Professional Documents
Culture Documents
VENUE:
Reception Room,
Bendigo Town Hall,
Hargreaves Street, Bendigo
NEXT MEETING:
Wednesday 18 April 2018
Bendigo Town Hall
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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
Council Values
Six values inform everything we as Council do in working together to be the best we can
for all of our community.
Seeking to achieve the best value for our use of the community’s public funds and
resources, by:
• We Lead;
• We Learn;
• We Contribute;
• We Care;
• We Respond;
• We Respect.
Goals
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ORDINARY MEETING
ORDER OF BUSINESS:
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY 3
PRAYER 3
PRESENT 3
APOLOGIES 3
CR METCALF'S REPORT 4
CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES 5
PAGE 1
3.2 COMMUNITY ACCESS AND INCLUSION PLAN 2015-2018 77
PROGRESS REPORT
5. ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY 95
____________________________
CRAIG NIEMANN
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
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Ordinary Meeting - 21 March 2018
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY
PRAYER
PRESENT
APOLOGIES
By the time planning matters have reached the council agenda, they have been through
an extensive process as required by the Planning and Environment Act. In addition, in
most instances mediation has been held between the parties involved. Throughout the
process there are many opportunities for the people to ask questions. Therefore, no
questions relating to planning matters on the Agenda will be accepted.
The public question time is held at the start of the meeting as close as practical to
6:00pm. A maximum of 30 minutes has been provided for registered and unregistered
questions.
Questions will be put to the Council by the individual posing the question; the question
will be answered by the Mayor or CEO, or where appropriate, Councillors or Council
Officers.
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Ordinary Meeting - 21 March 2018
Acceptance of Questions
Each person asking a question of Council is required to stand, state their name, and
address the Mayor. Public Question Time is not an opportunity for making of statements
or other comments. Council’s Meeting Procedure Local Law does not allow for other
questions or comments during the remainder of the meeting.
1. An individual may only ask one question per meeting, a follow-up question may be
permitted at the discretion of the Mayor.
2. In the event that the same or similar question is raised by more than one person,
an answer may be given as a combined response.
3. In the event that time does not permit all questions registered to be answered,
questions will be answered in writing or referred to the next meeting if appropriate.
4. The Mayor and or CEO have the right to decline registration on basis of:
• Legal proceedings;
• More appropriately addressed by other means;
• Vague or lacking in substance, irrelevant, frivolous, insulting offensive,
improper, defamatory or demeaning;
• Answer likely to compromise his / her position;
• Confidential, commercial-in-confidence.
5. Each individual whose registration form has been accepted or declined will be
advised by the Friday of the week prior to the scheduled meeting.
6. In the event of a registration form being declined the registration form will be
circulated to the Mayor or Councillors for information.
CR METCALF'S REPORT
Pursuant to Sections 77, 78 and 79 of the Local Government Act 1989 (as
amended) direct and indirect conflict of interest must be declared prior to debate
on specific items within the agenda; or in writing to the Chief Executive Officer
before the meeting. Declaration of indirect interests must also include the
classification of the interest (in circumstances where a Councillor has made a
Declaration in writing, the classification of the interest must still be declared at the
meeting), i.e.
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Ordinary Meeting - 21 March 2018
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.
CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES
The following items were considered at the Ordinary Council meeting held on
Wednesday 21 February 2018 at 6:00pm.
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 21 February
2018, as circulated, be taken as read and confirmed.
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Ordinary Meeting - 21 March 2018
[Petitions and joint letters with ten (10) or more signatures are included in the agenda or
tabled at the meeting, unless there is a separate legal process for considering the
petition or joint letter, as there is for planning submissions or submissions following
public notices (Section 223 LGA)].
The following joint letter has been received from residents in the vicinity of Pyke and
Olinda Streets, Bendigo, as outlined below:
"As residents of Quarry Hill we are very concerned by the growing number of trucks
driving on suburban streets in our beautiful neighbourhood.
These trucks provide a menace from intense noise pollution, diesel particulate
pollution and pedestrian safety.
We demand the City of Greater Bendigo and VicRoads address this growing
menace by routing trucks away from suburban streets".
Names - 29
RECOMMENDATION
That the joint letter be received and a response be prepared within three (3) meetings.
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Document Information
Purpose
This report responds to the petition presented to Council on 24 January 2018 from
residents requesting Council install a street light at the corner of Deep Lead Road and
Telegraph Way Huntly.
Summary
A petition was received from residents in the vicinity of Deep Lead Road and Telegraph
Way, Huntly.
The petition requests that a street light be installed on the intersection of Deep Lead
Road and Telegraph Way, Huntly.
Streetlighting is provided for light so that pedestrians can see obstructions. The lighting
provided by these public lights is not intended for vehicular traffic or to provide security
lighting on residential properties.
The cost to install a light at this location is high due to distance to run underground power
and the requirement to install a new light pole.
RECOMMENDATION
That Council:
Having considered the limited budget for street-lighting, relative high cost and limited
benefits
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Policy Context
Background Information
At the meeting on the 24 January 2018 a petition was received from residents in the
vicinity of Deep Lead Road and Telegraph Way, Huntly, as outlined below:
"We the undersigned request that Greater Bendigo City Council install a street light at the
corner of Deep Lead Road and Telegraph Way Huntly".
Signatures – 21
Report
In addition to the petition the petition instigator contacted customer service and a
customer request was generated. Information received at that time suggested the
request for lighting was in response to several break in’s in that area. At the most recent
incident on December 7, 2017, a vehicle was stolen from a property at 735 Midland Hwy.
It is noted that a public light is located at the front of that address.
The new LED street lights are designed to have minimal light spill onto properties. They
do not provide security lighting on residential properties. They provide enough lights for
pedestrians to see obstructions. The lighting provided by these public lights is not
intended for vehicular traffic.
Deep Lead Road is sparsely development but has potential to be developed along its
length, except for a small piece of crown land. An isolated light at this intersection will
provide minimal benefits for pedestrians. The number of pedestrians using this road at
night estimated to be minimal, as there are only five houses that front the road over a
distance of nearly 500m.
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Ordinary Meeting - 21 March 2018
The public lighting budget is generally used to fill gaps in the public lighting network in
urban areas to assist pedestrians using footpaths and naturestrips safely. To be cost
effective, 10 to 15 lights are installed on existing poles in an area, resulting in an average
cost per light of $1,370.
Resource Implications
If the request is approved a cost of $12,930 would be required to be funded from budget
allocation for street lighting.
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Document Information
Summary/Purpose
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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 Refusal to Grant a Permit for the demolition of
existing buildings and construction of a four storey building comprising 8 dwellings at 42-
44 Galvin Street, BENDIGO 3550 on the following grounds:
1. The development will adversely impact the significance and appearance of the
heritage place, contrary to Clauses 15.03, 21.08, 22.06 and 43.01 of the Greater
Bendigo Planning Scheme.
2. The proposal does not comply with the height and setback requirements and does
not meet the objective to provide for active frontages to streets as set out in Schedule
5 of Clause 43.02 of the Greater Bendigo Planning Scheme.
3. The proposal does not comply with ResCode (Clauses 55.02-1, 55.03-2, 55.03-3,
55.03-4, 55.03-8, 55.04-1, 55.04-2, 55.04-8, 55.05-2) of the Greater Bendigo
Planning Scheme.
4. The proposal does not comply with Clause 22.11 (Central Bendigo Residential
Character Policy) and is inconsistent with the purposes of Clause 32.08 (General
Residential Zone) which calls for new development to respect neighbourhood
character.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Policy Context
Report
The site is located on the corner of Galvin and Williamson Streets, Bendigo. It is known
as 42-44 Galvin Street and comprises two parcels, with a total area of approximately 694
square metres. It is an irregular shaped site with a frontage of approximately 30.4 metres
to Galvin Street and 23.07 metres to Williamson Street. There is a level change of
approximately 1 metre between the site and the adjoining footpath on Williamson Street.
Williamson Street is a collector road zoned Road Zone 2 and is managed by City of
Greater Bendigo.
The site is currently occupied by a galvanised iron shed, carport and small office building
which are proposed to be demolished. Historically the site has been used for purposes
including caravan and motor vehicle sales. The site has two crossovers onto Galvin
Street.
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The site abuts the Bendigo-Melbourne railway line to the north west. The railway land is
zoned Public use Zone 4 (Transport) and beyond this there is a public car park.
Adjoining the site to the south west is a single storey brick dwelling dating to 1975. The
north-west and south-east corners of the Williamson and Galvin Streets intersection
contain single storey Victorian polychrome brick dwellings.
The individually heritage listed former East Sandhurst Congregational Church sits
diagonally opposite the subject site, with a polychrome Victorian brick house adjacent to
this at No. 47 Galvin Street. Further along the southern end of Galvin Street there is a
mix of dwelling styles and eras. Development in the surrounding residential area is
predominantly single storey.
North of the railway line, land is zoned Commercial 1 Zone and Mixed Use Zone.
Figure 1: Location map showing subject site. Objector’s properties marked with a star.
Proposal
The proposal involves the demolition of existing buildings on the site and the construction
of a new, four storey building comprising 8 apartments.
The design of the building is contemporary and features a mansard style roof form, cork
cladding, black brick, render, breeze brick, timber battens, with aluminium framed doors
and windows.
The proposed development would have a height of 13.5 metres to natural ground (site)
level.
The ground floor would comprise a two bedroom apartment with a deck, a 14 space car
park, bin storage area, bicycle parking, staircase, lift and service area.
The first and second floors would each contain two, three bedroom apartments and one,
two bedroom apartment.
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The third floor would comprise one large apartment comprising three bedrooms and a
study. The roof top would contain a terrace area to be used in association with the
apartment on the third floor.
Vehicle access to the site will be via a single 5.8 metre wide crossover off Galvin Street
with the garage at ground level containing 14 car spaces and 11 bicycle spaces.
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Figure 10: Streetscape perspective viewed from north west on Williamson Street
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Figure 11: Streetscape perspective viewed from south east on Williamson Street
Figure 12: Streetscape perspective viewed from south west on Galvin Street
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Other Provisions
• 32.08 General Residential Zone
• 43.01 Heritage Overlay
• 43.02 Design and Development Overlay
• 52.06 Car parking
• 52.34 Bicycle facilities
• 55 Two or more dwellings on a lot
• 65 Decision Guidelines
A permit is required to construct two or more dwellings on a lot under Clause 32.08-6
under the General Residential Zone.
A permit is required to demolish buildings, construct buildings and carry out works under
Clause 43.03-1 of the Heritage Overlay. A permit is also triggered for buildings and
works under Clause 43.02-2 of the Design and Development Overlay.
Consultation/Communication
Referrals
The following authorities and internal departments have been consulted on the proposal:
Referral Comment
VicTrack The proposed development is not set back from the
abutting railway land. The proposed development is not
setback from the common boundary and relies on
VicTrack land for light and air. It is recommended that
the plans be amended to allow for a minimum 1m
setback. Recommended a number of conditions be
included on the permit, if approved.
Traffic & Design No objection subject to conditions
Drainage No objection subject to conditions
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Referral Comment
Heritage Advisor The proposal was supported.
"The proposal is much larger than anything else on the
street. It is more in keeping with the buildings on
McLaren St in the commercial zone on the opposite side
of the railway line.
However, the streetscape is eclectic and includes the
presence of the railway line, views through to the CBD,
as well as a variety of building types and fences. There
is no really consistent visual pattern of development or
architectural style. The scale of dwellings is modest but
the church and the block of flats introduce larger
elements into the mix.
Williamson Street is a wide main road which feeds into
the CBD. The corner site has a strong visual connection
to the CBD and the larger buildings on McLaren Street.
Because this is a prominent site it is not unreasonable
for it to contain a prominent building. The proposed
residential use is appropriate for the street and the scale
of the building is appropriate for the city. The scale
should not diminish the value of the precinct. It will
change views along both streets but should not distort
an understanding of the original pattern of development
in the area.
The proposed building design is a well-articulated and
reasonably sculptural solid block, split into four with
large cut-outs and voids. The wall and roof planes slide
into one another so that the top of the building
references the traditional pitched roofs of the area from
some angles.
The proposed cork cladding echoes the rich tones of the
face brickwork in the surrounding historic buildings and
introduces an interesting new, environmentally
sustainable material into the palette of architectural
finishes found in Bendigo.
Although the 3D drawings present a picture of a
homogeneously brown and somewhat monotonous
building surface, the natural mottled character of the
cork, the natural timber screens, black brick and large
areas of recessed glazing will break up the elevations to
a greater extent than can be shown on a CAD
generated image."
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Public Notification
The application was advertised by way of notice on the site and letters to adjoining and
nearby owners and occupiers.
Heritage
• Concerns about the development negatively impacting on the heritage precinct and
streetscape.
• HO5 applies and the site is near a number of Victorian era single storey dwellings of
heritage significance.
• Development will overlook/dominate an unbroken row of significant Victorian-era
buildings on the opposite side of Galvin Street between Williamson Street and
Cobden Street and will adversely impact on the heritage character of the east side of
Galvin Street.
• The development will detract from the heritage character of the precinct and its
relatively low scale environment.
• Intrusion of multi storey apartments in designated heritage areas reduces the appeal
of the area and property values.
• Houses on the other three corners at the intersection are older style buildings which
are the beginning of the residential hinterland of the city and subject to a HO.
Residential development should be low scale as per the surrounding area. This
building will detract from the built environment.
• The building adversely affects the heritage streetscapes and heritage views of
Bendigo. The size of the building should be reduced back to the specified height of 9
metres.
Amenity impacts
• Concerns regarding overshadowing.
• The proposed development is an overdevelopment of site, including that the proposal
relies on the naturestrip for landscaping due to the size of the building footprint.
• Concerns about building bulk and views of the skyline.
• Objector's property at 43-45 will be overlooked from the upper levels of the
development, including the rear side courtyard on Barry Street.
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Neighbourhood Character
• 4 storey building out of character with the surrounding single storey dwellings in terms
of bulk and height and exceeds heights for buildings in the area by 50-60%.
• The site is a gateway location and the design is critical.
• Development will be built right to the Galvin Street building line, because of its height
and bulk it will become the dominant structure in Galvin Street.
• Galvin Street has a strong sense of place and the character of the buildings (single
storey cottages) forms part of that.
• The streetscape of Galvin and Williamson Streets is largely one of single storey, early
20th century residential homes. The site is particularly important as it is elevated.
• Williamson Street has a streetscape of continuous Victorian era terraces and this is
completely inconsistent with the proposed development.
• The site is clearly not in the CBD. The south eastern side of the railway line is entirely
residential. The argument that the building is comparable to commercial buildings in
the CBD should be ignored. The development must be considered as a residential
development and meet the appropriate requirements.
Other
• Concerns about the extent of public notice given.
A consultation meeting was held on 1 March 2017, however, the concerns with the
proposal were not resolved. The objections are discussed below.
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Planning Assessment
Planning policy
The following clauses of the State and Local Planning Policy Framework and Municipal
Strategic Statement are relevant in the consideration of this application.
Clause 11 (Settlement) states that planning is to anticipate and respond to the needs of
existing and future communities through provision of zoned and serviced land for
housing, employment, recreation and open space, commercial and community facilities
and infrastructure. It also states that planning is to facilitate sustainable development that
takes full advantage of existing settlement patterns, and investment in transport and
communication, water and sewerage and social facilities. The proposal supports these
objectives.
Clause 11.07 (Regional Victoria) aims to develop regions and settlements which have a
strong identity, are prosperous and are environmentally sustainable. Clause 11.14
(Loddon Mallee South) identifies Bendigo as a regional city and strategies include
supporting Bendigo as the major population and growth hub for the region, and
facilitating increased commercial and residential densities, mixed use development and
revitalisation projects for underutilised sites and land in Bendigo. The proposed
development will support the demand for housing as a result of population growth in the
municipality.
Clause 15.01-5 (Cultural identity and neighbourhood character) seeks to recognise and
protect cultural identity, neighbourhood character and sense of place. Strategies to
achieve this objective include:
• Ensuring development responds and contributes to existing sense of place and
cultural identity.
• Ensuring development recognises distinctive urban forms and layout and their
relationship to landscape and vegetation.
• Ensuring development responds to its context and reinforces special characteristics
of local environment and place by emphasising:
- The underlying natural landscape character.
- The heritage values and built form that reflect community identity.
- The values, needs and aspirations of the community.
There are concerns that the proposal is not consistent with the existing or preferred
neighbourhood character and has not been designed to recognise its context within a
residential precinct with heritage qualities.
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Clause 16.01 (Residential development) promotes a diverse range of housing that meets
community needs in locations that offer good access to services and transport and that is
energy efficient. Clause 16.01-4 (Housing diversity) seeks to provide for a range of
housing types to meet increasingly diverse needs, with one of the strategies to achieve
this being to encourage the development of well-designed medium density housing
which respects the neighbourhood character, improves housing choice, makes better
use of existing infrastructure and improves energy efficiency of housing.
Clause 21.05 (Compact Bendigo) encourages ‘10 minute neighbourhoods’ which are
attractive and feature well designed residential and mixed use developments, offer a
range of housing choices, convenient access to public transport and activity centres, and
have community and commercial facilities that are highly accessible by a variety of
transport modes, in particular walking and cycling. This clause states that “a 10 minute
neighbourhood is an identifiable community where people can access many (but not
necessarily all) of their daily needs within a 10 minute walk or cycle trip from where they
live. Daily needs can include shops, schools, employment, a range of community
facilities and public transport.” The location of this proposal meets the elements of a 10
minute neighborhood.
Clause 21.08 (Environment) recognises the role that heritage plays in the municipality. It
states that “Greater Bendigo has a large number of significant heritage assets of local,
state and national significance. There are buildings, sites and precincts dating from all
decades of post-contact settlement since the 1850’s, following the discovery of gold,
throughout the municipality. The total complex of buildings, infrastructure, urban spaces
and natural resources represent the most significant asset and resource in central
Victoria. Heritage is an important part of the economy of the municipality due to its role in
attracting tourists, renovators and new residents who bring economic development
initiatives and assets.”
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An assessment of the proposal against the policy and relevant design guidelines is
provided later in this report.
The statement of desired future character is: The cottage feel and heritage qualities of
the streetscapes will be maintained and strengthened.
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Heritage
Part of the site is affected by a Heritage Overlay (HO5 – Hopper Street Precinct). The
purposes of the Heritage Overlay include conserving and enhancing heritage places of
natural or cultural significance, and ensuring that development does not adversely affect
the significance of heritage places.
The statement of significance for this heritage precinct is contained within the Bendigo
and Eaglehawk Heritage Study. It states:
“The precinct is fairly representative of Bendigo's inner suburbs of the gold-era (late 19th
and early 20th centuries,) with dominantly timber construction and hillside topography
providing the visually cohesive housing stock with variety of siting and elevation.
Intermixed with these houses are landmark sites such as the former Congregational
Church which lend differences of scale and materials within the Victorian and Edwardian-
era idiom.”
The majority of the objections raised concerns about the impact of the development on
the streetscape and heritage precinct.
The application has been assessed against the decision guidelines of the Heritage
Overlay, in addition to the City’s Heritage Policy at Clause 22.06 and the Greater
Bendigo Heritage Design Guidelines (August 2015), an Incorporated Document within
the Planning Scheme.
One of the objectives of the Heritage Policy is to ensure that new development is
sympathetic with the appearance and character and maintains the significance of
heritage places, including surrounding precincts.
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• Ensure that the design of new buildings responds to the context of the heritage
precinct and nearby contributory buildings including scale, height, mass, form, siting,
setbacks and materials.
• Encourage new development within a heritage precinct that is contemporary in
appearance and that does not mimic historic styles or details.
Despite the Heritage Advisor’s view that the proposal is acceptable, in the assessing
officer’s opinion the proposal is at odds with the City’s Heritage Policy as it is not
consistent with the predominant scale and pattern of development in the precinct and the
proposal will dominate the heritage precinct.
It is considered that the proposal fails to meet the first two policy statements listed above.
It is acknowledged that a contemporary design for an infill development can be
acceptable within a heritage precinct, however the main concerns with this particular
proposal are the scale, height and massing of the development, which is more reflective
of nearby commercial developments than the surrounding residential development within
the heritage precinct.
The City’s Heritage Design Guidelines for infill development state that the design of a
new building should consider the prevailing built form which contributes to the
significance of the Heritage Overlay area, with specific regard to front and side setbacks,
rhythm and orientation to the street, form and massing, height and scale, materials and
finishes, window and door openings, architectural detailing, fencing and car parking and
landscaping.
The guidelines state that where the heritage precinct’s characteristics are diverse, with
variations in style, form, materials, scale, massing and height then the design parameters
may be greater than in consistent areas or streetscapes.
The City’s Heritage Advisor has noted that “the streetscape is eclectic and includes the
presence of the railway line, views through to the CBD, as well as a variety of building
types and fences. There is no really consistent visual pattern of development or
architectural style. The scale of dwellings is modest but the church and the block of flats
introduce larger elements into the mix.”
Whilst there is a mix of dwelling styles and eras within the precinct and Galvin Street
itself, development in the precinct is predominantly low scale and single storey in height,
with a few two storey or larger buildings. Buildings are generally set within grounds,
allowing for landscaping in front and rear yards, although it is acknowledged that some
cottages have relatively small setbacks and are attached constructions with no
separation between them.
The design response does not reflect the predominant characteristics of the heritage
precinct in terms of form, scale, height, massing and setbacks, but instead draws on the
commercial development on the northern side of the railway line which is generally of a
much larger scale than the dwellings on the southern side. The height of the
development and its elevated position mean it would be significantly higher than any of
the larger buildings within the precinct. The development’s minimal setbacks at ground
level, with upper storeys encroaching to the title boundaries, is not consistent with the
pattern of development within the precinct.
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Rather than being visually recessive, the scale of the development will dominate the
contributory buildings within the precinct.
The site is affected by Schedule 5 to the Design and Development Overlay. This overlay
relates to the Central Business District area. The objectives of the overlay are:
• To allow for increased development densities while ensuring that the heights of new
buildings fit reasonably with Bendigo’s character and protect the amenity of public
spaces.
• To ensure the heights of new buildings are generally consistent with the ‘low rise’
character of the CBD while responding to substantial heritage buildings in some
locations.
• To protect streets and other public spaces from overshadowing by new development.
• To ensure that the built form of new development contributes to the CBD’s physical
environment by controlling building front and side setbacks.
• To promote active frontages to streets, walkways and public spaces.
• To ensure street spaces are safe, welcoming and provide weather protection for
footpaths in the areas of highest pedestrian activity.
The site forms part of precinct H1 in the DDO5, where the preferred maximum building
height is low scale (up to 9 metres) to allow for development consistent with the
traditional low rise character of the area.
A permit may be granted to vary the preferred maximum building height where it can be
demonstrated that the variation:
• Meets the design objectives of this schedule;
• Protects heritage places on the site or in proximity to the site; and
• Achieves the visions and objectives of the Bendigo CBD Plan 2005.
The proposed maximum height of the development is 14.5 metres when measured from
footpath level on Galvin Street (as required under the overlay), which exceeds the
preferred maximum height of 9 metres for this precinct by 5.5 metres. Whilst the overlay
allows for variations from this preferred height, it is considered that the scale and height
of this building is not appropriate for the precinct.
The proposal does not provide for active frontages at ground level. Much of the frontage
to Galvin Street will be taken up by screening walls for service/storage areas and the
garage door, with only two bedroom windows presenting to the street and the main
entrance, which is relatively unremarkable. The Williamson Street elevation provides for
three windows at ground level, however the design of the development provides for very
little integration or activation of the street.
The site falls within Precinct K of the Bendigo CBD Plan (2005) which states that this
precinct “will accommodate a range of new housing including higher density
development, taking advantage of recent and on-going improvements to the station and
better connections to other areas in the CBD.”
Under the DDO5, new development and/or extensions to existing buildings must provide
active street frontages on ground level, and development must comply with the setbacks
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specified in the overlay (Building frontages, setbacks and weather protection). This is a
mandatory requirement of the overlay. In not meeting this requirement, the proposal will
result in a poor outcome.
The site is within precinct S2 (Buildings within grounds) where there is a requirement to
provide front and side landscaped setbacks consistent with adjoining buildings unless no
set back or a non-landscaped set back is required to protect the heritage place on the
site or adjoining the site. The site does not adjoin a contributory building, however the
site forms part of a heritage precinct, which is regarded as a heritage place.
The proposal provides for a setback of 2 metres to Galvin Street and 1 metre to
Williamson Street at ground level, with the upper storeys encroaching into this setback,
to the title boundaries. While the adjoining development at 46-52 Galvin Street has a
setback of 2 metres, which has been replicated for the proposed development, the upper
levels encroach into this setback; therefore the development does not meet the
requirement for buildings to be set within grounds.
The application has been considered against the decision guidelines of the overlay.
Whilst the proposed development is an interesting contemporary architectural design,
this must be weighed against how the proposal meets the objectives and requirements of
the overlay overall, in addition to other relevant policy considerations. As noted above,
the preferred height and mandatory setback requirements are not met by the proposal.
Some of the objections raised concerns about increased traffic as a result of the
development and a lack of car parking.
Under Clause 52.06 of the Planning Scheme, there is a requirement for two car spaces
for dwellings with 3 or more bedrooms, and 1 car space for dwellings with up to 2
bedrooms. Visitor car parking is required for 5 or more dwellings at a rate of 1 space per
5 dwellings. As such, this development is required to provide a total of 14 spaces,
comprising 13 spaces for the dwellings and 1 visitor space.
The proposal provides for 14 spaces; however no visitor spaces have been designated.
All of the proposed car spaces will be allocated to dwellings. 'No standing' signs exist in
front of and opposite the site on Galvin Street, and as such it will not be possible for
visitors to park in these locations. Parking elsewhere on Galvin Street is unrestricted and
it is considered that there is sufficient on-street parking available to provide for the one
visitor space the development requires.
Six of the on-site car spaces will be tandem spaces, however this approach is acceptable
as these spaces will be allocated to particular apartments. The proposal also provides for
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11 bicycle spaces which exceeds the requirement under the Planning Scheme to provide
for 1 space to each 5 dwellings in a development of four or more storeys.
ResCode
Clause 55 sets out the relevant standards and objectives to assess internal and external
amenity provision/protection, neighbourhood character/design detail and building siting
considerations (i.e. site coverage, overshadowing, wall heights, boundary setbacks, etc.).
Compliance with the objectives of Clause 55 is a mandatory requirement for residential
developments within the General Residential Zone.
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Conclusion
While the site is well located within central Bendigo to take advantage of existing
infrastructure, services and facilities, public open space, schools and transport, and
planning policy supports higher density development close to activity centre locations;
the General Residential Zone, Clause 22.11 and Clause 55 of the Planning Scheme
require that new development respects the neighbourhood character of the area.
The site forms part of a heritage precinct and is situated in a prominent location. The
scale and height of the proposal is not consistent with the surrounding development and
it will dominate the heritage precinct.
The proposal does not satisfy the requirements of the Design and Development Overlay
5 with regard to height and setbacks. The proposed development also fails to comply
with a number of ResCode standards and objectives.
Options
Council, acting as the responsible authority for administering the Planning Scheme, may
resolve to: grant a permit, grant a permit with conditions, or refuse to grant a permit.
Attachments
• Objections
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Document Information
Summary/Purpose
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RECOMMENDATION:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Policy Context
Report
The applicant has appropriately described the application site and surrounding area as
follows:
“The subject site contains a principal land parcel located at No. 29 Emu Creek Road,
Strathfieldsaye which is more formally described as Lot 2 on PS723636 (Volume
11591/Folio 753).
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The subject site is affected by existing easements (E-1) which are in favour of the
Emu Valley Irrigation and Water Supply Trust. A copy of the Certificate of Title for the
site is enclosed with the permit application documentation. There are no other
easements, restrictions, covenants or Section 173 Agreements registered on title
which would affect the proposed development.
Figure 1: Location map showing subject site. Submitter’s properties marked with a star.
The site is irregular in shape and encompasses a total site area of 24.11 hectares.
The site has two street frontages including a 376 metre frontage to Emu Creek Road
(to the west) and 296.88 metre frontage to McCleans Road (to the east).
The topography of the land rises from the west to the east of the site by approximately
8 metres. The lowest depression of the land is within the north western portion of the
site along Emu Creek Road where the proposed drainage reserve will be located.
The site is currently void of any buildings or development however is heavily
vegetated within the eastern portion of the site. Other remnant patches of native
vegetation are also located centrally and within the southern portion of the site.
The subject site is located within an area designated for residential growth within
Strathfieldsaye. Land use and development surrounding the site is largely for low
density residential purposes and forested land which forms part of the subject site.
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More conventional style residential development is located further west and north of
the subject site.
In addition, the site is located within close proximity of a number of local amenities in
Strathfieldsaye, including the local shopping precinct as well as recreation reserves
and the Strathfieldsaye and St Francis of the Fields primary schools.
The Bendigo Central Business District is located approximately 9 kilometres west from
the site. In addition, other large scale supermarkets and commercial uses are located
approximately 6 kilometres west of the site including the Strath Village Shopping
Centre.
A description of the immediate surrounds is provided below:
• To the north: is land which also forms part of No. 29 Emu Creek Road however is
not included as part of the proposed subdivision. This property is developed with a
dwelling, associated outbuildings and a dam along the site's southern boundary
(where it abuts the subject site). Further north is forested land located in the Public
Conservation and Resource Zone (PCRZ) and commercially zoned and
developed land.
Land located to the north of Wellington Road is conventional style residential
development which is currently being developed by Villawood.
• To the south: is land located in the LDRZ and developed with dwellings on larger
allotments. Further south of the site is more low density residential development
located in the Rural Living Zone (RLZ).
• To the east: is low density residential development located in the GRZ and RLZ.
• To the west: is Emu Creek Road, over which is low density residential
development on land located in the GRZ. Land located to the west of Emu Creek
is land developed for conventional style residential development along Bassett
Drive.
The commercial precinct is located approximately 450 metres to the north west of the
subject site”.
Proposal
The proposal is for the approval of a Development Plan; the staged subdivision of land
into not more than 119 lots; removal of native vegetation and removal of easement. The
land is in two zones as shown in Figure 5.
The allotments range between 533 square metres and 1,503 square metres (in the part
of the site zoned General Residential) with an average size of 697 square metres.
Three low density allotments are proposed within the eastern portion of the site which will
measure between 2 hectares and 8.2 hectares (in the part of the site zoned Low Density
Residential).
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Vegetation removal forms part of the application with 6.351 hectares proposed to be
removed. The application proposes to offset the vegetation removal with both the
permanent protection of vegetation the Low Density Residential Zone, as well as a third
party offset on other land.
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Other Provisions
• 32.02 Low Density Residential Zone
• 32.08 General Residential Zone
• 42.02 Vegetation Protection Overlay (Schedule 1)
• 43.02 Design and Development Overlay (Schedule 6)
• 43.04 Development Plan Overlay (Schedule 26)
• 44.06 Bushfire Management Overlay
• 52.01 Public Open Space Contribution and Subdivision
• 52.02 Easements
• 52.17 Native vegetation
• 56 Residential Subdivision
• 65 Decision Guidelines
Consultation/Communication
Referrals
The following authorities and internal departments have been consulted on the proposal:
Referral Comment
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Referral Comment
Powercor No objection subject to conditions
Coliban Water No objection subject to conditions
Tenix No objection subject to conditions
Country Fire Authority No objection subject to conditions
Downer Utilities No objection subject to conditions
Transport for Victoria No response by the time the report was settled.
Department of Environment, No objection subject to conditions
Land, Water and Planning
Traffic & Design No objection subject to conditions
Drainage No objection subject to conditions
Public Space Design No objection subject to conditions
Public Notification
The permit applicant was directed to informally give notice of the Development Plan.
This process is in accordance with a 2006 Greater Bendigo City Council resolution
directing that informal notice of a Development Plan be given so that the community has
the opportunity to make submissions in support or otherwise of a Development Plan
proposal
The planning merits of the proposal (taking into consideration the issues raised by the
submitters) are discussed below.
Planning Assessment
Is there policy support (State and Local) for a subdivision in this location (includes
consideration of the Strathfieldsaye Township Plan 2009; Bushfire and Vegetation
considerations)?
The State Planning Policies which are relevant to this application are previously identified
in this report.
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Clause 11 (Settlement) states that planning is to anticipate and respond to the needs of
existing and future communities through provision of zoned and serviced land for
housing, employment, recreation and open space, commercial and community facilities
and infrastructure. It also states that planning is to facilitate sustainable development that
takes full advantage of existing settlement patterns, and investment in transport and
communication, water and sewerage and social facilities. The proposal supports these
objectives.
Clause 11.07 (Regional Victoria) has an objective to “To develop regions and
settlements which have a strong identity, are prosperous and are environmentally
sustainable”. Clause 11.14 (Loddon Mallee South) identifies Bendigo as a regional city
and strategies include supporting Bendigo as the major population and growth hub for
the region, and facilitating increased commercial and residential densities, mixed use
development and revitalisation projects for underutilised sites and land in Bendigo. The
proposed subdivision will support the demand for housing as a result of population
growth in the municipality.
Clause 12.01 (Biodiversity) relates to the protection of Victoria’s biodiversity and native
vegetation management, with the objective of Clause 12.01-2 (Native vegetation
management) being to ensure that permitted clearing of native vegetation results in no
net loss in the contribution made by native vegetation to Victoria’s biodiversity.
Clause 21.08 (Environment) recognises the importance of Box Ironbark forests in the
municipality. This clause notes that “heavily forested areas along with areas of native
vegetation on roadsides and waterways, provide an important framework of remnant
habitat and wildlife corridors surrounding Bendigo.”
Native vegetation on the site will be lost as a result of this proposal and clearly this was
contemplated in the course of the rezoning of part of the site to the General Residential
Zone under the Strathfieldsaye Township Plan. The applicant supported this element of
their application with a technical report prepared by a suitably qualified expert. The
report has been vetted by experts at the Department of Environment, Land, Water and
Planning who are satisfied that, with the appropriate offset, (to be secured via permit
conditions) that the ‘no net loss’ policy objective will be met by this application.
The application proposes to offset the removal of vegetation by the creation of a larger
lot (8.2 hectates) in the Low Density Residential Zoned portion of the site, the majority of
which will be set aside as a ‘first party’ offset site. The location of the lot in the Low
Density Residential is also within the Vegetation Protection Overlay Schedule 1 part of
the site and the majority of vegetation to be removed is outside the Overlay area in the
General Residential zoned portion.
The first party offset will mean that the balance of the largest lot (lot 3, being 8.16 ha) will
be permanently protected against the removal/degradation of vegetation (by way of a
registered restriction and active management). Part of the offset will also be via a third
party offset on other land.
Clause 13.05-1 Bushfire planning strategies and principles has objectives to strengthen
the resilience of settlements and communities to bushfire through risk-based planning
that prioritises the protection of human life. Most of the application site is located within a
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Bushfire Management Overlay. The applicant supported this part of their application with
a Bushfire Management Plan which has been assessed by the Country Fire Authority.
The report demonstrates that the policy objectives around safety and the priority of
human life are met by this proposal.
The effect of approving the Development Plan and Planning permit will mean that future
dwellings are exempt from the need to obtain individual permits under the Bushfire
Management Overlay as this matter has been considered at the subdivision permit
stage.
There is a policy tension that exists between Planning Scheme Policies related to
vegetation, bushfire and the City’s own Development at the Urban Forest Interface
Policy. The latter policy is relevant to this application as the Strathfieldsaye Township
Plan resulted in the zoning of the application site changing, but also the introduction of a
Design and Development Overlay on part of the General Residential Zone immediately
adjoining the line that divides the application site into two zones.
The application site is considered to be ‘private’ forest under the City's policy. The policy
imperative is that separation between the forest and dwellings/subdivisions be provided.
The separation distance is 30 metres and can include a road. The setback which is thus
achieved by:
• The building envelopes for the subdivision in the Low Density Residential Zone
having a 10 metre setback from the proposed road;
• The road reserve is noted as being 16 metres wide; and
• Lots in the General Residential Zone require a minimum of 4 metres setback for
future dwellings.
The principle of having a perimeter road separating the General Residential zoned part
of the site from the Low Density Residential Zone is also consistent with best practice for
designing subdivisions to meet bushfire planning requirements. Other aspects of the
policy and Overlay will be met by the requirements to actively maintain lot 3 for the
purpose of meeting the requirements of being a first party offset site. This includes weed
and vermin control.
Clause 15.01 (Urban environment) contains objectives and strategies relating to the
design of subdivisions which achieve attractive, liveable, walkable, cyclable, diverse and
sustainable neighbourhoods. The proposal will contribute to a livable and sustainable
community through the provision of a range of lot sizes, and it will support existing
activity centres and public transport networks.
Clause 16.01 (Residential development) promotes a diverse range of housing that meets
community needs in locations that offer good access to services and transport and that is
energy efficient. The subdivision of the site into a maximum 119 lots will support an
increased residential density which can be appropriately facilitated through the provision
of services and infrastructure.
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Clause 19.03 (Development infrastructure) identifies the need to provide for social and
physical infrastructure in a way that is efficient, equitable, accessible and timely, and
encourages the efficient use of existing infrastructure and services. The site is located in
an area which can be fully serviced by utilities and is within proximity to a range of
established social infrastructure.
The land is zoned General Residential and is located within the Urban Growth Boundary.
The proposal meets the overarching objectives of the Greater Bendigo Residential
Strategy (2014) and clause 21.05 ‘Compact Greater Bendigo’ as it provides for urban
consolidation in an area which has reasonable access to local services and facilities.
Figure 7: (Next page) Plan 1 highlighting where the ‘larger suburban lots/ frontage treatment’ apply and
application site.
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The Strathfieldsaye Township Structure Plan (2009) is relevant to this application and the
Plan is a Reference Document in the Planning Scheme. The plan notes that the
application site includes both ‘Suburban’ (General Residential Zone in this instance) and
‘Environmental Living A’ (Low Density Residential Zone in this instance). The GRZ does
not nominate a minimum lot size and the LDRZ notes a minimum lot size of 2 hectares,
which is what the application reflects.
Page 29 of the Plan notes one of its strategies as being to encourage “…larger than
average lots fronting roads that are located on high points in the landscape or where
significant roadside vegetation contributes to the character of the streetscape (as shown
in Plan 1)”. The Development Plan Overlay includes a similar requirement making
reference to ‘connector roads’ which Emu Creek Road most certainly is, or in time will
be.
As can be seen in Figure 7 on the previous page, the application site (and Emu Creek
Road for that matter), is not shown on the plan as being a location where the ‘larger
suburban lots / frontage treatment’ is necessarily applies. The lots proposed under this
permit are predominantly 18 and 20 metres wide and 35 metres deep, which is narrower
and not as deep as those opposite on Emu Creek Road, though lots of this size accord
with the ‘Suburban’ strategic vision for the General Residential zoned part of the site and
the ‘Environmental Living A’ vision for the Low Density Residential.
Clause 56.03-5 (ResCode) does not note that ‘Character’ is a consideration for
subdivisions over 60 lots. The rationale behind this is that a subdivision above that size
will create its own character. Whilst not a requirement of clause 56, a purpose of the
General Residential Zone and Decision Guidelines note character as being a relevant
planning consideration for subdivision applications.
As the land was not in a residential zone when the City's Residential Character Study
was being undertaken in 2001, the application site is not within a Character Policy
precinct. The consideration of ‘Character’ is thus to be guided by the Strathfieldsaye
Township Plan and the proposal has been assessed as representing the type of
character outcome anticipated for a subdivision in the General Residential and Low
Density Residential Zones or ‘Suburban’/’Environmental Living A’ designation given to
part of the site under the Township Plan.
In balancing competing objectives, it is concluded that the subdivision has a high level of
compliance with planning policy for housing and the more specific guidance found in the
Township Plan.
The application has had due regard to considerations around native vegetation removal
and creating safer communities in areas of high bushfire risk.
The site is zoned appropriately and is within the City’s Urban Growth Boundary, with the
result being there is no compelling reason as to why the site should not be developed as
proposed, having regard to policy.
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The applicant in this case has elected to apply for a Development Plan. Clause 43.04-3
of the Scheme states that a development plan may consist of plans or other documents.
This was the form in which the Development Plan (lodged shortly after the planning
application) was received. An assessment of the requirements of the Overlay, including
the applicant's submission, is on the following pages. It is concluded that, subject to the
changes nominated in Recommendation A, the Development Plan ought to be approved.
Figure 8: Application site in Development Plan area ‘New Development Area – East’.
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Where native vegetation is to be removed, an The VPO1 affects the eastern portion of the site
offset plan must be approved by the responsible and seeks to protect and preserve indigenous
authority in consultation with the Department of vegetation and rare and endangered flora and
Environment, Land, Water and Planning as fauna species. This overlay also contains an
appropriate. objective which is to maintain the integrity of the
box ironbark vegetation around Bendigo.
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Open space and landscaping A Landscape Concept Plan has been prepared
• A landscape concept plan that details broad by Spiire (dated July 2017). This plan details
recommendations regarding rehabilitation broad recommendations regarding proposed
and landscaping along creek lines (including landscaping across the development, including
any flood mitigation works) and open space street tree planting and proposed landscape
corridors. treatments to the entrance to the development
• Areas of vegetation identified as having Very along Emu Creek Road and within the drainage
High Conservation Significance and reserve.
adjacent to the Creeks included in public
open space where possible.
• The siting of new open spaces in areas
where existing natural features such as
remnant vegetation, drainage lines or dams
can be incorporated and where there will be
high visibility from public and private land.
• Coherent tree planting schemes that define
the road hierarchy by consistent species
choice and which contribute to a distinctive
urban character.
Officer Response: Following the consultation meeting, a number of conversations have occurred
between the City and the proponent as to how the application could better address this requirement.
Subject to the amendments proposed in the recommendation, the application now addresses these
criteria appropriately.
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An agreed change to the Development Plan includes the deletion of the roundabout and the
provision of a shared walking/cycling path along the central boulevard at the entry point to the
estate.
With the recommended change, the proposal appropriately meets this requirement.
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Lot size, subdivision layout and design The subject site does not abut Strathfieldsaye
• Larger lot sizes fronting Strathfieldsaye Road, however larger lot sizes are provided (i.e.
Road and connector roads to encourage between 609 square metres and 872 square
generous front setbacks to create a sense of metres) along the Emu Creek Road frontage
spaciousness. which will enable sufficient space for generous
• Larger lots than the minimum lot size landscaping opportunities. A drainage reserve
permitted under the relevant zoning which will provide landscaping is also proposed
provisions where necessary to protect native along this frontage which will ensure the sense
vegetation identified as having high of spaciousness of this area of Strathfieldsaye is
conservation significance. maintained.
The lots proposed to front Emu Creek Road under this permit are predominantly 18 and 20 metres
wide and 35 metres deep, which is narrower and not as deep as those opposite on Emu Creek
Road, though lots of this size accord with the ‘Suburban’ strategic vision for the General Residential
Zoned part of the site and the ‘Environmental Living A’ vision for the Low Density Residential.
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Each service has the power to either consent (with or without conditions), or object to the
granting of the permit. If a service, for example Coliban Water or Powercor were to
object to the permit (on the basis that the land cannot be serviced) Council would have to
refuse the application.
In this case, all servicing authorities consent conditionally to the granting of the permit.
The developer is required to construct and fund infrastructure that would become assets
for the respective services and this must occur with their full approval, inspection and
ultimate signoff.
With respect to access and impacts on the road network, the City’s Transport Engineer
conditionally consents to the proposal, subject to the requirements noted in the
recommended conditions, to meet the standards in the City’s Infrastructure Design
Manual.
Some concerns were raised by residents with respect to the traffic impacts as a result of
the proposal. These concerns related to noise and headlights from vehicles. The
proponent is working to address this concern directly with the affected property owner on
solutions to this amenity impact, with screening vegetation (provided at the proponent's
expense) a likely outcome to limit the impacts.
The objective is to ensure the layout and design of a subdivision is consistent with and
implements any objective, policy, strategy or plan for the area set out in this scheme.
The proposed subdivision is consistent with strategic plans which apply to the area.
The Southern Loddon Mallee Regional Strategic Plan identifies that the majority of new
urban development will need to be contained within existing small towns and settlements
or designated growth areas.
It is considered that the site at Strathfieldsaye is suitably located and zoned for
residential development and is therefore consistent with the Southern Loddon Mallee
Regional Strategic Plan.
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In addition to the above, broad scale strategic plan; it is considered the proposal is
consistent with the Greater Bendigo Residential Strategy.
The existing activity centre (for which the City has completed an Urban Design
Framework to guide its growth) is considered to be appropriately located to support the
future residential growth proposed by this subdivision.
The additional residential development will create a demand and promote the need for
additional commercial and community services growth.
The subdivision will create a maximum of 119 lots that range in size between 533 to
1,503 square metres (in the part of the site zoned General Residential) with an average
size of 697 square metres; and 2 hectares to 8.21 hectares for the 3 lots proposed in the
Low Density Residential Zone.
The subdivision does not provide for diversity as they are generally conventional in size
and would facilitate detached, single dwellings comfortably. Should community needs
change in the future; some lots (for example corner lots, of which there are 21) may be
suitable for further subdivision and dwellings.
Whilst the proposal could be improved with greater diversity in lot sizes, the proposal has
been assessed as being acceptable.
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• To incorporate natural and cultural features in the design of streets and public open
space where appropriate.
• To protect and enhance native habitat and discourage the planting and spread of
noxious weeds.
• To provide for integrated water management system and contribute to drinking water
conservation.
The proposed subdivision will result in the creation of a number of local roads that will be
linked to the broader road network by Emu Creek Road.
A concept landscape plan has been prepared to accompany the application that
indicatively shows the types of street trees to be planted within each part of the site, as
well as how the drainage reserve/open space area will look. Existing and proposed road
reserves will be landscaped utilising a mixture of native plant species, creating a visually
attractive vegetated network.
Detailed landscape plans will be required to be submitted to the City of Greater Bendigo
prior to each stage of the subdivision.
An integrated water management system will be designed for the subdivision to ensure
the quality and quantity of water run-off meets the relevant required standards and will
not have an adverse impact on the broader area.
Stormwater run-off from each new allotment will be directed to a legal point of discharge;
with larger rain events catered for by the drainage reserve and road network. Stormwater
discharge from the site will ultimately outfall to Emu Creek.
The applicant was required to prepare a drainage strategy to demonstrate that the
subdivision will not have impacts downstream of the development site.
All detailed stormwater design will be required to be to the satisfaction of the City of
Greater Bendigo's Engineers.
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The officer position initially was that this subdivision should not provide open space. The
reason being that land on the opposite side of Emu Creek Road is also in a General
Residential Zone, although much of the land towards Emu Creek itself is unlikely to be
developed as there would be a development setback of at least 30 metres to the creek.
The effect would be that as that land developed, so would an open space/creek corridor
that future residents of this subdivision would benefit from.
In addition to the proposed open space/creek corridor, works under a future permit on
that side of Emu Creek would include a developer funded bridge to link the open space
corridor to the playground at 5 Clydebank Court.
In response to resident submissions, the findings of the Draft Public Space Plan and the
willingness of the proponent to work with City officers, a better, more immediate
response to the open space needs of future residents will be provided in the initial stage
of the subdivision.
The detail of the open space treatment will be subject to detailed design, however the
proponent has prepared the concept below as an illustration as to how the drainage
reserve can be treated so as to have a dual purpose.
This has led to a reconfiguration of a number of lots, to include lots that will have better
amenity by having direct frontage to this reserve. The agreement to provide for open
space is the reason why the recommendations require that the Development Plan be
amended and endorsed and this will be followed by the issuing of the permit.
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Conclusion
The Development Plan, subject to the amendments noted below is satisfactory, and the
permit application represents an acceptable outcome, subject to conditions, having due
regard to the requirements of the Planning Scheme
Options
Council, acting as the responsible authority for administering the Planning Scheme, may
resolve to: approve the Development Plan and Permit (with amendments as
recommended), approve the Development Plan and Permit (with other amendments as
Council sees fit) or refuse to approve the Development Plan and Planning Permit.
Attachments
• Submissions
1. PLAN REQUIRED
Before the subdivision is certified, plans to the satisfaction of the responsible
authority must be submitted to and approved by the responsible authority.
When approved, the plans will be endorsed and will then form part of the permit
and must not be altered without the prior written consent of the responsible
authority. The plans must be drawn to scale with dimensions and two copies
must be provided. The plans must show:
(a) Changes to the plan of subdivision accord with the approved Development
Plan; and
(b) Changes to the Bushfire Management Plan (referred to in condition 19(b))
to accord with the approved Development Plan.
3. STAGING PLAN
Before a statement of compliance is issued for the first stage of the subdivision
a staging plan to the satisfaction of the responsible authority must be submitted
to and approved by the responsible authority.
4. ORDER OF STAGES
The subdivision of the land must proceed in the order of stages as shown on
the endorsed plan except with the written consent of the responsible authority.
5. DESIGN GUIDELINES
Prior to the certification of the plan of subdivision, design guidelines to the
satisfaction of the Responsible Authority for all lots that adjoin or have an
abuttal the drainage/open space reserve must be submitted to and approved by
the Responsible Authority. The guidelines must include (but not be limited) to
provide for the following:
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When approved, the design guidelines are an endorsed document under the
Planning Permit and must be registered on title in either the form of
Memorandum of Common Provisions pursuant to Section 91A of the Transfer of
Land Act, 1958; or an alternate restriction registered on title to the satisfaction
of the Responsible Authority.
6. LANDSCAPE PLAN
Before a statement of compliance is issued for each stage of the subdivision a
landscape plan to the satisfaction of the responsible authority must be
submitted to and approved by the responsible authority for the relevant stage.
When approved, the plan will be endorsed and then form part of the permit.
7. COMPLETION OF LANDSCAPING
Before a statement of compliance is issued for each stage of the subdivision the
landscaping works shown on the endorsed must be carried out and completed
for that stage to the satisfaction of the responsible authority.
8. LANDSCAPING MAINTENANCE
The landscaping works shown on the endorsed plans must be maintained to the
satisfaction of the responsible authority for 24 months after the works are
completed, including that any dead, diseased or damaged plants are to be
replaced.
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with the Infrastructure Design Manual and plans and specifications approved by
the responsible authority and must include:
(a) Fully sealed pavement with kerb and channel;
(b) Paved footpaths;
(c) Underground drainage;
(d) Underground conduits for water, gas, electricity and telephone;
(e) Appropriate intersection and traffication measures; and
(f) Appropriate street lighting and signage.
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adjacent streets.
(d) The protection measures taken to preserve any vegetation identified for
retention.
During construction of works associated with the subdivision, the must employ
and provide the protection methods contained in the CMP to the satisfaction of
the responsible authority.
16. POWERCOR
(a) The plan of subdivision submitted for certification under the Subdivision Act
1988 shall be referred to Powercor Australia Ltd in accordance with
Section 8 of that Act.
(b) The plan of subdivision submitted for certification under the Subdivision Act
1988 shall be referred to Powercor Australia Ltd in accordance with
Section 8 of that Act.
(c) The applicant shall:- Provide an electricity supply to all lots in the
subdivision in accordance with Powercor’s requirements and standards,
including the extension, augmentation or re-arrangement of any existing
electricity supply system, as required by Powercor (A payment to cover the
cost of such work will be required). In the event that a supply is not
provided the applicant shall provide a written undertaking to Powercor
Australia Ltd that prospective purchasers will be so informed.
(d) Where buildings or other installations exist on the land to be subdivided
and are connected to the electricity supply, they shall be brought into
compliance with the Service and Installation Rules issued by the Victorian
Electricity Supply Industry. You shall arrange compliance through a
Registered Electrical Contractor.
(e) Any buildings must comply with the clearances required by the Electricity
Safety (Installations) Regulations.
(f) Any construction work must comply with Energy Safe Victoria’s “No Go
Zone” rules.
(g) Set aside on the plan of subdivision for the use of Powercor Australia Ltd
reserves and/or easements satisfactory to Powercor Australia Ltd where
any electric substation (other than a pole mounted type) is required to
service the subdivision. Alternatively, at the discretion of Powercor
Australia Ltd a lease(s) of the site(s) and for easements for associated
powerlines, cables and access ways shall be provided. Such a lease shall
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18. TELECOMMUNICATIONS
(a) The owner of the land must enter into an agreement with:
• A telecommunications network or service provider for the provision of
telecommunication services to each lot shown on the endorsed plan in
accordance with the provider’s requirements and relevant legislation at
the time.
• A suitably qualified person for the provision of fibre ready
telecommunication facilities to each lot shown on the endorsed plan in
accordance with any industry specifications or any standards set by
the Australian Communications and Media Authority, unless the
applicant can demonstrate that the land is in an area where the
National Broadband Network will not be provided by optical fibre.
(b) Before the issue of a statement of compliance for any stage of the
subdivision under the Subdivision Act 1988, the owner of the land must
provide written confirmation from:
• A telecommunications network or service provider that all lots are
connected to or are ready for connection to telecommunications
services in accordance with the provider’s requirements and relevant
legislation at the time.
• A suitably qualified person that fibre ready telecommunication facilities
have been provided in accordance with any industry specifications or
any standards set by the Australian Communications and Media
Authority, unless the applicant can demonstrate that the land is in an
area where the National Broadband Network will not be provided by
optical fibre.
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To assist applicants in meeting their permit condition requirements, the ‘Meeting permit
conditions – third party offsets’ (2015) fact sheet and the ‘First party general offset kit
(ver1.1)’ are available. Please visit
https://www.environment.vic.gov.au/nativevegetation/native-vegetation for further
information.
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Document Information
Purpose
The purpose of this report is to provide an overview of the draft Greater Bendigo Public
Space Plan (draft Public Space Plan) and the process to create it, as well as to obtain
Council endorsement of the draft Plan for public display and comment.
Summary
The draft Greater Bendigo Public Space Plan has been produced as a long-term strategy
to shape the future of public space in our city.
The broad direction, strategies and actions contained within the document reflect a
substantial process of research, analysis, and conceptual visioning over several project
stages, each of which has entailed a high level of consultation.
Oversight of the development of the Public Space Plan is being provided by a Steering
Group made up of representatives of the City of Greater Bendigo (three Councillors and
four Directors), and several key government and other organisations, as well as a
community-based Reference Group comprising twelve residents from various parts of
the municipality with wide-ranging interests in public space. Specialist peer advice to the
project is being provided by the Victorian Design Review Panel of the Office of the
Victorian Government Architect.
Subject to Council endorsement of the draft Public Space Plan, a public display and
engagement period will be commenced in late March with the aim to promote community
awareness of the strategy and to encourage input. During this time, an implementation
framework to support the delivery of the draft Public Space Plan will be developed
collaboratively and also made available for public comment.
The draft Public Space Plan will then be finalised for adoption by Council by the end of
the 2017/18 financial year.
RECOMMENDATION
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1. Endorse the draft Greater Bendigo Public Space Plan (the Public Space Plan).
2. Commence public display of the draft Public Space Plan for a period of six weeks to
help refine all aspects of the strategy through a process of agency and community
engagement and input.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Policy Context
Objective 1.5 Promote positive wellbeing across the Greater Bendigo community
2017-2018 Action Complete the Public Space Strategy and commence implementation
Principle 6 of the Loddon Mallee South Regional Growth Plan - Protect and enhance our
natural and built environment – is strongly supported by various strategies within the
draft Public Space Plan.
The rural communities of Greater Bendigo, in particular the small towns, are reflected in
the draft Plan. Recommendations are provided for each town precinct, drawing on a
range of sources including Community Plans, other relevant strategies and the broader
objectives of the draft Public Space Plan. The public display process will provide the
opportunity for small town public space recommendations to be reviewed and developed
further if required through direct local involvement.
Background Information
Replacing the 2005 Open Space Strategy and the 2009-2014 Play Space Strategy, the
Greater Bendigo Public Space Plan is being developed as a long-term strategy to guide
the coordinated planning, design, use and management of the city’s public spaces in the
interest of supporting the broader objective of our city’s liveability.
The Public Space Plan project has progressed to an advanced stage – the preparation of
a draft Plan for public display and comment. Stage one, completed in August 2016,
sought to provide a comprehensive understanding of the major strategic public space
issues of our city, and did so through a process of wide-ranging consultation, research,
analysis and documentation. The Greater Bendigo Public Space Plan - Strategic
Context and Issues Report was the product of this stage.
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The second stage of the project had a very different goal – the creation of a conceptual
vision for public space in Greater Bendigo, looking ahead 50 years. In October 2016, the
community and agencies were invited to contribute to the development of the conceptual
vision via a 2.5-day workshop and online survey; the draft conceptual vision which
emerged was subsequently developed further and released for public comment in
January-February 2017. The Greater Bendigo Public Space Plan Conceptual Vision was
endorsed by Council in April 2017 and authorisation was given to develop the draft
Public Space Plan which is the subject of this Report.
September 2015 – Council workshop briefing to discuss and agree on the scope of the
Public Space Plan project.
August 2016 – Endorsement of the draft Strategic Context and Issues Report and
Summary Report as a sound basis to progress the project and approval to release the
report for public comment.
December 2016 – Approval to continue community engagement for the project, including
release of the Conceptual Vision for public comment.
April 2017 – Endorsement of the Conceptual Vision for the Greater Bendigo Public
Space Plan and associated public notification. Begin to prepare the draft Public Space
Plan.
Report
The public spaces of Greater Bendigo are an essential, influential and enduring aspect of
the city and of life in it. The draft Greater Bendigo Public Space Plan has been drafted
with the broad aim to reflect and parallel this significance by establishing a forward-
looking and lasting strategy – one that with appropriate interim review is set in place and
committed to as the basis of public space planning direction over many decades.
The draft Public Space Plan is broad-reaching in its response to various major public
space influences and issues – everything from increasing population and urbanisation to
the impacts of a changing climate. Its strategies are also responsive to a consistent
picture of community interests regarding public space that has emerged through project-
related engagement as well as from the findings of consultation for other projects.
The strategies of the draft Public Space Plan aim to reflect a mix of aspiration and
practicality, addressing the need for opportunities to deliver beneficial change within the
short to medium term whilst working within a much broader and longer-term framework.
Accordingly, some strategies are complex, large, and in certain cases transformative in
their outlook. Larger timeframes, sometimes measures in several decades, will be
needed to progress these kinds of strategies, piece-by-piece. There are numerous place-
specific strategies with great variety in their nature, scale, complexity and cost.
Various adopted strategies of the city are also significant in the context of public space.
The draft Public Space Plan aims to align with and complement these strategies. For
example the recommendations of the 2016 Environment Strategy in relation to the
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The draft Public Space Plan includes, and is structured according to, the following major
elements, each of which has a particular purpose:
Part 1: Introduction and The context for public space planning in Greater
context Bendigo including a summary of the major issues we
are facing and community expectations. This part also
includes a snapshot of the overall plan.
Part 2: City-shaping public The major public space strategies which will most
space strategies significantly shape the physical form and landscape of
Greater Bendigo, and help to reinforce Greater
Bendigo’s public space identity and uniqueness.
Part 3: Strategies to shape The strategies which for crucial aspects of public
our public spaces space in Greater Bendigo – activation, water,
biodiversity, heritage, sports and play spaces, and how
we fund and manage our spaces.
Part 4: Precinct plans The public space strategies for individual public
spaces in different communities across the
municipality. Must be read in conjunction with parts 2
and 3.
Part 5: Appendices Supporting details not essential to have in the main
document.
The following examples are provided to give a sense of some of the draft Public Space
Plan’s scope in summary form:
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Public space funding Achieve a fairer balance of public space investment, pp.
and management both geographically across communities and by type 81, 85
(e.g. road infrastructure compared to walking/cycling & 87
infrastructure).
Purchase strategic sites for public space and
prioritise the open space reserve fund for this
purpose.
Consider establishing a dedicated funding stream for
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Priority/Importance:
High priority – the 2005 Open Space Strategy and 2009 Play Space Strategy are both
overdue to be replaced by a contemporary strategy.
Options/Alternatives:
Council has the option of endorsing the draft Public Space Plan for public display as
presented, or with any changes or clarifications that it considers are required. The option
to not proceed further at this time is also available.
Timelines:
The Greater Bendigo Public Space Plan project commenced in November 2015 and is
due to be completed by July 2018.
Progress:
The development of the draft Public Space Plan represents completion of Stage 3 of the
project. Stage 4 involves the public display and finalisation process, which will involve
the following main steps:
Risk Analysis:
Certain strategies the draft Public Space Plan may be regarded by some as sensitive or
controversial. For example, recommendations in relation to the urban area and forest
interface or regarding the identification of some existing public spaces for investigation.
It is essential that communications on these topics qualify the high level nature of these
strategies and that in most cases, progressing the recommendations will be subject to
more specific analysis and community consultation.
Consultation/Communication
A good deal of the content of the draft Public Space Plan was informed by and some
cases the direct product of staff collaboration. From late May to early June 2017, twenty
working sessions were held, each focussing on a particular thematic element of the
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strategy. They included staff from across the City of Greater Bendigo as well as agencies
and organisations such as the Country Fire Authority, Coliban Water, the Department of
Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP), Remembrance Parks Central
Victoria, Public Transport Victoria and VicRoads.
A five-week period during November-December 2017 was also provided for internal
feedback on the draft Public Space Plan.
Most recently, the draft Public Space Plan was presented to and discussed with the
Executive Management Team, the project Steering Committee and the Community
Reference Group.
Feedback from all of these groups has been considered and appropriately reflected in
the content of the strategy.
The opportunity will be taken to continue the involvement of the Design Review Panel of
the Office of the Victorian Government Architect in the peer review of the Greater
Bendigo Public Space Plan project. A review session will be sought during or
immediately following the public display period. Advice received will be considered and
reported to Council.
Next Steps
Public engagement in the draft Public Space Plan will be the focus of the next and final
stage of the project. Our main aim will be to raise public awareness of its various
strategies and to encourage feedback to help refine and improve the final version of the
document to be considered by Council for adoption.
• A recommended display period of six weeks, reflecting the significance of the strategy
and its city-wide scope, as well as the size and complexity of the document itself
(noting that most community members and agencies will have specific areas of
interest, rather than a general overall interest).
• Availability of a summary version of the draft Public Space Plan in addition to the full
version.
• Online and hard copy access (Council offices, local library branches, all post offices,
as well as other selected venues).
• A series of local area display/information sessions (aligned with the precincts).
• Direct notification of landowners and occupiers likely to be affected by potential public
space acquisitions and sales.
During the public display period, work will be undertaken concurrently to develop a draft
Implementation Framework to explain and guide delivery of the actions identified in the
Public Space Plan.
Resource Implications
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Cost estimates associated with the strategies of the Public Space Plan have not yet been
prepared, however the completion of cost estimates is specified as an action. The broad
nature, and sometimes large scope, of strategies means that cost estimates will be high
level and indicative only.
Attachments
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Document Information
Purpose
This report provides an annual progress report on the implementation of the Community
Access and Inclusion Plan (2015-2018).
Summary
The Community Access and Inclusion Plan (2015-2018) (CAIP) aims to ensure the City
is working towards its liveability commitments by improving the physical and social
environment for all community members including people with a disability. Upon
endorsement, Council requested annual progress reports to ensure the CAIP is
responding to its objectives and actions are being achieved. This report details that of the
34 actions in the CAIP; 26 have been completed, four are in progress, three are still to
commence, and one is not proceeding.
It is expected that all actions will be completed by the end of the Plan in June 2018.
RECOMMENDATION
That Council acknowledge the progress against the actions set out in the Community
Access and Inclusion Plan 2015-2018.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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Policy Context
Objective 2.4 Support participation and development for residents of all ages and
abilities.
Background Information
The CAIP 2015-2018 responds to the City’s 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.
This is the City’s fourth CAIP since 2001 which investigates and responds to the access
and inclusion issues and barriers people with a disability face when being included in our
community. The CAIP has four objectives focused on the City responding to legislative
requirements under the Act, these being:
• 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; and
• Achieve tangible changes in attitudes and practices that discriminate against persons
with a disability.
Report
This report provides an update concerning the City’s progress in achieving the objectives
of the CAIP and its 34 related actions. Overall 26 actions have been completed, four are
in progress, three are yet to commence, and one is not proceeding.
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• The Marveloo Central Victoria, a mobile accessible adult change facility, was
launched on January 25, 2018 and trialled during the Australia Day Celebrations at
Lake Weeroona. Marveloo is now available for hire by other local governments,
business and community agencies.
• With renewed Federal funding via the National Disability Insurance Scheme, the
Inclusive Towns project, a disability friendly business program, is being delivered on
sub regional basis with Loddon and Mount Alexander Shires in 2018.
• The Public Toilet Strategy specifically identifies the need for more Changing Places
locations in the future. Recommendations for future locations include the Heathcote
Visitor Information Centre and Strathdale Park.
Priority/Importance:
Development of the CAIP and reporting procedures are mandatory under the Victorian
Disability Amendment Act 2012.
Options/Alternatives:
No other options or alternatives were considered as the City of Greater Bendigo has a
legislative requirement to develop and implement a Disability Action Plan which the CAIP
incorporates.
Timelines:
This is the final year of the CAIP’s implementation which concludes in June 2018. The
CAIP will then be reviewed and renewed with a draft update prepared in 2018.
Risk Analysis:
It is a legislative requirement that the City has a Disability Action Plan and reports on
implementation in the Annual Report. The City must also act in accordance with the
Disability Discrimination Act 1992 and the Victorian Charter of Human Rights and
Responsibilities Act 2006 to ensure there is no discrimination based on disability in any
of its functions, services or corporate framework. Failure to have a Disability Action Plan
will put the City at risk of non-compliance with these legislative frameworks and increase
potential for discrimination and practices that do not advance access and inclusion as
required.
People with a disability do not have the same opportunities as other citizens and
subsequently are disadvantaged in a number of ways. The CAIP outlines the City’s
responsibility to address barriers created by attitudes, practices and structures which
limit opportunities for people with a disability to fully participate in life. Risks associated
with not implementing the CAIP include:
• The needs of people with a disability will not be met and therefore the City may
indirectly exclude people from their right to participation in the community,
• New or modified facilities not being compliant with the Disability (Access to Premises
– Buildings) Standards 2010,
• Persons with a disability unable to obtain and maintain employment with the City,
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• Persons with a disability not included in local activities coordinated by the City due to
negative attitudes, assumptions and barriers not addressed; and
• City staff may discriminate, whether consciously or unconsciously, on the basis of
disability.
Consultation/Communication
Extensive community consultation was undertaken for the development of the CAIP.
Throughout the implementation phase, certain actions continue to require community
consultation. The level and extent of consultation varies according to each action.
A summary of the CAIP’s progress was presented to the Disability Inclusion Reference
Committee at its January 2018 meeting. The Disability Inclusion Reference Committee
members acknowledged the City’s commitment in implementing the CAIP.
Resource Implications
The implementation of the majority of CAIP actions has been achieved using existing
City resources and budget. Other actions have required external grant applications or the
development of partnerships with other agencies to contribute to some of the costs. This
includes:
• $100,000 Department of Health and Human Services Changing Places grant for the
development a Changing Place in the Hargreaves Street Multistorey Carpark,
• $132,000 Department of Health and Human Services grant for the build of the
Marveloo Central Victoria,
• $165,000 National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Information Linkages and
Capacity Building (ILC) - National Readiness Grant for the implementation of the
Inclusive Towns Project, a project that works with businesses in targeted towns to
increase accessibility and inclusion for people with a disability; and
• A partnership with VALID to deliver the Our Choice Disability Expo.
The CAIP’s monitoring, evaluation and reporting is coordinated through the resources of
the Community Partnerships Unit, via the Building Inclusive Communities (BIC) program
funding received from the State Government.
Attachments
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1.4 Identify 1 major project each Has not progressed due to other Not started
year of this Plan to nominate for priorities. It is expected that a
various awards which has a project will be nominated by end
strong focus on access and June 2018.
inclusion such as the National
Awards for Local Government
under the category Disability
Access and Inclusion.
1.5 Review the City’s Public Toilet Public Toilet Strategy endorsed In progress
Strategy which will: at January 2018 Council
• Identify accessibility issues Meeting. The Public Toilet
and feasibility of having a Strategy specifically addressed
‘Universal Change Table’. the need for future Changing
• From the review above, set Places locations across greater
out a works program for the Bendigo, with three locations
next 5 years and begin to being recommended.
implement the outcomes of
the review.
1.6 Continue to advocate to Public Continuous process of advocacy. Completed
Transport Victoria for better
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3.5 Review the City’s Style Guide The Style Guide is available Completed
and ensure accessibility of through the new Image
content, language, design and Management System (Bynder).
format, in all public documents
and promotional materials is It emphasises plain language,
considered and inform staff of design and format.
the guide and requirements and
ensure that it is adhered to. Communications ensures that
these requirements are adhered
to. Staff are aware the
organisation has a style guide.
3.6 Increase awareness and The City has commenced a Completed
promote to the community our project to obtain Communication
customer request system and Access Symbol. As part of this
continue to seek funding for project a number of actions have
alternate formats to be available either commenced or are
to put a request in (e.g. App). planned, to improve accessibility
Future developments of apps of information and services
need to take into account issues including:
of accessibility. - 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
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3.13 Support the social procurement Social procurement schedule has Completed
schedule to be included in all been created and is in use.
new tenders for City service
contracts.
3.14 Encourage and support Social procurement schedule has Completed
tenderers to focus on social been completed and is in use.
benefits for people with a
disability in addressing the
social procurement schedule.
3.17 Trial an expo in Greater On Thursday March 16, 2017 the Completed
Bendigo to showcase local Community Partnerships Unit
disability services and hosted an Our Choice Disability
information. Expo in partnership with VALiD
at the Bendigo Exhibition Centre.
• Over 70 stallholders
provided information on
disability services,
advocacy, equipment and
recreation, showcasing
the array of choice people
with a disability there are
in the community.
• NDIS related information
sessions were held
throughout the day.
• A free shuttle bus service
ran to and from the
Bendigo train station to
the showgrounds and
was well utilised by
community members from
Bendigo and
neighbouring
municipalities.
• The ‘Marveloo’, a mobile
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Document Information
Purpose
This report details the community granting review findings and seeks Council
endorsement of a new Community Granting Policy that has been informed by the review
findings.
Summary
In 2017 Council established a vision of “Greater Bendigo – creating the world’s most
liveable community”. Community granting is an opportunity for Council to partner with
communities in diverse initiatives that can contribute to the vision.
The review has provided an opportunity to consider how Council and community goals
can best be supported through community granting activities. It has also provided an
opportunity to consider how the principles of transparency, equity and sustainability can
best be embedded into community granting processes.
The review findings indicate that community granting activities are both important to and
valued by our community. They also indicate that, although the current Community
Grants Policy and Program Guidelines have served Council and our community well,
there are some opportunities for improvement.
This report details suggested changes to current organisational policies and practices
based on the review findings, and seeks Council endorsement of a new Community
Granting Policy that incorporates the suggested changes.
RECOMMENDATION
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Policy Context
2017/18 Action: Implement the Community Grants program and review the grants policy
and annual capacity building program.
Action #2.5: Review the level of support in the 2017/18 budget with consideration to
increasing the funds for programs addressing health and wellbeing, including mental
health, in our rural communities.
Background Information
- inviting all Greater Bendigo community members to provide input via a survey. 312
community members responded to the survey. Of the respondents, there was a
good geographical spread across urban and rural communities and across Wards.
There was also a good age spread.
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The Community Grants Policy and Program Guidelines were adopted by Council on
February 11, 2015. Council subsequently endorsed minor amendments on August 5,
2015 and February 16, 2017. (See Attachment 3).
Report
- 27% of organisations provided funding over multiple years, with three years being
the maximum funding period.
- the maximum grant amounts from the various Local Government Authorities that
were benchmarked (which included metropolitan, regional and rural examples)
ranged from $1,500 to $500,000.
- the most common Local Government Authority maximum grant amount was
$10,000.
The themes that emerged through the other stakeholder engagement were:
- community granting is both valued by and important to our community, and City
staff and Council should place a greater emphasis on telling stories about and
celebrating the achievements Council’s grant programs enable.
- the current Community Grants Policy and Program Guidelines have served Council
and our community well, however there are some opportunities for improvement.
- there are current resourcing gaps for elements that are fundamental to community
groups’ operations (e.g. incorporated association registration and insurance costs)
and for social innovation / transformation proposals.
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- the current themed category based approach is too restrictive and the funding focus
should be broadened to align with Council and community goals.
- the funding focus should be on outputs and outcomes rather than having
restrictions on applicant or expenditure types.
- the funding focus should not preference specific community sectors however data
on the number and type of beneficiaries should be requested in output and
outcome reporting.
It is considered that the proposed new Community Granting Policy responds to the
data and feedback by:
- shifting the funding focus to alignment with Council and community goals.
By enabling a City Director and Manager to approve the Community Assessment Panel’s
recommended funding allocations for Large Grants, access to grant opportunities will be
improved. This is because three funding rounds will be able to be offered each year. The
current process which requires Council approval of the Community Grants funding
allocations (being the closest current equivalent) means that only two funding rounds are
able to be offered each year due to Council reporting and meeting cycle timelines.
Priority/Importance:
It is important that Council’s limited resources are aligned with Council’s vision and
Community Plan 2017 – 2021 goals, or with the goals of localised Community Plans. It is
also important that Council’s limited resources have the greatest potential for enduring
community benefit. The review has focused on how community granting activities can
best respond to these considerations.
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Timelines:
A 1 July 2018 implementation date is proposed for the Small, Medium, Large and
Community Group Essentials Grants, along with the Bendigo Town Hall Community Use
Subsidy Program. This will require City staff to make and test ‘back of house’ changes
during April, May and June 2018. There will also need to be a focus on informing
community members and Community Assessment Panel members of the changes
during this time.
Consultation/Communication
A range of internal and external stakeholders were engaged as part of the review
process. The stakeholder engagement purpose was to understand:
- the nature and scale of community granting activities being undertaken by other
organisations, across a range of settings.
Resource Implications
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As there have been past instances where not all Community Grants funding has been
fully allocated, the suggested approach is to adopt the new Community Granting Policy
on the basis of existing resources and then undertake an assessment of resource
demand. If resource demand suggests that additional resources should be considered, a
2019/20 budget bid will be submitted for Council consideration.
Attachments
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Nil.
5. ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY
Nil.
Nil.
Purpose
The purpose of this report is to seek Council’s formal endorsement of the submission for
the Victorian Government on the Local Government Bill Exposure Draft.
Background
On August 11th 2015, the Minister for Local Government announced a review of the
Local Government Act 1989.
This review responds to calls from the local government sector and the community for a
new, modern Act.
The review has involved councils, ratepayers, the wider community, experts and other
stakeholders.
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There have been four stages to this engagement process. To date, council has made
submissions to a Discussion Paper and a Directions Paper.
This final stage involved the release of an Exposure Draft Bill in December 2017
providing council with the opportunity to review the legislation before it is introduced to
Parliament and to provide an opportunity for feedback.
The Government is aiming to have legislation passed by State Parliament and the new
Act commencing by a phased approach from mid-2018.
RECOMMENDATION
That Council endorse the attached submission to the Victorian Government on the Local
Government Bill Exposure Draft.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Summary
“The Council supports the purpose of the proposed new Act to give effect to the
constitutional recognition of councils as a distinct and essential tier of democratically
elected government.
Similarly, the Council supports a principle-based Act and the state government’s three
over-riding objectives for a new Act to the extent that the principles and stated objectives
are given full, practical and authentic expression in the draft Bill.
In its submissions to date, the Council has consistently maintained that it is the right of
democratically elected bodies to make decisions suitable for, and answerable to, the
community that elects it, with state intervention limited to extreme circumstances. This
overarching principle aligned comfortably with the three principal aims of the Directions
Paper, and the central feature of the local government reform agenda which is to give
councils greater agency to determine how to achieve clearly defined outcomes.
The Council does not support a principle-based Act with prescription concealed in
regulations, mandatory guidelines, policies or ministerial direction.
In terms of process, it should be noted that, regulations and ministerial guidelines that
will accompany the new legislation are not yet available. As a result feedback by way of
an informed submission has been impeded. Furthermore, transitional clauses are
incomplete, especially ones which impact directly on how services are delivered, such as
the future model for regional libraries.
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Policy Context
Objective 1.5 Take a leadership role in regional planning, advocacy and work in
partnership with regional Councils.
Resource Implications
Attachments
Introduction
The Council supports the purpose of the proposed new Act to give effect to the
constitutional recognition of councils as a distinct and essential tier of democratically
elected government.
Similarly, the Council supports a principle-based Act and the state government’s three
over-riding objectives for a new Act to the extent that the principles and stated objectives
are given full, practical and authentic expression in the draft Bill.
In its submissions to date, the Council has consistently maintained that it is the right of
democratically elected bodies to make decisions suitable for, and answerable to, the
community that elects it, with state intervention limited to extreme circumstances. This
overarching principle aligned comfortably with the three principal aims of the Directions
Paper, and the central feature of the local government reform agenda which is to give
councils greater agency to determine how to achieve clearly defined outcomes.
The Council does not support a principle-based Act with prescription concealed in
regulations, mandatory guidelines, policies or ministerial direction.
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Councils are the creation of state parliament and, to date, parliament has determined
how councils will operate. The draft Bill evidences a marked shift away from this current
practice. Parliament’s role in determining council practice is noticeably reduced and
appears to be moving more toward ministerial guidelines and regulation. Such a shift is
not supported where the practical implications impact on council’s autonomy. Moreover,
it is impossible to comment on the proposal in an informed way when the guidelines and
regulations have not yet been developed.
In terms of process, it should be noted that, given salient details in many proposals are
either missing entirely or incomplete, feedback by way of an informed submission is
impeded and its value to those responsible for these significant reforms questionable. To
date, transitional clauses are incomplete, especially ones which impact directly on how
services are delivered, such as the future model for regional libraries; draft regulations
are non-existent or uncirculated if they do exist; and guidelines or templates appear to be
aspirational at this point in the process.
Part 2 – Councils
Role of Mayor: Provisions defining the role and specific powers of a mayor are
supported because they add clarity and consistency and a move away from reliance on
convention. The Council submits, however, that it should be up to each council to
determine the length of a mayoral term as this allows for individual determination based
on differing considerations and personality. It is also consistent with allowing autonomy.
Deputy Mayor: Similarly, councils should have the option of a deputy mayor rather than
the position mandated in the new Act. Imposing this as a one size fits all model fails to
acknowledge local needs, capacity or competence. The flexibility in the status quo
should prevail. If the new Act does mandate the role of deputy mayor, there should be
specific provision for remuneration, although it is acknowledged this will place another
burden on smaller councils.
To the extent that it may be destabilising for both the mayor and the council, the new
provision allowing a council to vote out an elected mayor during his or her term if 75% of
councillors agree is not supported. It is also noted that this proposal was not part of the
Discussion Paper or Directions Paper.
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reflect the changing and evolving role of a Councillor and the ever increasing demands
on their time. In its current form, the allowance structure does not encourage candidates
from a diversity of backgrounds to seek office; rather it acts as an impediment.
Chief Executive Remuneration Policy: This requirement does not adequately respect
that council is a distinct tier of government in its own right. Requiring a council to have a
Chief Executive Officer Employment and Remuneration Policy is an example of
prescriptive over-reach. Councils should determine how and who is recruited to the
position and the terms of their employment. The requirement in clause 44(3) that this
policy be consistent with the principles contained in the Government of Victoria’s Policy
on Executive Remuneration in Public Entities belies the fact that councils, while public
entities, are constituted by democratically elected, as opposed to appointed, members
and should, therefore, be accorded a commensurate degree of autonomy in relation to its
appointments because the ultimate accountability is to those electing the councillors to
office.
Moreover, a determination of what ‘consistency’ actually means needs clarification as
there are many components to this state government policy and how those components
affect Chief Executive Officers in public sector agencies would be different in a local
government setting.
If this provision is to remain in the new Act, perhaps instead the word ‘consistent’ could
be substituted with the ‘broadly aligns’ allowing some measure of flexibility and an
acknowledgement of autonomy.
Workforce Plan: The Council supports in principle having a workforce plan on the basis
that our workforce is probably our most important asset. But the Council does not
support mandating such a plan as the draft Bill proposes in clause 45(4). It should be
discretionary. Currently, a Chief Executive Officer is not required to have a workforce
plan. Some may choose to have one as it may serve an organisational purpose, some
may not. Changing a staff structure should remain a management prerogative and the
responsibility of the Chief Executive Officer.
There does not appear to be any compelling reason to have one mandated and the
status quo is supported. The requirement to have such a plan and what should be
included in it should come from the Council if it so chooses. To impose such a plan may
impact on the ability of a council to make service decisions that impact on staff, such as
exiting from council services. It is submitted the current change provisions are adequate
and are complex enough given the operation of the Fair Work Act. A further layer of state
legislation is unnecessary.
This is another example of prescriptive over-reach and contradicts the stated reform
agenda of leaving it to councils to determine how to meet defined outcomes. If staffing in
the administrative arm of a council is an issue, in a principle-based Act it would be
preferable to address the desired outcome as a governance principle and then leave it
up to individual councils to work out how best to meet this administratively. After all,
clause 7(2) of the draft Bill states a council provides good governance if it complies with
clause 8.
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Notification of Restructure: The Council does not support clause 45(4)(b)of the draft
Bill requiring the CEO to advise councillors before undertaking a restructure. This
undermines the CEO’s responsibility for staff which is set out in clause 45(3)(a). The
reality is no CEO is going to undertake a significant restructure without at least briefing
the councillors.
Retention of Senior Office: The Council supports the retention of ‘senior officer’ as a
workable, practical administrative designation in the organisation’s structure, and there
does not appear to be any compelling reason for removing the definition as proposed. If,
however, removal is inevitable, it would be prudent to include transitional provisions in
the draft to address existing senior officers on maximum term contracts moving to other
employment arrangements determined by either the Council or the Chief Executive
Officer.
CEO Delegation during absence: The Council does not support the new powers of
delegation in clause 10 of the draft Bill to the extent that it restricts the ability of the CEO
to appoint an officer to act as CEO in his or her absence. Currently, unless the Council
determines to limit its delegation, the CEO has the discretion to appoint an officer to act
CEO in his or her absence, whether planned or otherwise. Under the proposed Bill, a
resolution of Council will be required. The power for the CEO to do so is not delegable: cf
clause 10(2)(c). This exclusion is administratively impractical. Worse still, in an
emergency, the CEO would need to wait for the next scheduled meeting of the council
for a resolution to appoint an acting CEO unless a special meeting of the council were
convoked which would appear completely over the top and inefficient. It is submitted the
status quo should prevail. Alternatively, provision could be made in the Bill for the CEO
to make short- term appointments, perhaps four weeks.
Regional Libraries: It is noted that the there is no provision for regional library
corporations under the new Act. While it is acknowledged that transitional provisions
relating to regional library corporations are still being worked on, the council advocates
for detailed transition planning to take place to ensure that library corporations can move
across to a new governance structure without having to wind up. Details of the new
proposed model should be provided as soon as practicable in order to allow collaboration
and detailed planning to commence.
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The term ‘participatory democracy’ denoting active, systematic and varied forms of
community engagement in the decision-making process appears to be a popular
concept; but it comes at a cost, and the cost is not just a financial one.
The more the Act imposes obligations on councillors and what is required of them,
particularly in terms of engagement, the diverse field of candidates diminishes because
not everyone has the same capacity in terms of time. The role of a councillor is not
currently full-time and so the opportunity to serve is open to a broad field of candidates,
many of whom have other professional or domestic commitments. To expand the role in
terms of obligation would reduce the field. In this regard ‘participatory democracy’ is
counter-intuitive: it diminishes rather than enhances participation. For this reason, any
mandated requirement as to what constitutes representation is not supported. The status
quo should prevail. The individual should determine how to represent his or her
constituents and be accountable for it.
As an alternative, provision could be made for optional guidelines. This would respect
council autonomy, allow flexibility, and is consistent with the government’s reform
agenda.
Mandated Governance Rules: The same reasoning could also apply to the provision in
the draft Bill mandating councils develop, adopt and keep in force Governance Rules in
relation to meetings of the Council, the keeping of meeting records and the election of a
mayor and deputy mayor. It is, however, submitted that while the Council supports the
concept of governance rules in principle, retaining the existing provisions would
engender more certainty and stability than rules susceptible to opportunistic change. If
the current practice of including meeting rules in local laws based on legislative
prescription is to be changed, then suitable safeguards should be introduced to ensure
the changes are measured, informed and appropriate notice given of an intention to
change those rules.
It should also be noted that if clause 58(1)(c) of the Bill provides for a council to have
governance rules for the conduct of joint council meetings, in the absence of standard or
model rules to be adopted by all councils, it is difficult to see, from a practical point of
view, how such meetings could or should be conducted where there is inconsistency.
Meetings open to the public: The Council notes the provision in clause 63 requiring
council meetings to be open to the public unless specified circumstances apply. The
Council supports the specified circumstances, especially 63(b) and (c): security reasons
and necessity to enable the meeting to proceed in an orderly manner respectively. The
practical application of the proposed clause is, however, questionable given the provision
that if either (b) or (c) apply, the meeting can only be closed if arrangements have been
made for proceedings to be viewed by the public while the meeting is being held. Unless
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Ordinary Meeting - 21 March 2018
a standby facility is in place for every meeting just in case the meeting descends into
chaos, under the current provision the meeting could not be closed even if there is a
security concern unfolding or disorderly conduct inhibiting the transaction of business.
For the section to be of practical benefit, it would need to allow the meeting to be closed
even if, at the time, an alternative arrangement was not in place for the public to view
proceedings while the meeting was being held. The only way the proposed clause could
work would be where security could be identified as an issue in advance or disorderly
conduct could be predicted.
Joint Council Meetings: Council collaboration is supported and the draft Bill facilitates
this with a new power for joint council meetings.
Local Laws: The provision that local laws require consultation with the community and
must be certified by a legally trained qualified person is supported.
In the interests of consistency and administrative efficiency, the Council also supports
automatically indexing penalties as is currently provided in state legislation.
Good Practice Guidelines: The proposed ministerial good practice guidelines to assist
councils comply with the Act is supported. It is noted while councils will not be bound to
implement the guidelines, adherence to the guidelines may be used as evidence of
compliance with the corresponding provisions in the Act or Regulations. It is submitted
that this approach should be extended to cover the policies and rules that planned to be
mandated, including the election period policy that is intended to form part of the
mandated Governance Rules. The only concern is to ensure the guidelines are not used
as a way of adding another layer of prescription independent of the Act.
Authorised officers: It should be noted that the wording in the draft clause 326(10) in
relation to authorised officers entering any land or building in the municipal district to
carry out and enforce ‘this Act or any regulation or local law’ omits the inclusion of ‘or any
other Act’ which is in the current Local Government Act. The current wording gives the
Municipal Fire Prevention Officer the ability to enter a property to inspect so as to form
an opinion as to whether a property constitutes a fire hazard or not. The omission of the
wording ‘any other Act’ in the draft Bill now removes the ability of the Council’s fire
prevention officers to enter a property to form an opinion whether a property may be a
fire hazard when enforcing the provisions of the Country Fire Authority Act 1958. It is
submitted the existing wording should be retained.
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Policies made public: The Council does not support the proposal in clause 56 to make
all the policies required under the Act to be publicly available. It is submitted that only
policies relevant to the public be publicly available. There appears to be no compelling
reason why policies addressing internal matters and relevant to staff, such as Council’s
human resources policies or occupational health and safety policies, be available to the
public. It is noted that similar policies relevant to staff in state government departments
are not available to the general public so it is unclear why such a proposal be imposed
on local government.
Budget: The proposal in the draft Bill to run the Budget for four years with the Council
Plan with provision for annual review of the Budget is supported, although such a
proposal was not included in the Directions Paper. In the absence of cogent arguments
in favour of the proposal, it may be prudent to consult further with sector. If the Budget
does run for four years as proposed, provision should be made in the new Act for yearly
review.
10 Year Asset Plan: The Council supports mandating an Asset Plan of 10 years with
appropriate transitional provisions, although this may be a burden on smaller
municipalities.
10 Year Financial Plan: The Council supports mandating a Financial Plan of 10 years
with appropriate transitional provisions, although this may be a burden on smaller
municipalities.
Council Plan: The proposal to retain the current timeline for finalising the Council Plan is
noted.
Reporting: The Council supports the Mayor publicly reporting annual progress against
the Council Plan.
Revenue and Rate Plan: While not currently required, the Council supports mandating
the adoption of a Revenue and Rate Plan.
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Investment Restrictions: The Council notes the draft Bill retains the current limitations
restricting the investment types available to councils to mitigate the likelihood of high risk
investments compromising the financial sustainability of a council.
Performance Reporting: The Council also notes the proposal to retain comparable
performance reporting captured through the Know Your Council website.
Rating Exemptions: Provisions that update rating exemptions so they are clear and fair
are supported. It acknowledges that currently all land is rateable except for land
exempted in the Act and this will continue, but exemptions will be defined more clearly
for purposes of clarity.
Mining Land: The Council notes that land used exclusively for mining becomes rateable
where it currently is exempt. This is supported.
Valuation System: Requiring councils to apply capital improved value as the single
uniform valuation system for raising general rates is supported, as is the proposal to fix
the municipal charge at a maximum of 10% of the total revenue from rates and charges
in the financial year. It is, however, submitted that this proposal may pose a challenge for
smaller councils that may face compelling local reasons for a higher percentage.
Differential Rates: Retaining differential rates in their current form; requiring councils to
clearly specify how the use of differential rating contributes to the equitable and efficient
conduct of council functions; and retaining the requirement that the highest differential
rate must be no more than four times the lowest differential rate are all supported.
Rate Capping: The Council notes the draft Bill retains the Fair Go Rates system which
caps rates at CPI with provision for a council to seek a variation. The Council submits
that CPI be substituted with a more appropriate measure that takes into account areas
with growing communities. The Local Government Index, is an example. Local
Government costs generally increase by approximately one percent above the consumer
price index. The CPI weights household goods and services, whereas the local
government index forecasts local government cost movements each year.1
1
Municipal Association of Victoria, Local Government Finance
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Ordinary Meeting - 21 March 2018
Procurement and Investment Policy: The proposal that councils set their own
procurement and investment policies consistent with sound financial management and
opportunities for collaboration and which ensure fair and open competition is supported.
The requirement that this is done at least once during each four year term rather than
mandating it be done at the start of each term is also supported. The provision
recognises that councillors are already under a significant amount of pressure early in
their term to understand and set the direction of council at a strategic level with the
Council Plan, Community Plan, Asset Plan, Financial Plan and Budget, for example. It
also recognises that, while important, the procurement policy is an operational policy with
no immediate requirement to change upon a change of a council. The proposed timing
allows for councillors to have a firm understanding of the scope and scale of the
organisation and their role in decision-making before reviewing its procurement policy.
Public Consultation: The Council notes and supports the retention of the existing
provisions relating to public consultation before a proposed sale of land.
Councillor Code of Conduct: The Council supports retaining the councillor conduct
framework recently introduced by the Local Government (Improved Governance) Act
2015.
Conflict of Interest: Simplifying the overly complex conflict of interest provisions in the
current Act is supported. It is, however, arguable whether the proposed provisions could
have even more clarity by refining the definition of conflict of interest in a way that would
remove the distinction between ‘material conflict’ and ‘general conflict’ to reflect the fact
that any conflict of interest is a conflict to be avoided in the discharge of a public duty.
Introducing degrees of conflict with commensurate penalties may serve to create doubt
and once again turn what should be a relatively straightforward concept into an arcane
science, not unlike the current provisions.
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Ordinary Meeting - 21 March 2018
An officer acting contrary to their public duty remains the same whether it involves an
affected person or a ‘private interest’.
The exemptions are supported, although arguably if the definition is refined many of the
exemptions would be self-evident.
Misconduct: The Council notes the misconduct, serious misconduct and gross
misconduct provisions have been retained. This is supported.
Gift Policy and Gifts Register: The Council supports the requirement to have in place a
publicly transparent gifts policy covering acceptance and disposal of gifts by councillors
and a gift register.
Exemptions from Regulations: The Council notes the draft Bill recognises that councils
have the capacity to develop and adopt arrangements that significantly exceed minimum
requirements in Regulations. To recognise and encourage the adoption of higher
standards, the Council supports provision for high performing councils to apply for and
obtain exemptions from particular Regulations.
Power to suspend: The Council notes the draft Bill retains ministerial power to suspend
an entire council where there is evidence of significant governance failures or breaches
of the law.
Dismissal: The Council notes the dismissal of a council still requires the passage of a
Bill through both houses of the Victorian Parliament2, although no mention is made of
individual councillors.
Powers to deal with individual councillor: Provision in the new Act to strengthen the
Minister’s powers to deal with individual councillors who are contributing to or causing
serious governance failures at a council in exceptional circumstances is supported.
2
s.74B(2) Constitution Act 1975
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Ordinary Meeting - 21 March 2018
councillor’s own action or inaction brings about the dismissal or disqualification is also
supported. To some extent this already exists in relation to personal circumstances like
being an undischarged bankrupt3, or having property subject to control under the law
relating to bankruptcy4; or attribute, such as being of unsound mind5; or inaction, such as
not taking the oath of office of councillor within three months after the day on which he or
she was declared elected6; or action, such as being disqualified under section 81K after
a finding of gross misconduct and the period of disqualification in the order made by
VCAT under that section has not expired7.
This remedy is also consistent with the reform agenda because it would enable early
intervention to avoid council dismissal where there is evidence of poor behaviour
adversely impacting on the capacity of a council to transact business or conduct itself in
a manner consistent with the councillor code of conduct.
Voting: The Council notes the draft Bill retains the voting entitlement provisions in the
current Act: that is, voter franchise includes citizens on the state roll and property
franchise voters. The Council, however, continues to support provision that the new Act
grandfather the voting entitlement of existing property-franchise voters in the municipality
and make voting compulsory for all enrolled voters.
Elections: The Council supports the other provisions relating to council elections.
3
s.29(1)(a) Local Government Act 1989
4
Ibid, s.29(1)(b)
5
Ibid, s.29(1)(c)
6
Ibid, s.29(1)(e)
7
Ibid, s.29(1)(fa)
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Ordinary Meeting - 21 March 2018
Document Information
Summary/Purpose
Policy Context
Background Information
“At least every 3 months, the Chief Executive Officer must ensure that a statement
comparing the budgeted revenue and expenditure for the financial year with the
actual revenue and expenditure to date is presented to the Council at a Council
meeting which is open to the public.”
A review of the 30 September 2017 financials was undertaken by the City's Finance
Committee on 13 November 2017.
Report
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Ordinary Meeting - 21 March 2018
The Income Statement for the period 01/07/2017 – 31/12/2017 is presented below:
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Ordinary Meeting - 21 March 2018
Non cash nett movements are $373,000 unfavourable with the major variances that
contribute to the favourable cash result detailed above in the operating results.
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Ordinary Meeting - 21 March 2018
Major variances that contribute to the forecast favourable operating result include:
Area Fav / (Unfav) Details $
Contributions - Favourable Cash contributions are favourable $5,245,000
Cash due to the timing of contributions
for the Bendigo Stadium
redevelopment being delayed from
last financial year into this financial
year.
Government Favourable Grants favourable due to receiving $1,211,000
Grants – unbudgeted grants for the National
Operational Livestock Identification Program;
Golden Dragon Museum to
showcase Sun Loong at a
Melbourne event; and Bendigo
Cultural Diversity Projection
Project.
Government Favourable Due to receiving unbudgeted $2,995,000
Grants - Capex grants for the Bendigo Tennis
pavilion construction and the Scott
Street bridge in White Hills.
Interest on Favourable Additional earnings due to higher $286,000
Investments levels of cash than budgeted.
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Ordinary Meeting - 21 March 2018
The difference between the operating surplus variance of $2,123,810 to the forecast
cash result variance of $1,668,194 is $455,616 – a small movement (in net terms) of
non-cash items.
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Ordinary Meeting - 21 March 2018
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Ordinary Meeting - 21 March 2018
Forecast Result
Surplus/(Deficit)
Forecast Accumulated Surplus 30/06/17 prior to $1,480,847
Mid-Year Review
Inclusion of Mid-Year Requests:
• Artlands National Arts Festival 2018 25,000
• Redevelopment Options (Gas Works) – 45,000
Property
• Heathcote Bowling Club Car Park (Deferred 100,000
from 2017/18 Budget)
85,000
• Bendigo FC - Pitch 4 (Deferred from 2017/18
Budget)
• Pits and drains cleaning contract
80,000
• TechOne Enterprise Licence increase 60,086
• Additional property maintenance costs 150,000
Forecast Accumulated Surplus 30/06/18 $935,761
Conclusion
The Finance Committee has reviewed the Statement comparing Budgeted and Actual
Revenues and Expenses to 31 December 2017, and the financial forecast for 2017/2018.
Having undertaken the review, the Finance Committee recommends that Council
approve changes to the budget to fund mid-year budget requests as listed.
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Ordinary Meeting - 21 March 2018
RECOMMENDATION
1. Receive the Finance Report comparing Budgeted and Actual Revenues and
Expenses to 31 December 2017, in accordance with the requirements of the Local
Government Act.
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Ordinary Meeting - 21 March 2018
Document Information
Purpose
The purpose of this report is to provide the record of any assembly of Councillors, which
has been held since the last Council Meeting, so that it can be recorded in the Minutes of
the formal Council Meeting.
RECOMMENDATION
That Council endorse the record of assemblies of Councillors as outlined in this report.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Policy Context
Background Information
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.
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Ordinary Meeting - 21 March 2018
Report
Meeting Information
Meeting Councillors' Briefing
Name/Type
Meeting Date 31 January 2018
Matters discussed 1. Golden Square Swimming Pool
2. CBD Activation Plan
3. Workshop on Local Government Act Exposure Draft
4. Visit to Dunedin, New Zealand
5. Citizen of the Year Awards
6. Former Red Brick School House, Epsom
Attendees/Apologies
Councillors Cr Margaret O'Rourke
Cr Matt Emond
Cr George Flack
Cr Rod Fyffe
Cr Julie Hoskin
Cr Andrea Metcalf
Cr James Williams
Cr Yvonne Wrigglesworth
Apology:
Cr Jennifer Alden
Staff/ Mr Craig Niemann
Community Mr Lincoln Fitzgerald
Representatives Mr Bernie O'Sullivan
Ms Debbie Wood
Mrs Jessica Clarke-Hong
Mr Peter Hargraves
Apology:
Ms Kerryn Ellis
Ms Vicky Mason
Meeting Information
Meeting Councillors' Briefing
Name/Type
Meeting Date 5 February 2018
Matters discussed 1. Environmental Review Committee (GBM Gold)
2. Public Space Plan
3. Strategic Heritage Assets
4. GBM Gold Woodvale Solar Project
5. State Planning Policy
6. Administration Local Law No. 10
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Ordinary Meeting - 21 March 2018
Attendees/Apologies
Councillors Cr Margaret O'Rourke
Cr Matt Emond
Cr George Flack
Cr Rod Fyffe
Cr Julie Hoskin
Cr Andrea Metcalf
Cr James Williams
Cr Yvonne Wrigglesworth
Apologies:
Cr Jennifer Alden
Staff/ Mr Craig Niemann
Community Ms Vicky Mason
Representatives Mr David Straw
Mr Bernie O'Sullivan
Ms Debbie Wood
Mrs Jessica Clarke-Hong
Apology:
Ms Kerryn Ellis
Meeting Information
Meeting Consultation meeting
Name/Type
Meeting Date 9 November 2017
Matters discussed Planning application DSD/123/2017
29 Towers Street, FLORA HILL 3550
4 Lot subdivision and construction of 4 dwellings
Attendees/Apologies
Councillors Cr Yvonne Wrigglesworth
Cr George Flack
Staff/ Adele Hayes
Community Applicant
Representatives Objectors
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Ordinary Meeting - 21 March 2018
Nil
Meeting Information
Meeting Sustainability and Environment Advisory Committee Meeting
Name/Type
Meeting Date 6 February 2018
Matters discussed 1. Spring Gully Mountain Bike Network Master Plan
2. Community Grants Program Round 2 2018
3. Committee term of appointment
4. Climate Drawdown Summit
5. Bendigo Groundwater Project
Attendees/Apologies
Councillors Cr Margaret O'Rourke
Cr Andrea Metcalf
Apology: Cr Jennifer Alden
Staff/ Mr Anthony Sheean
Community Mr Bernie O'Sullivan
Representatives Mr Trevor Budge
Ms Bridget Maplestone/
M/S Jess Milroy
Mr Chris Weir
Ms Pamela Beattie
Mr Colin Smith
M/S Terri Williams
Ms Kelly Button
Mr James Shaddick
Mr Geoff Caine
Apology:
Ms Kathyrn Stanislawski
Meeting Information
Meeting Councillors' Briefing
Name/Type
Meeting Date 12 February 2018
Matters discussed 1. Planning matters
2. Councillor Budget Workshop 1
Attendees/Apologies
Councillors Cr Margaret O'Rourke
Cr Jennifer Alden
Cr Matt Emond
Cr George Flack
Cr Rod Fyffe
Cr Julie Hoskin
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Ordinary Meeting - 21 March 2018
Cr Andrea Metcalf
Cr James Williams
Cr Yvonne Wrigglesworth
Staff/ Mr Craig Niemann
Community Ms Vicky Mason
Representatives Ms Kerryn Ellis
Mr Bernie O'Sullivan
Ms Debbie Wood
Mrs Jessica Clarke-Hong
Mr Nathan Morsillo
Mr Scott Evans
Meeting Information
Meeting Heritage Advisory Committee Meeting
Name/Type
Meeting Date 15 February 2018
Matters discussed 1. Greater Bendigo Heritage Advisory Committee
Terms of Reference
2. Introduction to the new committee
3. Introduction to the City of Greater Bendigo Heritage
Officers
4. Strategic statements on heritage: Aboriginal, built,
cultural and natural
5. Regional Sustainable Development - 'Strategic Report
On Greater Bendigo's Historical Artefacts'
Attendees/Apologies
Councillors Cr Matt Emond
Staff/ Ms Emma Bryant
Community Mr Trevor Budge
Representatives Mrs Wonona Fuzzard
Ms Megan McDougall
Dr Dannielle Orr
Ms Trudy Rickard/
Mr Peter Abbott
Mr David Bannear
Mr Laurie Brown
Bishop Andrw Curnow
Mr Matthew Dwyer
Ms Angela Gladman
Mr Bruce McClure
M/S Jess Millroy
Dr Di Smith
Ms Jenny Trewartha
Mr Darren Wright
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Ordinary Meeting - 21 March 2018
Apology:
Mr Bernie O'Sullivan
Meeting Information
Meeting Councillors' Briefing
Name/Type
Meeting Date 19 February 2018
Matters discussed 1. Bendigo Sustainability Group briefing
2. Rail Futures Institute briefing
3. Review of Final Ordinary Meeting Agenda
4. Section 89 Confidential Report
5. Redbrick schoolhouse at Epsom Primary School
6. Councillor Budget Workshop 2
Attendees/Apologies
Councillors Cr Margaret O'Rourke
Cr Jennifer Alden
Cr Matt Emond
Cr Rod Fyffe
Cr Julie Hoskin
Cr Andrea Metcalf
Cr James Williams
Cr Yvonne Wrigglesworth
Apology:
Cr George Flack
Staff/ Mr Craig Niemann
Community Ms Vicky Mason
Representatives Ms Kerryn Ellis
Mr Bernie O'Sullivan
Ms Debbie Wood
Mr Peter Hargreaves
Mr Nathan Morsillo
Mr Scott Evans
Apology:
Mrs Jessica Clarke-Hong
Meeting Information
Meeting Meeting with State Member for Bendigo East, The Hon Jacinta
Name/Type Allan MP
Meeting Date 23 February 2018
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Ordinary Meeting - 21 March 2018
Attendees/Apologies
Councillors Cr Matt Emond
Cr George Flack
Cr Rod Fyffe
Cr Julie Hoskin
Cr Andrea Metcalf
Cr James Williams
Apologies:
Cr Margaret O'Rourke
Cr Jennifer Alden
Cr Yvonne Wrigglesworth
Staff/ Mr Craig Niemann
Community Mr Bernie O'Sullivan
Representatives
Meeting Information
Meeting Councillors' Budget Workshop 3
Name/Type
Meeting Date 26 February 2018
Matters discussed Continued Budget 2018/2019 discussions
Attendees/Apologies
Councillors Cr Margaret O'Rourke
Cr Jennifer Alden
Cr Matt Emond
Cr George Flack
Cr Rod Fyffe
Cr Julie Hoskin
Cr Andrea Metcalf
Cr James Williams
Cr Yvonne Wrigglesworth
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Ordinary Meeting - 21 March 2018
No. meeting
Nil
Meeting Information
Meeting Consultation meeting
Name/Type
Meeting Date 14 December 2017
Matters discussed Planning application DU/352/2017
6 Eddington Street, AXEDALE 3551
Use of the land for a restricted recreation facility (gym),
construction of a car park and display of advertising signage
Attendees/Apologies
Councillors Cr Margaret O’Rourke
Staff/ Grace Paisley
Community Applicant
Representatives Objectors
Meeting Information
Meeting Consultation meeting
Name/Type
Meeting Date 20 December 2017
Matters discussed Planning application DU/222/2017
729 Edwards Road, MARONG 3515
Use of land for motor repairs and a vehicle store
Attendees/Apologies
Councillors Cr Matt Emond
Jennifer Alden
Staff/ Cr Chris Duckett
Community Applicant
Representatives Objectors
Meeting Information
Meeting Consultation meeting
Name/Type
Meeting Date 23 January 2018
Matters discussed Planning application DSD/656/2017
2 Albion Street, KENNINGTON 3550
Two lot subdivision and construction of two dwellings
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Ordinary Meeting - 21 March 2018
Attendees/Apologies
Councillors Cr Margaret O’Rourke
Cr Yvonne Wrigglesworth
Staff/ Grace Paisley
Community Applicant
Representatives Objectors
Meeting Information
Meeting Consultation meeting
Name/Type
Meeting Date 14 December 2017
Matters discussed Planning application DU/352/2017
6 Eddington Street, AXEDALE 3551
Use of the land for a restricted recreation facility (gym),
construction of a car park and display of advertising signage
Attendees/Apologies
Councillors Cr Margaret O’Rourke
Staff/ Grace Paisley
Community Applicant
Representatives Objectors
Meeting Information
Meeting Consultation meeting
Name/Type
Meeting Date 19 January 2018
Matters discussed Planning application DU/768/2017
5 Matchett Drive, STRATHDALE 3550
Use and development of land for industry (Brewery), food and
drink premises (Cafe), the sale and consumption of liquor,
reduction of car parking requirement and advertising signs
Attendees/Apologies
Councillors Cr Yvonne Wrigglesworth
Staff/ Chris Duckett
Community Applicant
Representatives Objectors
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Ordinary Meeting - 21 March 2018
Meeting Information
Meeting Consultation meeting
Name/Type
Meeting Date 19 February 2018
Matters discussed Planning application DU/761/2017
Lot 1 Collins Lane, EMU CREEK 3551
Use and development of land for animal husbandry
Attendees/Apologies
Councillors Cr Margaret O’Rourke
Cr Yvonne Wrigglesworth
Staff/ Grace Paisley
Community Applicant
Representatives Objectors
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Ordinary Meeting - 21 March 2018
8. URGENT BUSINESS
9. NOTICES OF MOTION
Nil.
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Ordinary Meeting - 21 March 2018
APPENDIX / ATTACHMENTS
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