Council Minutes - Section B: Reports - 30 June 2020
Contents | Previous Page: Section A - Procedural Matters | Next Page: Section C - Notice of Motion
Contents | Previous Page: Section A - Procedural Matters | Next Page: Section C - Notice of Motion
Reports tabled at the Ordinary Meeting of Council on Tuesday date held at the Council Conference and Reception Centre in City Hall, 57 Little Malop Street, Geelong.
COVID-19 Community and Economic Support Package – Medium to Longer Term
Declaration of 2020-2021 Rates, Adoption of 2018-2022 Council Plan Update 2020 and 2020-2021 Budget
2020 Sports Stimulus Funding Program – Endorsement of Applications
Restricting Vehicles in Little Malop – Alternative Access Options
CEO Employment Matters Policy Review (Confidential)
Proposed Development (Confidential)
Audit and Risk Committee Summary Report (Confidential)
Source: |
Chief Executive |
Director: |
Martin Cutter |
Portfolio: |
Economic Development |
To seek Council approval of the medium to longer term COVID-19 Community and Economic Support Package.
The COVID-19 pandemic and declared State of Emergency is having a significant impact on the community and economy locally, nationally and internationally. All communities and businesses are impacted by COVID-19.
The Federal and Victorian Governments have both provided a range of social and economic measures offering significant economic support to assist vulnerable community and business sectors.
At its 24 March 2020 meeting, Council resolved to provide an initial support package valued at over $3.4million. Further support packages were endorsed on 14 April 2020 and 28 April 2020. Support packages approved to date are valued at over $5.6million.
The Council resolution on 24 March 2020 requested the CEO develop a medium to longer-term package of Community and Economic Supports to be funded in the 2020-2021 financial year. Council also requested a report regarding the continued suspension of all on street parking fees from 1 July 2020 to 31 December 2020. This report addresses both those resolutions.
The Council and the City have considered a range of relief opportunities to support the local community and business during the COVID-19 emergency.
The recommended medium to longer term funding opportunities are targeted at recovery and informed by feedback from businesses, reviewing existing initiatives, consideration of Victorian and Federal Government support measures and the Council’s financial capacity. The value of this proposed package is $1.705 million, bringing the City’s total direct financial support in response to COVID-19 to over $7.3 million.
Detail regarding the proposed funding initiatives is included in Attachment 2. The key aspects of the package target some of the most impacted sectors including tourism, hospitability, arts and culture, international students as well as further support more broadly for the community and businesses.
A review has been undertaken of the opportunity to continue free parking, including consideration of previous independent reports, with officers finding on balance, free parking should not continue beyond 30 June 2020, as outlined in Attachment 3.
The end of free parking provides for the recommencement of the 30-minute free parking trial to continue to 30 November 2020 which will allow the results of this trial to be considered by Council.
Councillor Kontelj moved, Councillor Sullivan seconded -
That Council:
Recognises the continued significant impact the COVID-19 pandemic is having on the local community and economy;
Endorse the following community and economic support package;
$100,000 to continue providing small business expert support;
Continuation of the COVID-19 Financial Hardship Policy;
$490,000 towards arts, culture and heritage initiatives;
$250,000 towards immediate support for community groups via Quick Response Community Grants;
$500,000 towards tourism and events campaigns, including Domestic Short Break Campaign ($200,000), Visiting Family & Friends Campaign ($150,000) and Business Events Program ($150,000); and
$133,000 towards supporting international students through Study Geelong initiative;
$300,000 towards Kardinia Pool Winter Opening (July, August and September); and
Continuation of the COVID-19 free parking in 2 hour on street paid car parking places in CBD Geelong until 31 December, 2020.
Support the provision of targeted commercial rent relief under officer delegation with an estimated value of $232,000; and
Postpones until 1 January 2021 the 30-minute free parking trial from 1 July 2020 to 30 November 2020, after the conclusion of the current free parking initiative on 30 June 2020. In addition, continuation of the 30-minute free on street parking trial from 1 January 2021 to 30 June 2021, after the conclusion of the COVID-19 free on street parking initiative on 31 December 2020.
Councillor Murrihy moved, Councillor Mason seconded -
That Council:
Recognises the continued significant impact the COVID-19 pandemic is having on the local community and economy;
Endorse the following community and economic support package:
$100,000 to continue providing small business expert support;
Continuation of the COVID-19 Financial Hardship Policy;
$490,000 towards heritage, arts and culture initiatives;
$250,000 towards immediate support for community groups via COVID-19 Quick Response Grants;
$500,000 towards tourism and events campaigns, including Domestic Short Break Campaign ($200,000), Visiting Family & Friends Campaign ($150,000) and Business Events Program ($150,000);
$133,000 towards supporting international students through Study Geelong initiative.
$300,000 towards Kardinia Pool Winter Opening (July, August & September); and
Continuation of the COVID-19 free parking in 2 hour on street paid car parking places in CBD Geelong until 31st December, 2020.
Support the provision of targeted commercial rent relief under officer delegation with an estimated value of $232,000;
Supports the continuation of the 30-minute free parking trial from 1 July 2020 to 30 November 2020, after the conclusion of the current free parking initiative on 30 June 2020. Endorse extension of the current free parking provision for all on street car parking until 31 July 2020 in order to provide adequate notice to the community of its conclusion;
Endorse the continuation of the 30 minute free parking trial in 2P on street car parking from 1 August 2020, after the conclusion of the current free parking initiative on 31 July 2020; and
Endorse the extension of the 30 minute free parking trial in 2P on street car parking initiative from 30 November 2020 until 30 June 2021.
Creates a fund from the net revenue collected from 2P on street car parking for the period of 1 August 2020 to 30 June 2021 to be allocated towards projects that support central Geelong in the 2021-2022 financial year.
Lost.
Councillor Mason moved, Councillor Murrihy seconded –
That Council:
Recognises the continued significant impact the COVID-19 pandemic is having on the local community and economy;
Endorse the following community and economic support package:
$100,000 to continue providing small business expert support;
Continuation of the COVID-19 Financial Hardship Policy;
$490,000 towards heritage, arts and culture initiatives;
$250,000 towards immediate support for community groups via COVID-19 Quick Response Grants;
$500,000 towards tourism and events campaigns, including Domestic Short Break Campaign ($200,000), Visiting Family & Friends Campaign ($150,000) and Business Events Program ($150,000);
$133,000 towards supporting international students through Study Geelong initiative.
$300,000 towards Kardinia Pool Winter Opening (July, August & September); and
Support the provision of targeted commercial rent relief under officer delegation with an estimated value of $232,000;
Endorse extension of the current free parking provision for all on street car parking until 31 July 2020 in order to provide adequate notice to the community of its conclusion;
Endorse the continuation of the 30 minute free parking trial in 2P on street car parking from 1 August 2020, after the conclusion of the current free parking initiative on 31 July 2020;
Endorse the extension of the 30 minute free parking trial in 2P on street car parking initiative from 30 November 2020 until 30 June 2021; and
Creates a fund from the net revenue collected from 2P on street car parking for the period of 1 August 2020 to 30 June 2021 to be allocated towards projects that support Central Geelong in the 2021-2022 financial year.
Lost.
Division Requested:
For:Councillors Mason, Murnane, Mansfield, Murrihy
Against: Councillors Aitken, Kontelj, Asher, Grzybek, Sullivan, Harwood, Nelson
The substantive motion was then put and carried.
Carried Unanimously.
Division Requested:
For: Councillors Aitken, Murrihy, Mason, Kontelj, Asher, Grzybek, Harwood, Murnane, Nelson, Sullivan, Mansfield
Against: Nil.
The value of this proposed package is $1.705 million. This total includes the proposed redirected commitments from 2020-2021 for Geelong After Dark ($90,000), Mountain to Mouth ($100,000) and from 2019-20 Public Art ($70,000) which will be used as part of the $490,000 heritage, arts and culture initiatives. The net impact on the 2020-2021 budget is to increase the operating deficit by $1.515m.
The total value of financial support provided to the community and business to date is $5.6 million, bringing the total support value to over $7.3 million.
The 2020-2021 draft budget includes revenue of $10,625,058 from parking fees and $3,768,021 from parking fines. Due to expected continued impacts from COVID-19 on central Geelong attendance the budgeted revenue is based on an assumption of a reduction in parking fees and fines of 50% for the first 3 months of the financial year. This equates to a reduction of $1,121,772 in parking fee revenue and $534,726 in fine revenue, totalling $1,656,498.
If Council was to resolve to provide free on street parking to 31 December 2020 the financial implication to the draft budget would be a reduction in revenue from parking fees of approximately $3,350,082 and $1,616,640 from fines with total lost revenue of $4,966,722 (on top of COVID-19 reduced revenue - $1,656,498).
The initial community and business support packages included initiatives to support business in the immediate period. The City has worked closely with the business community to seek feedback through various channels, including through a business survey.
Key themes from the engagement included businesses are concerned about getting back to normal and operating safely, support is sought in more than one service area, online training and webinars have had a high take up and there is ongoing interest with key areas of interest being marketing, applying for available grants, reducing business costs, promotional activities to boost economic recovery and re-designing businesses.
COVID-19 impacts all of our community with some segments impacted greater and the impacts are of a higher risk in health and/or financial terms. The City’s support packages are designed to be targeted to address segments in greatest need and with consideration of the significant Federal and Victorian Government support programs.
The recommended medium to longer term support package aims to support the community during the recovery phase and is particularly targeted at businesses and our arts and tourism sectors.
It is important the City continues to deliver on its obligations under the Local Government Act, and other relevant statutory obligations. Supporting the community and business and providing coordination role in response to emergencies, such as COVID-19, are critical roles of the City. The recommended support package is consistent with the City’s statutory requirements.
The recommend support package is aligned to the Council Plan in particular:
Vibrant arts and culture;
A thriving and sustainable economy;
Growing our tourism and events; and
Organisational leadership, strategy and governance.
No officers declared a conflict of interest in developing this report.
COVID-19 presents many risks to the community and businesses. The City’s response to COVID-19 is within its roles and responsibilities and aims to support our community and businesses with their response to this crisis. This proposed package is tailored to support the recovery phase in the medium – longer term.
With regards to free parking, previous research and studies found free parking may not attract additional customers or increase length of stays. Previous studies identified the following impacts that can arise from free parking:
Pay parking is a significant deterrent to motorists, typically workers, shuffling their vehicles in time restricted parking on account of the expense incurred in doing so;
Disruption to businesses of having staff ‘shuffling’ cars;
Pay parking facilitates turnover of parking and therefore the most convenient parking for customers and visitors;
Increased occupancy of on street parking;
Inefficient parking enforcement;
Reduction in public transport patronage and/or active transport; and
Reduction in revenues from parking and parking fines.
Previous studies and reports in relation to free parking suggest it will result in the increase of traffic congestion and more time spent cruising for free parking by visitors with associated impacts from pollution, carbon foot print, amenity and safety.
Small Business Expert Support – $100,000
This is a continuation of the $100,000 support provided as part of the immediate relief package supported by Council on 24 March 2020. It is anticipated that the current support will be expended by July 2020.
It is proposed to continue with and expand on the Package 1 program by continuing to provide business with free access to expert advice in the areas of financial management, HR, legal, digital, health and wellbeing, small business mentoring services and COVID-19 return to work requirements.
The take up of the immediate support package has been strong with approximately 400 businesses participating with financial management, digital marketing and small business mentoring representing 90% of the requests. Take up has been from across the municipality and a broad sector of industries with accommodation and food services, construction and professional services the highest take up.
COVID-19 Financial Hardship Policy
The COVID-19 Financial Hardship Policy provides for a range of relief measures for people and businesses in our community who are financially impacted by the pandemic. Relief measures include the ability to apply for deferral of rates payments, suspension of all current debt recovery action for unpaid rates through to 31 October 2020 and a waiver of interest on overdue rates, fees and charges through to 31 October 2020.
This policy applies to all monies owed to the City including rates, waste charges, animal registrations, and permits, fees and user charges.
Targeted Commercial Rent Support – $232,000
The initial support packages included a 50% waiver of 6 months’ rent for community groups to the value of $610,085. The conclusion date of the current support initiative is 30 September 2020.
This additional support measure provides 100% waiver for a further 3 months, targeted to those businesses most impacted, rather than being a blanket rent relief for all commercial tenants.
This initiative can be delivered under delegation and will enable a consideration of directing this support to those businesses that require it most.
Arts, Culture & Heritage Initiatives – $490,000
This support initiative proposes to include $260,000 from redirected funds that were proposed to support Geelong After Dark ($90,000), Mountain to Mouth ($100,000) and Public Art ($70,000).
The Council resolved to establish a COVID-19 Arts and Culture Advisory Group at its meeting on 14 April 2020. The group has been established as GCAR, the Geelong COVID-19 Arts Recovery Advisory Panel. The Panel has identified urgent and longer term needs to rebuild the arts, creative, entertainment, cultural and heritage sectors in Geelong. This has informed the proposed support initiatives which include:
Skills and Training $30,000
Employment opportunities for the region’s Creative Industries $330,000
COVID-19 Recovery Grants $150,000
COVID-19 Quick Response Community Grants – $250,000
This is a quick response grant program designed to support our community to recover and adapt to the effects of the COVID-19 global pandemic.
The quick response grants provide immediate support for community groups to reactivate their venues and programs and allow communities to determine their own priorities.
The proposed budget allows for at least 125 grants at a maximum amount of $2,000.
The initiative would provide funding for ideas that support the community’s vision Greater Geelong: A Clever and Creative Future that is about collaborating to address our challenges and opportunities, embracing innovation and new ways of doing things.
The priority would be to provide opportunities to eligible community organisations to activate their community spaces and programs in line with COVID-19 health advice and government restrictions.
Domestic Short Break Campaign – $200,000
This enables development and implementation of a domestic short break campaign which builds on the brand story for each of the six sub-region destinations within Greater Geelong and The Bellarine.
The tourism sector has been particularly hard hit by the social restrictions required to limit the spread of COVID-19. A Tourism Greater Geelong and The Bellarine (TGGB) member survey indicates 82% of businesses in the sector are operating at less than 50% of their usual trade. Half of them are not open at all.
Consumer sentiment data from Tourism Australia suggests 67% of Australians will be ready to travel domestically within two months of travel restrictions being lifted. Victorian residents usually spend 53% of their travel budget outside of the state. With international borders still closed and interstate travel highly limited, there is enormous opportunity to convert that spend to intrastate travel and short breaks close to home.
Visiting Family & Friends Campaign – $150,000
This enables development and implementation of a Visiting Friends and Relatives (VFR) campaign which builds on the brand story for each of the six sub-region destinations within Greater Geelong and The Bellarine.
The biggest tourism attraction in Geelong is the people who live here. Half of our domestic visitors are in the region to spend time with people they love. This presents Geelong and The Bellarine with a unique opportunity, post COVID-19, to capitalise on the human need to reconnect with the people they’ve missed during social isolation.
The VFR campaign will build on new brand work for Geelong and The Bellarine and the six sub regions, leveraging our large resident population, the sense of regional pride and the longing for quality time spent with friends and family. Messaging will be distinctly local and with a different positioning and mindset to a campaign targeting external audiences. The campaign will suggest quality time be spent experiencing the region and will have a mechanism of ‘invitation’ that explicitly speaks to locals to encourage that VFR travel.
Business Events Program – $150,000
This funding program aims to secure significant business events by supporting business events who book and host their event in the Geelong region. The procurement funding offered would be commensurate with the anticipated economic return of the event.
The purpose of the Business Events procurement fund would be to stimulate the types of business events in the region that will have the greatest impact on the sector. Unlike traditional Council event funding pools, this will be used in the targeted procurement of National Association business events. Business Events Geelong will identify and engage specific events using a funding ratio criteria to offer a financial incentive for organisers to place the event in Geelong and The Bellarine.
Study Geelong International Student Support – $133,000
COVID-19 has resulted in international tertiary students facing financial hardship. Although there is support being provided through Study Geelong, education institutions, state government and community organisations, there are gaps, and it is felt that the extent of the hardship being faced will worsen the longer students remain without jobs and in isolation and when the moratorium on housing evictions is lifted.
This initiative includes:
Identifying and promoting support services available to international students and using peer to peer messaging to encourage students to overcome cultural barriers and stigma to access assistance;
Developing an International Friends Program - linking students online with local individuals/families (e.g. via Rotary) to reduce the feeling of isolation and connect with community. This may become face to face when the time is appropriate;
Working with relevant organisations to link students needing accommodation with offers of help from the community and sourcing laptops for students from the City, and the local and business communities;
Online engagement activities to provide the opportunity for student connection; and
Medium/longer term activities such as outdoor picnics, group walks, small group trips exploring what the region has to offer and programs to engage students with the City’s Swim, Sport & Leisure Centres.
The Council resolved at its 24 March 2020 meeting to provide Free casual on and off-street parking in Central Geelong until 30 June 2020, as an immediate support measure in response to the COVID-19 Pandemic.
In April the Council resolved to consider, as an additional support measure, the suspension of all on street car parking fees from 1/7/2020 to 31/12/2020, at a June 2020 Council meeting with an officer report and recommendation.
The following information is provided in response to the above Council resolution and officers recommendation for the continuation of the 30-minute free parking trial from 1 July 2020 to 30 November 2020, in place of the current free parking initiative. It is not recommended by officers to continue all day free parking.
Free parking history
City of Greater Geelong Councils have made several resolutions on parking in Central Geelong since 2006. In each instance free weekday parking has not been supported.
December 2006 – Council adopted free parking on Sundays in Central Geelong.
December 2013 – Council resolved to expand free parking to include Saturdays for a trial between January 2014 and April 2014. This decision also included increasing the majority of the 1hr time limit spaces to a 2hr limit.
April 2014 – Council considered a report on the parking trial and resolved to adopt free parking on Saturdays.
March 2016 – Council resolved to request officers to provide a report to the Council outlining the potential to expand free parking program in Central Geelong, including a full cost benefit analysis.
March 2017 – Council (under the Administrators) considered a report on an investigation of the impacts of extending free parking to weekdays in Central Geelong. This report was supported by a Pay Parking Study by O’Brien Traffic and an Economic Analysis into the Impacts of removing weekday paid parking from Geelong CAA by SGS.
The Independent advice from SGS Economics & Planning and O’Brien Traffic indicates that the potential costs of extending free parking outweigh the potential benefits (consistent with numerous similar independent reports since 2002).
April 2019 – Council adopted a 12-month parking trial to offer a once off ‘First 30 minutes Free’ in all 2P on-street parking zones in the CBD. This resolution included that the CEO report to Council by 30 November 2020 on the impacts of the 12-month parking trial and the impacts on the outcome of the Central Geelong Car Parking Discussion Paper.
Summary of past findings
The following technical reports have informed officer recommendations on parking:
Activities Area Parking Strategy 2005 O’Brien Traffic;
Central Geelong Car Parking & Access Strategy 2013 O’Brien Traffic;
Central Geelong Pay Car Parking Study March 2017 O’Brien Traffic & SGS Economics & Planning; and
MRCagney Pty Ltd Central Geelong Car Parking Strategy Peer Review 2018.
Key findings from these reports relevant to free parking include:
Perceived increased visitation to Central Geelong;
Pay parking is a key element of an effective overall strategy;
Pay parking is a significant deterrent to motorists, typically workers, shuffling their vehicles in time restricted parking on account of the expense incurred in doing so;
Disruption to businesses of having staff ‘shuffling’ cars;
Pay parking facilitates turnover of parking and therefore the most convenient parking for customers and visitors;
Increase in traffic congestion and more time spent cruising for free parking by visitors with associated impacts from pollution, carbon foot print, amenity and safety;
Increased occupancy of on street parkers;
The efficiency of parking enforcement is increased with pay parking;
Reduction in public transport patronage and/or active transport; and
Reduction in revenues from parking and parking fines.
The most recent O’Brien study in 2017 included a comparison with other local government areas, including Ballarat, Bendigo, Launceston, Gold Coast, North Sydney, Newcastle and Wollongong.
The findings indicated that pay parking forms a key element to the management of parking for these Council’s, with the most common reason being to facilitate turnover of parking space.
The City of Newcastle trialled free parking but found that this had a negative impact on access to the city and paid parking was reinstated at the insistence of business.
Central Geelong Car Parking Strategy
A fast, reliable and connected transport network is one of the nine community aspirations identified in Greater Geelong: A Clever and Creative Future. One of the key measures of success for this aspiration is that ’50% of journeys to work are made by public transport, walking or cycling’. Currently nearly 90% of daily commuters to Central Geelong travel by single vehicle.
The Central Geelong Parking Strategy is being prepared, with a draft due for completion later in the year. A community survey was undertaken in 2019, which received 2,582 responses. The survey showed that generally people support the need for parking fees and are willing to pay for parking.
Key feedback from survey participants relevant to free parking include:
More than 80% of week-day commuters travel to central Geelong in a motor vehicle, as the driver;
90% of people who travel to central Geelong by car, park in public parking areas;
66% visit the CBD for work, 20% to shop, 5% access services/hospital;
44% of respondents park all day and 61% park greater than 2 hours;
68% of respondents considered paying for parking was fair; and
11% of respondents said free parking was a fair price and 7% said it was fair to park all day in central Geelong for free.
30-minute free parking trial
The Council resolved at its 9 April 2019 meeting under urgent business to Offer a once-off ‘First 30-minutes Free’ in all 2P on-street parking zones in Central Geelong.
The resolution also required a budget allocation in 2019/20 a provision of up to $1,117,000 for estimated foregone on-street parking revenue and a provision of up to $798,000 in 2020-2021.
The 30-minute free parking trial began on 1 December 2019 and had intended to operate until November 2020, allowing a full 12 months of data to inform a report on the impacts of the trial. The introduction of free parking has ceased the trial.
Reverting to the 30-minute free parking trial on 1 July 2020 would enable data on the trial to be collected as the COVID-19 restrictions are being eased and as the community gradually returns to more normal conditions. This would enable a report to be provided to the Council, as per the April 2019 resolution, providing a more expansive snapshot of the findings in addition to the 3 months of data that has been collected prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.
COVID-19 impacts
With the COVID- 19 pandemic, one of the support measures provided was the provision of free parking in central Geelong. The potential value of this initiative was approximately $2M (pre COVID-19 values) plus loss of revenue from fines. A key reason for this support measure by officers was that it prevented a potential spread of COVID-19 through the use of parking meters.
The Central Geelong Marketing team observations in relation to business impact estimates that approximately 75% of businesses have been closed in the central Geelong during the height of restrictions. This along with work from home requirements has significantly reduced visitations for work and leisure to central Geelong. Since the easing of restrictions there has been a relative quick response by traders with the major shopping centres seeing up to 90% of shops opening and on street premises around 60%, in some capacity. There is still are large number of professional service employees working from home.
Analysis of smart technology confirms impacts from COVID-19 at its April peak was in the order of 40% reduction in vehicle traffic and 69% reduction in people. Since the restrictions have eased vehicle counts indicate an improvement from the 40% to 30% less movements. The data suggest the volume of people has improved from the peak of 69% to a 37% reduction in early June compared to pre COVID-19 data.
Whilst there is free parking, we are unable to obtain substantial or reliable parking data.
Budget implications
The 2020-2021 draft budget includes revenue of $10,625,058 from parking fees and $3,768,021 from parking fines. Due to expected continued impacts from COVID-19 on central Geelong attendance the budgeted revenue is based on an assumption of a reduction in parking fees and fines of 50% for the first 3 months of the financial year. This equates to a reduction of $1,121,772 in parking fee revenue and $534,726 in fine revenue, totalling $1,656,498.
If Council was to resolve to provide free on street parking to 31 December 2020 the financial implication to the draft budget would be a reduction in revenue from parking fees of approximately $3,350,082 and $1,616,640 from fines with total lost revenue of $4,966,722 (on top of COVID-19 reduced revenue - $1,656,498).
The above revenue impacts are applicable to on street parking and do not include off street parking facilities. There would likely be an impact to the City’s off-street parking revenue as free parking would encourage users to the free service. It is not possible to provide a reasonable estimate to this impact to off-street parking which has a draft budget revenue of almost $1.7million.
Source: |
PCustomer & Corporate Services - Financial Services |
Director: |
Michael Dugina |
Portfolio: |
Finance |
To adopt the Council Plan 2018-2022, Update 2020-2021 (Council Plan Update), declaration of 2020-2021 Rates and 2020-2021 Budget as proposed at the Council meeting held on 28 April 2020, after consideration of budget submissions and any changes.
Under section 125 of the Local Government Act (Vic) 1989 (Act), at least once in each financial year the Council must consider whether the current Council Plan requires adjustment in respect of the remaining period of the Council plan. Council have reviewed the Council Plan 2018-2022 and prepared and update for 2020-2021. The Council Plan identifies the objectives and priorities of Council. The Council Plan is the culmination of extensive consultation with councillors, the City and the community.
In accordance with section 127 of the Act, Council is required to prepare a budget for each financial year and must ensure that it contains all required statements, reports and data as prescribed by the Act. Refer to Attachment 4 for an outline of these requirements.
The Council Plan Update and the proposed 2020-2021 Budget for the year commencing 1 July 2020 was considered by Council at its meeting on 28 April 2020 and public notice was given in accordance with section 129 of the Act.
The Council Plan Update and 2020-2021 Budget has been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Act and the Best Practice Guidelines that were developed by a Local Government industry taskforce.
The Council Plan Update (Attachment 3) includes:
Strategic priorities (11) each with deliverables and measures;
Overarching themes of sustainability, equity and community engagement and COVID-19 recovery; and
Support for the proposed 2020-2021 Budget, the Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan and the regions long term vision Greater Geelong: A Clever and Creative Future.
The proposed Budget (Attachment 4) includes:
The budgeted Statements of Comprehensive Income, Cash Flows, Balance Sheet, Capital Works, Changes in Equity and Human Resources;
The strategic objectives to be undertaken during the financial year and Service Performance Outcome Indicators in relation to each strategic objective;
The relationship between the activities and initiatives in contributing to achieving the strategic objectives specified in the Council Plan;
Details of the activities and initiatives to be funded in the budget; and
As required under the Act a schedule declares the differential rates and charges.
The Rating Strategy 2020-2021 (Attachment 5) includes the following:
Rates and charges are the major source of council revenue, accounting for 65% of the total council revenue annually. An increase in rate income is required to meet the objectives of Council and community expectations for the delivery of services and the maintenance and construction of community infrastructure;
The Minister for Local Government announced on 13 December 2019 that Victorian council rates will be capped at 2.0% for the year ahead;
Not all council charges are included in the rate cap calculation:
Rates and the Municipal charge are included in the rate cap calculation; and
The waste charge and the Fire Services Property Levy are not included in the rate cap calculation.
The 2019-20 base average rate is calculated as $1,589.27 and the 2020-2021 Budget proposes this will increase by 1.9% to $1,619.39; and
The average residential rate for 2020-2021 is:
Residential Properties |
2019-20 Rates on average CIV $ |
2020-2021 Budget Rates on average CIV $ |
Increase % |
|---|---|---|---|
General Rates CIV x Rate in $ |
1,180.10 |
1,310.27 |
11.0% |
Municipal Charge |
105.25 |
0.00 |
(100.0%) |
Total Rates including Municipal Charge |
1,285.35 |
1,310.27 |
1.9% |
Waste Collection Service |
332.00 |
360.95 |
8.7% |
Total Rates & Charges |
1,617.35 |
1,671.22 |
3.3% |
Rate Waiver
Council declares a waiver under section 171 of the Act for residential land and farm land properties where the valuation of the assessment has increased between the 2019 valuation and the 2020 valuation by 50% or more and that increase is purely attributable to market factors, not attributable, in whole or in part, to improvements made to the assessment by the owner (or occupier). The amount of the waiver is set at:
between 25% and 49.99% of the general rates payable for the 2020-2021 financial year, increasing pro rata according to the valuation increase, for valuation increases between 50% and 59.99%; and
50% of the general rate payable for the 2020-2021 financial year for valuation increases of 60% or more.
The waiver is designed to mitigate the impact of significant valuation increases for ratepayers who can demonstrate low income status (maximum income of $54,677 and owned the property for both valuation periods).
Council declared a Housing Support waiver under section 171 of the Act of 100% of general rates for the following types of housing; transitional, emergency, crisis housing, housing for legatees or war widows provided by the Geelong Legacy Club or provided by RSL, and supported housing for people with a disability. This waiver recognises that these properties provide specific needs within the community. Application can be made to council to have land classified as being eligible for the waiver.
New Corio Estate
The New Corio Estate is an old and inappropriate subdivision within an established farming zone in Corio. Since the land is zoned as farming land it cannot be developed for residential use with no services available for the area.
There is no prospect of these services becoming available in the future. In addition, environment reports in recent years have shown that the land contains significant native vegetation which Council is obligated to protect for future generations. Council adopted Planning Scheme amendment C243 which formally protects the native vegetation and provides some certainty over the future of the land. This amendment was approved by the Minister of Environment & Climate Control on 30 April 2013.
From 2013-14 Council declared a waiver under section 171 of the Act of 100% of general rates for privately owned properties in the New Corio Estate. This rates assistance waiver recognises the financial burden associated with ownership of the land and the encumbrances that prevents property owners from making any demands on Council services now and into the future.
Rate Structure
Council has 11 rating or tariff groups with the application of differential rates to each of these groups in accordance with section 161 of the Act. The finalised Ministerial Guidelines for Differential Rating were gazetted on 26 April 2013 and came into effect from 1 July 2013. The intention of the guidelines is to provide clarity, consistency and transparency. Council is required to consider the objectives, the suitable uses and the types of classes of land when introducing a differential rate. The guidelines establish three groups of types and classes of land categories for differential rates – those which are considered ‘appropriate’, those which must be ‘carefully considered’ by a council and those which would ‘not be appropriate’.
The Rating Strategy for 2020-2021 (Attachment 5) contains the Council Policy, Procedure, rate assistance and information on the City’s approach to the raising of property rates updated to reflect the outcome of Council’s budget deliberations.
Fees and Charges
Fees and charges included in 2020-2021 Budget are adopted as part of the Council Plan Update and 2020-2021 Budget. Where a fee amount is set through legislation, the legislated fee amount will supersede the fee amount in the fees and charges schedule.
Capital Works Program
Capital works program expenditure and funding requirements will be managed through the forecast process and reported to Council on a quarterly basis.
At the Council meeting held on 28 April 2020 a Submissions Hearing Panel was called for to hear submissions made in relation to the Council Plan and Proposed Budget.
A Submissions Review Panel hearing was held on Wednesday, 3 June 2020. The panel was comprised of all Councillors. The Submissions Hearing Panel heard 15 submitters, reviewed 69 submissions and recommended no change to the budget subject to the provision of additional costing and information on McKillop Street Traffic treatments, Landy Field plan and Seniors Activity Hub on the Bellarine (refer Attachment 6).
Councillor Aitken moved, Councillor Grzybek seconded -
That Council:
Adopt the proposed budget considered by Council on 28 April 2020 subject to:
Incorporating the following known changes for a net movement of $11.431m to the operating budget result:
Early receipt of Grants Commission Funding for 2020-2021 $11.854m; and
Deferral of expenditure for Avalon International Air Show and other minor adjustments $0.423m.
Incorporating the following known changes for a net reduction of $1.169m to the capital program:
Inclusion of Barwon Soccer Club – Stage 2 Changeroom Development $0.200m;
Additional cost of Gymnasium Equipment Core Replacement Program $0.387m;
Removal of expenditure for Burdoo Reserve – Stage 2 Development $0.256m; and
Deferral of expenditure for Boundary Road and Baanyip Boulevard Intersection $1.5m.
Agree to fund the additional initiatives recognised in the Submissions Review Panel report and incorporate an allocation of additional funding for:
The cost of McKillop Street traffic treatments $0.350m;
The cost of maintenance and the development of a facilities improvement plan for Landy Field $0.030m; and
The cost for a feasibility study for the development of a Seniors Activity hub on the Bellarine $0.030m.
Incorporating estimated $5.165m for the Community and Economy Support package 3 in response to COVID-19.
Adopt the 2018-2022 Council Plan, Update 2020-2021;
Adopt the Rate Declaration noting the resetting of the rate in the dollar based on final revaluation for 2020;
Pursuant to section 171(4)(f) of the Act, resolve to treat any persons who has successfully applied for and been granted a pension waiver of rates as having made a continuing application for such waiver, unless the person advises otherwise;
Adopt the Rating Strategy 2020-2021 (Attachment 5);
Declare the amount of the rates and charges intended to be raised from the period of 1 July 2020 – 30 June 2021 as follows:
An amount of $250,458,167 be declared as the amount which Council intends to raise by General Rates and the Annual Service Charge, calculated as follows:
General Rates $208,587,967; and
Annual Service Charge $41,870,200.
Declare that rates, rating differential and charges for the period 1 July 2020 to 30 June 2021 confirm with Council’s Rating Strategy and will be applied as outlined in section 4.1 of the 2020-2021 Budget;
Note that general rates must be paid in full by 15 February 2021 or by four instalments made on or before the following dates:
Instalment 1 – 30 September 2020;
Instalment 2 – 30 November 2020;
Instalment 3 – 28 February 2021; and
Instalment 4 – 31 May 2021.
Require that any person pay interest on any amounts of rates and charges which:
That person is liable to pay;
Have not been paid by the dates specified above; and
Considers the Council COVID-19 Hardship Policy.
Authorise the Chief Financial Officer to levy and recover the general rates and service charges in accordance with the Local Government Act 1989 and under consideration of relevant Council policies;
Approve the fees and charges as set in the 2020-2021 Budget and authorise the Chief Executive Officer to approve variations within the approved increase limits;
Note that public notice will be given:
Of Council’s decision in respect to the 2018-2022 Council Plan, Update 2020-2021 and 2020-2021 Budget, in accordance with section 130(2) of the Local Government Act 1989 (the Act); and
Of the decision to adopt the Rate Declaration in accordance with section 161(3) of the Act.
Note that a copy of the adopted 2018-2022 Council Plan, Update 2020-2021 and 2020-2021 Budget will be submitted to the Minister for Local Government and copies made available for inspection by the public in accordance with sections 130(4) and 130(9) of the Act.
Carried.
The budget has been prepared in compliance with Rate Cap legislation and Ministerial announcement that the cap is 2.0% for 2020-2021. Changes in rates, fees and charges have been structured to meet the financial requirements as proposed for the 2020-2021 financial year.
Expenditure includes the continuation of council services to the community.
The budget includes a recurrent operating deficit of $19.4m.
The capital program forecasts expenditure of $160.1m in 2020-2021. This includes carryover project funding from 2019-20 for incomplete projects of $22.6m, $155.4m of new project funding with $18.0m forecast to carryover into 2021-22.
New loans of $66.9m are proposed for 2020-2021 including $7.3m deferred loans from 2019-20. The projected total amount of borrowings as at 30 June 2021 is $138.6m.
Following adoption of the proposed budget on 28 April 2020 a process of community engagement has been undertaken with a total of 66 submissions received. These submissions were considered at a hearing on 3 June 2020.
A number of actions were initiated in response to these submissions which will be outlined in formal responses provided to each submitter (refer Attachment 6).
In accordance with requirements under the Act, once the budget is adopted, a public notice will be placed in the newspaper on Wednesday, 1 July 2020, advising the adoption of the 2020-2021 Budget, Council Plan 2018-2022 Update 2020-2021, along with the Declaration of the Rates.
The proposed budget identifies the sources and allocation of resources to implement the many social initiatives that impact on the community.
The annual budget is prepared to comply with the requirements of the Local Government Act 1989 and the Local Government (Planning and Reporting) Regulations 2014. The process also recognises the need to align the annual budget to the direction and allocation of resources identified within the Council Plan 2018-2022.
This report identifies the activities the City will undertake in 2020-2021 which are aligned to achieving the priorities in Council Plan 2018-2022.
No council officer involved in the preparation of this report has a direct or indirect interest in any matter to which this report relates.
Under section 130 of the Act Council must adopt an annual budget by 30 June 2020 or such other date fixed by the Minister by notice published in the Government Gazette.
Under section 128 of the Act Council must prepare a revised budget if circumstances arise which cause a material change in the budget and which affects the financial operations and position of the Council. Council must give public notice for community engagement for any revised budget.
The budget has been developed in accordance with a timetable to ensure sufficient time to achieve 30 June adoption. This includes time for community consultation, meetings of the executive and council to prepare the 2018-2022 Council Plan, Update 2020-2021 and 2020-2021 Budget. The timetable provides a framework to manage risk in order for Council to meet its statutory obligations and avoid adverse implications if the process is delayed.
The budget identifies the sources and allocation of the resources to implement the many environmental initiatives that impact on the community as outlined with Council Plan 2018-2022.
Following consideration by Council of the Proposed Budget, an advertisement was placed in the Geelong Advertiser advising that the budget document would be available for public scrutiny and inviting written submissions to be made.
The Submissions Hearing Panel met on Wednesday,3 June 2020 at 5.30pm to consider written submissions and hear any person who wished to address the Panel in support of their submission.
In respect to the Council Plan the submissions panel recommended (Attachment 6) no change to the Council Plan 2018-2022, Update 2020-2021.
Source: |
Customer & Corporate Services - Program Integration and Development |
Director: |
Michael Dugina |
Portfolio: |
Finance |
To seek Council’s approval to open the 2020-2021 Grants.
On 14 April, Council suspended the 2020-2021 grants in response to the effect of the coronavirus pandemic and the State of Emergency declared in Victoria. The grants were due to open on 27 April and close on 24 May 2020 but considering the crisis Council agreed not to proceed with the planned application period.
The Council and the City have provided a range of relief opportunities to support the local community and businesses during the COVID-19 emergency.
The Federal and Victorian governments have both announced a range of social and economic measures providing significant economic support to assists vulnerable community and business sectors.
No change is required to existing grant categories, budgets, guidelines, eligibility or assessment process. The grants will support the recovery of community groups and continue to deliver on the strategic priorities of Council Plan.
The grant guidelines will include advice that proposed activities must comply with the latest advice from Commonwealth and State authorities in response to COVID-19. All successful applicants will be required to explain how they will comply with coronavirus restrictions in their funding agreement before any funds are released.
Community engagement will commence in July 2020. Community Infrastructure grants will open on Friday 17 July 2020 for 10-12 weeks and all other grants will open on Friday 17 July for 6-8 weeks.
COVID-19 has impacted the plans of community groups wanting to upgrade their facilities by delaying the opportunity to apply for funding. This impact can be mitigated by opening the 2021-22 Community Infrastructure grants early in 2021 so that these grants are processed and ready for implementation at the start of the new financial year.
To support community groups to respond to the effect of the pandemic on their activities, Council’s COVID-19 Community and Economic Support Package – Medium to Longer Term includes options for new grants which are:
a quick response grant for community groups offering a maximum of $2000 per applicant for relief and recovery; and
a quick response grant to support those working in the arts, culture and heritage sectors offering a maximum of $5000 for recovery.
The quick response grant uses a different assessment process to the one included in the Community Investment Support Fund Policy. It does not include assessment by an external panel and applicants are notified of outcomes within 3-6 weeks.
It is recommended the name of the Environment and Sustainability Grants is changed to Environmental Sustainability Grants. The name better reflects the strategic goals of the draft Environment Strategy to support biodiversity, climate change, waste, integrated water management and urban greening.
Councillor Aitken moved, Councillor Grzybek seconded -
That Council:
Approve the name change of the Environment and Sustainability Grants to Environmental Sustainability Grants;
Note that Community Infrastructure grants will open for applications no later than Friday 17 July for 10-12 weeks and recommendations for funding will be presented to Council for endorsement in February 2021;
Note that the Creative Communities, Environmental Sustainability, Community Events and Healthy Connected Communities grants will open for applications no later than Friday 17 July for 6-8 weeks and recommendations for funding will be presented to Council for endorsement in December 2020;
Subject to the approval of COVID-19 Community and Economic Support Package – Medium to Longer Term report included in this agenda:
Approve the guidelines, including approval process, for the Quick Response Community Grants in Attachment 2; and
Approve the guidelines, including approval process for the Arts, Culture and Heritage Recovery Grants in Attachment 3.
Recommend the 2021-22 Community Infrastructure grants open early in 2021 and request the Chief Executive Officer engage with the Council after the 2020 Council General Elections and bring a report on a revised timeline back to Council for approval; and
Authorise the Director of Customer and Corporate Services to make administrative changes to the guidelines.
Carried.
The grants budget of $3,933,000 is part of the Community Investment Support Fund which is included in the 2020-2021 City of Greater Geelong Proposed Budget.
The funding for new grants is reliant on approval of Council’s COVID-19 Community and Economic Support Package – Medium to Longer Term.
The 2020-2021 grants were suspended in response to the effect of COVID-19 on community groups including the uncertainty of what activities could proceed and the difficulties for the groups to organise themselves and complete applications in challenging circumstances.
The recommendation to reopen the grants as quickly as possible is informed by community feedback received by Councillors and Council officers.
The recommendation for a Quick Response Community Grant is a result of engagement with community groups during COVID-19 relief and recovery efforts by the City.
The City will promote the 2020-2021 grants on the Geelong Australia website, on social media, in the Community Update and community newsletters with the aim of reaching a diverse range of community groups. To comply with current pandemic restrictions, officers will conduct on-line information sessions to explain the purpose of the grants, eligibility and how to apply.
All grant applicants are strongly encouraged to contact a grants officer to discuss their application.
The grant guidelines prioritise community impact, access and participation.
The grants are administered in accordance with Council’s Community Investment and Support Fund Policy and there are no apparent legal ramifications or impacts in relation to the Human Rights Charter.
The timing and nature of the grants complies with the current advice from Commonwealth and State authorities in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
The grants aim to fund projects that assist in achieving goals and outcomes consistent with the strategic priorities of the Council Plan 2018-2022.
The grants deliver on the 2019-20 aim of Informed Social Infrastructure and Planning to implement a new approach for the Community Investment and Support Fund.
No Council officers or contractors who have provided advice in relation to this report have declared a conflict of interest regarding the matter under consideration.
To avoid the risk of groups submitting unsuitable applications, grant guidelines will include advice that proposed activities must comply with the latest advice from Commonwealth and State authorities in response to COVID-19.
To avoid the risk of the City funding inappropriate activities, all successful applicants will be required to explain how they will comply with COVID-19 restrictions in their funding agreement before any funds are released.
The grants support projects that enhance the natural environment and drive sustainability actions across the Geelong Region.
One of the assessment criteria for all grants is environmental impact.
Source: |
Community Life - Social Planning and Investment |
Director: |
Robyn Stevens |
Portfolio: |
Sport and Recreation |
To endorse the submission of projects to the 2020 Sport and Recreation Victoria (SRV) Community Sport Stimulus Infrastructure Program.
On 1 June 2020 the Victorian Government announced a funding round of $68 million via SRV for the delivery of sport and recreation related projects. The fund is open to all 79 Victorian municipalities. Three applications per council can be made, requesting up to $10 million for each application.
The timing on submission to the program was very tight with submissions being made on Friday 19 June 2020.
To expedite the process, officers worked with Council’s Sport and Recreation Portfolio Chair and Deputy Chair, along with the Deputy Mayor to arrive at a list of projects that best fit the SRV program criteria.
There are a number of criteria that need to be met including:
the need to be shovel ready within six months;
at the time of us making the application being able to have concept / schematic plans; and
verifiable costings and the projects should have undertaken some form of community consultation.
The SRV Sport Stimulus Infrastructure program is a Victorian Government initiative aimed at supporting local community sporting infrastructure initiatives and local employment.
As a result of the consultation internally with councillors, a range of projects were submitted under three themes being:
Pavilions and Female Friendly Facilities;
Sports Lighting; and
Play Spaces.
The process of assessment by SRV has commenced and is due to be completed in early July with announcements in late July or August.
The SRV funding program criteria states that submissions endorsed by Council will be provided with higher priority.
Council endorsement of the projects submitted will add weight to the applications during the final stages of the SRV assessment and decision-making process.
Councillor Nelson moved, Councillor Kontelj seconded -
That Council:
Endorse the submission of the following projects to the Sport and Recreation Victoria (SRV), Community Sport Stimulus Infrastructure Program:
Pavilion and Female Friendly Facilities, totalling $9.8 million at:
Leopold Tennis pavilion;
Ocean Grove Golf Clubhouse;
Shell Reserve, Corio;
Anakie Football and Netball Club; and
Wallington Reserve.
Sports Lighting, totalling $2.5 million at:
St Albans Recreation Reserve;
Osborne Park;
Evans Reserve;
St Leonards Reserve;
Grinter Reserve;
Winter Reserve; and
Burdoo reserve.
Play Spaces, totalling $3.66 million at:
St Helens Park;
Waurn Ponds Skate Park;
Aldershot Reserve; and
St Leonards Skate Park.
Notes the commitment to co-contribute 10% to the cost of any successful project from within the 2020-2021 budget.
Carried.
Should all projects be successful the total contribution required of council is estimated at $1.59 million that would generate up to $15.9 million worth of investment into local sporting facilities and the local economy.
The 10 per cent ($1.59 million) contribution by Council is a requirement of the funding. There is $580,000 allocated in the 2020-2021 budget toward the delivery of some of the projects outlined in this report.
Any additional funds over and above current budget commitments are expected to be managed within the total capital works budget during the 2020/21.
The projects submitted have been subject to a level of community engagement that has include recent consultation with the clubs during the development of the project proposals, with many having also been the subject of either project specific community engagement or as part of the consultation recently undertaken for council’s Draft Social Infrastructure Plan 2020.
The themes of Pavilions and Female Friendly Facilities, Sports Lighting and Play Spaces have been deliberately identified in several areas of relative disadvantage and/or to build the capacity of facilities to cater for participation of young people and women in sport.
Any project which is successful, Council would be required to enter into a funding agreement with the Victorian Government by August 2020.
The projects in this report align closely with the broad principles adopted in the recently released Draft 2020 Social Infrastructure Plan that guides council’s investment in social infrastructure and is consistent with the Council Plan 2018-2022 strategic objective for ‘Informed Social Infrastructure Planning’.
There is no known conflict of interest with any City officer involved in the preparation of this report or the applications to SRV.
The project delivery timelines are tight and depending on the number and range of projects that are successful, may require some additional project management resources to oversee delivery in accordance with the funding guidelines.
All projects will be delivered consistent with Council stated environmental policy objectives.
Source: |
Economy, Investment & Attraction - Central Geelong & Waterfront |
Director: |
Brett Luxford |
Portfolio: |
Central and Civic Geelong |
To outline options to enable vehicle access to Little Malop Street and Shorts Place from Moorabool Street to support the installation of bollards to temporarily close Little Malop Street.
At its meeting on 10 March 2020, Council resolved to:
Endorse the amended proposal to provide vehicle access restrictions in Little Malop Street (between Dennys Place and Moorabool Street);
Refer the project to the 2020-2021 budget for consideration; and
Request the Chief Executive Officer to provide a report that details options to allow service and tenant access to Little Malop Street and Shorts Place from Moorabool Street. This should also include the consideration to permanently close off
Little Malop Street to vehicles between Shorts Place and Dennys Place. The report should be presented by 30 June 2020.
Access options have been considered and are contained in the report ‘Restricting Vehicles in Little Malop, Alternative Access Options report, June 2020’ (Attachment 2). The report and its findings have been informed by external traffic engineering consultants and key internal stakeholders ‘Traffic Engineering Review – Little Malop Street Traffic Analysis Review of Access to Moorabool Street’ (Attachment 3).
The proposal endorsed by Council on 10 March 2020 sought to provide an acceptable balance between the different users of the space and deliver an outcome with a net community benefit.
Alternative options are provided, however, these may result in negative impacts to public safety and loss of pedestrian area and benefit on a few businesses. The estimated costs to remove and reconfigure road and footpath assets and amenity are also significant.
The implementation of the alternative options (as outlined in the Attachments) would incur an additional estimated cost of $412,500.00 (Option 1) or $131,000.00 (Option 2) to Council. It should however, be noted that Option 2 has not made any allowance for signalling upgrades and the independent traffic engineers have highlighted that in their opinion Option 2 is ‘unworkable’.
It must be noted that approval would be required from the Victorian Government Department of Transport for any of the options to proceed.
The proposal that was endorsed by Council involves the installation of two automated rising bollards in Little Malop Street (on the eastern side of the entrance to Dennys Place). The bollards will then be programmed to rise, restricting vehicle access between 10:00am and 4:00am the following morning.
Councillor Kontelj moved, Councillor Murrihy seconded -
That Council:
Note the findings of the Restricting Vehicles in Little Malop Street – 9.1 Alternative Access Options Report (June 2020);
Undertake further consultation with key stakeholders and the community regarding the provision of vehicle access from Moorabool Street to Little Malop Street (between Moorabool Street and Shorts Place) to determine if a balance can be struck between the competing priorities including access, sense of place and pedestrian safety; and
Receive a further report on the outcomes of the engagement and work undertaken at the 22 September 2020 Council meeting.
Carried.
A budget bid has been provided for the endorsed proposal with $80,000 requested in the 2020/21 financial year.
Additional costs associated with implementing the alternative options requested are estimated to be $412,500.00 (Option 1) or $131,000.00 (Option 2).
A budget bid for the additional costs associated with the implementation of the alternative options has not been prepared.
Engagement with the community has taken place and informed the endorsed proposal. There has been no engagement with the community in relation to the options considered in this report.
Should Council request that alternative access options be pursued, it is recommended that further community engagement take place prior to implementation.
Any further engagement should not be limited to business owners and developers and should include consultation with the broader community who also utilise the public space.
The endorsed proposal considered access for people with limited mobility.
One of the alternative access options presented in the report makes note that it would result in more constrained pedestrian access, including for people with limited mobility.
Approval from the Department of Transport is required prior to the implementation of any vehicle access restrictions, including any alternative options.
Implementation of the vehicle access restrictions will impact some owners and occupiers of properties located within the affected area. The endorsed proposal has sought to minimise these impacts, as much as practicable, and without compromising the benefits to the broader community.
The endorsed proposal aligns with the strategic priorities outlined in the Council Plan 2018-2022 with regard to ‘A Thriving and Sustainable Economy’. Vehicle access restrictions in the Laneways Precinct will support the continued economic growth and revitalisation of Central Geelong by providing more street space for commercial activities.
The alternative access options would conflict with the outcomes of the Laneways Action Plan endorsed by Council in 2018, a project delivered in partnership between Council and the State Government through the Revitalising Central Geelong Partnership
The alternative access options presented in the report may compromise events and activations that currently use the space in Little Malop Street, between Shorts Place and Moorabool Street for small events, activations and cultural initiatives. Prioritising the function of this space as a vehicle accessway over these activities would not align with the strategic priorities ‘Growing our Tourism and Events’, and ‘Vibrant Arts and Culture’.
The alternative access options presented in the report may also negatively impact Central Geelong’s public and active transport network, and fail to provide better pedestrian connections.
No officers involved in the preparation of this report have a direct or indirect interest in matters to which it relates.
It is considered that the alternative access options outlined in this report increase the risks to pedestrian safety from increased and convoluted vehicular traffic in a highly pedestrianised area. Should alternative options be further considered, these risks will be further assessed.
The incremental changes in the original endorsed proposal will provide environmental benefits to the area associated with less vehicle congestion, less pollution, and lower noise levels associated with a reduction in vehicles.
Source: |
City Services - Infrastructure Planning |
Director: |
Guy Wilson-Browne |
Portfolio: |
Parks, Gardens and City Services |
For Council to adopt the Stormwater Services Strategy 2020-2030.
The City of Greater Geelong Stormwater Services Strategy 2020–30 establishes a 10-year program focused on improving long term management of floods, protecting the environment from stormwater pollution, and increasing stormwater reuse through integrated water management.
The draft Strategy was endorsed by Council on 10 December 2019 for community and stakeholder engagement, and between 20 December 2019 and 20 March 2020 valuable feedback was gained on their understanding and expectations of stormwater management through a range of information sessions and online engagement.
The Strategy provides a clear pathway for managing stormwater into the future and supports the community’s clever and creative vision by leading the adaptation and integration of the City’s stormwater services to support the municipality’s growth, health and liveability.
15 service objectives including targets and measures will guide the delivery of services through to 2030 to achieve the 4 strategic goals of:
Foster healthy and resilient communities;
Support innovative and sustainable growth;
Enhance the natural and built environments; and
Create positive community experiences.
The Strategy recommends improvement actions, prioritised by comparing service performance with the service objectives aiming to reach a basic level of service across all catchments in the coming 10 years, or putting in place plans to achieve this level of service where a more significant investment is required.
The Strategy identifies 4 flagship projects which bridge the gap in stormwater services across multiple service objectives:
Northern Geelong Green Corridor Project;
Waterproofing Urban Geelong Project;
Lake Connewarre Protection Project; and
Bellarine Sustainable Water Project.
During the engagement period the City received feedback highly supportive of the Strategy and its approach to the delivery of improved stormwater services.
Communities have been placed at the centre of the strategy with each catchment management unit set to have its own local strategy developed in the coming 10 years, giving these communities a clearer and more meaningful understanding of the levels of service delivered by the City and the management practices in place.
Councillor Mason moved, Councillor Kontelj seconded -
That Council adopt the Stormwater Services Strategy 2020-2030 (Attachment 2) and support its implementation.
Carried.
Funding required to implement the actions of the Stormwater Services Strategy 2020-2030 will be considered in the annual planning and budget cycles. Income from rates and charges underpin the delivery of basic levels of stormwater service.
Acceleration of service improvements, flagship projects, and other more ambitious initiatives will likely require funding via special charges, development contributions, government grants, partnerships or from other external sources.
The Strategy identified an opportunity to explore alternative funding arrangements such as the user pays practice adopted in the USA which is linked to each property’s discharge of stormwater volume and quality creating an incentive for landowners to partner with water authorities and more actively manage stormwater run-off.
Further work into the scope and funding models for the flagship projects will be developed in partnerships with key stakeholders, including a well-justified business case to support applications for state and federal funding.
The Strategy aims to start more proactive conversations about why stormwater services are important, and how the community can benefit when services are considered holistically. Implementation of the Strategy will include more engagement with the community on stormwater matters, informing service outcomes.
The draft Strategy was informed throughout 2019 with engagement of key stakeholders including the City’s internal departments (i.e. Planning, Engineering, Environment), multiple arms of Government (i.e. Environment Protection Authority, Corangamite Catchment Management Authority, Barwon Water, Department of Environment Land Water and Planning, neighbouring Councils) and representatives from the private sector and industry associations.
The draft Strategy was endorsed by Council on 10 December 2019 for community and stakeholder engagement, and between 20 December 2019 and 20 March 2020 valuable feedback was gained on their understanding and expectations on stormwater management through a range of information sessions and online engagement such as:
Four community engagement sessions at various locations (Central Geelong, Belmont, Norlane and Leopold);
Social media reached over 6,700 people relating to the community engagement sessions, online tools and promoted the City’s stormwater services; and
Five key stakeholder briefings (Barwon Water, Corangamite Catchment Management Authority, Wadawurrung Aboriginal Community, Victorian Planning Authority and the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning).
Key stakeholders considered that the Strategy articulates a clear framework for future delivery of stormwater services, establishes clear mechanisms for improved Integrated Water Management outcomes and supports an active approach to enabling Geelong’s future growth.
Important community feedback was received from 89 submissions (38 online surveys, 48 map-based comments, and 3 written submissions) during the feedback period. This feedback will help shape the City’s ongoing engagement in the years to come. From the community feedback received:
76% consider the objectives to be very important;
68% were not satisfied with the stormwater service their community currently receives;
73% were not comfortable that stormwater service improvements within their community may take over 10 years under current funding levels;
64% agree that stormwater infrastructure should be funded to some degree by those who benefit (i.e. property owners); and
50% of the recorded issues received relate to stormwater flooding (either over road, within property or community spaces).
Ongoing community engagement is planned as part of the implementation of the Strategy, which will see the development of Catchment Management Strategies and delivery of priority actions.
The delivery of actions under the Stormwater Services Strategy 2020-2030 enables all land owners, residents and community members to understand and engage on stormwater services delivered by the City, enable communities to better prepare for, and recover from, damaging stormwater events, and establish funding streams which are transparent and equitable.
The Stormwater Services Strategy 2020–30 has strong connections to various strategic work, most notably the:
Draft Sustainability Framework, in guiding water resilient communities to reduce their impact on the environment and implementing sustainable solutions;
Environment Strategy, to establish sustainable water strategies that can account for changing rainfall patterns, cool urban landscapes through increasing urban greening and integrating water within our environment and minimise damage to landscapes and waterways by protecting and enhancing biodiversity; and
Settlement Strategy, to plan stormwater systems that can meet the demands of new and existing residents.
Recent changes to the Victorian Local Government Act focus on improved democracy, accountability and service delivery in local government. To comply with the Act, Councils will be required to undertake deliberative community engagement processes to enable communities to better inform strategic directions and spending priorities. The importance of community engagement has been included in the Strategy.
Stormwater management requirements are spread across various legislative documents, such as the Local Government Act, Water Act and Planning & Environment Act.
As stormwater passes through the control of multiple parties – including land owners, Councils and other authorities – it is currently difficult to define and control the rights and responsibilities of each party under the various pieces of legislation. The Strategy outlines how working with our partner organisations to clarify individual roles and development of more inclusive decision-making frameworks can account for competing objectives.
The Council Plan 2018-2022 has several strategic priorities that are supported by the Stormwater Service Strategy 2020-2030, in particular:
Planned sustainable development;
Effective environmental management; and
Organisational leadership, strategy and governance.
No Council officers or contractors who have provided advice in relation to this report have declared a conflict of interest regarding the matter under consideration.
The delivery of actions under the Stormwater Services Strategy 2020-2030 will enable the City to support a range of services (not just stormwater) which contributes to growth, health and liveability. These actions respond to:
Growth and urban change – as urban environments become more intensely developed, total roof area increases, and so too does stormwater runoff. This rate of population growth will therefore have consequences for stormwater systems;
Climate change – higher intensity storm events, more extreme and frequent heat waves and increased coastal erosion and inundation will challenge existing assumptions about the level of service expected from stormwater systems;
Ageing assets – drainage assets are prone to collapsing and becoming blocked, with some assets date back to the 1800s. These assets cannot always meet modern service demands, with renewal programs needing to find cost efficiency to reduce the risk of critical assets failures; and
Constrained funding – service delivery can be significantly impacted by any shortfall in funding to renew, maintain and operate stormwater systems. In addition to funding from rates and charges, income will need to be sourced from government grants, development contributions, and special charges for new and upgrade aspects of these services to be delivered.
Holistic management of stormwater involves a range of stakeholders and government agencies. Key actions include establishing partnership between the Greater Geelong water managers, including Barwon Water and Corangamite Catchment Management Authority, along with advocacy for legislative changes that enhance the City’s stormwater practices.
There has been a transformative change in global stormwater management practice over the last 20 years as cities have become more water sensitive. At the same time, there is a growing expectation for urban landscapes to be leafy, green and include well-connected spaces. The Stormwater Services Strategy 2020-2030 outlines and encourages the opportunity to make better use of stormwater to:
create greener, healthier landscapes;
reduce demand on drinking water supplies; and
improve the health of waterways.
Source: |
Economy, Investment & Attraction - Central Geelong & Waterfront |
Director: |
Guy Wilson-Browne |
Portfolio: |
Environment |
To seek council endorsement to release the Draft Rabbit Control Plan 2020-2024 (Attachment 2) for community engagement.
Rabbits are Australia’s most serious herbivore vertebrate pest. Rabbits degrade ecosystem quality and resilience by selectively grazing, undermining and preventing regeneration of native vegetation. Rabbits also aggressively compete with livestock for pasture, reduce crop yields, promote the spread of invasive weeds and sustain other vertebrate pests, such as foxes and feral cats.
The Catchment and Land Protection Act (1994) requires all landowners/land managers to take reasonable steps to prevent the spread of rabbits and, as far as possible, eradicate them.
The City receives many queries from the community about rabbits and how they are being controlled. Pest control is a complex issue and there are often varied and conflicting community views on what actions the City should take to control rabbits.
The Draft Rabbit Control Plan 2020-2024 outlines how the City will control rabbits on City-managed land, while supporting the broader community to reduce rabbit impacts more broadly.
The City has developed the Plan giving consideration to:
Pest animal legislation and our responsibilities as a land manager;
Industry best-practice information and advice sourced from experts including the Victorian Rabbit Action Network and the Centre for Invasive Species Solutions and Agriculture Victoria;
The views of Landcare groups, the City’s Rural Peri-Urban Advisory Committee and the stakeholders who participated in our pre-Draft community engagement process; and
Our role in supporting the rural community to address land management issues.
The Draft Rabbit Control Plan 2020-2024 describes the impacts that rabbits are having in the Greater Geelong region, identifies rabbit prone locations, priority areas for control, outlines our rabbit control commitments and our vision, goals and actions for the next five years. It also sets out a methodology for effective rabbit control and collaboration with stakeholders and the community that we hope will successfully reduce rabbit impacts.
The Rural and Peri Urban Advisory Committee endorsed the Draft Rabbit Control Plan at its meeting on the 5 June 2020.
The final Rabbit Control Plan 2020-2024 will be implemented via an integrated rabbit control program. These programs achieve long-term pest control using a variety of control techniques (such as ripping, fumigation, baiting, implosion and harbour removal) at the right time, to the right standards. The plan has an integrated management focus to ensure the City can have long-term success controlling rabbits on City-managed reserves and roadsides.
Councillor Mason moved, Councillor Aitken seconded -
That Council endorse the release of the Draft Rabbit Control Plan 2020-2024 for community engagement in July and August 2020 (8 weeks).
Carried.
The development and implementation of the Rabbit Control Plan 2020-2024 will be funded from the City’s existing reserve management budget. It is anticipated that the Plan will also assist the City in its applications for external funding opportunities. The City has increased annual rabbit control expenditure from $48,000 in 2018/19 to $165,000 in the 2019/20 financial year.
The City undertook extensive community consultation to help develop the Draft Rabbit Control Plan 2020-2024. A total of 580 specific comments were received across all consultation processes.
The consultation occurred in two phases:
Phase one was conducted in December 2018 and January 2019. Comments were received from 16 participants via a community workshop and a community feedback form. The feedback form was distributed in partnership with the Bellarine Catchment Network and the Geelong Landcare Network; and
Phase two occurred from August to October 2019. Comments were received from 90 participants via three workshops and a survey. Three open-house style community workshops (Leopold, Lara and Geelong) where held and 72 responses were received via the online survey on our ‘Have Your Say’ web page. A printed copy of the survey was also available on request. The views of the Rural Peri-Urban Advisory Committee were also sought.
The implementation of the Rabbit Control Plan 2020-2024 will encourage and support connections between and within communities in relation to rabbit control and environmental restoration projects.
The Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994 requires all landowners/land managers to take reasonable steps to prevent the spread of rabbits and, as far as possible, eradicate them.
Rabbits are a “key threatening process” to protected native flora, fauna and vegetation communities under the Federal Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 and the Victorian Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988.
Other relevant legislation and policies are listed on page 10 of the Draft Rabbit Control Plan 2020-2024.
The Draft Rabbit Control Plan 2020-2024 is aligned with the following sections of the Council Plan 2018-2020:
Effective Environmental Management – Key priority: Managing pest plants and animals more effectively;
Planned Sustainable Development - Key priorities: Delivering biodiversity conservation programs and Preserving nature reserves, rural and coastal environments; and
Organisational Leadership, Strategy and Governance – Key priorities: Communicating and engaging with the community more effectively, in areas of need and Using Data and analytics to make better decisions.
There are no direct or indirect conflict of interest issues associated with officers and the development of the Draft Rabbit Control Plan 2020-2024.
There are a range of risks associated with undertaking rabbit control. These include occupational health and safety risks in relation to working with chemicals and machinery, as well as risks to public safety, wildlife, cultural heritage, native vegetation, soils and the City’s reputation. Controls must be put in place that effectively mitigate these risks prior to works commencing at a site.
The Draft Rabbit Control Plan 2020-2024 states that for all rabbit control activities, we will identify processes and control measures before we start work. Our goal is to be a leader when it comes to managing safety and risk. Risks will be addressed by applying a variety of management tools including: risk assessments, site hazard identifications, risk registers, risk management plans and hazard maps, safe work method statements, safe operating procedures and contractor safety checklists.
The implementation of the Rabbit Control Plan 2020-2024 will reduce rabbit numbers across the municipality which will help to protect and enhance our regions environment and amenity.
As per Council Meeting Procedures Local Law 2017 (3.31.2) a meeting may not continue after 10pm unless a majority of members present vote in favour of its continuance.
Councillor Grzybek moved, Councillor Mason seconded –
That the meeting continue to proceed as per Council Meeting Procedures Local Law 2017 (3.31.2).
Carried.
Source: |
People & Culture |
Director: |
Kaarina Phyland |
Portfolio: |
Leadership and Governance |
To provide an update on the proposed changes to the CEO Employment Matters Policy (Attachment 2).
The current CEO Employment Matters Policy was developed on 28 November 2017 and is due to expire on 28 November 2020.
the CEO appointment and performance assessment; and
the revised requirements in appointing a new member -
in accordance with the requirements of the Local Government Act 1989 (the Act).
This policy sets the framework for the appointment of the CEO under section 94 of the Act, determining the CEO’s performance and development plan, assessing the CEO’s performance against that plan at least once per year and determining the remuneration of the CEO.
The policy sets the conditions for the establishment of a committee to be formed in accordance with the Act for the purposes of the CEO’s appointment and ongoing performance and development plan and assessment.
The policy has a review date of 31 December 2021. This has been set to align with the implementation of the new Local Government Act 2020 and the associated changes to the CEO recruitment and performance matters.
The concept of an interview panel has been introduced to replace the sub-committee and is to be made up of the following from the Committee: Mayor (or Deputy in the Mayor’s absence), one Councillor appointed by the Committee, the independent member and the Recruitment Consultant. This provides greater clarity as to who will be responsible for conducting the interviews which wasn’t previously covered.
Councillor Asher moved, Councillor Grzybek seconded -
That Council approve and adopt the amended CEO Employment Matters Policy (Attachment 2).
Carried.
The independent member will be paid a sitting fee of $500 per meeting. There will be 4 meetings per year. The independent member will also be entitled to any additional expenses including travel costs and extra meetings as required. People and Culture will be responsible for these costs.
The appointment of the CEO is a matter for Council and is not subject to community consultation.
Best practice recruitment processes have been incorporated into the policy to support equitable and fair recruitment of the City’s CEO.
The policy supports the requirements of the Act and will be reviewed prior to 31 December 2021 to ensure it meets the changes and requirements in the 2020 Act.
The Policy aligns with Organisational Leadership, Strategy and Governance and contributes to strengthening our governance frameworks in accordance with the Council Plan 2018-2022.
No officer involved in the preparation of this report have a direct or indirect interest in matters to which this report relates.
The integrity of the processes associated with the employment of the CEO and compliance with legislative provisions of the Local Government Act 1989 are supported by the terms of this policy.
There are no known environmental implications associated with this report.
Source: |
Customer & Corporate Services – Property, Procurement & Assets |
Director: |
Michael Dugina |
Portfolio: |
Finance |
To seek Council approval to adopt the updated Procurement Policy following the annual review.
The Local Government Act (Vic) 1989 (Act) was amended in 2008 requiring the City to develop, approve and annually review its Procurement Policy.
The review of the policy is in line with the Council’s obligations under the Act.
The Procurement Policy provides a framework for the purchase of goods, works, and services that emphasises value-for-money while conducting business in a fair and equitable manner. The purpose of the policy is to:
Provide guidance, consistency, and controls over procurement activities;
Demonstrate accountability to rate payers;
Provide guidance on ethical behaviour in public sector purchasing;
Demonstrate best practice elements in purchasing; and
Increase probity of obtaining the right outcome when purchasing goods, works, and services.
This revision has been based on feedback received from internal and external stakeholders, as well as current trends in the field. A summary of changes to the policy are located on Attachment 2 and the updated Procurement Policy is at Attachment 3.
The changes to the Policy are designed to continue the City’s focus on social and sustainable procurement outcomes. Key elements and outcomes of the Procurement Policy are detailed in Attachment 1.
Through procurement strategies, over the twelve-month period for calendar year 2019 59.76% of the total Council procurement spend was made with businesses in the Geelong region (or $139,850,145).
Any other major changes to the Policy will occur next review period in preparation for the Local Government Act 2020 changes commencing 1 July 2021.
Councillor Aitken moved, Councillor Kontelj seconded -
That Council adopt the updated Procurement Policy.
Carried.
The City expends in the order of $200 million annually on procuring goods, works and services. Our commitment to local spend, job creation and value for money continues with these policy amendments.
The City is committed to buying from local businesses on a value-for-money basis and supports the engagement of local suppliers, sub-contractors, and apprentices. The City continues to improve its local spend commitments through the application of relevant criteria being applied to tenders and quotations through social and sustainability outcomes, engagement of apprentices and trainees, engagement with local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander enterprises and persons, and the ongoing commitment with the GROW initiative.
The criteria for local content and engagement is applied at 10% of the total weighted score for all procurement activity, and 5% applied to the other criteria that is applied when applicable based on the category of goods, services or works being procured.
There are no community engagement implications associated with updates to this policy, however, once approved the updated policy will be published and communicated via the Geelong Australia website.
The policy articulates the City’s ongoing commitment to the principles of social equity in procurement and strengthened through our partnership with G21’s Region Opportunities for Work Compact (GROW). The City of Greater Geelong has been a signatory to the G21 GROW Compact since November 2015 and continues to be an active supporter of the program.
The City recently partnered with GROW in developing a Lighthouse Project in relation to the City's Civic Accommodation Office Building and Precinct Project, where the tenderers and their consortiums are being encouraged to engage with GROW and become signatories. Tenderers who take the opportunity to become GROW signatories will create employment opportunities for GROW target job seekers, which will have positive social outcomes for local people.
The Policy also encourages any social procurement initiatives put forward by a supplier and lists a number that the City supports through our strategies and policies.
Review of the policy is in accordance with Section 186 of the Act.
The policy has been reviewed and updated to align with our 30-year vision, Greater Geelong Clever and Creative and the community aspirations.
No officer involved in the preparation of this report have a direct or indirect interest in matters to which this report relates.
The policy accords with the Enterprise Risk Management Framework and applies risk management strategies at all stages of the procurement process.
The policy states that sustained value must be demonstrated, where applicable in the City’s procurement, including the built and natural environment.
Compliance paragraph inserted into the Introduction of the Procurement Policy as recommended by Audit review.
5.2 Supply by Contract
An amendment to clause 5.2 to refer to Contract Templates and types (approved) used by the City for contracts.
5.3 Supply by Purchase Order
Added clause 5.3 in reference to Supply by Purchase (PO) order, in that as part of the quotation process a PO must be raised and issued prior to goods, services or works being provided by the supplier.
5.4 OH&S and Other Mandatory Requirements
An amendment to clause 5.4 referencing that supplier/service providers and contractors must provide their OH&S evidence prior to commencing the provision of goods, services or works to the City.
6.2 Small Business Charter
Add paragraph to clause 6.2 in relation to the City signing up to the small business charter and the commitment made in relation to this proposition.
Source: |
Community Life - Social Planning & Investment |
Director: |
Robyn Stevens |
Portfolio: |
Planning |
Councillor Nelson moved, Councillor Sullivan seconded -
That in accordance with Section 89 (2) (e) of the Local Government Act 1989, this proposed development matter be considered at the conclusion of all other business at which time the meeting be closed to members of the public.
Carried.
Source: |
Governance, Strategy & Performance |
Director: |
Rebecca Leonard |
Portfolio: |
Leadership and Governance |
Councillor Aitken moved, Councillor Sullivan seconded -
That in accordance with Section 89 (2) (h) of the Local Government Act 1989, this matter which the Council considers would prejudice the Council or any person, be considered at the conclusion of all other business at which time the meeting be closed to members of the public.
Carried.
Contents | Previous Page: Section A - Procedural Matters | Next Page: Section C - Notice of Motion
