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AGENDA

Ordinary Meeting of Council

6.00pm Wednesday 18 October 2017

*** Broadcast live on Phoenix FM 106.7 ***

VENUE:

Reception Room,

Bendigo Town Hall,

Hargreaves Street, Bendigo

NEXT MEETINGS:

Tuesday 14 November 2017 (Special Meeting)

Wednesday 15 November 2017 (Ordinary Meeting)

Bendigo Town Hall

Copies of the City of Greater Bendigo Council’s Agendas & Minutes

can be obtained online at www.bendigo.vic.gov.au

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

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This Council Meeting is conducted in accordance with Local Law No. 8. It is an offence for any

person to engage in improper or disorderly conduct at the meeting.

Council Vision

Greater Bendigo - creating the wold's most liveable community.

Council Values Six values inform everything we as Council do in working together to be the best we can for all of our community. Seeking to achieve the best value for our use of the community’s public funds and resources, by:

We Lead;

We Learn;

We Contribute;

We Care;

We Respond;

We Respect.

Goals Presentation and Managing Growth

Wellbeing and Fairness

Strengthening the Economy

Environmental Sustainability

Embracing our Culture and Heritage

Lead and Govern for All

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ORDINARY MEETING WEDNESDAY 18 OCTOBER 2017

ORDER OF BUSINESS:

ITEM PRECIS PAGE

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY 5

PRAYER 5

PRESENT 5

APOLOGIES 5

SUSPENSION OF STANDING ORDERS 5

PUBLIC QUESTION TIME 5

RESUMPTION OF STANDING ORDERS 6

CR ALDEN'S REPORT 6

DECLARATIONS OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST 7

CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES 8

1. ANNUAL REPORT 2016/2017 10

1.1 City of Greater Bendigo Annual Report 2016/2017 10

2. PETITIONS AND JOINT LETTERS 13

2.1 Response to Petition: Provision Of More Off Street

Parking at White Hills Shops

13

2.2 Response to Petition: Goynes Road, Epsom 19

3. PRESENTATION AND MANAGING GROWTH 23

3.1 9 Pratts Park Road, Strathdale - 15 Lot Subdivision,

Construction of a Dwelling on Each Lot and Removal of

Native Vegetation

23

3.2 Plan Greater Bendigo 42

3.3 Draft Public Toilet Strategy 50

4. WELLBEING AND FAIRNESS 59

4.1 Naming of New Pool at Kangaroo Flat 59

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4.2 Community Grants Round 1 2017/2018 84

4.3 Municipal Health and Wellbeing Plan 95

5. STRENGTHENING THE ECONOMY 99

6. ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY 99

7. EMBRACING OUR CULTURE AND HERITAGE 99

8. LEAD AND GOVERN FOR ALL 100

8.1 Audit Committee Chairperson's Report 2016 2017 100

8.2 Bendigo Stadium Limited Annual Report 2016/2017 103

8.3 Record of Assemblies 108

8.4 Contracts Awarded Under Delegation 116

9. URGENT BUSINESS 118

10. NOTICES OF MOTION 118

11. COUNCILLORS' REPORTS 118

12. MAYOR'S REPORT 118

13. CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER'S REPORT 118

14. CONFIDENTIAL (SECTION 89) REPORTS 118

14.1 Confidential Report in accordance with Section 89(2)(d) of

the Local Government Act relating to a contractual matter

118

____________________________

CRAIG NIEMANN CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Ordinary Meeting - 18 October 2017

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY

PRAYER

PRESENT

APOLOGIES

SUSPENSION OF STANDING ORDERS

That Standing Orders be suspended to allow the conduct of Public Question Time.

PUBLIC QUESTION TIME

Public Question Time – Purpose Council has provided the opportunity for members of the public to ask questions of broad interest to Council and the community. Matters relating to routine Council works should be taken up with Council’s Customer Service Officers through its Customer Request System. By the time planning matters have reached the council agenda, they have been through an extensive process as required by the Planning and Environment Act. In addition, in most instances mediation has been held between the parties involved. Throughout the process there are many opportunities for the people to ask questions. Therefore, no questions relating to planning matters on the Agenda will be accepted. Public Question Time – Where, When And Who The public question time is held at every Ordinary Meeting of Greater Bendigo City Council. Meetings of Council commence at 6.00pm in the Reception Room, Bendigo Town Hall, Hargreaves Street, Bendigo. The public question time is held at the start of the meeting as close as practical to 6:00pm. A maximum of 30 minutes has been provided for registered and unregistered questions. Residents are encouraged to lodge questions in advance so that a more complete response can be provided. Questions will be put to the Council by the individual posing the question; the question will be answered by the Mayor or CEO, or where appropriate, Councillors or Council Officers.


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Acceptance of Questions Each person asking a question of Council is required to stand, state their name, and address the Mayor. Public Question Time is not an opportunity for making of statements or other comments. Council’s Meeting Procedure Local Law does not allow for other questions or comments during the remainder of the meeting. 1. An individual may only ask one question per meeting, a follow-up question may be

permitted at the discretion of the Mayor. 2. In the event that the same or similar question is raised by more than one person,

an answer may be given as a combined response. 3. In the event that time does not permit all questions registered to be answered,

questions will be answered in writing or referred to the next meeting if appropriate. 4. The Mayor and or CEO have the right to decline registration on basis of:

Legal proceedings;

More appropriately addressed by other means;

Vague or lacking in substance, irrelevant, frivolous, insulting offensive, improper, defamatory or demeaning;

Answer likely to compromise his / her position;

Confidential, commercial-in-confidence. 5. Each individual whose registration form has been accepted or declined will be

advised by the Friday of the week prior to the scheduled meeting. 6. In the event of a registration form being declined the registration form will be

circulated to the Mayor or Councillors for information.

RESUMPTION OF STANDING ORDERS

That Standing Orders be resumed.

CR ALDEN'S REPORT


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DECLARATIONS OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST

Pursuant to Sections 77, 78 and 79 of the Local Government Act 1989 (as amended) direct and indirect conflict of interest must be declared prior to debate on specific items within the agenda; or in writing to the Chief Executive Officer before the meeting. Declaration of indirect interests must also include the classification of the interest (in circumstances where a Councillor has made a Declaration in writing, the classification of the interest must still be declared at the meeting), i.e. (a) direct financial interest (b) indirect interest by close association (c) indirect interest that is an indirect financial interest (d) indirect interest because of conflicting duties (e) indirect interest because of receipt of an applicable gift (f) indirect interest as a consequence of becoming an interested party (g) indirect interest as a result of impact on residential amenity (h) conflicting personal interest A Councillor who has declared a conflict of interest, must leave the meeting and remain outside the room while the matter is being considered, or any vote is taken. Councillors are also encouraged to declare circumstances where there may be a perceived conflict of interest.


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CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES

Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of Wednesday 20 September 2017. The following items were considered at the Ordinary Council meeting held on Wednesday 20 September 2017 at 6:00pm.

Response to Petition: Request for Maintenance Works at Kamarooka Hall

Petition: Parking "Girton College and Sacred Heart Cathedral Precincts"

Petition: Naming of Kangaroo Flat Aquatic and Wellbeing Centre

Planning Scheme Amendment C233 - Advertising Sign Controls at the Kangaroo Flat Aquatic and Leisure Centre, the Bendigo Stadium and The Bendigo Tennis Centre - Adopt the Amendment

553 and 555 Napier Street, White Hills - Use and Development of Land for a Restricted Place of Assembly, Use and Installation of 44 Gaming Machines, Change of Liquor Licence and Area, Alteration of Access to a Road and Reduction in Car Parking

79 Wattle Street, Bendigo - Two Lot Subdivision and Construction of a Three Storey Dwelling

1469 Calder Highway, Marong - Approval of a Development Plan for the Use and Development of Land for a Utility Installation; Tow Lot Subdivision; Removal of Native Vegetation from the Road Reserve and Creation of Access to a Road Zone Category 1

176 Midland Highway, 6-20, 22-24 and 26-28 Howard Street, Epsom - Use of Land for Shops (Ex. 2000 sq.m), a Gym, a Car Wash, Construction of Buildings, Advertising Signage, Alterations of Access to Road Zone, Category 1 and a Reduction in Car Parking Requirements

359 Bendigo-Tennyson Road, Huntly North (Lot 1, PS523831N; CA 1 Sec 10 & CA 6C Sec 8, Parish of Bagshot) - Development of 3 Shedds Associated with Existing Piggery and Associated Works

110-120 Midland Highway, Epsom - Use and Develop Land for Trade Supplies, Associated Earthworks, Car Park and Signage, Waiver of Bicycle Parking Requirements (Amendment of Conditions 5B and 19)

3 O'Brien Street, Quarry Hill - 5 Lot Subdivision with Common Property and Construction of 5 Dwellings (2 Storey)

Spring Gully Mountain Bike Trail Network Master Plan

Bendigo Maubisse Friendship Committee Member Appointments

Arts and Creative Industries Strategy

Greater Bendigo Heritage Advisory Committee Terms of Reference

Financial and Performance Statements

Asset Management Policy Review

Record of Assemblies

Contracts Awarded Under Delegation

Confidential Section 89 Report (Proposed Development) The unconfirmed minutes have also been posted on the City of Greater Bendigo website pending confirmation at this meeting.


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RECOMMENDATION That the Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of Council held on Wednesday 20 September, 2017, as circulated, be taken as read and confirmed.

Annual Report 2016/2017 Ordinary Meeting - 18 October 2017

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1. ANNUAL REPORT 2016/2017

1.1 CITY OF GREATER BENDIGO ANNUAL REPORT 2016/2017

Document Information

Author Kathleen Tonini, Communications Specialist Responsible Craig Niemann – Chief Executive Officer Director

Summary/Purpose

The purpose of this report is to provide the opportunity for Council to consider the City of Greater Bendigo 2016/2017 Annual Report.

RECOMMENDATION

That the Greater Bendigo City Council resolve to receive the City of Greater Bendigo 2016/2017 Annual Report.

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Policy Context

This City of Greater Bendigo Annual Report covers the period from July 1, 2016 to June 30, 2017. Preparation of an Annual Report is a requirement of the Victorian Local Government Act 1989 but it also provides an opportunity to communicate internally and externally, with staff, community, government and industry stakeholders regarding the roles, functions and achievements of the City of Greater Bendigo in the preceding year. Sections 131 and 133 of the Local Government Act state that a Council must prepare an annual report for each financial year that includes:

Report of Operations of the Council

Audited Financial Statement

Audited Performance Statement These three documents have been combined in the City of Greater Bendigo Annual Report for 2016/2017.

Background Information

All Victorian Councils are required to report under the Victorian Government’s mandatory system of performance reporting, which was introduced in 2014/2015. The system prescribes performance information to be included in the Annual Report:


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The Report of Operations;

A statement of progress in relation to major initiatives;

A description of Council’s operations;

Results against prescribed Local Government Performance Reporting Framework (LGPRF) service performance indicators;

Results of the LGPRF Governance and Management Checklist;

A review of performance against the Council Plan actions;

Services funded in the budget and members /sectors of the community who receive these services;

Major capital expenditure, changes and achievements;

Results against the City of Greater Bendigo Strategic Indicators; and

Other material relevant to Council activities and community interest.

The Audited Performance Statement:

A description of the municipal district;

Results against LGPRF prescribed service performance outcome indicators and measures;

Results against LGPRF prescribed financial performance indicators and measures;

An explanation of any material variations between results (where available, because these are transitional reports in a new format);

Results against LGPRF prescribed sustainable capacity indicators and measures. Audited Financial Statements

This statement meets Local Government Victoria format requirements.

Report

The Annual Report describes the City’s operations throughout the year and highlights major achievements. It reports to the Victorian Government, Greater Bendigo residents and the wider community what has been done in order to meet Strategic Objectives, strategies and actions that were set down in the Council Plan for the year, as well as the prescribed information listed above. In past years Council has also produced a number of separate reports on smaller parts of Council’s operations. This year all information has been consolidated into Council’s Annual Report to provide one centralised source of information for the community and streamline the reporting process.

Consultation/Communication

Internal Consultation: Regular data collection, as part of Council Plan quarterly reporting and the LGPRF reporting requirements have provided the core content. Senior staff members have had the opportunity to review the content relevant to their area and to make recommendations for any necessary changes.


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Members of the Audit Committee had the opportunity to review the draft Financial Statements and the draft Performance Statement for the 2016/2017 financial year prior to final submission to the Auditor General. Both the Performance Statement and the Financial Statements have been certified by the Principal Accounting Officer, Chief Executive Officer and two Councillors. These statements were presented to Council at its Ordinary Meeting on September 20, 2017 and signed opinions were provided by the Victorian Auditor-General’s Office on September 22, 2017. External Communication: Following consideration by Council, residents will be informed by public notice of the Annual Report's preparation and availability for inspection. Copies of the Annual Report will be available via the City's web page and in hard copy upon request. Priority/Importance: To meet legislative requirements the Annual Report, including audited financial statements and reports against LGPRF indicators and outcomes, must be completed and supplied to the Minister for Local Government within three months of the end of the financial year reported on (September 30).

Resource Implications

Printing and layout of the Annual Report and relevant advertising are provided for in the 2017/2018 Council budget.

Conclusion

The City of Greater Bendigo 2016/2017 Annual Report has been prepared and is submitted according to the requirements of the Local Government Act 1989.

Attachments

Annual Report 2016/2017

Petitions and Joint Letters Ordinary Meeting - 18 October 2017

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2. PETITIONS AND JOINT LETTERS

2.1 RESPONSE TO PETITION: PROVISION OF MORE OFF STREET PARKING AT WHITE HILLS SHOPS


Author Brett Martini, Manager Engineering Responsible Craig Lloyd, Director Presentation and Assets Director

Purpose

The purpose of this report is to respond to the petition that was tabled at Council's Ordinary Meeting on 19 July 2017 requesting more off-street parking at the White Hills shops.

Summary

The redevelopment of Napier Street between Weeroona Avenue and Hall Street is aimed at addressing the congestion and safety issues that exist with the current inconsistent standard of the road geometry. There are sections of undivided two-lane two-way traffic which serves the expanding northern corridor of the City. The corridor serves many transport roles being not only access to the northern suburbs of Bendigo but also access to the expanding East Bendigo industrial area and part of the Midland Highway for passenger and freight traffic around the state. In order to accommodate the range of demands on the space within the road reserve some compromises have been required in the final design. One of these is the reduction in on-street parking. This includes areas of commercial activity. On-street parking has been provided in these areas generally with two indented parking bays on each side of the road to service both in-bound and out-bound traffic. The provision of off-street parking is not impacted by the Napier Street works. At the White Hills Shopping strip, off-street parking has been provided over time through planning permit conditions associated with development. This has occurred on an individual property basis. Parking also occurs on the vacant property at 8 Plumridge Street which in effect is currently a gravel carpark. The Northern Corridor and Huntly Local Structure Plan identified the development objectives for the commercial area including the potential acquisition of 8 Plumridge Street and construction of car parking and consolidation with other off street parking at the rear of the commercial businesses.


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Based on the current commercial business and parking utilisation observed in the area provision of additional parking is not justified even with the reduction of on-street parking in Napier Street. Given the ownership pattern of commercial business and associated off-street parking, the expansion and coordination of parking can be managed by the property owners should they see a commercial benefit in undertaking these works. The City will continue to review the parking requirements as planning application are received.

RECOMMENDATION

That Council, having considered the concerns raised in the petition and the information in relation to the current works in Napier Street, current utilisation of car parking and property ownership pattern: 1. Not actively pursue the acquisition of 8 Plumridge Street for off-street parking. 2. Continue to work with VicRoads on the Napier Street design and works to ensure the

best outcome for the community. 3. Notify the submitter of the petition of Council's decision.

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Policy Context

Community Plan Reference: City of Greater Bendigo Community Plan 2017-2021:

Goal 4 Presentation and managing growth

Objective 4.3 Provide and maintain urban and rural infrastructure to support the liveability of our community.

Strategy Reference (include weblink as applicable): Connecting Greater Bendigo: Integrated Transport and Land Use Strategy (ITLUS): 'Moving Greater Bendigo' - Action

Complete investigations, concept design and community consultation for an upgrade to the Napier Street section of the Midland Highway, in the north of Bendigo (Weeroona Avenue to Scott Street), to inform a full business case for improvements addressing traffic growth and which supports and promotes the use of alternative transport modes such as public transport, cycling and walking.


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At Council's Ordinary Meeting on 19 July 2017, a petition was received from residents of White Hills and surrounding areas, as outlined below: "We, the undersigned being residents of White Hills and surrounding areas urgently

request that VicRoads/The Victorian Government and City of Greater Bendigo provide more off street parking for the retail shops in the White Hills (in particular vacant land at rear of shops in 8 Plumridge Street). The proposed VicRoads plan does not address residents safety and access concerns".

The petition contained approximately 1,300 signatures. Council resolved to receive the petition be received and a response be prepared within three meetings.

Report

Napier Street between Weeroona Avenue and Hall Street has a number of changes to the road geometry which varies from four lanes to two throughout this length. Traffic congestion is experienced during peak times particularly around Weeroona Secondary College. The redevelopment of Napier Street will provide a consistent road standard to accommodate the current and future needs of the area and the growing northern corridor of Bendigo. The Napier Street corridor is required to serve a range of different stakeholders. This includes many who travel through the corridor including traffic between Bendigo and the northern suburbs, those travelling further north within the municipality to places like Goornong or Elmore and traffic going further afield as part of the journey on the Midland Highway. There are also many who have an origin or destination along Napier Street such as residents and their visitors, business operators and their customers along with Weeroona Secondary College staff and students. The corridor also needs to accommodate a range of different traffic modes in accordance with the Transport Integration Act 2010. These range from freight movements, public and school bus routes, cars, bikes and pedestrians. Not only do all these modes need to be accommodated, the corridor also needs to accommodate a range of utility services. The redevelopment of such a significant length of road also presents an opportunity for a planned and coordinated approach to the undergrounding of power and landscaping of the corridor to provide an attractive streetscape for residents, businesses and passing traffic. All of these requirements are constrained by the available space within the road reserve. As part of the design and the widening to four lanes throughout this section, significant reduction in on-street parking will occur. In guiding the design for Napier Street, VicRoads has undertaken surveys of the existing utilisation of on-street parking, the results of which are discussed below.


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The current design includes provision for some on-street parking at each area of commercial activity, typically two indented on-street parking bays on each side of the road. Behind kerb parking has been included where possible, principally to provide for parking for residential properties. VicRoads has surveyed all residential properties to determine their requirement or position on the requirement and level of on-street parking. The petition requests more off -street parking for the White Hills Shops. Currently off-street parking is provided in front of shops, but predominantly it is located at the rear of those shops fronting Napier Street. A number of the businesses have been required to provide off-street parking as part of the development of the businesses. To supplement the information collected by VicRoads and to specifically address the parking raised in the petition around the White Hills shops, the City undertook a parking survey in both the am and pm period of both the on-street and off-street parking between Tuesday, 5 September 2017 and Thursday, 7 September 2017. The current supply of parking is outlined in the table below.

Location Available bays In Plumridge St between Napier and Raglan St 15

In Plumridge St between Napier and Dundas St 24

In Napier St between Plumridge and Bosquet St 29

8 Plumridge St 30

2 / 501 Napier St 7

503A Napier St 16

507 Napier St 6

509 Napier St 12

Total 139

The results of the survey indicated that across the six data collection times, the occupancy rate across all sites varied between 34% and 46%, with an average occupancy of 37%. This is consistent with the on-street parking survey undertaken by VicRoads at 30 minute intervals from 7am to 7pm over five days in May/June 2016, where the average occupancy between Bosquet Street and Plumridge Street was approximately 42% on the western side and 16% on the eastern side of Napier Street. Based on the current utilisation, with the reduction of parking on Napier Street the average occupancy would increase from 37% to 43%. The peak occupancy would increase from 46% to 54%. If 8 Plumridge Street was not available for car parking following the Napier Street works, the average occupancy across the other sites would increase to 57% with a peak of 72%. Even with the maximum reduction of capacity (reduction in parking on Napier Street and removal of parking on 8 Plumridge Street), the level of occupancy does not justify the acquisition of 8 Plumridge Street. As part of the City parking survey, number plate information was collected for the off street parking at 8 Plumridge Street and 2/501 Napier Street. Whilst these are two separate properties, the parking areas are connected and generally act as one car park. Of the 37 parking bays available, occupancy ranged from 15 to 24 vehicles with an average of 19 vehicles, or 50% occupancy. The number plate survey indicates that this area was occupied with between 12 and 14 staff vehicles per day.


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Whilst staff parking is required, the location of staff parking which generally involves travel to and from the vehicle once or twice a day, and the availability of spaces for customers, needs to be balanced. At the current availability and level of occupancy this would not appear to be an issue. However, with the reduction of parking associated with the Napier Street redevelopment and the current utilisation of the privately owned 8 Plumridge Street, there may be a requirement to better manage staff parking. On-street parking in Plumridge Street between Napier Street and Dundas Street is well suited to staff parking. Walking distance to and from this parking area to businesses is a maximum of 250m via the pedestrian crossing across Napier Street. This would ensure that the most convenient parking at the rear of the shops is available for customers. Desirability for off-street parking was highlighted in the VicRoads survey of people at the White Hills shops. A large number of shoppers preferred to park off-street due to the perceived danger of the on-street parking bays on Napier Street attributable to speed and volume of traffic. The Northern Corridor and Huntly Local Structure Plan adopted by Council in February 2005 identified improvements to the White Hills shopping precinct. Principally, this included continuous shop fronts facing to Napier Street with no setback. The proposal also included the consolidation of off-street parking behind shops to provide a continuous car park with access off Plumridge and Napier Streets. For this car park to eventuate, it requires the utilisation and formalisation of the parking at 8 Plumridge Street and cooperation from other property owners to consolidate and connect the parking on other individual sites. The Plan indicated the requirement for Council to acquire 8 Plumridge Street. However, this arrangement would be inconsistent with parking and ownership arrangements at other suburban shopping areas. The nine properties in the area are owned by five different parties, but the off-street car parking areas are owned by two of these. The four properties between 503 and 509A Napier Street are currently advertised for sale. Three of these are commercial developments and have provided off-street parking as part of the planning permit requirement for the development. If the demand was demonstrated to pursue the plan highlighted in the Northern Corridor and Huntly Structure Plan, further consideration would be required in regard to funding, ownership and management of the consolidated parking. As outlined above, provision of off-street parking has been managed through the planning scheme and further development of sites in the shopping strip would be managed in the same way. As there is only two property owners of the off-street parking and these two property owners own 4 of the 7 existing commercial properties and the one residential property, coordination and development of consolidated parking behind the commercial businesses should be led by the commercial businesses as direct beneficiaries of the car parking. Alternatively, the City could undertake coordination and development of parking under a special charge scheme which has been utilised in the past in similar commercial areas. This would allow the City to recover all or part of the cost in development of the parking from all of the benefitting property owners.


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The development of the Napier Street plans has been undertaken with extensive community consultation by VicRoads. This has included community consultation sessions at three different stages of the development of the design. A project community consultation group (CCG) has also been established with membership including business operators in Napier Street, representative of schools in the area, residents, City of Greater Bendigo, and Greater Bendigo Ward Councillors among others. The CCG has met six times to discuss the range of issues associated with the project. VicRoads have visited all businesses and residences along the route and surveyed residents regarding on-street car parking. Information continues to be provided to the community as the project proceeds. Following the receipt of the petition, information regarding the parking surveys was requested from VicRoads and provided.


The Napier Street redevelopment is funded by the Victorian Government with the City contributing to a section of footpath replacement which was included in the Council budget previously but postponed pending the Napier Street design.

Attachments

Nil.


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2.2 RESPONSE TO PETITION: GOYNES ROAD, EPSOM


Author Brett Martini, Manager Engineering Responsible Craig Lloyd, Director Presentation and Assets Director

Purpose

The purpose of the report is to respond to the petition requesting the reconstruction and upgrade of Goynes Road, Epsom, from the completion of recent works near Acacia Park Drive through to Howard Street.

Summary

The reconstruction of Goynes Road from Buckland Street to 100 metres north of Acacia Park Drive was brought forward to 2016/2017 with works commencing in February 2017 and completed recently. The funding for this work was made available through the deferral of the Tannery Lane reconstruction which was included in Council's 2016/2017 budget, but was deferred to 2017/2018. The northern section of Goynes Road up to Howard Street is in better condition than the section that has been recently reconstructed was and it is considered to be in suitable condition to sustain traffic throughout the Napier Street works. Funding for further reconstruction north of the recently completed works has not been included in the Council's 2017/2018 budget and further works in this area would not be completed without overlapping with the works on Napier Street.

RECOMMENDATION

That Council having considered the petition for reconstruction of Goynes Road, Epsom from Acacia Park Drive up to Howard Street: 1. Continue to monitor the condition of Goynes Road throughout the reconstruction of

Napier Street. 2. Consider the reconstruction of the northern section of Goynes Road for future

Council budgets following the completion of VicRoads' works on Napier Street. 3. Notify the submitter of the petition of Council's decision.

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Policy Context





At Council's Ordinary Meeting on 16 August 2017, a petition was received from residents and ratepayers of the northern end of Goynes Road, Epsom, as outlined below:

"We, the undersigned request that the works in Goynes Road, Epsom be continued up to the Howard Street intersection whilst all the equipment, manpower etc is still in the area. This road will see a massive increase in traffic once the Napier Street works start and before the Scott street works are finished. This section of the road is already starting to breakup and considering that this will only get worse in the very near future only proves our point. Can we see a road count be added to this road both before and after the Napier Street Works? The impact on residents of this section of the road and more so on the East side will only exacerbate the problems as parents of school children are now parking down Goynes Road for after school pickup. This has become a bigger health concern as an increase in the dust is comparable to the increase in traffic. Parking and flow of traffic for the Epsom Primary School should also be attended to as a very high priority before there a major accident and someone being hurt. This Goynes Road saga has been an ongoing request from 2006 ... from residents ... We look forward to a favourable response".

The petition contained 60 signatures and Council resolved that the petition be received and response be prepared within two meetings.


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Report

The recent works on the reconstruction of Goynes Road, Epsom, between Buckland Street to 100 metres north of Acacia Park Drive was undertaken due to a number of factors. The road condition was poor and was due for reconstruction in the coming years. Conversely, reconstruction of Tannery Lane was budgeted to be undertaken in the 2016/2017 financial year. Community consultation and the planning permit process for this project resulted in the opportunity to delay the Tannery Lane reconstruction until 2017/2018 and bring forward the Goynes Road project. Given upcoming VicRoads' works, this arrangement was also desirable to avoid a clash with road works on both Napier Street and Goynes Road at the same time, given their close proximity. These projects were also of similar value resulting in minimal impact on the 2016/2017 Council budget. The works on Goynes Road between Buckland Street and Acacia Park Drive commenced in February 2017 and were completed in August 2017. The northern section of Goynes Road from Acacia Park Drive to Howard Street is in better condition than the section between Buckland Street and Acacia Park Drive was prior to its reconstruction and is considered to be in suitable condition to sustain traffic throughout the Napier Street duplication project. Any extension of the recent construction works north to Howard Street would have extended the works on Goynes Road by many months and resulted in a significant time overlap with the works on Napier Street, which are now underway. A detailed design for reconstruction of the northern section has not been undertaken. This would need to be completed prior to any works commencing. As the 2017/2018 Council budget was developed early in 2017 and adopted on 21 June 2017, the reconstruction of the northern section of Goynes Road was not included in the 2017/2018 budget. The condition of this section will be monitored and the reconstruction of the section of Goynes Road between Acacia Park Drive and Howard Street will be reviewed for reconstruction following the duplication of Napier Street. The petition also outlines concerns regarding parking and traffic associated with the Epsom Primary School. The school is currently being redeveloped and over time additional students are expected at the school. Typically, increasing student numbers also result in increased traffic management and parking pressures. Unfortunately for Local Government, State schools are exempt from planning permits. Hence Local Government does not get the opportunity to consider traffic and parking impacts of these developments within a local context and therefore, is unable to include appropriate planning permit conditions on the development that address traffic and parking issues. Whilst there are constraints around the site in regard to parking, the school and City of Greater Bendigo (the City) continue to work together to address these challenges. The school is situated at the northern end of the Bendigo Creek Trail which provides for an excellent facility for students south of the school to walk or cycle to school in a safe environment away from vehicular traffic. Similarly, the installation of the school crossing on Goynes Road in early 2015 provides for students from the Goynes Road area to safely walk or cycle to school.


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As part of the detailed design process for reconstruction of the northern section of Goynes Road up to Howard Street, parking requirements of the school particularly for drop-off and pick-up, will be discussed directly with the school.


The City has been in consultation with the Department of Education and Training regarding the anticipated growth in student numbers at the school.


The preliminary budget for the reconstruction of the northern section of Goynes Road to Howard Street, and modification to the Howard Street intersection is in the vicinity of $1M. This preliminary amount will be reviewed and refined as the project and design is further developed.

Attachments

Nil.

Presentation and Managing Growth - Reports Ordinary Meeting - 18 October 2017

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3. PRESENTATION AND MANAGING GROWTH

3.1 9 PRATTS PARK ROAD, STRATHDALE 3550 - 15 LOT SUBDIVISION, CONSTRUCTION OF A DWELLING ON EACH LOT AND REMOVAL OF NATIVE VEGETATION


Author Chris Duckett, Coordinator Planning Responsible Bernie O’Sullivan, Director Strategy and Growth Director

Summary/Purpose

Application details: 15 lot subdivision, construction of a dwelling on each lot and removal of native vegetation

Application No: DS/265/2017

Applicant: Captive Developments Pty Ltd

Land: 9 Pratts Park Road, STRATHDALE 3550

Zoning: General Residential Zone

Overlays: Bushfire Management Overlay

No. of objections: 4

Consultation meeting:

A meeting was held on 11 August 2017 attended by 3 objectors, the applicant and three ward councillors.

Key considerations: The principle of residential development in this location;

Whether the proposed subdivision is an appropriate outcome which respects neighbourhood character and complies with other ResCode requirements;

Whether there will be an adverse impact on traffic safety;

Loss of native vegetation;

Whether the site is suitable from a bushfire safety perspective.

Conclusion: The site is in a good location to provide new housing in terms of accessibility to employment opportunities, leisure and shopping facilities. The proposal will provide additional housing in an urban area in line with Council strategies whilst preserving neighbourhood character.

It is recommended that Council grant a Notice of Decision to grant a planning permit.


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RECOMMENDATION

Pursuant to section 61 of the Planning and Environment Act (1987), Greater Bendigo City Council resolve to issue a Notice of Decision to Grant a Permit for a 15 lot subdivision and removal of native vegetation at 9 Pratts Park Road, STRATHDALE 3550 subject to the conditions at the end of this report:

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Policy Context

City of Greater Bendigo Community Plan 2017 – 2021

Goal 4: Presentation and managing growth

Planning, developments and infrastructure that increase our liveability and pride in where we live.

Goal 6: Embracing our culture and heritage

Recognise and celebrate our unique history and diverse cultures.

Report

Subject Site and Surrounds

The site is located on the corner of McIvor Road and Pratts Park Road and comprises an irregular shaped parcel of land with an area of 9,365 square metres. The land has a fall of around 4m from west to east. Located on the site is a single storey dwelling and some scattered vegetation. To the immediate north of the site is a water channel which is zoned public use. The surrounding context of the site is somewhat mixed, with sparsely developed low density zoned land located to the north and east, general residential to the west and north west. On the opposite side of McIvor Road there is industrial land and the Greater Bendigo National Park.


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Figure 1: Location map showing subject site. Objectors’ properties marked with a star.

Proposal

The proposal is to subdivide the land into 15 lots, construct a dwelling on each lot and remove the native vegetation. The lots range in size from 365 to 862 square metres. Lots 1 and 15 will front Pratts Park Road, lots 2 to 9 will front the internal road and lots 10 to 14 will front McIvor Highway. All lots will be accessed by a new road from Pratts Park Road with a court bowl at the end. A dwelling will be constructed on each lot. As all the lots are over 300 square metres, a dwelling only requires a planning permit under the Bushfire Management Overlay (BMO). Therefore there are no design details for the dwellings as the BMO only requires bushfire protection measures to be provided with the application. Such measures include the required Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) rating that the dwelling has to be constructed to and the amount of defendable space. The native vegetation comprises two remnant patches and a single tree located towards the western boundary.


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Figure 2: Subdivision layout with vegetation removal shown hatched.

Planning Controls - Greater Bendigo Planning Scheme

The following clauses are relevant in the consideration of this proposal: State Planning Policy Framework

11.02 Urban growth

11.05 Regional development

11.12 Loddon Mallee South regional growth

12.01-2 Native vegetation management

13.05 Bushfire

15.01 Urban environment

15.02 Sustainable environment

16.01 Medium density housing Municipal Strategic Statement

21.05 Compact Greater Bendigo

21.09 Integrated Transport and Infrastructure

22.08 Highway Entrances and Boulevards Policy Other Provisions

32.08 General Residential Zone

44.06 Bushfire Management Overlay

52.17 Native vegetation

52.47 Planning for Bushfire

56 Residential Subdivision


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65 Decision Guidelines


Referrals The following authorities and internal departments have been consulted on the proposal:

Referral Comment

Powercor No objection subject to conditions

Coliban Water No objection subject to conditions

Tenix No objection subject to conditions

Country Fire Authority No objection subject to conditions

Traffic & Design No objection subject to conditions

Drainage No objection subject to conditions

Public Notification The application was advertised by way of notice on the site and letters to adjoining and nearby owners and occupiers. As a result of advertising, 4 objections were received, with the grounds of objection summarised as:

Failure to comply with a series of clause 56 objectives;

Traffic hazard;

No demand for housing. A neighbour also stated that the advertising notice was placed on adjoining land rather than the site. This was relayed to the applicant who confirmed that the neighbour was correct. The advertising notice was subsequently relocated on the land for a further 14 days. The objections are discussed in the assessment below.

Planning Assessment

Is the principle of an increase in residential density in this location appropriate from a planning policy perspective? Clause 11.05-4 Regional planning strategies and principles has the objective of developing regions and settlements which have a strong identity, are prosperous and are environmentally sustainable.


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Of relevance to this application is the strategy to promote liveable regional settlements and healthy communities by improving the availability of a diverse range of affordable accommodation, including social housing, in locations with good access to transport, commercial facilities and community services. Clause 11.12 Loddon Mallee South regional growth includes strategies which promote Bendigo as a regional city which seek to facilitate increased residential densities for underutilised sites and land in Bendigo. Clause 13.05 Bushfire seeks to assist to strengthen community resilience to bushfire and includes the overarching strategy of prioritising the protection of human life over other policy considerations in planning and decision-making in areas at risk from bushfire. The site is affected by a Bushfire Management Overlay (BMO) which was imposed on the land on 3 October 2017. Bushfire risk is discussed in greater detail below. Clause 16.01 Residential development promotes a diverse range of housing that meet community needs in locations that offer good access to services and transport and that is both water and energy efficient. Clause 21.02- Key issues and influences outlines the background to the concept of Compact Greater Bendigo which the Residential Strategy promotes in order to strengthen the urban growth boundary and improve housing and transport options. Clause 21.05 Compact Greater Bendigo provides further detail on the concept, in particular clause 21.05-3 10 minute neighbourhoods which has the goal of creating a network of 10 minute neighbourhoods where people can access many of their daily needs within a 10 minute walk or cycle trip from where they live. Also of relevance in clause 21.05 is sub-clause 21.05-4 Housing density and diversity. This seeks to provide a greater choice in housing types and densities that responds to the lack of dwelling size choice in Bendigo, in particular dwellings with less than 3 bedrooms. The site is not within 400m of an activity centre; services in the area are limited and it does not have a bus route within walking distance. However, the site is within the urban growth boundary, is on an arterial road and consequently does have convenient road access to Bendigo. Therefore the proposal meets local and State objectives in terms of being an appropriate location for housing. Residents have raised concerns about the impact of an increase in density. Whilst it is acknowledged that this subdivision would result in an increase in density, an application should not be refused on the basis of density unless it can be demonstrated that the level of density would result in a poor planning outcome. Residents have also asserted that there is no demand for the type of housing proposed. However, the Greater Bendigo Residential Strategy highlights, that in recent years, about 40% of housing development has been met by infill development in existing older areas. This suggests that there is a demand for this type of housing.


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Clause 21.09-1 Integrated transport and land use planning is a Council strategy that provides a series of targets with a focus on moving away from private motor vehicles as the dominant form of transport. The site is currently poorly serviced by public transport, however the strategy does seek to improve public transport connections between Heathcote and urban Bendigo, including services for Axedale and Junortoun. It is anticipated therefore that in due course, public transport connections to the site will be improved. The site is also not currently well connected for walking and cycling. This topic is considered in the ResCode assessment below. Clause 22.08 Highway Entrances and Boulevards Policy has a policy basis and strategies which seek to enhance the character and image of the various approaches to Bendigo including McIvor Highway. It is important that this subdivision creates a positive impression when approached from the east of the municipality as the site is effectively a gateway to the suburb of Strathdale and the wider urban area of Bendigo. Enhancement of the area is particularly important as currently the approach to the Pratts Park Road intersection from Junortoun is somewhat degraded by the industrial land opposite the site. The question of the appearance of the subdivision is discussed in more detail below. In summary, from a strategic policy perspective, there are no reasons why a planning permit should be not granted for this subdivision. Does the proposed subdivision design result in an acceptable neighbourhood character and urban design outcome? This is a proposal which requires consideration of the challenge of balancing State and local planning policies which encourage consolidation of new housing within established urban areas against the need for development to be respectful of existing neighbourhood characteristics. Neighbourhood character is referenced as an important consideration throughout the Planning Scheme including Clauses 15.01 Urban Environment, 16.01 Residential Development, 32.08 General Residential Zone and 56 Residential Subdivision. Unlike much of the urban area of Bendigo, this site is not covered by a residential character policy which provides guidelines for appropriate development. Therefore it is necessary to undertake a review of the area to determine what features define the character of the area. Although the site adjoins some low density residential land to the north and on the opposite side of Pratts Park Road, given that the site is in GRZ fronting McIvor Highway it is more appropriate to consider McIvor Highway as defining the character of the area. Another reason for doing this is that the low density areas on the west side of Pratts Park Road have been identified as being suitable for rezoning as part of the Housing Strategy, albeit that this piece of work is at an embryonic stage. This suggests that the low density character that exists now will be subject to change into the future and should not be used too rigidly in an assessment of existing character.


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The average lot size of the proposed subdivision is 505 square metres. This is a lot size which is less than others in the area. However, the width of the lots proposed, mostly between 14m and 16m, are generally in keeping with other GRZ lots. In principle, the area and widths of the lots are deemed an appropriate character response as it would be possible to build dwellings with appropriate setbacks around them to maintain a relatively spacious setting. Does the proposal comply with Clause 56 (ResCode) requirements? The principal purpose of Clause 56 Residential subdivision is to create liveable and sustainable neighbourhoods and urban places with character and identity. It is a requirement of Clause 56 that a development must meet all of the objectives of the clause and should also meet all of the standards. The application has been assessed against all relevant objectives and is deemed to comply. Those most relevant to the application, including those raised by objectors, are discussed below: C6 Neighbourhood character The objective is to design subdivisions that respond to neighbourhood character. In addition to respecting existing character the standards include a requirement to integrate with the surrounding environment. The question of neighbourhood character is considered above. C7 Lot diversity and distribution The relevant objectives are to achieve housing densities that support compact and walkable neighbourhoods and the efficient provision of public transport services and to provide a range of lot sizes to suit a variety of dwelling and household types. The standard in this clause includes that: A range and mix of lot sizes should be provided including lots suitable for the development of:

Single dwellings.

Two dwellings or more.

Higher density housing.

Residential buildings and Retirement villages. The concerns raised by neighbours are that there are too many small blocks and therefore the layout does not meet the lot diversity objective. It is correct that there should be a mix of lot sizes as per the standard but the intent of this clause is not to create larger lots as this would be contrary to the objective of creating compact neighbourhoods.


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If anything, the proposal does not create diversity in terms of providing lots for smaller dwellings as it is unlikely that there will be two dwellings on a lot or higher density housing. However, in this instance that is an acceptable outcome as the character of the area is generally single dwellings on generous lots. Introducing higher density housing forms in this area is likely to result in an outcome which would not be respectful of neighbourhood character. C8 Lot area and building envelopes The objective of this policy is to provide lots with areas and dimensions that enable the appropriate siting and construction of a dwelling, solar access, private open space, vehicle access and parking, water management, easements and the retention of significant vegetation and site features. Concerns raised by neighbours relate to two storey dwellings being built on the lots. The height of dwellings could be controlled by imposing three dimensional building envelopes as a condition on the planning permit. However, this would only be reasonable if it was necessary to protect a significant streetscape character. Officers are of the view that such a restriction would be too onerous as it may not make the most efficient use of the land and could stifle innovative design. C10 Street orientation The objective is to provide a lot layout that contributes to community social interaction, personal safety and property security. The standards in this clause are:

Subdivision should increase visibility and surveillance by:

Ensuring lots front all roads and streets and avoid the side or rear of lots being oriented to connector streets and arterial roads.

Providing lots of 300 square metres or less in area and lots for 2 or more dwellings around activity centres and public open space.

Ensuring streets and houses look onto public open space and avoiding sides and rears of lots along public open space boundaries.

Providing roads and streets along public open space boundaries. The applicant’s initial proposal was that all the lots would be orientated to the internal road with high solid fences to the rear boundaries fronting McIvor Highway and Pratts Park Road. Officers raised concerns that this would not meet the objective of increasing visibility and surveillance to and from the new footpaths that are to be provided at both road frontages. The siting of the rear of dwellings and high fences would also create a poor urban design outcome in terms of the presentation and appearance to McIvor Highway and Pratts Park Road and not meet the objectives of the Highways and Boulevards policy discussed above.


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The applicant subsequently agreed to amend the application so that lots 1 and 10 to 15 would be rear loaded lots with their frontages to McIvor Highway and Pratts Park Road. This revised design is considered to meet the objective and an appropriate condition will be imposed requiring the built form to meet specified design guidelines in terms of dwelling orientation, setbacks, fencing and connections with footpaths. C11 Common area objectives Neighbours have questioned why there is no common area. There is no common property because the subdivision design includes a public road. C12 Integrated urban landscape objectives The standard in this objective says that a subdivision should be accompanied by a landscape design. Neighbours have questioned how this clause can be complied with as a landscape plan has not been provided. For small subdivisions such as this, it is not unusual for the requirement to be met through placing a condition on a permit should one be granted. C15 Walking and cycling network C17 Neighbourhood street network C18 Walking and cycling network detail C20 Neighbourhood street network The above clauses seek to create a safe neighbourhood street system, encourage walking and cycling and reduce car use. Neighbours have concerns that that there is no proposed design for linking the development with movement networks. The site is not currently well connected with movement networks as there are no footpaths in Pratts Park Road and the nearest footpath on McIvor Road ends at Whittington Court, 130m to the west of the site. The City’s engineers have advised that if the footpath is constructed at the front of the site, the remaining missing link in the footpath network will get some priority in the budgeting process. The City’s engineers and VicRoads have both determined that there will be a footpath requirement as a result of the subdivision. It is proposed to impose conditions that footpaths are to be constructed at the developer's cost on both the McIvor Road and Pratts Park Road frontages. As a result of this requirement the subdivision will improve movement networks and ensure the objectives of these clauses are met. C21 Lot access objective The objective is to provide safe vehicle access between roads and lots. Neighbours have concerns that the access to Pratts Park Road will be dangerous but the City’s engineers and VicRoads are satisfied that it will function in a safe manner.


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C29 Fire hydrants objective The objective is to provide fire hydrants and fire plugs in positions that enable fire fighters to access water safely, effectively and efficiently. Fire hydrants are required to be provided no more than 120 metres from the rear of each lot. As a number of the lots are over 120 metres from the nearest hydrant, a new hydrant will be required to be installed in the internal road reserve. C30 Public lighting objective The objective is to provide public lighting to ensure the safety of pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles. Neighbours are of the view that an electrical plan needs to be provided with the application. This is not correct. Public lighting will be provided through planning permit conditions to the internal road and Pratts Park Road. Removal of native vegetation The vegetation proposed to be removed has low biodiversity value and has been deemed as appropriate for removal subject to the provision of vegetation offsets. Are bushfire planning requirements met? The Bushfire Management Overlay (BMO), which was amended on 3 October 2017, includes mapping to show what land it applies to and written provisions which set out the planning scheme requirements. The BMO also includes two local schedules, one of which affects this site. The Schedule sets out what bushfire protection measures are required for the construction of one dwelling on a lot in existing urban areas, as documented in the table below.

Requirement Comment

The dwelling must be constructed to BAL-12.5.

A Bushfire Management Plan (BMP) has been submitted which documents that dwellings will be built to BAL-12.5. The BMP will be endorsed as part of the planning permit.

Defendable space of 30 metres or to the property boundary whichever is the lesser.

Defendable space will be provided on each lot up to the property boundary.

A static water supply of between 2,500 and 5,000 litres.

Lots less than 500 square metres will have a tank of 2,500 litres. Lot greater than 500 square metres will have a tank of 5,000 litres.


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Requirement Comment Vehicle access built to a road standard with a turning area for a fire truck.

The internal road will have a turning area of the required standard.

Clause 52.47 Planning for Bushfire also applies and this clause sets out the bushfire protection measures that a subdivision should meet. It is noted that some of the protection measures required in clause 52.47 for a subdivision are higher than those required by the Schedule for construction of dwellings on a lot. This would appear to be an anomaly in the new bushfire provisions and the Country Fire Authority (CFA) have advised that they are satisfied that the lower bushfire protection measures for individual dwellings are appropriate. Subject to some minor changes to the BMP, CFA are supportive of the proposal. It is considered that bushfire risk can be safely managed and the proposal meets the relevant objectives of the BMO.

Conclusion This subdivision seeks to provide modest housing growth within the area, whilst aiming to be respectful of neighbourhood character. Balancing increased densities with neighbourhood character is not an uncommon challenge and one which will inevitably become more commonplace and arguably unavoidable as the City seeks to achieve a sustainable increase in densities in urban areas to meet population growth. Local residents do have some valid concerns over the potential impacts of the proposal, including on existing neighbourhood character and traffic impacts. However, any impacts need to be weighed against the need to maximise the use of existing urban land such as this site. In this instance it is concluded that there is insufficient reason to refuse the development and it recommended that Council supports the proposal.

Options

Council, acting as the responsible authority for administering the Planning Scheme, may resolve to: grant a permit, grant a permit with conditions, or refuse to grant a permit.

Attachments

Objections


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Proposed Notice of Decision Conditions

1. AMENDED PLAN Before the development starts an amended Bushfire Management Plan in accordance with the requirements of condition 8 must be submitted to and approved by the responsible authority.

2. LAYOUT PLANS The subdivision, as shown on the endorsed plans, must not be altered without the prior written consent of the responsible authority.

3. LANDSCAPE PLAN Before a statement of compliance is issued for the subdivision a landscape plan must be submitted to the satisfaction of the responsible authority. When approved, the plan will be endorsed and then form part of the permit.

4. COMPLETION OF LANDSCAPING Before a statement of compliance is issued for the subdivision the landscaping works shown on the endorsed must be carried out and completed to the satisfaction of the responsible authority.

5. LANDSCAPING MAINTENANCE The landscaping works shown on the endorsed plans must be maintained to the satisfaction of the responsible authority for 24 months after the works are completed, including that any dead, diseased or damaged plants are to be replaced.

6. SECTION 173 AGREEMENT - MANDATORY BUSHFIRE SUBDIVISION Before the statement of compliance is issued under the Subdivision Act 1988 the owner must enter into an agreement with the responsible authority under Section 173 of the Planning and Environment Act 1987. The agreement must:

State that it has been prepared for the purpose of an exemption from a planning permit under Clause 44.06-2 of the Greater Bendigo Planning Scheme.

Incorporate the plan prepared in accordance with Clause 52.47-2.4 of this Planning Scheme and approved under this permit.

State that if a dwelling is constructed on the land without a planning permit that the bushfire protection measures set out in the plan incorporated into the agreement must be implemented and maintained to the satisfaction of the responsible authority on a continuing basis.

The land owner must pay the reasonable costs of the preparation, execution and registration of the Section 173 Agreement.

7. BUSHFIRE MITIGATION MEASURES The bushfire protection measures forming part of this permit or shown on the endorsed plans, including those relating to construction standards, defendable space, water supply and access, must be maintained to the satisfaction of the responsible authority on a continuing basis. This condition continues to have force and effect after the development authorised by this permit has been


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completed.

8. COUNTRY FIRE AUTHORITY (i) Hydrants

(a) Prior to the issue of a Statement of Compliance under the Subdivision Act 1988 the following requirements must be met to the satisfaction of the CFA:

Above or below ground operable hydrants must be provided. The maximum distance between these hydrants and the rear of all building envelopes (or in the absence of building envelopes, the rear of the lots) must be 120 metres and the hydrants must be no more than 200 metres apart. These distances must be measured around lot boundaries.

The hydrants must be identified with marker posts and road reflectors as applicable to the satisfaction of the Country Fire Authority.

Note –CFA’s requirements for identification of hydrants are specified in ‘Identification of Street Hydrants for Firefighting Purposes’ available under publications on the CFA web site (www.cfa.vic.gov.au). (ii) Amended Bushfire Management Plan required

Before certification under the Subdivision Act 1988, an amended bushfire management plan (BMP) must be submitted to and endorsed by the Responsible Authority. The plan must be included as an annexure to the section 173 agreement prepared to give effect to Clause 44.06-3 of the City of Greater Bendigo Planning Scheme.

The BMP must be substantially in accordance with the Drawing Number 1131201 BMP, Sheet 1, Revision B, dated 09/10/2017 and must show the following bushfire mitigation measures, unless otherwise agreed in writing by the CFA and the Responsible Authority: (a) Defendable Space

Show an area of defendable space for all lots to the property boundary where vegetation (and other flammable materials) will be modified and managed in accordance with the following requirements:

Grass must be short cropped and maintained during the declared fire danger period.

All leaves and vegetation debris must be removed at regular intervals during the declared fire danger period.

Within 10 metres of a building, flammable objects must not be located close to the vulnerable parts of the building.

Plants greater than 10 centimetres in height must not be placed within 3m of a window or glass feature of the building.

Shrubs must not be located under the canopy of trees.

Individual and clumps of shrubs must not exceed 5 sq. metres in area and must be separated by at least 5 metres.

Trees must not overhang or touch any elements of the building.

The canopy of trees must be separated by at least 2 metres.

There must be a clearance of at least 2 metres between the lowest tree branches and ground level.

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


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(b) Construction Standard

All dwellings will be designed and constructed to a minimum Bushfire Attack Level of BAL – 12.5.

(c) Water supply (Nominal Locations Only)

Show 5,000 litres of effective water supply for Lots 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 15 and show 2,500 litres of effective water supply for Lots 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 12, 13 and 14 for firefighting purposes which meets the following requirements:

Is stored in an above ground water tank constructed of concrete or metal.

All fixed above-ground water pipes and fittings required for firefighting purposes must be made of corrosive resistant metal.

Include an outlet for occupant use.

9. PUBLIC OPEN SPACE CONTRIBUTION Before the statement of compliance is issued the applicant or owner must pay to the responsible authority a sum equivalent to 4.5% of the site value of all the land in the subdivision.

10. DESIGN GUIDANCE- LOTS 1 and 10 TO 15 Prior to the certification of the plan of subdivision, design guidance for lots 1 and 10 to 15 as shown on the subdivision layout plan must be submitted and approved by the responsible authority. The design guidance must include the following requirements: (a) Any dwelling constructed on lot 1 must be designed to address (front) Pratts

Park Road including pedestrian access. Vehicle access to the dwelling must be from the internal road only.

(b) Any dwelling constructed on lot 15 must be designed to address (front) Pratts Park Road or McIvor Highway including pedestrian access. Vehicle access to the dwelling must be from the internal road only.

(c) Any dwellings constructed on lots 10 to 14 must be designed to address (front) McIvor Highway including pedestrian access. Vehicle access to each dwelling must be from the internal road only.

(d) The front street setback for the dwellings on lots 1 and 10 to 14 must be a minimum of 4 metres.

(e) The front and side street setback (other than for the internal street) for the dwelling on lot 15 must be a minimum of 4 metres.

(f) Any fencing constructed along the boundary abutting Pratts Park Road and McIvor Highway must be no higher than 1.5m, have a minimum permeability of 25% and include a pedestrian gate.

(g) Any garages or carports can be either attached or detached from the dwellings and can be setback from the internal road by 0.0m.

The design guidance approved is an endorsed document under the Planning Permit and must be registered on title in the form of Memorandum of Common Provisions pursuant to Section 91A of the Transfer of Land Act, 1958.

11. DETAILED DRAINAGE Prior to the certification of the plan of subdivision under the Subdivision Act


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1988, 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 will form part of the permit. The plans must be drawn to scale with dimensions. The plans must include:

Direction of stormwater run off

A point of discharge for each lot;

Independent drainage for each lot.

Stormwater detention: Q1% = 73 l/s Q20% = 27 l/s

Stormwater quality

Easements as required.

12. CONSTRUCTION OF WORKS Road works, drainage and other civil works must be constructed in accordance with the Infrastructure Design Manual and plans and specifications approved by the responsible authority and must include:

Internal Road (a) Fully sealed 1.5m pavement with kerb and channel; (b) Underground drainage; (c) Underground conduits for water, gas, electricity and telephone; (d) Appropriate street lighting and signage;

Pratts Park Road (a) 1.5m paved footpath (b) Underground conduits for water, gas, electricity and telephone; (c) Appropriate street lighting and signage;

McIvor Road (a) 1.5m paved footpath.

13. CITY OF GREATER BENDIGO ASSETS Before the development starts, the owner or developer must submit to the responsible authority a written report and photos of any prior damage to public infrastructure. Listed in the report must be the condition of kerb & channel, footpath, seal, street lights, signs and other public infrastructure fronting the property and abutting at least two properties either side of the development. Unless identified with the written report, any damage to infrastructure post construction will be attributed to the development. The owner or developer of the subject land must pay for any damage caused to any public infrastructure caused as a result of the development or use permitted by this permit.

14. CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT PLAN Prior to commencement of works the owner or applicant must submit a “Construction Management Plan” (CMP) for approval by the responsible authority. This plan shall include, but not be limited to;

A site specific plan showing proposed erosion & sedimentation control works,

Techniques and intervention levels to prevent a dust nuisance,

Techniques to prevent mud and dirt being transported from the site to


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adjacent streets and

The protection measures taken to preserve any vegetation identified for retention.

During construction of works associated with the subdivision, the must employ and provide the protection methods contained in the CMP to the satisfaction of the responsible authority.

15. CONSENT FOR WORK ON ROAD RESERVES

The applicant must comply with;

The Road Management Act 2004,

Road Management (Works and Infrastructure) Regulations 2005 and

Road Management (General) Regulations 2005 with respect to any requirements to notify the Coordinating Authority and/or seek consent from the Coordinating Authority to undertake “works” (as defined in the Act) in, over or under the road reserve. The responsible authority in the inclusion of this condition on this planning permit is not deemed to have been notified of, or to have given consent to undertake any works within the road reserve as proposed in this permit.

16. SECTION 173 AGREEMENT - MINIMUM GARDEN AREA REQUIREMENT Prior to the certification of the plan of subdivision, the owner must enter into an agreement under Section 173 of the Planning and Environment Act 1987, which provides that any lot created must provide the minimum percentage of garden area required at ground level as set out in clause 32.08-4 of the Greater Bendigo Planning Scheme to the satisfaction of the responsible authority. The agreement must include a mechanism which would allow the responsible authority to vary or delete the garden area requirement by written consent, in the event of legislative changes.

17. VICROADS (a) All disused or redundant vehicle crossings must be removed and the area

reinstated to surrounding conditions to the satisfaction of and at no cost to the Roads Corporation and the Responsible Authority prior to the commencement of the use or the occupation of the buildings or works hereby approved.

(b) Before the plan of subdivision is submitted to the Responsible Authority for certification under the Subdivision Act 1988, the following amendments to the plans submitted with the application must be made: (i) A 5 metre by 5 metre corner splay must be provided at the intersection

of Pratts Park Road and the McIvor Highway; (ii) Any land set aside as Road must be labelled “ROAD” on the plan of

subdivision. (c) Prior to the issue of a Statement of Compliance, the following must be

completed to the satisfaction of and at no cost to the Roads Corporation or the responsible Authority: (i) Sealed footpaths must be provided for the full length of the southern

boundary connecting to the ‘New Court’ subdivisional road on Pratts Park Road.

18. COLIBAN WATER


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(a) The owner is required to provide reticulated water and sewerage services to each of the lots within the subdivision and comply with any requirements arising from any effect of the proposed development on Coliban Water assets. Services are to be provided in accordance with our specifications.

(b) The owner must reach agreement with Coliban Water for the provision of piping the Axe Creek Rural Channel that runs parallel to the Northern Boundary of the site.

(c) The northern boundary of the development site must be fenced with a full height colorbond fence or equivalent. No gates are to be installed in the fences leading into the crown land.

(d) All Coliban Water assets within the subdivision, both existing and proposed, are to be protected by an easement in favour of Coliban Region Water Corporation.

19. POWERCOR

(a) The plan of subdivision submitted for certification under the Subdivision Act 1988 shall be referred to Powercor Australia Ltd in accordance with section 8 of that Act.

(b) The applicant shall provide an electricity supply to all lots in the subdivision in accordance with Powercor’s requirements and standards, including the extension, augmentation or re-arrangement of any existing electricity supply system, as required by Powercor (A payment to cover the cost of such work will be required). In the event that a supply is not provided the applicant shall provide a written undertaking to Powercor Australia Ltd that prospective purchasers will be so informed.

(c) Where buildings or other installations exist on the land to be subdivided and are connected to the electricity supply, they shall be brought into compliance with the Service and Installation Rules issued by the Victorian Electricity Supply Industry. The applicant shall arrange compliance through a Registered Electrical Contractor.

(d) Any buildings must comply with the clearances required by the Electricity Safety (Network Assets) Regulations.

(e) Any construction work must comply with the Officer of the Chief Electrical Inspector No Go Zone rules.

(f) Set aside on the plan of subdivision 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 to service the subdivision. 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 at a nominal rental with a right to extend the lease for a further 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.

(g) 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.


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(h) Obtain for the use of Powercor Australia Ltd any other easement external to the subdivision required to service the lots.

(i) Adjust the position of any existing easement(s) for powerlines to accord with the position of the line(s) as determined by survey.

(j) Obtain Powercor Australia Ltd’s approval for lot boundaries within any area affected by an easement for a powerline and for the construction of any works in such an area.

(k) Provide to Powercor Australia Ltd, a copy of the version of the plan of subdivision submitted for certification, which shows any amendments which have been required.

20. TELECOMMUNICATIONS

The owner of the land must enter into an agreement with: (a) A telecommunications network or service provider for the provision of

telecommunication services to each lot shown on the endorsed plan in accordance with the provider’s requirements and relevant legislation at the time.

(b) A suitably qualified person for the provision of fibre ready telecommunication facilities to each lot shown on the endorsed plan in accordance with any industry specifications or any standards set by the Australian Communications and Media Authority, unless the applicant can demonstrate that the land is in an area where the National Broadband Network will not be provided by optical fibre.

(c) Before the issue of a Statement of Compliance for any stage of the subdivision under the Subdivision Act 1988, the owner of the land must provide written confirmation from:

(d) A telecommunications network or service provider that all lots are connected to or are ready for connection to telecommunications services in accordance with the provider’s requirements and relevant legislation at the time.

(e) A suitably qualified person that fibre ready telecommunication facilities have been provided in accordance with any industry specifications or any standards set by the Australian Communications and Media Authority, unless the applicant can demonstrate that the land is in an area where the National Broadband Network will not be provided by optical fibre.

21. AUSNET SERVICES (GAS)

The plan of subdivision submitted for certification must be referred to AusNet Services (Gas) in accordance with section 8 of the Subdivision Act 1988.

22. EXPIRY OF THE PERMIT (a) The plan of subdivision is not certified within two years from the date of this

permit; or (b) The subdivision is not completed within five years from the date of

certification of the plan of subdivision. The responsible authority may extend the time for certification of the plan if a request is made in writing before the permit expires or within six months afterwards.


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3.2 PLAN GREATER BENDIGO


Author Bridget Maplestone, Strategic Planner Projects Responsible Bernie O’Sullivan, Director Strategy and Growth Director

Purpose

The purpose of this report is to provide an update on Plan Greater Bendigo and to seek Council endorsement of a draft Plan Greater Bendigo and draft Plan Greater Bendigo Implementation Plan for the purposes of community consultation.

Summary

Plan Greater Bendigo has been prepared in collaboration with the Victorian Planning Authority and the regional office of the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, with input from various agencies, stakeholders, Council and the community. Plan Greater Bendigo is about being proactive in planning and advocating for the delivery of infrastructure as the population grows to an expected 200,000 by around 2050. Plan Greater Bendigo and the Plan Greater Bendigo Implementation Plan present a consolidated list of 18 infrastructure projects which will help in transforming Greater Bendigo over a 30 year time period. The final selection of projects has been based on a variety of factors including scale, transformational impact, whether the project could be delivered as part of core business, and whether the project is consistent with State and Local policy. Plan Greater Bendigo builds on the existing work and strategies already prepared by Council, State Government, as well as considering privately led initiatives. There are also some new ideas which although in their infancy build on the unique and competitive strengths of Greater Bendigo. Plan Greater Bendigo is deliberately aspirational. It presents a collective vision for how the delivery of infrastructure will be used to not only support population and employment growth, but in better connecting and creating healthier more inclusive communities. The next step in the process is to consult with the community, stakeholders and government agencies on the Plan Greater Bendigo draft documents. This will include views around the current list of projects, identifying if there are any projects missing and any ideas around progressing initiatives.


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Following consultation, a further report will be put to Council summarising the consultation findings, with any proposed changes and requesting that Council adopt Plan Greater Bendigo and commence implementation.

RECOMMENDATION

That the Greater Bendigo City Council resolves to:

1. Endorse the draft Plan Greater Bendigo and the draft Plan Greater Bendigo Implementation Plan, for the purposes of community consultation.

2. Receive a further report summarising community and stakeholder feedback, and any changes to the documents following consultation.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Policy Context

Community Plan 2017-2021: Lead and govern for all

1.5 Take a leadership role in regional planning, advocacy and work in partnership with regional councils.

Regional Strategic Plan Reference: Plan Greater Bendigo will be the first stage in implementing the Loddon Mallee South Regional Growth Plan (now the Loddon Campaspe Regional Growth Plan). This will include building on relationships between the regional councils, improving regional connections and determining infrastructure priorities which will benefit not only the City but the region more broadly. Rural Communities Strategy (Issues and Impacts): Rural communities will be both considered and involved in the process of preparing Plan Greater Bendigo. Reducing social isolation through inclusive growth, increasing education levels and improving connections are important issues which will be considered in the preparation of Plan Greater Bendigo. There are specific projects included within the draft Discussion Paper which are of direct relevance to rural communities. These include ‘connectivity' for small towns and neighbouring regional centres and ‘community hubs’.


The previous Minister for Planning launched the Loddon Mallee South Regional Growth Plan (LCRGP) on 29 April 2014. This includes the six municipalities of Greater Bendigo, Campaspe, Central Goldfields, Loddon, Macedon Ranges and Mount Alexander. The plan is one of eight regional growth plans for Victoria and informs the land use principles and future directions for growth in the region.


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On 20 July 2016, Minister Wynne announced “Plan Bendigo” as the first stage of implementing the LCRGP. In November 2016, the City received funding support from the Victorian Planning Authority (VPA) for the preparation of Plan Greater Bendigo. This funding has enabled the City to appoint an officer to work on the project until January 2018 and to backfill their position. Two groups were established to help oversee and contribute to Plan Greater Bendigo. This includes a Steering Committee with high level representation from the City, VPA, Regional Development Victoria, Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, and Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources. The Mayor has also been appointed to Chair this committee. The Technical Reference Group has representation from various State Government agencies and stakeholders including Bendigo Bank, the Urban Development Institute of Australia and Be.Bendigo. City officers working with the VPA, with input from the Steering Committee and Technical Reference Group, prepared a draft Plan Greater Bendigo discussion paper. The discussion paper outlined a series of 70 infrastructure projects of benefit to Greater Bendigo and the region. The purpose of the discussion paper was to inform big picture thinking, ideas and discussion around what projects will not only support population and employment growth but will transform Greater Bendigo and set it apart from other regional cities. The City consulted with the community for a period of six weeks from 20 March to 28 April 2017 using a variety of engagement techniques. These included an Urban Development Institute of Australia lunch, attendance at a variety of listening posts across Greater Bendigo, a video, media releases, full page advertisements, a brochure distributed in post offices and cafes, website updates and an online and hard copy survey. A total of 294 completed surveys were received, with a further 19 written submissions. The top five projects identified were:

Securing Bendigo’s long term water supply (integrated water opportunities);

Outer arterial road;

Bendigo law courts;

Managing groundwater – turning a problem into a resource;

Bendigo Creek improvements. Each of these projects has been included in some form in the draft Plan Greater Bendigo documents. Previous Council Decision Dates: 16 November 2016 – Council adopted the initial project scope and project timelines, as well as appointing the Mayor as the Chair of the Plan Bendigo (now Plan Greater Bendigo) Steering Committee.


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15 March 2017 - Council endorsed the draft Plan Greater Bendigo Discussion Paper for the purposes of community consultation and agreed to receive a further report summarising the feedback and changes to the Draft Plan Greater Bendigo Discussion Paper following consultation. 21 June 2017 - Council noted the findings from the consultation on the Draft Plan Greater Bendigo Discussion Paper and resolved to proceed with the preparation of Plan Greater Bendigo.

Report

Determining the final selection of projects Plan Greater Bendigo has always been about determining a small number of transformational infrastructure projects of benefit to Greater Bendigo and to support growth in the broader Loddon Campaspe region. These projects generally transcend Council or a single agency and will require the support of multiple agencies and often private sector investment to effectively deliver. Therefore while the majority of the 70 projects listed in the Plan Greater Bendigo Discussion Paper have merit, it was about working through this list to ensure that the final list of projects will not only support population, employment and housing growth, but if delivered have the potential to fundamentally change the fabric and shape the City for generations. This may include changing the way we get around, leading to a healthier and more inclusive community, maximising our natural resources, or creating a strong city core driving investment, residential and visitor growth. The following figure highlights the steps involved in determining the final selection of projects.


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Overall each of the 18 listed projects:

Are consistent with local and/or State policy;

Support economic growth and development;

Are in addition to Council’s ongoing service offerings;

Benefit and are valued by the community;

Have support and commitment by agencies/organisations to deliver. Draft Plan Greater Bendigo and Plan Greater Bendigo Implementation Plan The draft documents provide an overview of the project, its purpose and the consultation process so far. Both documents provide a summary around where we are now and where we aspire to be as we move towards 2050 through the delivery of these projects. This helps to paint a picture of how the delivery of these projects will help to transform the City. Plan Greater Bendigo then provides a single sentence summary of each project, with the Implementation Plan going into more detail, outlining each of the steps involved over the short, medium and longer term to deliver the project. A summary implementation plan is provided at the end of each document.


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Next Steps The next step is for community engagement and consultation on this draft list of projects. During the consultation process we will be asking the community for their thoughts on this draft list and whether there are any projects missing. This feedback will then be reviewed, summarised and reported back to the Steering Committee, Technical Reference Group and Council. Based on this feedback, relevant changes will be made to the draft documents. A report will then be put to Council summarising the feedback received, changes made and then requesting Council to formally adopt Plan Greater Bendigo. Priority/Importance: Plan Greater Bendigo is an important project for the City which has the involvement of multiple State Government agencies and stakeholders. Having a clear framework in place which identifies infrastructure priorities, will help to attract investment and to advocate to government for investment in important infrastructure projects. Options/Alternatives: Council has the option of endorsing the draft Plan Greater Bendigo and Plan Greater Bendigo Implementation Plan for consultation in full, in part, or not consulting on the draft documents. Timelines: Plan Greater Bendigo commenced in November 2016 with a final Plan Greater Bendigo due to be completed by January 2018. Progress: Council is currently meeting the milestones for this project. The key milestones for this project are outlined in the following figure.


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Risk Analysis: The City has received funding from the Victorian Planning Authority for the delivery of Plan Greater Bendigo. Delaying consultation on Plan Greater Bendigo may mean that Council does not meet its funding commitments. Given the agency and stakeholder input into the project it may also lead to adverse government agency and stakeholder relations and may even potentially impact on the future funding of projects.


Internal Consultation: Officers in the Regional Sustainable Development Unit have invited feedback from Managers and the Executive Management Team in the process of preparing the draft Plan Greater Bendigo. External Consultation: An extensive consultation program is proposed over a six week period from Monday, 23 October through to Friday, 1 December. Consultation will include:

Media releases

Video


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Website updates

Flyer

Letters and meetings with government agencies

Survey available both online and in hard copy format

Presenting to various stakeholders and groups


Budget Allocation in the Current Financial Year: $35,000 has been allocated to Plan Greater Bendigo in this financial year. External Funding Sources: Council has received a $150,000 grant from the VPA for this project. This has enabled the City to dedicate a staff member to this project and to backfill their position. In addition, the VPA will provide $80,000 and the City $50,000 in-kind support for the project. The consultation for the draft Plan Greater Bendigo Discussion Paper will be funded from the Regional Sustainable Development budget.

Attachments

1. Draft Plan Greater Bendigo 2. Draft Plan Greater Bendigo Implementation Plan


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3.3 DRAFT PUBLIC TOILET STRATEGY


Author Andy Walker, Manager Property Services Responsible Craig Lloyd, Director Presentation and Assets Director

Purpose

The purpose of this report is to: 1. Provide an update on the City of Greater Bendigo's Draft Public Toilet Strategy. 2. Seek Council's endorsement of the Draft Public Toilet Strategy for the purposes of

community consultation via public display for comment.

Summary

The provision of public toilets contributes to the liveability of the City of Greater Bendigo. Public toilets are essential public infrastructure for residents, workers and visitors to the City, as they improve public amenity and activation of public spaces and also support social activities that are inclusive for all ages and abilities. The provision of such services remains a core activity of local government. There are currently 54 public toilets in the municipality managed by the City. There are also numerous publically available toilets primarily located in shopping centres and car parks that support the City’s public toilet network, as well as private toilets operated by commercial businesses that are also accessed by the public regularly. This total includes eight public toilets, predominately in rural areas, which the City does not own or manage, but does provide support including monetary or maintenance support towards their operation. In the 2016/17 budget, Council endorsed the business case for the Property Services Unit to undertake a Public Toilet Strategy. The aim of the Public Toilet Strategy is to improve the quality, location and standard of public toilets across the City of Greater Bendigo enhancing the amenity and health and wellbeing of all residents and visitors to the municipality, as well as informing future capital works programs.


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RECOMMENDATION

That the Greater Bendigo City Council resolves to: 1. Endorse the Draft Public Toilet Strategy for the purposes of community consultation. 2. Receive a further report summarising the feedback and changes to the Draft Public

Toilet Strategy following community consultation.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Policy Context



Planning, developments and infrastructure that increase our liveability and pride where we live.

Objective 4.4 Keep Greater Bendigo attractive with good quality public facilities and places.

Maintain and upgrade essential buildings and infrastructure in a sustainable manner.


Develop and adopt best-practice asset management principles.


The concept for the Draft Public Toilet Strategy was derived from the 'Public Toilet Design Brief' (the Brief) produced by the Building and Property Unit (now known as Property Services Unit) in September 2011 and revised in October 2013. The Brief had an asset management focus and called for a further analysis of the data collected during the review of the public toilets at the time. Additionally, it was acknowledged at the time that public engagement would also be required in order to gain a full understanding of usage and demand. The Brief also detailed aspects to be considered and incorporated in the design or upgrade of public toilet facilities, in order to ensure the installation and maintenance of adequate public toilet facilities. 'The importance of good design choices such as building materials assists in facilitating the ease of management and cleaning, and may increase the longevity of these facilities through reduced vandalism.' An audit of all public toilet facilities was also conducted in 2011 to determine the condition of each facility within the municipality and gather key property condition data and review the current maintenance and cleaning schedules.


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The results highlighted major inequality in the condition and quality of public toilets, as well as parts of the municipality that did not have adequate or any public toilet facilities at all. With the additional information collected from the audit and the creation of a Brief, the business case was prepared in 2013 and in subsequent years. In 2016, the budget submission for the 2016/2017 budget was successful and work commenced to engage a suitable consultant to produce a strategy for the municipality in 2017.

Report

It is important to understand that public toilets are key community assets that facilitate the liveability of our City for residents and visitors. Planisphere (the Consultants), who were appointed through a procurement process and evaluation, were given a scope for the project that asked them to prepare a strategy that would address the provision and availability of public toilets for the City that are safe, accessible, clean and are of a high quality. The strategy would be framed in accordance with City's Draft Public Toilet Design Brief and include key performance standards for safety, demand, universal accessibility, service levels and sustainability. The strategy provides an overarching framework and strategic direction for the design, construction, maintenance, renewal and future upgrade of public toilets across Greater Bendigo. Although Councils are not obligated either statutorily or legislatively to provide public toilets, they are still high on community expectations to not only be provided, but be clean, safe and easily accessible. The City is not the only government agency that is a provider of public toilets but is publically presumed to be in more cases than not. Therefore, in order to meet community expectations, the City must not just provide these facilities, but it must plan for their existence, ongoing maintenance and renewal and future location. If this is not done well, issues around facilities not being fit for purpose, attracting antisocial behaviour and not being located in the right places become difficult to address in a systematic, cost effective and timely manner. Key Tasks The consultants were asked to collate and consolidate the extensive background work undertaken and information collected by City officers in previous years. The consultants then obtained additional information through facilitated workshops with City officers and other stakeholders and used this information to address and make recommendations on the following issues:


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Availability and locations

Universal accessibility and compliance

Future growth

Safety

Promotion and signage

Cleanliness and management

Design and sustainability

Decommissioning or reuse

Community expectation and demand

Special/major events Priority/Importance: Creating the world's most liveable community can be achieved when our essential community assets such as public toilets are strategically planned, maintained and managed. Public toilets are a major point of difference in the assessment visitors and locals make when using a City facility as much as when they are shopping, enjoying an event or exploring our rural townships. This strategy warrants a high priority on the City and Community agenda. Options/Alternatives: The Strategy's Network Distribution recommendations include several site specific actions, but also strategic directives that will not only see the City's current facilities provide a better service, but also see rural areas, neighbourhoods and public and play spaces benefit from better planning, management and investment into public toilets. It is recommended that the City actively explore opportunities for partnerships with the private sector for the construction of public toilets. These opportunities may be realised as part of the planning process for the development of private commercial sites, as well as sites under management of Committees of Management and other incorporated community bodies. This would reduce the City's capital outlay as well as the ongoing maintenance and management costs for the life of the facility. It would also ensure communities and businesses alike are appropriately engaged and as a consequence, reduce the potential for marginalisation and improve the overall perception of public toilets. Timelines: The following are the key dates for the development of the Draft Public Toilet Strategy. Preliminary work was conducted some years prior to the strategy itself commencing in February 2017. The completed strategy is expected to be prepared and ready for Council adoption in January 2018.


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Risk Analysis: Without the guidance and direction provided by a strategy, the City’s public toilets will continue to be managed in an ad-hoc and reactive way which is not productive or efficient and can become costly. Public anguish might arise and unintentional discrimination could occur through facilities not being accessible to everyone.


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Capital works planning based on the 2010 audits do not consider the location, proximity, future growth and planning work already undertaken through existing strategies and master plans. The reputation of and tourism to the City of Greater Bendigo may suffer as it may become known as a regional city with substandard public toilets.


The strategy is predominantly based on a combination of City asset data and information received via an extensive community consultation and engagement process, conducted with the general public as well as key stakeholders. Stakeholder workshops, listening posts, a community survey and various online and social media methods were utilised to gather public and professional opinions, perceptions and key issues on the topic. A number of existing City strategies and master plans have also been considered including:

Residential Development Strategy 2014

Commercial Land and Activity Centre Strategy 2015

Greater Bendigo Public Space Plan (under development - 2017)

Environment Strategy 2016-2021

CBD Plan 2005

Play Space Strategy 2008

Walking and Cycling Strategy 2006

Public Health and Wellbeing Plan 2013-2107

Community Access and Inclusion Plan

Municipal Early Years Plan 2015-2018

Various community plans for small towns (e.g. Heathcote, Elmore, Axedale, Raywood, etc.)

Internal Consultation: Internal stakeholder workshops with key City staff invited. The first workshop was to introduce the project to City units and to workshop issues and opportunities regarding the provision of public toilets in the municipality. The second workshop was conducted once the first draft of the strategy was received. Staff were asked to work through the key priorities and locations for construction, renewal and upgrades of public toilet facilities to meet our current strategies as highlighted in the Draft Public Toilet Strategy document.


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The workshops were facilitated by the project consultants. Staff invited:

Manager Property Services, Andy Walker

Manager Community Partnerships, Steven Abbott

Manager Parks & Open Space, Debbie Wood

Manager Active & Healthy Lifestyles, Lincoln Fitzgerald

Coordinator Property, Stephen Van der Werf

Coordinator Public Space Design, Aaron Lindsay

Place Manager, Philip DeAraugo

Senior Strategic Planner, Mark Stubbs

Senior Disability Inclusion Officer, Jolie Middleton

Facilities Team Leader, Amy Johnston External Consultation: 1. Community Group workshop with key community groups to introduce the project to

community groups and to workshop issues and opportunities regarding the provision of public toilets in the municipality.

The workshop was facilitated by the project consultants. Community Groups invited:

Bendigo Business Council (Be.Bendigo)

Bendigo Traders Association

Bendigo Community Health Services

Raywood Progress Association

Kamarooka Community Committee

Neilborough Progress Association

Sebastian Progress Association

Woodvale Progress Association

Elmore Progress Association

Advance Heathcote

Redesdale and District Association

Axedale Our Town Our Future

Victoria Police

The Salvation Army (Chill Out space volunteers)

Bendigo Taxi Association

Scope

Noah’s Ark

Positive Ageing Advisory Committee

Disability Inclusion Reference Committee

Interchange

Distinctive Options

Amicus

Bendigo Special Development Group (school)

Carer Support Services Bendigo Health

RIAC

FreeZa Youth Group

Youth Worker Network

Alzheimer’s Australia

Parks Victoria

Golden City Support Services

Anglicare Victoria

BDAC

Riding for the Disables

Long Gully Neighbourhood Centre


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2. Business Group workshop with key businesses to introduce the project to

businesses and to workshop issues and opportunities regarding the provision of public toilets in the municipality.

The workshop was facilitated by the project consultants. Business Groups invited:

Bendigo Business Council

Bendigo Traders Association

Bendigo Tourism Board

Bath Lane Traders

Empowering Eaglehawk

Heathcote Tourism and Development Inc.

Strathfieldsaye and District Community Enterprise

Business and Community Network 3556 (BCN3556) Eaglehawk

Public Transport Victoria

Australian Commercial Maintenance

Ausbright

3. Pop up listening posts facilitated by the project consultants and City staff held at the

following locations:

Bendigo CBD – the Bendigo Library, Mall and Bath Lane

Marong – outside the existing public toilets

Heathcote – at the Visitors Information Centre 4. Online and hardcopy survey promoted through social media and local newspapers.

925 surveys were completed and submitted

202 Facebook comments submitted In addition to the above formally organised consultation, the City has been contacted by several individuals and organisations wishing to convey their opinions, suggestions, experiences and information on the topic. All of which have been forwarded to the consultants for their consideration during this process.


Budget Allocation in the Current Financial Year: $620,000 for Capital works. External Funding Sources: The State Government has committed $100,000 for a Changing Places facility in Bendigo as part of the Changing Places funding program. The location for the Changing Places facility will be the Hargreaves Street Multi Storey Carpark. These public toilets have been highlighted as average condition, high usage and high profile requiring renewal. Extra funding may be required to upgrade these facilities to ensure a successful Changing Places facility.


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Projected costs for future financial years: Approximately $8M over the next ten years. Any ongoing recurrent expenditure required: With new facilities and upgrades recommended, there will be an ongoing increase in operating costs including maintenance, cleaning, security and utility costs.

Attachments

1. Draft Public Toilet Strategy 2017-2027

Wellbeing and Fairness - Reports Ordinary Meeting - 18 October 2017

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4. WELLBEING AND FAIRNESS

4.1 NAMING OF NEW POOL AT KANGAROO FLAT


Author Aleisha Verwoert North, Communications Manager Responsible Craig Lloyd, Director Presentation and Assets Director

Purpose

For Council to confirm the name for the new aquatic and wellbeing centre currently under construction in Kangaroo Flat.

Summary

From June 1, 2017 – June 30, 2017 the City of Greater Bendigo ran a naming competition, inviting the community to submit names for the new aquatic and wellbeing centre. The City received 25 submissions. At the August 16, 2017 Council meeting, Council provisionally named the new facility the ‘Gurri Wanyarra Wellbeing Centre’. The Office of Geographic Names advised the City of Greater Bendigo to consult with the community on the provisional name. The community was given 30 days (August 19 – September 18, 2017) to object to the name. The City received 63 submissions (this does not include where an individual has submitted multiple times, however all submissions received have been printed in this report). Two of the 63 submissions were late and a further submission was received but it was illegible so has not been included. The submissions can be summarised as follows:

Five submissions supported the proposed name

One submission suggested an alternate indigenous name for the facility, with the main pool to be named after Faith Leech

One submission suggested naming the Bendigo Aquatic Centre after Faith Leech

The remaining submissions objected to the proposed name. However it should be noted some submissions suggested using ‘Gurri Wanyarra’ in other ways (e.g. giving the surrounding parkland an indigenous name, naming the learn to swim pool Gurri Wanyarra)

Two petitions objecting to the provisional name were also submitted, one during the 30-day consultation period and another after the consultation period had closed.


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A petition with 452 signatures was tabled at the September 20, 2017 Council meeting. Council agreed for the petition to be considered as part of this report. A petition with 44 signatures was received late and will be tabled at the October 18, 2017 Council meeting, to be considered as part of this report.

RECOMMENDATION

That in accordance with the Office of Geographic Names Policy, Council accept all submissions and petitions and consider them as part of the decision-making process on whether to endorse the provisional name of the facility being the Gurri Wanyarra Wellbeing Centre and resolve to: (a) Adopt the name 'Gurri Wanyarra Wellbeing Centre' as the permanent name for the

new complex at Kangaroo Flat; and (b) Commence community consultation on a proposal to rename the Bendigo Aquatic

Centre located on Barnard Street, Bendigo to become 'Faith Leech Aquatic Centre'.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Policy Context


Goal 1

Lead and govern for all

Effective community engagement will guide well-informed, responsive decision-making and financially responsible resource allocations, which are transparent and accountable

Objective 1.1 Goal 2 Objective 2.2

Engage with all communities Encourage community participation by citizens in the development of new strategies and policies. Wellbeing and fairness Inclusive policies, partnerships and projects that increase access, improve health and learning opportunities, by building better connections and quality of life for all.

Promote positive wellbeing across the Greater Bendigo community

Prioritise efforts to promote physical and mental wellbeing Design settings and environments that can create better health outcomes


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Background information

When complete, the $31M Greater Bendigo Indoor Aquatic and Wellbeing Centre will feature an eight lane, 50m swimming pool, hydrotherapy/warm water pool and spa, children’s splash/play/learn to swim pool, sauna, gymnasium, multipurpose rooms, café, change rooms, landscaped lawn areas and carpark. This will be a centre for health, wellness, competitive sport and recreation. The new facility is expected to attract 420,000 visitors each year, which is based off several visits per year from the primary (Greater Bendigo) and secondary (central Victoria) catchment zones. It should be noted that while the new facility will have some seating capacity for events, the Bendigo Aquatic Centre remains the most suitable venue for major swimming carnivals due to its ability to accommodate temporary seating catering for more than 800 spectators. A recent example includes the Victorian Country Championships, the pinnacle of long course event swimming in Victoria, which was held at Bendigo Aquatic Centre. School swimming carnivals, which require large participant and spectator capacity, could not be accommodated at the new facility. Short course swimming competitions, which are traditionally held in winter, and winter school swimming programs would be held at the new facility. All three levels of government have invested in this project and the community will contribute $1M through a fundraising campaign being coordinated by the Kangaroo Flat Community Enterprise. The total amount raised from the community to date is more than $500,000. The project is currently under construction and is expected to be completed by the end of the 2017/2018 financial year. Previous Council Decision(s) Date(s): Wednesday June 15, 2016 Council awards the aquatic centre construction tender to Behmer and Wright Pty Ltd Wednesday August 16, 2017 Council provisionally names the new facility the ‘Gurri Wanyarra Wellbeing Centre’, subject to a 30-day public consultation process.

Report

Following the initial consultation process calling for possible names for the new aquatic and wellbeing centre, the City of Greater Bendigo was advised by the Office of Geographic Names to consult with the community on the provisional name it selected. On August 19, 2017 the City of Greater Bendigo placed a public notice in the Bendigo Advertiser advising people may submit an objection to the provisional name by September 18, 2017.


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The Office of Geographic Names states objections need to address the following points:

Your interest in the naming proposal – e.g. if your address is affected or you have a personal link with the place and/or name

Reasons why the name is not appropriate, including how it is considered to not comply with the Naming rules for places in Victoria – Statutory requirements for naming roads, features and localities – 2016.

Not all objections received strictly met these criteria, however the City has chosen to consider all submissions (both objections and those in support). The City received 63 submissions (this does not include where an individual has submitted multiple times, however all submissions received have been printed in this report). Two of the 63 submissions were late and a further submission was received but it was illegible so has not been included. The submissions can be summarised as follows:

Five submissions supported the proposed name

One submission suggested an alternate indigenous name for the facility, with the main pool to be named after Faith Leech

One submission suggested naming the Bendigo Aquatic Centre after Faith Leech

The remaining submissions objected to the proposed name. However it should be noted a number of submissions supported the use of ‘Gurri Wanyarra’ in other ways (e.g. giving the surrounding parkland an indigenous name)

One of the submissions came from the Dja Dja Wurrung Aboriginal Corporation noting it respected Council’s decision but would support an alternative name for the facility and suggested naming the wider area/precinct Gurri Wanyarra. Two petitions objecting to the provisional name were also submitted, one during the 30-day consultation period and another after the consultation period had closed. A petition with 452 signatures was tabled at the September 20, 2017 Council meeting. Council agreed for the petition to be considered as part of this report. A petition with 44 signatures was received late and was not tabled before Council. Priority/Importance: Council needs to make a decision regarding the name so as officers can commence the formal endorsement process through the Office of Geographic Names and begin marketing the facility with its new name.


N/A


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Name suggestions

1 I object to the pool being named "Gurri Wanyarra” Wellbeing Centre because we have a more suitable and fitting name available for this great Complex i.e. the "Faith Leech Aquatic and Wellbeing Centre" Faith did Bendigo proud in the 1956 Olympics as a swimmer, and this is a wonderful opportunity to honour her name.

2 I object to the currently proposed name for the new pool at Kangaroo Flat because I feel it does not reflect what the centre is for and is irrelevant to most Bendigo people

3 Thank you for the opportunity to express our opinion on the proposal to name our new health complex the "Gurri Wanyarra Wellbeing Centre". However, we would like to express our disappointment in this process that someone, maybe you, may choose to consider this, or any, objection unworthy of presentation to council. If this is found to be in this case with this submission, then we ask that you please advise us. Furthermore, we accept that there needs to be guidelines for this process, but having to wade through a one hundred and fifty page document to ensure correctness would frighten most people away from making a submission. Our interest is based on us living close to this centre and our intention to utilise this new facility as well as being proud citizens of Bendigo for most of our lives. Firstly we would state that we object to the proposed name "Gurri Wanyarra Wellbeing Centre. We would like to support the alternative name being publicly promoted, i.e. "The Faith Leech Wellbeing Centre" which would be in line with the naming of the Peter Krenz centre. We believe that Gurri Wanyarra was chosen in today's climate of political correctness, and anyone who should speak against the idea of acknowledging our indigenous people here would be labelled a racist whose opinion should not be considered. However we would be more than happy to support other sites for the name Gurri Wanyarra, e.g. the passive recreation area to be developed on the west side of the gateway park between Browning & Alder Streets Kangaroo Flat. If Gurri Wanyarra are indigenous words for Kangaroo Waterhole, as reported in the Bendigo Advertiser Saturday Aug'19th, then the naming of this new complex Gurri Wanyarra must be considered at least inappropriate and difficult to reconcile for this modern facility. The alternative name we support, The Faith Leech Wellbeing Centre, is an opportunity to recognise and honour a person whose achievements and contribution to Bendigo through swimming & business have been well recorded and we should not need to expand on these in this email.


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The suggestion that her name be used or relegated to a minor facility within this complex is offensive to us and may even be humiliating to Ms Leech's family. Finally, please consider, if there were a need for the emergency services to be called to a problem at Gurri Wanyarra, delays could result because this name is never likely to be part of normal language outside of Bendigo and its spelling may add to this problem.

4 As residents of Kangaroo Flat since 1981, our family would like to support the naming of the new indoor swimming facility as, The Faith Leech Aquatic and Well Being Centre' and the reserve to acknowledge the custodians of the land on which it is built as the Gurri Wanyarra Reserve. As well as being The Greater City of Bendigo's only Gold medal Olympian, Faith also taught many children to swim including our three daughters. She was an inspiration to our middle daughter, as both our daughter and Faith Leech suffered from severe scoliosis of the spine. Faith used swimming as a form of therapy in her younger days and showed how it was possible to manage the condition through swimming. She was an excellent, patient and kind teacher. We recognise that the council's endorsement of a Dja Dja Wurrung name for the pool is part of the Reconciliation Plan which we fully support. However, in this instance, we think it is more fitting that the Aquatic Centre be named after Faith Leech. The reason for this, is the particular connection between Faith Leech's life and swimming, just as the particular connection of Sir Douglas Nicholls to Australian football is recognised by the naming of the Thornbury Oval after him. The aboriginal people have demonstrated a much stronger connection to Australian football than to competitive swimming. We suggest a useful addition to the Reconciliation Plan would be to rename the Queen Elizabeth Oval with an appropriate Dja Dja Wurrung name as well as the Browning Street Reserve.

5 I favour the new Kangaroo Flat Pool be named to honour the memory of Faith Leech. Acknowledgement and naming of Aboriginal sites has developed into consistent agitation against European Values. The 1967 referendum recognized Indigenous citizens, John Howard acknowledged the Stolen Generation. Kevin Rudd apologized and Julia Gillard committed personal and finances in preference of a minority citizenship. The agitation is endless - time to end - name the pool after a worthy European.

6 Thank you for your e-mail re the naming of the pool. I like many are disappointed that the pool is not going to be named after Faith Leech. While I think there is a place for the Aboriginal name to be somehow incorporated, I feel that Faith should be honoured for her contribution to Bendigo and naming a swimming pool after her would be very apt as she won a bronze and a gold medal for swimming at the 1956 Olympics.


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There are other places in Bendigo named for important Bendigonians; Anne Caudle instantly springs to mind and I think it would be so fitting if the new swimming complex was named after Bendigo's only Olympic medal winning athlete. I think her achievements should live on and that naming the pool after her would be most appropriate. I do hope council will change their mind.

7 Totally agree with your decision to call our new pool Gurri Wanyarra. It has kangaroo and water in its name, very appropriate. Faith Leech was a great Bendigo icon for her swimming achievements so why hasn’t there been a hue and cry over honouring her in the last 50 years while she was alive. Eaglehawk renamed their pool The Peter Krenz centre to honour him. Why can’t the more relevant Aquatic Centre be renamed The Faith Leech pool to pacify all the current complainants. Stick to your decision please.

8 We support naming the Aquatic and Wellbeing Centre being constructed at Browning Street, Kangaroo Flat as the Gurri Wanyarra Aquatic and Wellbeing Centre. These are our reasons:

1. Gurri Wanyarra is a thoughtful response linking an indigenous name with an appropriate connection to the location – that is Kangaroo Flat and waterway.

2. Gurri Wanyarra as a name is appropriate as it does not link the facility to a point in time ie the 1956 Olympics and one person’s swimming achievement.

3. Gurri Wanyarra as a name does not create individual or community expectations or ongoing precedents that involve winning a race/game/competition and getting a significant facility named after you.

4. Naming the Aquatic and Wellbeing Centre after Faith Leech implies that her contribution to swimming and community wellbeing was monumentally significant. There would be many others in our community who feel that their success and community contributions are equally (or more) worthy.

5. There does not appear to be any connection between Faith Leech and Kangaroo Flat and its community.

We do not support the naming compromise put forward by the Kangaroo Flat Community Enterprise which is renaming the Browning Street reserve as the Gurri Wanyarra Reserve and then the Aquatic and Wellbeing Centre as the Faith Leech Aquatic and Wellbeing Centre. We do however support naming the Reserve AND the Aquatic and Wellbeing Centre as the Gurri Wanyarra Aquatic, Sports and Wellbeing Complex or the Gurri Wanyarra Recreation and Wellbeing Complex.

9 I refer to the recent decision of Council to approve a name for the City of Greater Bendigo Aquatic and Wellness Centre as Gurri Wanyarra Wellbeing


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Centre. I believe that the name chosen by Council has little or no relevance to the Residents of Bendigo. The particular part of Kangaroo Flat has been dug over more than 150 years ago and any cultural connection to the land by the traditional owners of the particular land has been lost. The City of Greater Bendigo should celebrate the wonderful contribution to our city of Faith Leech. Her contribution will long be remembered as a special achievement in our own county and state at the time of the 1956 Olympics. I believe it is fitting to acknowledge her personal contribution to our national performance at the 1956 Olympic Games. Should Council not agree with the name Faith Leech then I suggest the name be City of Greater Bendigo Aquatic and Wellness Centre.

10 Surely the new community pool at Kangaroo Flat should be named the Faith Leech Aquatic and Wellbeing Centre. This lady at least profiled Bendigo's name as an outstanding swimmer and used her skills to after her competitive days teach people with disabilities how to swim. By all means give the land/reserve the complex is on the title after the Gurri Wanyarra people. Any community projects involving community monies should where possible be name after persons who have helped put Bendigo's name in the headlines.

11 We would like to call the pool the Faith Leech Aquatic Centre because she has done such a wonderful job for Bendigo and swimming was her forte. She needs to have recognition. Bendigo doesn’t even have much Aboriginal background.

12 We would like to call the pool the Faith Leech Aquatic Centre because she has done such a wonderful job for Bendigo and swimming was her forte. She needs to have recognition. Bendigo doesn’t even have much Aboriginal background.

13 I am a resident of Kangaroo Flat. I object to the naming of the new aquatic facility as the Gurri Wanyarra Wellbeing Centre, as I believe there is a missed opportunity to more appropriately recognise both the Traditional Owners of the area, and a local sporting legend. I understand and acknowledge the cultural significance of the land this facility sits on, and the nearby Bendigo Creek. As such, I believe naming the entire reserve Gurri Wanyarra Reserve, and naming the pool facility the Faith Leech Aquatic and Wellbeing Centre would be a more appropriate recognition of both the cultural and sporting history of the area. I have put forward this proposal to Dja Dja Wurrung Clans CEO Rod Carter and Chairman Trent Nelson, and they agree with my sentiments. They, too, believe it would be more appropriate to recognise the important


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Traditional Owner history through the landscape, and recognise a modern sporting legend with a new, modern facility. Therefore, I urge the City of Greater Bendigo councillors to respect the wishes of both the Traditional Owners of this city, and the local community groups and schools who lobbied to build the pool, and acknowledge the proposed suggestion above.

14 In 2009, the residents of Kangaroo Flat took part in a series of meetings to develop the Kangaroo Flat Community Plan. It was the number one priority of residents to see a new swimming pool built in this community. Now in 2017, we are seeing this resident driven pool complex become a reality. However, no local resident came up with the name of GURRI WANYARRA AQUATIC CENTRE. This has been a council driven process and i strongly recommend that council consider the pool complex to be known as the FAITH LEECH AQUATIC CENTRE. Faith Leech is Bendigo’s only Olympic gold medallist in swimming and an absolute legend of our community. Why not consider the landscape and name the total land area of the pool complex and surrounding sporting fields as the GURRI WANYARRA RESERVE. I have closely watched the events of recent weeks and below is the summary of events that should have seen the naming of the FAITH LEECH AQUATIC CENTRE.

Thursday 1st June

The City of Greater Bendigo launches an advertising campaign at the site of the Aquatic and Wellbeing Centre where it is announced that

‘’The Greater Bendigo community is invited to submit their ideas for an appropriate name for the new Greater Bendigo Indoor Aquatic and Wellbeing Centre which is under construction in Browning Street, Kangaroo Flat.

Mayor Margaret O’Rourke said, ‘’I look forward to hearing what the public thinks a facility like this should be called. The person of family who submits the chosen name will be invited to a preview pool party.’’

When questioned by media representatives as to who will be judging the entries it was advised that the council elected Community Reference Group would look at the entries and make a recommendation to council.

Tuesday 11th July

Council officers met with members of the Community Reference Group. (Cr. Rod Fyffe and Cr. Matt Emond) were also in attendance.”

It was the unanimous view of the Community Reference Group that the $31 million Aquatic and Wellbeing Centre be known as the Faith Leech Aquatic


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Centre.

This was also reflected by the entries for council’s ’’Name Our Pool Competition’’. The Community Reference Group members that attended this meeting were Geoff Bowyer ( Kangaroo Flat Community Enterprise), Shelley Mulqueen (Sports Focus), Alan Besley (Kangaroo Flat Community Enterprise), Cheryl Axell ( Swimming Representative)

Sunday 13th August

Members of the Community Reference Group discover that their recommendation for the ‘’Faith Leech Aquatic Centre’’ has been overlooked.

One of the Community Reference Group has stated “I thought we had decided on the pool complex being named after Faith Leech and now I wonder what was the point of being at this meeting to advise on the pool name if they then take no notice of our recommendation.”

Wednesday 16th August

In the Bendigo Advertiser, a report declares that Dja Dja Wurrung, Chairman, Trent Nelson says that it was the City of Greater Bendigo who approached the corporation to provide a name for the Aquatic Complex.

The City of Greater Bendigo now has an opportunity to ‘’RIGHT A WRONG’’ and name the fantastic new pool complex as the FAITH LEECH AQUATIC CENTRE.

15 We wish to object strongly to the insulting proposal to name the beginners pool after Faith Leech. She was a great swimmer and holder of Olympic records and has done much in her post competitive life to teach swimming to people with disabilities. She is truly one of Bendigo’s champions and deserves appropriate recognition. She is one of those who have made Bendigo famous. Her family has been long entrenched in Bendigo both socially and commercially and is deeply respected for its achievements. We believe she deserves to have the entire centre named after her or at the very least the main pool. She did not bring fame to Bendigo by her feats in a baby pool. Perhaps the whole Public Purposes Reserve in which the centre is situated could be named and signed as “Gurri Wanyarra Reserve”

16 Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the provisional name of the new pool in Kangaroo Flat. I wish to object to the provisional name of the Gurri Wanyarra Wellbeing Centre for the name of the new pool at Kangaroo Flat. My reason for the objection: This name refers to only one group in our society,


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and could be understood to only be used for the wellbeing of indigenous people, as are other facilities in our community. Conversely, should the pool be named the Faith Leech Aquatic and Wellbeing Centre, this would honour a person who displayed dedication enough to rise to represent her city and country in an international event - something that any young person could aspire to.

17 As a regular user of the Kangaroo Flat outdoor pool, I am disappointed in the proposed name for the Kangaroo Flat indoor swimming complex. I would much prefer the name Faith Leech Aquatic Centre. Some councillors were concerned about whether she represented all of the community. As an Olympian, I believe she represents all Australians. That is what our Olympians do - represent their nation. I therefore think that the whole complex should be named after her, as someone who has represented our nation on our behalf and won gold as well. The Gurri Wanyarra name, which I understand means kangaroo waterhole, would be a much better name for the learn to swim pool. The pool could then have Aboriginal paintings of kangaroos at the waterhole and the children of our community will be exposed to our Aboriginal heritage from a young age in a way they can relate to. I understand you have a difficult job in choosing the final name, but this is my suggestion as to how both preferred names are incorporated in a way I think better represent the Kangaroo Flat community.

18 The proposed name for this asset is not descriptive of its role in this city. Global Mapping is commonplace for all locations, “Water Sports and Recreational Facility-Bendigo” for example would mean more to the rest of the world.

19 I oppose the name GURRI WANYARRA because it has no connection with what is on offer at the new complex. Faith Leech's name is closely aligned with all of the aquatic experiences that are being promised. She is an Olympic dual medallist who contributed to the Bendigo community in so many ways and it is right and respectful that she should be honoured by the new complex bearing her name. Councillor Flack, You are my elected representative on the City of Greater Bendigo Council. I totally oppose the decision made by Council to bypass the opportunity to name the Kangaroo Flat Aquatic Centre after local identity and dual medallist, Faith Leech. What an insult to suggest naming a "learn to swim" pool after her. I have forwarded a letter addressed to "All councillors" at the City of Greater Bendigo which I trust you will take the opportunity to peruse. I fully support the proposal by the Director of the Kangaroo Flat Community Enterprise, Geoff Bowyer, to name the aquatic centre to honour and


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perpetuate the memory of Bendigo's Olympic champion, Faith Leech. Surely the wishes of the Kangaroo Flat Community Enterprise should be respected?? Cr Wrigglesworth, You are my elected representative on the City of Greater Bendigo council. I am totally opposed to the decision by councillors to bypass the opportunity to name the above aquatic centre after local identity and Olympic dual medallist, Faith Leech. What an insult to suggest naming a "learn to swim " pool after her. I have forwarded a letter addressed to "All councillors" at the City of Greater Bendigo, which I trust you will take the opportunity to peruse. I support the proposal by the Director of the Kangaroo Flat Community Enterprise, Mr Geoff Bowyer, that the Aquatic Centre should be named to honour and perpetuate the memory of Bendigo's Olympic champion, Faith Leech. Surely, the wishes of the Kangaroo Flat community should be respected?? In response to ‘Name debate rages on, Pool challenge is possible’ Bendigo Advertiser, Saturday August 19 2017. I am utterly appalled that the City of Greater Bendigo councillors would by-pass the opportunity to name the Kangaroo Flat Aquatic Centre after local aquatic champion, Faith Leech. What were they thinking? Faith Leech overcame significant medical issues in her early life and demonstrated considerable determination to become an Olympic dual medallist by the age if fifteen at the 1956 summer Olympics held in Melbourne. What a champion!! Post-Olympic success she returned to Bendigo and contributed to the community through her involvement with the JM Leech jewellery business, founded by her parents, which still exists in Hargreaves Street today. It is also worth noting that she gave back to the community in teaching disabled and paraplegic people to swim. Born and bred in Bendigo, Faith Leech drew attention to Bendigo with her excellence in the pool; she still remains the only female gold medallist that Bendigo has produced. Bendigo City Councillors should have automatically named the Kangaroo Flat Aquatic Centre the ‘Faith Leech Aquatic Centre’ not only to acknowledge her Olympic aquatic achievements but her contribution to the Bendigo community throughout her lifetime. I fully support the proposal by Director of the Kangaroo Flat Community Enterprise, Mr Geoff Bowyer, to name the Aquatic Centre to honour and perpetuate the memory of Bendigo’s Olympic champion, Faith Leech.


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20 I wish to inform you my disappointment at the proposed name of the Aquatic Centre. I have spoken to many people over the last week and everyone feels it should be named after Faith Leech. What a great Lady, she had so many qualities not only the Gold Medals she won. She ran a business in Bendigo, coached many young swimmers in Bendigo and have been told even helping young people with disabilities to learn to swim. I am sure Faith’s family must feel let down after being promised by the Kangaroo Flat Community Enterprise that It was most likely be named after her .I am sure that the K F C E were the group pushing for this new complex for many years so why not give them say as to what the name will be? If Council wants Dja Dja Wurrung then name an area inside or even outside the centre.

21 We of the Kangaroo flat Swimming Club would like to submit our objection to the name chosen by council for the Aquatic and Wellbeing Centre, for the reasons below We would like to see the Kangaroo Flat Wellbeing Centre named in honour of our very own Faith Leech Olympic world record holder and a tireless supporter to local communities within our region. We believe the Centre should be named after a person who will inspire all people of all ages, gender and ability to strive to use the facility in the same spirit. We consider it is essential that the Dja Dja Wurrung nation and its past elders and traditional owners of the land are appropriately recognised and respected by naming the surrounding Precinct and all the land it contains which will contain the Wellbeing Centre, CFA Training Facility, future Dog Park, Sporting amenities, Pathways and the creek as the Gurri Wanyarra Precinct. We of the Kangaroo Flat Swimming Club also consider it is essential to work with Dja Dja Wurrung and council to develop a plan that acknowledges the cultural significance of the entire precinct not just a building. We urge Council to engage further with all groups within the community, to consult and meet with including the Dja Dja Wurrung to bring an amicable outcome for all.

22 Sorry, but Council couldn't have got things more wrong when they decided on an aboriginal name for the new Aquatic Centre. The reason is that naming the Centre after Faith Leech, Bendigo's Olympic Gold medal Winner, was entirely appropriate and a "perfect fit." What better way to recognise this great Bendigonian (and Australian) swimmer than to name the new Aquatic centre after her and in her honour and memory. It's just a "given". By all means, recognise indigenous Australians (once again) by naming something within or around the precincts of the Centre along these lines, but for pity's sake do the right thing and recognise Faith's contribution to our City.


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My mother worked for Faith (doing housework) back in the day and Faith was a wonderful, caring individual and a great role model for younger people. I am not suggesting that Council, in naming the Aquatic centre after an aboriginal term was being tokenistic and "politically correct", but gee.......if it walks like a duck................!! Please listen to the community and the ratepayers and DO THE RIGHT THING.

23 I am very happy with the proposed name. It is in line with my suggestion. I think it is incredibly important to name our public assets in a manner that is respectful and acknowledging of our first nations people. It is one of the key ways we will change attitudes and redress ongoing racism. It also supports Council’s Reconciliation Action Plan. Congratulations on the proposed of Gurri Wanyarra Wellbeing Centre. I truly hope this is the name we end up with!

24 As a ratepayer, I am EXTREMELY disappointed with this decision, as I suspect are many other Bendigonians. While I support appropriate recognition of our First Nation peoples, this is NOT one of those occasions! To ignore our Olympic champions at this time is deeply insulting to their efforts and their achievements, especially in the face of the almost non-existent swimming history of aboriginal peoples nationally! While this issue may not fall within the boundaries of the regulations on place-naming quoted by you, please convey to my Councillors, including Mayor O'Rourke, my deepest disappointment at this decision. I trust that community responses will force a change to this inappropriate and, in my view, offensive decision.

25 I wish to enter my objection to the name being considered for the new pool, I am surprised at the actions of the council because I felt at last we had a group leading council who were inclusive and making a lot of common sense decisions, then suddenly this silly decision which for some has now become a divisive issue, not because of the indigenous name but because you had the perfect person to name it after, she is the only gold medal winning swimmer from Bendigo and common sense puts a gold medal swimmer and a new pool as a perfect fit. There are numerous places you could use for the indigenous name which people would be very happy with in fact why not use the name to rename the road outside the new indigenous centre in North Bendigo.

26 My opinion and you will find also the opinion of most of Bendigo residents. The new aquatic centre should be named after Faith Leach. No disrespect to the aboriginal people but a swimming pool is not a kangaroo watering hole. This is going to be a leisure/aquatic centre and if Council did proper research into Bendigo’s swimming/sporting history, you and the council staff would see that Faith Leach is the only appropriate name for this building. Faith is a Bendigo swimming legend and for those who knew her (I never met Faith, I just did a bit of research) and the adversity she overcame, to become a


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swimming Olympian and champion, know, this is a fitting tribute to her legacy! The new centre should be named "The Faith Leach Aquatic Centre" Please do not make this mistake and take this opportunity to listen to your voters and in general the people of Bendigo. It takes a great person to admit their mistake and you as individual councillors need to be that person now. Do not miss opportunity to reward our own Bendigo Olympian. The new aquatic centre should be named after Faith Leach. No disrespect to the aboriginal people but a swimming pool is not a kangaroo watering hole. This is going to be a leisure/aquatic centre and if Council did proper research into Bendigo’s swimming/sporting history, they would see that Faith Leach is the only appropriate name for this centre. Faith is a Bendigo swimming legend and for those who knew her and the adversity she overcame, to become a swimming Olympian and champion, know, this is a fitting tribute to her legacy!

27 Whilst the name chosen is relevant to the area it should be preserved in the surroundings. It is a difficult name to remember and I'm sure people will just say the Kangaroo Flat Pool. I think that naming the pool complex after Faith Leech is much more appropriate, given that she is Bendigo's first and only gold medallist in the Olympics. Just a learn to swim pool is not enough as she was not a teacher, but a champion swimmer. It diminishes the glory she brought to her home town.

28 There is widespread concern about the Council favoured name for the Aquatic Pool under construction at Kangaroo Flat. Perhaps the newer council are not fully aware of the efforts of many responsible citizens of Kangaroo Flat and elsewhere over a very long period towards this project. A very large sum has been promised by a local Committee toward the project and contributions are steadily increasing toward that large amount. The Mulqueen Family of Kangaroo Flat have been continuously involved in the Kangaroo Flat Swimming Club for more than 30 years and are still holding positions with that club. Along with this family many prominent local people have thrown their support behind the project over a long period of time. These prominent citizens are too numerous to mention but a leading spokesman for this project is Alan Besley a local media personality. Prominent local people including the Mulqueen family have unselfishly recommended the new Aquatic Centre be named after our most famous Olympic Swimming Gold Medallist, Faith Leach. This new Centre is a wonderful opportunity for all of Bendigo but particularly the large number of schools in the area who are within walking distance of the Centre.


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In this day and age where drownings are increasing at an unacceptable rate surely the emphasis must be on learning to swim and what better example to young people is an Olympic Gold Medallist swimmer. The indigenous name suggested by Council could be incorporated in the project quite easily.

29 We wish to express our great disappointment in your choice of the name for this aquatic facility. This is a facility that will enhance the health and wellbeing of our community and also produce Bendigo’s elite athletes of the future through dedicated training and hard work as demonstrated by our own highly respected Olympic Gold Medallist, Faith Leech. “Kangaroo waterhole” is quite out of context for a facility such as this. There has been and will continue to be “appropriate” indigenous naming opportunities in and around Bendigo’s ongoing developments. This name is not appropriate for this facility. Considering the financial contributions for the facility made by the community via our rates as well as the fundraising and donations we should expect that our Councillors will carefully review the provisional naming option based on the public response via email and petitions. Four generations of our family have been very involved in swimming in Bendigo and Faith Leech’s name has been well known and respected over that time. We trust that the results of the email replies and petition will be made available to the community when collated.

30 In reference to the naming of the Kangaroo Flat Community Aquatic Centre. I with many others, felt very proud that the Council were considering naming the new Aquatic Centre at Kangaroo Flat, to honour our Gold Medallist, Faith Leech. In my opinion, she was an amazing woman in our time. Supported by her equally well known and respected family, who have contributed in every way possible to the Bendigo community over many years. I agree with [named removed], that we need to recognise the Indigenous Culture in Bendigo, and name the precinct surrounding the Aquatic Centre, Gurri Wanyarra, meaning Kangaroo Water Hole. This seems to me, to be respectful and correct to all concerned. I also agree with editorial comment, that it is wonderful, that our Council recognise the importance of this opportunity, let's not seize the moment for the wrong reasons. We need to understand the importance for our young swimmers to aspire to emulate Faith Leech, and her incredible achievements.

31 I would appreciate my thoughts on the naming of the new Aquatic Centre be passed on to council members .Firstly, they have my full support on their current position. I walk past the site every couple of weeks and am still in awe of its size and complexity.


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To name it after a person would not do it justice, it needs its own identity which you have found, so I encourage you to stick with it. I think of things that have been named after people and they seem meaningless, mundane and boring regardless of the person they are named after. I was 17 when Faith Leech won her medals, which was a great achievement for her at the time. But now 61 years on I don’t think it’s quite enough to name such and iconic building in her honour. I hope you can withstand the sentiment which prevails around this argument and continue your current stance.

32 Further to your advertisement in Saturday's Bendigo Advertiser my wife and I strongly object to council's plan to name the new Kangaroo Flat Aquatic Centre the 'Gurri Wanyarra Wellbeing Centre', for the following reasons; 1. Few local people will ever refer to this name in general conversation. 2. We cannot undo the wrongs of the past by naming all new infrastructure with an indigenous name. 3. We agree with the comments of Geoff Bowyer in the article in the newspaper which suggests that this recreational area be known as Gurri Wanyarra, as I feel sure that indigenous people and kangaroos did not drink from just one water hole along the Bendigo Creek in the location of the new swimming pool. 4. Our great swimmer Faith Leech should not be disrespected by naming a children's pool after her. Do what the rate payers want and NOT what the Councillor's think is politically correct!

33 I see that you have chosen an Aboriginal name for the new aquatic centre instead of the one most people expected, that of Bendigo’s outstanding swimmer, Faith Leech. I agree with the editorial in “The Weekly” that Faith Leech’s name is more appropriate for a swimming pool. Furthermore I am a little perturbed that Council’s decision might be the forerunner of numerous other name changes. I was very happy with calling the gaol theatre “Ulumbarra” but I don’t support the name proposed for the pool. It seems to me that there’s an attitude being adopted of pandering to the indigenous community with superficial offerings such as names, smoking ceremonies and introductions to meetings about being on traditional lands instead of dealing with matters of substance such as discrimination and poor health. Perhaps it is an attempt to ease white consciences over past dealings with the Aborigines without really doing anything important. Whatever the reason I don’t like it!

34 Faith Leech is the obvious choice for the overall name of the Kangaroo Flat pool. Wouldn’t it be more appropriate to name the gardens around the pool an aboriginal name in keeping with their connection to the land and all things native and natural

35 The GURRI WANYARRA WELLBEING CENTRE is a wonderful name for an


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Aboriginal Health Centre but it is actually a swimming pool for all Australians regardless of race. Visitors to Bendigo will not correlate the name to what the facility actually is.

36 I object to the provisional name chosen. I would like to see the roadway or the whole area given that name but I believe it should be The Faith Leech Swimming Pool and Wellness Centre (or similar).

37 Vehemently object to the Kangaroo Flat pool not being named after Faith Leach, not only because of her Olympic gold medal win but because of her ongoing contribution to the community for many years. While I agree with assisting the aboriginal community, [the proposed name] raises concerns about the pandering to minority groups instead of recognising the significant contributions someone like Faith Leach has made to the community.

38 This is to add my name to those objecting to the naming of the Kangaroo Flat Aquatic Centre "Gurri Wanyarra". My reason is that the aboriginal people would not name a chlorinated or salt water hole that wildlife drank out of with such a name. Better to name it The Faith Leech Aquatic Centre but at the same time the surrounding area can be named in support of the aboriginal people.

39 This is to add my name to those objecting to the naming of the Kangaroo Flat Aquatic Centre "Gurri Wanyarra". My reason is that the aboriginal people would not name a chlorinated or salt water hole that wildlife drank out of with such a name. Better to name it The Faith Leech Aquatic Centre but at the same time the surrounding area can be named in support of the aboriginal people

40 I have a suggestion for the name of the new pool, which I believe would be a more appropriate name for the pool.I have never been involved in council affairs, but after reading a news email that I received. I thought that there has to be another name rather that the meaning Kangaroo Waterhole. I believe that “Jaara Wellbeing Centre” would be more appropriate as Jaara means people in the Dja Dja Wurrung language from what I have read. This means that it represents ALL people. Maybe the main pool could be named after Faith Leach and a sign with her achievements. So that young children can aspire to and know that it is possible for them to achieve Olympic status. That someone from Bendigo has done this, even though they may not have heard of her before.

41 Council needs to urgently review the suggestion by the Dja Dja Wrung community. Bendigo was developed by settlement of people predominantly from the UK and Europe. While we can acknowledge aboriginals having lived itinerantly in the area , we need to note the progress made by our forebears . I urge council to check with Bendigo people about their opinion for a change and get a true response. Ironically Bendigo, in Spanish, means a blessing, despite the name allegedly being ascribed to a popular boxer. The name of Faith Leech has far more integrity for our community at large. I recall Faith as a great young lady who was a great ambassador for our city.

42 As a resident who lives in your ward I am writing to express my disappointment in the council for what I believe is the wrong name for the new


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pool complex currently being built in Kangaroo Flat. It is my belief that the pool should be named after someone who has contributed to the greater community of Kangaroo Flat, or alternately just to be politically correct these days and cause no offence to anyone just called the Kangaroo Flat Aquatic centre. As a resident of Bendigo, i would like to express my disappointment in the council decision in the naming of the new Kangaroo Flat pool. I believe if it does need to be named then it should be for someone who has contributed to the community. Or alternatively to be politically correct these days just call it the Kangaroo Flat Aquatic centre. This way no one will be offended.

43 In regard to the naming of the new pool and wellbeing centre being built in Kangaroo Flat, I completely agree with the Director of the Kangaroo Flat Community Enterprise Geoff Bowyer who says that Gurri Wanyarra should be respected, and the name of the overall precinct, but the pool itself should be named after the late, great Faith leech. She is Bendigo's only Olympic gold medallist, and a contemporary inspiration to everyone. This would be much more meaningful to the people who are likely to use the new pool, for example swimmers. Please consider the KFCE opinion as to the name, for I think a great many other people would agree.

44 What is wrong with our City Councillors??? Don't they understand, we the public are quite sick of the Indigenous names given to our buildings in Bendigo. The Councillors appear to have no backbone in making decisions against the minority Aboriginal peoples. What’s wrong with the Leech naming of the yet to be unveiled centre??????? NO more Indigenous naming of our buildings and have some backbone [comments removed]. Our weak and self-centred council members need to heed of the public's wishes.

45 The pool does not water kangaroos! The pool is for people, Bendigo citizens of all kinds. Faith was one of our greatest Olympic athletes, a brilliant swimmer born in Bendigo. Please acknowledge her wonderful accomplishments and the name the complex in her honour.

46 I strongly support the name Gurri Wanyarra Wellbeing Centre. We should support long term Australian history and be proud of it - it's our history too.

47 I would like to express my disappointment at the Council’s choice of name for the new Aquatic Facility under construction in Kangaroo Flat. I feel strongly that a once in a lifetime opportunity will be missed in not naming


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it after our Olympic Gold Medallist in Faith Leech. This would give the building prominence right around the country (think Rod Laver Arena/Margaret Court Arena in Melbourne, Don Bradman Oval in Bowral, etc.). Proposing to name just a Learn To Swim pool after Faith Leech seems somewhat insulting, to say the least. Other sports facilities around Bendigo have been named after sports identities, including Harry Trott Oval, Tom Flood Sports Centre, Strauch Reserve Huntly, Beischer Park. As well, we have Queen Elizabeth Oval, Kevin Gibbins Field, Lord’s Raceway, to name a few. Sidney Myer has been recognised with Sidney Myer Place, dozens of former Bendigo Mayors are recognized with streets named in their honour. So, why not The Faith Leech Aquatic/Wellbeing Centre?? I agree with the suggestion of naming the street or precinct as Gurri Wanyarra to recognise our local indigenous people. Sincerely hoping Council will reverse its decision,

48 As a ratepayer I wish to register my objection to the proposed aboriginal name for the swimming pool complex in Kangaroo Flat.

Aboriginal names may be suitable for some appropriate recognition, but this is an opportunity for Council to properly recognise one of its most famous citizens, Olympic Champion, Faith Leech. There is no need for me to expand on our famous Gold medal resident as her achievements are well documented.

There is no logical connection with the swimming pool complex and the aboriginal cause. Funding for the pool has been sourced from taxpayers and ratepayers of all backgrounds who are not acknowledged with Council’s proposed aboriginal name.

There is a disturbing trend in our society where councils are being hi-jacked by social engineers who miss-use their position to impose controversial changes to our society. A decision to place an aboriginal name on this most unlikely project seems to me to be patronising the aboriginal industry in the worst possible way and is already causing dissent with ratepayers. I believe it is unwise for council to proceed with this unpopular proposal.

The aboriginal industry is well served in the Australian community with expenditure of about $30 billion per year. Council patronises them with ceremonies, we say “sorry” to them over and over again and yet we see our local council continue to fall into supporting this welfare dependent group who represent only 3% of our Australian population.

Please support our local Olympic swimming champion by recognising her incredible success with her name proudly on our new swimming pool and health complex in Kangaroo Flat.


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49 I wish to voice my objection to the naming of the new aquatic centre at Kangaroo Flat "Gurri Wanyarra Wellbeing Centre". I believe that the suggestion of the Kangaroo Flat Community Enterprise group to name the overall precinct Gurri Wanyarra, and the pool after Faith Leech, is an excellent one, which will honour the Dja Dja Wurrung people and our own Olympic swimming gold medallist equally. It is appropriate that the name Gurri Wanyarra be applied to the whole area, not just the pool, while the name Faith Leech is synonymous with the swimming component of the precinct. I hope the council will consider this proposal seriously.

50 I vehemently object to Council’s proposed name Gurri Wanyarra for the new aquatic centre at Kangaroo Flat. I fully support the proposal of naming the centre the Faith Leech Wellbeing Centre. The name Faith Leech is synonymous with Bendigo - our biggest “claim to fame” which Bendigo grabbed on to every time it needed self-promotion. Not only was she our only gold medal Olympian but she put a lot back in to the Bendigo community, working with kids of all ages teaching them swimming and safety, and more notably her work with disabled kids and their involvement in the Paralympics. Faith was always their champion and she loved working with those kids. The community will start to wonder why Council bothers to ask its residents to have input in to these naming exercises. Is it just a farce? It seems the minute a submission is received for an aboriginal name it takes precedence over everything else, regardless of the wider community’s thoughts. It would be interesting to know how many submissions were put in supporting the Faith Leech naming. The downgrading of Faith’s importance to the name of this project is an insult to her family, an insult to her legacy, an insult to the Kangaroo Flat Enterprise who have done so much for this pool, and an insult to the history of Bendigo and its residents, past and present. Council needs to remember that inclusiveness involves ALL of its residents, it needs to listen to the majority of its residents and resist the urge to “be seen to be politically correct”. We may end up losing the importance of Bendigo’s last 160 years. Thank you for the opportunity to respond.

51 I have two problems with the proposed name of the Aquatic Centre. Firstly "wellbeing centre" describes nothing, it could be a church, medical centre, a gym. The aquatic centre may be "more than an aquatic centre" but people will have a fair idea what will be at the site if it is described as an aquatic centre. Visitors to Bendigo will not know to be looking for a wellbeing centre. I have no problem with indigenous names though I feel there may be some places and things better named to mark respect for indigenous culture such as


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natural assets, museums. A modern aquatic centre has little relevance to indigenous culture. I respect for example the people that fought in the World Wars but I would not name the centre after a military hero as our reverence to the military has little to do with an aquatic centre. In contrast however, Bendigo was the home of Faith Leech our only swimming Olympic Gold Medallist. She was always active in the community particularly with swimming training, and was well regarded in the community at large. I only met Faith two times, she impressed me on those occasions both as an individual and as a citizen of Bendigo. She was a wonderful person who is due a wonderful honour from the City. I am concerned that the centre has been "provisionally named", it sounds like a done deal, I hope that is not the case.

52 Well may I question who is running our city as it appears we get more publicity about aboriginal affairs and naming rights. It must be the Faith Leech Centre as all people I have spoken to agree as Faith did a lot for BENDIGO. The aboriginal community comprise a small minority in BENDIGO yet they demand more attention than the majority of residents in this city.

53 After looking at both names and giving much thought to both ……….& also with a week of talking to many in the Community from one side of Bendigo to the other……..not just Kangaroo Flat people……..I have formed an opinion that the NEW Pool should be called the Faith Leech Well Being Centre……… People I have talked to in the Community are wondering why Council seems to call most new buildings after Aboriginal meanings ? We all live in this great town & at least names in the area for new building should be at least 50/50 ………………without getting into the politics of it all……maybe call the area for the Children’s pool Gurri Wanyarra learn to swim pool. Everyone is entitled to their opinions on this subject & most won’t put their hand up as they won’t want to be criticised ……….but in this case our Clubs Football, Netball in the area the pool is going in want it to be called the Faith Leech Well Being Centre.

54 Memorandum. Faith Leech was an esteemed Bendigo citizen famed for her swimmer accolades. I have already emailed my response.

55 I would like to forward my objection to the proposed name if the pool. The pool should be named after a prominent Bendigo resident that made a strong commitment to swimming and Bendigo. Faith Leech was that person. Her achievements are well documented and we as a community should acknowledge that by naming the pool after her.

56 I wish to endorse the name Faith Leech Aquatic and Wellbeing Centre. Hopefully the many signatures forwarded to Council will surely honour Faith. The present proposed name could well be incorporated in the street name. However, previous Council discussed the naming of the pool with family members. In respect to their wishes feel an oversight has occurred. The previous idea would honour the achievements of a well-respected sports lady and business lady. I object to the name proposal for the above reason. Bendigo has few names of outstanding citizens. A business still prospering in our city should be an incentive to honour the family.


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Sport is vital in Bendigo and thanks to Faith, many people with disabilities learnt to swim. Faith was the first lady to be inducted into the Bendigo Sports Star Hall of Fame. A sports pool means all regional areas should know a sports persons is honoured by being named in this new indoor pool. Bendigo has few gold medallists, so please consider favourably in this matter.

57 The X Family has been resident at Big Hill since 1955, three generations have utilised facilities and supported the Kangaroo Flat entities/environs continually from then and continue to do so to this day. We contend that the proposed name as suggested by The Greater Bendigo City Council is inappropriate for the following reasons:-

(1) Item 4.1 (Features) ‘Naming rules for places in Victoria’ includes buildings, there is no evidence to show that the original inhabitants of Central Victoria ever constructed permanent structures in any shape or form, to suggest an indigenous name for this building is a gross mis-representation of their culture.

(2) The proposed name Gurri Wanyarra refers to a topographical location only and not structure related. Given that Aboriginal culture had no written language and what language exists today relies totally on ‘dreamtime’ and generational memory makes the likelihood that its accuracy may be subject to other interpretation.

(3) As opposed to (2) there is a complete and undisputed record of the life and times of Faith Leech, her contributions to Bendigo business and in particular her achievements in the swimming pool both locally and internationally and meets all requirements of General Principles C (Linking names to Place)

(4) The Aquatic centre will be a venue not just the local populace but presumably to attract those from afar involving personal enjoyment, education as well as competitive events. To give an Indigenous name to such a venue inviting all from far and wide is open to ridicule as history records that adjacent aboriginal communities were sometimes hostile to each other.

In conclusion, the X Family appeal to the CoGB to name the aquatic centre at Kangaroo Flat the Faith Leech Aquatic Centre

58 I am appalled that you would even think of naming the new swimming pool anything except the Faith Leech Pool. Aside from the fact that the chosen name is unpronounceable, do you really think it will ever be known by that name? Never! After the official speeches are over it will never be spoken of again, except maybe by the councillors who put it there. But people WILL remember the Faith Leech Pool. I do not care if it is an Aboriginal name. It is so difficult to say it is ridiculous. Ulumbarra is difficult enough, everyone pronounces it differently, but at least you can pronounce it. Why does everything have to be aboriginal based these days anyway? Not


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everyone is aboriginal and we have a right to our own say as well, and pushing all these odd names in our faces all the time is not helping their cause either (or yours).

59 I object to the name Gurri Wanyarra for the new $31M indoor pool and wellbeing centre at Kangaroo Flat. However, I strongly support the pool and wellbeing centre being named after Faith Leech, whose many accomplishments in and out of the pool make it an obvious and appropriate choice.

60 I believe that the new aquatic centre should be called the Bendigo Aquatic Centre or The Faith Leech Aquatic Centre. I would suggest that a sizable portrait of Faith Leech together with the story of her Olympic success be placed in the entrance to the new facility to inspire young swimmers of the future.

61 As a resident who frequently walks past the building of the new aquatic centre and watches its progress, I was disappointed to hear that the councillors had all agreed to the Aboriginal name that translates to Kangaroo waterhole (which I understand is close by). For such a large complex that had a lot of community input, I feel that this is inappropriate. Suggestions of names like Kangaroo Flat Aquatic Centre with our gold medal winner’s name on the 50 metre pool seem far more appropriate. After all she won the medal in swimming. I would therefore like to add my concerns to the public ones.

62 I am writing to you regarding matters of interest regarding the City’s development of the Aquatic Centre. As you may be aware there has been concern expressed by a section of the Community that arose from the announcement of the Dja Dja Wurrung Language ‘Gurri Wanyarra’ being used as the naming of this Centre. Firstly, we would like to thank the CoGB for its consideration of our language and recognition of our involvement and state that we would always publicly ensure we communicate our respect of Councils responsibility and Authority in these matters. The Dja Dja Wurrung also would look towards some form of mutually beneficial outcomes at a Community Level. And it is for this reason that we have spoken privately to members of the Community that have expressed concern about the naming of the Aquatic Centre. We have also communicated to them, that any changes need the Councils acceptance and endorsement and that any future statements by us and others upon this matter would clearly support Councils Leadership. The Dja Dja Wurrung would like to state some options following: • That the use of our language as naming can be applied to the greater area/precinct that the Aquatic Centre is a part of. We would believe that if Council chose to do this, could be positively promoted as a greater respect of the Dja Dja Wurrung being placed back into Landscape.


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• We would support an alternative name for the Aquatic Centre chosen by Council, in particular in doing this and any subsequent promotion that it evidenced the collaborative nature of how we all worked together under the leadership of the Council. • To note is an initial positive outcome from the Dja Dja Wurrung talking to the Community that has concerns about naming. Is that we have received a greater recognition from them and a desire to work together now and into the future upon mutual interest in respect of our culture. This is an extremely pleasing outcome as it goes beyond what we all would have expected, though a local government naming matter. And we would think shows a very healthy degree of maturity in our broader community in respect of our culture which the Council has always shown to us.

63 We have read with great interest the papers RE Faith Leech naming of Pool. Just an idea, How about naming the Aquatic Centre ......... 'The Faith Leech Aquatic Centre'. THAT IS WHERE Faith swam. Not at Kangaroo Flat. You would only have to put Faith Leech at the front of the Aquatic Centre name?


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4.2 COMMUNITY GRANTS ROUND 1 2017/2018


Author Deb Simpson, Coordinator Strong Communities Responsible Vicky Mason, Director Health and Wellbeing Director

Purpose

This report presents the recommended funding allocations for Round 1 of the 2017/2018 Community Grants. It seeks Council’s consideration and endorsement.

Summary

Applications for Round 1 of the 2017/2018 Community Grants (Round 1) opened on 1 August 2017 and closed on 24 August 2017. 74 eligible applications were received.

The Community Assessment Panels have recommended 59 applications as meeting the criteria and suitable for funding. The total recommended funding amount is $167,254 and is within the available Round 1 budget.

RECOMMENDATION

That Council: 1. Endorse the Community Assessment Panels’ recommendations to allocate $167,254

from the 2017/2018 Community Grants Round 1 funding across 59 applicants. 2. Thank all Community Assessment Panel members for volunteering their time to

assess the applications and to develop the funding recommendations for Council consideration.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Policy Context

Community Plan Reference: Goal 1: Lead and govern for all. Objective 1.4: Be accountable and efficient in the use of the community’s money. Goal 2: Wellbeing and fairness. Objective 2.3: Promote community connection.


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Council Policy Reference: Community Grants Policy (Policy) and Program Guidelines (Guidelines)


This report relates to Round 1 of the 2017/18 Community Grants Program. A total of 74 eligible applications were received across the six grant categories of:

• Active and Healthy Communities • Arts • Community Development • Community Events • Environmental Sustainability and • Print and Digital Publications

This represents 17 less applications than the 91 applications received for Round 2 of the 2016/2017 Community Grants. In accordance with the Guidelines, Community Assessment Panels (Panels) were convened to consider the applications received for each of the six categories. The use of Panels to assess applications and to develop funding recommendations for Council consideration is one of the strategies embedded within the Guidelines for achieving transparency. The Guidelines require Council to consult with the respective Panel prior to resolving upon funding allocations if any variations to Panel funding recommendations are proposed. As per the Policy, 10% of the budget for each category is set aside as a ‘reserve’ to provide capacity for Quick Response Grants for community needs that may arise outside of Community Grant funding rounds. The Quick Response Grants reserves for 2017/2018 are:

Active and Healthy Communities $11,110

Arts $8,860

Community Development $13,860

Community Events $7,760

Environmental Sustainability $4,430

Print and Digital Publications $3,320

TOTAL $49,330

Previous Council Decision(s) Date(s): - 11 February 2015: Council adopted the Policy and Guidelines. - 5 August 2015: Council endorsed minor changes to the Policy and Guidelines. - 16 December 2015: Council appointed the Panel members.


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Report

The table below provides a summary of the Round 1 recommended funding by category. Total

Round 1 funding available

Total applications received

Total funding requested

Total applications recommended by Panel for funding

Total Panel recommended funding allocations

Active and Healthy Communities Category

$49,900 9 $33,830 5 $15,330

Arts Category

$39,880 14 $54,568 11 $39,048

Community Development Category

$62,380 23 $95,470 21 $62,380

Community Events Category

$34,920 14 $45,961 11 $22,511

Environmental Sustainability Category

$19,945 6 $31,395 4 $13,045

Print and Digital Publications Category

$14,940 8 $23,102 7 $14,940

TOTAL

$221,965

74

$284,326

59

$167,254

The tables below provide the more detailed information and outline the funding allocations recommended by the respective Panels for each grant category. In accordance with the Policy and Guidelines, the maximum amount of funding available in any category or to any organisation is $5,000. Some applications were not recommended by the Panels for funding as:

They were incomplete or provided insufficient detail.

They were assessed as not meeting the criteria.

The category was oversubscribed and other applications were considered to satisfy the criteria more fully.

Funding was requested for an ongoing resource.

The not-recommended applications and associated rationale are detailed in Confidential Attachment 1. In some cases the Panels have recommended partial funding. The affected applications and associated rationale are detailed in Confidential Attachment 2.


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Active and Healthy Communities

Organisation Description Amount sought

Amount recommended

Bendigo and District Table Tennis Association

Purchase of portable heating equipment for use at table tennis tournaments

$880 $880

Friends of the Bendigo Kilmore Rail Trail

Purchase of a bicycle and luggage transportation trailer

$3,035 $3,035

Heathcote Primary School

‘Healthy Lunchboxes Heathcote’ project

$3,950 $3,950

Bendigo Baseball Umpires Association

‘Pathways to umpiring’ project

$5,000 $3,500

Eaglehawk Junior Football (AFL) Club

‘Female participation in football’ program

$3,965 $3,965

TOTAL $16,830 $15,330

Arts


Amount recommended

Golden City Support Services (auspice agency)

‘Choice Voices’ community choir performances

$5,000 $5,000

Golden City Support Services

‘Peter Pan - adventures in growing up’ performances (as part of a broader CreateAbility program)

$5,000 $5,000

Bendigo Comedy Festival

A series of comedy and open microphone skills development workshops

$2,800 $2,800

Mia Mia Mechanics Institute

Opera performances in Mia Mia in 2018

$2,300 $2,300

Bendigo Artists (auspice agency)

Masquerade mask making workshops

$5,000 $5,000

Bendigo Artists A series of creative workshops for school aged children and Youth

$5,000 $5,000

Bendigo Theatre Company

‘Community Chorus’ community choir participation project

$4,800 $4,800

Bendigo Symphony Orchestra

A tour of community performances within Greater Bendigo’s rural communities

$2,855 $2,855


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Amount recommended

Loddon Campaspe Multicultural Services

Development of a resource kit for community cultural events

$2,623 $2,623

St Paul's August 2018 Promenade Series

A series of community singing performances

$1,170 $1,170


Swagman's Luck community marionette performances

$5,000 $2,500

TOTAL $41,548 $39,048

Community Development


Amount recommended

Multiple Sclerosis Limited

Bendigo based Multiple Sclerosis wellness workshop

$3,920 $3,000

Long Gully Community Centre

Upgrade of storage facilities for use by Centre hirers

$5,000 $4,000

Bendigo Radio Controlled Aircraft Club

Undertake a feasibility study process regarding potential new Club bases due to urban growth pressures

$5,000 $3,000

Elmore Memorial Hall Management Committee

A re-design of the unisex all abilities toilet

$5,000 $4,000

The Old Church on the Hill

Installation of an all abilities toilet

$5,000 $4,000

CFA Costerfield Installation of kitchen facilities for volunteer use

$5,000 $2,500

Friends of the Bendigo Kilmore Rail Trail

O’Keefe Rail Trail -refurbishment and installation of railway semaphore signals

$1,930 $700

Bendigo Baptist Church

MADCOW (Make A Difference, Change Our World) community garden

$5,000 $1,650

Dr Harry Little Pre School

Shade sails $5,000 $5,000

The Gianna Centre Parenting education program $1,685 $1,500

The Karen Culture and Social Support Foundation

Circus and performances program

$4,850 $4,000

Huntly Memorial Meeting room carpet $2,780 $2,780


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Amount recommended

Hall replacement

Kangaroo Flat Primary School

Primary school commencement enhancement program for children experiencing disadvantage

$5,000 $5,000

Bendigo Budgerigar Club

Purchase of event support trailer

$2,000 $1,500

Loddon Campaspe Multicultural Services

‘Friday Food Safari’ program – building community cultural awareness through shared preparation of traditional dishes

$5,000 $2,350

North Bendigo Football / Netball Club

Installation of additional seating

$5,000 $2,500

Bendigo Community Health Services

Street art and wellbeing program to be delivered in Term 1 2018

$4,910 $3,600

Quarry Hill Golf Club

Information and communication technology equipment upgrade

$2,000 $1,800

CFA District 2 Competition Committee

Purchase of timing and public address equipment and trailer

$5,000 $3,000

The Salvation Army Bendigo

BeConnected – growing community connectedness in the Bendigo CBD pilot project

$5,000 $5,000

California Gully Primary School

Healthy cooking program $1,500 $1,500

TOTAL $85,575 $62,380


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Community Events


Amount recommended

Bendigo Heritage Attractions

‘Heritage Unwrapped’ event $4,500 $1,950

Rotary Club of Eaglehawk

‘Great Australian camping and swap meet’ event

$5,000 $2,000

Axedale Events Axedale quick shear, wood chop and family fun day event

$3,886 $2,000

Bendigo Northern District Community Enterprise

Huntly family fun day event $3,700 $3,500

Suicide Prevention Awareness Network

Suicide prevention awareness raising community walk

$1,351 $1,351

Interchange Loddon-Mallee Region

International Day of People with a Disability Bendigo event

$4,500 $3,000

Central Victorian Community Broadcasters Trading As Phoenix FM

Tenth anniversary of Phoenix FM going to air celebratory event

$2,974 $1,360

Epsom Community Church

Epsom community Christmas festival

$2,350 $2,350

National Red Balloon Day

‘Thank You Fireys’ Bendigo event

$2,000 $2,000

Sedgwick Hall and Conservation Reserve

Sedgwick and North Harcourt community Christmas carnival

$1,200 $1,000

Junortoun Community Action Group

Community cultural event at Knul Doorong Woodland

$2,000

$2,000

TOTAL $33,461 $22,511

Environmental Sustainability


Amount recommended

Bendigo Field Naturalist Club

Construction and installation of 100 artificial hollows designed for phascogales

$2,500 $2,500

Girton Grammar School

Design and construction of an electric vehicle

$14,195 $3,145


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Amount recommended


‘PSG Triple B Phase 2 phascogales, sugar gliders, birds, bats and bikes’. The project will involve Catholic College students constructing a variety of nesting boxes for installation along the O’Keefe Rail Trail.

$2,500 $2,500

Bendigo Sustainability Group (auspice agency)

Bendigo repair café - promoting more community members to come together and learn skills to repair items rather than disposing of them

$4,900 $4,900

TOTAL $24,095 $13,045

Print and Digital Publications


Amount recommended

Sporting Shooters Association of Australia, Bendigo Branch

Development of ‘A Guide to the Shooting Sports in Bendigo’.

$3,345 $3,340

Zonta Bendigo Development of a digital history of the Zonta Club of Bendigo

$4,877 $800

Axedale Events Axedale quick shear, wood chop and family fun day event promotional materials

$1,100 $1,100

Sedgwick Hall and Conservation Reserve

Sedgwick Connect website enhancements

$1,000 $1,000

Woodvale Progress Association

A project focused on documenting more of Woodvale's history

$5,000 $3,200

Bendigo Neighbourhood Hub

‘Connecting culturally and linguistically diverse learners to the digital world’

$5,000 $5,000


A project focused on improving the Junortoun community’s digital presence

$500 $500

TOTAL $20,822 $14,940

Successful and unsuccessful applicants are advised via email of their application outcome following Council’s resolution.


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Successful applicants are required to enter into a Funding Agreement (FA) with the City of Greater Bendigo (City). The FA outlines the scope of the funded project as well as the City’s and the grant recipient’s responsibilities. Funds are only released to grant recipients upon receipt of the signed FA and an invoice. Funding offers may be revoked if a signed FA and an invoice are not received within 30 days of the funding offer being made. Unsuccessful applicants are encouraged to contact the Community Grant Officer for clarification and assistance with future applications. Quick Response Grants Update

Quick Response Grant funding of $21,440 has been allocated to 12 applicants since the last update to Council on 19 April 2017. The table below provides details of these 12 Quick Response Grants.

Organisation Project Details Category Amount

2016/2017 Financial Year (since last update in April 2017)

Mandurang Fire Brigade

Mandurang Valley family fun festival

Community Event $2,000

Bendigo Malaylee Association

Malaylee New Year and Easter celebration 2017

Community Event $940

The Salvation Army

Bendigo Victory (enabling participation in sport and recreation activities for people experiencing disadvantage)

Active and Healthy Communities

$2,000

Kangaroo Flat Primary School

Art Therapy Pilot Project Community Development

$2,000

Bendigo and District Aboriginal Cooperative

Indigenous Film Festival 2017

Art $2,000

Bendigo South East College

Greater Bendigo Colleges Strings and Choir Tour


$2,000

2017/2018 Financial Year (year to date)


Swagman’s Luck (marionette performances)

Art $2,000

Bendigo Student Association

Regional Symposium Community Development

$2,000

Bendigo Artists Faces of Bendigo (a Art $2,000


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Organisation Project Details Category Amount

(auspice agency)

photography project)

Bendigo Loddon Primary Care Partnership

Carpe Diem (using performing arts as a medium for community conversations about mental health)


$2,000

Discovery Science and Technology Centre

Spring school holiday Planetarium Show


$500

Axedale, Our Town, Our Future

Axedale Summer Preparedness Project

Community Event $2,000

TOTAL $21,440

Timelines: Initiatives funded under Round 1 are required to:

Commence on or after 1 December 2017;

Be completed within one year; and,

Submit Project Evaluation Forms / Acquittals within 60 days of project completion. Recipients who do not fulfil this requirement may be ineligible to receive further City funding.

Risk Analysis: All Round 1 applications were assessed in line with the Policy and Guidelines. All Panel members were required to declare conflicts of interest in any applications. Where conflicts of interest were declared, Panel members were required to leave the room when the respective applications were being assessed. The Panels are required to recommend funding allocations that are within the set budget for the category.


Round 1 applications were encouraged through public notices, the City’s social media pages and website plus City staff email networks. The Community Partnerships Unit facilitated two free grant seeking and writing workshops in the lead up to Round 1. They were attended by a combined 58 representatives from various community groups.


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Both City staff and recurring Panel members have observed a marked improvement in the quality of applications being received since the City has been offering these workshops.


Budget Allocation in the Current Financial Year: The total 2017/2018 Community Grant budget is $493,260. This is broken down into the following sub-budgets:

Round 1 and 2 (combined) $443,930

Quick Response Grants $49,330 The Panels have recommended that 59 (or approximately 80%) of the 74 applicants be allocated a level of funding. The total amount of Round 1 funding recommended by the Panels is $167,254. This is well within the available Round 1 budget of $221,965.

Attachments

1. CONFIDENTIAL Attachment 1: Not recommended applicants. 2. CONFIDENTIAL Attachment 2: Applicants recommended for partial funding.


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4.3 MUNICIPAL HEALTH AND WELLBEING PLAN


Author Lindy Wilson, Social Planner Responsible Vicky Mason, Director Health and Wellbeing Director

Purpose

The purpose of this report is to seek Council’s adoption of the Greater Bendigo Health and Wellbeing Plan 2017 – 2021 following a period of community consultation.

Summary

The draft Greater Bendigo Health and Wellbeing Plan has been available for community comment from 16 August to 24 September 2017. Council officers have met with several groups to discuss the draft plan and receive feedback and 19 submissions have been received.

RECOMMENDATION

That Council adopt the final Greater Bendigo Health and Wellbeing Plan 2017 – 2021.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Policy Context


Goal 2: Wellbeing and fairness

Objective 2.1 Create a much healthier Greater Bendigo

The development and implementation of the Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan is a key action of the Community Plan for 2017 – 2018.


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The Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008 (the Act) mandates that Local Governments

across Victoria must prepare a Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan (Plan) every

four years. The next plan for the City of Greater Bendigo is due by October 2017.

The Act (Section 26) mandates that the Plan must:

Include an examination of data about health status and health determinants in the

municipal district

Identify the goals and strategies based on evidence for creating a local community

in which people can achieve maximum health

Provide for involvement of people in the development, implementation and

evaluation of the public health plan

Specify how Council will work in partnership with the Department of Human

Services (now the Department of Health and Human Services – DHHS) and other

agencies undertaking public health initiatives, projects and programs to achieve

the goals identified.

In May 2017 the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services released guidance

for local government that requires councils to “report on the measures they propose to

take to reduce family violence and respond to the needs of victim” in preparing their

municipal public health and wellbeing plans.

In addition to the requirements of the Act, the Victorian Climate Change Act 2011

requires that the Plan also consider the impact of climate change, both short and long

term, when making decisions about health and wellbeing priorities.

Council officers worked with community partners to develop a new Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan for Greater Bendigo. Development of the plan has included:

Review of local demographic, socio-economic and health and wellbeing data

Analysis of Federal, State, regional and local policy

Community and stakeholder consultation

An External Project Reference Group and cross directorate internal working group led the development of the plan in consultation with representatives from the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services. The plan utilises the Victorian Public Health and Wellbeing Outcomes Framework to ensure alignment with the Victorian Public Health and Wellbeing Plan and existing evaluation measures.


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Report

The draft Plan was available for community comment from the 16 August 2017 until 24 September 2017. A media release, social media and radio advertising were used to promote and invite feedback on the draft Plan.

Council officers emailed an invitation to provide comment on the draft plan to all workshop attendees as well as others identified as having an interest in health and wellbeing. Attendance at regular meetings of a number of groups such as the Sustainability and Environment Advisory group, the Farmers Advisory Group, the Shamrock Cluster of Neighbourhood Houses, Bendigo Loddon Primary Care Partnership, Bendigo Community health, as well as meetings with staff have all provided feedback and comments to strengthen the plan. Key points raised at the meetings where:

The need to include the LGBTIQ community in ‘promote inclusive communities’

Remove ‘problem’ from gambling

The need for an Action Plan

The need for alignment with Human Rights Charter

The need for Indicators/measures Nineteen individuals or representatives of groups lodged a submission. A summary of these and the recommended responses is included in Attachment 1. Other recommended changes include:

Delete “Promote Lifelong Learning” and add “Promote Education Attainment” and “Support Positive Ageing”

Inclusion of Digital Literacy

Reword dot points under Promote Inclusive Communities and Reduce Socio-economic disadvantage

Add action words to some objectives.

Expand some of the points in the framework for action – All Ages to Children and Youth and Older people.

The Indicators/measures have been reviewed and now align with the objectives and priorities.

Due to budgets and timing the first Year Action Plan has been prepared and aligns with the Community Plan.

Many of these suggestions have been incorporated into the final Plan (Attachment 2) and Action Plan (Attachment 3).


The final Greater Bendigo Health and Wellbeing Communication and Engagement Report provides full details of engagement for this plan (Attachment 4).


PAGE 98


The Greater Bendigo Health and Wellbeing Plan 2017 – 2021 has been developed within existing operating budgets.

Attachments

1. Submissions to the Greater Bendigo Health and Wellbeing Plan 2. Greater Bendigo Health and Wellbeing Plan – October 2017 3. 2017-2018 Action Plan 4. Final Greater Bendigo Health and Wellbeing Plan Community Engagement Report

Strengthening the Economy / Environmental Sustainability Embracing Our Culture and Heritage - Reports Ordinary Meeting - 18 October 2017

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5. STRENGTHENING THE ECONOMY

Nil.

6. ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY

Nil.

7. EMBRACING OUR CULTURE AND HERITAGE

Nil.

Lead and Govern for All - Reports Ordinary Meeting - 18 October 2017

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8. LEAD AND GOVERN FOR ALL

8.1 AUDIT COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSON'S REPORT 2016 2017


Responsible Kerryn Ellis, Director Corporate Performance Director

Summary/Purpose

To present the Audit Committee Chairperson's 2016/17 Annual Report to Council, as per the Audit Charter.

RECOMMENDATION

That Council acknowledge the work of the Audit Committee.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Policy Context

Community Plan Reference:

City of Greater Bendigo Community Plan 2017-2021

Goal 1 Lead and govern for all

Objective: 1.2 Be innovative and financially responsible

Report

The membership of the Audit Committee for 2016/17 comprised: Ken Belfrage (Chair), independent members Graham Bastian, Kate Scarce (completed October 2016) and Warren Pollock (commenced October 2016) and Crs O’Rourke and Flack and former Councillors Lyons and Campbell (October 2016). Clause 12 of the Audit Committee Charter requires that the Chairperson shall report to Council a summary of the activities and achievements of the Committee during the financial year. The Audit Committee Chairperson will present the attached report to the Councillor Briefing on 2 October, 2017.

Attachments

1. Audit Committee Chairperson’s Annual Report


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Attachment 1

Annual Report from the Audit Committee Chairperson

The Audit Committee is a formally appointed Advisory Committee of Council and is responsible to that body. The Committee's role is to report to Council and provide appropriate advice and recommendations relevant to its charter in order to facilitate decision making by Council. The Audit Committee plays a key role in assisting Council to fulfil its governance and overseeing responsibilities in relation to financial reporting, internal control, the risk management system, ethical accountability and the internal audit function. The main objectives of the Audit Committee are to assist the Councillors, Management and Staff by providing independent appraisals of:

internal control systems;

the arrangements in place to safeguard assets and resources;

compliance with legislative requirements and Council's policies and procedures;

the integrity of information;

organisational effectiveness in terms of program efficiency and economy against the Council Plan;

the effectiveness of the internal and external audit functions and the communication between the external auditor, internal audit, management and the Council; and

to provide timely advice to Council on any matters which may be referred to it by Council.

The Audit Committee consists of five members, comprised as follows:

Three independent representatives

Two Councillors The members of the committee in 2016/17 were: Ken Belfrage (Chair), independent members Graham Bastian, Kate Scarce (completed October 2016) and Warren Pollock (commenced October 2016) together with Crs O’Rourke and Flack and former Councillors Lyons and Campbell (October 2016). The independent members serve a 3 year term on a rotating basis. The Audit Charter requires that all reappointments following each independent member’s second term must be publicly advertised. Kate Scarce completed her second term on 1 October 2016 and chose not to seek reappointment. Nominations for this position were advertised and Council appointed Mr Warren Pollock to this position at their meeting of 21 September 2016. During the past 12 months, the Audit Committee held 4 meetings. The key focus of the Committee is to oversee the conduct of External Audit and Internal Audit, recommend the approval of the Annual Financial Statements to Council, and review the management of risks for Council. The Audit Committee also reviewed the relevant local government and sector wide VAGO reports for applicability to City of Greater Bendigo. During the year under review, Internal Audit services were provided by Crowe Horwath in the second of a three year contract. The program is not limited to financial matters but extends to organisational performance, efficiency and effectiveness.


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The Internal Audit program undertaken by Crowe Horwath in 2016/17 included the following:

Strategic Audit Plan

Corporate Governance and Councillor Expenses

Tree Management

Depot Operations

Contaminated Land

The recommendations made by the Internal Auditors, and adopted by the Committee, are then transferred to management for implementation. An annual review is undertaken to assess which recommendations have been completed. At 30 June 2017 there were 1 high risk and 11 medium risk items outstanding from the audit recommendations. The outstanding high risk actions are:

Develop and implement a financial hardship policy. Officers are monitoring these items and including actions in their work programs, when budget and staffing allocations enable completion. EMT now also review the status of these outstanding items on a quarterly basis. Key improvements/changes made in response to recommendations made by the auditors in the 2016/17 program include:

Reviewed and improved policies for IT security and use, and mobile device use.

Improved cash handling processes and procedures

Endorsement by Council of a new Tree Policy

Approval of a new Delegations Policy and processes

A function of the Audit Committee includes oversight of the External Audit activity. During the year the Committee is provided with the Audit Plan together with the Interim Audit Management Letter. At year end the Committee meets with the External Auditor to review the Annual Financial Statements, the Closing Audit Report and the Final Management Letter. I am pleased to report that the Committee has met its objectives during the past year. Ken Belfrage Chair


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8.2 BENDIGO STADIUM LIMITED ANNUAL REPORT 2016/2017


Authors Nathan O’Neill, CEO, Bendigo Stadium Limited Nathan Morsillo, Manager Financial Strategy Responsible Kerryn Ellis, Director Corporate Performance Director

Summary/Purpose

To provide an overview of the Bendigo Stadium Limited (BSL) performance for the year ended 30 June 2017.

RECOMMENDATION

That the Greater Bendigo City Council acknowledge the performance of the Bendigo Stadium Limited for the year ended 30 June 2017.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Policy Context

Community Plan Reference:

City of Greater Bendigo Community Plan 2017-2021:

Goal 1 Lead and Govern for All

Objective 1.3 Be innovative and financially responsible

Strategy 1.3.2

Ensure value for investment on behalf of the community


The Bendigo Stadium is a major asset of the City of Greater Bendigo, hosting weekly community sporting programs along with major sporting and entertainment events. The facilities include seven indoor sports courts, licensed club and associated administration facilities. It is recognised as one of the most progressive sporting venues in regional Australia. The Bendigo Stadium attracts over 10,000 patrons each week, through operating as a sports venue for domestic volleyball and basketball competitions as well as being a licensed club venue with 8,000 members.


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The BSL group operates the Bendigo Stadium, the Borough Club, The Wellington and St Arnaud Sports Club, with over 150 employees. There are currently 40 electronic gaming machines at the Borough Club, 105 at the Bendigo Stadium, whilst the St Arnaud Sports Club operates 35 gaming machines. Council has provided bank loan guarantees totalling $13,819,898 on behalf of the BSL over a number of years. The outstanding loan liability at 30 June 2017 was $12,205,986. There is a Deed of Agreement in place between Council and BSL which enables financial oversight and provides for one CoGB representative on the BSL Board, currently Cr Williams, as well as representation on the BSL Finance Committee by the Director Corporate Performance and the Manager Financial Strategy.

Report

Domestic Basketball

Basketball continues to grow. The Winter competition grew by 5.7% and the Summer

competition was consistent with the previous year. The 807 teams equates to 5549

athletes participating.

Summer 2015/16

Winter 2016

Total FY16

Summer 2016/17

Winter 2017

Total FY17

Teams 424 364 788 422 385 807

FY17 Community Donations

BSL donated a total of $344,950 to the community in 2016/2017.

Major Cash Donations $

Bendigo Umpires’ Association (AFL) $1,000

Emu Valley Cricket Association $1,000

The Big Give – Community Foundation $25,000

Bendigo Volleyball Assoc. – Phantoms State League Team $25,000

Empowering Eaglehawk – Eaglehawk Regional Play Space $15,000

Maiden Gully Junior Football Club $800

Bendigo Spirit $60,000

Community Foundation $15,000

Basketball Junior Squad and Disability Program $1,500

Marist College – COGB Community Projects $50,000

Ladies Day out $150

Cash Donations to 200+ Bendigo Sporting Clubs & Charities $120,500

Total Cash Donations $314,950

Donations of food & beverage vouchers to Community Groups $10,000

Provision of facilities at no charge for Community Groups $20,000

Total Donations to Charities and Community Groups $344,950


PAGE 105

2016/2017 Major Events

Several of the major events held during 2016/17 were as follows:

Date Event Est. attendees

Jul 2016 Parkway Drive Music Concert 1000

Jul 2016 Hindsight Club High Tea 350

Aug 2016 Vic Police Farm Security Expo 500

Aug 2016 Circus Quirkus 300

Aug 2016 National Taekwondo Championships 2500

Sep 2016 National Gymnastics Championships 4000

Oct 2016 Dragon City Volleyball 1000

Nov 2016 Basketball Vic Country U14 Qualifier 300

Nov 2016 World Festival of Magic 300

Dec 2016 Girton Grammar Speech Night 2000

Dec 2016 Kids Christmas Concert 550

Jan 2017 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament 250

Jan 2017 Basketball Junior Classic 6000

Feb 2017 U20’s National Basketball Championships 700

Mar 2017 Basketball Vic Country U16/18 Championships 2200

Apr 2017 Basketball Vic Country U12 Championships 3200

Apr 2017 National Square Dance Convention 700

Season Phantoms State League Volleyball Games 1000

Season Bendigo Braves Home and Away Games 6000

Season Bendigo Spirit Home Games 4000

35,850

Financial Performance for the year ended 30 June 2017 BSL Financial Performance 2014 2015 2016 2017 Expenditure $ $ $ $ Employee Benefits (e.g. wages) 3,418,593 3,635,760 3,812,201 3,961,930 Cost of Goods sold 1,000,981 1,091,755 1,167,046 1,091,158 Administration 1,139,382 1,183,897 916,847 954,296 Donations & Sponsorships 0 192,191 483,527 471,083 Advertising and Promotion 218,703 369,355 383,621 427,364 Depreciation 1,512,313 1,731,045 1,435,774 1,260,142 Repairs & Maintenance 178,527 208,721 168,636 200,398


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Borrowing Costs 179,582 159,201 112,002 115,770 Other Expenses 1,475,392 947,448 1,038,991 1,261,520 Sub Total $9,123,473 9,519,373 9,518,645 9,743,661 2014 2015 2016 2017 Income Gaming Income 6,777,372 6,618,339 6,644,039 6,302,587 Kiosk, Bistro and Bar sales 2,605,251 2,857,658 3,016,057 2,871,647 Sporting Fees 763,154 809,644 743,189 791,994 Sponsorship 320,356 324,797 324,797 150,222 Events Income 234,758 190,430 185,428 141,454 Training Income 87,600 88,059 89,812 90,029 Interest Income 73,085 99,270 94,091 46,907 Other Income 263,197 353,339 465,154 414,818 Sub Total $11,124,773 11,341,536 11,454,352 10,809,658 Net Result $2,001,300 $1,822,163 $1,935,707 $1,065,997 City of Greater Bendigo financial contribution to the BSL operations 2014 2015 2016 2017 Expenditure $ $ $ $ Depreciation 223,680 223,680 228,758 228,758 Maintenance 18,847 16,471 11,159 9,180 Sub Total $242,527 $240,151 $239,917 $237,938 Income Rent 1,106 1,000 257 Nil Sub Total $1,106 $1,000 $257 $Nil Net Cost to CoGB $241,421 $239,151 $238,894 $237,938 Net Cash Contribution by CoGB

$ 17,741 $ 15,471 $ 10,902 $ 9,180

Future Look

The Bendigo Stadium is embarking on a historic moment, with a $22 million expansion set to open in March 2018. This includes three new basketball courts with seating up to an impressive 4,000 spectators for the show court. With 16 metre ceilings and ‘FIBA approved’ timber floors, it has the capacity to alternate into a concert or conference configuration. The new development will include a VIP mezzanine (holding 240 patrons), new ground floor offices, licensed café bar, two large scoreboards, jumbotron, and a retail store. The new development will secure top line sports and entertainment events for the Bendigo community, and more importantly to Central Victoria. In collaboration with the CoGB, Otium Planning Group have been engaged to partake in creating the next phase of the Master Plan. This 10 year plan incorporates a high performance centre, gymnasium, new restaurant, and up to three new basketball courts. The BSL group have an ambition to provide the community with state of the art indoor and outdoor sporting facilities that enhance Bendigo’s other key landmarks to accommodate future population growth.


PAGE 107

The BSL group has repositioned its Vision to ‘Delivering World Class Experiences’. This best in class facility will provide the community with grassroots sporting opportunities and premium entertainment experiences, which will endeavour to inspire future athletes, attract major events, and deliver outstanding customer experiences every time. The BSL group’s new goals that have been recreated in 2017/2018 will strengthen their core focus on what they would like to be renowned for. Through this, the BSL group will improve the community awareness of what they do, why they do it, and how they contribute to the wider community. The new 2017/2018 Goals are -

Enhance community liveability We actively pursue world class sport and entertainment events to deliver an inspiring

calendar of events for the community

Promote active & healthy lifestyles We develop sporting programs that are accessible to everybody.

Our athletes are ambassadors in the community

Positive economic contribution We invest in community sport, local charities and improved infrastructure. Our

commercial success facilitates junior sport development

Provide pathways to performance We want every user to achieve their dream, from grassroots to elite we provide the

facilities and environment for every user to reach their full potential.


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8.3 RECORD OF ASSEMBLIES


Author Jessica Clarke-Hong, Manager Governance Responsible Kerryn Ellis, Director Corporate Performance Director

Purpose

The purpose of this report is to provide the record of any assembly of Councillors, which has been held since the last Council Meeting, so that it can be recorded in the Minutes of the formal Council Meeting.

RECOMMENDATION

That Council endorse the record of assemblies of Councillors as outlined in this report.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Policy Context


Goal 1 Effective community engagement will guide well informed, responsive decision-making and financially responsible resource allocations, which are transparent and accountable.


A meeting will be an assembly of Councillors if it considers matters that are likely to be the subject of a Council decision, or, the exercise of a Council delegation and the meeting is: 1. A planned or scheduled meeting that includes at least half the Councillors (5) and a

member of Council staff; or 2. an advisory committee of the Council where one or more Councillors are present. The requirement for reporting provides increased transparency and the opportunity for Councillors to check the record, particularly the declarations of conflict of interest.


PAGE 109

Report

Meeting Information

Meeting Name/Type

Councillors' Briefing

Meeting Date 28 August 2017

Matters discussed 1. Planning Induction: ResCode and Unit/Townhouse developments 2. Workshop on Gaming Policy 3. Visit by MAV President, Cr Mary Lalios 4. Council representation on various organisations 5. Bendigo Club

Attendees/Apologies

Councillors Cr Margaret O'Rourke Cr Rod Fyffe Cr Andrea Metcalf Cr Jennifer Alden Cr Julie Hoskin Cr Matt Emond Cr Yvonne Wrigglesworth Cr James Williams Apology: Cr George Flack

Staff/ Community Representatives

Mr Craig Niemann Mr Bernie O'Sullivan Mr Craig Lloyd Ms Kerryn Ellis Ms Vicky Mason Ms Jessica Clarke-Hong Mr Peter Hargreaves

Conflict of Interest disclosures

Matter No.

Councillor/officer making disclosure Councillor/officer left meeting

1. Cr O'Rourke Yes 2. Cr Williams Yes


PAGE 110

Meeting Information

Meeting Name/Type

Bendigo Heritage Advisory Committee

Meeting Date 31 August 2017

Matters discussed 1. Terms of Reference 2. McClure Memorial Proposal - Rosalind Park 3. World Heritage Listing update

Attendees/Apologies

Councillors Cr Matt Emond


Mr Trevor Budge Ms Emma Bryant Dr Dannielle Orr/ Ms Helen Ashby Mr Laurie Brown Ms Elaine Doling Ms Kay MacGregor Dr Di Smith Mr Rod Spitty Mr Calum Walker Mr Darren Wright Apologies: Mr Andrew Cockerall Ms Megan McDougall Ms Trudy Richard/ Mr David Bannear Mr Jordan Grenfell


Matter No.


Nil


PAGE 111

Meeting Information

Meeting Name/Type


Meeting Date 4 September 2017

Matters discussed 1. Regional Floodplain Management Strategy 2. Artlands Project 3. Bendigo Mountain Bike Club 4. Bendigo Heritage Attractions 5. Section 89 Confidential Report

Attendees/Apologies

Councillors Cr Margaret O'Rourke Cr Rod Fyffe Cr Andrea Metcalf Cr Jennifer Alden Cr Julie Hoskin Cr Matt Emond Cr Yvonne Wrigglesworth Cr James Williams Cr George Flack


Mr Craig Niemann Mr Bernie O'Sullivan Mr Craig Lloyd Ms Kerryn Ellis\ Ms Vicky Mason Ms Jessica Clarke-Hong Mr Peter Hargreaves


Matter No.


Nil


PAGE 112

Meeting Information

Meeting Name/Type



Matters discussed 1. Planning matters and draft Ordinary Agenda review 2. Finance Committee Meeting 3. Organisation Health Check 4. Community Plan Review 5. Environment Strategy Action Plan 6. Creative Industries Strategy 7. Arena Theatre Company 8. Home Support and NDIS 9. Bendigo Education Plan 10. Central Goldfields Library 11. Marriage Equality

Attendees/Apologies

Councillors Cr Rod Fyffe Cr Andrea Metcalf Cr Jennifer Alden Cr Julie Hoskin Cr Matt Emond Cr Yvonne Wrigglesworth Cr James Williams Apologies: Cr Margaret O'Rourke Cr George Flack


Mr Craig Niemann Mr Bernie O'Sullivan Ms Debbie Wood Ms Kerryn Ellis Ms Vicky Mason Ms Jessica Clarke-Hong Mr Peter Hargreaves Apology: Mr Craig Lloyd


Matter No.


Nil


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Meeting Information

Meeting Name/Type

Consultation meeting


Matters discussed Planning application DP/80/2017 1 Averys Road, EAGLEHAWK 3556 Buildings and works for a telecommunication facility (35 metre pole and equipment shelter in fenced compound)

Attendees/Apologies

Councillors Cr Julie Hoskin Cr Andrea Metcalf


Peter O'Brien Applicant Objectors


Matter No.


Nil


PAGE 114

Meeting Information

Meeting Name/Type



Matters discussed 1. Parking arrangements 2. State Election Strategy 3. Loddon Mallee Waste and Resource Recovery Group 4. Waste Services Review 5. Big Hill and Mandurang Valley Landscape Planning Scheme Amendment C208 6. 2018-2019 Budget Process 7. Rural Community Engagement and Ward Tours 8. Naming of Kangaroo Flat Aquatic and Wellbeing Centre

Attendees/Apologies

Councillors Cr Margaret O'Rourke Cr Jennifer Alden Cr Matt Emond Cr George Flack Cr Rod Fyffe Cr Julie Hoskin Cr Andrea Metcalf Cr James Williams Cr Yvonne Wrigglesworth


Mr Craig Niemann Ms Vicky Mason Mr Bernie O'Sullivan Mr Craig Lloyd Ms Kerryn Ellis Ms Jessica Clarke-Hong Mr Peter Hargreaves


Matter No.


Nil


PAGE 115

Meeting Information

Meeting Name/Type

Bendigo Heritage Advisory Committee


Matters discussed 1. Terms of Reference 2. Final meeting of current Heritage Advisory Committee 3. Expression of Interest for Committee Members process 4. Future Directions 5. Site updates

Attendees/Apologies

Councillors Cr Matt Emond


Mr Andrew Cockerall Dr Dannielle Orr/ Mr Laurie Brown Ms Elaine Doling Mr Rod Spitty Mr Calum Walker Mr Darren Wright Apologies: Ms Emma Bryant Mr Trevor Budge Ms Megan McDougall Ms Trudy Rickard/ Ms Helen Ashby Mr David Bannear Mr Jordan Grenfell Ms Kay MacGregor Dr Di Smith


Matter No.


Nil


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8.4 CONTRACTS AWARDED UNDER DELEGATION


Author Lee Taig, Contract Support Administrator, Governance Unit Responsible Kerryn Ellis, Director Corporate Performance Director

Purpose/Summary

The purpose of this report is to provide information on contracts recently awarded under delegation.

RECOMMENDATION

That the contracts awarded under delegation, as outlined in this report, be acknowledged by Council.

Policy Context

Delivery of programs, projects and services that respond to community needs. Community Plan Reference: City of Greater Bendigo Council Plan 2017-2021 Goal 1: Lead and govern for all Objective: 1:2 Be innovative and financially responsible


PAGE 117

Report

Contract No

Project Successful Contractor

Value (GST Exc)l

Delegated Officer

Date Signed

Service Contracts

CT000342

Provision and Maintenance Cleaning Services for Gutters (Spouting) of Selected Council Buildings

Electrical Resource Providers Pty Ltd

Schedule of Rates

Craig Lloyd 28 August

2017

Current annual Council Budget for the goods/services contracted via this schedule of rates is $90,000.00

CT000345

Provision of Fire Hazard Removal

CT Rural Services

Schedule of Rates

Vicky Mason

8 September

2017

Current Annual Council Budget for the good/services contracted via this Schedule of Rates is $40,000.00


PAGE 118

9. URGENT BUSINESS

Nil.

10. NOTICES OF MOTION

Nil.

11. COUNCILLORS' REPORTS

12. MAYOR'S REPORT

13. CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER'S REPORT

14. CONFIDENTIAL (SECTION 89) REPORTS

14.1 Confidential Report in accordance with Section 89(2)(d) of the Local Government Act relating to a contractual matter

RECOMMENDATION That Council close the meeting to members of the public pursuant to Section 89(2)(e) of the Local Government Act 1989 to consider a report relating to a contractual matter.

Documents

AGENDA Ordinary Meeting of Council - Home | City of ... · PDF filePresentation and ... Answer likely to compromise his / her ... Preparation of an Annual Report is a requirement of