviewed and as presented. (Notrecommended) Reporting Implications Considered in this report? Implication identified?

Social No Not applicable

Heritage/Cultural No Not applicable

Amenity Yes No

Human Rights/Privacy No Not applicable

Environmental Yes No

Economic & Marketing Yes No

Risk Management Yes Yes

Financial Yes Yes

Asset Management Yes Yes

Consultation The Draft Master Plan was sent to all airport users, Airport Committee members andall Councillors for comment. A total of eight [8] submissions were received. [Thesehave been circulated to all Councillors under separate cover] Officer’s Declaration of Interest Under section 80C of the Local Government Act 1989 officers providing advice toCouncil must disclose any interests, including the type of interest.

14 of 39


Allan Ralph - Contract EngineerIn providing this advice as the author, I have no disclosable interests in this report. Attachments Stawell Aerodrome Master Plan [9.2]

15 of 39


09.3. Economic Development and Planning Partnerships Report

Department: Economic Growth

Environment and Regulatory ServicesBusiness Unit: Economic and Community

Infrastructure and EnvironmentDirector: Greg Little, Acting Director Economic and

CommunitySanjay Manivasagasivam, Director Infrastructureand Environment

Manager Responsible: Debbie Bach, Manager Economic GrowthWarren Groves, Manager Environment andRegulatory Services

Author/Position: Debbie Bach, Manager Economic Growth Summary This report provides information on activities being conducted within the shire by theBusiness Services and Tourism team and the Planning and Development Servicesteam. Through this engagement, Council officers have identified business challenges andgaps where we can provide assistance to help businesses in their development. Council recognises that it is important to have a common understanding and a set ofprinciples to underpin economic development in the shire. The monitoring ofindustry trends assists Council to understand the broader economic health of thecommunity and therefore work towards creating an environment that encouragesinvestment and jobs. Recommendation That Council notes the information contained in the officer’s report andattachment.

16 of 39


Background/Rationale Council’s Economic Development and Planning Taskforce was formed to promoteeconomic activity in the Northern Grampians Shire municipal area, by encouragingbusiness development and investment within the shire. The economic growth of theshire remains the top priority of the Taskforce, made up of representatives of theBusiness Services Team and the Planning and Development Services team. An attachment to this report looks at unemployment rates within the shire and showsa comparison to both state and national figures. It also provides an overview of ourmajor employers and looks at employment in local industry sectors. The key issue to note is that with an unemployment rate of 5.13% towards the end of2014, Northern Grampians Shire was well below both the Victorian rate of 6.75%and the national rate of 6.18%. This follows a positive employment trend thatcommenced in late 2010 and has continued over the past four years. Legislation, Council Plan, Strategy and Policy Implications ObjectiveImprove the social and economic viability of the shire. StrategiesEconomic strategy -

● Attracting and encouraging new enterprises while supporting existingbusinesses through the implementation of targeted industry sector plans

Options No options, other than for Council to note the officer’s report, are recommended. Reporting Implications Considered in this report? Implication identified?

Social No No

Heritage/Cultural No No

Amenity No No

Human Rights/Privacy No No

Environmental No No


Risk Management No No

Financial No No

Asset Management No No

17 of 39


Consultation No community consultation required. Officer’s Declaration of Interest Under section 80C of the Local Government Act 1989 officers providing advice toCouncil must disclose any interests, including the type of interest. Debbie Bach, Manager Economic GrowthIn providing this advice as the author and Manager responsible, I have nodisclosable interests in this report. Attachments Economic Partnerships Project Monthly Report [9.3]

18 of 39


09.4. Formal Naming of Roads Western Highway Community Precinct

Department: Corporate ServicesBusiness Unit: Governance & Civic SupportDirector: Director Corporate ServicesManager Responsible: Manager Governance & Civic SupportAuthor/Position: Mary Scully, Manager Governance & Civic

Support Summary To consider the formal naming of two roads in the Western Highway CommunityPrecinct. Recommendation That Council formally names: 1. the southern section of Miller Lane as Croft Lane; and2. the small unnamed section of lane from Miller Lane to Griffiths Street as

Precinct Lane.

19 of 39


Background/Rationale Council is the road naming authority for local roads in accordance with Schedule 10of the Local Government Act 1989 which empowers Council to name roads. Anyroad naming must be in accordance with Geographic Place Names legislation.Council considered the proposed road namings at its meeting held on 2 February,2015 and resolved to give public notice of its intention to name the two roads. Publicnotice was given in the Stawell Times News on 10 February, 2015 inviting commentsfor 28 days. No submissions were received. Heritage - The road names proposed recognise the contribution of early settlers andthe historical name for the area proposed.Risk Management - Council supports the naming of roads to ensure the promptdelivery of emergency services to residents.Financial - The naming of roads incurs administration, advertising and signagecosts.Asset Management - Council’s Director Infrastructure & Environment has previouslyadvised that the maintenance standard of the roads would be as per the agreedservice level and the level of service would not increase as a result of the roadsbeing formally named. Legislation, Council Plan, Strategy and Policy Implications Council Plan - Delivered targeted projects and core servicesLocal Government Act 1989Guidelines for Geographic Names 2010General Local Law 2012 Options No option other than the formal naming of the roads is suggested. Reporting Implications Considered in this report? Implication identified?

Social No No

Heritage/Cultural Yes Yes

Amenity No No


Environmental No No

Economic & Marketing No No


Financial Yes Yes

Asset Management Yes Yes

20 of 39


Consultation Community consultation is an important part of the road naming process and thegiving of public notice has allowed interested persons an opportunity to commentprior to the roads being formally named. Officer’s Declaration of Interest Under section 80C of the Local Government Act 1989 officers providing advice toCouncil must disclose any interests, including the type of interest. Author/Responsible Manager - Mary Scully, Manager Governance & Civic SupportIn providing this advice as the Author/Responsible Manager, I have no disclosableinterests in this report. Attachments Nil.

21 of 39


09.5. Advocacy Program - Federal Government

Department: CEO’s OfficeBusiness Unit: GovernanceDirector: Corporate ServicesManager Responsible: GovernanceAuthor/Position: Justine Linley, Chief Executive Officer Summary Council undertakes various lobbying and advocacy activities as part of its corebusiness. In September 2014 Council developed a program and framework for lobbying andadvocacy activities, supporting the Council’s Strategic Directions. This program wasdesigned to facilitate a more effective, consistent, targeted delivery of the Council’smessages, with specific plans developed to address predetermined key priorityissues. It also aims to raise the knowledge and capacity of Councillors and seniormanagement to lobby more effectively and productively so as not to waste orduplicate effort. As a priority Council started with a targeted program leading into the 2014 StateGovernment Election. This led to a number of successful pre-election commitmentsfor core projects and activities including funding for the Stawell Underground PhysicsLaboratory, a commitment to financial support for an expansion at Frewstal, acommitment for the formation of a Ministerial Jobs Taskforce for Stawell, acommitment to funding the Grampians Peaks Trail project and ongoing support forthe Stawell Easter Gift. The next stage of the program is a regional advocacy effortconcentrating on the Federal Government. To this end, the Mayor and CEO participated in a joint lobbying and advocacy visit toCanberra between 24 and 26 March 2015 together with Mayors and CEOs ofWimmera and Central Highlands councils. Recommendation That Council notes the officer’s report.

22 of 39


Background/Rationale The importance of effective advocacy cannot be underestimated, however, severalproblems or risks have emerged in the approaches traditionally used by Council inthe past. These problems are:

● Lobbying and advocacy activities undertaken by and on behalf of NorthernGrampians Shire Council have not always been strategically planned ormanaged and may be ad hoc.

● Opportunities to increase the Council’s influence over major projects,decisions or reforms, or to attract investment into the Shire, may be missed.

● Existing lobbying or advocacy activities may be of sub-optimal effectiveness,or may be counter-productive in some instances.

● Councillors and senior staff may not be well briefed to approach lobbying oradvocacy in a strategic or targeted manner.

The purpose of the advocacy and lobbying program for 2015 is to ensure that theprojects and issues of priority concern to Northern Grampians Shire Council areeffectively conveyed and made known to

● Ministers and MPs in the Australian and Victorian Governments● Shadow Ministers and MPs in the current Opposition of both the Australian

and Victorian Governments Following the priority projects review exercise confirmed by Council at its meetingheld on 1 September 2014, there are 75 projects that Council will be activelyproceeding with this financial year. Accordingly, the top projects and topics that Councillors would like to concentrate onin terms of advocacy and lobbying have been categorised and collated into 11 keyproject and issue areas. Briefings and background documents containing a clear“ask” of government have been developed and updated. These documents werepresented by the Mayor and CEO at a range of meetings held in Canberra between24-26 March 2015. Discussion The delegation met with a number of people over the course of the three daydeputation [Table 1 below]. Specific invitations to visit Northern Grampians Shire to discuss key projects wereissued to Minister Macfarlane, Senator McKenzie and Minister Robb on the topicareas of SUPL, tourism development, duplication of the Western Highway andopportunities for investment and business development arising from free tradeagreements.

23 of 39


Table 1

Monica Morona – Adviser Office the Hon Bob Baldwin,Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister forthe Environment

Renewable Energy – WindGenerationImproved Weather Forecasting

Ann Redmond – Adviser Office of the Deputy Prime MinisterWarren Truss

Western Highway

Patrick Gibbons – AdviserOffice the Hon Greg Hunt, Minister for theEnvironment

Renewable Energy – WindGenerationImproved Weather Forecasting

The Hon Scott Morrison, Minister forSocial Services

Karen Community in Nhill Funding Housing for JobsChildcare

Andrew Broad, Member for Lowan Wimmera Regional Investment PlanJoanne Newbery, Adviser – Office of theHon Nigel Scullion, Minister forIndigenous Affairs

Indigenous Heritage

Mr Dan Tehan - Federal Member forWannon

Central Highlands RegionalInvestment Plan

Senator Bridget McKenzie

Stawell Underground ParticlePhysics LaboratoryFederation University

The Hon Jason Clare - Shadow Ministerfor Communications

Mobile Blackspot fundingNBN rollout

Michael Thomas, Employment Adviser –office of Senator the Hon Eric Abetz,Minister of Employment

Workforce planning

Luke Achterstraat – Adviser, The HonAndrew Robb, Minister for Trade andInvestment

Tourism Trail and productdevelopment - Hindmarsh,Grampians Peaks Trail, GrampiansWay, Wimmera Mallee Tourism,WAMAFree trade agreements

Alex Caroly, Advisor – Climate change,waste and recycling Office of the Hon Greg Hunt, Minister forEnvironment

Bio-energy, renewable energy

The Hon Paul Fletcher, ParliamentarySecretary to the Minister forCommunications

NBN rollout and Mobile Coverage

The Hon Mark Butler - Shadow Ministerfor Environment, Climate Change andWater

Bio-energy, renewable energy

Senator the Hon Michael Ronaldson -Minister for Veterans' Affairs, Liberal

Stawell Underground ParticlePhysics Laboratory

24 of 39


Senator for Victoria Industry DevelopmentThe Hon Jamie Briggs, Assistant Ministerfor Infrastructure and RegionalDevelopment

Western Highway

The Hon Ian Macfarlane MP Minister forIndustry and Science


Rachel Stephen-SmithChief of Staff for Senator the Hon KimCarr


Legislation, Council Plan, Strategy and Policy Implications The two Council Plan objectives for Northern Grampians Shire Council are:

● To improve the social and economic viability of the shire● To deliver targeted projects and core services

As part of these objectives Council has committed itself to actively promotebusiness, employment and tourism initiatives in a planned way and to advocate forinfrastructure and service funding leading to the financial sustainability of the Counciland the social sustainability of our communities. Options Option 1That Council notes the officer’s report (recommended) Option 2That Council note the officer’s report, but declines to place a focus on advocacy andlobbying (not recommended). Reporting Implications Considered in this report? Implication identified?

Social Yes Yes


Amenity No No


Environmental No No

Economic & Marketing Yes Yes


Financial Yes No


Consultation

25 of 39


Community groups, organisations and individuals are consulted on specific initiativesidentified in the Council Plan. Officer’s Declaration of Interest Under section 80C of the Local Government Act 1989 officers providing advice toCouncil must disclose any interests, including the type of interest. Chief Executive Officer - Justine LinleyIn providing this advice as the author I have no disclosable interests in this report. Attachments Nil

26 of 39


09.6. Halls Gap Tourist Resort Town Master Plan

Department: Economic GrowthBusiness Unit: Economic and CommunityDirector: Greg Little, Acting Director Economic and

CommunityManager Responsible: Debbie Bach, Manager Economic GrowthAuthor/Position: Debbie Bach, Manager Economic Growth Summary Council has sought to prepare a master plan to provide a focus on commercialinvestment and public land development opportunities for Halls Gap. It will supportthe sustainability and expansion opportunities of existing businesses as well asprovide a pathway for new investment and revitalisation of Halls Gap as a touristresort town. Funding of $45,000 was received from the Victorian Government under the PuttingLocals First program towards the master plan project, and was supported by$10,000 from Council. A further $5,000 of in-kind support has been contributed bymajor stakeholders. The consortium of MvS Architects, SGS Economics & Planning, and Maudie Palmer,AO were engaged to undertake the work, which involved a range of communityconsultation, background research, investigation and analysis. The final draft planhas been completed and is presented to Council for endorsement. Recommendation That Council: 1. adopts the Halls Gap Tourist Resort Town Master Plan;2. seeks funding through relevant government grant programs to facilitate

implementation of the plan; and3. works with the community and major stakeholders from the Halls Gap

community to assist with the implementation of the master plan.

27 of 39


Background/Rationale The development of a masterplan for the Halls Gap township will provide a focus oncommercial investment and public land development opportunities for Halls Gap. Itwill support the sustainability and expansion opportunities of existing businesses aswell as provide a pathway for new investment and revitalisation of Halls Gap as atourist resort town. The master plan project reflects the broad direction of Northern Grampians ShireCouncil’s Municipal Strategic Statement (MSS) in identifying Halls Gap as the mainfocus for development activities associated with the Grampians National Park. Thearea needs to be managed to ensure that the characteristics that make it significantand attractive are not eroded by inappropriate development activities. In particular,sensitive urban design is of critical importance in order to conserve the importantvistas in the area. Within the planning hierarchy the master plan will be influenced bythe MSS. It is anticipated that as a result of the master plan project, there may be implicationsfor the Northern Grampians Planning Scheme, including the need for possiblerevision of the NGSC Halls Gap Township Urban Design Framework- a Pride ofPlace Project, completed in 2001, zone amendments, and design and developmentoverlays. It must however be noted that the primary purpose of this project is to identify andstimulate investment to further develop Halls Gap as a tourist resort town. Themasterplan and associated documents for Halls Gap include a number of precinctand site specific plans which:

• Identify both public sector controlled land and freehold land which maybecome available for suitable private sector or private/public partnership development.

• Improve the public domain around Halls Gap and enhance recreation andtourism product.

• Increase activity within the precinct.• Resolve conflicts between traffic, parking, pedestrian and cycleway networks.• Meet the needs of the local businesses, community users, visitors and tourists

to Halls Gap.• Maintain or improve the environmental qualities of the site, including water

quality and habitat. • Seek a reasonable balance between private investment opportunity and

public works expenditure. The master plan will provide a map for the development of this high profile touristprecinct over the next 10 years. It will support the sustainability and expansionopportunities of existing anchor businesses as well as provide a pathway for newinvestment, increased job opportunities and long term employment and strengthenthe tourism offering within the greater Grampians Region.

28 of 39


The project will:• Provide a pathway for change, and a consistent, reasoned approach to

development, design and management of the precinct.• Undertake ‘sound practice’ project development to inform integrated planning

processes.• Enable the coordination and collaboration between the wide range of partners

required to deliver the master plan.• Identify streetscape and public areas redevelopment opportunities.• Identify and scope new tourism product opportunities.• Be consistent with the observations, findings and recommendations of the

Grampians Tourism Destination Plan and Investment Roadmap. Specifically it will plan for land use within the precincts including:

• Improved access to high-value land for new investment.• Community access and resilience.• Safety for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists.• Parking and tourist transport arrangements and linkages.• Linkages to greater regional attractions.• Maximise the potential of high value land for investment.• Ensuring a proper balance between conservation and development.• Signage.• Undergrounding power within the commercial precinct.• Enhancing the visitor experience - sense of arrival, preservation of

viewscapes and a sense of place in 'the heart of the Grampians'. It is to be noted that there exists a strong will within Council and the businesscommunity of Halls Gap to investigate any and all reasonable proposals for newdevelopment within the study area. Legislation, Council Plan, Strategy and Policy Implications Council Plan 2013 - 2017 Strategic Objective - Improved social and economicviability of the shire.Economic Strategy - We will develop the local economy and increase diversity ofindustry in the Northern Grampians Shire by: Developing Halls Gap as a tourismresort town and Great Western as a food and wine village. Options This report seeks Council adoption of the Halls Gap Tourist Resort Town MasterPlan. The master plan was received by Council on 31 March 2015. Council may considerthat additional time is required to review the content and concepts, and seekclarification or amendment prior to adoption of the plan.

29 of 39



Social Yes No

Heritage/Cultural Yes No

Amenity Yes No





Financial Yes No


Consultation The Consultants have undertaken significant community engagement, including anopen information session and one-on-one meetings with business owners, residentsand major stakeholders. Draft design maps were on public display in Halls Gap forseveral weeks, for viewing and comment. Officer’s Declaration of Interest Under section 80C of the Local Government Act 1989 officers providing advice toCouncil must disclose any interests, including the type of interest. Director - Greg Little, Acting Director Economic and CommunityIn providing this advice as the Acting Director, I have no disclosable interests in thisreport. Manager/Author - Debbie Bach, Manager Economic GrowthIn providing this advice as the Manager/Author, I have no disclosable interests in thisreport. Attachments Halls Gap Tourist Resort Town Master Plan [9.6]

30 of 39


09.7. Development of a Major Promotion Sign

Department: PlanningBusiness Unit: Environment and Regulatory ServicesDirector: Director Infrastructure and EnvironmentManager Responsible: Manager Environment and Regulatory ServicesAuthor/Position: Jodie Senior, Planner Summary To have Council consider and decide on an application for a planning permit for theDevelopment of a Major Promotion Sign (externally illuminated) and associatedworks, at 10 Ararat Road, Stawell. Recommendation That Council issues a permit (Notice of Decision) for the Development of aMajor Promotion Sign (externally illuminated) and associated works, at 10Ararat Road, Stawell, subject to conditions.

31 of 39


Background/Rationale This is a proposal for the Development of a Major Promotion Sign (externallyilluminated) and associated works. The proposed sign will have one ‘face’ and is to be 12.66m x 3.35m in size. The proposed sign is to sit flush against the external wall of the building on the land. The proposed sign will have an overall height of approximately 4.45m and willprotrude slightly above the height of the existing building. The sign is to beorientated towards the main road corridor of the Western Highway, and not to bedirected towards residential properties. The proposed sign is also to be externally illuminated by five (5) downlights whichare to be mounted to the top of the sign. The downlights have a 900 Lux output andare contained within a mount that will shield the direct light into the road reserve. The applicant has advised that the proposed sign is to provide for a variety ofadvertisements and community service messages. The applicant also advised that itwas likely that the TAC (Transport Accident Commission) will utilise the signage forroad safety advertising. The Land The land is situated at 10 Ararat Road, Stawell, being Crown Allotment 10, Section12, Township of Stawell, Parish of Stawell.

The land is 734m² and contains an existing commercial building that is currentlyvacant. Key Issues The key issues in this proposal are:

● One objection (based on commercial advantage)● The potential for impact on the amenity of the area● Decision Guidelines of Clause 52.05● Decision Guidelines of Clause 65

Legislation, Council Plan, Strategy and Policy Implications The application is consistent with:

● Council Plan 2013-2017● Planning and Environment Act 1987● Northern Grampians Planning Scheme

32 of 39


Options Option 1That Council issues a permit (Notice of Decision) for the Development of MajorPromotion Sign (externally illuminated) and associated works (recommended). Option 2That Council refuses to issue a permit (not recommended). Option 3That Council defers consideration of the application pending the provision of furtherinformation (not recommended). Reporting Implications Considered in this report? Implication identified?

Social Yes No

Heritage/Cultural Yes No

Amenity Yes Yes




Risk Management Yes No

Financial Yes No

Asset Management Yes No

Consultation Notice of the application was given pursuant to Section 52 of the Planning andEnvironment Act 1987, by advertisement, by letter to adjoining landowners andoccupiers, and by a sign on the subject land. Summary of Objection One objection was received. The objection relates to concerns about the type ofadvertising that could be permitted such as promoting a product or service thatunfairly competes or provides business advantage with the current future businessan existing business without necessarily being located on the Western Highway. The objector advised they would like to see a restriction placed on a permit, shouldone be issued, that excludes the promotion and advertising of short termaccommodation, hospitality or beverage sales without the consent of the objector.

33 of 39


Under the Planning and Environment Act 1987, Section 57(2A) “the responsibleauthority may reject an objection which it considers has been made primarily tosecure or maintain a direct or indirect commercial advantage for the objector”. Inthis instance, the objection could be considered to fall under this category. Mediation A mediation meeting was not considered necessary in this instance. Officer’s Declaration of Interest Under section 80C of the Local Government Act 1989 officers providing advice toCouncil must disclose any interests, including the type of interest. Planner - Jodie SeniorIn providing this advice as the Planner, I have no disclosable interests in this report. Attachments Assessment Report 5.2015.4.1 [9.7]

34 of 39


09.8. Councillor Interstate Travel

Department: Corporate ServicesBusiness Unit: Governance & Civic SupportDirector: Director Corporate ServicesManager Responsible: Manager Governance & Civic SupportAuthor/Position: Mary Scully, Manager Governance & Civic

Support Summary To :

1. endorse the travel of the Mayor, Cr Murray Emerson, to Canberra taken from24 March 2015 to 26 March 2015 on advocacy matters; and

2. endorse a change to the Councillors’ Expense Entitlement and Support Policy

to allow for approval of interstate travel to be given without a prior resolutionof Council.

3. approve the attendance of the Mayor at the ALGA National General Assembly

of Local Government in Canberra from 14 June to 17 June, if required. Recommendation That Council:

1. endorses the travel of the Mayor, Cr Murray Emerson, to Canberra takenfrom 24 March 2015 to 26 March 2015 for the purposes of representingCouncil on advocacy matters; and

2. endorses a change to the Councillors’ Expense Entitlement and SupportPolicy to allow for approval of interstate travel to be given by the Mayor,in consultation with the Chief Executive Officer, and without a priorresolution of Council.

3. approves the attendance of the Mayor at the ALGA National GeneralAssembly of Local Government in Canberra from 14 June to 17 June, ifrequired.

35 of 39


Background/Rationale At its Councillor Briefing on Monday 23 March 2015 Councillors gave informalapproval for the Mayor to attend meetings in Canberra with the Chief ExecutiveOfficer to advocate on Council related matters. Confirmation of the meeting timetable for the Mayor to meet with Ministers was notfinalised early enough for Council to formally resolve at its last ordinary meeting toapprove travel by the Mayor. Council only meets formally once a month and the need for prior approval oftencreates difficulties for Councillors who are required to attend advocacy relatedactivities interstate often on short notice. It is recommended that a change be madeto Council’s current Expense Entitlements and Support Policy to provide for thisinterstate travel when related to advocacy matters to be authorised by the Mayorfollowing consultation with the Chief Executive Officer. In addition, the Australian Local Governments Association (ALGA) National GeneralAssembly (NGA) of Local Government is scheduled to be held in Canberra on 14-17June 2015. The current policy as it stands requires a resolution of Council for theMayor to travel to this conference. The theme of this year’s NGA is ‘Closest to theCommunity: Local Government in the Federation’. The Australian Government iscurrently working with all state and territory governments and ALGA to developWhite Papers on reform of the Federation and Taxation and the NGA presents localgovernment as a whole with an opportunity to consider the range of issues beingraised and to ensure local government’s aspirations are addressed in the WhitePapers. Legislation, Council Plan, Strategy and Policy Implications Delivered targeted projects and core services.Councillors Expense Entitlement & Support Policy Options Option 1To endorse the interstate travel taken by the Mayor to Canberra on advocacyissues. [Recommended] Option 2To endorse a change to the Councillors’ Expense Entitlement & Support Policy toprovide for approval of interstate travel by Councillors to be given by the Mayor inconsultation with the Chief Executive Officer. [Recommended]To not endorse any change to the Policy. [Not recommended] Option 3To approve the attendance of the Mayor at the ALGA National General Assembly ofLocal Government in Canberra from 14-17 June 2015. [Recommended if Option 2is not adopted]

36 of 39



Social No No


Amenity No No


Environmental No No

Economic & Marketing No No


Financial Yes No


Consultation Not Applicable. Officer’s Declaration of Interest Under section 80C of the Local Government Act 1989 officers providing advice toCouncil must disclose any interests, including the type of interest. Responsible Manager/Author - Mary ScullyIn providing this advice as the Responsible Manager/Author I have no disclosableinterests in this report. Attachments Nil

37 of 39


10. NOTICES OF MOTION OR RESCISSION

Nil

11. REPORTS FROM COUNCILLORS/COMMITTEES

11.1 Walkers Lake Advisory Committee Meeting - Minutes 25 February2015

11.2 St Arnaud Community Recreation Committee - Minutes 11 December2014

12. URGENT BUSINESS

Nil

13. PUBLIC QUESTION TIME

14. CLOSURE OF MEETING PURSUANT TO SECTION 89(2) OF THE LOCALGOVERNMENT ACT 1989

A Council or Special Committee may resolve that the meeting be closed tomembers of the public if the meeting is discussing any of the following :

(a) Personnel matters;(b) The personal hardship of any resident or ratepayer;(c) Industrial matters;(d) Contractual matters;(e) Proposed developments;(f) Legal advice;(g) Matters affecting the security of Council property;(h) Any other matter which the Council or Special Committee considers

would prejudice the Council or any other person;(i) A resolution to close the meeting to members of the public.

14.1 Banking Services Contract 14.2 Halls Gap Hub Precinct Management Tender 14.3 Children’s Services

38 of 39


15. CLOSE

_ JUSTINE LINLEYCHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER30 March 2015

39 of 39


ALL COUNCILLORS - NGSC · PDF fileALL COUNCILLORS Councillors are requested to attend an Ordinary Meeting of the Council to be held ... Petition; Stawell Tyre Stockpile Project Update;

Documents