Council Minutes - Section C: Notice of Motion - 26 November 2013

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Notices of Motion tabled at the Ordinary Meeting of Council on 26 November 2013 which was held at City Hall in Little Malop Street, Geelong.


Notice of Motion – Cr Richards

Geelong Botanic Gardens

Established over a century and a half ago, the Geelong Botanic Gardens has a fascinating history and recognised heritage value. In 1851 the state government set land aside at the edge of the Geelong settlement for the development of a Botanic Garden. An exposed site of 200 acres with bay frontage and little vegetation has been transformed during the past 150 years to become Eastern Park and the Geelong Botanic Gardens.

The Geelong Botanic Gardens and Eastern Park have recognized heritage value. Eastern Park and Geelong Botanic Gardens are listed on the Victorian Heritage Register. They are also included on the Register of the National Estate because they are an excellent example of nineteenth century Victorian Botanic Gardens. Trees in the Botanic Gardens and Eastern Park are some of the finest examples in Victoria. 36 trees are listed on the National Trust of Australia (Victoria) Register of Significant Trees.

The Geelong Botanic Gardens also offer significant opportunities for tourism, education, and recreation for residents and visitors. The Gardens should be considered as part of the overall vision for the Geelong CBD. Currently, the Botanic Gardens are used to deliver education programs to regional schools.

A concept plan for the Visitor Precinct was developed in 2010. The implementation of a visitor precinct will create an opportunity to maximise people’s experience of Eastern Park and Geelong Botanic Gardens and will generate a vibrant culture and strong connection to place. In practical terms it will provide a tourism destination with front of house for the Botanic Gardens, community meeting place, café and education and visitor facilities. A business case is required in order to progress this exciting project to the next stage.

Cr Richards moved, Cr Heagney seconded -

That Council officers prepare a report to be presented to Council no later than the end of February 2014, on Geelong Botanic Gardens and Eastern Park, with regard to:

  1. current issues such as general maintenance, tree replacement and planting, the future of the Conservatory and the Teahouse;

  2. the timeline and cost for a business case for the implementation of a Visitor Precinct;

  3. all other relevant issues.

Carried.



Cr S Kontelj declared an Indirect Interest by Close Association in relation to Notice of Motion – Mobile Phone Antenna Lease – Hamlyn Park, in that his niece owns a property opposite the proposed tower and signed a petition opposing the tower and left the meeting room at 8:14pm prior to discussion.

Cr E Kontelj declared an Indirect Interest by Close Association in relation to Notice of Motion – Mobile Phone Antenna Lease – Hamlyn Park, in that his niece owns a property opposite the proposed tower and signed a petition opposing the tower and left the meeting room at 8:14pm prior to discussion.


Notice of Motion – Cr Richards

Mobile Phone Antenna Lease - Hamlyn Park

On 5 September 2013, a Development Hearings Panel decided to issue a Notice of Decision to grant a planning permit (planning application 514/2013) for the Development of a Telecommunications Facility and associated equipment at Hamlyn Park Reserve, Hamlyn Heights.

Residents opposed to this project have expressed their objections to Council and applied to have this decision reviewed by the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal.

The proposed facility has been identified by Telstra to improve digital mobile telephone and mobile broadband internet coverage in the Hamlyn Heights area.

Council officers, in consultation with the Bell Park Sporting Club, have negotiated community benefits from the proposal prior to the planning permit being lodged. The main community benefit is an upgrade of lighting using the proposed tower which will significantly improve illumination levels and reduce light spill to nearby residences.

Given the need to balance community benefits with community objections, Council should seek further community feedback to inform a decision about whether or not to enter a lease for this facility.

Cr Richards moved, Cr Nelson seconded -

That Council:

  1. commences a process to seek and consider public submissions in relation to the proposed lease of land for this facility; and

  2. does not enter a lease for this facility, pending the outcome of the public submission process described above.

Carried.


Crs S and E Kontelj re-entered the meeting room at 8:19pm


Notice of Motion – Cr Ron Nelson

Reallocation of Capital Funds - Deakin Ward

As part of the 12/13 budget, Council allocated $120,500 for construction of the Highton Pavilion Renovations (C13837).

As part of the 12/13 budget, Council allocated $100,000 for resurfacing of the Queens Park Netball Court (C13840).

Due to market pressure Council received extremely competitive prices at quotation, and savings have been made for both projects.

It is therefore appropriate that Council consider reallocating excess project funds to another project.

It is proposed that the excess funds are re-allocated to fund the purchase and installation of a Christmas Tree at the Highton Shopping Centre on Bellevue Avenue:

Cr Nelson moved, Cr Macdonald seconded -

That Council support the following reallocations:

WARD

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

BUDGET

BUDGET ID

Deakin

Highton Pavilion Renovations (C13837)

-$7,499

(C13837)

Deakin

Queens Park Netball Court (C13840)

-$3,700

(C13840)

Deakin

Christmas Decorations

$11,199

C10205

Carried.



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