Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of the Greater Geelong City Council held at the Council Conference and Reception Centre in City Hall, Little Malop Street, Geelong on 15 September 2015, commencing at 7:00pm.
Ellen Csar
Jim Connor
Mary Wallace
Jennifer Bantow
Councillors:
Cr D Lyons (Mayor)
T Ansett
L Ellis
J Farrell
K Fisher
B Harwood
M Heagney
J Irvine
E Kontelj
R Nelson
A Richards
K Spiller (Interim Chief Executive Officer)
D Frost (General Manager Strategy and Performance)
P Bettess (General Manager Planning and Tourism)
W Tieppo (General Manager City Services)
L Quinn (Acting General Manager Community Services)
P Jane (Acting General Manager Projects, Recreation and Central Geelong)
R Bourke (Governance Co ordinator)
T McDonald (Manager Customer Services & Councillor Support)
A Paterson (EO – Mayor)
J Merlo (Senior Media Officer)
The Mayor declared the meeting open at 7:00pm.
Council acknowledges Wadawurrung Traditional Owners of this land and all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People who are part of the Greater Geelong community today.
Cr R Macdonald.
Cr Irvine moved, Cr Nelson seconded –
That Leave of Absence be granted to:
Cr Ansett from 14 September until 18 September 2015, inclusive;
Cr Lyons (Mayor) from 26 September to 7 October 2015, inclusive.
Cr Heagney’s previously approved leave from 17 September until 8 October 2015 be amended to returning on 2 October 2015.
Carried.
Cr Richards moved, Cr Ellis seconded –
That Cr Heagney be appointed to the position of Acting Mayor from 3 October until 7 October 2015, inclusive.
Carried.
Cr Heagney moved, Cr Richards seconded –
That Cr Harwood be appointed as Acting Mayor for the remaining period of the Mayor’s leave from 26 September until 2 October 2015, inclusive.
Carried.
Cr Irvine moved, Cr E Kontelj seconded -
That the Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting held on 25 August 2015 and the Special Meeting held on 1 September 2015 be confirmed and signed.
Carried.
Cr E Kontelj declared a Direct Financial Interest in Agenda Item 1 – Town Centre – Tree Lighting Project in that he is currently purchasing a property in Ryrie Street.
Cr Heagney declared a Direct Interest in Agenda Item 1 – Town Centre – Tree Lighting Project in that she owns a property in Ryrie Street.
Cr Heagney declared an Indirect Interest in Agenda Item 12, Malop Street Acquisition in that she received a campaign donation from a person who now owns/lives in an apartment abutting the lane.
Cr Lyons (Mayor) declared a Direct Interest in Agenda Item 12, Malop Street Acquisition in that he owns properties in and around the direct area for discussion and voting.
Question Time is an opportunity for questions to be addressed to Council and while the minutes record the general content, they do not purport to be a transcript of what was said by individuals. Likewise Councillor or Officer verbal responses are in summary form only. Views expressed may not be the views of Council.
Council's practice is to provide a separate document on its website setting out questions and responses including any more detailed written responses which may be provided subsequent to the meeting.
Ellen Csar asked if some signs in the local Kildare Ward could be upgraded?
William Tieppo advised that the two locations referred to are being investigated.
Jim Connor asked the following on behalf of Jonathan and Kate Connor:
Residents in Kildare Ward currently do not have any Councillor to democratically represent their interests.
At a recent planning consultation meeting for an application to locate a Telstra Telecommunications Tower within the Western Cemetery in Herne Hill close to houses, a school and kindergarten, objectors with health concerns were told this would soon be decided at a Development Hearings Panel, unless ‘called in’ by a Councillor.
This Cemetery has a heritage overlay that references significance for its early date of formation (1855-1858), its original layout and plantings, important historical associations with many Geelong families and aborigines of the district including King Dan Dan Nook (Jerry) and other members of the Barrabool Tribe, as well as the Hon James Strachan. In historical and environmental terms it is considered one of Victoria’s most significant cemeteries and is of State significant.
How can this application now be brought before the Planning Committee?
Peter Bettess responded that Council Policy is that the Ward Councillor discusses with the Portfolio Holder and if deemed necessary will be brought to a Planning Committee for consideration.
Cr Lyons (Mayor) has temporary responsibility for the Kildare Ward until the replacement Kildare Councillor is elected in October 2015.
The Mayor added he would discuss with Cr Heagney this week and come back either in writing or a telephone call.
Mary Wallace asked various questions which were not submitted.
Jennifer Bantow asked the following –
At the Council meeting of 28 April this year Council resolved to … over a six month period investigate ways of retaining ownership of the Old Geelong Gaol while funding the maintenance program and achieving its tourism potential including partnerships with other groups and entities and a report should be brought back by November.
At a recent Tourism Greater Geelong and the Bellarine Forum held at Curlewis Golf Club the Hon John Eren, Minister for Tourism, announced funding for the new tourism region and acknowledged the importance of heritage assets as tourist attractions.
As the Local National Trust Branch made a submission 12 months ago on this issue we hope we are one the groups and entities involved in the future of the Old Geelong Gaol.
Could Council please advise what progress has been made on its resolution of 28 April?
Cr Heagney responded Council’s Property Advisor is putting together a process for the establishment of the Terms of Reference in relation to this issue.
Cr Heagney added Council will ensure that all interested parties will be contacted when a process is put in place and have taken on notice your wish to be involved on any consultative committee. The Rotary Club and I had a meeting today on their vision.
Ms Bantow also expressed a wish to be involved in any discussions around the Telecommunications Tower in the Western Cemetery.
Nil.
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