Council Minutes - Section C: Notice of Motion - 21 September 2020
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Notices of Motion tabled at the Ordinary Meeting of Council on 21 September 2020 which was Held virtually by Zoom and broadcast on the City's website.
In mid-2019 Regional Development Victoria (RDV) provided funding for Parks Victoria (PV) to develop a Master Plan for the future development of the “You Yangs Precinct” - which encompasses both Serendip Sanctuary and the You Yangs Regional Park. Parks Victoria is the statutory authority of the Victorian Government responsible for the management of You Yangs Regional Park and Serendip Sanctuary.
The Draft You Yangs Precinct Master Plan was released by Parks Victoria for public comment on 1st September 2020. This Draft Master Plan was informed by engagement with key stakeholders and community, including a survey on Engage Victoria, which was completed by over 1000 people. The Master Plan is a strategic document, setting out a vision and recommended direction for the precinct. All initiatives in the plan still require detailed assessment, planning and funding. Parks Victoria is seeking feedback until Sunday 1 November 2020 via the Engage Victoria website.
A Project Control Group (PCG) was established to oversee the creation of the Master Plan which includes the Director Economy, Investment and Attraction and Executive Director Tourism Greater Geelong and The Bellarine and representatives from Regional Development Victoria, Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation and Visit Victoria with no direct community representation on the PCG.
Many people in the community feel that the aspirational side of the document has considerable merit as it relies heavily on community input to draw its conclusions, however there has been considerable community concern and public debate with a number of concerns raised about its contents and directions by both individuals and organisations. Some community concerns include (but not limited to):
The Draft provides some context but does not provide concrete plans for the future of tourism in the region especially the lucrative and proven international wildlife tourism sector;
Some Traditional Owners are concerned about the merits of some of the proposed infrastructure developments;
There is no conservation management plan referenced;
Serendip Sanctuary would lose its research capacity with rare and endangered wildlife; and
Plans to remove infrastructure for wildlife viewing, central to Serendip Sanctuary’s attraction as a visitor destination, have not been adequately considered. This could reduce Serendip’s role as a wildlife habitat and refuge.
It is recognised that Council is a stakeholder in this process, however from an advocacy perspective and to balance the needs of the community and stakeholders, it is recognised that Council should play a leadership role in raising these concerns with Parks Victoria. It is recommended that Council raises these community concerns with Parks Victoria’s Board and Management and via the Project Control Group as well as requesting Parks Victoria to consider forming a community-based Stakeholder Reference Group (SRG). The SRG could consist of stakeholders and community members to resolve community concerns relating to feedback on the Draft Plan.
Councillor Grzybek moved, Councillor Aitken seconded -
That Council request the Chief Executive Officer to:
Write to Parks Victoria’s Board and Management as a member of the Project Control Group to raise community concerns; and
Request Parks Victoria to consider forming a community-based Stakeholder Reference Group (SRG) to resolve community concerns relating to feedback on the Draft You Yangs Precinct Master Plan.
Carried.
The Kardinia Ward is home to over 8,000 registered dogs and such a report would complement the recently announced fenced dog park beneath the Settlement Road bridge at 162 Barrabool Road, Belmont to further benefit the diverse community of dog owners who live south of the Barwon River.
In 2017 the City signed an agreement with Barwon Water for the maintenance of the Highton Pipe Track Shared Path.
In 2018 Council endorsed the Dog Controls in Public Places Policy (Policy) to recognise that dog controls in public places is necessary, and implemented on a balanced approach, for the benefit of all members of the community.
All public areas in our municipality have been designated as being 'on-leash' for the purposes of dogs, except where otherwise signed. Shared Paths are designated as on-leash areas as part of the Policy.
Recently on lead signs were erected along the north-south running Highton Pipe Track to the rear of Tim Hill Reserve, Wandana Heights.
Anecdotally, public feedback has been quite vexed with some residents agreeing with the existing on lead controls and others requesting that this should be an off-leash area.
Future community consultation and a report from the CEO would assist Council with making an informed decision for the benefit of local residents in relation to the appropriate control of dogs using the pathway.
Councillor Nelson moved, Councillor Harwood seconded -
That Council requests the Chief Executive Officer to report to Council in December 2020 on dogs off-leash at the Highton Pipe Track (behind Tim Hill Reserve). The report is to consider:
The Highton Pipe Track Shared Path Maintenance Agreement with Barwon Water;
The Dog Controls in Public Places Policy; and
Community consultation as appropriate.
Carried.
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