Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of the Greater Geelong City Council held at the Council Conference and Reception Centre in City Hall, 57 Little Malop Street, Geelong on 13 December 2016, commencing at 5:30pm.
Judy Fyfe
Fiona Conroy
John Fyfe
Susan Ryan
Michael Garvey
Pam McGarigle
Dr K Alexander (Chair), L Gardner, P Dorling.
K Spiller (Acting Chief Executive Officer)
S Broadbent (Acting General Manager Strategy and Performance)
P Bettess (General Manager Planning and Development)
B Luxford (General Manager Investment and Attraction)
V Shelton (Acting General Manager City Services)
L Quinn (General Manager Community Life)
A Keen (Executive Manager People and Organisational Development)
T McDonald (Manager Customer Service and Council Business)
The Chair declared the meeting open at 5:30pm.
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.
Nil.
L Gardner moved, P Dorling seconded -
That the Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting held on 22 November 2016 be confirmed with the addition of Laurinda Gardner’s comment relating to Mr Colin Wallace’s questions in that she reviewed the Minutes of 16 August 2016 and was satisfied they were a true and correct record.
Carried.
Nil.
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.
Judy Fyfe asked question in relation to the Geelong Saleyards:
Much reliance is being placed on the recently commissioned Safety Audit Inspection of the Geelong Cattle Yards.
Why has this vital facility been allowed to deteriorate to this state?
What OH & S inspection schedule has been in place for the last ten years? I volunteer at a City asset (also managed by City Services) and we are subject to a regular quarterly OH & S inspection and have to comply with City standards at this workplace at all times?
Why are regional farmers being forced to bear the burden of past practices of the City which are far from “best practice”?
This is not fair on the regional farming community.
Kathy Alexander responded that she can’t answer why it has been allowed to deteriorate, but believe there are a number of issues why this situation has occurred.
Vicki Shelton responded that Council conducts OH & S inspections on a monthly (staff amenities), and six monthly (yards and surrounds) basis.
Fiona Conroy asked:
Are the Administrators aware, that despite the advice they have received by Council staff, that no member of the Geelong Saleyards Users Group has ever been shown any plans in any format whatsoever, detailing the works to be undertaken on the ramps, holding pens and selling yards?
The Geelong Saleyards Users Groups would like to see these plans and work with Council to make constructive suggestions to make sure the Council money being spent on the sheep yards is being spent in the most cost effective manner.
Kathy Alexander responded it was her understanding that the group was shown some proposals.
Vicki Shelton responded that documentation (aerial plan), was shown to the group on a walk around.
Kathy Alexander added she recognized this decision is causing hardship on the smaller sheep holders in particular and we are prepared to provide support.
John Fyfe asked:
The Council’s 2015-16 Annual Report shows it has $690,000 sitting in an Asset Redevelopment Reserve for the Saleyards Redevelopment:
Why is this money not being spent to repair the cattle yards?
Kathy Alexander responded it was her understanding it will be used to repair the cattle yards.
Susan Ryan asked who will be accountable for the mis-management of the Geelong Saleyards.
Kathy Alexander responded it is a complex issue and dates back many, many years. A lack of decision of what to do with the asset has been a compounding issue.
Michael Garvey asked questions in relation to the CBD 40km/h Speed Limit:
The implementation of the 40km/h speed limit in the designation CBD area is likely to increase traffic flow in McKillop Street, which remains at 60km/h.
Given that McKillop Street is primarily residential could the 40km/h be extended to that street and why were residents in that street not consulted in such a significant change?
Brett Luxford responded that the areas designated are designed to reduce the speed limit across Central Geelong encouraging a safe environment for both pedestrians and traffic movements. Council will be addressing the issue of east/west traffic in a future report on the Network Operating Plan dealing with heavy vehicles movements outside Central Geelong.
Kathy Alexander added the comments will be taken into consideration and will consult when that piece of work comes up.
Pam McGarigle asked if there will be a survey of traffic increase after the introduction of the 40km/hr zone?
Vicki Shelton responded Council would be monitoring traffic movements both prior to and post the introduction of the 40km/hr zone.
Ian Kelly presented a petition containing 2,293 signatures from concerned and interested individuals in relation to the future of the Geelong Saleyards.
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