Ordinary Meeting of Council - City of Greater Bendigo · Copies of the City of Greater Bendigo Council can be obtained online at MINUTES Meeting of Council 6.00pm Wednesday 15 February

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MINUTES

Ordinary Meeting of Council

6.00pm Wednesday 15 February 2017

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

VENUE:

Reception Room,

Bendigo Town Hall,

Hargreaves Street, Bendigo

NEXT MEETING:

Wednesday 15 March 2017

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 - Working together to be Australia's most liveable regional city.

Council Values Council wants the community to continue to have reason to be proud of the city and will do this through:

Transparency - Information about Council decisions is readily available and easily understood;

Efficiency and effectiveness - Council provides services based on evidence of need and demonstrates continuous improvement in the delivery of services;

Inclusion and consultation - Council uses a range of engagement strategies to ensure community members can understand and take part in discussion that informs the development of new strategies and actions;

Clear decisive and consistent planning - In a rapidly growing municipality, Council undertakes to plan effectively for our long-term future;

Respect for community priorities and needs - Council will advocate for improved services for community members and will consider community impact and feedback the decisions it makes.

Themes 1. Planning for Growth

2. Presentation and Vibrancy

3. Productivity

4. Sustainability

5. Leadership and Good Governance

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ORDINARY MEETING WEDNESDAY 15 FEBRUARY 2017

ORDER OF BUSINESS:

ITEM PRECIS PAGE

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY 5

PRAYER 5

PRESENT 5

APOLOGIES 5

SUSPENSION OF STANDING ORDERS 5

RESUMPTION OF STANDING ORDERS 6

CR ALDEN'S REPORT 6

DECLARATIONS OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST 7

CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES 8

1. PETITIONS AND JOINT LETTERS 9

1.1 Response to Petition: Victoria Street, Eaglehawk 9

1.2 Response to Petition Quarry Hill Primary School Request

for Crossing Supervisor

29

2. PLANNING FOR GROWTH 33

2.1 Greater Bendigo Public Space Plan - Stage 2 Vision and

Concept

33

2.2 Adoption of the Strathfieldsaye Town Centre Urban

Design Framework and Commence Planning Scheme

Amendment Process

36

2.3 Lot 1 Norman Road, Wellsford - Use and Development of a

Single Dwelling

50

3. PRESENTATION AND VIBRANCY 59

3.1 Strathfieldsaye Community Hub Stage 1 Tender 59

3.2 Progress Report on the Implementation of the Community

Access and Inclusion Plan 2015-2018

65

3.3 Positive Ageing Advisory Committee 75

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4. PRODUCTIVITY 81

5. SUSTAINABILITY 82

5.1 Extension to Contract No: CT000079 Supply and Delivery

of Quarry Products

82

6. LEADERSHIP AND GOOD GOVERNANCE 85

6.1 Record of Assemblies 85

6.2 Bendigo Cup Public Holiday - Correction Report 90

6.3 Appointment to Epsom Ascot Huntly Structural Flood

Mitigation Advisory Group

92

7. URGENT BUSINESS 94

8. NOTICES OF MOTION 94

9. COUNCILLORS' REPORTS 94

10. MAYOR'S REPORT 96

11. CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER'S REPORT 97

12. CONFIDENTIAL (SECTION 89) REPORTS 98

12.1 Confidential Attachment in accordance with Section

89(2)(d) Contractual Matters Associated with Extension to

Contract No: CT000079 Supply and Delivery of Quarry

Products

98

____________________________

CRAIG NIEMANN CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Ordinary Meeting - 15 February 2017

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY

PRAYER

PRESENT

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 (Chief Executive Officer) Ms Kerryn Ellis (Director, Corporate Performance) Mr Craig Lloyd (Director, Presentation and Assets) Mr Bernie O'Sullivan (Director, Strategy and Growth) Ms Vicky Mason (Director, Health and Wellbeing) Mr Peter Davies (Manager, Executive Services)

APOLOGIES

Nil

SUSPENSION OF STANDING ORDERS

That Standing Orders be suspended to allow the conduct of Public Question Time. RESOLUTION Moved Cr Fyffe, seconded Cr Metcalf. That Standing Orders be suspended to allow the conduct of Public Question Time.

CARRIED


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RESUMPTION OF STANDING ORDERS

That Standing Orders be resumed. RESOLUTION Moved Cr Fyffe, seconded Cr Flack. That Standing Orders be resumed.

CARRIED

CR ALDEN'S REPORT

Cr Alden reported on her attendance at the following meetings and events:

Numerous Australia Day events and the importance of the City’s multiculturalism

Acknowledgement of indigenous community’s feelings about Australia Day

Citizenship ceremony on Australia Day

Chinese New Year celebrations

Opening of the Sidney Myer Haven Education Centre

Scots’ Day Out in Rosalind Park

Involvement in various committees


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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 minutes; 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. Nil


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CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES

Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of Wednesday 18 January 2017. The following items were considered at the Ordinary Council meeting held on Wednesday 18 January 2017 at 6:00pm.

Planning Scheme Amendment C224 - Commercial Land and Activity Centre Strategy - Consider Submissions and Adoption

1 Greenwood Drive, Kennington - Subdivide Land into 2 Lots and Amendment of Covenant L976965U to Remove Point (d) of the Covenant

7 Francliff Avenue, Spring Gully - Subdivide Land into 29 Lots and Removal of Vegetation

4 Whittington Court and 198 North Harley Street, Strathdale - Re-Subdivision of the Land into 4 Lots

2 McLaren Street, Bendigo - Demolition of Garage and Construction of a New Garage

Mayoral and Councillor Allowances Review

International Relations

Record of Assemblies

Contracts Awarded Under Delegation The unconfirmed minutes have also been posted on the City of Greater Bendigo website pending confirmation at this meeting. RECOMMENDATION That the Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of Council held on Wednesday 18 January 2017, as circulated, be taken as read and confirmed. RESOLUTION Moved Cr Flack, seconded Cr Hoskin. That the recommendation be adopted.

CARRIED

Petitions and Joint Letters - Reports Ordinary Meeting - 15 February 2017

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1. PETITIONS AND JOINT LETTERS

1.1 RESPONSE TO PETITION: VICTORIA STREET, EAGLEHAWK

Document Information

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

Purpose

The purpose of this report is to provide a response to a petition submitted by residents in the Eaglehawk area regarding safety improvements in Victoria Street, Eaglehawk.

Summary

Residents of Victoria Street have raised concerns regarding the composition and speed of traffic over recent years. Traffic counts undertaken two years ago and following the receipt of the petition, indicate that the total traffic volumes have increased but the volume of commercial vehicles has decreased. Whilst it is difficult to draw a conclusion in regard to changes from just two counts, increasing residential development particularly in Jackass Flat may be one of the reasons for the increase in total traffic. The previous and recent traffic count indicated that measures to improve compliance with speed zones are warranted. Works have previously been undertaken along with temporary speed advisory signage particularly in regard to managing traffic speed. Further measures to improve the visibility of speed signs and further advisory information for drivers will be undertaken. A number of medium and long term measures have the capacity to reduce traffic speed, improve amenity and direct commercial vehicles from Victoria Street. These projects are not currently the highest priority compared with other similar projects based on evaluation criteria but will be considered in the development of future Council budget bids and external funding programs.


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RECOMMENDATION

That having considered the issues raised in the petition, Council:

1. Endorse the actions to address the speeding within Victoria Street including re-installation and any required relocation of current regulatory speed signage; trimming of vegetation around regulatory signage; utilisation of the speed alert mobile trailer; and working with Victoria Police on continued speed enforcement.

2. Consider medium and long term projects for traffic management and freight transport in future Council budgets and in external funding opportunities.

3. Notify the submitters of the petition of Council's decision.

RESOLUTION Moved Cr Flack, Seconded Cr Metcalf. That the recommendation be adopted.

CARRIED

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

Policy Context

Council Plan Reference: City of Greater Bendigo Council Plan 2013-2017 (2016-2017 Update):

Theme: 1 Leadership and Good Governance

Strategy 1.2 Maintain strong and positive relationships with the Federal and State Government and relevant departments and agencies, and advocate to ensure that the required infrastructure, key projects, policies and services are in place as our community grows.

Theme: 2 Planning for Growth

Strategy 2.3 Sustainable transport options are supported in the Connecting Greater Bendigo: Integrated Transport and Land Use Strategy (ITLUS)

Action 2.3.3 Implement the joint VicRoads and Council SmartRoads framework and principles for urban Bendigo

Action 2.3.5 Complete 'transport hub and urban renewal implementation plans' for Bendigo, Eaglehawk, Epsom and Kangaroo Flat railway stations and surrounding precincts.


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Theme: 3 Presentation and Vibrancy

Strategy 3.1 Greater Bendigo has attractive and accessible parks and public places and streetscapes that are widely used and enable people to be healthy and active.

Theme: 5 Sustainability

Strategy 5.1 Protect and conserve Greater Bendigo's natural environment and settings for the future.

Strategy Reference (include weblink as applicable): Connecting Greater Bendigo - Integrated Transport and Land Use Strategy (ITLUS): New actions to implement the ITLUS (pg 68)

"Develop 'transport hub and urban renewal implementation plans' for Bendigo, Eaglehawk, Epsom and Kangaroo Flat railway stations and surrounding precincts with a focus on improved and safer pedestrian and cycling access and circulation, improved urban spaces and landscaping, bus network and interchange facilities, commercial development and medium density housing incorporating affordable housing options."

ITLUS actions which support other policies and strategies (pg 77)

"Implement the Eaglehawk Structure Plan town centre recommendations to maximise development opportunities in and around the Eaglehawk Railway Station and increase the residential and commercial development opportunities"

Regional Strategic Plan Reference: Eaglehawk Structure Plan (ESP):

2.3) Key ambitions (pg 11)

"Town centre - Ensure heavy vehicle traffic is diverted from Victoria Street"

3.4) Strategic direction #4: improve interfaces between residential areas, open spaces and industrial development (pg 23)

"Strategies - Encourage the longer term transition of industrial uses on land to the east of Victoria Street to more service-based and warehouse uses to acknowledge the location within residential areas and consider rezoning to Industrial 3 Zone."

5) Implementation: Action 8.0 (pg 41)

"Design and construct identified on-road cycling lanes in the following locations as a priority, ensuring that on-road cycle tracks are delineated from on-street car parking spaces:

Victoria Street, between Upper California Gully Road and Averys Road and Howard Street to Jackass Flat.


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Background Information

As detailed in Figure 1.1 over page, Victoria Street, Eaglehawk runs in a north-east/south-west direction between Averys Road in the north and Upper California Gully Road in the south. It has a key intersection with the VicRoads arterial, High Street, in the Eaglehawk CBD. As a sub-arterial road and a declared b-double route, Victoria Street currently takes approximately 6,000 to 6,500 vehicles a day. Land adjacent its length is mixed in use, with conventional residential density in the north-east, retail and commercial around the intersection with High Street, moving through further residential development just south of the railway line, and then to industrial development in the south-west. Over the last four to five years, the City of Greater Bendigo (the City) has liaised with Eaglehawk residents about ways to address concern around traffic, safety and amenity of residents, particularly along the north-eastern end of Victoria Street which is primarily conventional residential development and around the Eaglehawk CBD. In response to initial concerns about congestion and safety at the Victoria Street/High Street intersection, the City advocated to VicRoads for installation of a dedicated right turn lane for traffic travelling north-east along Victoria Street. Line-marking for Figure 1.1) Victoria Street, Eaglehawk

this treatment was undertaken by VicRoads in 2013. Given the relatively high level of pedestrian related and cross vehicle accidents at this location, the City continues to lobby VicRoads to apply for funding under the Federal Blackspot Program to undertake installation of a green turning arrow at this location. This would provide a fully protected treatment for traffic turning right into High Street and minimise conflict with pedestrians


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crossing High Street. The City believes there may also be scope for the installation of central islands on the Victoria Street legs of the intersection to provide further protection of pedestrians. These issues will continue to be raised with VicRoads by the City. In late 2014, residents expressed concern about vehicle speed in the residential section of Victoria Street between High Street and Averys Road. A traffic count was undertaken between 4 December 2014 and 11 December 2014 in the location shown between Denham & Oak Streets in Figure 1.2 over page. The traffic count showed the following:

Average total of 5,490 vehicles per day.

85% of vehicles were travelling at 58 km/hr or below, 60 metres from the 50km transition zone (where traffic moves between 60km/hr and 50km/hr).

2,083 (5.4%) of the total 38,430 vehicles recorded were commercial vehicles (small trucks up to b-double).

87 (1.1%) of the 785 vehicles that were recorded between 12:00am and 6:00am were commercial vehicles. The peak of these (35 commercial vehicles) travelled between 5:00am - 6:00am.

A second count was undertaken at the same time in the location between Butts Road and Magazine Street as shown in Figure 1.2 below. The result of this count was consistent with what would be expected in this location given results of the Oak/Denham Streets count, recording an average of 4,771 vehicles per day. Given the drop in traffic volume, it would suggest that 8.7% of the traffic using Victoria Street is local traffic generated from adjacent residential areas, where vehicles are leaving or joining the road between the two count locations. The remainder would represent through traffic which, as evidenced by the data, includes a majority of the commercial vehicles. Speed was not a significant factor at the Butts Road/Magazine Street location with 95% of vehicles driving at 63km/hr or below in a 60km zone.


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Figure 1.2) Traffic Count and Speed Trailer locations

Acknowledging the information obtained by the traffic counts, several short term treatments were undertaken to address residents' concerns regarding speed, including:

- Line marking of edge lines and bike lanes. When boulevard type roads have no delineated edge, motorists tend to drive faster as there is less perception of speed. Line marking was undertaken in an effort to narrow the traffic lane, encouraging a change in driver perception and a subsequent reduction in traffic speed.

- The use of a 'speed alert mobile (SAM) trailer' on two separate occasions to

advise drivers of their speed and increase their awareness of the appropriate speed.

- Provision of traffic count data to Victoria Police for the purpose of informing appropriate enforcement.

Regardless, anxiety around traffic volume and speed continued for residents and as a result, several of these issues were raised with Cr James Williams, VicRoads representative Jim Mensforth, and former Cr Peter Cox at the Eaglehawk Whipstick ward meeting on the 20 June 2016. As requested at the ward meeting, a further community meeting regarding traffic related issues in Eaglehawk was facilitated by former Cr Cox on 18 July 2016. The community looked at several actions to address their concerns. Subsequent to these meetings, the following petition as outlined below was tabled at Council's Ordinary Meeting on 16 November 2016:


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"We the undersigned residents and ratepayers of Greater Bendigo City Council formally request Council implement strategies to divert heavy vehicles from and improve road safety on Victoria St, Eaglehawk, as outlined in the Eaglehawk Structure Plan (July 2013), ...

This includes:

Conducting origin destination studies to identify truck movements throughout this area.

Monitoring noise and diesel pollution in Victoria Street.

Constructing a truck bypass/ring road to divert trucks from Victoria Street.

Implementing truck control barriers on Victoria Street (outstands, roundabouts, chicanes etc).

Reducing the speed limit to 50 km/h. Our concerns include:

The volume and size of trucks using Victoria Street has increased over the past 2 years.

Victoria St has become a defacto ring road for Bendigo - trucks use it to get from the north to the south of Bendigo bypassing the Midland Highway/Napier Street/Calder Highway.

Noise pollution

Diesel pollution from trucks

Reducing amenity/liveability of area.

Safety issues for pedestrians and cyclists - it also doesn't create an environment that encourages people to walk/cycle to Eaglehawk village as outlined in Council's '10 minute neighbourhoods' strategy..."

The petition contained 51 signatures and Council resolved "that the petition be received and a response be prepared within three (3) meetings." Accompanying the petition was a letter from the petition's spokesperson detailing the road and traffic priorities identified by the community at the 18 July 2016 meeting. These priorities are included in Attachment 1 of this report along with a direct response provided by City officers on each item. Common themes of these priorities included:

Reduction in speed limits along High and Victoria Streets, Eaglehawk;

Improved pedestrian accessibility through the installation of formalised pedestrian crossings at various locations;

Driver education and further enforcement of speed limits;

Improved traffic-related signage;

Various local area traffic management proposals; and

Willingness to see the City pursue many of its strategic recommendations for Eaglehawk from the ESP and ITLUS.

After receipt of the petition, City officers arranged for another traffic count to be undertaken in the same location as in 2014 (between Denham & Oak Streets), in order to provide a qualitative comparison. This count was undertaken between 21 November 2016 to 28 November 2016 and it outlined the following:


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Average total of 6,044 vehicles per day.

85% of vehicles were travelling at 58 km/hr or below, 60 metres from the 50km transition zone.

1,645 (3.9%) of the total 42,310 vehicles recorded were commercial vehicles (small trucks up to b-double).

62 (0.7%) of the 863 vehicles that were recorded between 12:00am and 6:00am were commercial vehicles. The peak of these (37 commercial vehicles) travelled between 5:00am - 6:00am.

Report

Freight and traffic movements:

In the petition received, the City and Council have been asked to consider undertaking origin/destination studies to identify truck movements through the Victoria Street area. Strategic research work in regard to freight is currently being undertaken by the City. The Bendigo Freight Study (BFS) has already involved many hours of consultation with coordinating road authorities and local businesses from numerous industry sectors to help gain an understanding of freight issues, help make the freight network more robust and responsive to innovation and change, and help local business to be more productive. With over 200 businesses having provided information so far, the BFS is looking to gather data from both freight users and freight providers to inform efficiencies in and planning for Bendigo's freight and transport network; and to identify practical solutions for decision makers in government and business. It is also hoped the study will provide guidance to improve the sustainability of the freight sector now and into the future and make the city safer, cleaner, and more efficient. Although high level trends have begun to emerge in the BFS data, it is still too early in the process to give a specific analysis of a particular area such as Victoria Street. However, it is anticipated that the BFS will work towards providing information to build on business cases for external freight hubs and alternative routes, ultimately contributing to the development of major freight improvements; the benefits of which will be realised across the municipality, but particularly in more urban streets. Additionally, over the last 18 months the City and VicRoads have commenced a network operation planning exercise called SmartRoads. Identified as a priority for the implementation of ITLUS, the SmartRoads framework looks to designate an agreed road use hierarchy that determines priority users on each road at various times of the day and night including local traffic, pedestrians, cyclists and commercial vehicles. SmartRoads has and will continue to involve a collaborative process between Local Government, VicRoads, Public Transport Victoria and other stakeholders.


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Whilst the SmartRoads process aims to provide better certainty about road and traffic use, there can be conflicting uses based on adjoining land usage. Victoria Street is recognised as one of these locations where commercial and industrial traffic conflict with other uses across the length of the road. However, it must be acknowledged that this issue is not confined to this location, nor is it a new issue in Victoria Street. Several areas around the municipality experience similar circumstances to that of Victoria Street, where a mixture of land uses means that residential amenity and traffic movement do not favour each other. Sternberg Street, Kennington is another example of a sub-arterial road adjacent conventional residential development. A traffic count undertaken on Sternberg Street between Ligar and White Streets in 2010 detected 12,040 vehicles per day with 7.9% of those being commercial vehicles. Regardless of likely traffic growth along Sternberg Street since 2010, this is twice the amount of traffic than is currently experienced on Victoria Street. Works to signalise Sternberg Street's key intersection with Skene Street has been rated in the City's Capital Works Program and rate 49 out of 204 projects. Works are currently underway on Chum Street, Golden Square, to install roundabouts under the Federal Blackspot Program. Chum Street is another sub-arterial road that when compared to Victoria Street, experiences substantially more traffic (more than 10,500 vehicles per day with 8.9% commercial vehicles). Again, works are addressing significant accident history along the length of Chum Street/Barnard Street. One of the highest priority traffic management projects is the signalisation of Chum and Thistle Streets; an intersection experiencing significant cross traffic with comparable traffic volumes using both Chum Street and Thistle Street. Another location with similar traffic volume to Victoria Street is Olympic Parade, Kangaroo Flat. Roundabouts have recently been installed along Olympic Parade at the intersection with Station Street and the intersection with Mackenzie Street West. These were installed due to significant accident history at these locations and road pavement deterioration. These sub arterial streets form a key role in the road network for Greater Bendigo. Whilst the Over Dimensional Route 18 to the north of Eaglehawk is the major connection between the Midland Highway at Epsom and the Loddon Valley Highway at Sailors Gully, Victoria Street as a sub arterial is expected to carry a significant volume of commercial traffic.


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Figure 1.3) Industrial areas and heavy vehicle routes in the vicinity of Victoria St

As the main route between Epsom and Eaglehawk, movement to and from these commercial centres will also generate significant traffic on Victoria Street. Likewise, traffic from areas to the east of Eaglehawk's CBD will utilise Victoria Street to access Eaglehawk's commercial area. Subsequently, traffic volumes in Victoria Street are consistent with expectations for a street of this nature. An increase in traffic of approximately 10% over the two years is noted between the traffic counts. Whilst it is difficult to draw conclusions about growth and trends from only two counts, the development of the Jackass Flat area may be one of the reasons for this growth. The petitioners have requested measures be put in place to reduce the volume and size of commercial vehicles in Victoria Street. The volume of commercial vehicle numbers has decreased by approximately 20% between the two counts. Given the close proximity of Victoria Street to the centre of Eaglehawk, the percentage of commercial vehicles is distinctly lower than other comparable roads. Petitioners have specifically asked for consideration to be given to installing treatments that would discourage truck use of Victoria Street, such as outstands, roundabouts and chicanes. As Victoria Street is classified as a sub-arterial road, treatments such as chicanes or speed humps would not be appropriate. Previous bluestone "rumble" strips installed on the approaches to the pedestrian crossing in Victoria Street adjacent the IGA Supermarket, were sealed over following complaints regarding the noise generated from these treatments. A particular project singled out by petitioners that was identified in the ESP, was an alternative to the current passage of commercial vehicles directly through the Eaglehawk CBD. The ESP details the installation of 250 metres of new road connecting Upper California Gully Road with Eaglehawk Road and Holdsworth Road. This would provide an alternative route for commercial vehicles from the industrial area of Victoria Street to the Midland Highway.


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The effectiveness of such a route is unknown given the additional length of a journey between Eaglehawk and Epsom and the volume of commercial traffic on Victoria Street that may have a more localised destination. Before further consideration is given to this project it would also be pertinent to await results of the Bendigo Freight Study to inform the relevance of this particular link. The cost for its implementation is significant with a high level estimate in the vicinity of $1.3 million for works at this intersection. It would also require land acquisition to be undertaken for the project to progress, an estimate for which is not included in the works estimate above. A large amount of consultation would be required to be undertaken with the community and design implications likely required by the coordinating road authority all reinforce the view that this proposal represents a long term treatment option. Speed management in Victoria Street:

Given the information obtained by traffic counts, there are challenges identified with speed management in Victoria Street. Traffic to the north east of Victoria Street is within reasonable limits, with 95% of traffic traveling at 63km/hr or below (in the 60km zone). Although traffic counts in this area were undertaken just beyond the transition area between the 50km/h and 60km/h zones, actions to improve compliance with the 50km/h speed zone are warranted. A regulatory signage audit of the area revealed that some 50km/hr signs were obscured or missing. Works are being arranged to rectify this, with replacement signage to be installed, some current signage to be relocated, and tree trimming from across obscured signage expected to be undertaken within the next four weeks. In addition to these maintenance works, the City will once again implement the SAM Trailer along Victoria Street to create further speed awareness, as well as providing traffic count data to Victoria Police to encourage increased speed patrolling of the area. Capital Works Projects:

Other treatments identified by the petitioners and strategic documents to manage speed and improve safety have been looked at by the City's traffic engineers, including a roundabout at Victoria Street/Hicks Street/Grenfell Avenue, and an intersection treatment at Victoria Street/Panton Street. These not only provide opportunities to manage traffic but also to provide town centre gateways which will identify the different environment and behaviour of road users through these areas. These projects have been included in the City's Capital Works Database. These projects are evaluated with a view to establish a consistently prioritised list of projects. All projects are rated against a range of criteria with traffic management projects rated against criteria including traffic volume and speed, safety risk and crash history. There are currently 204 traffic management projects in the Database with a total value of over $15.7 million. Projects remain in this program for annual assessment until such time as they obtain a high priority and are subsequently submitted for consideration in the Council Budget process. Given that this assessment must take into account projects across the whole municipality, it is recognised that based on a cost benefit analysis throughout this process, several pedestrian crossings, pedestrian bridges, guard rail projects and intersection treatments are currently rated as higher priority than the projects suggested by petitioners for Victoria Street.


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Pedestrian and Cycling linkages:

Related to speed concerns, petitioners also highlighted the safety of pedestrians and cyclists. While linkages for pedestrians and cyclists around the residential section at the north-east of Victoria Street are considered adequate at this time (see Figure 1.4 below), there are improvements that need to be made at the intersection with High Street. As previously mentioned, the City will continue to lobby VicRoads on this issue. Another relevant proposal looks at similar concerns for pedestrians within the Bendigo CBD. A 40km/h speed zone is being investigated for the Bendigo CBD and should the implementation of such a proposal be pursued, consideration could be given to implementation in the Eaglehawk CBD. Figure 1.4) Pedestrian and cycling accessibility in vicinity of Victoria Street

Air and Noise Monitoring:

The Petitioners request for the City to undertake noise and diesel pollution monitoring in Victoria Street is noted. The City's Environmental Health Officers are not delegated under legislation to undertake and enforce this type of environmental monitoring, nor does the City possess the necessary equipment to undertake it. Air and noise testing in relation to roads is not currently undertaken by the City and as the responsible road authority in this instance, any such investigation would require funding under the City's operational budget. If such a program was to be undertaken, it would be likely that other locations in the municipality would be volunteered for this investigation ahead of Victoria Street, given current traffic volumes.


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Conclusion

Victoria Street plays a key role in the road network forming the major link between Eaglehawk and Epsom. Whilst OD 18 to the north is designed for traffic travelling from Midland Highway to Loddon Valley Highway and beyond to the Calder Highway, Victoria Street serves a local connection between urban areas. The mixed use of adjoining land does generate some commercial and industrial traffic which ideally would not travel through residential areas. However given the historic development pattern of the area a mixture of traffic is expected. Traffic counts have indicated the traffic volumes and particularly the volume of commercial vehicles is not beyond what would be expected for this class of road. The traffic counts also indicated a level of speeding and that further measures are warranted to address this. A number of changes associated with speed signage will be undertaken along with further driver information and information provided to Victoria Police in regard to enforcement. A number of medium and long term projects will also provide opportunities to influence the speed, volume and composition of traffic in Victoria Street. These include the installation of intersection treatments, changes to speed zones and changes to the alignment of Upper California Gully Road near Eaglehawk Road. Whilst these projects are not currently the highest priority based on evaluation criteria, they will remain on the capital works program and be considered for future Council or external funding.

Attachments

1. Responses to priorities developed at 18 July Community Meeting


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Attachment One - Responses to priorities developed at the 18 July 2016 Community Meeting These responses are intended to be viewed in conjunction with the Council Report - RESPONSE TO PETITION: VICTORIA STREET, EAGLEHAWK (the Report).

No. Short Term Priorities from

Community Meeting Response from City Officers

1. A 40 km/h speed limit along High Street Eaglehawk, from ALDI to the Job’s Gully Bridge, near St Liborius Primary School.

High Street, Eaglehawk is an arterial road under the responsibility of VicRoads.

For the implementation of a speed limit change to be considered by VicRoads, many factors are considered; one being accident history. A 40km/h speed zone is being investigated for the Bendigo CBD given a total of 28 accidents involving pedestrians and cyclists in the last five years within the CBD area.

Should the implementation of such a proposal be pursued, consideration could be given to implementation of the same in the Eaglehawk CBD given it has experienced five accidents in the last five years.

2. A 40 km/h speed limit from the Victoria Street railway crossing to the intersection of Victoria Street and Canterbury Street, and a 50km/h speed limit along the rest of Victoria Street.

Notwithstanding the above, lack of commercial activity from Caradon Way to Canterbury Street would see any 40km zone likely terminate at Caradon Way. A 40km zone on the south side of High Street would likely extend to the railway crossing at Panton Street.

VicRoads is the responsible authority for the approval of speed zones in Victoria. To assist other road authorities, VicRoads developed the V-limits program, which assesses speed limits of local roads.

Within this assessment program, the stretch of Victoria Street within the Eaglehawk CBD area is classified as a 50km/hr zone due to high pedestrian traffic. The remaining sections of Victoria Street are assessed as being 60km/hr zones.


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3. Raised pedestrian “wombat” crossings at the intersection of Victoria Street and the Loddon Valley Highway, and at Butts Road, between Lake Neangar and Lake Tom Thumb.

As VicRoads is the responsible road authority for the Loddon Valley Highway, any pedestrian treatment at this intersection would need to be pursued by VicRoads. As an arterial road, it is unlikely that a raised pedestrian crossing or 'wombat' crossing would be approved in this location.

Previous cobblestone threshold treatments on each side of the pedestrian crossing in Victoria Street were removed due to complaints regarding noise. A 'wombat' crossing would generate similar levels of noise.

A pedestrian crossing across Butts Road between Lake Neangar and Lake Tom Thumb is rated in the City of Greater Bendigo's Capital Works Program and is currently rated 16 out of 28 pedestrian crossing projects across the municipality.

4. More speed limit signage for Eaglehawk, both on roadside traffic control signs and painted on the road on Victoria Street, Butts Road and High Street.

Additional regulatory speed signage above the prescribed amount is not typically supported by VicRoads. Currently Victoria Street accommodates the maximum approved amount of speed signage. A recent regulatory signage audit indicated that some of this signage is not operating at its full efficiency. Works as described in the accompanying Report will be undertaken within the next four week to rectify this.

The suggestion to paint speed limits on the road surface is not a practice undertaken on Victorian Roads.

5. Enforcing of speed limits. The City of Greater Bendigo (the City) has provided traffic count data to Victoria Police and will continue to work with them regarding ongoing enforcement.

6. A program to educate drivers about Eaglehawk speed restrictions.

The Speed Alert Mobile (SAM) Trailer will continue to be used in Victoria Street. The SAM Trailer works as a highly visible educational tool that detects and relays the speed of an approaching vehicle to the driver, along with a short message. It is an effective way to educate road users on the appropriate speed limit. Given the high


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level of through traffic, a regular appearance of the SAM trailer along Victoria Street may be required.

This initiative, combined with regular enforcement from Victoria Police and regulatory signage improvements as detailed in the Report, will continue to raise speed awareness for drivers in the area.

7. Removal of potentially dangerous car parking directly outside the Recycle Centre Shop on Upper California Gully Road, and direct drivers to the carpark opposite on the corner of Upper California Gully Road and Victoria Street.

This issue has been previously raised with the City and as a result, 'No Stopping' signs were installed directly opposite the Recycling Centre and parking in this location is not allowed. Given vehicles reportedly continue to park in this area marked as 'No Stopping', City parking inspectors will patrol this area to discourage illegal parking.

8. Approach local businesses to better understand their freight and logistic requirements and identify improved traffic solutions. In particular, ASQ, Grays, Mawsons, IGA, Journey Management Group (heavy vehicle training company), McKern Steel, Suez – Epsom, Big Boy Bin Hire and Baldock Court businesses such as OneSteel, Omega and Midlands Wrecking.

In addition to the information provided in the Report, the Bendigo Freight Study (BFS) has recently undertaken a consultation stage which has seen a selection of the businesses listed submit information as part of the 'freight generators' survey. As mentioned in the report, as the BFS progresses, it will inform and assist in the development of major freight improvements across the municipality.

9. Action by Council to divert its Rubbish and Recycling trucks away from Victoria Street.

Kerbside waste collection trucks deposit garbage and organic collections at the Eaglehawk landfill. Given the collection occurs across the municipality, the trucks utilise a number of routes to access the landfill.

A small number of truck movements occur for collections to the east of Eaglehawk Landfill and Victoria Street is the most efficient route between the collection areas and the landfill. Any changes would decrease efficiency and redistribute these truck movements to other streets.


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10. Improve directional signs as follows:

Signs at the corner of Avery’s Road and Victoria Street and at the corner of Avery’s Road and Howard Street, directing traffic towards OD18 (McClelland Drive/Hodgson Street) as a preferred Pyramid Hill/Kerang/Marong alternative.

Signs at the corner of Sailor’s Gully Road and Hodgson Street, directing traffic towards OD18 (Hodgson Street/ McClelland Drive) as the preferred route to Epsom.

Signs at Maiden Gully and Marong to direct traffic to Maiden Gully Road/ Holdsworth Road

This work is currently being undertaken with the assistance of VicRoads, ensuring heavy vehicles are directed to either Allies Road (OD-18) or Inglis Street/Stray Street (OD-16).

No. Medium Term Priorities Response from City Officers

11. Implement the Eaglehawk Structure Plan recommendations:

close Victoria Street (north) to heavy vehicle movements.

redirect trucks down Upper California Gully Road to a new link constructed with Holdsworth Road.

redirect trucks from Myers Flat off Loddon Valley Highway to Williams Road/Hopkins Avenue/McCormacks Road/Upper California Gully Road/Holdsworth Road.

Implementation of some of the ESP recommendations have been addressed within the Report, however it should be noted that the ESP does not mention closing Victoria Street to heavy vehicle traffic, but identifies rather that moving forward it was a key ambition of the community to divert heavy vehicle traffic from Victoria Street.

A response to the Holdsworth Road linkage is provided within the Report.

Any restriction of commercial and industrial traffic needs to consider the alternative routes and their suitability, amenity impacts on properties along those routes, and impact on efficiencies for vehicle movement.

12. Set load limits for vehicles driving on Eaglehawk residential streets.

Roads are considered on a strategic network basis across Greater Bendigo rather than individually. This includes not only roads managed by the City, but also those managed by VicRoads as arterial roads.

Designated over-dimensional and B-Double routes have been approved


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following network-wide assessment. Most other roads and streets have unrestricted access for other vehicles to enable the efficient movement of people and freight. Load limits are generally only applied to protect assets (e.g. bridges) and would not be applied on an area basis.

13. Develop a program encouraging children to walk to school and promote this via school newsletters.

ITLUS encourages walking and cycling to school not only to manage congestion around schools but also to support the health and wellbeing of students.

One of the first actions of ITLUS was the launch of the Active Travel, Healthy Kids Guide. The guide has been provided all primary schools in the municipality to encourage sustainable travel.

14. Resurface Victoria Street with hot mix seal (to reduce traffic noise) – Request 1617837 from Whipstick Ward meeting of 20/6/2016 also refers to this proposal.

The pavement and seal condition of Victoria Street is currently satisfactory. Some stretches of seal are only five years old.

This proposal will be revisited when routine inspections determine that the road pavement or seal requires renewal.

Whilst asphalt surfacing is generally quieter than a spray sealed treatment, it is substantially more expensive and consideration of noise is generally not one of the factors when determining the type of surface treatment used.

15. Create controlled pedestrian crossings at the intersections of Church Street and Victoria Street; Napier Street and Victoria Street; Loddon Valley Highway and Darling Street (outside ALDI).

This request needs clarification with the community as both the Church/Victoria Streets and Napier/Victoria Streets 'intersections' do not exist. Regardless, pedestrian crossings are a major traffic control item and therefore their implementation is subject to the meeting of warrants set by VicRoads. It is highly unlikely that any location in the residential areas of Victoria Street would meet the combination of traffic and pedestrian volumes required to implement this type of crossing.

A controlled pedestrian crossing, across the Loddon Valley Highway at Darling Street, has however been looked at as


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part of the implementation of the Eaglehawk Station Master Plan. The proposed location for this crossing can be seen in Figure 2.1 at the end of this attachment.

16. Encourage pedestrian and bicycle traffic with footpaths and bicycle lane markings (e.g. along Butts Road).

Although a network of footpaths and off-road paths exist in the vicinity of Victoria Street and the two Eaglehawk lakes, as per Figure 1.4 in the Report.

Traffic volume along Butts Road does not warrant the installation of bicycle lanes at this point in time.

17. Improve traffic light configuration (directional arrows and lane marking) at the intersection of High Street and Victoria Street.

As described in the Report, the City continues to lobby VicRoads, as the responsible road authority, to undertake works on the traffic lights at this location.

18. Install roundabouts along Victoria Street, for example, at Panton Street and Grenfell Avenue/Hicks Street.

Due to the proximity of the railway level crossing, a roundabout cannot be installed at the Panton/Victoria Streets intersection. However a re-design of the intersection to better manage traffic volume and speed, and to provide a gateway treatment for the Eaglehawk CBD has been highlighted in strategic documents.

When considered against other traffic management priorities in the municipality, a roundabout at Victoria Street/Grenfell Avenue/ Hicks Street is not considered a high priority project for installation due to comparatively low traffic volume at this intersection.

19. Investigate whether a pedestrian barrier in Victoria Street from High Street to Panton Street would improve pedestrian safety.

The implementation of a pedestrian barrier in this location would see heavily restricted access to commercial and residential driveways, and the removal of all the adjacent angle parking bays due to the requirement for a two-metre-wide median. For these reasons, this treatment would be highly unlikely to gain community support.


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No. Long Term Priorities Response from City Officers

20. Work with Vic Roads to create a new road reserve between Myers Flat and Huntly to divert trucks away from residential areas.

A "bypass" of Bendigo has long been discussed. Most recent origin destination information indicated that a bypass was not justified.

The Calder Alternate does enable traffic on the Calder to "bypass" the Bendigo CBD, and OD 18 provides a route north of the Eaglehawk CBD between Marong and Epsom.

An alternative alignment between Marong and Huntly will be considered as part of strategic planning work through this corridor.

21. Seal the shoulders of Averys Road to Howard Street to allow sufficient room for both cyclists and cars on the road.

Shoulder sealing of Averys Road from Bright Street to Holdsworth Road was undertaken this financial year. A bid has been submitted for consideration in the 2017-2018 Council Budget Process Budget to undertake the remainder of this shoulder sealing project from Bright Street to Howard Street.

Figure 2.1 - Proposed Pedestrian Crossing of the Loddon Valley Highway


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1.2 RESPONSE TO PETITION QUARRY HILL PRIMARY SCHOOL REQUEST FOR CROSSING SUPERVISOR


Author Caroline Grylls, Acting Manager Parking and Animal Services Responsible Vicky Mason, Director Health and Wellbeing Director

Purpose

This report responds to the petition presented to Council on 14 December 2016 from parents and residents, requesting that the school crossing in Peel Street, Quarry Hill become a ‘supervised’ school crossing.

Summary

A petition was received from a number of parents and residents in the Quarry Hill Primary School area, respectfully requesting that the City of Greater Bendigo immediately provide a crossing supervisor for both morning and afternoon periods at the existing school crossing on Peel Street, Quarry Hill. The City is committed to providing school crossing supervisors in Greater Bendigo. All school crossing supervisors in Greater Bendigo are jointly funded by the City and VicRoads, with VicRoads determining which crossings are eligible for funding using an established formula. Data was collected on December 6, 2016, which did not meet VicRoads threshold for funding; however the City did go ahead and forward the request through to VicRoads for consideration and is waiting for a formal response. There are currently no school crossings within Greater Bendigo that are funded solely by the City.


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RECOMMENDATION

That Council:

1. Acknowledge that a letter has been sent to VicRoads requesting advice on whether they will provide funding for a school crossing supervisor for the school crossing on Peel Street, Quarry Hill.

2. Notify the petitioners of the action taken and that further notification be provided once advice has been received from VicRoads.

RESOLUTION Moved Cr Emond, Seconded Cr Fyffe. That the recommendation be adopted.

CARRIED

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

Policy Context

Council Plan Reference: City of Greater Bendigo Council Plan 2013-2017 (2015-2016 Update) Strategy 1.2 - Maintain strong and positive relationships with the Federal and State Government and relevant departments and agencies and advocate to ensure that the required infrastructure, key projects, policies and services are in place as our community grows.


A petition has been received from a number of parents and residents in the Quarry Hill Primary School area. The petition noted that previous requests for the provision of a school crossing supervisor had been unsuccessful, based on the assessment that Peel Street was not sufficiently busy to justify a school crossing supervisor. All school crossing supervisors in Greater Bendigo are jointly funded by the City and VicRoads, with 43 crossings funded for the 2016/2017 financial year. Traffic and road management is core business for VicRoads and they are responsible for determining where school crossing supervisors will be jointly funded. The Victorian State Government is currently leading a broader strategic review into the movement and safety of school students, including potential safety improvements, the effectiveness of the built environment and alternative travel options. The review findings

are expected to be delivered in early 2018.


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Advice to the City is that until such time that the review findings are released, the existing formula will remain the method for VicRoads to determine where school crossing supervisors will be funded. Previous Council Decision(s) Date(s): At the Ordinary Meeting of 14 December 2016 Council resolved: “That the petition be received and a response be prepared within two (2) meetings”

Report

VicRoads employ a formula to determine whether a school crossing supervisor will be funded. The formula requires that the number of pedestrian movements in one hour (P), be multiplied by the number of vehicle movements in one hour (V). This figure must meet the threshold value of 5,000.

Data was collected by the City for a one hour period on December 6, 2016 which resulted in a figure of 3,638 (P = 34, V = 107). While this does not meet the threshold value of 5,000 the data was forwarded to VicRoads for consideration. No formal response has been received to date. There are currently no school crossing supervisors in Greater Bendigo that are not jointly funded by VicRoads and the City. Options/Alternatives: Council have the option to fund a school crossing supervisor at Peel Street without support from VicRoads, however this would be the only such one in Greater Bendigo. Risk Analysis: The petition states that “It only takes one car to severely injure or kill a child. Traffic volumes are simply not relevant.” The City is committed to providing school crossing supervisors in Greater Bendigo and takes child safety at school crossings very seriously. School crossing infrastructure is in place on Peel Street providing a well signed and marked point for school children to cross.

Consultation/Communication

The City’s Engineering unit has provided support with collecting data and liaising with VicRoads as part of the required process for a new school crossing supervisor application.


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Resource Implications

Budget Allocation in the Current Financial Year: The City currently provides 80% of funding for school crossing supervisors with the budgeted cost for 2016/2017 being $327,371. Minister for Roads and Road Safety Luke Donnellan announced on 16 December 2016 that the School Crossing Program would have certainty with 50/50 funding between the Labor Government and local councils from 1 July 2017.

Attachments

N/A

Planning for Growth - Reports Ordinary Meeting - 15 February 2017

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2. PLANNING FOR GROWTH

2.1 GREATER BENDIGO PUBLIC SPACE PLAN - STAGE 2 VISION AND CONCEPT


Author Mark Stubbs, Senior Strategic Planner Responsible Bernie O’Sullivan, Director Strategy and Growth Director

Purpose

To provide information to allow Council to consider appointing two additional Councillors to the Steering Group for the Greater Bendigo Public Space Plan.

Summary

The Greater Bendigo Public Space Plan is a major strategy of the City which is currently in development. The project has progressed to its half-way point, with the 50 Year Conceptual Vision currently opened to community comment. To support the delivery of the Public Space Plan, governance arrangements comprising a Steering Group and a community-based Reference Group are in place. The Steering Group combines representatives of the City with those of other key agencies to provide high level direction to the project and project team. Councillor representation on the Steering Group currently comprises a single position as Chair, which is fulfilled by the Mayor. This arrangement was advanced by the Executive Management Team in early 2016, and reflected the perceived importance of the project. The circumstances of the City and the Council have since changed considerably, resulting also in significant changes to representation on the Steering Group. The nature of this change, together with the proactive interest of the Council in strategic projects, means that it is now opportune for Councillor representation to be expanded.


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RECOMMENDATION

That the Greater Bendigo City Council resolve to appoint Crs Andrea Metcalf and Matt Emond, in addition to the Mayor, as representatives on the Steering Group for the Greater Bendigo Public Space Plan. RESOLUTION Moved Cr Fyffe, Seconded Cr Wrigglesworth. That the recommendation be adopted.

CARRIED

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

Policy Context

Council Plan Reference: Theme 3: Presentation and vibrancy Strategy 3.1: Greater Bendigo has attractive and accessible parks, public places and streetscapes that are widely used and enable people to be healthy and active. Action 3.1.1: Complete the Greater Bendigo Public Space Plan in partnership with the Community Wellbeing and Presentations and Assets Directorates and commence implementation. Strategy Reference: www.bendigo.vic.gov.au/publicspaceplan

Report

The Greater Bendigo Public Space Plan is a major strategy of the City which is currently in development. The established governance arrangements for the Public Space Plan comprise a Steering Group and a Reference Group. Steering Group The purpose of the Group may be summarised as follows:

Oversee and monitor progress of the project;

Provide guidance and direction to the project team to ensure that the project fulfils its objectives and completion date;

Ensure the project is inclusive of relevant stakeholder groups and is responsive to their concerns and interests;


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Direct the project in response to emerging issues and influences and identify any associated risks;

Review and approve project deliverables for consideration by Council (as applicable);

Review and approve the community engagement;

Reconcile any differences in opinion and resolve any disputes;

Adhere to applicable ethical and legal standards and manage the Group’s processes according to best practice.

Agencies represented on the group in addition to the Mayor and the City’s four Directors are:

The Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning

Parks Victoria

The Heart Foundation

Coliban Water

North Central Catchment Management Authority

Bendigo Health The first meeting of the Group occurred in August 2016. Since this time, significant changes have occurred within the City of Greater Bendigo, its Council and within other organisations such that representation will be very different for future meetings. Given this change, and the interest of the Council to be engaged in the strategic work of the City, it is considered timely to increase the level of Councillor representation. In keeping with the approach for other major projects, a further two Councillor positions, in addition to that of the Mayor as Chair, are proposed. Meetings of the Group coincide with the major milestones of the Public Space Plan. The next meeting is scheduled for the morning of Monday 20 February. A further two meetings are anticipated in the second half of 2017. Reference Group A community Reference Group comprising 13 residents from across Greater Bendigo is also in place. Meetings of the Reference Group are held in advance of the Steering Group so that their comments and advice can be reported and considered.


Three Councillor representatives on the Steering Group allows for a more equitable balance of Councillor work commitments.

Attachments

None


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2.2 ADOPTION OF THE STRATHFIELDSAYE TOWN CENTRE URBAN DESIGN FRAMEWORK AND COMMENCE PLANNING SCHEME AMENDMENT PROCESS


Author Els Viester, Strategic Planning - Design Responsible Bernie O’Sullivan, Director Strategy and Growth Director

Purpose

To provide an update on the work undertaken during the process of finalising the Strathfieldsaye Town Centre Urban Design Framework (UDF) and recommend the adoption of the final UDF and the preparation of a planning scheme amendment to assist with the implementation of the UDF.

Summary

Over the past 12 months the Strathfieldsaye Town Centre UDF has been developed with extensive community engagement and input. After an eight week submission period on the draft UDF, four submissions were made and resolved. There is wide community support for the principles of the UDF. The objectives of the UDF are to:

Guide future development to contribute to the desired character of Strathfieldsaye;

Support the development of a compact town centre that stimulates active modes of transport through rezoning of commercial land and increasing densities;

Strengthen the character of a town centre within the creeks by protecting existing trees and vegetation where possible and actively promote the planting of native trees.


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RECOMMENDATION

That the Greater Bendigo City Council resolves to: 1. Adopt the Strathfieldsaye Town Centre Urban Design Framework (UDF).

2. Commence the planning scheme amendment process to implement the relevant

strategic and policy directions of the adopted UDF.

RESOLUTION Moved Cr Wrigglesworth, Seconded Cr Flack. That the recommendation be adopted.

CARRIED

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

Policy Context

Council Plan Reference: The draft Strathfieldsaye Town Centre UDF is in line with the Council Plan Theme 2: Planning for Growth: 2.2.3 Complete Urban Design Frameworks for Maiden Gully and Strathfieldsaye main

streets. Strategy Reference: This project is also mentioned as an action in the major strategies of the City:

Commercial Land and Activity Centre Strategy:

6. Prepare an Urban Design Framework for the Strathfieldsaye commercial centre to attract investment and to guide development in this Activity Centre. As part of this project, investigate the preferred zoning of 2 Club Court.

Integrated Transport and Land Use Strategy:

Develop Urban Design Frameworks for the activity centres identified by the Commercial Land and Activity Centres Strategy, namely, Epsom, Strathfieldsaye, Maiden Gully, Marong, Golden Square and Ironbark to guide development in and around these centres and train station precincts, to accommodate a growing population and to induce and support public transport use and active travel by people living in and accessing the activity centres.

Residential Strategy:

GBRS7.0 An ongoing program of preparing Urban Design Frameworks for various activity centres including Strathfieldsaye.


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In accordance with the Council Plan and the adopted Strategy and Growth Directorate work program, work has been finalised on the Strathfieldsaye Town Centre Urban Design Framework. This project is different to a Structure Plan, and serves a more specific purpose. The Urban Design Framework (UDF) sets the direction and coordination for the development of Wellington Street/Strathfieldsaye Road of Strathfieldsaye with a focus on the town centre. The UDF involves ideas and realistic design concepts based on extensive community engagement research and analysis. The Strathfieldsaye Town Centre UDF is a document that is developed as a follow up document to the Strathfieldsaye Township Plan (2009). The UDF will be followed by an amendment in accordance with the Strategy and Growth work program to implement the policy directions of the UDF into the planning scheme. Previous Council Decision Date: 12 October 2016 - Council decision to release the Draft Strathfieldsaye Town Centre UDF for public consultation.

Report

Strathfieldsaye is growing rapidly and is forecast to more than double in population. This will result in the need for more commercial development and pressure for bigger and better community facilities. It is important that the development of the town centre meets the needs of the whole community, the landowners and businesses and presents as a well-designed, vibrant, safe and attractive place for all. The key recommended changes are:

Consolidation of the town centre on the north side of Wellington Street as the focus for retail development and the major place for people to gather in civic events;

The ‘Town Centre within the creeks’ is a concept that will be promoted by strong native tree planting and landscaping;

The Town Centre will support a network of connecting foot and bicycle paths to housing, commercial, social and recreation areas;

New developments should contribute in their design to the preferred Strathfieldsaye Town Centre character.

See the map on the next page for the Overall Framework Plan visualising the key recommended changes.


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Key actions:

Introduce a Design and Development Overlay (DDO) for the town centre and the town entrances;

Rezone several sites including sites from Commercial 1 Zone to Mixed Used zone;

Start the detailed design and costing for a square in the Town Centre Square.

Priority/Importance: Adoption of the UDF is important because it will guide future development of the Town Centre of Strathfieldsaye, ensuring a sustainable and liveable town centre that contributes to the desired character. Timelines: The timeline presented on the right was the timeline proposed at the start of this project. The project process is on schedule.


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Progress: The UDF will partially be implemented through Council investment and a Planning Scheme Amendment. A successful amendment will be important in achieving the vision of the UDF as it will change the planning provisions to align with the UDF. A planning scheme amendment is a process that will take at least one year and will include independent review and another opportunity for the residents and stakeholders to make submissions before changes to the planning scheme are finalised.


Through the 12 month development period this project was informed by extensive internal consultation and face to face community engagement. A complete overview of all the consultation conducted during the process is attached see appendix 2 Strathfieldsaye Town Centre UDF Consultation Summary. Next steps: Following a decision by Council to adopt the UDF, everyone who submitted comments and requested their formal consideration will be contacted and provided with the final document and the material related to the decision. All other stakeholders and community members subscribed to the mailing list will be notified of the adoption of the UDF. Internal Consultation: An Internal Reference Group was set up to give guidance on the project from a multidisciplinary perspective from a wide range of Council units. The group met 4 times and had the opportunity to provide feedback. Community Engagement: Community engagement was undertaken through all the stages of the project using a wide variety of means.


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Community and stakeholders: The community was informed and consulted on all stages of the project by

project bulletins

surveys

website updates

email updates

Facebook updates

information sessions

workshops

feedback opportunities

opportunities for private meetings

opportunity to send in submissions Community reference group meetings: During the first round of consultation the community was encouraged to become part of the Community Reference Group, with the expectation that there would be a series of meetings to attend. A group of 21 community members formed the Community Reference Group. After the initial meeting of the group, about a dozen people have been regularly attending meetings. Five meetings were held in total over the project’s lifetime. Government agencies and other organisations: There has been extensive consultation with other organisations and agencies regarding the UDF and the alignment with their projects and plans.


Budget Allocation in the Current Financial Year: $6,000 Previous Council Support: $6,000 in the 2015/2016 Budget Projected costs for future financial years:

Implementation of the UDF relies on Council implementing a Planning Scheme Amendment which has been budgeted for in 2016/2017 and is part of a budget bid for 2017/2018. Progressive development of the Town Centre in accordance with the recommendations of the UDF will require resources over an extended period of time. Most of the actions need to be designed and fully costed prior to works being undertaken. Commencing implementation of the public works should be the subject of a budget bid in 2018/2019. Opportunities to undertake projects with the support of the Strathfieldsaye Community Enterprise should be investigated.

Attachments

1. Strathfieldsaye Town Centre UDF Consultation Summary 2. Strathfieldsaye Town Centre Urban Design Framework (UDF)


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Attachment 1 - Strathfieldsaye Town Centre UDF Consultation Summary The 12 month development period of the Strathfieldsaye Town Centre Urban Design Framework (UDF) was informed by extensive internal and external consultation. This document provides an overview on the method and frequency of consultation. Webpage with direct sign-up to the project mailing list www.bendigo.vic.gov.au/StrathfieldsayeUDF - 1745 visits since its creation Project mailing list – 177 email addresses

Start of the project highlighted in the Bendigo Advertiser – Tuesday 8 March

Start of the project posted on Facebook (6 March) – 9 likes, 0 comments, 2 shares, 1923 reach

Stage 1 Bulletin 1

Community engagement and survey promoted in the first Strathfieldsaye Town Centre UDF Bulletin established for the project – sent to 543 land owners within the Strathfieldsaye urban area and a mail drop to all mail boxes within the suburb Strathfieldsaye

Community engagement sessions Sunday 20 March 2016 – about 47 attendees, and Tuesday 22 March 2016 – about 63 attendees

Promoted on Facebook (10 March) – 1 likes, 0 comments, 0 shares, 423 reach






Notice supplied to Strathfieldsaye Primary School Newsletter and St Francis of the Fields Primary School

Promoted on the Strathfieldsaye UDF project webpage

Promoted by posters and bulletins placed around the township

Promoted in the Bendigo Advertiser Community Planning Update – Tuesday 29 March

Survey Strathfieldsaye Town Centre UDF Survey 186 respondents (185 online, 1 hardcopy)

Promoted on Facebook (14 March) – 1 likes, 0 comments, 0 shares, 548 reach.




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Results published on Facebook (12 April) – 29 likes, 1 comment, 2 shares, 3789 reach.

Strathfieldsaye Town Centre UDF Youth Survey – 291 respondents (online only)

Promoted on Facebook (28 March) – 18 likes, 8 comments, 1 shares, 7,626 reach.

Primary School Workshop

5 groups of Grade 5 and 6 students from the Strathfieldsaye Primary School (27 April) and St Francis of the Fields Primary School (23 May) ideas for the future of their town centre written or illustrated, then recorded.

Meetings and Submissions

2 Written submissions

2 Personal meeting

4 phone or email enquiries

Stage 2 Bulletin 2

Community workshop and survey promoted in this Bulletin – sent to 220 land owners within the project area and the project mailing list

Community Design Workshop - Thursday 23 June – 19 attendees

Promoted on Facebook (19 June) – 4 likes, 0 comments, 0 shares, 3521 reach.

Promoted on Facebook (21 June) – 0 likes, 0 comments, 1 shares, 956 reach.

Promoted on the Strathfieldsaye UDF webpage Meetings and Submissions

0 Written submissions

0 Personal meeting


Stage 3 Bulletin 3

Community feedback sessions and survey promoted in this Bulletin – sent to 224 landowners within the project area and the project mailing list

Community Feedback Sessions

Thursday 10 November (2 sessions) – about 15 attendees

Saturday 12 November – about 10 attendees


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Tuesday 29 November: Separate feedback session for property owners of the commercial precinct – 12 attendees

Survey Draft Strathfieldsaye Town Centre UDF Survey – 14 respondents

Community feedback sessions and survey promoted on Facebook (16 October) –7 likes, 1 comments, 1 shares, 879 reach.

Community feedback sessions and survey promoted on Facebook (9 November) – 2 likes, 0 comments, 0 shares, 5528 reach.

Promoted on the Strathfieldsaye UDF webpage

Promoted at the Strathfieldsaye Community Carnival – spoken to about 30 people Meetings and Submissions

4 Personal meeting


4 Submissions The UDF has changed and evolved over its 12 month preparation timeframe as a direct result of community engagement, liaison and engagement across the CoGB organisation, with other agencies and with other stakeholders and interested parties. Four (4) formal submissions were received and reviewed by the project team and then summarised into key points. The final responses to the submissions and recommendations are set out in the table below.

Submitter Submission Summary Officer Response and Recommendation

Strathfieldsaye Resident

Does not support proposal to rezone commercial land. Does not see valid reason for change. Rezoning will restrict the opportunity to grow businesses at one side of the main road, which is short sighted.

There is overall community consensus that there is a need to develop a compact town centre to encourage a liveable and active centre on the north side of Wellington Street. This is also aligned with other council strategies. Action: No changes to the proposed rezoning of commercial land. Included appendix regarding commercial land in Strathfieldsaye.

Developer Concern that property is identified as Low Density Residential which is inconsistent with Councils Strategies and existing Development Plan Overlay (DPO)

The draft UDF included misleading wording regarding this topic. The objective of the UDF is consistent with council strategies and the existing DPO. Action: Wording in the document has been updated.

Developer a. Introducing a pedestrian a. UDF will be in line with the


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block on the front of the existing IGA will restrict vehicle movement between the two existing centres which is inconsistent with the existing Development Plan for 943 Wellington Street.

development plan. Shops in front of the existing IGA can only be proposed if access is maintained.

b. Image showing walking and cycling links the mid-block pedestrian link and vehicle access to the front are not shown which are included in the Development Plan.

b. Noted. Pedestrian link will be added in mapping.

c. Requesting at least one access point from Wellington Street to be included in the layout for properties 917, 923, 925 Wellington Street.

c. The UDF proposes to minimise the number of access points from Wellington Street/Strathfieldsaye Road to ease traffic flow and create space for native vegetation. If access is required an application can be made to VicRoads, which is the responsible organisation.

d. Strathfieldsaye Township

Plan p.64 shows Wellesley Street with one way traffic flow, this design is preferred over the public space without vehicle access shown in the UDF.

d. Once Apsley Lane is connected through the town centre there is no need for access through Wellesley Street. Also there is broad community consensus that Wellesley Street should be maintained as a vegetated public space with a walking and cycling link.

Action: Wording and plans in the

UDF updated to align with Development Plan including all walking links. No further changes.

Coliban Water a. Proposes rezoning of the southern part of their property.

a. Agreed.

b. Concern that the vegetation and trees in

b. Maintaining and planting of native vegetation is important


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the main street should not hinder the current and future space needed for utility services.

for the character of Strathfieldsaye. It is noted that this cannot stand in the way of necessary services.

c. Requesting detailed

information regarding residential densities (as well in commercial areas), irrigation water supply needs and location of utility services for properties in commercial area.

c. Detailed information about density and location of utility services for properties added to the document.

The information regarding irrigation cannot be given in the document because the timing and detailed design of both street vegetation and a town square is unknown. Council will liaise with Coliban Water when progress is made on these actions.

Action: Changes made to the

proposed rezonings and to the wording in regards to residential densities and to reflect the priority of necessary services in the road reserve.

Stage 4 Bulletin 4 A final bulletin will be sent out to all property owners and people subscribed to the mailing list when council has adopted the UDF. All submitters to the Draft UDF will receive a notification of the final document and will receive information about the decision made regarding their submission. Community Reference Group (CRG) meetings: Initially 45 community members subscribed to be part of the Community Reference Group. After the initial meeting 21 community members formed the Community Reference Group. A group of about a dozen people have been regularly attending meetings. Everyone from the community was invited to become part of this group, with the expectation that there would be a series of meetings to attend. Stage 1: Wednesday 26 April 2016 – 12 attendees, 8 apologies

Initial set up meeting and setting up principles


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Stage 1: Wednesday 1 June 2016 – 9 attendees, 2 apologies

In this meeting we finalised the principles and went through the content of some of the details. Most importantly we agreed which elements define the character of Strathfieldsaye. Also the path for the following meeting and project milestones were discussed.

Stage 2: Wednesday 22 June – CRG Design Workshop 14 attendees

This meeting was in preparation for the Community Design Workshop that was held the following night. We went through a series of design opportunities for the town centre which we presented on the following night.

Stage 3: Monday 12 September 2016 – 8 attendees, 7 apologies

In this meeting we went through the Draft UDF, which was sent previously to the CRG members, and the comments the members had on it before sending it out for community consultation. Main change was that there needed to be 1 clear overall map that showed the framework.

Stage 4: Tuesday 22 December 2016 – 7 attendees, 5 apologies (2 Community Reference Group members had to leave the Reference Group as they had been elected as Councillors)

Final meeting to discuss the changes to the final UDF compared to the draft that went out to the community. Adjustments were proposed to make clear what the priorities are and some of the main routes.

Internal Reference Group Meetings: An Internal Reference Group was set up to give guidance to the project. The group met 4 times and had the opportunity to provide feedback.

Stage 1: 15 March 2016

Stage 1: 6 June2016

Stage 3: 14 September 2016

Stage 4: 21 December 2016 Cross-organisational meetings: VicRoads During the project there was close collaboration with VicRoads because VicRoads was consulting and planning for the Tannery Lane intersection, an often discussed topic for the UDF. Wellington Street is managed by VicRoads.

Stage 1 - 11 February Site Visit

Stage 1 - 2 March initial meeting

Stage 2 - 17 June

Stage 2 - 23 June attendance at community workshop


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Stage 3 - 7 October

Stage 4 - 23 November

Stage 4 - 1 December attendance at meeting with the SDCE Strathfieldsaye & District Community Enterprise (SDCE)

During the project we have met twice with the SDCE to discuss the possible projects of the SDCE and the alignment of those to the UDF.

Department of Education and Training

This meeting was to advise the Department of the UDF and to align objectives in regards to the growth of the primary schools in Strathfieldsaye. The Department advised that they have no plans for the expansion of Strathfieldsaye Primary School.

Public Transport Victoria (PTV)

Attended the community consultation that PTV was conducting for the bus route in Strathfieldsaye. Feedback from both Council and PTV consultation was exchanged.

CFA Strathfieldsaye

Meeting with the Strathfieldsaye CFA Captain. We discussed the future need for the fire authority to expand in Strathfieldsaye and which possible locations might be most suitable. This meeting was followed up with a call to the CFA catchment officer for Strathfieldsaye.

Meeting with Strathfieldsaye Primary School

Meeting with the Principal to discuss the future on the school considering growth, active transport and parking.

Meeting with St Francis of the Fields Primary School

Meeting with the Principal to discuss the future on the school considering growth, active transport and parking.


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2.3 LOT 1 NORMAN ROAD, WELLSFORD - USE AND DEVELOPMENT OF A SINGLE DWELLING


Author Stephen Wainwright, Coordinator Planning Responsible Bernie O’Sullivan, Director Strategy and Growth Director

Summary/Purpose

Application details: The use and development of a single dwelling on the land and the creation of carriageway easements on two neighbouring land parcels described as Crown allotment 20A Parish of Wellsford and Lot 4 on TP 630512U

Application No: DSD/540/2016

Applicant: A A Bamford and J E Clancy

Land: Lot 1 Norman Road, Wellsford (and 600 and 608 Huntly-Fosterville Road)

Zoning: Farming Zone (and Rural Living Zone)

Overlays: Environmental Significance Overlay Schedule 1 – Watercourse Protection; Bushfire Management Overlay

No. of objections: 4

Consultation meeting:

24 October 2016

Key considerations: This application concerns a proposal to build a dwelling on a farming property located adjacent to the Wellsford Forest. Access to the site is constrained. To overcome the constraints it is proposed to create a carriageway easement through two neighbouring properties rather than rely on the existing roads. Nearby residents are opposed to the carriageway easement because it will be a source of dust.

Conclusion: The proposed access arrangements are acceptable subject to part of the carriageway easement being sealed to suppress dust. The use and development of the subject land for a dwelling is appropriate having regard to the zoning of the land. It is recommended that a permit be granted.


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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 the use and development of a single dwelling on the land at Lot 1 Norman Road, Wellsford and the creation of carriageway easements on two neighbouring land parcels described as Crown allotment 20A Parish of Wellsford and Lot 4 on TP 630512U, subject to the conditions at the end of this report. RESOLUTION Moved Cr Metcalf, Seconded Cr Hoskin. That the recommendation be adopted.

CARRIED

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

Policy Context

City of Greater Bendigo Council Plan 2013 – 2017 (2016-2017 Update)

Planning for Growth

Planning ensures residents have access to diverse, affordable and sustainable housing choices.

Presentation & Vibrancy

Greater Bendigo is a community that values its heritage, arts facilities and major events and supports arts and cultural experiences.

Productivity

Greater Bendigo has a vibrant and diverse economy that grows jobs and enables good living standards.

Sustainability

The built and natural qualities that make Greater Bendigo an attractive and appealing place are valued and conserved.

Report

Subject Site and Surrounds

The subject land is situated in the rural locality of Wellsford, approximately 15km north east of Bendigo. Yankee Creek extends in a north-south direction through this locality. The area immediately surrounding the creek is cleared and is used for light farming and rural-residential purposes. The subject land is located within this cleared area.


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The subject land comprises 31.26ha of vacant unimproved pasture with a few scattered trees. There is an outbuilding located in the southern corner of the property and there are several small dams present. An 8m wide water race easement extends along the northern boundary of the site. Yankee Creek traverses the eastern side of the site. There are two road abuttals to the site, as shown on the land title. These are “paper roads” and are not currently constructed as road formations. The term “paper road” means that the roads are legally government roads but are currently unconstructed and unused. Under existing conditions, informal access is provided to the site via Yankee Creek Road which extends through Wellsford Forest to the east of the site.

Figure 1: A location map showing the subject site. The objectors’ properties are marked with a star.

Proposal

It is proposed to construct a single dwelling on the subject land. The dwelling will be contained within a 50m x 40m building envelope located towards the south east corner of the site. Primary and secondary wastewater disposal fields will be provided to the east of the building envelope. There will be a driveway to the dwelling that will extend off Huntly-Fosterville Road via the creation of a carriageway easement over two neighbouring properties. The use of a carriageway easement will avoid the need to construct road access to the site using the existing road network.


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Figure 2: The proposed building envelope and internal driveway on the site (shown in red)

Planning Controls - Greater Bendigo Planning Scheme

The land known as Lot 1 Norman Road, where the proposed dwelling will be located, is within the Farming Zone. Yankee Creek, which traverses Lot 1 Norman Road, is covered by Schedule 1 to the Environmental Significance Overlay – “Watercourse Protection”. A small part of the site is also covered by the Bushfire Management Overlay, however the proposed dwelling will not be sited within this overlay area. The two neighbouring properties that will be burdened by the proposed carriageway easement and which are known as Nos. 600 and 608 Huntly-Fosterville Road respectively are within the Rural Living Zone. The use and development of Lot 1 Norman Road for the purpose of a dwelling requires a permit pursuant to clause 35.07-1 and clause 35.07-4 of the Planning Scheme. The creation of an easement on Nos. 600 and 608 Huntly-Fosterville Road requires a permit pursuant to clause 52.02. The following is a list of the Planning Scheme provisions that are relevant to the proposal: State planning policy framework

Clause 10.02 – Goal (objectives of planning in Victoria)

Clause 10.04 – Integrated decision making

Clause 11.05 – Regional development

Clause 11.02 – Loddon Mallee South regional growth

Clause 16.02 – Housing form Local planning policy framework

Clause 22 – Municipal strategic statement

Clause 22.02 – Rural dwellings policy


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Other provisions

Clause 35.03 – Rural living zone

Clause 35.07 – Farming zone

Clause 52.02 – Easements, restrictions and reserves

Clause 65 – Decision guidelines

Clause 66 – Referral and notice provisions.


Referrals The City’s Environmental Health Officer reviewed the application and offered no objection to a permit being granted. There was no requirement to refer the application to any external Referral Authority. Public Notification Notice of the application was given under section 52 of the Planning and Environment Act to the owners and occupiers of properties adjoining the subject land and to other persons. This was done by placing a sign on the subject land and by sending notices by post. Four objections were received. The grounds of objection focus primarily on the amenity and traffic effects of the proposed access arrangements. The objections are discussed below.

Planning Assessment

The carriageway easement The subject land is constrained in terms of its access arrangements. Anyone wishing to build a house on the site must contend with the problem of how to provide practical and efficient vehicular access, including access that is suitable for emergency vehicles such as fire trucks. Practical access to the site is currently achieved via a dirt track known as Yankee Creek Road (to the west of the site) which winds through the Wellsford Forest and ultimately connects with a short section of Clifton Road which abuts the site. The problem with Yankee Creek Road is that it is only a “track” and is not appropriate for regular domestic use, nor does it meet the standards for emergency vehicles. For instance, there are no culverts to provide for the creek crossing at Yankee Creek and the track is not of all-weather construction. There is also some doubt about the legal status of Yankee Creek Road because it does not appear to be contained within a designated road reserve and therefore may be subject to Crown land licencing requirements. While practical access to the site is via Yankee Creek Road, the site does have two road abuttals in law: Clifton Road and Norman Road, which abut the north east and north west corners of the site respectively. As stated earlier, they are essentially “paper roads” (except for a short section that intersects with Clifton Road).


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The permit applicant could construct either Clifton Road or Norman Road in order to service the subject land but there are financial and environmental reasons that argue against doing so. Constructing Clifton Road southwards from Huntly-Fosterville Road would require significant clearing of native vegetation that is contiguous with the Wellsford Forest. The costs of road construction of either Clifton Road or Norman Road would also be significant owing to the respective lengths. Not surprisingly then, the permit applicant has decided to by-pass these access options in favour of a private driveway that will extend from Huntly-Fosterville Road through to the site. The driveway will be contained on two neighbouring properties and will be covered by a carriageway easement in favour of the subject land. The carriageway easement will give the subject land a legal right to use the driveway for the movement of vehicles and people.

Figure 3: The location of the carriageway easement (shown in yellow)

The driveway will extend through Nos. 600 and 608 Huntly-Fosterville Road. The owners of both properties have consented to the carriageway easement being applied to their land. In the case of No.600 Huntly-Fosterville Road, it already has a shared driveway that extends along its eastern boundary which provides access rights to Nos. 608 and 610 Huntly-Fosterville Road. In effect, the proposal will extend this existing driveway southward through No.608 Huntly-Fosterville Road and will give the subject land a right of carriageway over the entire driveway, including the existing driveway. The existing driveway is unsealed and is contained within a 20m carriageway easement (the actual road formation doesn’t take up the full width of the easement). It runs adjacent to Nos. 610 and 618 Huntly-Fosterville Road. There is a dwelling on No.610 Huntly-Fosterville Road which is within a few metres of the existing driveway.


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The objectors have submitted that the proposed access arrangements will have an adverse amenity impact on their properties. The problem of dust is a particular concern to the objectors. The proposed driveway will be unsealed. Roads of this type can indeed give rise to dust emissions during dry weather when vehicles are travelling along them. Dust can have a variety of adverse effects, including nuisance, health and ecological impacts. The greatest potential for dust impacts exists where the existing driveway runs adjacent to the dwelling at No.610 Huntly-Fosterville Road. Given the closeness of this dwelling to the driveway, dust is likely to easily reach the dwelling, including its garden areas and backyard. This can be contrasted with the situation elsewhere along the length of the proposed accessway where there are no dwellings nearby. Dust generated from vehicles travelling along the balance of the accessway will predominately fall on open pasture, well away from homes. The use of the proposed accessway will be infrequent and intermittent. At most, the new dwelling will generate 10 vehicle movements per day along the accessway. This degree of movement is quite modest and will be in keeping with the rural-residential context of the area. But even a modest increase in traffic along the accessway has the potential to cause dust problems for the dwelling at No.610 Huntly-Fosterville Road. Therefore, it is considered necessary to seal a section of the accessway adjacent to the dwelling in order to suppress dust. This would take the form of an asphalt spray seal for a length of approximately 120m. The balance of the accessway can be provided to an all-weather standard (crushed rock) as originally proposed. Subject to this design modification, the proposed accessway won’t have an unreasonable amenity impact on neighbouring properties. Traffic volumes along the accessway will be quite low and existing domestic activities on surrounding properties will be well separated from the accessway. Such separation will mitigate vehicle dust from the accessway under most weather conditions. The dwelling The subject land has the capability to accommodate the new dwelling. In particular, wastewater can be properly disposed of using a septic tank system, generally in accordance with the Site and Development plan submitted with the application. An area of 1,000m2 will be set aside to accommodate the primary and secondary effluent disposal fields. This area could be extended if required. The disposal fields will be kept free of buildings and stock. The City’s Environmental Health unit has consented to the proposed wastewater treatment. The site is cleared pasture with a few scattered trees. The construction of a dwelling will not result in the loss of any native vegetation on the subject land. The proposed building envelopes and wastewater disposal fields will occupy cleared areas. The new dwelling will be compatible with the adjoining land uses which are largely rural-residential in nature. There are no significant agricultural activities nearby that may impact on the normal enjoyment of the proposed dwelling.


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The land’s agricultural value is relatively low and it is most suited to niche enterprises only. The construction of a dwelling on the land won’t result in the loss of viable agricultural land. The small-scale grazing activities on the subject land could continue alongside the new dwelling. The dwelling will be properly sited, with an appropriate set back from Yankee Creek. The new dwelling will be highly concealed from Huntly-Fosterville Road and will not be a visually prominent element in the landscape. As stated earlier, appropriate vehicular access will be provided to the new dwelling via a carriageway easement. The dwelling will be provided with potable water collected from off-roof rainwater and stored in a minimum 45,000 litre tank. At least 10,000 litres will be available for fire-fighting purposes. Overall, the proposal will be consistent with the purposes of the Farming Zone and will align with the City’s planning policies concerning rural-residential development. The site is fairly marginal as a farming property.

Conclusion

There is a rural residential context to the subject land. A dwelling is an appropriate use of the site, notwithstanding the fact the land is zoned for farming purposes. Access to the new dwelling via a carriageway easement won’t have a detrimental effect on neighbouring properties provided part of the accessway is sealed to suppress dust. Balancing all the relevant matters in the Planning Scheme it is recommended that a permit be granted.

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

Notice of Decision Conditions

Plans must not be altered

1. The use and development as shown on the endorsed plans must not be altered without the written consent of the Responsible Authority.

Dwelling access

2. Before the dwelling use starts, the accessway to the dwelling, as shown on the endorsed plan, must be constructed to the following standard, to the satisfaction of the Responsible Authority:


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(a) The accessway section between the north boundary of No.608 Huntly-Fosterville Road and the north boundary of No.610 Huntly-Fosterville Road (a distance of approximately 120m) must be sealed with an asphalt surface

(b) The balance of the accessway must be constructed using an all-weather surface.

3. The accessway must be maintained to the standards described above, to the satisfaction of the Responsible Authority.

Potable water

4. The dwelling must have a potable water supply with adequate storage for domestic use, as well as for fire-fighting purposes, to the satisfaction of the Responsible Authority.

Electricity supply

5. The dwelling must be connected to a reticulated electricity supply or have an alternative energy supply, to the satisfaction of the Responsible Authority.

Stormwater drainage

6. The dwelling must be provided with stormwater drainage to the satisfaction of the Responsible Authority.

Expiry of the permit

7. This permit will expire if:

(a) The development is not completed within two years after the issue of the permit, or

(b) The use does not start within two years after the completion of the development.

The Responsible Authority may extend the times stated in this condition, in accordance with section 69 of the Planning and Environment Act.

Presentation and Vibrancy - Reports Ordinary Meeting - 15 February 2017

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3. PRESENTATION AND VIBRANCY

3.1 STRATHFIELDSAYE COMMUNITY HUB STAGE 1 TENDER


Author David Hogan, Coordinator, Capital Projects Responsible Vicky Mason, Director Health and Wellbeing Director

Purpose

The purpose of this report is to recommend the awarding of the contract for construction of the Strathfieldsaye Community Hub - Stage 1.

Summary

The Strathfieldsaye Community Hub, once complete, will include three and four year old kindergarten programs, Maternal and Child Health services, playgroup and a meeting space located adjacent to the sports facilities at Club Court, Strathfieldsaye. Tenders for construction of Stage 1 of the Strathfieldsaye Community Hub opened in November 2016 for one month. Three companies' submitted tenders which were assessed against specified tender evaluation criteria. Based on the tender evaluation, it is recommended that the contract be awarded to Searle Bros for $2,463,831.72 excluding GST.


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RECOMMENDATION

That the Greater Bendigo City Council resolve: 1. To award contract CT000309 - Strathfieldsaye Community Hub - Stage 1 to Searle

Bros for $2,463,831.72 excluding GST.

2. That the Chief Executive Officer be given delegated authority to approve contract variations up to $250,000.

3. That the Project Director be given delegated authority to approve contract variations

up to $150,000

4. Authorise the Chief Executive Officer to undertake the necessary administrative steps to endorse the contract documentation.

RESOLUTION Moved Cr Wrigglesworth, Seconded Cr Flack. That the recommendation be adopted.

CARRIED

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

Policy Context

This project is consistent with the Council Plan 2013 - 17. The project is consistent with the themes of planning for growth which supports population growth through good design and careful planning of infrastructure and facilities and the presentation and vibrancy theme which supports attractive and accessible parks, public places and streetscapes that are widely used. Council Plan Reference: Council Plan 2013 - 2017 (2016-2017 Update) 2.1 - To maintain the unique character of Greater Bendigo, Council delivers major projects that accommodate the growing population and diversifies the economy. 3.2 - Residents and visitors are able to access good quality sports and recreational leisure facilities that are fit for purpose and enable them to celebrate their active artistic, cultural, sporting and social lives. 3.6 – Greater Bendigo has inclusive and equitable communities where people feel welcome and connected to others.


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5.3 - Essential infrastructure is constructed, maintained and renewed to meet the needs of current and future generations. Strategy Reference (include weblink as applicable): This project was identified as part of the 2009 Strathfieldsaye Town Plan. The City is well progressed with the delivery of the Master Plan items. This project was identified to support the development of the residential growth area in Strathfieldsaye. Specifically, Section 9.6 Education and Training, Goal 1: To plan for the educational needs of the community has the action “Assess the future needs of an integrated Early Learning Children’s Centre incorporating pre-school, long day care, maternal child health services, early childhood intervention services and family services. Regional Strategic Plan Reference: This report is consistent with Strategic Direction of the Loddon Mallee Regional Strategic Plan 2015 - 2018 and is closely aligned with the Priority Actions:

Strategic Direction 3: Enhance the wellbeing and economic participation of our people to create healthier, better connected and communities and deliver significant social and economic benefits to the Region

Strategic Direction 4: Protect and enhance the liveability and appeal of our Region


In 2009 the Strathfieldsaye Community Plan (SCP) was developed by the City in consultation with the local community. The SCP identified the importance of further services and encouraged the development of a community precinct to create opportunities for integration of major community facilities that will provide a range of services and education opportunities that meet the needs of the population as it grows. In 2014 the City was successful in obtaining a $650,000 grant from the State Government to build a new Early Learning Centre in Strathfieldsaye. The facility will include three and four year old kindergarten programs, Maternal and Child Health services, playgroup and a meeting space. The current Strathfieldsaye Preschool is quite small and has structural problems. A new facility is required to meet the forecasted growth of Strathfieldsaye's population over the next two decades. The current Strathfieldsaye Preschool has been earmarked for demolition but this will not occur until the new facility is completed and the user groups of the Preschool have relocated. Previous Council Decision(s) Date(s): At the Ordinary Council meeting of 30 July 2014 Council resolved to nominate a Ward Councillor to act as the chair of the Community Reference Group and accept future progress reports on the proposed Early Childhood Centre every 3 months.


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Report

Stage 1 of the Strathfieldsaye Community Hub will see the construction of the Early Learning Centre, located directly adjacent to the existing Strathfieldsaye Sports Club in Club Court. The Early Learning Centre will accommodate three and four year old kindergarten programs, Maternal and Child Health services, playgroup and a meeting space. The future Stage 2 works include upgrade to the carpark servicing the Early Learning Centre and the Sports Club, and refurbishment works to the Sports Club building. The construction of the Strathfieldsaye Community Hub - Stage 1 was advertised for public tender on 19 November 2016 and closed on 14 December 2016. Three conforming bids were received from:

1. Gerard K House Pty Ltd

2. Searle Bros

3. Nicholson Construction

Tender submissions were evaluated on the following criteria

Criteria Weighting

Capability 35%

Capacity 25%

Value 30%

Local Content 10%

Risk Management Pass - Fail

The Tender Evaluation Committee met and a preferred contractor was chosen on merit and scoring based on the above criterion. Referees were contacted and provided positive recommendations for the preferred contractor. Tenderer scores were as follows:

Contractor Overall tender evaluation score

Gerard K House Pty Ltd 8.47

Searle Bros 8.72

Nicholson Construction 8.15

Timelines: The preferred contractor indicated a Stage 1 works period commencing 1 February 2017; however an updated program will be required once the tender is awarded. Progress: Detailed design of the Community Hub is complete and an external public tender has been conducted. Officers are seeking Council approval to award the tender and commence construction.


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Risk Analysis: Extensive time has been taken to review the consultant’s tender documents, in order to minimise risk in the construction phase as much as possible and avoid costly variations.


Internal Consultation: As part of the design and delivery of the project an internal review was undertaken, which has included the following departments:

Active and Healthy Communities

Building and Property

Town Planning

Environmental Health and Local Laws

Engineering and Public Space

Community Partnerships External Consultation: The community consultation process for this project commenced in 2008, with extensive consultation undertaken during formulation of the Strathfieldsaye Community Plan. This included a community survey, a community visioning workshop and other opportunities for community feedback on the Master Plan. More recently the City has been working closely with stakeholders from Early Learning, Maternal Child Health and various sporting clubs and associations to finalise the design with Henderson & Lodge, the appointed architect.


Tenders received are in line with the approved budget.

Head Contract $2,463,831.72

Contingencies $ 276,168.28

Total $2,740,000.00

Budget Allocation in the Current Financial Year: $2.74M budget for the current financial year, inclusive of $650,000 from the State Government. Current Estimate or Tender Price: Stage 1 tender price: $2,463,831.72 excluding GST Projected costs for future financial years: A budget bid for external works has been submitted for the 2017/2018 financial year for the following works:

Car park expansion and redevelopment (current estimate of $420,000)


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Playground and landscaping of the Early Learning Centre (estimated cost of $260,000.

In the future it is proposed that the existing sporting pavilion will be refurbished in accordance with the design. This refurbishment has been costed at $1.3M

Attachments

Confidential attachment - Tender evaluation scoresheet


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3.2 PROGRESS REPORT ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE COMMUNITY ACCESS AND INCLUSION PLAN 2015-2018


Author Romina Lougoon, Social Planner Responsible Bernie O’Sullivan, Strategy and Growth Director

Summary/Purpose

The purpose of this report is to provide a progress report on the implementation of the Community Access and Inclusion Plan 2015-2018.

RECOMMENDATION

That Greater Bendigo City Council acknowledges progress against the actions set out in the Community Access and Inclusion Plan 2015-2018. RESOLUTION Moved Cr Alden, Seconded Cr Fyffe. That the recommendation be adopted.

CARRIED

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

Policy Context

Council has a statutory obligation under the Victorian Disability Amendment Act 2012 (the Act) to prepare a Disability Action Plan and report on the implementation of the Plan in its Annual Report. Council Plan 2013-2017 (Update 2016-2017) Presentation and vibrancy

3.6 Greater Bendigo has inclusive and equitable communities where people feel welcome and connected to others:

3.6.3 Continue to implement the Community Access and Inclusion Plan, including establishing and supporting a Disability Reference Group.


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Strategy Reference: Greater Bendigo Public Health and Wellbeing Plan 2013-2017 Theme – Liveability Action – Review, develop and implement a Disability Access Plan (Community Access

and Inclusion Plan) in line with legislative requirements.


The way people move around our City, access information, buildings and services and their overall experience in our community is important. This is the fourth Community Access and Inclusion Plan the City has developed since 2011. Many positive changes have occurred so far and this Plan builds on it and continues to improve access and inclusion in our community. The Plan investigates the issues and barriers people with a disability face being included in our community and easily accessing their needs. The Plan is based on four objectives that must be addressed as part of our legislative requirements. These are:

Reduce barriers to a person with a disability accessing goods, services and facilities;

Reduce barriers to a person with a disability obtaining and maintaining employment;

Promote inclusion and participation in the community of persons with a disability;

Achieve tangible changes in attitudes and practices that discriminate against persons with a disability.

Council adopted the Plan at its 10 June 2015 ordinary meeting. Since the Plan’s adoption, actions have started to be implemented. Previous Council Decision Dates 25 March 2015 - Draft Plan released for community comment.

10 June 2015 - Community Access and Inclusion Plan 2015-2018 adopted.

Report

Reporting on the implementation of strategies and plans provides the opportunity for Council to: identify and follow up actions that have not started or that need refinement; to reduce or conclude actions that might no longer be necessary; and to commence new activities in response to newly identified needs. This will ensure that the Plan’s actions are delivered and relevant over the course of its life. The adoption by Council of the Interplan reporting method has also assisted Council in recording, tracking and monitoring progress against the Plan. From the attached table you can see the progress of each action within the Plan. Out of the 34 actions in the Plan; 18 are in progress, 11 have been completed and 5 have not started. This is a three year Plan and some actions may require separate budget bids to implement.


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Some of the key achievements to date include:

The establishment of the Disability Inclusion Reference Committee

Social procurement schedule has been created and is in use

Progress has started on satisfying the requirements to gain the Communication Access Symbol for the organisation reception areas

A relationship has been developed with local Disability Employment Services

The Community Engagement Policy and Framework has been reviewed and adopted

Planning and preparation of an Information, Access and Advocacy Expo is underway to be held March 2017

Priority/Importance: The development of the Community Access and Inclusion Plan is of high importance as the City of Greater Bendigo is required under legislation to have a Disability Action Plan. Options/Alternatives: No other options or alternatives were considered as the City of Greater Bendigo has a legislative requirement to develop and action a Disability Action Plan which the Community Access and Inclusion Plan incorporates. Timelines: The development of the Plan began in July 2014. Extensive consultation was undertaken to develop the draft Plan. The draft Plan was available for community comment 25 March to 24 April 2015. The final Plan was adopted in June 2015 and the Plan has been in implementation stage for over a year now. Risk Analysis: Legislation requires the City of Greater Bendigo to have a Disability Access Plan and report on its implementation in its Annual Report.


Extensive community consultation was undertaken for the development of the Plan. Throughout the implementation phase, certain actions continue to require community consultation. The level and extent of consultation varies according to each action.


In actioning the annual review of the Plan, the City will continue to play an important role. Some actions will and have required resource allocation through the annual budget process.


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Attachments

Progress on the actions in the Community Access and Inclusion Plan

Action No

Action Progress comment Status

Reduce barriers to persons with a disability accessing goods, services and facilities

1.1 Undertake Universal Access Program Audits within the City Centre and Activity Centres which will:

Look at accessible parking bays, kerbs, ramps, footpaths and Tactile Ground Surface Indicator’s (TGSI’s).

Prioritise works from the above audits and replace and install the appropriate works to ensure they are accessible.

Access audits are conducted as part of the regular audit program of footpaths and streets. Identified non-compliances are added to the annual list of access upgrades and prioritised according to previously identified criteria set by a group of community members with a disability.

In progress

1.2 Accessibility Access and Audit Training:

1x staff member to undertake Accredited Access training and a procedure developed on how this resource will be recognised and used throughout the organisation.

1x staff member from the Property team to be trained in basic accessibility audit to look at minor building and property works.

Currently have one qualified staff member attached to the building team to provide access advice, undertake basic access audits on council owned and managed facilities and provide advice and support across the organisation.

In progress

1.3 Communicate to relevant City staff the availability of internal access audits conducted on City assets and the need for them to be considered in any works on City assets.

All major projects as well as works that require a building permit issued by the council building department are being reviewed by the units accredited building officer to establish if an external access audit is required and recommendation's made.

Completed

1.4 Identify 1 major project each year of this Plan to nominate for various awards which has a strong focus on access and inclusion such as the National Awards for Local Government under the category Disability Access and Inclusion.

No project identified in Year 1 of plan. Resources have been focused on progressing other higher priority initiatives.

Not started

1.5 Review the City’s Public Toilet Strategy which will:

Identify accessibility issues and feasibility of having a

Review not happening in the 2015/16 financial year. Budget approved for current financial year to undertake these works.

In progress


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Action No


‘Universal Change Table’.

From the review above, set out a works program for the next 5 years and begin to implement the outcomes of the review.

Draft scope for engaging consultant has been completed. Expect to appoint early December 2016 and complete May 2017. Submission received from consultants to undertake the review and will be appointed end of Jan. Anticipate draft presentation to council for endorsement by Mid July 2017.

1.6 Continue to advocate to Public Transport Victoria for better public transport links and networks throughout the municipality and to ensure it remains affordable and accessible to all.

Continuous process of advocacy In progress

1.7 Apply the Creating Accessible Places model:

To all works around the municipality.

Roll out the model across other units of Council that are responsible for the maintenance and upgrade of public infrastructure to develop a sustainable process for identifying and prioritising access works.

There are now several staff across different units who are strong advocates for disability access, including events, the art gallery, customer service and the built environment. These staff provide a valuable internal resource, many projects now seek an external access auditor as part of the project team.

Completed

1.8 Hold a forum biennially (unless otherwise required) with local building surveyors, draftsmen, architects, designers and commercial builders etc. that focus on raising disability awareness and the importance in the accessibility of facilities.

Did not proceed this year will be undertaken in 2016/17 Plan to conduct seminar in early 2017. Location, speakers and agenda being prepared for discussion and adoption.

In progress

1.9 Investigate and, if deemed appropriate, develop an “accessible infrastructure” grant category in the City’s Community Grants for not for profit groups and possibly local small businesses.

Not yet progressed. Not started

Reduce barriers to persons with a disability obtaining and maintaining employment

2.1 Implement the recommendations of the National Disability Recruitment Coordinator which

Recommendations from the partnership with the National Disability Recruitment

Completed


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Action No


include the following:

Review of recruitment processes to ensure they do not disadvantage people with a disability

Disability Awareness training for Executive Team and People Managers on employing someone with a disability

Partner with local Disability Employment Services to ensure job vacancies and opportunities get distributed to people with a disability

Coordinator were implemented, which includes: a gap analysis of the City’s recruitment processes to ensure they do not disadvantage people with a disability; Disability Awareness training on employing someone with a disability provided to the Organisational Leadership Team; job vacancies distributed to local Disability Employment Services to ensure people with a disability are given opportunities for employment.

2.2 Develop a long term approach to work experience opportunities within the organisation which results in more active support through increased student opportunities being promoted via Horizon; and an increase in the number and percentage of total work experience opportunities (students and job seekers) offered in line with the Community Access and Inclusion Plan, every year over the next three years.

EMT recently endorsed both a centralised approach to work experience opportunities where all positions will be posted on Horizons and a forward plan of work experience opportunities in the organisation. Standardised payment for work experience across the organisation was also supported. Milestones will be evaluated each year. A number of work experience opportunities have now been posted to the Career Horizons website.

In progress

Promote inclusion and participation in the community of persons with a disability

3.1 At all City major events and activities, continue to publicise close drop off/pick up points, easy to see locations and link community members requiring assistance to relevant services.

Events Guide has been reviewed and updated in 2011. It has now been replaced by the Human Rights - Accessible Events as it was considered to provide more current information.

Completed

3.2 Commit to have an accessible website for all members of our community and aim to continue to meet AA standards of the Web Content and Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2.0).

Accessibility is a major focus of the redevelopment of the City's website. In the long-term we want to have our web authors undertake accessibility training to ensure that accessibility is maintained.

In progress

3.3 Ensure all City publications and documents can be made available in accessible formats upon request and have this printed on all publications and on the website:

Promote to the community

Working with Senior Disability Inclusion Officer to determine appropriate wording for documents and publications. Easy English training offered to all staff.

In progress


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Action No


Provide information to all staff on the process if a request is made to have a document made into an accessible format.

3.4 Satisfy requirements to gain the Communication Access Symbol for the organisation reception areas and facilitate installation.

Steps 1 and 2 of the 10 step process for gaining Communication Access are to : 1. Complete the "Communication Access Self-Assessment Quiz" 2. Confirm interest with Scope's Communication and Inclusion Resource Centre Both steps 1 and 2 have been completed.

In progress

3.5 Review the City’s Style Guide and ensure accessibility of content, language, design and format, in all public documents and promotional materials is considered and inform staff of the guide and requirements and ensure that it is adhered to.

To be considered as part of the redevelopment of the Style Guide. This is anticipated to occur this financial year.

Not started

3.6 Increase awareness and promote to the community our customer request system and continue to seek funding for alternate formats to be available to put a request in (e.g. App). Future developments of apps need to take into account issues of accessibility.

The City has commenced a project to obtain Communication Access Symbol. As part of this project a number of actions have either commenced or are planned, to improve accessibility of information and services including: - wider promotion of the suite of

accessibility tools and functionality already available to our customers

- improvements to accessibility tools and functionality

- reviewing signage and written information to ensure it is easy to read

- staff training and development to improve communication skills

Completed

3.7 Ensure videos on the City’s website can offer captioning by:

Investigate appropriate captioning software

Purchase video captioning software and ensure all videos on the City’s website have captioning available.

Investigated appropriate captioning software and determined that it is better for us to manually create captioning to ensure its accuracy.

Completed


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Action No


3.8 Investigate the process to develop Auslan videos and if appropriate develop videos for key messages from the City.

Have investigated and used an Auslan interpreter on the community resilience project. We will continue to use this service as required.

Completed

3.9 Review the Community Engagement Policy and Framework to:

Ensure the voices of people with a disability are heard and considered in all engagement processes.

Ensure the policy supports the inclusion of people with a disability or people who represent their views to be included on City project reference and advisory groups.

Policy has been reviewed and adopted.

Completed

3.10 Look at style and font size of City business cards and make appropriate changes to ensure they are accessible.

Preliminary discussions have occurred with the City's Disability Inclusion Officer.

In progress

3.11 Build on the Bendigo Region app to include information on accessible toilets, car parks, restaurants and buildings and promote to the community.

Bendigo Region app no longer in use. The Inclusive Towns project commenced in May 2016 and will work with Tourism to include accessibility information on local businesses listed in the Dining & Shopping Guide and Bendigo Visitors Guide. The 4 x Access Maps were updated in June 2016 and are available on the City’s website. Printed maps being developed.

In progress

3.12 Develop an Disability Advisory Group (or similar) that will:

Provide advice, advocate and undertake initiates that support greater social inclusion of people with a disability and their families / carers.

The effectiveness of the group will be reviewed and relevant actions undertaken from the findings.

Development of a Disability Inclusion Reference Committee has been established and has held an induction session and two meetings. The effectiveness of the group will be reviewed on an ongoing basis and at the end of one year.

In progress

3.13 Support the social procurement schedule to be included in all

Social procurement schedule created and utilised in new

Completed


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Action No


new tenders for City service contracts.

tenders for City service contracts with tenderers encouraged and supported to focus on social benefits for people with a disability in addressing the social procurement schedule.

3.14 Encourage and support tenderers to focus on social benefits for people with a disability in addressing the social procurement schedule.

Social procurement schedule has been completed and is in use.

Completed

3.15 Undertake internal education and awareness raising on social procurement to Management and Coordinators.

Not yet commenced however aspects of this have been identified for incorporation within the upcoming diversity and inclusion training which will offered to all staff.

In progress

3.16 Look at the feasibility of purchasing a Marveloo (accessible portable toilet) across the municipalities in the region to be hired for events.

Negotiations have been held with Department of Health and Human Services about using unexpended funding to purchase a Marveloo. This has been approved and will include a project officer to develop systems and practices to manage the Marveloo. Additionally, a communications plan was developed and implemented for residents to undertake a survey to secure a state funded Universal Change table. This announcement of this funding is expected within the coming weeks.

In progress

3.17 Trial an expo in Greater Bendigo to showcase local disability services and information.

Planning and preparation of an Information, Access and Advocacy Expo is underway to be held March 2017.

In progress

3.18 Develop a policy on all City events, information sessions, conferences etc. to ensure people with a disability can fully participate in these activities and are not discriminated against. The policy will look at Auslan Interpreters, Live Time Captioning and Companion Card.

This will commence in 2017. Not started

Achieve tangible changes in attitudes and practices which discriminate against persons with a disability

4.1 All staff to complete Ethics Training which has a Human Rights component that will reflect

Staff attended ethics training as part of the Workplace Responsibilities workshops

Completed


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Action No


on the importance of access and inclusion.

during the months of August and October. The training included an understanding of the City’s responsibilities with regard to ethics and human rights and the importance of access and inclusion.

4.2 Undertake unit specific disability awareness training and education to City staff.

Diversity and Inclusion training has been scoped and will be rolled out to all employees by June 2017. The training will include discussion of why diversity and inclusion is important as well as the City’s legislative requirements, including reference to the Victorian Charter of Human Rights & Responsibilities Act 2006.

In progress

4.3 Undertake a City Staff Attitudes survey once the Plan is adopted and again when the Plan has come to the end of its life to determine if there has been a shift in staff attitudes towards accessibility and inclusion issues.

Discussions and planning has commenced to develop a diversity audit for the organisation that will include attitudes of staff towards access and inclusion issues.

In progress

4.4 Ensure Council Plan and all strategies, policies and procedures consider accessibility and inclusion in their development.

The development of the Disability Inclusion Reference Committee will support the identification of opportunities for new strategies, policies, and procedures to consider access and inclusion of people with a disability.

In progress

4.5 Report on the implementation of the Community Access and Inclusion Plan 2015-2018.

Plan is available to the Public, progress is monitored and reported annually to Council.

In progress


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3.3 POSITIVE AGEING ADVISORY COMMITTEE


Author Jolie Middleton, Acting Coordinator Inclusive Communities Responsible Vicky Mason, Director Health and Wellbeing Director

Purpose

This report seeks Council endorsement of recommendations for community member appointments to the Greater Bendigo Positive Ageing Advisory Committee following a public expression of interest process. Summary Council has previously indicated it wishes to maintain a focus on positive ageing and to establish a Positive Ageing Advisory Committee (PAAC) that will provide strategic advice to Council on how positive ageing can best be achieved. Council subsequently endorsed the establishment of the PAAC and its Terms of Reference at the 20 July 2016 Council Meeting. In accordance with the PAAC’s Terms of Reference, Expressions of Interest for membership of the PAAC were publically sought throughout September 2016. 21 eligible applications for PAAC membership were received in total. Following shortlisting and interview processes consistent with the Terms of Reference, 10 representatives have been recommended for membership of the PAAC.


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RECOMMENDATION

That Council resolve to:

1. Thank all applicants for their interest in Positive Ageing Advisory Committee membership

2. Appoint the following persons to the Positive Ageing Advisory Committee for the listed terms: 2 year term: 4 year term: Dennis Robinson

Jennifer Sheed

John Lennon Sue McKenzie Trevor Miles Wayne McKay Ruth Hosking Anne Fahey Robert Peoples Bob Jamieson

RESOLUTION Moved Cr Flack, Seconded Cr Fyffe. That the recommendation be adopted.

CARRIED

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

Policy Context

Council Plan Reference: This report is consistent with the following Council Plan 2013-2017 themes and strategies: Theme 1 – Leadership and Good Governance

Strategy 1.4 – Community engagement strategies and methods are adapted and updated to improve how the community can receive information in an accessible form and provide feedback to Council.

Theme 3 – Presentation and Vibrancy

Strategy 3.6 – Greater Bendigo has inclusive and equitable communities where people feel welcome and connected to others.


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Strategy 3.7 – Structured community engagement, community planning and community development programs support our residents and communities, particularly those who may experience isolation.

Rural Community Impact (refer to Rural Communities Strategy): The recommended community members to form the PAAC reflect a good level of diversity in relation to background, geographic location, gender and interests. This includes rural areas and small towns. Background Information The City of Greater Bendigo previously supported a Positive Ageing Advisory Group, which was aligned to the timeframes of the Greater Bendigo Positive Ageing Strategy, 2011-2014. One of the outcomes of this strategy was that the role and functions of an ongoing PAAC were reviewed. Despite the success of the previous strategy, the ageing demographics of Greater Bendigo’s community continue to present new and ongoing challenges requiring a need for the City to continue to have a strong role supporting positive ageing within our community. There is currently no dedicated strategic framework to foster positive ageing in Bendigo. The PAAC is being developed to support advocacy, plus the development, implementation and evaluation of initiatives to promote active ageing within Greater Bendigo, including contributing to the development of the next Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan. Previous Council Decision(s) Date(s): The 2009–2013 Council Plan included an action to develop a Positive Ageing Strategy (Strategy). November 2009: Council endorsed the Strategy objectives and the establishment of a Positive Ageing Advisory Group (PAAG) to support the Strategy’s development. November 2010: Council released the draft Strategy for public comment. February 2011: Council adopted the Strategy and resolved to amend the PAAG’s Terms of Reference with the objectives of:

Overseeing the implementation of the Strategy.

Providing information and strategic advice to the City of Greater Bendigo (City) on matters affecting the needs, interests and wellbeing of older people within the municipality.

Acting as a point of referral for the exchange of information and views between the community and the City on issues of interest to older people.

November 2015: Council considered a Strategy completion report and resolved to maintain support for positive ageing and to review the PAAG’s Terms of Reference with the intent of re-establishing it in 2016 as a committee.


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July 2016: Council resolved to establish a Positive Ageing Advisory Committee and endorsed the Terms of Reference for the Positive Ageing Advisory Committee. Report Expressions of Interest for membership of the PAAC were publically sought during a two week period from 15 September to 30 September 2016. A media release was distributed and the opportunity to participate on the committee was promoted through articles and advertisements in local newspapers, community newsletters, relevant email networks plus Council’s website and social media accounts. Expressions of Interest were invited in accordance with the PAAC Terms of Reference membership requirements, as follows:

3.1 Membership of the Committee shall not exceed 15 persons. Community representatives on the Committee should be aged 50 or above.

3.2 The Committee’s membership shall comprise:

3.2.1 One Councillor who shall chair meetings.

3.2.2 A minimum of four community representatives that - as far as possible - represent the diversity of senior’s interests and experiences in Greater Bendigo plus a diversity of ages;

3.2.3 Up to five representatives from local community groups and organisations whose purpose involves working with people over the age of 50.

3.2.4 Up to three representatives from relevant peak bodies, networks or committees;

3.2.5 Up to two City staff as deemed relevant. (Other City Staff may be involved in Working Groups or may attend particular meetings as guest speakers).

Each applicant was requested to respond to three Key Selection Criteria questions in order to assist with assessment of their relevant knowledge / experience. The City received 21 eligible Expressions of Interest for membership. Details of all 21 applicants are included within Confidential Attachment 1. Applicants were shortlisted for interview by the Community Partnerships Unit. The 21 applicants were shortlisted on the basis of their responses to the Key Selection Criteria questions. Other shortlisting considerations included gender and reflectiveness of the diversity of seniors in the Greater Bendigo community. In total, 12 individuals were offered interviews.


PAGE 79

The Interview Panel (the Panel) was comprised of City staff and an external agency representative, with the interviews taking place across three days in late November 2016. At the completion of the interviews, the Panel was unanimous about the 10 applicants they wish to recommend to Council for membership of the PAAC. It is the Panel’s opinion that these 10 applicants all individually satisfied the Key Selection Criteria, and collectively offer an excellent mix of enthusiasm, positive and active ageing knowledge, capacity to represent the needs and interest of senior residents, and connections with the wider community. A summary of the 10 recommended applicants’ key knowledge / experience is provided within Confidential Attachment 2. It is the Panel’s opinion that the remaining 11 applicants, whilst having demonstrated knowledge / experience in their respective areas, did not satisfy one or more of the Key Selection Criteria as strongly as the recommended applicants. The appointment of these 10 applicants will finalise the PAAC membership recruitment process, with all available positions being filled. In accordance with the PAAC’s Terms of Reference, half the community representatives need to be appointed for a 2 year term and the other half for a 4 year term. The term of appointment for each recommended applicant has been nominated depending on applicants’ preferences or as determined by the Panel – refer Confidential Attachment 2.


External Consultation: A media release was distributed and the opportunity to participate on the committee was promoted through articles and advertisements in local newspapers, community newsletters, relevant email networks plus Council’s website and social media accounts. As a result of this promotion the City’s Positive Ageing Officer responded to numerous enquiries from interested community members during the Expression of Interest period.


The City’s Positive Ageing Officer will convene and facilitate the functioning of the PAAC. The City’s commitment to this administrative and support function is outlined in the PAAC Terms of Reference and will be funded within existing budgets. From time to time the Committee may propose priority initiatives that will require additional resourcing. Such requests will need to be considered by Council / the City on a case by case in accordance with established budgetary processes and parameters. Options may also exist for the City to source external resources to support priority initiatives.


PAGE 80

Attachments

Confidential Attachment 1: List of applicants for membership of the Positive Ageing Advisory Committee.

Confidential Attachment 2: Applicants recommended for membership of the Positive

Ageing Advisory Committee.

Productivity - Reports Ordinary Meeting - 15 February 2017

PAGE 81

4. PRODUCTIVITY

Nil.

Sustainability - Reports Ordinary Meeting - 15 February 2017

PAGE 82

5. SUSTAINABILITY

5.1 EXTENSION TO CONTRACT NO: CT000079 SUPPLY AND DELIVERY OF QUARRY PRODUCTS


Author Tony Gellatly, Construction Coordinator Responsible Craig Lloyd, Director Presentation & Assets

Summary/Purpose

The purpose of this report is to recommend that Goldfields Gravel, Hopley Recycling, Mawsons Concrete & Quarries, Hanson Construction Materials, Emu Downs Contracting, Allstone Quarries, Loddon Shire Council and Mustey’s Earthmoving be awarded a one year extension to panel contract CT000079, for the Supply of quarry products on an “as required” basis to support the ongoing capital and maintenance programs of Greater Bendigo City Council.

RECOMMENDATION

1. That Goldfields Gravel Pty Ltd, Hopley Recycling Pty Ltd, E.B. Mawson & Sons Pty Ltd, Hanson Construction Materials Pty Ltd, Emu Downs Contracting Pty Ltd, Allstone Quarries Pty Ltd, Loddon Shire Council, Mustey’s Earthmoving Pty Ltd be awarded a one year extension to contract (CT000079) for Supply and Delivery of Quarry Products.

2. That Council delegate authority to the Chief Executive Officer, to exercise the

further one (1) year contract extension option and subsequent price adjusts in line with the Payments and Basis of Payments clause contained within the contract as detailed below:

‘Price decreases and increases will be reviewed on an annual basis. Any variation requested to the original pricing structure applied at the start of any given year must be fully justified to the satisfaction of CoGB. (It would be expected that any variations to pricing would not exceed the Consumer Price Index (All Groups) Melbourne published by the Australian Bureau of Statistics at the time of the adjustment’.


PAGE 83

RESOLUTION Moved Cr Fyffe, Seconded Cr Williams. That the recommendation be adopted.

CARRIED

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

Policy Context

Greater Bendigo City Council Plan 2013-17 (Update 2016-2017) 5.3 Essential infrastructure is constructed, maintained and renewed to

meet the needs of current and future residents.


A three (3) year panel contract, CT000079 for Supply and Delivery of Quarry Products, has been in place with Goldfields Gravel, Hopley Recycling, Mawsons Concrete & Quarries, Hanson Construction Materials, Emu Downs Contracting, Allstone Quarries, Loddon Shire Council and Mustey’s Earthmoving. During the 3 year period the spend has been primarily with Mawsons Concrete & Quarries, Hanson Construction Materials and Allstone Quarries. This contract will expire on 28 February 2017 and has two, one year extension options. Council approved the original 3 year contract at the Ordinary meeting - 23 October 2013.

Report

The first three years of contract CT000079 has seen various spends with the current incumbents and as part of the evaluation for a contract extension, consideration has been given in the value of awarding all contractors an extension option. Following consultation with City of Greater Bendigo departments that utilise the contract, it has been recognised that there would be value in awarding a one year extension to all contractors based on maintaining the flexibility of product supply & each individual company’s strategic geographical location within the municipality, as originally recognised in the initial delegated authority report (as attached). The City of Greater Bendigo still has a requirement for the provision of various quarry products with Goldfields Gravel, Hopley Recycling, Mawsons Concrete & Quarries, Hanson Construction Materials, Emu Downs Contracting, Allstone Quarries, Loddon Shire Council and Mustey’s Earthmoving.


PAGE 84

Contractors that have been utilised during the initial first three years of the contract have performed to a satisfactory level with materials available as required. The commodity will be re-tendered in 2018. Best value including pricing under contract arrangements is seen as more favourable than ad hoc pricing. There have been no OH&S incidents. This commodity is classified as low risk.


All internal project and client managers associated with the “Supply and Deliver of quarry Products” contract were consulted during the evaluation phase for a contract extension. All CT000079 contractors were contacted with regard to this one year extension option being exercised and also given the opportunity to discuss any amendments they would require to the contract for that given period. All contractors agreed to the one year extension option being exercised with some contractors requesting minor rate revisions.


Funds have been included in the budget allocation for capital works projects and operational expenses. Budget provision for this commodity varies subject to Council’s Capital and Maintenance Works Programs however; expenditure based off the initial first three years of the contact, has averaged four and half million dollars per annum.

Conclusion

Best value is achieved by awarding a one year contract extension to Goldfields Gravel, Hopley Recycling, Mawsons Concrete & Quarries, Hanson Construction Materials, Emu Downs Contracting, Allstone Quarries, Loddon Shire Council and Mustey’s Earthmoving for panel contract, CT000079 for Supply and Delivery of Quarry Products.

Attachments

1. Report to Council

Leadership and Good Governance - Reports Ordinary Meeting - 15 February 2017

PAGE 85

6. LEADERSHIP AND GOOD GOVERNANCE

6.1 RECORD OF ASSEMBLIES


Author Peter Davies, Manager Executive Services Responsible Craig Niemann, Chief Executive Officer Officer

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. RESOLUTION Moved Cr Williams, Seconded Cr Alden. That the recommendation be adopted.

CARRIED

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

Policy Context

Council demonstrates leadership in its decisions to meet future needs and challenges.


The Local Government Act provides a definition of an assembly of Councillors where conflicts of interest must be disclosed. 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:


PAGE 86

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.

Report

Meeting Information

Meeting Name/Type

Councillors' Briefing

Meeting Date 11 January 2017

Matters discussed 1. Planning matters and draft Ordinary Meeting agenda 2. Environmental Review Committees 3. Food Hub update 4. Presentation of Bendigo Botanic Gardens Master Plan 5. Presentation by Bendigo Heritage Attractions 6. Petition to re-open section of Campaspe Street, Elmore 7. Forward Agenda 8. Legal matter update

Attendees/Apologies

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

Staff/ Community Representatives

Mr Craig Niemann Mr Bernie O'Sullivan Mr Craig Lloyd Ms Kerryn Ellis Mr Andy Walker Mr Peter Hargreaves Apologies: Ms Vicky Mason Mr Peter Davies

Conflict of Interest disclosures

Matter No.

Councillor/officer making disclosure Councillor/officer left meeting

1. Cr Metcalf (planning matter) Yes


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Meeting Information

Meeting Name/Type

Consultation meeting

Meeting Date 22 November 2016

Matters discussed Planning application DS/668/2016 119 Crusoe Road, KANGAROO FLAT 3555 Two lot subdivision and removal of native vegetation

Attendees/Apologies

Councillors Cr Matt Emond Cr Jennifer Alden


Liz Commadeur Applicant Objectors


Matter No.


Nil


PAGE 88

Meeting Information

Meeting Name/Type


Meeting Date 1 December 2016

Matters discussed Planning application DSD/750/2016 7 Towers Street, FLORA HILL 3550 3 lot subdivision and construction of 3 dwellings

Attendees/Apologies

Councillors Cr Yvonne Wrigglesworth


Shannon Rosewarne Applicant Objectors


Matter No.


Nil

Meeting Information

Meeting Name/Type



Matters discussed Planning application DS/875/2016 6 Clay Gully Court, MAIDEN GULLY 3551 2 lot subdivision and removal of native vegetation

Attendees/Apologies

Councillors Cr Jennifer Alden Cr Rod Fyffe




Matter No.


Nil


PAGE 89

Meeting Information

Meeting Name/Type



Matters discussed Planning application DS/657/2016 33 Tobin Crescent, EPSOM 3551 2 Lots subdivision

Attendees/Apologies

Councillors Cr Julie Hoskin Cr Andrea Metcalf




Matter No.


Nil


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6.2 BENDIGO CUP PUBLIC HOLIDAY - CORRECTION REPORT



Purpose

The purpose of this report is to correct the public holiday gazettal for Bendigo Cup Day for 2017.

Summary

At the request of the Bendigo Jockey Club some years ago, Council has been gazetting the last Wednesday of October as the Bendigo Cup (Local) Public Holiday. This has worked for the past seven (7) years, however this year, the Melbourne Cup is Tuesday November 7 and the last Wednesday before the Melbourne Cup is Wednesday November 1.

RECOMMENDATION

That Council amend the gazettal of the Bendigo Cup (Local) Public Holiday in 2017 from the last Wednesday in October (October 25) to Wednesday November 1, 2017. RESOLUTION Moved Cr Williams, Seconded Cr Flack. That the recommendation be adopted.

CARRIED

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


PAGE 91

Policy Context

Council demonstrates leadership in its decisions to meet future needs and challenges.


At the Council Meeting held on 18 March 2009, it was resolved as follows: That the Greater Bendigo City Council gazette the last Wednesday in October as the local public holiday each year for the municipality for the Bendigo Cup, until such time as Council resolves that another day would be more appropriate or until there is any further change to the date of the Bendigo Cup. Previous Council Decision(s) Date(s): 18 March 2009

Report

The Melbourne Cup is held on the first Tuesday of November and as a qualifying race, the Bendigo Cup has been held on the last Wednesday before the Melbourne Cup. This is usually the last Wednesday in October. At the request of the Bendigo Jockey Club some years ago, Council has been gazetting the last Wednesday of October as the Bendigo Cup (Local) Public Holiday. This has worked for the past seven (7) years, however this year, the Melbourne Cup is Tuesday November 7 and the last Wednesday before the Melbourne Cup is Wednesday November 1. (This instance will occur again in 2028).


The gazettal of the public holiday requires approval from the Minister for Small Business. The Bendigo Jockey Club will promote November 1 as the Bendigo Cup and local public holiday as part of its usual Bendigo Cup promotions. The Public Holiday will also be formally advertised by the City of Greater Bendigo and the gazettal amended accordingly. Heathcote Show Day will still be recognised on the Melbourne Cup Public Holiday of November 7 for that part of the municipality (Heathcote).


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6.3 APPOINTMENT TO EPSOM ASCOT HUNTLY STRUCTURAL FLOOD MITIGATION ADVISORY GROUP



Purpose

Further to the report tabled at the Council meeting held on 14 December 2016, the purpose of this report is to consider the appointment of Cr Andrea Metcalf to the Epsom Ascot Huntly Structural Flood Mitigation Advisory Group for the 2016/2017 Mayoral Term.

RECOMMENDATION

That Council make appointment of Cr Andrea Metcalf to the Epsom Ascot Huntly Structural Flood Mitigation Advisory Group. RESOLUTION Moved Cr Williams, Seconded Cr Fyffe. That the recommendation be adopted.

CARRIED

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

Policy Context

Involvement with committees provides Councillors with an opportunity for community engagement. Advisory committees to Council also have the opportunity to provide input into the strategic direction of the Council and guidance to staff working on Council initiatives.


PAGE 93

Report

Further to the report tabled at the Council meeting held on 14 December 2016, where Cr James Williams was appointed to the Epsom Ascot Huntly Structural Flood Mitigation Advisory Group (as a Councillor representative), resolution is sought to also appoint Cr Andrea Metcalf to the Advisory Group as a second Councillor representative as resolved at the recent meeting of the Advisory Group held on Monday 30 January 2017.


PAGE 94

7. URGENT BUSINESS

Nil.

8. NOTICES OF MOTION

Nil.

9. COUNCILLORS' REPORTS

Cr Emond reported on his attendance at the following meetings and events:

Australia Day events

Australia Day citizenship ceremony

Golden Square Pool event


Cultural Diversity

Involvement in committees

Launch of the Capital Community Connect

Centre for Culture Announcement

Women’s Football in Bendigo

Community Plan and Budget

Meeting with Paul Chapman and the Australian Turntable Company Cr Flack reported on his attendance at the following meetings and events:

Australia Day events and citizenship ceremony

Budget workshops

Community Engagement session

Meeting with the Local Government Inspectorate

Access and Inclusion in Eaglehawk

Municipal Association of Victoria Strategic Planning Meeting

Councillor Briefings Cr Fyffe reported on his attendance at the following meetings and functions:

Welcome to Monash / Melbourne University students

MAV Strategic Planning session

Bendigo Bank Art Exhibition and Concert

Opening of the Legal Year

Little Athletics event

Australia Day event


PAGE 95

Cr Hoskin reported on her attendance at the following meetings and events:

Meetings and resident consultations

Bendigo Trust meeting

Meeting with the Eaglehawk Fire Brigade

Council Briefings and Budget Workshops

Australia Day Citizenship Ceremony

Capital Community Connect


Tour of the Golden Dragon Museum

Joss House Lantern Festival

Meeting with The Hon Wendy Lovell

Participated in a flight over Bendigo

Opening of the Legal Year

Meeting with the Local Government Inspectorate Cr Metcalf reported on her attendance at the following meetings and events:

Eaglehawk Regional Playspace meeting

Australia Day celebrations

Launch of Capital Community Connect

Tour of the Golden Dragon Museum

Rural Support Network

Renewable Energy

Understanding Council Finances workshop

Meeting at Kamarooka Cr Williams reported on his attendance at the following meetings and functions:

Australia – India trade meeting

Proposed visit to China

Australia Day celebrations


Family Fun Day at Strathfieldsaye Recreation Reserve

Bendigo Livestock Exchange meeting

Meeting at Fosterville Gold

Commissioning of new runway at the Bendigo Airport

Meeting with the Eaglehawk Fire Brigade Cr Wrigglesworth reported on her attendance at the following meetings and events:

Australia Day events at Mia Mia and breakfast at Heathcote

Heathcote Farmers’ Breakfast

Heathcote Pro-Golfers’ presentation

University of the Third Age

Launch of the O’Keefe Rail Trail Marathon Event

Axedale Quick Shear event

Launch of the Axedale Library


PAGE 96

10. MAYOR'S REPORT

The Mayor, Cr Margaret O'Rourke, tabled a report on her attendance at the following meetings and events: Attended official media announcement of Bendigo’s Citizen and Young Citizen of the Year

for 2017 Attended breakfast event with Councillors and the Heathcote and District Community

Bank Board Directors Attended the O’Keefe Rail Trail Marathon Luncheon with International representative from

the Wenloch Olympian Society Attended Australia Day community celebrations at Junortoun Officially launched the Junortoun Community Plan as part of Junortoun’s Australia Day

celebrations Officiated at the presentation of Bendigo’s 2017 Citizen and Young Citizen of the Year as

part of Australia Day celebrations at Lake Weeroona Officiated at the Australia Day Citizenship Ceremony welcoming 30 new citizens to

Bendigo Joined Councillors for a tour of the Golden Dragon Museum and presentation of the Golden Dragon Strategic Plan Attended the Official Opening of the Bendigo Law Association 2017 Legal Year Participated in interview with Qantaslink inflight magazine about Bendigo Attended Ministerial announcement of the Regional Centre for Culture Met with Australian Cycling Promotion Fund Executive Officer Peter Bourke Key speaker at Zonta Supper Meeting Attended the Bendigo Airport Runway Milestone announcement Attended the Regional Cities Victoria meeting in Melbourne Recorded message to Catholic College Students Laureates Assembly Attended the official opening of the Sidney Myer Haven Education Centre Officially welcomed players at the Hello World Australian Under 20s Basketball Championships Opening Ceremony Chaired Loddon Campaspe Councils meeting Attended MAV Strategic Planning Session hosted by Bendigo Met with Wendy Lovell Member for Northern Victoria Participated in numerous workshops and forums Participated in numerous radio, newspaper, television media interviews and photo opportunities Met with many residents, businesses and community groups regarding a wide range of

issues.

Thank you to the Deputy Mayor and those Councillors who represented me at events I was unable to attend.


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11. CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER'S REPORT

The Chief Executive Officer, Mr Craig Niemann, tabled a report on his attendance at the following meetings and events:

Attended a meeting of the Board of the Bendigo Trust

Participated as MC at the Australia Day Citizenship Ceremony at which 29 residents became Australian citizens

Attended a tour of the Golden Dragon Museum and presentation by representatives on its Strategic Plan

Attended the presentation to Councillors by a representative of the Local Government Inspectorate

Attended the Ministerial announcement by The Hon Jacinta Allan regarding Victoria’s inaugural Regional Centre for Culture

Participated in regular media interviews

Met with the Mayor and Mr Peter Bourke, Executive Officer of Australian Cycling Promotion Fund

Participated in Councillor workshops relating to the Community Plan, Citizens’ Jury briefing and the 2018/2019 Budget

Presented at a staff induction session

Participated in the Airport milestone runway commissioning photo opportunity

Attended a meeting of Regional Cities Victoria

Attended a meeting of Loddon Campaspe Councils

Joined the Mayor in a retail sector walk

Participated in a Municipal Association of Victoria Strategic Session


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12. CONFIDENTIAL (SECTION 89) REPORTS

12.1 Confidential Attachment in accordance with Section 89(2)(d) Contractual Matters Associated with Extension to Contract No: CT000079 Supply and Delivery of Quarry Products

There being no further business, the meeting closed at 7:44 pm.

Confirmed: 15 March 2017 Chair

Documents

Ordinary Meeting of Council - City of Greater Bendigo · Copies of the City of Greater Bendigo Council can be obtained online at MINUTES Meeting of Council 6.00pm Wednesday 15 February