Golden Plains Shire Council May 2020 Gazette

Gazette

MAY 2020

5

Be Kind Golden Plains

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Draft Budget 2020/21

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A Different ANZAC Day May 2020 | Golden Plains Shire Gazette | 1

Council News

From the Mayor In Golden Plains, we share an understanding that our corner of the world truly is a special place to live.

doors in the future. We’ve laid out our commitment in our new hardship policy and welcome all concerned residents to give us a call to chat about how we can help you.

While we have easy access to all the big city assets in nearby Geelong or Ballarat, here at home, we have the very best of small town life – we have real backyards, we enjoy the peace and quiet of our rural lifestyle, and our neighbours are our friends.

Council has also moved forward with developing a Draft Budget for the next financial year, to give certainty to ratepayers and confirm our commitment to continuing all Council services for the community. We hope that residents will read the Budget information in the Gazette and have their say on the financial plan for our Shire.

We know it’s not all sunshine and roses right now. In our towns, there are people who have lost their jobs or had their work hours cut, those who have family and friends living overseas in terrible situations, and there are people who are struggling in isolation without their usual support network. There are many levels of difficulty, stress and heartache, and we face more uncertainty in the weeks and months ahead.

Council Support for Golden Plains Some people have suggested that Council could eliminate rates to help everyone – and believe me, we’d love to do that. The reality is that as a small rural Shire, every year our budget is tight and it’s funded almost entirely by rates – we don’t have the revenue that other councils have, like parking meters and big industry.

Put simply, if we cut out rates, we cannot continue services like Meals and Wheels, personal care of our aged and disability clients, and helping new parents and babies with maternal and child health services– and we know that supporting our community is more important than ever right now.

With this front of mind, Council has chosen to focus its financial support on helping those who need it the most – our ratepayers and residents in genuine hardship from the COVID-19 crisis, who need more time to pay their bills and get back on track; as well as our local businesses who need some financial breaks to keep operating or to reopen the

A Heartfelt Thank You On behalf of Council, I’d like to thank all our local residents who continue to go out and work every day in hospitals and pharmacies, grocery stores and banks, offices and their own local businesses. I also want to acknowledge the hard work and caring response of the Council staff. I know it’s a popular past-time of many to berate Council workers, instead I hope that our residents will appreciate their dedicated efforts to continue supporting our customers, clients, volunteers and residents through this crisis.

Though there is great tragedy and turmoil across the world, in our lucky country there is also hope, and here in Golden Plains, there are heart-warming stories of great caring and compassion. Stories like the Linton Progress Association supporting neighbours with the local food pantry and the Smythesdale IGA delivering packages of essential groceries to the homes of Council’s aged and vulnerable clients. At Council, we started the Be Kind campaign to connect our residents at a time of distance and to inspire others with the fantastic efforts of our local communities. Please stay connected with us and your community on Council’s social media and website, or read the Golden Plains Times and the Gazette.

There’s no doubt, it’s a tough time for many people and it’s heartening to see our communities embody the very best of what we love about living here in our corner of the world.

Cr Owen Sharkey - Mayor of Golden Plains Shire Council

Coronavirus update Golden Plains Shire Council has implemented a number of changes to its operations to reduce the risks to residents, staff and volunteers during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Council’s Bannockburn, Linton and Smythesdale Customer Service Centres are closed for face-to-face interactions.

Customers are still able to contact the Customer Service team by phone at 5220 7111, email at enquiries@gplains.vic.gov.au, or online at goldenplains.vic.gov.au/forms/portal.

Essential services of Council that require physical contact including immunisation, Maternal and Child Health Services, Delivered Meals (Meals on Wheels), childcare, Community Care, and food safety inspections continue to operate on a priority basis and subject to staff availability.

This information is current as of 27 April 2020. For up-to-date information on the status of Council’s services, operations and events, visit goldenplains.vic.gov.au/coronavirus, or follow Council on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. 2 | Golden Plains Shire Gazette | May 2020

Roads and Bridges

Open: New Coopers Bridge in Meredith

An impressive new two-lane bridge now spans the Moorabool River on Meredith-Steiglitz Road, improving road safety and travel for residents and visitors to Meredith.

The new Coopers Bridge replaces the single-lane, load-limited bridge (right in the photo), with new approaches linking the structure with the existing road.

The much-needed $1.6 million project was the largest infrastructure commitment from Council in 2019/20.

The State Government’s Fixing Country Roads program contributed $300,000 to the project with Council funding the remainder of the project in the 2018/19 and 2019/20 Budgets.

Roads and Bridges: In the Works While many aspects of life have been impacted by the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Council is completing its infrastructure building program, approved in its 2019/2020 Council Budget.

Barwon Park Road Bridge With the old bridge over Warrambine Creek showing signs of structural distress, the deck of the Barwon Park Road Bridge is being replaced. The bridge is currently closed to vehicle and pedestrian traffic through to Wednesday 24 June, 2020.

Council shares responsibility for this bridge with Surf Coast Shire; and of Council’s $310,000 commitment, $110,000 came from the Federal Government’s Roads to Recovery Program.

Pitfield-Cressy Road This significant road upgrade and widening works will make Pitfield-Cressy Road safer for all users and support heavy vehicles transporting grain to the receival facility in Werneth.

This project is well underway, with 3.8km of widening works, supporting recent works by Council including new

box culverts on the bridge over Little Woady Yaloak Creek, and widening of the road from the bridge to Werneth Road and the 1km section towards Colac-Ballarat Road.

The $1.2 million project is funded by $800,000 from the State Government’s Fixing Country Roads Program and $400,000 from the Roads to Recovery Program.

Linton-Mannibadar Road The project to widen and seal the existing 4.8km of narrow sealed road measured from the RokewoodShelford Road towards Linton is almost complete.

The $1.4 million project is funded by $933,000 from the Fixing Country Roads program and $466,666 from the Roads to Recovery Program.

Maude-She Oaks Road The Maude-She Oaks Road widening project, which also includes upgrades to the intersections at Sharps Road and Stieglitz Road, has progressed with the installation of kerb and channel now completed at both intersections.

The project is funded by $1.1 million from Council and $385,000 from the Federal Government’s Roads to Recovery program.

May 2020 | Golden Plains Shire Gazette | 3

Council News

covid-19 Community Assistance Directory To help Golden Plains Shire residents quickly find information on support services available during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Council has developed a Community Assistance Directory.

The extensive resource contains helpful links and contact information related to: • Government COVID-19 Updates • Health and Medical Services • Financial Support • Emergency and Essential Support • Family Services and Support • Children and Youth Services • Aged and Disability Services Residents can access the Community Assistance Directory online at goldenplains.vic.gov.au/community-assistance.

There is a printable version to download or for a hard copy, please contact Council’s Customer Service at 5220 7111. Council continues to deliver its many community services across the Shire and we encourage residents to seek the support of the services in the directory, as needed.

Council’s New Online Building Portal

Pool and Spa Registrations

Interacting with Council’s Building department is now easier thanks to a new online building portal.

The new Permit Manager portal allows residents and builders to complete all building-related submissions at one time. Customers can register and lodge, submit and pay for permits all through the portal.

In December 2019, Council began trialling the Permit Manager system in response to new pool and spa regulations brought in by the Victorian Government.

Following the success of the new system, it has now been expanded to also include: • Notifications of appointment • Building permits from private building surveyors, with all relevant documentation and payments • Certificates of Final Inspection • Occupancy permits • Amendments to building permits and relevant documentation • Property information requests and payments • Report and consent applications and payments Previously, residents and builders needed to lodge building permits and forms with Council either in person, via mail or by email. If payment was required, the applicant would often also need to contact Council’s Customer Service team as well.

The new building portal is available at goldenplains.greenlightopm.com. Customers without access to internet can still request hard copies of forms by contacting Council’s Building team at 5220 7111.

4 | Golden Plains Shire Gazette | May 2020

In December 2019, the Victorian Government changed pool and spa barrier safety standards, which include new registration, inspection and certification requirements for property owners.

Under the changes, local residents are required to register their pool and spa with Golden Plains Shire by 1 June 2020, and have their safety barrier inspected once every four years.

To register, you can fill out a registration form online, download a form and fill it out by hand; or call Council’s Customer Service team at 5220 7111 for a hard copy.

When you’ve registered your pool or spa, you will receive a letter from Council confirming the next step to have it checked by a qualified practitioner.

For more information on pool and spa barrier requirements, visit goldenplains.vic.gov.au/pool-registration

Community News Golden Plains Shire Council has joined the Be Kind campaign, started by its Central Highlands Council partner, City of Ballarat.

The Be Kind Golden Plains campaign is all about bringing people together in spirit, and encouraging kindness and support during the unprecedented COVID-19 health crisis. We’ve been sharing initiatives from Government, Council and the community on our social media channels, website, and now in the Gazette. Check out some of the Be Kind initiatives below: Be Kind To Others • Community Support Groups like that set up in Linton • CareCards available to download from goldenplains.vic.gov.au/be-kind • Calling elderly or isolated neighbours to say hello • Assisting vulnerable neighbours with shopping for essential supplies • Being kind and respectful to essential workers, including in our pharmacies and supermarkets • Sharing how to sign-up for the Victorian Government’s Emergency Relief Packages with isolating locals • Let your neighbours know if you’re planning to burn off your garden waste

COVID-19 is a challenging time for us all, so it’s great to see everyone from all parts of the community doing their part to help beat this virus.

Thank you to all the workers and volunteers in healthcare, education and childcare, elderly and disability care, community newsletter editors and writers, as well as everyone else working in the community or at home to continue providing services and information to the Golden Plains community.

Golden Plains Shire Council has also been fortunate to work with a number of local and neighbouring organisations to help support residents in need. A big thank you to the

Be Be Kind To To Business Kind Business Let’s support our local businesses that are still operating, even if under different conditions, and shop local. As part of its support to businesses, Council has developed a new listing of local businesses that are still open and trading. Featuring cafes, eateries and restaurants, wineries, and other businesses and services, check out the list in previous editions of the Golden Plains Times or online at goldenplains.vic.gov.au/be-kind-business Be Kind To Yourself Whether you’re looking for something to do at home or just how to keep the kids occupied after home school, make it easy on yourself and check out some of these ideas: • Geelong Regional Libraries’ Your Library @ Home program of eBooks, e-learning and virtual events • Council and YMCA’s Backyard Brain Breaks video activities to keep local kids active • ABC’s educational primary and secondary educational programming • Community ‘Bear Hunts’ and rainbow art at home • Council’s online youth programing, featuring Zoom Youth Group, free movies, trivia and more Challenging and uncertain times can often be stressful, so it’s important to look after your mental health. If you’re struggling or feeling overwhelmed by the COVID-19 pandemic, be kind to yourself and reach out to a 24/7 support service in the Community Assistance Directory.

organisers of the Golden Plains Music Festival, City of Greater Geelong and the Smythesdale IGA for donating items and working with Council to ensure our Active Ageing & Disability team have been able to provide essential food and hygiene items to its vulnerable clients.

On behalf of Council and the community, we would also like to give a special shout out to all Council staff members who are continuing to deliver more than 60 services for the residents of Golden Plains Shire.

Whether working on-site or working from home, Council appreciates and values your essential work.

May 2020 | Golden Plains Shire Gazette | 5

Council Draft Budget 2020/21 The Golden Plains Shire Council Draft Budget 2020/21 is now on public exhibition and all residents and ratepayers are welcome to have their say on next year’s financial plan.

With the sudden and significant economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic still being realised, Council has developed a responsible and fair Draft Budget 2020/21 that respects the challenges of the situation in Golden Plains and puts an emphasis on innovation and efficiency to reduce costs.

The primary focus of this year’s Draft Budget is to confirm Council’s commitment to continue delivering all its current services under the rates cap. Our people and our communities are the heart of Golden Plains – and this is reflected in the majority of budget spending dedicated to more than 60 services for the residents of the Shire.

With the principle understanding that maintaining our assets makes more sense than paying for new replacements, the Draft Budget 2020/21 also keeps Council’s investment in local roads and infrastructure steady with several important major projects funded by State and Federal Governments this year.

Investing in Local Roads and Infrastructure

$2.8 $13.6 $900 million million

investment to maintain Council’s assets

investment in capital assets

Thousand for resealing local roads

$500 $600 $250 $250

Thousand Thousand Thousand Thousand for improvements on local roads

for gravel re-sheeting of local roads

for footpaths and trails

for kerb and channel projects

Major road and bridge projects in the Draft Budget 2020/21: • Road improvements on Shelford-Mt Mercer Road and Russells Bridge Road in Sutherlands Creek – a $1.24 million project funded by the Federal Government’s Black Spot program, managed by VicRoads.

• Replacement of Geggies Road Bridge in Rokewood – a $700,000 project funded by the Federal Government’s Bridges Renewal Program and Council (contingent on successful funding application).

• Rehabilitation of Slate Quarry Road Bridge in Meredith – a $2.3 million project funded by the Federal Government’s Bridges Renewal Program and Council (contingent on successful funding application).

This year, Council is completing several valuable local road and bridge projects: • Widening of Maude-She Oaks Road – funded by $1.1 million from Council and $385,000 from the Federal Government’s Roads to Recovery program.

• Widening of Linton-Mannibadar Road – funded by $933,000 from the State Government’s Fixing Country Roads program and $466,000 from the Federal Government’s Roads to Recovery program.

and $400,000 from the Federal Government’s Roads to Recovery program.

• Bridge Deck Replacement of Barwon Park Road Bridge in Inverleigh – funded by $310,000 from Council (including $110,000 from the Federal Government’s Roads to Recovery program) and $310,000 from Surf Coast Council.

• Franklin Bridge in Napoelons – a $2.85 million project with $512,000 funding from Council and the remainder from the • Widening of Pitfield-Cressy Road - funded by $800,000 from the State Government’s Fixing Country Roads program Federal Government and City of Ballarat.

6 | Golden Plains Shire Gazette | May 2020

Council Draft Budget 2020/21 Investing in Local Communities Council will deliver updates to Golden Plains Shire local sport and recreation facilities, after securing funding from the Federal Government for these projects: • New Female Friendly Change Rooms at the Bannockburn Soccer Facility • Club Rooms Upgrade at the Inverleigh Sporting Complex This year, Council is completing several valuable major projects and will cut the ribbon (post COVID-19) on these great community and recreation facilities.

• Oval Lighting at Victoria Park in Bannockburn– funded by $500,000 from the Federal Government.

• Haddon Stadium Floor Replacement – funded by $220,000 from the State Government.

• Inverleigh Netball Courts – funded by $200,000 from Council; and $250,000 from the State Government.

• Teesdale Turtle Bend Upgrade – funded by $222,000 from Berrybank Wind Farm; and $222,000 from the Federal Government.

• Bannockburn Bowls Upgrade – funded by $274,400 from Council; $250,000 from the State Government and $140,000 from Bannockburn Bowls Club.

• World Game – Bannockburn Soccer Pitch – funded by $186,000 from Council; and $250,000 from the State Government.

• Oval Lighting at Rokewood Recreation Reserve – funded by $115,000 from Council; and $170,000 from the State Government.

• Irrigation Upgrade at Rokewood Rec Reserve – funded by $90,000 from Council.

• Customer Service Centre Update at The Well in Smythesdale – funded

by Council.

• The Golden Plains Community & Civic Centre in Bannockburn funded by Council.

Investing in the People of Golden Plains

$43 $2.3 $1.6 $454 $1 $388

MILLION

for Council’s Services to the Golden Plains Community

MILLION

for Active Ageing and Disability Services

MILLION Thousand MILLION Thousand

for Local Kindergartens

for Library Services

for Community Planning and Grants

for Youth Services

More than 60 Services for Golden Plains Shire We have a growing population in Golden Plains and that means a significant increase in services to meet the demands of our existing and new residents.

People are the heart of our communities and they are the centre of Council’s Draft Budget 2020/21. This year, Council has continued its commitment to funding its many essential programs and every day, Council Officers are working to deliver these valuable community services for the residents of Golden Plains Shire:

May 2020 | Golden Plains Shire Gazette | 7

Council Draft Budget 2020/21

What’s New in Draft Budget 2020/21

2% Rate Cap

Waste Management Charge

$340 $306

DOWN FROM

2.5% in 2019/20 The 2020/21 Rate Cap has been set by the State Government at 2% and it’s the law that Council’s rates revenue cannot exceed this amount. The cap applies to the General Rates and Municipal Charge and it’s an average increase across the Shire.

$200

Municipal Charge

+$10 from 2019/20

+$6 from 2019/20

The 2020/21 Waste Management Charge is a fixed charge for every household in the Shire, to fund the kerbside collection of household waste and recycling, as well as waste management including the rising State Government Landfill Levy.

The Municipal Charge is a flat charge of $306 for every household in Golden Plains Shire in 2020/21. A fixed rate charge ensures that all residents make a standard contribution and means that the rate share is equitably distributed across the Shire.

Thousand to pay for 2020 Council Elections

The Victorian Electoral Commission will charge Golden Plains Shire Council $156,000 for the mandated Council Election in October 2020. Candidate training which is now mandatory under the State Government’s new Local Government Act will cost a further $44,000 in 2020/21.

$150 $75 $50 $75

CHANGES TO COUNCIL Fees and Thousand Thousand Thousand Thousand Charges for Road Project Designs

for Streetscape Designs

to implement the Environment Strategy

2020 RATING STRATEGY REVIEW At its February 2020 Ordinary Meeting, Council approved an extensive review of the Rating Strategy to further increase equity across the Shire.

Key features of the Rating Strategy Review: • All residences will now be charged the same rate in the dollar.

• New differentials will be established for all farm properties, based on size and land use.

Farms that are considered incoming generating will be charged at a different differential to farms used for residential use.

• Every vacant land block in the Shire will be charged the same rate in the dollar.

• All business, industrial and commercial properties in Bannockburn will be charged 120% of the rate in the dollar. Businesses outside of Bannockburn will be charged 100%.

The new rating principles are applied in Council’s Draft Budget 2020/21.

8 | Golden Plains Shire Gazette | May 2020

Community & Recreation Design

Council Draft Budget 2020/21 Rates Support in Draft Budget 2020/21 Golden Plains Shire Council has confirmed a package of financial relief options for local residents and businesses to support the Golden Plains community in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. These measures have been funded in Council’s Draft Budget 2020/21.

Golden Plains Shire Council is delivering the following COVID-19 related relief measures:

Ratepayers and residents experiencing financial hardship • Introduction of a Special COVID-19 Financial Hardship Policy for Golden Plains Shire Council ratepayers.

• Suspension of all current debt recovery action for unpaid 2019/20 rates through to 30 September 2020.

• Waive interest on overdue 2019/20 rates through to 30 September 2020.

• Waive penalties for late payment on pet registration fees through to 30 September 2020.

• New payment plans available for animal registration renewals.

Business support • Introduction of a Special COVID-19 Financial Hardship Policy for local businesses.

• Commitment to pay invoices from all local businesses within 14 days to support cash flow.

• Extension of time applications for business-related septic tank and planning permits expiring before 30 September 2020 can be lodged at no cost.

• Refund of all permit fees for events and activities that have been cancelled or closed as directed by Government.

• New allowance for commercial businesses to reduce their waste collection arrangements if necessary.

• Free mentoring support for small businesses experiencing hardship.

• Free promotion of local businesses on Council’s website and social media with the Be Kind to Business campaign: goldenplains.vic.gov.au/business/be-kindbusiness • Dedicated COVID-19 business support page on Council’s website with links to Federal and State Government programs: goldenplains.vic.gov.au/business/covid-19business-support • Access to dedicated business support officer within Council for local businesses to receive individual assistance.

Capital works • Council will continue budgeted capital works as scheduled to maximise local business and employment opportunities.

The COVID-19 Financial Hardship Policy is available on Council’s website: goldenplains.vic.gov.au.

For more information or to apply, call Council’s Customer Service team at 5220 7111.

HAVE YOUR SAY ON THE DRAFT BUDGET Ask Your Budget Questions:

With COVID-19 restrictions presenting a challenge for face-to-face Budget Drop-In Sessions, residents are invited to send in their Draft Budget questions by Wednesday 20 May via email at fiona.rae@gplains.vic.gov.au; mail to Manager Finance, PO Box 111, Bannockburn, Vic 3331; or visit goldenplains.vic.gov.au/consultations. Council’s finance team will answer your questions directly with a selection of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) published on Council’s website and social media during the consultation period. This information will help residents to prepare their submission and have their say on the Draft Budget.

Read Council’s Draft Budget 2020/21:

Visit goldenplains.vic.gov.au/budget or call Customer Service at 5220 7111 to arrange a copy.

Make a Budget Submission:

Written submissions may be lodged by 5pm, Friday 29 May. Post a submission addressed to Director Corporate Services, Golden Plains Shire Council, PO Box 111, Bannockburn, VIC 3331; email enquiries@gplains.vic.gov.au; or visit goldenplains.vic.gov.au/budget

Present a Submission to Council:

Council will hold a Special Budget Meeting at 6pm, Tuesday 9 June, and everyone who lodges a written submission is welcome to present it to Councillors.

The final Budget 2020/21 will be considered for adoption

by Council at its Ordinary Meeting in Bannockburn on Tuesday 23 June, 2020.

May 2020 | Golden Plains Shire Gazette | 9

Community News

Living Life a Little Differently Council, like residents and communities across Golden Plains Shire, has had to adapt during the COVID-19 crisis. Here are some of the ways Council is doing things differently:

Watching Council Meetings at Home With social distancing restrictions requiring Council to move its scheduled meetings to the larger Bannockburn Cultural Centre, Council started livestreaming at its April Ordinary Meeting allowing residents to watch at home.

The meeting was broadcast on Council’s YouTube channel and 32 people tuned in to watch the meeting.

Maternal & Child Health Services Council’s Maternal and Child Health Service team continues to deliver its essential services, adopting alternative modes of delivery such as telephone and electronic consultations, while Drop-In and Group sessions have been cancelled. For more information on changes to service delivery or to book an appointment, call 5220 7230 or email earlyyears@gplains.vic.gov.au.

The 24-hour MCH Line is available on 13 22 29. Council’s childhood immunisation program, operated by City of Ballarat, is also continuing with some changes. For more information, visit goldenplains.vic.gov.au/coronavirus

Looking after Vulnerable Residents Council’s Active Ageing and Disability Service is continuing to provide support to the community through Meals on Wheals, essential community transport, personal care and limited domestic assistance. While its Respite Services and Social Support Programs are suspended, to minimise the impact of isolation, the team is keeping in regular contact with clients making calls for social support to have a chat or do a newspaper quiz together. You can read more about the team’s assistance for its vulnerable clients at goldenplains.vic.gov.au/coronavirus.

Keeping Youth Connected

With its in-person events cancelled due to COVID-19 social gathering restrictions, Council’s Youth team have made sure the Shire’s young people can still connect with one another through its weekly online programing. This has included guest speakers, trivia, wellbeing videos, virtual youth group and free movies through Netflix Party. The team have also run other online events including a highly successful Social Isolation Photography Competition, and writer’s workshop with author Mark Smith. For more information, visit facebook.com/goldenplainsyoungpeople/

ANZAC Day This year’s ANZAC Day was commemorated differently. With all public services cancelled, RSL officials laid wreaths at some of the Shire’s monuments, while residents paid their respects at home. Many residents took part in the RSL’s Light Up the Dawn campaign, and stood with a candle or light at their driveway at dawn. On behalf of the community, Councillors laid wreaths at the monuments in Corindhap, Rokewood, Smythesdale, Meredith, Haddon, Bannockburn, Teesdale, Shelford and Inverleigh.

Save the Date Project

Share your stories and help document life at home under COVID-19 self-isolation and social distancing as part Council’s Save the Date art project. Residents are invited to nominate a date during May and submit a digital diary entry for that day. Entries can take any form that is suitable for digital broadcast, such as a short film, animation, spoken word piece, poem, dance or music. For more information, visit goldenplains.vic.gov.au/arts, email arts@gplains.vic.gov.au, or check out Council’s new Arts and Culture Facebook page at @Arts&Culture-GoldenPlainsShire.

Virtual Farmers’ Market Are you missing all the wonderful produce and handcrafted goods from the Golden Plains Farmers’ Market? With its markets in Bannockburn currently cancelled, Council has put together a Virtual Farmers’ Market so you can still buy your favourite products direct from many of the stallholders. Let’s support the businesses that support our local markets. You can find the Virtual Market at Council’s Be Kind To Business page at goldenplains.vic.gov.au/business/be-kind-business 10 | Golden Plains Shire Gazette | May 2020

Community News

Community Engagement Update

In February and March, Council engaged with the community on the three projects. Here’s a quick summary:

Active Sport and Recreation Strategy

497 people had their say

Topics raised included aquatics facilities, dog off-leash areas, the cost of sport and financial sustainability of facilities and programs, need to activate existing facilities, improved communication of sport and recreation opportunities, and planning for population growth. A draft strategy will now be prepared, and go out for public exhibition in late May/June.

Golden Plains Shire 2040 Community Vision

534 people shared their vision

Residents told us what they loved about Golden Plains; what they wanted to see in 2040, including retaining the country feel, local shopping and jobs, and better public transport and infrastructure; and what they were willing to do to help make these a reality. To find out about the next steps in developing the Golden Plains Shire 2040 Community Vision, visit goldenplains.vic.gov.au/consultations

Bannockburn Growth Plan The Bannockburn Growth Plan survey closed at the end of March. The Victorian Planning Authority (VPA) are currently summarising the community’s feedback, and a Community Engagement Summary Report will be available on the VPA and Council websites in the near future. For more informationand next steps, visit goldenplains.vic.gov.au/consultations

396 people had their say

Get Creative in 2020 Great news for local creatives, the free ArtsACTION workshops will now go-ahead online. Following the success of Being Market Ready, Council presents the following workshops: • Working Together Effectively: Thursday 30 July • Digital Communications: Thursday 27 August Originally planned to be held at venues across the Shire, these workshops by Pop Up Art are designed to connect and strengthen networks, encourage market-readiness, provide opportunities to broaden reach, and gain new skills through working collectively. Residents can still also sign-up to the six-part email course.

To find out more, and to register for the workshops or email course, visit popupart.com.au/goldenplains/ or call Council’s Arts and Culture Officer at 5220 7212.

Events in Golden Plains

Due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and with the cancellation of many community events, Council has not published its regular community events calendar in this edition of the Gazette.

To keep up-to-date with local events, visit Council’s online events calendar at goldenplains.vic.gov.au/events.

May 2020 | Golden Plains Shire Gazette | 11

Community Notice Board Customer Service: Due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Council’s Bannockburn, Linton and Smythesdale Customer Service Centres are closed for face-to-face interactions until further notice.

Bannockburn 8.30am to 5pm, Monday to Friday 2 Pope Street, Bannockburn Victoria, 3331.

Linton 8.30am to 5pm, Monday to Thursday 68 Sussex Street, Linton Victoria, 3360.

Smythesdale 8.30am to 5pm, Monday to Friday 19 Heales Street, Smythesdale Victoria, 3351.

Phone P: 5220 7111 F: 5220 7100 Postal address Golden Plains Shire Council PO Box 111, Bannockburn, Victoria 3331.

Emergency contacts P: 1300 363 036 P: 5220 7111 (24 Hours) To receive a copy of the Gazette in large print, call 5220 7111.

The deadline for the August 2020 issue of the Gazette is 9am, Thursday 2 July. Email: news@gplains.vic.gov.au or post to PO Box 111, Bannockburn 3331.

New Mobile Towers Residents in Teesdale and Maude are now benefiting from better mobile phone service after Telstra switched on two new small cell mobile phone towers in the townships.

Council welcomes these new towers, which were co-funded by the Federal and State Governments as part of the fourth round of the Mobile Black Spot Program. Under the same round, funding was provided for an Optus tower near the Meredith Music Festival site at Grenville, which is anticipated to be in operation by the end of 2020. Previously, new towers have been built in Haddon North, Teesdale, Dereel and Steiglitz.

Access to reliable telecommunications is vital for residents and businesses in Golden Plains Shire, and more infrastructure is needed to meet the needs of many local communities. Council strongly lobbies the State and Federal Governments for improved local telecommunications, including these new towers, which are crucial for economic growth and investment, as well as community connectivity and safety.

Bannockburn Shire Hall: Expression of Interest Golden Plains Shire Council is seeking expressions of interest from commercial or retail operators interested in leasing the Bannockburn Shire Hall.

The Shire Hall is located at 12 High Street, Bannockburn and is expected to be vacant from May 2020. The site offers: • • • • •

Two large spaces suitable for commercial or retail use Kitchen and bathroom facilities All abilities access Additional rooms for storage Prime High Street location in Town Centre, adjacent to Bannockburn Plaza

Expressions of interest are due by 9am, Monday 22 June, 2020.

For more information, email enquiries@gplains.vic.gov.au or call 5220 7111 and speak to Council’s Governance team.

Rates Payment All Golden Plains Shire ratepayers received their 2019/20 Rates Notices in the mail last year.

For residents who have signed up to pay their rates by instalment, the final instalment payment is due on Sunday 31 May, 2020.

Council has confirmed a package of financial relief options, including a COVID-19 Financial Hardship Policy, to support residents and ratepayers with upcoming payments. If you are experiencing financial difficulty and would like to apply for the Financial Hardship Policy, please call Council’s Rates team at 5220 7111 for a confidential conversation.

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