Council Minutes - Section C: Notice of Motion - 12 November 2013

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Notices of Motion tabled at the Ordinary Meeting of Council on 12 November 2013 which was held at City Hall in Little Malop Street, Geelong.

Notice of Motion – Cr Eddy Kontelj

Reallocation of Capital Funds

In 2011 Council contributed funds for the Education department to construct two netball courts at Western Heights College, as part of an extensive redevelopment of the school. Under a partnership agreement Bell Park Sporting Club – Netball, based at the adjacent Council owned Hamlyn Park Reserve, were to have access for their home and away season.

As part of the described works, two bus shelters were installed for timekeepers. The existing shelters are considered sub-standard by the netball league, not allowing room for players interchange. Since their installation the glass shelters have been subject to extensive, repeated vandalism damage.

The education department are currently undertaking a redevelopment of the netball courts. It is proposed to reallocate funds identified through project savings on the below identified projects to contribute toward lowering the fencing on the east and west side to enhance the spectators experience, secondly upgrade the existing shelters to accommodate players and timekeepers, in accordance with best practice for player interchange and timekeeper function. The shelters will be constructed from robust pressed metal; the design has been installed at the Kardinia Park netball facility and proven successful since the 2010 development.

2012/2013 Project C13834 Osborne Park Improvements, included upgrade works to the existing car park and designs for future extension to the existing sporting club pavilion. This project has been completed, the identified funds are surplus, reallocation of surplus funds will assist in a quality outcome for the community.

That Council support the following reallocation:

Carried.

Notice of Motion – Cr M Heagney

Central Geelong Action Plan - Update

The Central Geelong Taskforce has reached a significant milestone regarding the development of the Central Geelong Action Plan.

During the week commencing 21 October, over 120 landowners, business owners and residents participated in Central Geelong Action Setting workshops.

This group of people should be commended not only for the time they gave, but the enthusiasm and positive attitude to the future of Central Geelong. The many ideas, thoughts and suggested actions are available on the ‘Our Central Geelong’ website (www.yoursaygeelong.com.au/our-central-geelong) and we welcome feedback and further contributions via this website until 8 November.

It is important to also recognise the efforts of the staff as part of the Central Geelong Taskforce. The timelines to have this project completed by the end of the year is very ambitious. Staff has needed to work long hours, including over weekends and the recent public holiday to facilitate the effective functioning of the workshop.

As Taskforce Special Committee Chair, I believe this should be acknowledged.

Cr Heagney moved, Cr Richards seconded -

That Council:

1. thank the community participants for their contributions in the Action Setting workshops and encourage their ongoing involvement in the revitalisation of Central Geelong;

2. acknowledges and appreciates the efforts of Central Geelong Taskforce staff in relation to the success of the Action Setting workshops.

Carried.

Notice of Motion – Cr Richards

Train Stations in City of Greater Geelong

Council has two main duties to the community – to deal with issues related to council, and to advocate on behalf of its community on federal and state government issues. Public transport, and in particular, rail transport is an issue for the Victorian state government in terms of managing and administrating the rail transport system, and an issue for state and federal government in terms of capital funding for new infrastructure. The City of Greater Geelong contains several train stations that are part of the VLine network. The state government is also planning to build another train station at Waurn Ponds/ Armstrong Creek.

The Regional Rail Link project, which will build new rail lines from Victorian regional cities including Geelong, involves a number of new purpose built train stations in Melbourne’s west, and multi million dollar upgrades to existing stations such as Footscray. When finished in 2016, the Regional Rail Link Geelong line is expected to deliver better train services with more reliability, resulting in increased patronage on rail services between Geelong and Melbourne. Although the Regional Rail Link project does not include any upgrades for train stations in the City of Greater Geelong, there are still three years in which to address this issue. However, rail station upgrades generally have long lead in times, in terms of planning and budget.

Given the ramifications of the Regional Rail Link project and council’s role in advocating for its community, it is timely that council develops a policy position on what is required to improve all Geelong train stations, so it can be advocated to state government on behalf of the community. Issues that will need to be addressed include provision of parking, matching bus services, traffic and road works, pedestrian and cycling access, disabled access, public safety and security, and on platform amenities. Council policy positions should be developed with public consultation as the most important element. A council submissions process that is publicly advertised, and where residents can make both written and verbal submissions will establish the issues that need addressing in regard to upgrading Geelong train stations.

Cr Richards moved, Cr Macdonald seconded -

That Council conduct a public submissions process in regard to all issues involving Geelong train stations. The written submissions period is to be held in the first quarter of 2014, and to be for a period of four weeks. A Council Submissions Panel consisting of the Transport portfolio holder, and a minimum of two other Councillors, will be constituted to hear verbal submissions in the four week period following the written submissions period. A report to Council will be presented by end of May 2014.

Carried.

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