Council Minutes - Section B: Reports - 21 September 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 virtually by Zoom and broadcast on the City's website.
Restricting Vehicles in Little Malop – Alternative Access Options
Geelong Central Business District Engagement Taskforce – Findings Report
Northern ARC Project Update – Funding to Progress to Shovel Ready Status and Naming (Confidential)
Revocation of Flood Prone Area Designation of New Lots at Anchoridge Estate Stages 4 – 6
Contractual Matter (Confidential)
Contractual Matter (Confidential)
Contractual Matter (Confidential)
Audit and Risk Summary Report (Confidential)
Source: |
Chief Executive’s Office |
Chief Executive Officer: |
Martin Cutter |
Portfolio: |
Economic Development |
To seek Council approval of a further 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. 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.
The Council endorsed support packages on 24 March, 14 April, 28 April and 30 June 2020, along with further parking initiatives on 25 August 2020, at an estimated value of over $12.8 million, to assist business, community groups and residents. Previous Council endorsed initiatives are summarised in Attachment 3.
The Council endorsed support packages are in addition to the many services the City provides as part of its relief and recovery responsibilities to support the community, including the most vulnerable, in response to such emergencies.
The re-introduction of restrictions by the Victorian Government in recent months, to limit the spread of COVID-19, has further compounded impacts on the community and businesses.
The Council and the City have considered a range of further relief opportunities as the ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic are felt by the community and business.
The measures being recommended are targeted at providing further relief to community and business as ongoing restrictions impact on recovery.
The initiatives are informed by feedback from community and businesses, reviewing existing initiatives, consideration of Victorian and Federal Government support measures and the Council’s financial sustainability. The value of this proposed package is $4.177 million, bringing the City’s total direct financial support in response to COVID-19 to over $16.9 million.
The funding initiatives are detailed in Attachment 2. The key aspects of the package include support for businesses into 2021 with fee waivers, support for outdoor dining and street activation, grants to support businesses to recover and investment in planning to support jobs growth. For community and sporting groups an extension to the rent waiver provides them greater certainty in terms of costs as they plan for the next 6 months, and further grant opportunities.
The Victorian Government has made recent announcements on an Outdoor Eating and Entertainment Package. The package includes grants to support hospitality businesses to open up alfresco dining opportunities, and grants for councils, with up to $500,000 available for regional cities, to help implement swift and streamlined permit, enforcement and monitoring processes to support expanded outdoor dining. The money can also be passed on to businesses in the form of reducing or waiving permit fees or invested in infrastructure such as streetscaping and lighting. As the details of this support becomes clearer there is a need for flexibility to ensure that support provide by Council is responsive and adds value for local businesses and complimentary to the Victorian Government funding support.
The City has been successful in securing over $7.9 million through the Working for Victoria Fund to provide employment opportunities to the equivalent of 197 full time equivalent 6-month positions. Projects to be delivered through this fund include a community active travel app, neighbourhood retail surveys, sanitisation program for key public areas, tree maintenance support and a network of welfare contact officers.
Councillor Sullivan moved, Councillor Aitken seconded –
That Council:
Recognise the continued significant impact the COVID-19 pandemic is having on the local community and economy;
Endorse the following community support initiatives:
Extend the waiver of rent for community and sporting groups within City owned land/grounds and buildings until 31 March 2021 with an estimated value of $415,000;
$30,000 towards Gender COVID-19 Impact Analysis;
$110,000 for Lara Aquatic Centre Early Season Opening for October;
Developing Community Garden Guidelines and $20,000 towards establishing community gardens; and
$25,000 to enhance digital access for the community.
Note and support the City’s decision to provide a Round 2 for the COVID-19 Quick Response Community Grants;
Endorse the following business recovery initiatives:
Food registration fee waiver for 2021 with an estimated value of $1.32 million;
Health premise fee waiver for 2021 with an estimated value of $250,000;
A Frame fee waiver for 2021 with an estimated value of $88,000;
Alfresco fee waiver for 2021 with an estimated value of $39,000, noting the potential for Victorian Government support to fund this initiative;
$10,000 for short term parking for businesses;
$30,000 towards key town centre activation surveys;
$885,000 Planning for Jobs initiatives to support small business through fast track planning processes and business concierge support, waive planning permit fees for small business applications and bring forward strategic planning employment projects;
Endorse $155,000 additional funding towards the COVID-19 Arts, Culture and Heritage Recovery Grants; and
Endorse $100,000 towards recovery marketing and communications;
Note the recent State Government announcements to provide support for outdoor dining and entertainment, including grants to support hospitality businesses and grants for regional city councils;
Endorse up to $200,000 for outdoor dining and activation initiatives and up to $500,000 towards Business Recovery Grants, to be funded having regard to State Government initiatives;
Authorise the Chief Executive Officer to allocate funding for Outdoor Dining and Activation and Business Recovery Grants up to the values noted in 13.6 and to approve Outdoor Dining and Activation initiatives and Business Recovery Grant Guidelines, including the approval process;
Note and support the City’s decision to provide ongoing targeted commercial rent relief under officer delegation beyond 30 November 2020;
Note and support the City’s decision to provide an extension to the interest waiver for the Hardship Policy to 30 June 2021 for ratepayers that are on active payment arrangements with the City;
Note the funding support provided by the Victorian Government through the Working for Victoria Fund to provide employment opportunities through locally delivered initiatives.
Carried.
The value of this proposed package is $4.177 million, excluding commercial rent relief and forgone interest from the interest waiver for the Hardship Policy.
The total value of financial support provided to the community and business to date is over $12.8 million, bringing the total support value to over $16.9 million.
The 2020-21 Adopted Budget had a recurrent deficit of $24.6m. If Council were to endorse the proposed support package this would raise the 2020-21 deficit to $28.8m.
This support package is informed by ongoing feedback from the community and business in relation to impacts of the pandemic.
COVID-19 impacts all 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.
In addition to the initiatives included in support packages the City is developing and delivering a range of community support measures. These include virtual learning programs, measures addressing social isolation for older people, support program service mapping, distribution of Hygiene Packs to vulnerable community members and support to local agencies and volunteers.
The COVID-19 gender impact analysis will enable evidence-based initiatives to be rolled out to support inclusive equitable recovery of women and gender non-binary people in the region.
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 a thriving and sustainable economy 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 providing certainty for the community and business.
There are no environmental implications as a result of this report.
Community Groups Rent Waive – $415,000
The current provision of this support measure provides for rent and fee relief until 30 September 2020 for community and sporting groups towards maintenance of grounds and facilities.
This support will provide more certainty for sporting groups and associations for the upcoming summer season as they work to plan for the impacts of COVID-19 on their sport and revenue.
Gender COVID-19 Impact Analysis – $30,000
This initiative provides for an assessment of the impacts of COVID-19 on women in the municipality that will assist in shaping programs and ideas for significant recovery responses.
The analysis will enable a clear, transparent local picture of the impacts of the pandemic on women in the Greater Geelong community. Information gathered will enable the City to implement initiatives that have been informed by women across the region.
This data will enable evidence-based initiatives to be rolled out to support inclusive equitable recovery of women and gender non-binary people in the region.
Lara Aquatic Centre Early Season Opening October – $110,000
This support initiative would fund Lara pool to open early for the month of October, subject to government restrictions for recreation facilities.
Maintaining temperature may be difficult if the weather is colder than normal in October, but under normal circumstances it should be able to be maintained at 26-28 degrees.
The opening hours would be:
Monday – Friday 5.30am -9.30am, 12pm-2pm and 4pm- 6pm
Saturday 6am – 11am
Sunday – Closed
Developing Community Garden Guidelines & Establish Community Gardens – $20,000
This initiative includes development of guidelines and provision of resources to support the establishment of community gardens.
Guidelines will enable the identification of suitable land and support the investigation of partnerships for community groups and individuals with other organisations, to enable them to pursue the establishment of community gardens in a more consistent and streamlined way.
Enhancing Digital Access for the Community – $25,000
This initiative responds to the increased reliance on digital technology for communities to connect with each other, the City and with councillors. Opportunities include:
Training and resources provided through neighbourhood centres;
Community help desk; and
Enhanced progress of the relief and recovery community support initiatives as outlined below.
COVID-19 Quick Response Community Grants – Round 2
The purpose of this grant is to fund activities that will help our community adapt to, and recover from, the changes caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
The COVID-19 Community Quick Response Grants closed on 17 August 2020 and 67 applications were received requesting $126,281.
The budget of $250,000 is enough to fund all eligible applications that performed strongly against the guidelines and to offer a second round.
There is no change to the individual grant amounts being offered in round 2.
Round 2 applications will be assessed as they are submitted and the grant will be kept open until the budget is expended or a nominated closing date, whichever is earlier. This allows greater responsiveness to funding requests.
Food Premise Registration Fee Waive 2021 – $1.32 million
Food premise registration fees for 2020 have been refunded. The extension of this initiative would provide further relief with a waiver of 2021 registration fees to around 2,300 businesses such as cafés and restaurants.
Health Premise Registration Fee Waive 2021 – $250,000
Health premise registration fees for 2020 have been refunded. The extension of this initiative would provide further relief for 2021 to around 450 businesses such as hairdressers, beauty therapy, personal treatment and accommodation premises.
A Frame Fee Waive 2021 – $88,000
A Frame fees for 2020 have been refunded. The extension of this initiative would provide fee waiver for 2021 to around 450 businesses who use A frames as part of their business signage.
Alfresco Dining Fee Waive 2021 – $39,000
Alfresco dining fees for 2020 have been refunded. The extension of this initiative would provide fee waiver for 2021. This will facilitate alfresco dining changes that businesses may request in response to a staged return to trading with restrictions applying to indoor dining.
It is noted that the recent Victorian Government funding announcements included potential for council grants to go towards funding waiver of alfresco dining fees.
Short Term Parking for Businesses – $10,000
This support measure would identify where there are food businesses that could benefit from short term parking being made available to allow for pickup of takeaway and implement changes to parking to provide for short term parking bays.
This would provide support for food businesses that are more reliant on take away and convenience for customers to do pickup and support local food businesses. The amended parking time frames would be implemented where the businesses support the change and would be for limited period during the COVID-19 restrictions.
Key Town Centre Activation Surveys – $30,000
Undertake place assessments (Place Score) at a select number of town centres to gather base data to inform future place activation plans.
This will provide evidence that can be combined with retail survey information being collected separately from September 2020 to provide a description and gap analysis of opportunities for activation and enhancement of these destinations.
The Place Score Assessments can inform decisions on investment prioritisation, main street revitalisation and measure impact over time.
Planning for Jobs – $885,000
This initiative provides a combination of planning related opportunities to fast track planning, streamline processes and support employment generating projects. It includes:
Dedicated fast track planners for small business applications
Business concierge expansion resourcing
Better approvals process marketing
Small business planning permit fee waiver
Bring forward strategic planning employment projects.
The state government initiated Better Approvals Project has enhanced the City’s processes to make the approvals process simpler for small business. The City has a dedicated business concierge acting as a single point of contact to guide customers through the approvals processes.
The Better Approvals initiatives would be expanded by providing planning resources to fast track small business planning applications via a dedicated team for 2 years, additional business concierge resources for 2 years and marketing of the service.
This support, along with a waiver of small business permit fees and access to business grants to support the application process, would provide small business with incentives to invest in Geelong and in turn create jobs and stimulate recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Resources to support the Avalon Corridor Strategy and North East Industrial Precinct would see the bringing forward of strategic planning work to support investment and facilitate development in these key employment precincts in the north and south of the municipality.
These initiatives will stimulate investment with immediate relief for businesses that want to invest in Geelong and by advancing land use planning to provide for employment opportunities in the north of Geelong and in Armstrong Creek.
COVID-19 Arts, Culture and Heritage Recovery Grants - $155,000
The Arts Culture and Heritage Recovery Grant, funded as part of an earlier package, closed on 17 August 2020. The purpose of this grant program is to support those working in the arts, cultural and heritage sectors who have been impacted adversely by COVID-19. The City received 87 applications requesting $402,804 in funding.
It is recommended that an additional budget of $155,000 is provided for this grant in order to approve those applications that have performed strongly against the guidelines. Extending the grant provides immediate financial support to a sector that has been significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
COVID-19 Recovery Marketing & Communications – $100,000
This will promote recovery initiatives and activities as Greater Geelong moves through to the third and last steps of the Victorian Government’s regional roadmap where a greater range of outdoor-focused business activity will be permissible, particularly in the hospitality sector.
This initiative will also enhance marketing of tourism initiatives funded in the June 2020 package, which are aimed at supporting local accommodation and tourism businesses to recover through domestic tourism focussed campaigns.
Outdoor Dining and Activation – up to $200,000
The Victorian Government have made funding announcements that include an Outdoor Eating and Entertainment Package, for councils and businesses to make widespread outdoor dining safe, practical and a reality this summer.
The City will work with the Victorian Government on the details of the funding package. Based on the initial information released, the City will be eligible for up to $500,000 funding that can be passed on to businesses in the form of reducing or waiving permit fees or invested in infrastructure such as streetscaping and lighting.
The potential for an additional $200,000 funding from Council on this initiative will add value to the Victorian Government support and enable additional resources to support a localised response that can be agile to the needs of our hospitality industry.
This initiative would facilitate provision of additional outdoor dining space for cafes and restaurants to cater for patrons in an outdoor setting and provide for street activation, including events.
As staged re-opening occurs for business with restrictions on inside dining, the City will work with the hospitality industry to provide streamlined processes to enable efficient opening of alfresco opportunities. While there will be a focus on the CBD, there are many opportunities in suburban retail precincts and town centres across the municipality.
There are various opportunities to provide for additional dining space, from popup parklets utilising car parking spaces to temporary road closures and low-cost temporary interventions that expand outdoor dining areas. The opportunities will differ depending on the location, setting and adjacent land.
Activation activities, including events and entertainment, will assist to draw patrons back and provide flow on economic benefits for all businesses not just cafes and restaurants.
This initiative would fund infrastructure, resources, events, activation and promotion.
Business Recovery Grants – up to $500,000
The purpose of this grant program is to support local small businesses recovering from COVID-19 restrictions, helping them to re-establish their operations, develop new services, invest and to adapt to the post-COVID-19 economy.
As details of the recently announced support for business by the Victorian Government becomes clearer, these grants can be tailored to ensure that the Council support is responsive to the Victorian Government initiatives and adds value for local businesses.
The grants will be a maximum of $10,000. There is no requirement for a funding contribution.
The objectives of the grants include:
to support businesses in the Greater Geelong region that have been adversely impacted by COVID-19 restrictions
to enable businesses to adapt to a post-COVID-19 economy
to support, innovation and build capacity by encouraging businesses to invest in options such as:
new technologies and digital platforms
professional development or capacity-building initiatives
alternative service models or business models and
local-business-to-local-business collaboration.
to provide planning application support for businesses wishing to establish or expand in Greater Geelong.
The grant program will run from November 2020 to 30 June 2021 or until funds are exhausted.
The grant program will be managed through a rapid response process and delegated to the Executive for approval. Applications will be assessed as they are submitted.
Commercial Rent Relief
Support has been provided for commercial tenants since the pandemic began in March. It is planned for further support to be targeted to tenants most impacted by closures.
For ongoing support, each tenancy will be assessed on a case by case basis, taking into account eligibility for grants offered by State and Federal governments and in accordance with statutory obligations.
This support measure will be implemented under officer delegation.
Hardship Policy Extend Waiver
The existing COVID-19 Financial Hardship Policy includes that for interest payable on current rates fees and charges as at 13 March 2020, further accrual of interest will be frozen from 14 March until 31 October 2020 (or such other later date as determined by the City), at which time accrual of interest will resume.
In accordance with the provision of “or such other later date as determined by the City”, it is intended that from 1 November 2020 to 30 June 2021 that interest is waived to ratepayers that contact the City and go on payment arrangements or are on rate deferrals.
This extension would allow for a more targeted approach from 1 November 2020, with continued relief for ratepayers that are already on payment arrangements or rate deferrals and for those that contact the City to take up these options.
Supportive Initiative |
Value |
Resolution date/s |
|---|---|---|
Community support |
||
Waiver of rent for community groups |
$610,085 |
24 March & 14 April 2020 |
COVID-19 Quick Response Community Grants |
$250,000 |
30 June 2020 |
Support Geelong Food Relief Centre |
$50,000 |
14 April 2020 |
Social Housing Plan Implementation |
$100,000 |
14 April 2020 |
Study Geelong – support for international students |
$133,000 |
30 June 2020 |
Free Parking Initiatives |
$7,285,000 |
24 March, 30 June & 25 August 2020 |
Barwon Health University Hospital Employee Parking |
$0 |
14 April 2020 |
Kardinia Pool Winter Opening (July, August And September) * |
$300,000 |
30 June 2020 |
Business support |
||
Commercial Tenants Rent Relief |
$553,112 |
24 March & 30 June 2020 |
Refund of Alfresco Dining Permit Fees |
$39,000 |
24 March 2020 |
Refund of A Frame Permit Fees |
$88,000 |
24 March 2020 |
Refund of Food Premises Fees |
$1,320,000 |
24 March & 14 April 2020 |
Refund of Health Premise Fees |
$250,000 |
24 March & 14 April 2020 |
Geelong Business Support COVID-19 Portal |
$5,000 |
24 March 2020 |
Geelong Small Business Expert Support |
$200,000 |
24 March & 30 June 2020 |
Geelong Business Concierge service expansion |
$0 resource redeployment |
24 March 2020 |
Business Training Program |
$80,000 |
14 April 2020 |
Fast track payment terms of between 7 to 14 days to the City’s supplier |
$0 resource redeployment |
14 April 2020 |
Waive 3 months rates for businesses required to close as a result of government enforced restrictions |
$216,000 |
28 April 2020 |
Waiver of rent for community groups |
$610,085 |
24 March & 14 April 2020 |
COVID-19 Quick Response Community Grants |
$250,000 |
30 June 2020 |
Support Geelong Food Relief Centre |
$50,000 |
14 April 2020 |
Social Housing Plan Implementation |
$100,000 |
14 April 2020 |
Study Geelong – support for international students |
$133,000 |
30 June 2020 |
Free Parking Initiatives |
$7,285,000 (estimate) |
24 March, 30 June & 25 August 2020 |
Barwon Health University Hospital Employee Parking |
$0 (Free parking) |
14 April 2020 |
Kardinia Pool Winter Opening (July, August And September) * |
$300,000 |
30 June 2020 |
Business support |
||
Commercial Tenants Rent Relief |
$553,112 |
24 March & 30 June 2020 |
Refund of Alfresco Dining Permit Fees |
$39,000 |
24 March 2020 |
Refund of A Frame Permit Fees |
$88,000 |
24 March 2020 |
Refund of Food Premises Fees |
$1,320,000 |
24 March & 14 April 2020 |
Refund of Health Premise Fees |
$250,000 |
24 March & 14 April 2020 |
Geelong Business Support COVID-19 Portal |
$5,000 |
24 March 2020 |
Geelong Small Business Expert Support |
$200,000 |
24 March & 30 June 2020 |
Geelong Business Concierge service expansion |
$0 resource redeployment |
24 March 2020 |
Business Training Program |
$80,000 |
14 April 2020 |
Fast track payment terms of between 7 to 14 days to the City’s supplier |
$0 resource redeployment |
14 April 2020 |
Waive 3 months rates for businesses required to close as a result of government enforced restrictions |
$216,000 |
28 April 2020 |
Waive 3 months rates for businesses who pay Central Geelong Special Rate |
$283,907 |
28 April 2020 |
Arts and Culture Advisory Group |
$20,000 |
14 April 2020 |
Arts, Culture and Heritage Program Enhance & Digitalise Current Program |
$30,000 |
14 April 2020 |
Arts, Culture and Heritage Skills and Training Support |
$30,000 |
30 June 2020 |
Employment opportunities for the regions creative industries |
$330,000 |
30 June 2020 |
Arts, Culture and Heritage COVID-19 Recovery Grants |
$150,000 |
30 June 2020 |
Financial Relief |
||
COVID-19 Financial Hardship Policy |
Variable |
14 April & 30 June 2020 |
Tourism Industry Support |
||
Domestic Short Break Campaign |
$200,000 |
30 June 2020 |
Visiting Family and Friends Campaign |
$150,000 |
30 June 2020 |
Business Events Program |
$150,000 |
30 June 2020 |
* The value provided for Kardinia Pool Winter Opening will be less than the allocated $300,000, as this measure was suspended for part of the period due to Stage 3 restrictions.
Waiver of Rent for Community Groups
This support measure provides $610,085 in rent and fee relief for clubs and groups towards maintenance of the grounds and facilities until 30 September 2020. Eligibility criteria included community groups (including not for profit groups) and sporting clubs.
This provided support for 303 groups and each of the members and users associated with these groups.
Quick Response Community Grants
The quick response grant program is designed to support our community to recover and adapt to the effects of the COVID-19 global pandemic.
The priority is to provide opportunities to eligible community organisations to activate their community spaces and programs in line with coronavirus (COVID-19) health advice and government restrictions as detailed in the following websites.
Support Geelong Food Relief Centre
This support measure provided $50,000 funding towards the purchase of fresh food to support food security in the municipality.
Social Housing Plan Implementation
This support measures provides $100,000 funding to fast track a business case to build 100 new social housing units.
Study Geelong – support for international students
COVID-19 has resulted in international tertiary students facing financial hardship. This initiative provides $133,000 support towards identifying and promoting support services, developing an International Friends Program, work with organisations to link students with support, online engagement activities and social opportunities in the medium to longer term.
Free parking initiatives
Free on street parking has been provided in Geelong CBD to support the community and business in the CBD. Free parking on street parking will be provided until 31 December 2020.
Along with the free parking on and off-street parking provided in central Geelong, off-street CBD carpark permit holders permit fees were suspended.
Barwon Health University Hospital Employee Parking
Barwon Health’s employee bus service is currently not operating due to the pandemic. This support measure provides 1000 special free all-day parking permits to employees of Barwon Health’s University Hospital.
Kardinia Pool Winter Opening (July, August and September)
This support measure provided for Kardinia pool to remain open throughout July, August and September, allowing increased opportunity for lap swimmers while gathering limits at pools remain in place.
The Kardinia Aquatic Centre was closed for part of this period, as required by Stage 3 restrictions for regional Victoria introduced by the Victorian Government from 3 August 2020.
Commercial Tenants Rent Relief
This provided for relief for the City’s commercial tenants occupying building or land, with 50% reduction in rental expenses for a period of six (6) months from 1 March 2020. In addition, a further 100% rent waiver for 3 months for commercial tenants most impacted by the COVID-19 restrictions has been provided.
Refund of Alfresco dining permit fees
This support measure provided for alfresco permits for 2020 to be refunded and fees waived for new permits for the remainder of 2020. This measure supports approximately 150 businesses.
Refund of A frame permit fees
This support measure provided for A frame permits for 2020 to be refunded and fees waived for new permits in 2020. This measure supports approximately 450 businesses.
Refund of Food premises fees
This support measure provided for Food Premise registration fees for 2020 to be refunded and fees waived for new registrations in 2020. This measure supports approximately 2,300 businesses.
Refund of Health Premise fees
This support measure provided for Health Premise registration fees for 2020 to be refunded and fees waived for new permits in 2020. This measure has supported approximately 450 businesses.
Geelong Business Support COVID-19 Portal
This support measure provided $5000 towards a business support portal for local businesses. The portal is aimed at supported the City’s 18,800 businesses.
Geelong Business Support Program
The Geelong Business Support program offers professional marketing, financial management, human resources and legal advice, expert business mentoring, health and wellbeing support, and Occupational COVID-19 Workplace Training.
Business Training Program
This support measures provides $80,000 towards Occupational COVID-19 Workplace Training Scheme that has been designed in partnership with industry experts and health professionals to help businesses manage their return to work strategy as safely and efficiently as possible. This support measure is being delivered in partnership with DeakinCo.
Geelong Business Concierge Service Expansion
The Business Concierge Service put in place to manage the Better Approvals Process has been expanded to be a point of contact for any businesses wishing to contact Council seeking assistance.
Fast track payment terms of between 7 to 14 days to the City’s supplier
This support measure is aimed at supporting contractors and service providers to the City by ensuring payment of services is fast tracked.
Waive 3 months rates for businesses required to close as a result of government enforced restrictions
This support measure was aimed at supporting businesses that were required to close as part of government enforced restrictions.
Waive 3 months rates for businesses who pay Central Geelong Special Rate
This measure was aimed at providing financial support to the 1,482 local businesses who pay the Central Geelong Special Rate. Relief totalling $283,907 was provided through waiving a quarter of the annual special rate.
Arts and Culture Advisory Group
This support measure provided $20,000 to establish a COVID-19 Arts and Culture Advisory Group. 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.
Heritage Arts and Culture Program enhance & digitalise current program
This support measure provided $30,000 towards enabling digitisation of the Heritage, Arts and Culture Program to support increased access online during the stay at home direction period and beyond.
Arts, culture and heritage skills and training support
This support measure provides $30,000 support for identified skills and training gaps and needs, opportunities to be further refined include; marketing, promotion, audience retention and development under changing social distancing guidelines, business viability and innovation, digital and online technical literacy, OHS and new compliance requirements for venues and community organisations, mentorships, project planning, financial planning.
Employment opportunities for the regions Creative Industries
This support measure offers $330,000 towards an Arts Industry Commissions (AIC) program. The purpose of the AIC program is to provide support to professionals working in the arts, cultural and heritage sectors who have been impacted adversely by COVID-19.
Arts Culture and Heritage COVID-19 Recovery Grants
This support measure provides a grant fund for individual artists to support the creation of art and new work.
COVID-19 Financial Hardship Policy
The 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.
Domestic Short Break Campaign
The $200,000 support for this measure 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.
Visiting Family and Friends Campaign
This support measure provides $150,000 to enable 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.
Business Events Program
This support measures provides $150,000 towards the Business Events Procurement fund program which aims to elevate Geelong’s position within the business events industry by providing procurement funding to actively seek out, approach and secure high yielding National Association business.
Business events provide an engaging opportunity to grow the visitor economy in Geelong, since business travellers will often extend their visit or return with family or friends. Business events contribute to local economies by returning a higher yield visitor, a greater length of stay and drive visitation and business during quiet periods (i.e. mid-week and shoulder seasons).
Source: |
Planning, Design & Development - Strategic Implementation |
Director: |
Gareth Smith |
Portfolio: |
Planning |
To consider the submissions received in relation to the exhibition of Amendment C366ggee (Amendment) and draft Planning Permit PP-6-2017 and to adopt the Amendment and recommend the Minister grant the permit.
The Amendment removes registered restrictive covenant 1693682 burdening land at 64 Princes Highway, Norlane, which prevents the construction of more than one dwelling on site. This enables the consideration of the planning permit application across land at 64-66 Princes Highway and 1 Donnelly Avenue, Norlane. The exhibited Draft Planning Permit PP-6-2017 allows the development of 12 units on the land and the subdivision of the three existing titles to provide separate lots for each of the units.
Exhibition of the Amendment and permit application resulted in five submissions being received, one from Regional Roads Victoria which did not object to the amendment or permit, one from the Department of Transport (DOT) requesting changes to the detailed design adjacent to the bus stop on the Princes Highway service road, one from a nearby property owner supporting the permit application and two from nearby property owners expressing concern at the number of units proposed to be included in the development.
The design has been amended to address the concern of the DOT, while, following discussions with the other two submitters, the proposed development and subdivision has been reduced from 12 units to 10. Both the objecting submitters have provided written advice that the reduction in the number of lots and units have addressed their concerns to their satisfaction.
Having exhibited the Amendment and there being no remaining submissions requesting changes, Council can adopt the Amendment and recommend to the Minister for Planning that he approve the Amendment and grant the planning permit.
Councillor Grzybek moved, Councillor Aitken seconded –
That Council:
Adopt Amendment C366ggee in the form outlined in Attachment 4 of this report;
Submits the adopted Amendment C366ggee together with the prescribed information to the Minister for Planning requesting approval; and
Recommends to the Minister for Planning that Planning Permit PP-6-2017 be approved in the form outlined in Attachment 5 of this report.
Carried.
There will be no financial implications for Council as a result of the adoption of this Amendment.
The Amendment and draft planning permit were exhibited in accordance with the provisions of the Planning and Environment Act 1987 (Act) from Thursday 27 June 2019 until Monday 29 July 2019.
The removal of the single dwelling covenant will have a positive social impact by facilitating the more efficient and effective use of the land by providing for a greater volume and mix of housing types.
The change proposed by this amendment and planning permit has minimal policy, legal or statutory implications for Council.
Consistent with the objectives set out in Section 4 of the Act, the Amendment:
Provides for the fair, orderly, economic and sustainable use and development of the land;
Balances the continued appropriateness of a constraint on title in the context of the identified need for urban consolidation and re-development consistent with current planning policy and zone controls; and
Uses appropriate planning provisions to resolve the conflict between the constraints of the existing covenant and current state and local planning policy.
The Amendment is consistent with the following clauses of the Greater Geelong Planning Scheme Planning Policy Framework:
Clause 11.01-1S Settlement - The Amendment supports this policy as it will facilitate residential consolidation in an orderly manner within an established residential context.
Clause 11.01-1R Settlement Geelong (G21) - The Amendment supports this policy as it optimises the use of existing infrastructure and services.
Clause 15.01-1S Urban Design – The proposed Amendment, residential development, subdivision layout and open space are considered to meet the objective: “To create urban environments that are safe, healthy, functional and enjoyable and that contribute to a sense of place and cultural identity.”
Clause 21.06 Settlement and Housing discusses the importance of urban consolidation. The proposal supports this policy by locating development in an area that is well serviced and has the capacity to accommodate sustainable development.
The Amendment supports the sustainable built and natural environment strategic direction of the Council Plan 2018-22 and is consistent with the strategic direction of community wellbeing and the priority of connected, creative and strong communities.
No Council Officers involved in the preparation of this report have any direct or indirect interest in the matter under consideration.
There are no identified risks associated with implementing the recommendations contained in this report. The land is not designated as bushfire prone and has a low fire hazard rating.
No environmental implications arise from the removal of the single dwelling covenant from the land and the proposed multi-unit development and subdivision.
The subject site contains three parcels of land being 64 and 66 Princes Highway and 1 Donnelly Avenue, Norlane.
In combination the land will have a western boundary length along the Princes Highway of approximately 39 metres, a southern boundary length along Donnelly Avenue of approximately 58 metres, and an approximate total area of 2,372 square metres.
64 and 66 Princes Highway are vacant lots, with 1 Donnelly Avenue containing a single dwelling. All lots are burdened by an easement, being either along the eastern boundaries of 64 & 66 Princess Highway and the northern boundary of 1 Donnelly Avenue.
64 Princes Highway is burdened by a Covenant which restricts development on the land to only one dwelling.
The land is located within a General Residential Zone Schedule 1 and is not affected by any overlays.
The surrounding area consists of typically single dwellings with very few multi dwelling developments within the immediate neighbourhood.
The proposal consists of the subdivision of land into 10 lots and the construction of 10 dwellings, the reduction of visitor car parking and the creation of two new access ways to a Road Zone Category 1 (Princes Highway).
The land is proposed to be subdivided into ten lots with one common property access way to service two of the dwellings.
The layout of the proposed development and subdivision, including lot sizes, are shown in the following diagrams.
Subdivision Layout
Dwelling Layout
A zoning map at a larger scale, which includes locations of nearby public open space, and the North Shore Train Station, is included as Attachment 3.
Both the objecting submissions contended that the proposal would result in an over development of the site.
Concerns cited in the submissions included overdevelopment, being out of character with the lower density development of Donnelly Avenue and surrounding streets, traffic impacts and the impact on the bus stop on the Princes Highway frontage of the property.
The Statutory Planning Assessment of the planning permit application has identified that all relevant matters can be addressed by way of permit conditions. In particular, the required changes to the bus stop have been addressed by a permit condition which has been recommended by the Department of Transport.
Both the submitters withdrew their submissions conditional on the number of units and lots being reduced from 12 to 10. This reduction has been agreed to by the applicant and the draft permit and plans contained in Attachment 5, which are supported by the recommendation which forms part of this report have been amended to that effect.
Revised Plans.
Source: |
Planning, Design & Development - Animal Management |
Director: |
Gareth Smith |
Portfolio: |
Community Health, Wellbeing and Safety |
To authorise the making of an Order that sets out the rules applying to dogs in public places on land managed by Barwon Coast Committee of Management Inc. (BCCM).
In 2019, BCCM requested Council consider adopting proposed changes to the existing Orders. Council endorsed public exhibition of draft dog control orders (the Orders) at its 10 September 2019 Council meeting. The draft Orders aimed to simplify existing Orders and provide a balanced access arrangement for dog owners and non-dog owners.
At Council’s 26 May 2020 Meeting, it resolved to note the findings of the community consultation process regarding draft Orders for BCCM land. Council also resolved to seek endorsement from BCCM of the amended draft Orders, noting Council’s recommended changes from the exhibited Orders, in regards the Ocean Grove main beach (area D).
Since the May decision of Council, officers and Councillor representatives have engaged with BCCM to seek a shared position of both entities regarding finalisation of Orders.
The BBCM and the City support Orders that will include a one-year trial period of dog restrictions in Area D consistent with the May Council resolution. The proposed Orders for the BCCM land is included in this report as Attachment 2 with corresponding map depicting the order as Attachment 3.
In addition to the one-year trial noted above, subsequent to the one year trial period it is also recommended the Council agrees in principle for a second trial period of Area D that includes the area being a prohibited dog free zone for 12 months.
Both one-year trials will be subject to BCCM and the City undertaking independent community engagement to obtain feedback on both trials.
The second year trial will be subject to a future decision of Council in late 2021 to amend the Orders to include prohibition of dogs from Area D for the second year trial period. This Council report will include the community engagement results of the year one trial.
The authorisation of the making of the order will complete the process of legitimising a dog control order on the BCCM land for a one-year trial period.
Councillor Sullivan moved, Councillor Mansfield seconded –
That Council:
Authorise the making of the Order under Section 26 of the Domestic Animals Act 1994, for a one-year trial period for the Ocean Grove main beach (Area D);
Delegate the Manager of Health and Local Laws the authority to carry out the required statutory advertising in the making of the Order by Council; and
Support in principle to trial prohibition of dogs on the Ocean Grove main beach (Area D) for a one-year period from late 2021 to 2022, subject to a future resolution of Council.
Carried.
There are no financial implications associated with respect to authorisation of the making of this Order by Council.
An additional round of community engagement is planned to occur during both one year trial periods, to evaluate the success and acceptance of the Orders for the Ocean Grove main beach area only.
All matters relating to Social Equity were considered in the May report that noted the feedback from the community engagement process. The aim of the order is to provide appropriate access to the coast for the entire community including a balance between those with dogs and those seeking access without dogs.
By approving the amended proposed Orders, Barwon Coast and the City will deliver safe and accessible public spaces for all to use and aim to reduce the number of dog-related incidents.
In order for the subject dog control orders to have legal effect, Council, after agreeing to adopt the proposed orders and enter into an agreement with Barwon Coast, is now required under Section 26 (2) to formally authorise the ‘making’ of such Orders.
Improved Health and Safety of our Community:
Providing safer public places;
Encouraging responsible pet ownership; and
Promoting active living.
Informed Social Infrastructure and Planning:
Provide more quality spaces that support active lifestyles.
More Inclusive and Diverse Community:
Supporting activities that improve social connections in or community; and
Further developing programs that support older people and young people in our community
There is no conflict of interest with respect to any officer in the preparation of this report.
By implementing enforceable Orders on the subject land, Council has the opportunity to improve risk and safety outcomes for its residents who use that space.
There are no environmental implications associated with this report. The proposed Orders consider environmental values of the Barwon Coast managed lands and where appropriate includes access restrictions to protect areas of environmental significance. This is one of the key objectives of the proposed Orders.
Source: |
Planning, Design & Development - Statutory Planning |
Director: |
Gareth Smith |
Portfolio: |
Planning |
For Council to note the review of the Planning Committee performance over the past 12 months and endorse minor amendments to its terms of reference.
At its meeting on 9 July 2019 Council resolved to revise the terms of reference for the Planning Committee and to remove the Development Hearings Panel (DHP) special committee. Further, a review was to be undertaken 12 months from this decision to consider the effectiveness of the revised terms of the Planning Committee. Council also noted that an appropriate internal protocol would be established by management to provide effective oversight of officer recommendations for refusal.
In the last 12 months, Council has heard 7 applications via the Planning Committee (Attachment 4). This is compared to 14 applications in the previous 12 month period.
There has been general support from the development sector for the removal of the DHP that had previously reviewed applications considered for refusal and/or 6 or more objections. It has been acknowledged the revised structure has contributed to the improvement in the timeframes and consistency with assessing applications.
Other benefits have included reduced time and costs by applicants, objectors and the City by having less forums to attend in the assessment of applications with the removal of the DHP.
To further improve clarity of the Planning Committee terms of reference the following amendments are recommended for inclusion:
The term “submissions” into the trigger for councillors to ‘call in’ planning permit applications with 6 or more objections or application for refusal. This allows submissions to informal advertising of applications to be considered;
Updating definitions, including adding Planning Register;
Include an alternate hearing process for Planning Committee meetings, as required for remote meetings;
Update the information to provide to Councillors including the planning register and the list of applications to be reviewed by the Decision Making Committee; and
When calling in an application to the Planning Committee, a Councillor must give a reason for doing so.
An internal Decision Making Committee has been established to provide oversite of officer recommendations involving a refusal and/or 6 or more objections since the removal of the Development Hearings Panel.
This committee meets weekly and has considered 52 applications in the last 12 months.
Councillor Sullivan moved, Councillor Mason seconded –
That Council endorse the revised terms of reference for the Planning Committee (Attachment 3).
Carried.
There are no financial implications with the proposed amendments to the Planning Committee terms of reference.
The new Planning Committee structure has improved the efficiency of decision making for applications with 6 or more objections or considered for refusal. This has allowed greater time for the City’s statutory planners to consider and process applications.
The new structure also provides financial benefits to applicants and all parties involved in the planning process with less applications considered by the Planning Committee or former Development Hearing Panel.
The Planning Committee is considered to be a positive means to engage the community in the planning process for significant applications. The planning officer provides a summary of their report and answers questions on the night. Objectors/submitters can express their concerns about the planning permit application being heard to Councillors prior to a decision being made. Applicants can also articulate the benefits of their proposals and answer any questions.
Retaining the Planning Committee and allowing all Councillors the option to call in applications with 6 or more objections/submissions or for refusal, will provide a public forum for applicants and objectors/submitters to be equally heard.
There are no policy or legal implications.
The Planning Committee aligns with Council Plan 2018-2022 priorities relating to organisational leadership, strategy and governance.
No officer involved in the preparation of this report has a direct or indirect interest.
The further modifications seek to clarify the terms of reference and will minimise any risk of misinterpretation particularly in relation to Councillor ‘call ins’ and the role of the Planning Committee.
The internal Decision Making Committee will be continued by management to monitor applications for refusal and with more than 6 objections.
There are no relevant environmental implications.
Planning Committee
The Planning Committee considered seven planning permit applications in the 12 months from July 2019 to June 2020 (Attachment 4). All the applications considered by the Planning Committee during this period had six or more objections or were recommended for refusal. This equates to 0.4% of the total applications determined by the City.
It is recommended to make some minor modifications to the Planning Committee terms of reference (Attachment 3) to include:
To include the word “submissions” into the trigger for councillors to “call in” planning permit applications with 6 or more objections or applications for refusal.
The inclusion of the word ‘submissions’ allows Councillors the ability to “call in” applications where formal objections cannot be received (as the application cannot be advertised).
Updating the definitions by including Planning Register.
Include an alternate process for Planning Committee meetings to be held remotely where required.
The alternate process included in the terms of reference is the process we are currently following during COVID-19.
Update the information provided to Councillors.
This has been updated to include providing Councillors with the fortnightly planning register of all new applications lodged, including any requests to amend planning permits.
Each week Councillors will also be provided with a list of applications to be reviewed by the Decision Making Committee that week. This will give Councillors an opportunity to ‘call in’ an application before a decision is made.
When requesting to call in an application to the Planning Committee, Councillors need to provide their reason for calling it in. This information will be recorded in the Councillor call in register.
This process is already being followed. The terms of reference need to be updated to reflect this.
Management established an appropriate internal protocol to provide effective oversight of application refusals. This has been achieved through establishing an internal Decision Making Committee (DMC). The DMC consists of four staff members, namely the Manager City Development, Coordinator Statutory Planning and Team Leaders Statutory Planning.
DMC meetings are held weekly. In the 12 months from July 2019 to June 2020, 52 applications were reviewed by the DMC. All of the applications reviewed by the DMC during this period had six or more objections or were recommended for refusal. This equates to 2.8% of the total applications determined by the City.
Where an application has 6 or more objections or recommended for refusal, the application is listed on a DMC agenda on the Monday before the scheduled Thursday meeting. This agenda is sent to all Councillors on Monday morning giving them an opportunity to “call in” an application from the DMC meeting to a Planning Committee meeting.
At the DMC meeting, the planning officer presents their report and recommendation to the panel of officers. They then review the recommendation and decide whether or not they support the officer recommendation and whether conditions/grounds need to be reviewed.
The DMC is an internal officer process to ensure rigour and consistency is applied to the delegated decisions of more complex planning applications. This process is not open to the public.
The change in process from DHP to the internal DMC has been accepted by the majority of participants in the planning permit process with applicants and developers supportive of this more streamlined process.
The City Of Greater Geelong
Approval Date |
1 September 2020 |
Approved by |
Council |
Review Date |
24 October 2021 |
Responsible Officer |
Director, Planning, Design and Development |
Authorising Officer |
Chief Executive Officer |
Call in
Applications of Interest
1.1 By this Terms of Reference document, the Greater Geelong City Council (Council) establishes the Planning Committee (Committee) as a delegated committee pursuant to section 63 of the Local Government Act 2020 (LGA). The Committee is established to consider and decide planning permit applications which have been called in by a Councillor.
1.2 The Committee has the powers, duties and functions of Council as set out in these Terms of Reference and its Instrument of Delegation. These Terms of Reference set out the structure and basis on which the Committee can make decisions for and on behalf of Council.
1.3 These Terms of Reference are authorised by a resolution of Council passed on 1 September 2020.
Call In:
2.1 The process of initiating a Council intervention in the consideration of a planning permit application through referral of the planning permit application to the Planning Committee.
Application of Interest:
2.2 The data base distributed by the Manager City Development on a fortnightly basis that provides all Councillors with a list of planning applications of interest, which could include those that:
2.2.1 raise an issue of significant public interest, opportunity, concern or controversy, or are likely to do so; or
2.2.2 have given rise to substantial public objection or appear likely to do so; or
2.2.3 Councillors have made enquiries on a particular application.
Planning register
2.3 A list of all new planning permit applications, including requests to amend planning permits, received for that fortnight.
Attachment 3 – Page 1
The Committee is established for the purpose of:
3.1 Considering and determining planning permit applications which have been called in by a Councillor under the Committee terms of reference.
The objective of the Committee are:
4.1 to broadly represent and involve the community in Council's decision-making processes.
The role of the Committee is:
5.1 to exercise Council’s powers and carry out Council’s duties and functions, in accordance with these Terms of Reference and as permitted by the Instrument of Delegation, for planning matters.
6.1 In order to fulfil and carry out its purposes and objectives Council has delegated to the Committee, pursuant to section 63 of the LGA, the powers, duties and functions set out in the Instrument of Delegation made by Council on [insert date and resolution number] and attached to these Terms of Reference.
6.2 The powers, duties and functions of Council conferred on the Committee by these Terms of Reference and Instrument of Delegation must be exercised in accordance with any guidelines or policies that council may from time to time adopt.
7.1 The Committee shall consist of all Councillors.
7.2 Council Officers who attend the meetings of the Committee are to provide advice and support to the Committee and are not considered Committee members and do not have voting rights.
7.3 Each member of the Committee has and may exercise one equal vote on any question before the Committee for determination.
7.4 The Chairperson is to be appointed annually by Council.
Attachment 3 – Page 2
8.1 Unless Council resolves otherwise, Committee meetings must be conducted in accordance with:
8.1.1 Council’s Governance Rules;
8.1.2 Part 3, Division 2 of the LGA; and
8.1.3 the Committee’s discretion, as exercised from time to time.
8.2 The Committee will meet on a monthly basis as agreed by the Committee from time to time.
8.3 A quorum of the Committee will be half of the members plus one.
8.4 Voting will be by a majority of votes by a show of hands. Only members in attendance are entitled to vote. The Chairperson shall have the casting vote in the event of an equality of votes.
8.5 The process for submitters to be heard by the Committee:
8.5.1 The officer to present the report;
8.5.2 the objectors/submitters to present submissions. A three minute time limit applies to each person addressing the meeting;
8.5.3 the applicant to present a submission. A ten minute time limit applies to the applicant addressing the meeting; and
8.5.4 at the discretion of the Chairperson, the applicant may be permitted to make points of clarification. A three minute time limit applies.
8.6 When required, an alternate process for submitters to be heard by the Committee when meetings are held remotely:
8.6.1 Objectors/submitters that would like to make a further submission to the Planning Committee can do so by emailing their submission by the close of business 3 days before the meeting.
8.6.2 Applicants will be provided a copy of any further submissions to the Planning Committee that are received. Applicants have until the close of business the day before the meeting to respond to the submissions.
8.6.3 Any submissions and responses will be considered by the Planning Committee along with the Officer’s report
8.6.4 Sub committees may be appointed by the Committee and meet between general meetings and as authorised by the full Committee. Sub committees do not have any delegated powers.
Attachment 3 – Page 3
9.1 The Co-ordinator Mayor & Councillor Support is responsible for convening meetings in consultation with the Manager City Development and ensuring a quorum of Councillors is achieved.
9.2 The Manager City Development is responsible for preparing and delivering the meeting agenda, ensuring planning officer attendance and providing advice at meetings, recording of minutes and implementation of decisions of the Committee.
10.1 On a fortnightly basis the Manager City Development will furnish all Councillors with a list of planning applications of interest and the planning register.
10.2 On a weekly basis the Manager City Development will furnish all Councillors with a list of applications to be reviewed by the Decision Making Committee that week. The list will include the officers recommendation for planning applications with 6 or more objections/submissions or applications for refusal.
11.1 A Councillor may only request to call in planning permit applications which have 6 or more objections/submissions lodged or applications for refusal.
11.2 The process for a Councillor to call-in a matter to be heard by the Committee is as follows (see flow chart in Attachment):
11.2.1 Councillors requesting call in notify of intention to call in an application and the reasons for doing so. This information will be recorded in the register for call ins.
11.2.2 A minimum of two ward Councillors and the Committee Chairperson are all required to agree to a call in, or the Mayor where the Committee Chairperson is one of the two ward Councillors requesting a call in.
11.2.3 Committee chairperson advises Manager City Development.
11.2.4 Officers will contact applicants and objectors to notify them of the meeting and details.
12.1 The Manager City Development is responsible for taking proper minutes of all meetings and preparing reports for the Committee's consideration in accordance with:
12.1.1 Council’s Governance Rules;
12.1.2 Part 3, Division 2 of the LGA; and
12.1.3 the Committee’s discretion, as exercised from time to time.
Attachment 3 – Page 4
12.2 Minutes of all Committee meetings will be published on the Geelong Australia website and must be forwarded to Council’s Governance Services as soon as practicable after adoption by the Committee.
12.3 The Manager City Development must prepare and present to Council a report of the Planning Committee’s activities at least once per year.
13.1 By these Terms of Reference the:
13.1.1 Committee is established; and
13.1.2 powers, duties and functions of the Committee, as set out in the Instrument of Delegation, are delegated.
13.2 These Terms of Reference and the Instrument of Delegation:
13.2.1 come into force immediately upon the resolution of Council; and
13.2.2 remain in force until Council determines to vary or revoke both or either of them.
13.3 The Committee must be dissolved by a resolution of Council.
Attachment 3 – Page 5
Call in process
Source: |
Economy, Investment & Attraction - Central Geelong & Waterfront |
Acting Director: |
Brett Ince |
Portfolio: |
Central and Civic Geelong |
To present the findings from further consultation with key stakeholders and the community relating to vehicle access from Moorabool Street to Little Malop Street (between Moorabool Street and Shorts Place) and to seek Council’s endorsement of changes to the endorsed proposal to restrict vehicles in Little Malop Street (between Dennys Place and Moorabool Street).
At its meeting on 10 March 2020, Council endorsed the amended proposal to vehicle access restrictions in Little Malop Street (between Dennys Place and Moorabool Street) restricting public vehicle access between 10:00am and 4:00am the following morning. Council also requested that a report be presented by 30 June 2020 which detailed options to allow access to Little Malop Street and Shorts Place from Moorabool Street.
Access options were then considered in a report presented to Council on 30 June 2020. At this meeting, Council requested that further consultation be undertaken 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.
Consultation with the community and key stakeholders occurred between 12 August and 31 August 2020 through the ‘Have Your Say’ portal on Council’s website. An engagement findings report summarises the results and views on the provision of access from Moorabool Street – refer to Attachment 3 (Engagement Findings Report).
A further independent traffic engineering report has also been provided to assess the options available to implement the provision of vehicle access from Moorabool Street to Little Malop Street - refer to Attachment 4 (Traffic Engineering Assessment).
The changes to the endorsed proposal recommend restricting vehicle access in Little Malop Street (between Dennys Place and Moorabool Street) between 4.00pm and 4.00am the following morning, allowing vehicle access between 4:00am and 4:00pm on any given day on an initial trial basis only for 12 months. This recommendation does not change vehicle access from Moorabool Street – refer to Attachment 2 (Changes to Endorsed Proposal – Concept Drawing).
The changes to the endorsed proposal, to determine if a balance can be struck between the competing priorities including access, sense of place and pedestrian safety are also supported by device counting data.
Final approval of all options presented in this report, including the recommended trial, require statutory approval by the Department of Transport (DOT).
Councillor Murrihy moved, Councillor Sullivan seconded –
That Council:
Note the findings of the Restricting Vehicles in Little Malop – Engagement Findings Report (Attachment 3) and the Traffic Engineering Assessment / Technical Review (Attachment 4);
Endorse changes to the vehicle access restrictions in Little Malop Street, previously endorsed by Council on 10 March 2020, which would seek to:
Restrict vehicle access in Little Malop Street (between Dennys Place and Moorabool Street) between 4:00pm and 4:00am the following morning, allowing vehicle access between 4:00am and 4:00pm on any given day; and
Allow the implementation of the vehicle access restrictions on an initial trial basis only for 12 months, starting from the date that the restrictions commence.
Submit the endorsed changes to vehicle access restrictions in Little Malop Street to the Department of Transport requesting final approval;
Receive a further report reviewing the trial and incorporating further consultation with the community and key stakeholders, no later than 12 months from the commencement of the trial and seeking a decision from Council on post-trial options for vehicle access restrictions in the area; and
Endorse an allocation of $95,000 in 2020-21 to complete the project.
Amendment
Councillor Nelson moved, Councillor Aitken seconded –
That the report be deferred.
Carried.
Source: |
Economy, Investment & Attraction - Central Geelong & Waterfront |
Acting Director: |
Brett Ince |
Portfolio: |
Central and Civic Geelong |
To present the Geelong Central Business District (CBD) Engagement Task Force – Findings Report (Attachment 2) and note the feedback and suggestions provided for consideration by the incoming Council with an option for ongoing engagement.
At its meeting on 30 June 2020, Council resolved to call for nominations of prominent, experienced and respected business people in Geelong to form a CBD Engagement Task Force to provide feedback and suggestions on the following matters:
Public transport servicing the CBD;
On and off-street parking in the CBD;
Central Geelong Marketing Committee & Levy; and
Commercial rates.
Council noted that as the City endeavours to navigate through the current challenges and recover post COVID-19, it is extremely important we transition out of the pandemic environment with a healthy and active CBD.
The eligibility criteria for the Task Force required participants to own or operate a business in the 3220 postcode; and/or own a commercial property in the 3220 postcode; and, not to be a current member of the Central Geelong Marketing Committee. The process for nominations was co-ordinated through the City’ Have Your Say online platform and promoted via a media release which generated press and radio news coverage, on City-operated social media channels and in City News.
Thirty-one eligible members were accepted onto the Task Force following a validation process based on the eligibility criteria.
Task Force members participated in independently facilitated workshops held on 19 and 20 August to provide feedback on the topic areas. Five fact sheets relating to the topic areas (Attachments 3-7) were sent prior to the workshops. A follow up briefing and questionnaire was conducted before finalising feedback and suggestions. There was also a commitment by many of the Task Force participants to be involved in future engagement.
The Geelong Central Business District (CBD) Engagement Task Force – Findings Report (Attachment 2) provides the detailed suggestions of options for Council to consider.
Should Council request for any suggestions to be explored or evaluated further, it is recommended that further community engagement take place with business people and property owners along with other community stakeholders, including residents, visitors, community groups and not-for-profit organisations.
Councillor Aitken moved, Councillor Sullivan seconded –
That Council:
Note the advice, feedback and suggestions from the Task Force contained in the Geelong CBD Engagement Task Force - Findings Report; and
Refer the report to the incoming Council for further consideration.
Carried.
The Geelong Central Business District (CBD) Engagement Task Force advice, feedback and suggestions have financial impacts on the City and will require further analysis relating to financial implications.
The eligibility criteria for the Task Force required participants to own or operate a business in the 3220 postcode; and/or own a commercial property in the 3220 postcode; and, not to be a current member of the Central Geelong Marketing Committee. The nomination process was co-ordinated on the City’s Have Your Say online platform
Thirty-one eligible members were accepted onto the Task Force following a validation process based on the eligibility criteria.
Should Council request for any suggestions to be explored or evaluated further, it is recommended that further community engagement take place with business people and property owners and with other community stakeholders, including residents, visitors, community groups, and not-for-profit organisations.
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. As Geelong navigates through the pandemic and plans its move towards recovery, it is important to support a healthy, active and thriving CBD.
Should Council request for any suggestions to be explored or evaluated further, social equity considerations will need to be assessed relating to specific initiatives.
The topic areas relate to several Strategies, Plans, Policies and Frameworks as outlined in the five fact sheets in Attachments 3-7. These include Revitalising Central Geelong Action Plan, Central Geelong Structure Plan, Urban Design Guidelines, Smart City Framework (under development), Draft Central Geelong Parking Strategy (under development), Commuter Car Parking Strategy (under development), Activity Centre Zone Planning Framework Review (under development), Draft Connection and Movement Plan (under development), Bus Services Review (led by Department of Transport), Network Operating Plan Review (led by Department of Transport), Central Geelong Marketing Strategic Plan, Central Geelong Marketing Annual Activities Plan and the City of Greater Geelong Budget and Rating Strategy.
Some feedback and suggestions can be considered and implemented by the City whereas other suggestions will require the City to take on an advocacy role as the responsibility sits with other levels of government.
The advice, feedback and suggestions outlined in the Geelong CBD Engagement Task Force – Findings Report, align directly to the strategic priorities outlined in the Council Plan 2018-22 with regard to ‘A Thriving and Sustainable Economy’, ‘Informed Social Infrastructure and Planning’, ‘Growing our Tourism and Events’, and ‘Integrated Transport Connections’.
No officers involved in the preparation of this report have a direct or indirect interest in matters to which it relates.
COVID-19 presents many risks to the community and businesses. As the City navigates through the current challenges and toward a recovery post COVID-19, it is extremely important we transition out of the Pandemic environment with a healthy and active CBD.
A further risk assessment would be conducted should Council request for specific initiatives to be explored and evaluated further.
The advice, feedback and suggestions relating to the priority topic areas of public transport servicing the CBD and on and off-street parking in the CBD would require further assessment in relation to environmental implications, should Council request for specific initiatives to be explored and evaluated further.
Source: |
Governance, Strategy & Performance - Governance |
Director: |
Rebecca Leonard |
Portfolio: |
Leadership and Governance |
To provide information to Councillors about establishing a public register of meetings between developers and Councillors and City officers.
On 28 July 2020 Council resolved to request the Chief Executive Officer to investigate establishing a public register of property developer meetings held with the City of Greater Geelong key management personnel, senior officers and/or Councillors (Attachment 2).
Two key issues were raised in support of the resolution of Council, namely integrity and transparency in relation to Council and City dealings with developers.
Councils play a key role in supporting growth and development within their municipal boundaries which includes providing advice and support to businesses, and about strategic land use planning, statutory planning and building services.
Transparency in decision making is critical to maintaining public trust and confidence in the functions of Council and the City. The importance of transparency has been recognised in the Local Government Act 2020 (LGA 2020) which sets out public transparency principles and requires councils to adopt a public transparency policy. The Council adopted its first Public Transparency Policy on 1 September 2020 (see Attachment 3).
There appears to be no examples of Victorian councils establishing a register of developer meetings, and there is no current requirement under the LGA 2020 to establish such a register.
A limited number of Councils in Western Australia have established a register to record developer meetings with Councillors (Attachment 4). These registers do not record officer meetings with developers. Queensland councils are required by the Queensland Integrity Act 2009 to have policies governing developer interactions with councillors and employees, but do not have registers.
The Council and the City are governed by a number of policies and processes, as well as the LGA 2020, which support integrity and transparency across the City’s operations and the Councils’ decisions. An outline of the governance framework is provided at Attachment 5.
Officers are of the view that this governance framework provides and effective framework for integrity and transparency in all of the Council’s and the City’s operations and it is not clear whether establishing a register of developer meetings in itself would strengthen the existing framework or improve transparency of decision making. Rather than by creating a register of developer meetings, guidelines governing how Councillors and developers interact could be more effective in strengthening the framework. These guidelines could be incorporated into the Councillor Code of Conduct, akin to the policies adopted by Queensland Councils.
The City’s officers at all levels provide services to developers on a day to day basis. City officers also have obligations to keep records of their work pursuant to management policies and procedures, and to act with integrity in all of their dealings in accordance with the Employee Code of Conduct and the LGA 2020. Records available to the public are accessible under the Freedom of Information Act 1982, subject to the requirements of the Privacy and Data Protection Act 2014 (PDP Act). There would be no additional benefit in requiring City officers to record their meetings with developers in a register.
Information collected for and published in any register of developer meetings must comply with the PDP Act, and personal information could not be published without an individual’s consent. This means that, if a developer doesn’t provide their consent, their details can’t be published in a register. A balance must also be struck between the need to provide transparency and facilitate good governance practices, whilst not undermining developer interest and confidence to invest in Greater Geelong or the rights of ratepayers to continue to have access to their elected representatives.
If Council wishes to proceed to develop a register of meetings, consideration would need to be given to creating a policy and procedure to support the administration of the register which includes:
The definition of a developer;
The definition of a meeting, for instance, does it include phone calls, emails and in person meetings;
The nature of the information to be provided in the register, balanced against the obligations of privacy and confidentiality; and
The frequency of publication of the register.
Councillor Aitken moved, Councillor Grzybek seconded –
That the report be deferred.
Carried.
Source: |
Customer & Corporate Services - Property, Procurement and Assets |
Director: |
Michael Dugina |
Portfolio: |
Finance |
To provide a report and recommendation to Council following the issue of the public notice of the intention to sell the land being certificate of title volume 9332 folio 123, addressed as part 11 McHarry Court, Corio. Refer Attachment 3 for location.
Consideration of the potential future sale of this land originated from the Council meeting on 25 November 2014 when, while considering rezoning the adjacent land, the Council resolved that “Officers prepare a report on the sale and rezoning of Connections Park East (BMX Site)”.
This led to the Planning Scheme Amendment C330 - a Council initiated amendment which rezoned Connections Park East, Corio from the Public Park and Recreation Zone to the General Residential Zone Schedule 1 – this is the parcel known as part 11 McHarry Court, Corio although the parcel of land connects to Welch Court, Consedine Court, Kilpatrick Court, and Goodwin Court, Corio.
When the Council adopted Amendment C330, the report noted that:
“Rezoning of the site to a residential zone will improve Council’s ability to attract investment in a challenging urban renewal precinct that will also see the redevelopment of the adjacent former Rosewall Primary School land. The long-term strategy to redevelop Connections Park East for residential use complements other renewal projects that will bring significant benefits for the local community. These include redevelopment of the former primary school land, sporting improvements to Flinders Peak Reserve, development of the Hendy Street Family Hub and the redevelopment of the Rosewall Neighbourhood House. The retention of the western part of Connections Park at over 1.3 hectares, with established playground equipment and neighbouring the Rosewall Neighbourhood House, will adequately serve local open space needs. The loss of the site as designated open space in the Planning Scheme will not adversely impact on the community”.
At its meeting of 12 May 2020, the Council resolved to commence the process to sell the property by giving public notice and inviting submissions, requiring that, if submissions were received, a further report will be put to Council.
Public notice was issued in accordance with sections 189 and 223 of the Local Government Act (Act) and submissions were invited.
Six submissions were received and a full copy of each has been provided to the Councillors, as well as a summary on Attachment 2.
No submitter requested to be heard by a submissions review panel.
In considering the submissions, it is noted:
The reserve is poorly situated and suffers from a lack of passive surveillance and safety concerns. Redevelopment of the surrounding land will address the objectives within the Corio Norlane Structure Plan 2012 of creating improved access and visibility of the remaining part of Connections Park located to the West.
The report presented to the Council meeting of 16 February 2016 noted “the long-term strategy to redevelop Connections Park East for residential use complements other renewal projects that will bring significant benefits for the local community”.
The report also noted that “The retention of the western part of Connections Park at over 1.3 hectares, with established playground equipment and neighbouring the Rosewall Neighbourhood House, will adequately serve local open space needs. The loss of the site as designated open space in the Planning Scheme will not adversely impact on the community”.
The Council has recently completed the $3.76m construction of the Rosewall Community Centre which provides a meeting point for community groups, adult education classes and social gatherings and art activities.
The ‘reserve’ status on the certificate of title will need to be removed by a planning permit prior to sale so the land can be developed in accordance with the General Residential Zone.
The nearby property, formerly the Rosewall Primary School, is likely to be sold by the State Government and be a complimentary redevelopment opportunity to the City’s land.
Councillor Grzybek moved, Councillor Aitken seconded -
That the report be deferred.
Carried.
Source: |
Governance, Strategy & Performance - Strategy & Performance |
Director: |
Rebecca Leonard |
Portfolio: |
Leadership and Governance |
For Council to approve the establishment of a Sustainability Advisory Committee and proposed Terms of Reference.
The Sustainability Framework and associated 2020-22 Action Plan were adopted by Council on 28 July 2020.
Council requested the Chief Executive Officer provide a report to Council by 21 September with proposed Terms of Reference for a Sustainability Consultative Group.
The Group is to be created as a Committee of community representatives with a range of environmental management, social/community planning and financial/risk analysis expertise, to provide advice, and to support the implementation of the Sustainability Framework and 2020-22 Action Plan.
Public engagement on the Sustainability Framework and 2020-22 Action Plan demonstrated significant interest in the Framework and the City’s initiatives in this area.
Two objectives included in the documents support the ongoing contribution of the community:
Harness community knowledge to drive sustainable change; and
Understand and be guided by the needs and expectations of our community.
The proposed Terms of Reference (Attachment 2) for the Committee have been developed to support the ongoing participation of and feedback from members of the community in the implementation of the Sustainability Framework.
Recruitment for the Committee will be completed via an expression of interest process in November 2020, seeking members with a range of skills and experiences particularly in the three priority areas identified in the Framework: protecting the environment, community wellbeing and social equity and responsible and transparent business.
Councillor Asher moved, Councillor Grzybek seconded -
That Council:
Approve the establishment of the Sustainability Advisory Committee and the proposed Terms of Reference (Attachment 2); and
Note that expressions of interest for members of the Committee will commence in early November 2020.
Carried.
The Sustainability Framework recognises the importance of financial management for the long-term sustainability of our community.
The Terms of Reference include the requirement that at least one representative must have expertise or experience in responsible and transparent business.
Feedback from community engagement on the Sustainability Framework and 2020-22 Action Plan indicated significant interest from key stakeholder groups and the broader community in the establishment of an advisory committee to support the implementation of the 2020-2022 Action Plan.
The Terms of Reference will be communicated upon advertising for members of the advisory committee.
Community members and stakeholder groups who provided feedback on the Framework and 2020-22 Action Plan will be informed of the establishment of the advisory committee.
The Sustainability Framework recognises the importance of equity, access and inclusion for the long-term sustainability of our community.
The Terms of Reference include the requirement that at least one representative must have expertise or experience in community wellbeing and social equity.
The Sustainability Framework aligns with the overarching governance principles of the Local Government Act 2020. The Act requires Council to consider the economic, social and environmental sustainability of the municipal district, including mitigation and planning for climate change risks and promote this.
Sustainability is a key consideration/theme of Council Plan 2018-22 and aligns to the Leadership and Governance Portfolio and the community’s 30-year Clever and Creative vision.
There is no identified conflict of interest for any officer involved in this report.
The Sustainability Advisory Committee is established to assist the City in ensuring it can meet the objectives of the Sustainability Framework and the 2020-22 Action Plan. These Terms of Reference clearly define the roles and responsibilities of Committee members. A transparent and open expression of interest process will build public confidence in both the Committee and the City’s commitment to meet its objectives.
The Sustainability Framework recognises the importance of climate change, managing natural resources, emissions reduction, waste management and protecting biodiversity for the long-term sustainability of our community.
The Terms of Reference include the requirement that at least one representative must have expertise or experience in environmental issues.
Source: |
Community Life - Leisure and Recreation Services |
Robyn Stevens |
|
Portfolio: |
Sport and Recreation |
To seek Council approval to allocate $800,000 to fund the final design stage for the Northern ARC project and to agree to rename the Northern ARC project and assign an interim working project title.
At the Ordinary Meeting of Council on 27 February 2018, Council resolved to appoint architects dwp Australia Pty Ltd to complete the design services for the Northern ARC project.
The Barwon Health North facility has recently been completed within the precinct. The Northern ARC project is the next key stage in the development of the precinct and will include the construction of an aquatic and wellbeing facility including pools, water play, gymnasium, hydrotherapy, allied health consulting suites, civic/community hall and public meeting facilities. The future stage of the precinct is to rebuild the Corio Library (currently unfunded).
Stakeholder and community feedback has also indicated the project name, Northern ARC, is not well understood and that a renaming would provide greater clarity.
Officers have noted that in the current COVID-19 environment, both state and federal governments are prioritising funding for shovel-ready projects to encourage more immediate economic stimulus. Discussion with State Government representatives advise the prospect of the project receiving government funding would be enhanced if all design stages were complete.
Three of the four design stages have been completed. The final stage involves the preparation of documents ready for tender. Completion of this stage would enable the project to be classified as “shovel ready” consistent with the State Government definition. The final design stage is expected to take four months to complete.
Design works for the project have progressed through three of four design stages. The final design stage will cost $800,000. There is no allocation in the 2020/2021 Council budget for the final stage of the Northern ARC design.
Funding for this work formed part of the capital programs in 2017/18 and 2018/19 however unspent monies were released to savings at that time due to the lack of clarity around future funding for this project.
The Northern Aquatic and Community Hub is recommended for a working project title for the Northern ARC project. A permanent name will be selected at a future point in the project, with the most appropriate process to be determined.
Councillor Aitken moved, Councillor Grzybek seconded -
That Council:
Approve the allocation of $800,000 in the 2020/2021 budget to complete the final design stage of the Northern ARC project;
Assign Northern Aquatic and Community Hub as an interim working project title; and
Note that continued efforts will be made to advocate to both the State and Federal Governments for funding for this priority project given the significant commitment Council has made to ensure the project is shovel ready.
Carried.
There is currently no budget in 2020/2021 for the final design stage. The value of the final stage of design is $800,000
$800,000 can be funded from the 2020/2021 carryover with the same amount to be funded in the 2021/2022 budget to replenish the 2020/2021 carryover budget.
Construction of Northern ARC is currently costed at $61.6 million. Council has committed $20.6 million in its forward budget to the project and is seeking state and federal government funding for the remaining $41 million.
Extensive community engagement has occurred as part of the first three design stages. Feedback from this consultation has influenced the design of the Northern ARC building.
Opportunities for community and stakeholder engagement will be considered when developing the process to permanently rename Northern ARC.
Social equity principles have been extensively considered by the Project and Design teams throughout the Northern ARC design process.
A key requirement of the facility is to provide access to the diverse community residing in Geelong’s northern suburbs.
Norlane and Corio are ranked among the most vulnerable postcodes in Australia.
A recent survey[1] found that 22.6 per cent of respondents from Corio are classified as sedentary and 21.2 per cent rated their health as fair or poor. Over 21 per cent considered themselves to have high or very high distress rates. All these rates were double the average in the municipality. Over 54 per cent of respondents also identified themselves as obese or overweight.
Norlane and Corio have lower median household income, higher unemployment and a higher proportion of older people requiring assistance, compared to both Geelong and Victoria.
As at 28 August 2020, Corio/Norlane was listed as the second highest location in the state for JobSeeker recipients, numbering 3,071. This statistic, combined with the underlying issues listed above, clearly demonstrate residents in these areas are likely to be particularly hard hit by economic hardship as a result of the recession caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, including the attendant consequences for physical and mental health.
All these factors signal a greater need for wrap-around services and accessible public health facilities, particularly preventative health. Northern ARC has a focus on diversity, accessibility and inclusion, leading to better health outcomes and increased community resilience.
dwp Australia Pty Ltd are engaged by Council under a fully executed contract to provide design services, developed by Maddocks Lawyers.
The recommendations in this report align with the Council Plan’s strategic objective for informed social infrastructure planning.
There is no known conflict of interest arising from any officer involved in the preparation of this report.
Ongoing risk assessments will continue to be completed by the project team.
The completion of the final stage of design is expected to place Council in a favourable position to attract state and federal government funding.
The project is aiming for a 5-star Greenstar certification as per Council’s Sustainable Building Policy.
[1] - City of Greater Geelong, 2019, Geelong Preventative Health Survey 2017
[Back to List]Source: |
Customer & Corporate Services - Property, Procurement & Assets |
Michael Dugina |
|
Portfolio: |
Finance |
To establish a contract panel based on an agreed schedule of rates for the provision of electrical services undertaken by the City.
The current panel of contractors for the provision of electrical services expires on 31 October 2020.
To facilitate the ongoing provision of electrical services, the Procurement Unit undertook a public tender (Tender T2000060) on behalf of the Facilities Maintenance Unit.
The estimated value of this contract over the period of the contract is approximately $10,000,000.00 (ex-GST).
At tender close the City received 12 tender submissions.
The submissions were evaluated in accordance with the processes detailed in the City’s ‘Procurement and Contracts Manual’.
Based on the variety and volume work under this contract and competitive pricing of the submissions, the Tender Evaluation Panel have determined that 7 tenderers should be included on the Contract Panel.
Subject to Council awarding the contract, the service will commence 1 November 2020.
Councillor Aitken moved, Councillor Grzybek seconded -
That Council:
Award Panel Contract C2000060 for the Provision of Electrical Services for an initial term of three (3) years, with a further two (2) x twelve (12) month extension options based on the tendered schedule of rates of the following preferred tenderers; and
No. |
Tenderer |
ABN |
|---|---|---|
1 |
QA Electrical Pty Ltd |
52 124 222 760 |
2 |
LGE Electrical Services Pty Ltd ATF the L.G.E Unit Trust |
39 953 089 233 |
3 |
Gordon McKay Pty Ltd |
70 005 147 160 |
4 |
Harris HMC Interiors Pty Ltd ATF Harris HMC Interiors t/a HMC Electrics |
57 904 356 452 |
5 |
Barwon Asset Solutions Pty Ltd |
81 167 911 515 |
6 |
Luke Mitchell Electrical Pty Ltd |
79 158 995 549 |
7 |
NMJ Electrical Pty Ltd ATF the O’Loughlin Family Trust |
86 686 957 048 |
Authorise the Chief Executive Officer to execute Contract C2000060 and any other documents required by or to give effect to the terms of the Contract on behalf of Council.
Carried.
The estimated total cost for the term of the five (5) year agreement (inclusive of option periods) is $10,000,000 (ex-GST) subject to annual CPI adjustments. This is contingent on funding allocations in future recurrent budgets.
The majority of successful tenderers operate businesses within the Geelong Region providing significant local employment and economic benefits to the Geelong community.
This tender was publicly tendered in accordance with the requirements of section 186 of the Local Government Act 1989 and the tender process has been conducted in accordance with Council’s Procurement Policy.
This Contract will aid in the maintenance and improvements of existing City assets, aligning with proactively managing our assets
All voting members on the Tender Evaluation Panel confirmed that they did not have a conflict of interest with any of the tenderers.
The tender evaluation process involved the assessment of work, health and safety policies, procedures and risk assessment documents. Any other risks associated with the acceptance of this tender will be managed through the contract conditions.
Any environmental implications associated with this contract provision are the responsibility of the contractor and will be managed through the contract documentation.
Contract C2000060 – Provision of Electrical Services
The City released Tender T2000060 seeking to appoint a panel of contractors for the provision of electrical services.
Table 1 Invitations to Tender
2.1 Medium |
2.2 Date Advertised |
|---|---|
2.3 City of Greater Geelong Website |
2.4 20/06/2020 |
2.5 eProcure |
2.6 20/06/2020 |
2.7 Geelong Advertiser |
2.8 20/06/2020 |
The Tender Evaluation Panel (TEP) comprised the following staff.
Table 2 Tender Evaluation Panel
(a) Position Title |
(b) Panel role |
|---|---|
Procurement Specialist |
Chair |
Manager Property, Procurement & Assets |
Member |
Coordinator Facilities Maintenance |
Member |
Technical Officer – Facilities Maintenance |
Member |
Technical Officer – Facilities Maintenance |
Member |
At tender close the City received 12 submissions
Table 3 Tender Submissions Received
Tender |
Conforming tender |
|
|---|---|---|
A |
QA Electrical Pty Ltd |
Yes |
B |
LGE Electrical Services Pty Ltd ATF the L.G.E Unit Trust |
Yes |
C |
Gordon McKay Pty Ltd |
Yes |
D |
Harris HMC Interiors Pty Ltd ATF Harris HMC Interiors t/a HMC Electrics |
Yes |
E |
Barwon Asset Solutions Pty Ltd |
Yes |
F |
Luke Mitchell Electrical Pty Ltd |
Yes |
G |
NMJ Electrical Pty Ltd ATF the O’Loughlin Family Trust |
Yes |
H |
Tender H |
Yes |
I |
Tender I |
Yes |
J |
Tender J |
Yes |
K |
Tender K |
Yes |
L |
Tender L |
Yes |
The TEP used the following qualitative criteria (in order of weighting) to assess the submissions:
Table 4 Comparative Criteria Weighting
Comparative Criteria |
Weighting % |
|---|---|
Capability and experience, past performance over the last 3 years |
30% |
Proposed staffing levels, Proposed plant and equipment levels, extent of subcontracting |
25% |
Customer Service |
20% |
Methodology/plan for performing the contract, ability to respond at short notice, 24-hour emergency service |
15% |
Economic & Local Content contribution (mandatory) |
10 |
At the conclusion of the evaluation, the tenderers that achieved a weighted score of >60% and addressed the mandatory OH&S requirements were recommended for inclusion on the contract panel.
Table 5 Tender Evaluation Scores
Tender |
Rank |
|
|---|---|---|
A |
QA Electrical Pty Ltd |
Recommended |
B |
LGE Electrical Services Pty Ltd ATF the L.G.E Unit Trust |
Recommended |
C |
Gordon McKay Pty Ltd |
Recommended |
D |
Harris HMC Interiors Pty Ltd ATF Harris HMC Interiors t/a HMC Electrics |
Recommended |
E |
Barwon Asset Solutions Pty Ltd |
Recommended |
F |
Luke Mitchell Electrical Pty Ltd |
Recommended |
G |
NMJ Electrical Pty Ltd ATF the O’Loughlin Family Trust |
Recommended |
H |
Tender H |
Not Recommended |
I |
Tender I |
Not Recommended |
J |
Tender J |
Not Recommended |
K |
Tender K |
Not Recommended |
L |
Tender L |
Not Recommended |
No probity issues identified.
Source: |
City Services - Engineering Services |
Guy Wilson-Browne |
|
Portfolio: |
Parks, Gardens and City Services |
To revoke Council’s designation of 12 December 2006 of flood affected land at Anchoridge, Stages 4 - 6 as liable to flooding pursuant to regulation 153 of the Building Regulations 2018.
Council has a statutory obligation under the Building Regulations 2018 to designate land as liable to flooding where it reasonably knows it to be prone to flooding. Conversely, there is an obligation to remove the encumbrance of designation from land that is no longer considered to be flood-prone.
The current designated flood mapping (Attachment 2) was designated by Council at its meeting of 12 December 2006.
This revocation will result in another stage of new lots in Anchoridge Estate fronting 892-958 Barwon Heads Road, Armstrong Creek being free of their flood prone status, paving the way for owners to build homes on their land.
The flood mapping is subject to a revision due to the subdivision and development at 892-958 Barwon Heads Road, Armstrong Creek, Prior to subdivision the parent lot was considered to be liable to flooding. This development site, which is also known as Anchoridge Estate, Stages 4 - 6 achieves flood immunity for newly created lots for flood events up to and including the 100 year Average Recurrence Interval (ARI) event due to approved internal earthworks.
The recommendation by Council engineers that the flood prone status can be removed includes assessment of internal drainage, road construction and earthworks to contain potential floodwaters from the 100 year ARI event within road and drainage reserves (Attachment 3).
It should be noted that designation is separate to the creation of flood overlays within the Planning Scheme, which generally follows designation. In the case of this development, the planning scheme amendment to create post-development flood zones or overlays is proposed after the design of the proposed precincts.
Councillor Nelson moved, Councillor Harwood seconded -
That Council revoke the Council designation of 12 December 2006 of flood affected land at Anchoridge Estate Stages 4 - 6 as liable to flooding pursuant to regulation 153 of the Building Regulations 2018.
Carried.
There are no financial implications arising from the subject of this report.
A revocation of designation does not warrant public consultation as it constitutes the removal of an encumbrance on land.
Relevant City databases and flood maps will be revised and updates sent to the Corangamite Catchment Management Authority and Building Control Commission.
Council have a responsibility to the community to provide the best possible information on areas that are flood prone. The removal of flood prone designation allows owners to build on their land without a special permit from the City, and without raising the floor level of their home. It also reduces the cost of property insurance.
The City has various statutory responsibilities for drainage management and flood management (prevention, response and recovery) as set out in the Local Government Act 1989, Local Government Regulations 1990, Planning and Environment Act 1987, Building Regulations 2018, Water Act 1989, Subdivision Act 1988 and Emergency Management Act 1986.
The works have resulted in the lots being protected from flooding during a major storm event that has a one per cent probability of occurring in any one year, and occurs on average once in 100 years. This is the required standard for new subdivisions.
The recommendations of this report are consistent with the Council Plan, in relation to planned sustainable development.
No City officers or contractors who have provided advice in relation to this report have declared a conflict of interest regarding the matter under consideration.
Council also has some risk exposure with any failure to disclose the flood-prone status of a property in a Land Information Certificate.
The revocation of the designation is the final step in minimising Council’s risk.
The revocation of flood-prone areas designation and designation of revised flood data through the design of this stage is considered unlikely to result in any known adverse environmental impacts.
Source: |
Customer & Corporate Services - Digital Information & Technology |
Michael Dugina |
|
Portfolio: |
Finance |
Councillor Harwood moved, Councillor Mason seconded -
That in accordance with Section 89 (2) (d) of the Local Government Act 1989, this contractual matter be considered at the conclusion of all other business at which time the meeting be closed to members of the public.
Carried.
Source: |
Customer & Corporate Services - Property, Procurement & Assets |
Michael Dugina |
|
Portfolio: |
Finance |
Councillor Murrihy moved, Councillor Mason seconded -
That in accordance with Section 89 (2) (d) of the Local Government Act 1989, this contractual matter be considered at the conclusion of all other business at which time the meeting be closed to members of the public.
Carried.
Source: |
People & Culture |
Kaarina Phyland |
|
Portfolio: |
Leadership and Governance |
Councillor Murnane moved, Councillor Nelson seconded -
That in accordance with Section 89 (2) (d) of the Local Government Act 1989, this contractual 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 – Governance |
Rebecca Leonard |
|
Portfolio: |
Leadership and Governance |
Councillor Grzybek moved, Councillor Mansfield 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
