WEBVTT 00:00:00.560 --> 00:00:03.560 please 00:00:06.040 --> 00:00:09.040 stand let's pray Almighty God we pledge 00:00:09.360 --> 00:00:10.776 ourselves to work in harmony for the 00:00:10.800 --> 00:00:12.776 social cultural and economic well-being 00:00:12.800 --> 00:00:15.800 of our rural city help us to be wise in 00:00:16.080 --> 00:00:17.816 our deliberations and fair in our 00:00:17.840 --> 00:00:20.576 actions so that prosperity and 00:00:20.600 --> 00:00:23.600 happiness Amen Amen acknowledgement of 00:00:23.920 --> 00:00:26.056 country the Horsham Rural City Council 00:00:26.080 --> 00:00:27.415 acknowledges the five traditional owner 00:00:27.439 --> 00:00:30.376 groups of this land the Wotjobaluk, Jaadwa, 00:00:30.400 --> 00:00:33.400 Jadawadjali, Wergaia, Jupagulk People 00:00:33.600 --> 00:00:35.416 we recognize the important and ongoing 00:00:35.440 --> 00:00:37.176 place that all Indigenous People hold in 00:00:37.200 --> 00:00:39.416 our community we pay our respects to the 00:00:39.440 --> 00:00:41.576 Elders both past and present and commit 00:00:41.600 --> 00:00:42.855 to working together in a spirit of 00:00:42.879 --> 00:00:44.296 mutual understanding and respect for the 00:00:44.320 --> 00:00:45.896 benefit of the broader community and 00:00:45.920 --> 00:00:48.920 future generations please be seated 00:00:56.000 --> 00:00:58.695 a warm welcome to everybody councils 00:00:58.719 --> 00:01:00.736 staff members many members of the 00:01:00.760 --> 00:01:03.760 gallery our media and my name is 00:01:04.000 --> 00:01:06.296 councelor Ian Ross Mayor of Horsham Rural 00:01:06.320 --> 00:01:09.176 City Council and advised that 00:01:09.200 --> 00:01:10.616 tonight's council meeting will be 00:01:10.640 --> 00:01:12.616 recorded to maintain a video archive 00:01:12.640 --> 00:01:15.256 thank you also tonight a special warm 00:01:15.280 --> 00:01:18.135 welcome to Gail and his CEO and a first 00:01:18.159 --> 00:01:21.159 meeting 00:01:24.960 --> 00:01:27.960 thank you and also Luke Mitten as acting 00:01:28.240 --> 00:01:31.240 infrastructure director it's his 00:01:32.000 --> 00:01:35.000 first meeting too so welcome to 00:01:37.640 --> 00:01:40.576 Luke 00:01:40.600 --> 00:01:42.976 apologies there's been no apologies 00:01:43.000 --> 00:01:45.256 tonight we move on next genra which 00:01:45.280 --> 00:01:47.656 is five leave of absence is anyone 00:01:47.680 --> 00:01:50.656 requesting a leave of 00:01:50.680 --> 00:01:52.775 absence there being no request of leave 00:01:52.799 --> 00:01:55.799 of absence we will move on to six 00:01:56.399 --> 00:01:59.399 confirmation of the 00:02:00.759 --> 00:02:02.695 minutes the minutes of the council 00:02:02.719 --> 00:02:05.256 meeting held at 5:30 p.m on Monday the 00:02:05.280 --> 00:02:06.976 29th of April 2025 00:02:07.000 --> 00:02:10.000 council do I have a motion 00:02:12.720 --> 00:02:14.896 councilor Mc Donald 00:02:14.920 --> 00:02:17.256 moved that the minutes emanating from 00:02:17.280 --> 00:02:18.536 the council meeting of the Horsham 00:02:18.560 --> 00:02:20.456 Rural City Council held in the council 00:02:20.480 --> 00:02:22.696 chambers Civic Center Horsham at 5:30pm 00:02:22.720 --> 00:02:25.720 on the 28th of April 2025 be adopted 00:02:26.160 --> 00:02:28.976 do I have a seconder thanks Councelor 00:02:29.000 --> 00:02:31.176 Klowss all those in favor raise your 00:02:31.200 --> 00:02:34.096 hand please thank you 00:02:34.120 --> 00:02:36.456 carried seven is conflicts of interest i 00:02:36.480 --> 00:02:39.480 think we do have a few tonight so I'll 00:02:39.680 --> 00:02:41.016 ask perhaps to go over the table from 00:02:41.040 --> 00:02:43.416 right around if councilors could declare 00:02:43.440 --> 00:02:45.736 their conflicts of interest please 00:02:45.760 --> 00:02:48.760 I've got one on 00:02:48.840 --> 00:02:51.840 9.2 and it'll be number three thanks 00:02:52.239 --> 00:02:54.136 Brian and the nature of the conflict 00:02:54.160 --> 00:02:57.160 just a general general thank you and 00:02:57.920 --> 00:03:00.776 is also at 9.2 a general conflict in 00:03:00.800 --> 00:03:03.800 number four four thank you 00:03:05.440 --> 00:03:07.855 Council Mc Donald 00:03:07.879 --> 00:03:10.696 9.2.4 it's a general conflict 00:03:10.720 --> 00:03:12.456 i am a member of the Horsham Historical 00:03:12.480 --> 00:03:15.480 Society thanks Council McDonald i don't 00:03:16.080 --> 00:03:19.080 have any councelor Sluggett mine's in 00:03:19.599 --> 00:03:22.599 also in item 9.2 conflict of interest 00:03:22.800 --> 00:03:25.800 for the lot in group six it's a 00:03:26.480 --> 00:03:29.480 general conflict of interest thank you 00:03:29.680 --> 00:03:32.680 and councelor the same too item 9.2 00:03:34.560 --> 00:03:37.560 general material conflict of interest 00:03:38.720 --> 00:03:41.720 five I think it is five thank you and 00:03:43.360 --> 00:03:46.360 I have no conflict to declare thank 00:03:49.480 --> 00:03:52.480 you we now move on to public question 00:03:53.159 --> 00:03:56.056 time but I'll start with a statement if 00:03:56.080 --> 00:03:59.080 I may on behalf of city council and it's 00:03:59.680 --> 00:04:01.336 relation to the emergency services and 00:04:01.360 --> 00:04:04.176 volunteer 00:04:04.200 --> 00:04:06.616 fund given we have a number of CFA 00:04:06.640 --> 00:04:08.215 volunteers in the gallery who have 00:04:08.239 --> 00:04:09.816 questions about the emergency service 00:04:09.840 --> 00:04:11.656 and volunteer fund and council's 00:04:11.680 --> 00:04:13.896 collection of this levy I would like to 00:04:13.920 --> 00:04:15.096 take the opportunity before we get into 00:04:15.120 --> 00:04:16.296 the public questions to address 00:04:16.320 --> 00:04:19.320 council's position on this 00:04:20.199 --> 00:04:23.175 issue i want to once again reinforce our 00:04:23.199 --> 00:04:25.016 council's position to the state 00:04:25.040 --> 00:04:26.936 government's emergency services and 00:04:26.960 --> 00:04:29.696 volunteer fund that's a mouthful if we 00:04:29.720 --> 00:04:31.976 echoing what we are hearing right across 00:04:32.000 --> 00:04:34.856 our municipality this new levy will have 00:04:34.880 --> 00:04:37.880 a devastating impact on our 00:04:38.040 --> 00:04:40.216 community autumn's rate payers are 00:04:40.240 --> 00:04:42.296 facing a one of the highest increases in 00:04:42.320 --> 00:04:45.320 the state with a projected 3.26 million 00:04:45.680 --> 00:04:48.376 uplift in ley charges a rise of more 00:04:48.400 --> 00:04:50.856 than 84% 00:04:50.880 --> 00:04:52.615 this is a significant burden 00:04:52.639 --> 00:04:54.056 particularly for our rural residents and 00:04:54.080 --> 00:04:56.536 primary producers who are already under 00:04:56.560 --> 00:04:58.536 immense pressure from rising costs and 00:04:58.560 --> 00:05:00.016 ongoing economic 00:05:00.040 --> 00:05:03.040 challenges our community is hurting not 00:05:03.280 --> 00:05:04.536 just because of the scale of the 00:05:04.560 --> 00:05:06.455 increase but because of the way it has 00:05:06.479 --> 00:05:07.856 been 00:05:07.880 --> 00:05:10.880 imposed councils have not been 00:05:10.960 --> 00:05:13.336 adequately consulted and it is 00:05:13.360 --> 00:05:14.936 unacceptable that local government is 00:05:14.960 --> 00:05:16.536 being forced to act as a tax collector 00:05:16.560 --> 00:05:18.776 for the state we are being asked to take 00:05:18.800 --> 00:05:21.735 on administrative role load the 00:05:21.759 --> 00:05:23.895 reporting responsibilities and the debt 00:05:23.919 --> 00:05:26.919 recovery risks with no fair 00:05:27.560 --> 00:05:29.735 compensation that is why Horshan Rural 00:05:29.759 --> 00:05:30.976 City Council is standing 00:05:31.000 --> 00:05:32.696 shoulder-to-shoulder with neighboring 00:05:32.720 --> 00:05:35.615 councils to call for urgent 00:05:35.639 --> 00:05:37.656 reform together we are calling on 00:05:37.680 --> 00:05:40.296 Victorian government to oppose councils 00:05:40.320 --> 00:05:42.216 being used as a le collectors on behalf 00:05:42.240 --> 00:05:45.240 of the state 00:05:46.240 --> 00:05:47.816 shift responsibility for collecting the 00:05:47.840 --> 00:05:49.895 principal place of residence components 00:05:49.919 --> 00:05:51.376 to the state revenue 00:05:51.400 --> 00:05:53.816 office fully reimburse councils for the 00:05:53.840 --> 00:05:55.256 administrative and financial cost of 00:05:55.280 --> 00:05:57.216 collection and 00:05:57.240 --> 00:05:59.976 enforcement ensure transparency open 00:06:00.000 --> 00:06:02.416 communication and consultation moving 00:06:02.440 --> 00:06:04.856 forward and most importantly deliver a 00:06:04.880 --> 00:06:07.336 levy that is fair equitable and does not 00:06:07.360 --> 00:06:08.936 unfairly burden rural and farming 00:06:08.960 --> 00:06:10.455 communities 00:06:10.479 --> 00:06:12.455 we will continue to advocate loudly on 00:06:12.479 --> 00:06:14.295 behalf of our community until these 00:06:14.319 --> 00:06:16.576 concerns are properly 00:06:16.600 --> 00:06:19.600 addressed myself and our interim CEO met 00:06:19.759 --> 00:06:21.416 the Minister for Local Government and 00:06:21.440 --> 00:06:24.440 the Minister for Agriculture last 00:06:24.680 --> 00:06:27.680 week to advocate for changes to the levy 00:06:28.080 --> 00:06:31.080 we intend to continue this 00:06:32.919 --> 00:06:35.576 advocacy with our fellow councils we're 00:06:35.600 --> 00:06:37.496 also seeking meetings with the premier 00:06:37.520 --> 00:06:39.816 HRCC is currently exploring options in 00:06:39.840 --> 00:06:41.496 relation to the collection of the levy 00:06:41.520 --> 00:06:43.256 given that provisions of fire services 00:06:43.280 --> 00:06:45.895 levy sorry fire services property levy 00:06:45.919 --> 00:06:48.919 act 2012 will be incorporated into the 00:06:48.960 --> 00:06:50.776 legislation and therefore council will 00:06:50.800 --> 00:06:53.696 still be considered a collection 00:06:53.720 --> 00:06:56.136 agency further information will be 00:06:56.160 --> 00:06:58.136 provided to community as council's 00:06:58.160 --> 00:07:00.096 advocacy 00:07:00.120 --> 00:07:02.136 progresses this is not just a question 00:07:02.160 --> 00:07:04.455 of fairness it's a matter of respect for 00:07:04.479 --> 00:07:07.015 rural Victorians and the role local 00:07:07.039 --> 00:07:09.416 government plays in supporting them 00:07:09.440 --> 00:07:12.440 thank 00:07:16.280 --> 00:07:19.280 you we now move to eight public question 00:07:19.880 --> 00:07:22.295 time this time is allocated the start 00:07:22.319 --> 00:07:24.216 of the meeting before the formal agenda 00:07:24.240 --> 00:07:26.295 by council questions must be submitted 00:07:26.319 --> 00:07:28.536 in writing to council by 10:00 a.m on 00:07:28.560 --> 00:07:30.056 the day of the council meeting and we 00:07:30.080 --> 00:07:32.976 have quite a few tonight so we'll start 00:07:33.000 --> 00:07:35.575 with question one who is from Robin Gle 00:07:35.599 --> 00:07:37.696 of Lombardong question 00:07:37.720 --> 00:07:40.136 one mining and exploration in our 00:07:40.160 --> 00:07:43.160 municipality is not new these companies 00:07:43.280 --> 00:07:45.015 have been active in our municipality for 00:07:45.039 --> 00:07:48.039 decades it is noted that since the 24th 00:07:49.120 --> 00:07:50.615 of March council meeting Council Wilson 00:07:50.639 --> 00:07:52.056 has removed himself from mining 00:07:52.080 --> 00:07:53.416 discussions and decisions after 00:07:53.440 --> 00:07:54.936 declaring a conflict of interest due to 00:07:54.960 --> 00:07:57.776 family discussions with the mining 00:07:57.800 --> 00:08:00.776 company considering the number of 00:08:00.800 --> 00:08:02.536 long-term exploration retention and 00:08:02.560 --> 00:08:04.216 mining license across our municipality 00:08:04.240 --> 00:08:06.455 and for complete transparency please 00:08:06.479 --> 00:08:08.776 inform a community if prior to their 00:08:08.800 --> 00:08:10.936 election to council any councils or 00:08:10.960 --> 00:08:12.936 their immediate family members have had 00:08:12.960 --> 00:08:14.936 personal dealings with any mining or 00:08:14.960 --> 00:08:16.696 exploration company through ownership of 00:08:16.720 --> 00:08:18.936 farmland that is or has ever been 00:08:18.960 --> 00:08:20.816 covered by one of these 00:08:20.840 --> 00:08:22.976 licenses community reference group 00:08:23.000 --> 00:08:25.256 participation legal action involvement 00:08:25.280 --> 00:08:27.336 or for any other reason if so please 00:08:27.360 --> 00:08:30.015 advise the community of the company name 00:08:30.039 --> 00:08:32.375 timeline of the contact and the nature 00:08:32.399 --> 00:08:35.096 of those interactions the responses from 00:08:35.120 --> 00:08:36.375 Miss Hargreaves director of corporate 00:08:36.399 --> 00:08:39.399 services thank you thank you Mr Mayor 00:08:39.680 --> 00:08:41.575 and thank you for your question the 00:08:41.599 --> 00:08:43.015 definition of conflict of interest 00:08:43.039 --> 00:08:44.776 changed under the Local Government Act 00:08:44.800 --> 00:08:47.336 2020 with section 130 of the act 00:08:47.360 --> 00:08:49.096 requiring that councils disclose 00:08:49.120 --> 00:08:51.016 conflicts of interest in the manner 00:08:51.040 --> 00:08:52.856 outlined in the council's governance 00:08:52.880 --> 00:08:55.096 rules and exclude themselves from the 00:08:55.120 --> 00:08:56.776 decision-making process in relation to 00:08:56.800 --> 00:08:58.776 that matter further information on 00:08:58.800 --> 00:09:00.536 councelor's responsibility in disclosing 00:09:00.560 --> 00:09:02.136 a conflict of interest for matters being 00:09:02.160 --> 00:09:03.815 considered at a council meeting are 00:09:03.839 --> 00:09:06.056 outlined in chapter 5 of the HRCC 00:09:06.080 --> 00:09:08.216 governance rules as outlined by the 00:09:08.240 --> 00:09:10.375 local government inspectorate it is a 00:09:10.399 --> 00:09:12.056 personal judgment and decision to 00:09:12.080 --> 00:09:13.896 disclose a conflict of interest 00:09:13.920 --> 00:09:15.736 councilors must identify their own 00:09:15.760 --> 00:09:17.656 conflicts of interest and exclude 00:09:17.680 --> 00:09:19.176 themselves from the decision-making 00:09:19.200 --> 00:09:20.935 process when required to do so in 00:09:20.959 --> 00:09:23.815 accordance with the act 00:09:23.839 --> 00:09:26.456 thanks M here 00:09:26.480 --> 00:09:28.696 the next question is from Russell Sleep 00:09:28.720 --> 00:09:31.576 of Horsham question one why are the 00:09:31.600 --> 00:09:33.495 water catchment dams located in Arthur 00:09:33.519 --> 00:09:36.519 Drive and Duny Street Horsham not required 00:09:36.880 --> 00:09:39.656 to have secure fencing response from 00:09:39.680 --> 00:09:40.935 Luke Bin active director for 00:09:40.959 --> 00:09:43.255 infrastructure thanks thank you and 00:09:43.279 --> 00:09:45.576 thank you Russell for the question 00:09:45.600 --> 00:09:47.416 fencing around storm water retention 00:09:47.440 --> 00:09:49.815 basins is not required as these basins 00:09:49.839 --> 00:09:51.576 are typically designed with gentle 00:09:51.600 --> 00:09:54.600 slopes often 1 in 64 or flatter this 00:09:55.200 --> 00:09:57.336 significantly reduces the risk of an 00:09:57.360 --> 00:10:00.056 adverse event i.e drowning um as a 00:10:00.080 --> 00:10:02.296 gradual slope allows people and animals 00:10:02.320 --> 00:10:04.216 to walk out easily if they enter the 00:10:04.240 --> 00:10:07.096 basin basins are typically dry most of 00:10:07.120 --> 00:10:09.255 the time and only hold water temporarily 00:10:09.279 --> 00:10:11.255 during and immediately after a heavy 00:10:11.279 --> 00:10:14.279 rain 00:10:15.680 --> 00:10:17.815 question two has a council ever 00:10:17.839 --> 00:10:19.495 considered the construction of a 00:10:19.519 --> 00:10:21.016 domestic traffic bridge from Bennett 00:10:21.040 --> 00:10:22.935 Road across the Wimmera River to 00:10:22.959 --> 00:10:25.255 Ballinger Street response again is from 00:10:25.279 --> 00:10:28.279 Mr Luke Mitten thank you yeah thank you 00:10:28.480 --> 00:10:31.096 for the question the need for a 00:10:31.120 --> 00:10:32.696 second traffic bridge across Wimmera 00:10:32.720 --> 00:10:34.456 River has been identified in a variety 00:10:34.480 --> 00:10:37.336 of long-term strategic plans the Bennett 00:10:37.360 --> 00:10:39.255 Road location has been suggested as a 00:10:39.279 --> 00:10:41.495 potential location for a traffic bridge 00:10:41.519 --> 00:10:43.176 however there are no plans for 00:10:43.200 --> 00:10:45.416 construction of a sec second bridge 00:10:45.440 --> 00:10:48.440 across the Wimmera River at this stage 00:10:48.720 --> 00:10:50.856 thank you Mr Minton next question is 00:10:50.880 --> 00:10:52.696 from Mr Neville McIntyre of Mackenzie 00:10:52.720 --> 00:10:55.720 Creek question one i was pleased to see 00:10:55.839 --> 00:10:58.055 Horsham counselors at the fire services 00:10:58.079 --> 00:11:00.536 rally last Tuesday they would witness 00:11:00.560 --> 00:11:02.296 firsthand the anger and frustration the 00:11:02.320 --> 00:11:05.320 CFA and farmers showed for this new tax 00:11:05.760 --> 00:11:07.255 in the press release I assume that 00:11:07.279 --> 00:11:09.416 farmers in this new drought declared 00:11:09.440 --> 00:11:10.856 area will be exempt from the new 00:11:10.880 --> 00:11:13.576 emergency levy part and only pay for the 00:11:13.600 --> 00:11:16.600 fire levy as per last year but that is 00:11:16.959 --> 00:11:19.776 only for this year next year will be a 00:11:19.800 --> 00:11:22.800 full tax with no benefit for Horsham 00:11:23.200 --> 00:11:25.576 this tax will take another 4 to 6 million 00:11:25.600 --> 00:11:27.296 out of the Horsham already struggling 00:11:27.320 --> 00:11:30.320 economy other councils realize that this 00:11:30.720 --> 00:11:32.776 tax has no benefit for their rate payers 00:11:32.800 --> 00:11:35.176 and have now declared that they won't be 00:11:35.200 --> 00:11:37.096 only collecting existing fire leaving 00:11:37.120 --> 00:11:39.896 not the emerging services component will 00:11:39.920 --> 00:11:41.656 the horse and real city council join in 00:11:41.680 --> 00:11:43.176 with other councils and refuse to 00:11:43.200 --> 00:11:46.200 collect this unfair tax responses from 00:11:46.560 --> 00:11:47.696 Mr Kim 00:11:47.720 --> 00:11:49.896 Hargreaves director of corporate source 00:11:49.920 --> 00:11:51.976 services thank you Kim thank you Mr 00:11:52.000 --> 00:11:54.375 Mayor thank you Neville for the question 00:11:54.399 --> 00:11:56.696 HRCC is currently exploring options in 00:11:56.720 --> 00:11:57.815 relation to the collection of the 00:11:57.839 --> 00:12:00.055 Emergency Services and Volunteer Fund 00:12:00.079 --> 00:12:01.576 given the provisions of the Fire 00:12:01.600 --> 00:12:04.296 Services Property Levy Act 2012 will be 00:12:04.320 --> 00:12:06.696 incorporated into the new legislation 00:12:06.720 --> 00:12:08.536 and therefore council will still be 00:12:08.560 --> 00:12:11.016 considered a collection agency further 00:12:11.040 --> 00:12:12.536 information will be provided to the 00:12:12.560 --> 00:12:14.296 community as council's advocacy 00:12:14.320 --> 00:12:16.615 progresses and I'll refer back to the 00:12:16.639 --> 00:12:17.896 Mayor's statement at the beginning of 00:12:17.920 --> 00:12:19.416 the evening about there'll be more 00:12:19.440 --> 00:12:22.440 information to follow thank you 00:12:23.440 --> 00:12:25.976 thanks Mr hard Greaves the next question 00:12:26.000 --> 00:12:27.935 is from Penny Flint of Horsham question 00:12:27.959 --> 00:12:30.375 one horses rural city council has a 00:12:30.399 --> 00:12:33.399 policy C4 back slash 110 indulgement of 00:12:35.440 --> 00:12:37.096 country one of the most significant days 00:12:37.120 --> 00:12:39.176 of the Australian Cabler Anzac Day would 00:12:39.200 --> 00:12:41.536 the Mayor please explain why he called 00:12:41.560 --> 00:12:44.560 upon why when called upon by the MC of 00:12:45.120 --> 00:12:47.336 the horse and dawn service at Sawya Park 00:12:47.360 --> 00:12:48.856 and acknowledgement of country was not 00:12:48.880 --> 00:12:51.880 delivered any responses from myself 00:12:52.480 --> 00:12:53.736 this situation was simply the 00:12:53.760 --> 00:12:55.416 unfortunate result of miscommunication 00:12:55.440 --> 00:12:56.696 about who would be delivering the 00:12:56.720 --> 00:12:59.255 acknowledgement of country my speech 00:12:59.279 --> 00:13:00.375 therefore didn't incorporate the 00:13:00.399 --> 00:13:03.399 acknowledgement and I was and wasn't 00:13:03.760 --> 00:13:05.096 on the running sheet either so when I 00:13:05.120 --> 00:13:07.736 got up to speak I went to the MC and 00:13:07.760 --> 00:13:09.416 asked I've got a speech but I haven't 00:13:09.440 --> 00:13:11.656 got the country and he said go with what 00:13:11.680 --> 00:13:14.216 you've got so I did but since then our 00:13:14.240 --> 00:13:16.375 good staff have printed off and covered 00:13:16.399 --> 00:13:18.216 the do country so it goes in my notebook 00:13:18.240 --> 00:13:21.240 all the time 00:13:23.120 --> 00:13:24.935 next question is from Donna Johns of 00:13:24.959 --> 00:13:27.959 Drum question one the planning minister 00:13:28.000 --> 00:13:29.495 signed to kill Kenny recently stated 00:13:29.519 --> 00:13:31.096 that the planning scheme amendment for 00:13:31.120 --> 00:13:33.176 whim resource processing plant for the 00:13:33.200 --> 00:13:35.336 radioactive material at Dan has not been 00:13:35.360 --> 00:13:38.055 submitted for her to for her review this 00:13:38.079 --> 00:13:39.495 is despite the review for the proposed 00:13:39.519 --> 00:13:41.096 mining license currently being conducted 00:13:41.120 --> 00:13:43.656 by resources Victoria 00:13:43.680 --> 00:13:46.615 will HRCC be consulted on this and will 00:13:46.639 --> 00:13:49.055 a community cons consultation be 00:13:49.079 --> 00:13:51.255 required responses from Mr o'brien 00:13:51.279 --> 00:13:52.776 director of committee in place thanks Mr 00:13:52.800 --> 00:13:54.696 o'brien 00:13:54.720 --> 00:13:56.696 thanks Donna for your question the 00:13:56.720 --> 00:13:58.216 council has yet to submit the planning 00:13:58.240 --> 00:13:59.416 scheme amendment for formal 00:13:59.440 --> 00:14:00.935 consideration under the Planning 00:14:00.959 --> 00:14:03.959 Environment Act 1987 this would occur if 00:14:04.079 --> 00:14:06.776 mining license is approved further 00:14:06.800 --> 00:14:08.696 consultation occurs with HRC and the 00:14:08.720 --> 00:14:10.296 community will be by the planning 00:14:10.320 --> 00:14:13.096 minister noting that in HRCC's recent 00:14:13.120 --> 00:14:15.495 mining license submission that HRC 00:14:15.519 --> 00:14:18.375 objects to windbase area being located 00:14:18.399 --> 00:14:20.615 outside the licensed area in the 00:14:20.639 --> 00:14:22.536 development and operation of the wind 00:14:22.560 --> 00:14:25.336 basin area will be subject to regulation 00:14:25.360 --> 00:14:27.096 under a planning scheme through a 00:14:27.120 --> 00:14:30.120 special control overlay with HRC being 00:14:30.160 --> 00:14:33.160 the responsible authority hrcc is is 00:14:33.519 --> 00:14:35.736 strongly of the view that the swimbased 00:14:35.760 --> 00:14:37.255 area should be included in the mining 00:14:37.279 --> 00:14:40.016 license area so that the same regulatory 00:14:40.040 --> 00:14:42.615 frameworks are applied and reiterates 00:14:42.639 --> 00:14:44.696 its view that the state government 00:14:44.720 --> 00:14:46.615 should be the regulatory authority for 00:14:46.639 --> 00:14:48.696 all mining activity there is no 00:14:48.720 --> 00:14:50.696 legislative empowerment for a council to 00:14:50.720 --> 00:14:53.720 have a regatory oversight of radiation 00:14:54.240 --> 00:14:56.776 thank you Mr o'brien now move on the 00:14:56.800 --> 00:14:59.800 agenda to nine officers reports reports 00:15:00.240 --> 00:15:03.240 for council decision 9.1 is a quarter 3 00:15:04.160 --> 00:15:06.976 performance report to March 00:15:07.000 --> 00:15:09.336 2025 the purpose of this report is to 00:15:09.360 --> 00:15:12.216 present council with a third quarter 00:15:12.240 --> 00:15:15.240 performance report to 31st of March 00:15:15.480 --> 00:15:18.456 2025 miss Hargreaves is there anything 00:15:18.480 --> 00:15:19.815 is there a summary of the report 00:15:19.839 --> 00:15:22.839 required no Mr Mayor thank you do I have 00:15:24.000 --> 00:15:26.096 a motion council 00:15:26.120 --> 00:15:29.120 council Laughler thank you 00:15:29.279 --> 00:15:32.216 that council receive and note the 00:15:32.240 --> 00:15:35.016 third quarter quarterly performance 00:15:35.040 --> 00:15:38.040 report to 31st of March 2025 00:15:39.440 --> 00:15:41.416 thank you do I have a second please 00:15:41.440 --> 00:15:43.296 councelor M thank 00:15:43.320 --> 00:15:46.320 you council Lin do you wish to speak the 00:15:47.120 --> 00:15:49.375 motion council 00:15:49.399 --> 00:15:52.399 M to speak against the motion on that 00:15:52.800 --> 00:15:53.976 basis I'll put the motion all those in 00:15:54.000 --> 00:15:56.216 favor please raise your hand thank you 00:15:56.240 --> 00:15:59.240 that's 00:15:59.959 --> 00:16:02.959 carried 9.2 is community grants for 2025 00:16:03.519 --> 00:16:06.519 and 2026 now we'll have a bit of musical 00:16:06.560 --> 00:16:08.696 chairs here happy with with all the 00:16:08.720 --> 00:16:11.656 conflicts but we will work through it 00:16:11.680 --> 00:16:13.296 the purpose of this report is to provide 00:16:13.320 --> 00:16:15.576 council with community grants proposed 00:16:15.600 --> 00:16:18.600 for inclusion in the 2025 26 budget for 00:16:19.800 --> 00:16:21.735 approval mr hargreaves is there any 00:16:21.759 --> 00:16:24.759 summary of report required any further 00:16:26.079 --> 00:16:27.735 council do I have a motion the motion's 00:16:27.759 --> 00:16:30.759 broken up I think into about seven parts 00:16:30.800 --> 00:16:32.375 I think so we'll start we'll go through 00:16:32.399 --> 00:16:35.016 one by one if we can so we'll start with 00:16:35.040 --> 00:16:37.776 um 00:16:37.800 --> 00:16:40.800 9.2.1 so do we have a resolution there 00:16:43.480 --> 00:16:46.480 please thanks Council McMc Donald 00:16:47.040 --> 00:16:50.040 council allocate 00:16:50.920 --> 00:16:53.920 $231,684 in the 2526 budget for approved 00:16:54.480 --> 00:16:56.216 community grants and donations across 00:16:56.240 --> 00:16:58.536 the following categories community 00:16:58.560 --> 00:17:01.216 development grants 00:17:01.240 --> 00:17:04.240 137,684 community events grants 37 thou 00:17:04.520 --> 00:17:07.520 73,000 rather youth grants 10,000 urgent 00:17:08.640 --> 00:17:11.640 needs small grants 11,000 00:17:12.000 --> 00:17:13.576 thanks Council McMc Donald do I have a 00:17:13.600 --> 00:17:15.976 second the motion please councelor 00:17:16.000 --> 00:17:19.000 Wilson thank you do you wish to speak 00:17:19.039 --> 00:17:21.616 councelor Mc Donald to 00:17:21.640 --> 00:17:24.640 motion councelor 00:17:25.240 --> 00:17:27.576 Wilson i'll take the prerogative as 00:17:27.600 --> 00:17:30.535 chair to speak if I may these are one of 00:17:30.559 --> 00:17:32.376 the joys I think of being a counselor in 00:17:32.400 --> 00:17:34.296 that we can these grants are given to 00:17:34.320 --> 00:17:36.056 help out a community and volunteers just 00:17:36.080 --> 00:17:38.056 to help on the road to doing a great job 00:17:38.080 --> 00:17:39.576 they do for our community so that's 00:17:39.600 --> 00:17:40.696 that's why we do them and it's a 00:17:40.720 --> 00:17:43.720 pleasure to do these does anyone wish to 00:17:44.080 --> 00:17:45.056 speak 00:17:45.080 --> 00:17:47.176 against on that basis put the motion all 00:17:47.200 --> 00:17:50.200 those in favor please thank you carried 00:17:50.720 --> 00:17:53.720 now we move on to the next is point 00:17:54.360 --> 00:17:57.256 9.22 which there's no conflicts here so 00:17:57.280 --> 00:17:58.456 we're all in the room would someone to 00:17:58.480 --> 00:17:59.456 move that 00:17:59.480 --> 00:18:02.480 please councelor M thank you 00:18:06.460 --> 00:18:08.775 [Music] 00:18:08.799 --> 00:18:11.799 i um I would like to move just say the 00:18:12.880 --> 00:18:15.880 following list rather than read the to 00:18:16.160 --> 00:18:19.160 the following list in um 9.2 00:18:20.240 --> 00:18:21.616 um 00:18:21.640 --> 00:18:24.640 point.2 should be 00:18:25.080 --> 00:18:28.080 approved 00:18:28.600 --> 00:18:31.600 for passing this meeting thank you 00:18:37.600 --> 00:18:40.136 sorry I've lost lost a second sorry 00:18:40.160 --> 00:18:43.160 thank you second council claus seconded 00:18:45.200 --> 00:18:48.056 council man do you wish to speak no I 00:18:48.080 --> 00:18:50.376 think it's all self-explanatory there's 00:18:50.400 --> 00:18:53.336 good stuff and great groups small groups 00:18:53.360 --> 00:18:55.096 a diverse 00:18:55.120 --> 00:18:57.895 um selection of groups that were able to 00:18:57.919 --> 00:19:00.535 do this councelor Claus no I've got 00:19:00.559 --> 00:19:02.616 nothing more to add daniel wish to speak 00:19:02.640 --> 00:19:05.176 to the resolution thanks Councelor Saget 00:19:05.200 --> 00:19:08.200 yes please um and and this goes for all 00:19:08.320 --> 00:19:09.976 the following i figure I'll bundle them 00:19:10.000 --> 00:19:11.416 all in together rather than speak each 00:19:11.440 --> 00:19:14.296 time our community is full of people who 00:19:14.320 --> 00:19:16.216 give their time blood sweat and tears to 00:19:16.240 --> 00:19:18.216 various services events facilities and 00:19:18.240 --> 00:19:20.775 sports many of the grants listed here 00:19:20.799 --> 00:19:23.799 are for facility upgrades maintenance um 00:19:23.840 --> 00:19:25.736 community benefit programs and equipment 00:19:25.760 --> 00:19:28.136 to allow these groups to better carry on 00:19:28.160 --> 00:19:30.856 providing large community benefit i 00:19:30.880 --> 00:19:32.775 congratulate each group that is 00:19:32.799 --> 00:19:34.616 successful in receiving the community 00:19:34.640 --> 00:19:37.096 grant and thank each person involved in 00:19:37.120 --> 00:19:39.736 each group for your cont contribution to 00:19:39.760 --> 00:19:42.760 our community i hope for everyone anyone 00:19:43.120 --> 00:19:45.576 sitting at home with some spare time 00:19:45.600 --> 00:19:48.136 this list may also act as incentive to 00:19:48.160 --> 00:19:50.376 check some of these groups out and 00:19:50.400 --> 00:19:53.015 consider joining as a volunteer thanks 00:19:53.039 --> 00:19:54.936 councelor Sluggett does anyone wish to 00:19:54.960 --> 00:19:57.336 speak against the motion anyone wish to 00:19:57.360 --> 00:19:59.576 speak for the motion i'll put the vote 00:19:59.600 --> 00:20:00.936 in all those in favor please raise your 00:20:00.960 --> 00:20:03.960 hand thank you and now move to three and 00:20:06.080 --> 00:20:07.895 we note that councelor Klaus is leaving 00:20:07.919 --> 00:20:10.919 the 00:20:13.799 --> 00:20:16.799 room could someone please say move 00:20:18.640 --> 00:20:21.640 thanks councelor Sluggett i'll move for 00:20:22.240 --> 00:20:25.240 item oh it's the section number three um 00:20:25.760 --> 00:20:27.816 the list need to be approved for the 00:20:27.840 --> 00:20:28.655 following 00:20:28.679 --> 00:20:31.679 grant applications um as listed 00:20:32.919 --> 00:20:35.919 in graph three yeah 9.2.2.3 00:20:38.320 --> 00:20:40.416 thanks councelor Sluggett i second it 00:20:40.440 --> 00:20:43.440 please council 00:20:44.120 --> 00:20:46.696 McMc Donald councelor Sluggett you wish to 00:20:46.720 --> 00:20:48.216 speak 00:20:48.240 --> 00:20:50.696 as I said earlier thank you thank you 00:20:50.720 --> 00:20:52.416 council 00:20:52.440 --> 00:20:54.216 McMc Donald put us straight to the vote i 00:20:54.240 --> 00:20:57.240 think all those in favor thank you 00:20:57.760 --> 00:21:00.296 carried 00:21:00.320 --> 00:21:03.320 back in yes please 00:21:05.730 --> 00:21:07.376 [Music] 00:21:07.400 --> 00:21:10.400 and item four is 00:21:12.240 --> 00:21:14.696 [Music] 00:21:14.720 --> 00:21:17.720 Yes thanks 00:21:27.280 --> 00:21:30.216 for for the record council man McMc Donald 00:21:30.240 --> 00:21:32.456 have left the room could I have a 00:21:32.480 --> 00:21:33.996 resolution 00:21:34.020 --> 00:21:35.535 [Music] 00:21:35.559 --> 00:21:38.559 please thanks Dean 00:21:39.520 --> 00:21:41.576 so move as is the last wording is that 00:21:41.600 --> 00:21:43.816 it for 00:21:43.840 --> 00:21:45.496 approve the following community grant 00:21:45.520 --> 00:21:47.576 allocation 00:21:47.600 --> 00:21:50.600 for item four of 9.2 too thank you a 00:21:53.320 --> 00:21:56.320 second council 00:21:57.720 --> 00:22:00.720 slug wish to speak to the 00:22:00.919 --> 00:22:02.856 motion i'll put it straight to the vote 00:22:02.880 --> 00:22:05.576 i think is it for time all those in 00:22:05.600 --> 00:22:08.600 favor please raise your hand thank you 00:22:09.159 --> 00:22:12.056 carried if we could get the two return 00:22:12.080 --> 00:22:14.506 please 00:22:14.530 --> 00:22:17.530 [Music] 00:22:21.070 --> 00:22:24.070 [Music] 00:22:27.280 --> 00:22:30.280 so five is is yourself is it council i 00:22:30.960 --> 00:22:33.960 think on that yeah so for the record 00:22:34.799 --> 00:22:36.655 council has left the 00:22:36.679 --> 00:22:39.679 room council's got a resolution please 00:22:41.640 --> 00:22:44.640 council the move thanks councelor Claus 00:22:44.960 --> 00:22:47.816 that um we approve the following 00:22:47.840 --> 00:22:50.135 community grant allocation to the Haven 00:22:50.159 --> 00:22:53.159 Tennis Club and the Wimmera Alley um 00:22:54.080 --> 00:22:55.655 lane 00:22:55.679 --> 00:22:58.176 thank you second 00:22:58.200 --> 00:23:00.296 please councilman none thank you i'll 00:23:00.320 --> 00:23:02.096 put a strike the vote too all those in 00:23:02.120 --> 00:23:04.895 favor thank you 00:23:04.919 --> 00:23:07.919 carried thank you councelor Sluggett 00:23:08.650 --> 00:23:11.650 [Music] 00:23:13.760 --> 00:23:16.760 for the record council 00:23:16.880 --> 00:23:18.135 as we turn the room and councelor 00:23:18.159 --> 00:23:21.159 Sluggett has left the 00:23:22.360 --> 00:23:25.360 room have a resolution please on on six 00:23:26.400 --> 00:23:29.400 I think it is yes on six 00:23:31.000 --> 00:23:34.000 yes i I'll go with councelor Wilson 00:23:34.640 --> 00:23:36.696 i move that council approve the 00:23:36.720 --> 00:23:39.720 following community grants in item 9.2.6 00:23:40.640 --> 00:23:43.640 thank you a seconder council 00:23:45.320 --> 00:23:47.416 Klowss any wish to speak against the 00:23:47.440 --> 00:23:49.416 motion i'll put the motion then all 00:23:49.440 --> 00:23:51.655 those in favor please raise your hand 00:23:51.679 --> 00:23:54.679 thank you that's 00:23:54.919 --> 00:23:57.015 carried so someone could retrieve 00:23:57.039 --> 00:24:00.039 council sugan thank you 00:24:02.080 --> 00:24:05.080 yes 00:24:06.480 --> 00:24:09.015 and if someone could please move 00:24:09.039 --> 00:24:12.039 seven point seven 00:24:12.559 --> 00:24:15.559 yes you can yes just 00:24:15.679 --> 00:24:18.679 um I was just in the appendix 9.3B 00:24:19.840 --> 00:24:22.376 the engagement plan for this report page 00:24:22.400 --> 00:24:25.400 10 lists stakeholders um the counselors 00:24:25.600 --> 00:24:28.600 as AP rating one for inform Um I 00:24:30.320 --> 00:24:33.015 realized that this document had been um 00:24:33.039 --> 00:24:36.039 created prior to our appointment or our 00:24:36.400 --> 00:24:39.015 elect um us being elected but I was 00:24:39.039 --> 00:24:42.039 hoping that we might be able to increase 00:24:42.159 --> 00:24:43.976 that are we able to increase that at 00:24:44.000 --> 00:24:46.456 this stage to at least I'd like I'd love 00:24:46.480 --> 00:24:49.480 a collaborator i'll settle for a um 00:24:50.240 --> 00:24:53.240 involve if I may is that possible sorry 00:24:54.080 --> 00:24:57.080 I think you might be on the wrong side 00:24:57.279 --> 00:24:58.936 audience you still haven't finished your 00:24:58.960 --> 00:25:01.816 dance for the community grants apologize 00:25:01.840 --> 00:25:04.535 profusely that's okay so we'll go back 00:25:04.559 --> 00:25:07.559 to point seven thank you 00:25:08.039 --> 00:25:10.376 Counc advise all successful un 00:25:10.400 --> 00:25:11.895 successful community development grant 00:25:11.919 --> 00:25:13.976 applications of the outcome of their 00:25:14.000 --> 00:25:16.336 applications by the end of May 00:25:16.360 --> 00:25:18.696 2025 council do I have a resolution 00:25:18.720 --> 00:25:20.296 there for that please thank you 00:25:20.320 --> 00:25:23.135 councelor Lachland a 00:25:23.159 --> 00:25:25.296 second councelor 00:25:25.320 --> 00:25:27.696 Mun would you wish to speak to the 00:25:27.720 --> 00:25:29.296 motion 00:25:29.320 --> 00:25:32.216 councelor anyone wish to speak against i 00:25:32.240 --> 00:25:33.336 put to the vote all those in favor 00:25:33.360 --> 00:25:36.296 please raise your hand thank you now for 00:25:36.320 --> 00:25:37.655 those who are out of the room when the 00:25:37.679 --> 00:25:39.895 resolutions were moved for the record 00:25:39.919 --> 00:25:42.176 evidence been approved 00:25:42.200 --> 00:25:45.200 so thank you 00:25:47.000 --> 00:25:50.000 um we now move to 9.3 Horsche Municipal 00:25:51.279 --> 00:25:54.279 Community Facility Strategy 2025 to 00:25:55.080 --> 00:25:57.416 2035 the purpose of this report is to 00:25:57.440 --> 00:25:58.616 present the Horseshoe Municipal 00:25:58.640 --> 00:26:01.640 Community Facility Strategy 2025 2025 to 00:26:01.840 --> 00:26:02.736 the 00:26:02.760 --> 00:26:05.096 council mr o'brien is there a summary of 00:26:05.120 --> 00:26:07.015 report required 00:26:07.039 --> 00:26:10.039 notice summary required thanks Mr 00:26:10.679 --> 00:26:13.679 o'brien council do I have a motion 00:26:15.120 --> 00:26:17.895 sorry sorry can I just I'll just drop my 00:26:17.919 --> 00:26:19.255 coat off for a second i'll stand for a 00:26:19.279 --> 00:26:20.936 minute 00:26:20.960 --> 00:26:23.960 yes sl the floor yeah sorry so through 00:26:24.559 --> 00:26:27.559 you Mr chair if I may um pennies 9.3B 00:26:28.720 --> 00:26:30.456 the engagement plan for this was 00:26:30.480 --> 00:26:33.015 developed prior to us being on council 00:26:33.039 --> 00:26:36.039 um page 10 of that report has um 00:26:37.360 --> 00:26:40.360 councilors that are AP one informed i'm 00:26:42.240 --> 00:26:44.696 wondering if it's possible um for us to 00:26:44.720 --> 00:26:47.720 be upgraded to a minimum 00:26:48.840 --> 00:26:51.840 um involved please i guess we can try 00:26:52.880 --> 00:26:55.015 and work out now or we defer and bring 00:26:55.039 --> 00:26:57.176 it back but the time frames Kevin thank 00:26:57.200 --> 00:27:00.200 you you Mr Mayor um certainly we've 00:27:00.400 --> 00:27:02.775 had a had a discussion about the the 00:27:02.799 --> 00:27:04.376 actual engagement plan it would be more 00:27:04.400 --> 00:27:06.535 appropriate that um it would be at the 00:27:06.559 --> 00:27:09.096 collaborate level so we're happy to make 00:27:09.120 --> 00:27:11.576 that change um before it comes back to 00:27:11.600 --> 00:27:14.535 council for um considering adoption post 00:27:14.559 --> 00:27:17.176 the public committee feedback period i 00:27:17.200 --> 00:27:20.200 take that on that feedback 00:27:21.440 --> 00:27:23.096 thank you so councelor do I have a res a 00:27:23.120 --> 00:27:26.120 motion please 00:27:30.480 --> 00:27:33.480 sorry oh sorry cucket 00:27:34.520 --> 00:27:37.520 with that in mind I'll move that 00:27:37.760 --> 00:27:40.015 council approve the draft Horian 00:27:40.039 --> 00:27:43.039 Municipal Community Facility Strategy um 00:27:43.559 --> 00:27:46.559 25 2025 to 2035 appendix 00:27:47.559 --> 00:27:49.736 9.3A to be released for the public 00:27:49.760 --> 00:27:52.296 engagement for a period of 4 weeks thank 00:27:52.320 --> 00:27:54.056 you do I have a second council thanks 00:27:54.080 --> 00:27:55.535 councel 00:27:55.559 --> 00:27:58.559 m to speak to the yes motion thank you 00:27:59.679 --> 00:28:02.679 councelor Saga 00:28:03.039 --> 00:28:06.039 um this document is one that I would 00:28:06.200 --> 00:28:08.375 definitely encourage the community to 00:28:08.399 --> 00:28:11.399 read through it may have a big impact on 00:28:11.520 --> 00:28:13.416 some groups and how they're able to 00:28:13.440 --> 00:28:16.135 utilize um the facilities that they are 00:28:16.159 --> 00:28:18.375 at the moment and it's for groups 00:28:18.399 --> 00:28:21.056 looking for facilities too 00:28:21.080 --> 00:28:24.080 um that there's facilities available or 00:28:24.240 --> 00:28:26.616 not available for you to use and how and 00:28:26.640 --> 00:28:29.416 this document will set how they 00:28:29.440 --> 00:28:32.056 treated by council moving forward 00:28:32.080 --> 00:28:35.015 um as a council we have quite a few 00:28:35.039 --> 00:28:38.039 facilities and an ever stretching budget 00:28:38.320 --> 00:28:40.456 and this document will hopefully help us 00:28:40.480 --> 00:28:43.096 manage that into the future so it's one 00:28:43.120 --> 00:28:44.856 that for the community I'd strongly 00:28:44.880 --> 00:28:47.880 advise them to be involved and um get in 00:28:48.159 --> 00:28:50.216 contact and keep an eye on what 00:28:50.240 --> 00:28:52.535 engagement's happening thanks Councelor 00:28:52.559 --> 00:28:54.856 Slug councelor mind to second do you 00:28:54.880 --> 00:28:57.576 wish to speak 00:28:57.600 --> 00:28:59.096 no 00:28:59.120 --> 00:29:01.936 thank you is anyone opposed to the 00:29:01.960 --> 00:29:04.375 motion does anyone else wish to speak to 00:29:04.399 --> 00:29:07.399 the 00:29:07.480 --> 00:29:09.416 motion that being the case do you want 00:29:09.440 --> 00:29:11.655 to write a reply 00:29:11.679 --> 00:29:12.936 thank you all right I'll put the 00:29:12.960 --> 00:29:14.135 resolution all those in favor please 00:29:14.159 --> 00:29:17.159 raise your hand thank you it was 00:29:22.360 --> 00:29:25.176 carried we now move to 10 reports and 00:29:25.200 --> 00:29:27.816 acknowledgements 00:29:27.840 --> 00:29:29.895 and I've already been requested some 00:29:29.919 --> 00:29:32.816 extension of time i think there's a few 00:29:32.840 --> 00:29:35.336 statements or or speeches to be read out 00:29:35.360 --> 00:29:37.336 during this time so I have granted 00:29:37.360 --> 00:29:40.360 extension of time to council class and 00:29:40.480 --> 00:29:42.856 man and but we'll we'll watch the clock 00:29:42.880 --> 00:29:45.880 still so thanks Councelor Claus thank 00:29:46.080 --> 00:29:47.576 you 00:29:47.600 --> 00:29:50.600 um last week I joined over 5,000 fellow 00:29:50.640 --> 00:29:52.336 Victorians on the steps of Parliament 00:29:52.360 --> 00:29:54.856 House in Melbourne it was one of the 00:29:54.880 --> 00:29:56.616 most powerful demonstrations I've ever 00:29:56.640 --> 00:29:58.775 witnessed not because of anger but 00:29:58.799 --> 00:30:01.015 because of unity there was farmers 00:30:01.039 --> 00:30:02.775 firefighters small business owners and 00:30:02.799 --> 00:30:04.856 concerned emergency 00:30:04.880 --> 00:30:06.856 concerned community members from 00:30:06.880 --> 00:30:09.096 across our state who came together with 00:30:09.120 --> 00:30:11.416 one clear message this emergency service 00:30:11.440 --> 00:30:14.440 tax is wrong and we won't stand for it 00:30:15.120 --> 00:30:18.056 the CFA helmet is not a political symbol 00:30:18.080 --> 00:30:20.775 but it's a representation of the service 00:30:20.799 --> 00:30:23.799 sacrifice and community spirit for years 00:30:23.919 --> 00:30:25.816 I've worn this helmet while fighting 00:30:25.840 --> 00:30:27.736 fires to protect our communities our 00:30:27.760 --> 00:30:30.056 farms our homes and our families like 00:30:30.080 --> 00:30:31.736 thousands of other volunteers across 00:30:31.760 --> 00:30:34.135 regional Victoria I've given my time 00:30:34.159 --> 00:30:36.616 freely because I believe in protecting 00:30:36.640 --> 00:30:39.416 what matters most our people and our way 00:30:39.440 --> 00:30:42.440 of life the the introduction of this 00:30:42.640 --> 00:30:45.176 emergency services tax is not just a 00:30:45.200 --> 00:30:47.336 financial burden it's a mental health 00:30:47.360 --> 00:30:49.336 crisis waiting to happen in communities 00:30:49.360 --> 00:30:51.895 like Horsham our farmers are already 00:30:51.919 --> 00:30:53.416 struggling with drought market 00:30:53.440 --> 00:30:55.416 volatility and the constant pressures of 00:30:55.440 --> 00:30:57.576 feeding not just their livestock but 00:30:57.600 --> 00:31:00.600 their own families now now they're 00:31:00.799 --> 00:31:03.176 facing the an impossible choice pay this 00:31:03.200 --> 00:31:05.496 unfair tax or put food on the table and 00:31:05.520 --> 00:31:07.496 keep their operate or and keep their 00:31:07.520 --> 00:31:09.816 operations running i've spoken to 00:31:09.840 --> 00:31:12.535 farmers in our region who are region who 00:31:12.559 --> 00:31:14.775 are losing sleep wondering how they'll 00:31:14.799 --> 00:31:17.416 manage another financial burden these 00:31:17.440 --> 00:31:19.336 are people who have weathered every 00:31:19.360 --> 00:31:21.416 storm nature has thrown at them but 00:31:21.440 --> 00:31:23.176 they're breaking under the weight of a 00:31:23.200 --> 00:31:25.736 government imposed financial pressure 00:31:25.760 --> 00:31:28.760 the stress is real the anxiety is 00:31:28.880 --> 00:31:31.255 palable and for some the despair is 00:31:31.279 --> 00:31:33.816 overwhelming we cannot stand by and 00:31:33.840 --> 00:31:35.416 watch our neighbors suffer because of 00:31:35.440 --> 00:31:37.176 this government's inability to manage 00:31:37.200 --> 00:31:38.176 their own 00:31:38.200 --> 00:31:40.696 finances mental health support services 00:31:40.720 --> 00:31:42.856 in regional areas are already stretched 00:31:42.880 --> 00:31:45.880 thin we add financial stress and then we 00:31:46.240 --> 00:31:48.296 add financial stress of this magnitude 00:31:48.320 --> 00:31:50.056 to families who are already doing it 00:31:50.080 --> 00:31:52.696 tough we are not just talking about 00:31:52.720 --> 00:31:54.535 dollars and cents we are talking about 00:31:54.559 --> 00:31:57.255 lives relationships and the very fabric 00:31:57.279 --> 00:31:59.375 of our rural 00:31:59.399 --> 00:32:01.895 communities the diversity of that crowd 00:32:01.919 --> 00:32:04.919 told the real story these weren't just 00:32:05.120 --> 00:32:07.816 wealthy land holders complaining about 00:32:07.840 --> 00:32:10.135 attacks these were ordinary Victorians 00:32:10.159 --> 00:32:12.216 who understood what it means to work 00:32:12.240 --> 00:32:14.775 hard to serve their communities and to 00:32:14.799 --> 00:32:17.736 make sacrifices for the greater good 00:32:17.760 --> 00:32:19.535 they were people who have given their 00:32:19.559 --> 00:32:22.559 time their energy and their resources to 00:32:22.640 --> 00:32:25.015 build stronger communities only to be 00:32:25.039 --> 00:32:27.416 treated as ATMs by a government that has 00:32:27.440 --> 00:32:30.176 lost touch with regional 00:32:30.200 --> 00:32:33.200 Victoria this tax creates 00:32:33.799 --> 00:32:36.135 unconsionable choice for our farming 00:32:36.159 --> 00:32:38.056 families picture this a farmer is 00:32:38.080 --> 00:32:39.976 sitting at their kitchen table 00:32:40.000 --> 00:32:41.816 calculator in hand trying to work out 00:32:41.840 --> 00:32:43.976 their budget for the year ahead on one 00:32:44.000 --> 00:32:45.576 side they have the cost of feed for 00:32:45.600 --> 00:32:47.655 their livestock animals that depend on 00:32:47.679 --> 00:32:50.679 them for survival on the other side they 00:32:50.720 --> 00:32:52.696 have the new emergency services tax 00:32:52.720 --> 00:32:55.176 demanded from a government that seems to 00:32:55.200 --> 00:32:56.696 have forgotten where their food comes 00:32:56.720 --> 00:32:58.696 from what happens when there isn't 00:32:58.720 --> 00:33:00.696 enough money for both do they let their 00:33:00.720 --> 00:33:03.720 animals suffer do they risk their famil 00:33:03.760 --> 00:33:05.895 family's livelihood or do they simply 00:33:05.919 --> 00:33:08.616 give up farming altogether adding to the 00:33:08.640 --> 00:33:10.856 exodus of agricultural families from 00:33:10.880 --> 00:33:11.856 regional 00:33:11.880 --> 00:33:14.880 communities this isn't theoretical it's 00:33:14.960 --> 00:33:17.655 happening right now every dollar taken 00:33:17.679 --> 00:33:20.056 from our region in this tax is a dollar 00:33:20.080 --> 00:33:22.135 that can't be invested in local 00:33:22.159 --> 00:33:24.816 communities it's a direct attack on the 00:33:24.840 --> 00:33:27.840 economy found um economy economic 00:33:28.320 --> 00:33:30.535 foundation of Victoria and it will have 00:33:30.559 --> 00:33:33.056 ripple effects through our entire 00:33:33.080 --> 00:33:36.080 economy perhaps the most insulting of 00:33:36.159 --> 00:33:39.159 all um of all is this tax targets the 00:33:41.840 --> 00:33:44.135 very people who volunteer their time to 00:33:44.159 --> 00:33:46.216 serve these communities many of us 00:33:46.240 --> 00:33:48.856 wearing CFO uniforms SCS vests or 00:33:48.880 --> 00:33:51.176 serving on local committees are the same 00:33:51.200 --> 00:33:54.200 people being asked to pay this tax we 00:33:54.320 --> 00:33:56.375 give our time freely because we believe 00:33:56.399 --> 00:33:58.375 in community service and now we are 00:33:58.399 --> 00:34:00.576 being financially penalized for that 00:34:00.600 --> 00:34:02.696 commitment this tax doesn't just 00:34:02.720 --> 00:34:04.456 threaten the financial stability of our 00:34:04.480 --> 00:34:06.535 volunteers it threatens the entire 00:34:06.559 --> 00:34:08.855 volunteer system that emergency services 00:34:08.879 --> 00:34:11.496 depend on when volunteers are struggling 00:34:11.520 --> 00:34:13.335 to pay their own bills because of a 00:34:13.359 --> 00:34:15.976 government tax how can we expect them to 00:34:16.000 --> 00:34:17.696 continue giving their time to serve 00:34:17.720 --> 00:34:20.055 others the Allen government has shown 00:34:20.079 --> 00:34:22.615 its true priorities with this tax while 00:34:22.639 --> 00:34:24.296 they spend billions on Melbourne 00:34:24.320 --> 00:34:26.456 infrastructure projects they expect 00:34:26.480 --> 00:34:29.335 Regional Victoria to sacrifice even more 00:34:29.359 --> 00:34:32.135 this is not just poor policy it's a 00:34:32.159 --> 00:34:33.815 betrayal of the people who keep this 00:34:33.839 --> 00:34:35.416 state running 00:34:35.440 --> 00:34:37.655 we grow the food we fight the fires we 00:34:37.679 --> 00:34:39.416 volunteer in the emergencies and we 00:34:39.440 --> 00:34:41.736 build the communities that make Victoria 00:34:41.760 --> 00:34:43.815 strong yet when this government needs 00:34:43.839 --> 00:34:45.575 money to cover their mistakes they come 00:34:45.599 --> 00:34:47.815 to us with the hands out and expecting 00:34:47.839 --> 00:34:50.839 us to pay for their incompetence today I 00:34:51.040 --> 00:34:52.696 call on this council to seriously 00:34:52.720 --> 00:34:54.216 consider how we can support our 00:34:54.240 --> 00:34:56.776 community by exploring our options we 00:34:56.800 --> 00:34:58.616 cannot expect our staff at Horse Mural 00:34:58.640 --> 00:35:00.296 City Council to become the state 00:35:00.320 --> 00:35:02.616 government's debt collectors our council 00:35:02.640 --> 00:35:04.616 employees should be focused on serving 00:35:04.640 --> 00:35:06.776 our community and not enforcing the 00:35:06.800 --> 00:35:09.800 Labor government's unfair tax grabs our 00:35:09.880 --> 00:35:12.055 communities communities deserve better 00:35:12.079 --> 00:35:14.296 than to be treated as cash cows for a 00:35:14.320 --> 00:35:15.896 government that has lost control of its 00:35:15.920 --> 00:35:17.976 spending we deserve leaders who 00:35:18.000 --> 00:35:19.536 understand the value of regional 00:35:19.560 --> 00:35:22.560 Victoria who support rather than export 00:35:23.040 --> 00:35:25.976 exploit the people who make our state 00:35:26.000 --> 00:35:28.616 great the fight is not over together we 00:35:28.640 --> 00:35:30.055 will continue to stand up for what's 00:35:30.079 --> 00:35:32.776 right just as we do when we put our CFA 00:35:32.800 --> 00:35:35.335 helmets on just as we did on the steps 00:35:35.359 --> 00:35:37.575 of Parliament House and just as we do 00:35:37.599 --> 00:35:39.575 every day when we choose to serve our 00:35:39.599 --> 00:35:41.176 communities despite the challenges 00:35:41.200 --> 00:35:44.200 placed in our way 00:35:55.280 --> 00:35:57.335 thanks Council Claus i was a bit leading 00:35:57.359 --> 00:35:59.016 on time but it was good let you finish 00:35:59.040 --> 00:36:02.040 thank you thank you council man you're 00:36:02.280 --> 00:36:05.095 welcome i had planned to speak about a 00:36:05.119 --> 00:36:07.335 couple of local events that I'd attended 00:36:07.359 --> 00:36:10.055 recently run by volunteers of course and 00:36:10.079 --> 00:36:11.896 a special mention to the organizers of 00:36:11.920 --> 00:36:13.976 the Twilight Years Expo and the Dan 00:36:14.000 --> 00:36:17.000 Trivia Night however because of the 00:36:17.119 --> 00:36:19.016 level of concern I've seen and heard 00:36:19.040 --> 00:36:21.176 from people over the last month I've 00:36:21.200 --> 00:36:24.200 decided to change my plan many of those 00:36:24.480 --> 00:36:26.616 people are genuinely concerned about the 00:36:26.640 --> 00:36:28.856 impact of the emergency services and 00:36:28.880 --> 00:36:31.880 volunteers fund levy i am too 00:36:32.720 --> 00:36:34.296 i know that a lot of work is happening 00:36:34.320 --> 00:36:36.456 in the background one of the key motions 00:36:36.480 --> 00:36:38.616 this month by the Municiples Association 00:36:38.640 --> 00:36:41.256 of Victoria the group which represents 00:36:41.280 --> 00:36:44.280 all 79 councils was to ensure that the 00:36:45.520 --> 00:36:48.520 levy is equitably structured and does 00:36:48.560 --> 00:36:51.095 not disproportionately burden rural 00:36:51.119 --> 00:36:53.696 communities or primary 00:36:53.720 --> 00:36:56.376 producers locally our own council 00:36:56.400 --> 00:36:58.856 continues to advocate and lobby for a 00:36:58.880 --> 00:37:01.880 fair outcome too and councelor Sluggett 00:37:02.240 --> 00:37:04.496 and Klowss were able to be part of the 00:37:04.520 --> 00:37:07.520 recent rally in Melbourne it's clear 00:37:07.680 --> 00:37:09.656 that this issue strikes at the heart of 00:37:09.680 --> 00:37:11.815 many communities and so that's where I'd 00:37:11.839 --> 00:37:12.656 like to 00:37:12.680 --> 00:37:15.680 begin rural communities or towns don't 00:37:15.920 --> 00:37:18.920 collapse overnight it starts small a 00:37:19.359 --> 00:37:22.216 family leaves a business shuts the footy 00:37:22.240 --> 00:37:25.095 club struggles and then one day the town 00:37:25.119 --> 00:37:28.119 feels a little quieter a little emptier 00:37:28.400 --> 00:37:30.976 and the community begins to 00:37:31.000 --> 00:37:33.736 fray and now with the introduction of 00:37:33.760 --> 00:37:35.736 Victorian government's new emergency 00:37:35.760 --> 00:37:38.696 services and volunteer fund levy I worry 00:37:38.720 --> 00:37:40.536 that that's exactly how communities in 00:37:40.560 --> 00:37:42.856 Horcham rural city council could begin 00:37:42.880 --> 00:37:45.880 to unravel 00:37:46.400 --> 00:37:49.400 framed as a levy this is in reality a 00:37:50.119 --> 00:37:52.776 tax and one that will strip millions of 00:37:52.800 --> 00:37:54.376 dollars each year from the local 00:37:54.400 --> 00:37:56.896 economy's already stretched breaking 00:37:56.920 --> 00:37:59.920 point in a municipality like ours it 00:38:00.000 --> 00:38:02.856 will raise over $3 million this year and 00:38:02.880 --> 00:38:05.880 more every single year after that 00:38:07.520 --> 00:38:09.815 in cities like Melbourne or Bendigo that 00:38:09.839 --> 00:38:12.776 might go unnoticed but in smaller towns 00:38:12.800 --> 00:38:15.800 like Nadimach Brimine Jung Dazzlesbridge 00:38:16.400 --> 00:38:18.856 and even Horsham the impact is 00:38:18.880 --> 00:38:21.656 immediate and personal it doesn't just 00:38:21.680 --> 00:38:24.456 touch the budget it touches classrooms 00:38:24.480 --> 00:38:27.416 shop fronts sporting clubs and also our 00:38:27.440 --> 00:38:30.440 families friends and neighbors and the 00:38:30.680 --> 00:38:32.856 burden well it won't just fall on 00:38:32.880 --> 00:38:35.496 farmers or CFA volunteers although many 00:38:35.520 --> 00:38:38.016 of these people will be the hardest 00:38:38.040 --> 00:38:41.040 hit the tax touches every part of the 00:38:41.119 --> 00:38:43.256 community the pensioner deciding between 00:38:43.280 --> 00:38:45.656 groceries and heating the small business 00:38:45.680 --> 00:38:48.216 trying to survive or the young family 00:38:48.240 --> 00:38:50.936 questioning if they can hold on here or 00:38:50.960 --> 00:38:53.896 whether their future lies somewhere else 00:38:53.920 --> 00:38:56.856 here's a truth when the government takes 00:38:56.880 --> 00:38:58.976 money from a small 00:38:59.000 --> 00:39:01.896 community it doesn't end there it also 00:39:01.920 --> 00:39:04.920 takes people it takes jobs and it takes 00:39:05.720 --> 00:39:08.296 services and it also takes the very 00:39:08.320 --> 00:39:10.496 spirit that holds us 00:39:10.520 --> 00:39:13.520 together this isn't just about economics 00:39:13.920 --> 00:39:16.920 it's about survival and the slow steady 00:39:17.119 --> 00:39:19.976 unraveling of community life and that's 00:39:20.000 --> 00:39:22.176 a price too high to 00:39:22.200 --> 00:39:25.200 pay and yet somehow that's exactly what 00:39:25.920 --> 00:39:28.055 we're being forced to accept it is a 00:39:28.079 --> 00:39:31.079 ripple effect and if we want vibrant 00:39:31.119 --> 00:39:34.119 resilient communities tomorrow we cannot 00:39:34.160 --> 00:39:37.160 afford to strip them bare today 00:39:44.960 --> 00:39:47.960 thanks Council M we'll jump across to 00:39:48.160 --> 00:39:50.936 Council Sluggett thank you 00:39:50.960 --> 00:39:52.856 thank you I didn't read those time 00:39:52.880 --> 00:39:54.616 before but I may also need a time 00:39:54.640 --> 00:39:57.640 extension please yeah Ross 00:39:58.320 --> 00:40:00.696 um I'd just like to start with a quick 00:40:00.720 --> 00:40:03.720 acknowledgement um a welcome to Gail and 00:40:04.400 --> 00:40:06.055 um thank you to everyone that was 00:40:06.079 --> 00:40:07.416 involved in our Horseshoe Mural City 00:40:07.440 --> 00:40:09.296 Talk sessions with the 00:40:09.320 --> 00:40:12.320 feedback um and also too for the morning 00:40:12.800 --> 00:40:15.335 tea I enjoyed with on IDA Hobbit day 00:40:15.359 --> 00:40:16.976 at the neighborhood 00:40:17.000 --> 00:40:19.976 house um and the trivia night at Duran 00:40:20.000 --> 00:40:21.656 Hall with my fellow counselors it was 00:40:21.680 --> 00:40:23.896 much fun 00:40:23.920 --> 00:40:25.575 during our horsesh and rural city talk 00:40:25.599 --> 00:40:27.456 session 00:40:27.480 --> 00:40:30.480 um whilst I enjoyed it there was also an 00:40:30.720 --> 00:40:33.720 element of frustration that many of the 00:40:33.839 --> 00:40:35.976 items our community were asking for are 00:40:36.000 --> 00:40:38.216 not within our purview and are that of 00:40:38.240 --> 00:40:40.456 other levels of government many with 00:40:40.480 --> 00:40:43.176 which lay with state 00:40:43.200 --> 00:40:45.176 last Tuesday I joined thousands of other 00:40:45.200 --> 00:40:47.335 Victorians and councelor Klowss on the 00:40:47.359 --> 00:40:48.856 steps of Parliament as they protested 00:40:48.880 --> 00:40:50.936 the higher inequitable rates of the 00:40:50.960 --> 00:40:52.856 newly labeled emergency services and 00:40:52.880 --> 00:40:55.815 volunteers fund i did not wear my CFA 00:40:55.839 --> 00:40:58.536 gear it was a bit too yellow still it's 00:40:58.560 --> 00:41:01.560 the new stuff because but also because I 00:41:02.240 --> 00:41:04.136 wanted to make it clear it's not only 00:41:04.160 --> 00:41:05.976 CFA members who were hurt because of 00:41:06.000 --> 00:41:08.216 this state decision every person living 00:41:08.240 --> 00:41:10.936 in Victoria many already making choices 00:41:10.960 --> 00:41:12.696 like struggling to decide between new 00:41:12.720 --> 00:41:14.696 school shoes or turning on the heater 00:41:14.720 --> 00:41:16.575 this winter will feel its 00:41:16.599 --> 00:41:19.496 impact i'd like to read a media release 00:41:19.520 --> 00:41:21.496 from Honorable Nick Stacos Minister of 00:41:21.520 --> 00:41:24.456 Consumer Affairs and Local Government it 00:41:24.480 --> 00:41:27.480 was made Monday the 23rd of December 00:41:27.560 --> 00:41:30.560 2024 council's rates cap to keep costs 00:41:30.800 --> 00:41:33.800 low for Victorians council rate 00:41:33.839 --> 00:41:35.335 increases will again be capped at 00:41:35.359 --> 00:41:37.416 forecast consumer price index for next 00:41:37.440 --> 00:41:39.335 year continuing the Ellen Labor 00:41:39.359 --> 00:41:41.176 government's drive for to reduce 00:41:41.200 --> 00:41:44.200 pressures on household budgets i'll skip 00:41:44.240 --> 00:41:46.936 down a little further this year's rate 00:41:46.960 --> 00:41:48.776 cap aims to ease cost of living 00:41:48.800 --> 00:41:51.016 pressures for Victorian families while 00:41:51.040 --> 00:41:52.856 still allowing councils to continue 00:41:52.880 --> 00:41:55.256 providing these services to people in 00:41:55.280 --> 00:41:56.696 the decade before the introduction of 00:41:56.720 --> 00:41:58.936 the Labor government's fair go rates 00:41:58.960 --> 00:42:01.656 system in 2016 council rates were 00:42:01.680 --> 00:42:04.295 increasing by an average of 6% each year 00:42:04.319 --> 00:42:06.776 since the introduction of the cap the 00:42:06.800 --> 00:42:09.800 average rate cap between 2016 and 2020 00:42:11.599 --> 00:42:14.599 2425 financial year is 00:42:14.839 --> 00:42:17.656 2.3% limiting steep successive increases 00:42:17.680 --> 00:42:20.680 for Victorian rate payers councils may 00:42:20.800 --> 00:42:22.295 apply to the essential services 00:42:22.319 --> 00:42:24.776 commission for a higher cap if they can 00:42:24.800 --> 00:42:26.936 demonstrate a critical need for spending 00:42:26.960 --> 00:42:29.095 on services or projects will require a 00:42:29.119 --> 00:42:31.136 higher rate above the capped 00:42:31.160 --> 00:42:34.160 amount quotes attributable to minister 00:42:34.640 --> 00:42:37.335 the local government Nick Stoos MP 00:42:37.359 --> 00:42:40.295 fairgo rates are there so families have 00:42:40.319 --> 00:42:42.936 certainty over their council rates and 00:42:42.960 --> 00:42:44.776 the next financial year the increase 00:42:44.800 --> 00:42:46.536 will again be in line with the inflation 00:42:46.560 --> 00:42:49.095 rate this rate cap will mean local 00:42:49.119 --> 00:42:50.696 councils are able to raise necessary 00:42:50.720 --> 00:42:53.016 revenue for the services they provide 00:42:53.040 --> 00:42:54.616 without adding to cost of living 00:42:54.640 --> 00:42:56.256 pressures on 00:42:56.280 --> 00:42:59.280 households it would appear fair go rates 00:42:59.359 --> 00:43:01.815 on your household only applies to the 00:43:01.839 --> 00:43:03.575 part the rates notice that stays here in 00:43:03.599 --> 00:43:06.599 your community tuesday rally was not 00:43:07.200 --> 00:43:09.496 only about the rebrand and increased 00:43:09.520 --> 00:43:12.520 fire levy it was people most of whom 00:43:13.040 --> 00:43:15.335 live in regional Victoria who are at 00:43:15.359 --> 00:43:18.359 breaking point increases to input cost 00:43:18.640 --> 00:43:20.295 legislation that seems hellbent on 00:43:20.319 --> 00:43:22.216 digging up our region for rare earth 00:43:22.240 --> 00:43:23.896 minerals or covering them in 00:43:23.920 --> 00:43:25.736 transmission lines and renewable energy 00:43:25.760 --> 00:43:28.536 sources and can ensure cities can keep 00:43:28.560 --> 00:43:31.016 increasing their electricity consumption 00:43:31.040 --> 00:43:32.856 businesses stretched to due to lack of 00:43:32.880 --> 00:43:34.616 staff which prevent them from increasing 00:43:34.640 --> 00:43:36.776 turnover and increased operating costs 00:43:36.800 --> 00:43:38.536 will once again have to try and find 00:43:38.560 --> 00:43:41.016 savings either through staff reduction 00:43:41.040 --> 00:43:43.896 or increases to their price of product 00:43:43.920 --> 00:43:45.896 commercial property owners will already 00:43:45.920 --> 00:43:47.896 be paying commercial and industrial 00:43:47.920 --> 00:43:50.136 property taxes will now be paying this 00:43:50.160 --> 00:43:53.095 land tax that's thinly disguised as levy 00:43:53.119 --> 00:43:54.776 while we're told there are benefits to 00:43:54.800 --> 00:43:56.936 our community it is hard to see that 00:43:56.960 --> 00:43:59.095 he's while we have state roads crumbling 00:43:59.119 --> 00:44:01.416 under our vehicles our health services 00:44:01.440 --> 00:44:03.496 centralizing due to lack of funding and 00:44:03.520 --> 00:44:05.575 staff and our family and friends are 00:44:05.599 --> 00:44:07.256 contemplating and in some cases 00:44:07.280 --> 00:44:10.280 committing suicide tuesday was a cry for 00:44:10.319 --> 00:44:12.536 help the regions coming together say 00:44:12.560 --> 00:44:15.560 enough we are simply unable to give more 00:44:16.240 --> 00:44:19.095 we are councilors as councilors are 00:44:19.119 --> 00:44:21.295 doing what we legally can to help our 00:44:21.319 --> 00:44:23.496 constituents all while knowing it's not 00:44:23.520 --> 00:44:25.896 enough i call on the state government to 00:44:25.920 --> 00:44:28.136 visit the regions speak to those of us 00:44:28.160 --> 00:44:29.656 who live in the community and share the 00:44:29.680 --> 00:44:32.295 heartbreak and struggle your own media 00:44:32.319 --> 00:44:34.136 releases show that you know Victorians 00:44:34.160 --> 00:44:37.160 need a fair go give them one 00:44:44.560 --> 00:44:47.016 thanks councel councelor McMc Donald 00:44:47.040 --> 00:44:49.055 reports announcements thank 00:44:49.079 --> 00:44:52.079 you first like to um congratulate G for 00:44:53.359 --> 00:44:55.295 your appointment on your presence here 00:44:55.319 --> 00:44:57.536 tonight breath of fresh 00:44:57.560 --> 00:45:00.560 air thank you um congratulations my 00:45:01.599 --> 00:45:02.936 fellow councils for your presentations 00:45:02.960 --> 00:45:05.960 tonight um very heartfelt message and no 00:45:06.200 --> 00:45:08.856 doubt welcomed by the gallery and thank 00:45:08.880 --> 00:45:09.896 you to the gallery for turning up 00:45:09.920 --> 00:45:12.376 tonight showing some interest with um 00:45:12.400 --> 00:45:15.400 community support and unity things 00:45:15.599 --> 00:45:18.599 get done so thank you for turning up 00:45:20.119 --> 00:45:23.119 um I would just like to acknowledge 00:45:24.520 --> 00:45:27.095 the do community listing post that we 00:45:27.119 --> 00:45:30.119 had back on the 5th um last month um 00:45:32.640 --> 00:45:34.616 that was community engagement as it 00:45:34.640 --> 00:45:36.456 should be and so congratulations to all 00:45:36.480 --> 00:45:39.176 involved um that was really well done 00:45:39.200 --> 00:45:42.200 and I think a lot was gained from that 00:45:42.400 --> 00:45:44.055 um I met with the Washington football 00:45:44.079 --> 00:45:47.079 net club and very interested to hear 00:45:47.359 --> 00:45:49.416 their predicament and the situation 00:45:49.440 --> 00:45:52.376 there so a lot came out of that 00:45:52.400 --> 00:45:55.400 had a meeting at the pines with some 00:45:55.599 --> 00:45:56.416 fellow 00:45:56.440 --> 00:45:58.856 councilors and that really is a very 00:45:58.880 --> 00:46:01.095 complex issue and it was a great 00:46:01.119 --> 00:46:03.736 opportunity to also meet with Ranchie 00:46:03.760 --> 00:46:06.760 Gad and Land Council representatives um 00:46:07.200 --> 00:46:10.200 and just to listen um and we've got a 00:46:10.240 --> 00:46:12.936 lot of work to do in that area so that 00:46:12.960 --> 00:46:14.736 was a good starting 00:46:14.760 --> 00:46:17.760 point um beyond that it's been a very 00:46:17.920 --> 00:46:20.920 very busy month so thank you thanks 00:46:21.359 --> 00:46:22.256 Council 00:46:22.280 --> 00:46:25.280 Dolph councelor 00:46:25.960 --> 00:46:28.960 Wilson um I really don't have much more 00:46:29.599 --> 00:46:31.256 to I concur with everything that my 00:46:31.280 --> 00:46:33.335 fellow counselors have said welcome to 00:46:33.359 --> 00:46:35.416 Gate thank you to the community for 00:46:35.440 --> 00:46:38.136 showing their support or coming out in 00:46:38.160 --> 00:46:40.095 support or against the levy 00:46:40.119 --> 00:46:41.616 tonight 00:46:41.640 --> 00:46:44.295 um I have a list of things and I was 00:46:44.319 --> 00:46:46.856 very busy this month but I think the 00:46:46.880 --> 00:46:49.656 levy is more important than that thank 00:46:49.680 --> 00:46:52.680 you councelor Lachland 00:46:53.920 --> 00:46:56.920 um similar to fellow councilors have 00:46:57.040 --> 00:47:00.040 said um yeah I echo the words that 00:47:00.480 --> 00:47:02.055 they've said tonight and I won't 00:47:02.079 --> 00:47:05.079 dwell on that anymore um yeah we were 00:47:06.800 --> 00:47:09.800 fairly busy this month again um and I 00:47:10.560 --> 00:47:12.216 just wanted to mention the work that 00:47:12.240 --> 00:47:14.295 Craig has done over the last 6 months it 00:47:14.319 --> 00:47:17.319 was it was great to um have him 00:47:17.680 --> 00:47:19.896 alongside of us as we usher in our new 00:47:19.920 --> 00:47:22.920 CEO so welcome Gail and um yeah I did 00:47:24.400 --> 00:47:25.936 put in 00:47:25.960 --> 00:47:28.960 a I didn't get it in time i know um yeah 00:47:30.400 --> 00:47:32.496 but I also would like to 00:47:32.520 --> 00:47:35.256 um say and acknowledge that it's 00:47:35.280 --> 00:47:37.976 reconciliation week starts next week 00:47:38.000 --> 00:47:40.856 sorry starts tomorrow and sort of 00:47:40.880 --> 00:47:43.880 echoing the words that Mr mcMc Donald 00:47:44.160 --> 00:47:45.815 said too that we've we've got a bit 00:47:45.839 --> 00:47:48.776 of work to do in that department um 00:47:48.800 --> 00:47:51.656 and I think the walk that we've got 00:47:51.680 --> 00:47:54.055 this Wednesday will be a a great 00:47:54.079 --> 00:47:55.736 community event if everybody wants to 00:47:55.760 --> 00:47:58.696 get down to the YMCA go for a walk 00:47:58.720 --> 00:48:01.016 down to the river and then have a 00:48:01.040 --> 00:48:03.416 sausage sizzle which I'll be happy about 00:48:03.440 --> 00:48:06.440 um after that so um I also wanted to 00:48:06.880 --> 00:48:09.416 just say this is off the cuff a bit 00:48:09.440 --> 00:48:12.440 but just to reassure um our 00:48:14.000 --> 00:48:16.536 municipality and the people in it 00:48:16.560 --> 00:48:19.416 that this council is working really hard 00:48:19.440 --> 00:48:22.440 on your behalf but I was really 00:48:22.480 --> 00:48:24.776 taken aback by this month being a very 00:48:24.800 --> 00:48:26.856 stressful month for a lot of people on 00:48:26.880 --> 00:48:29.575 the council that everybody just filled 00:48:29.599 --> 00:48:32.055 in the gaps along the way on the and 00:48:32.079 --> 00:48:34.136 I mentioned it a few times this month 00:48:34.160 --> 00:48:36.136 that it was just a really great feeling 00:48:36.160 --> 00:48:38.696 unity's been used a couple of times 00:48:38.720 --> 00:48:41.720 but there is real unity in this 00:48:42.000 --> 00:48:44.055 council group and the way that um 00:48:44.079 --> 00:48:45.656 everybody just filled in the gaps when 00:48:45.680 --> 00:48:47.496 people were heading down the highway i 00:48:47.520 --> 00:48:50.520 know the Mayor's uber busy so um and 00:48:52.000 --> 00:48:54.216 so I think that we're again just filling 00:48:54.240 --> 00:48:55.976 in the gaps and I just acknowledge all 00:48:56.000 --> 00:48:58.936 the counselors here and and staff 00:48:58.960 --> 00:49:01.496 that um everybody's working very hard to 00:49:01.520 --> 00:49:02.936 fill in all the gaps when people aren't 00:49:02.960 --> 00:49:04.535 here we're not always here on on the 00:49:04.559 --> 00:49:06.936 ground but we're all over the place so 00:49:06.960 --> 00:49:09.960 um yeah well done to Williams 00:49:11.119 --> 00:49:13.176 thanks Councelor Lachlan i'll take my 00:49:13.200 --> 00:49:15.815 report as red um and once again I like 00:49:15.839 --> 00:49:18.295 to thank the team for when I can't make 00:49:18.319 --> 00:49:19.496 it they fill in a short notice quite 00:49:19.520 --> 00:49:20.936 often and I really appreciate it so 00:49:20.960 --> 00:49:22.736 thank you for 00:49:22.760 --> 00:49:25.496 that and I'll just add this little bit 00:49:25.520 --> 00:49:27.335 it's our role as a council to I guess to 00:49:27.359 --> 00:49:29.095 be the advocate for our community to 00:49:29.119 --> 00:49:31.095 state government and it's on that basis 00:49:31.119 --> 00:49:33.575 that we need to really advocate hard and 00:49:33.599 --> 00:49:35.256 I I might be a bit naive but I believe 00:49:35.280 --> 00:49:37.656 if we can advocate the reality of what's 00:49:37.680 --> 00:49:39.256 happening out here the state government 00:49:39.280 --> 00:49:40.616 will change its mind because I don't 00:49:40.640 --> 00:49:43.016 think they understand so it's our 00:49:43.040 --> 00:49:46.040 role to to push hard and long on your 00:49:47.000 --> 00:49:48.736 behalf 00:49:48.760 --> 00:49:51.256 um one of the concerns I do have is for 00:49:51.280 --> 00:49:53.976 example the fire services levy it's 00:49:54.000 --> 00:49:56.696 based on the CIV so when a culture land 00:49:56.720 --> 00:49:58.456 most of the value is in the dirt as in 00:49:58.480 --> 00:50:01.095 90% the fences and the sheds have a very 00:50:01.119 --> 00:50:02.856 low value compared to the value of the 00:50:02.880 --> 00:50:05.095 dirt and dirt doesn't burn so I think 00:50:05.119 --> 00:50:07.256 it's inequitable and unfair perhaps that 00:50:07.280 --> 00:50:09.976 we get a fairly high levy on a material 00:50:10.000 --> 00:50:12.376 that is inflammable and doesn't burn and 00:50:12.400 --> 00:50:13.656 I think that needs to be really 00:50:13.680 --> 00:50:16.680 considered in the in the formula 00:50:17.520 --> 00:50:20.055 so we need to communicate clearly and 00:50:20.079 --> 00:50:23.079 strongly on your behalf thank you 00:50:29.760 --> 00:50:31.176 can someone please move that we receive 00:50:31.200 --> 00:50:34.200 the reports councelor Klowss moved 00:50:35.119 --> 00:50:38.119 seconded councelor Slugot all those in 00:50:38.920 --> 00:50:41.920 favor thank you 00:50:43.079 --> 00:50:45.815 passed item 11 on the agenda is urgent 00:50:45.839 --> 00:50:48.055 business there is nil urgent business 12 00:50:48.079 --> 00:50:51.079 petitions and joint leaders there is nil 00:50:52.400 --> 00:50:55.400 13 is procedural business and 13.1 is 00:50:55.440 --> 00:50:57.896 informal meetings of councilors purpose 00:50:57.920 --> 00:51:00.696 of the agenda item number 13.1 is to 00:51:00.720 --> 00:51:02.376 receive and note the informal meetings 00:51:02.400 --> 00:51:03.815 of councilors for council briefing 00:51:03.839 --> 00:51:06.839 meetings held on the 29th of April 5th 00:51:07.200 --> 00:51:09.856 12th and 13th of May 00:51:09.880 --> 00:51:12.880 2025 13.2 is sealing of documents there 00:51:13.119 --> 00:51:16.119 are no documents to be sealed 13.3 00:51:16.400 --> 00:51:18.896 inward correspondence there is no inward 00:51:18.920 --> 00:51:21.656 correspondence and 13.4 Four council 00:51:21.680 --> 00:51:24.055 committee minutes the purpose of agenda 00:51:24.079 --> 00:51:26.696 item 13.4 is to receive and note the 00:51:26.720 --> 00:51:28.575 following council committee 00:51:28.599 --> 00:51:31.496 minutes one's the economic sorry n 00:51:31.520 --> 00:51:33.656 economic and social plan project 00:51:33.680 --> 00:51:35.095 committee meeting held on the 14th of 00:51:35.119 --> 00:51:36.656 May 00:51:36.680 --> 00:51:39.496 2025 councilors do I have a motion to 00:51:39.520 --> 00:51:42.295 accept these procedural business please 00:51:42.319 --> 00:51:45.319 move councelor 00:51:45.960 --> 00:51:48.960 M I'd like to recommend that 00:51:51.000 --> 00:51:54.000 council receive and note the um 00:51:54.400 --> 00:51:57.400 following agenda items 13.1 Informal 00:51:58.400 --> 00:52:00.656 meetings of councilors a record of 00:52:00.680 --> 00:52:03.680 meetings 13.2 The sealing of 00:52:04.680 --> 00:52:07.680 documents 13.3 Inward 00:52:08.040 --> 00:52:11.040 correspondence and 13.4 Council 00:52:11.200 --> 00:52:13.976 Committee minutes 00:52:14.000 --> 00:52:17.000 thank you a second please councelor 00:52:18.200 --> 00:52:20.856 Lachlan councelor Mundy wish to speak to 00:52:20.880 --> 00:52:22.216 a straightforward resolution so I'll put 00:52:22.240 --> 00:52:23.656 the straight to the vote all those in 00:52:23.680 --> 00:52:25.656 favor please raise your hand thank you 00:52:25.680 --> 00:52:28.680 it's 00:52:31.400 --> 00:52:34.295 carried there are no notices of motion 00:52:34.319 --> 00:52:37.319 on 14 nil so now we move to confidential 00:52:39.640 --> 00:52:41.976 matters there are confidential items on 00:52:42.000 --> 00:52:43.976 the agenda for consideration tonight so 00:52:44.000 --> 00:52:45.416 I now ask members of the gallery to 00:52:45.440 --> 00:52:47.095 leave so the meeting can be moved into 00:52:47.119 --> 00:52:48.776 confidential matters and I thank you for 00:52:48.800 --> 00:52:49.616 your 00:52:49.640 --> 00:52:52.376 attendance can someone now move that 00:52:52.400 --> 00:52:53.656 council meeting move to confidential 00:52:53.680 --> 00:52:56.680 matters please cl second council Sluggett 00:52:57.839 --> 00:52:59.136 all those in 00:52:59.160 --> 00:53:02.160 favor carried thank you