Gazette ISSUE 6, 2020 - Golden Plains Shire Council
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ISSUE 6, 2020
Gazette
3 Meet the Golden Plains
Shire Councillors
7 New Cricket Facility
at Linton
8 Road and Bridge
Projects for
2020-2024 Golden Plains
COMMUNITY
COUNCIL NEWS
NEWS
From the Mayor
It’s an honour to have been Under the banner of our Council Vision 2040 and
elected as Mayor of Golden its themes of Community, Liveability, Prosperity and
Plains Shire for 2020-21, the first Sustainability, we will be developing the Council Plan
year of our new Council term, 2021-2025 early next year. This four-year plan will direct
and I would like to thank my the work and investment of this Council and we encourage
fellow Councillors for the support every resident to have their say on their priorities for
they have extended to me and Golden Plains Shire.
to Deputy Mayor Cr Ian Getsom. Finally, as the Council term begins, a year that we will
always remember is coming to a close. On behalf of the
Now that the election has passed, Councillors, I wish all residents a very Merry Christmas
we have been busy completing and a happy, healthy New Year. Our Council group looks
the Councillor Induction program as we look forward to an forward to a busy and successful 2021, working hard for
exciting and productive year ahead. We thank the Golden the people of Golden Plains.
Plains residents for the faith they have placed in us and we
will work together to serve them well as Councillors. Cr Helena Kirby - Mayor of Golden Plains Shire Council
Stay Fire Ready
After the devastation of bushfires last year, issued to non-compliant properties, significantly less than last
everyone has an important responsibility year’s 493 notices and we thank property owners for taking
fire preparations seriously. Landowners who received a notice
to help reduce the risk of fire to their own are required to complete specified works by early December;
property and the entire community, keeping or risk a $1,652 fine and Council organising a contractor to
Golden Plains Shire safe this fire season. complete the works at the owner’s expense.
For more information about fire preparation and Thank you to the thousands of Golden Plains Shire
prevention, visit goldenplains.vic.gov.au/fire residents who have prepared their properties for the fire
season. Please ensure you keep your property in the same
condition throughout the Fire Danger Period and if you go
Keep Safe This Fire Season
away for holidays, make plans for a neighbor or friend to
If you are in a high-risk bushfire area, make sure you know monitor your property.
what to do, and when and where to go, on hot, dry and
windy days. It could make all the difference to you and Schedule 13 Permits
your family. During the Fire Danger Period, you are not permitted to
To keep your family safe, remember to confirm your burn off on your property without a Schedule 13 Permit.
emergency plan, review and restock your emergency To apply for a permit, residents need to contact their local
kit, and take a few minutes to share your plans with CFA district to request and submit a permit application.
any holiday visitors you may have staying with you.
Be Prepared. Stay Prepared. Council Fire Prevention
Owners of land in Golden Plains Shire are required to keep In mid-October, Council began its own fire prevention
long grass on their properties cut so that it is no higher works, commencing the annual roadside slashing
than 100mm during the Fire Danger Period. On properties program of all sealed roads and strategic fire breaks
more than two hectares, landowners are required to keep to reduce fuel loads. Council also conducts burning
grass below a maximum of 100mm up to a minimum of of selected reserves to remove fire hazards and,
20 metres from a house or outbuilding. with additional Working for Victoria program staff,
Under State Government legislation, Council must conduct has undertaken fire hazard, fuel reduction and litter
fire hazard inspections of private property. Inspections started collection works. This program commences in
in November, and a total of 249 Fire Prevention Notices were the drier south of the Shire before moving north,
with the program to be completed by Christmas.
2 | Golden Plains Shire Gazette | ISSUE 6, 2020
COUNCIL NEWS
The Golden Plains Shire Council 2020-2024
The Golden Plains Shire Councillors 2020-2024 (Left to Right):Clayton Whitfield, Helena Kirby, Brett Cunningham, Owen Sharkey, Gavin Gamble, Les Rowe and Ian Getsom.
Golden Plains Shire Council’s new Councillor a Council Meeting (Budget Submissions) on 8 June and
group for the 2020-2024 term were officially a Council Meeting (Mayoral Election) on 16 November.
sworn in at the Oath/Affirmation of Office Due to COVID restrictions, the meetings in January,
February, March and April, 2021 will be held at the Golden
ceremony on Saturday 14 November, 2020. Plains Civic Centre, 2 Pope St, Bannockburn and closed
The Councillors who will represent Golden Plains Shire to public attendance. The location and attendance of
for the 2020-2024 term are: Brett Cunningham, meetings from May onwards will be determined and
Gavin Gamble, Ian Getsom, Helena Kirby, Les Rowe, communicated later in the year.
Owen Sharkey and Clayton Whitfield. All meetings of Council are livestreamed on Council’s
YouTube channel. For a direct link, visit Council’s website
On Tuesday 17 November, the Councillors elected
or social media on the day of the meeting, with a recording
Cr Helena Kirby as Mayor and Cr Ian Getsom as
available on Council’s website following the meeting.
Deputy Mayor for 2020-21.
Any person can ask a maximum of two questions of Council
during a 30-minute Question Time and all questions must
Council Meetings 2021
be lodged by 10am on the day of the meeting by email,
Residents and members of the public are welcome to Council’s website or hand delivered to Council offices.
attend meetings of Council which are held on the fourth To lodge a question, visit goldenplains.vic.gov.au/local-laws
Tuesday of each month at 6pm, with the exception of the The meeting agenda is available on Council’s website on
meeting on the third Tuesday in January and December. the Friday prior to the meeting. For agendas and more
In 2021, Council Meetings will be held on the following information, visit goldenplains.vic.gov.au
Tuesdays: 19 January, 23 February, 23 March, 27 April,
25 May, 22 June, 27 July, 24 August, 28 September,
26 October, 23 November and 21 December. There is also
ISSUE 6, 2020 | Golden Plains Shire Gazette | 3
COUNCIL NEWS
Meet Your Golden Plains Shire Councillors
Seven local residents have been elected to serve as Golden Plains Shire Councillors
for the 2020-2024 term.
Mayor Cr Helena Kirby Email: cr.hkirby@gplains.vic.gov.au Phone: 0436 599 856
Mayor Cr Helena Kirby has lived in Rokewood for 30 years and with her family, she owns and
operates the Rokewood Take Away store. Serving her fourth consecutive term as a Councillor,
she was elected Mayor for 2020-21, a role she previously held in 2017-18.
Cr Kirby is passionate about ensuring equity of services in the Shire’s small towns, community
consultation and engagement, and community planning. During the Council term, she is focused
on economic development, activating community spaces including local halls and playgrounds,
and protecting the rural lifestyle of Golden Plains Shire.
In her role as Mayor, Cr Kirby serves on the Audit & Risk Committee, G21 Board of Directors,
Central Highlands Councils Victoria and the Berrybank Wind Farm Community Engagement
Committee. Cr Kirby is also Council’s representative on the Peri Urban Group of Rural Councils,
Golden Plains Disability Access & Inclusion Committee and Rural Financial Counselling
Service – Colac Local Reference Group.
Deputy Mayor Cr Ian Getsom Email: cr.igetsom@gplains.vic.gov.au Phone: 0437 760 451
Cr Ian Getsom is a long-term Piggoreet resident, living on a rural property farmed by his sons.
He has volunteered for almost 40 years with the CFA and is the President of the Happy Valley
community hall. With a career in transport, he worked as a train controller during his 15 years
on Victorian railways and now drives school and charter bus runs in the north of the Shire.
Cr Getsom prides himself on being an approachable Councillor and looks forward to building
strong working relationships with the Council staff. He is passionate about boosting services
across the many townships of the Shire and improving the vitality of its villages.
Cr Getsom is a Community Services Portfolio Councillor and is Deputy Mayor for 2020-21.
He is also Council’s representative on Timber Towns, Ballarat Regional Landfill Monitoring
Committee and the G21 Transport Pillar.
Cr Brett Cunningham Email: cr.bcunningham@gplains.vic.gov.au Phone: 0437 661 423
A resident of Bannockburn and formerly Teesdale, Cr Brett Cunningham has professional
experience in marketing, corporate services and stakeholder relations roles. He is the
chairperson of Bannockburn & District Grants and the Bannockburn and Surrounds
Neighbourhood Watch.
Cr Cunningham is dedicated to strengthening confidence in Council and building community
support through transparency and engagement. He is focused on developing youth and mental
health services, greater road funding and improved facility maintenance.
Cr Cunningham is a Corporate Service Portfolio Councillor and a member of Council’s Audit
and Risk Committee. He is Council’s representative on the Tourism Greater Geelong and
Bellarine Board, the Municipal Association of Victoria’s Financial Assistance Grants and Rate
Capping Taskforce, and the G21 Economic Development, Health and Wellbeing, and Sport
and Recreation Pillars.
4 | Golden Plains Shire Gazette | ISSUE 6, 2020
COMMUNITY
COUNCIL NEWS
Cr Clayton Whitfield Email: cr.cwhitfield@gplains.vic.gov.au Phone: 0400 438 334
Cr. Clayton Whitfield has lived in Inverleigh for the past 14 years and brings managerial skills
and statutory knowledge from his experience in the domestic building sector, as a Trade Section
Commander in the Army, a vocational educator at The Gordon, and a building consultant.
Cr. Whitfield is passionate about improving Council’s asset maintenance and budget efficiency,
supporting youth in rural areas and community consultation. He sees balancing the Shire’s
population growth while maintaining rural appeal as an important challenge for Council.
Cr. Whitfield is an Infrastructure and Development Portfolio Councillor and Council’s
representative on the Municipal Association of Victoria’s Emergency Management Committee
and the G21 Planning and Services Pillar.
Cr Owen Sharkey Email: cr.osharkey@gplains.vic.gov.au Phone: 0418 694 716
Cr Owen Sharkey is a resident of Batesford who brings career experience from the construction
and housing industry to his role in Council. Elected to serve his second term as a Councillor,
Cr Sharkey was Mayor of Golden Plains Shire in 2018-19 and 2019-20.
Cr Sharkey is dedicated to supporting local youth, cultural diversity and business development,
with a focus on recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. His priorities for Council include
maintaining strong regional partnerships, highlighting the challenges for peri urban
municipalities and advocating for an improved rating structure.
Cr Sharkey is a Community Services Portfolio Councillor and Council’s representative on to
the Municipal Association of Victoria and its Human Service Committee, as well as the Geelong
Regional Library Corporation Board.
Cr Les Rowe Email: cr.lrowe@gplains.vic.gov.au Phone: 0437 290 595
Cr Les Rowe is a life-long resident of Sutherlands Creek, where he and his family farm properties
in the Moorabool Valley, near the land his ancestors settled more than 160 years ago.
Cr Rowe is a strong advocate for the local agricultural industry and rural communities. Serving
his second term as a Councillor, he is dedicated to improving the local road and bridge network,
community consultation, supporting local businesses and job creation, and Council delivering
on the Community Vision 2040.
Cr Rowe is a Corporate Services Portfolio Councillor and Council’s representative on the Geelong
Heritage Centre Collection Advisory Committee, Golden Plain Municipal Fire Management
Planning Committee and the G21 Education & Training and Arts, Heritage & Culture Pillars.
Cr Gavin Gamble Email: cr.ggamble@gplains.vic.gov.au Phone: 0437 187 542
As a Teesdale local of 18 years, Cr Gavin Gamble has a long history of active community
involvement in the Shire, including as a Community Coordinator and Cub Scout leader,
on Friends groups and the Turtle Bend Committee of Management, and with sporting clubs.
He has professional experience as a school teacher, brewer and now operates his own gardening
business across Golden Plains Shire.
Cr Gamble is a member of the Australian Greens and is passionate about pursuing action to
address climate change, protecting the Shire’s unique biodiversity, responsible development
and township enhancements, provision of greater transport and recreational options, and
support for cultural and wellbeing initiatives.
Cr Gamble is an Infrastructure and Development Portfolio Councillor and Council’s representative
on the Grampians Central West Waste and Resource Recovery Group, the G21 Environment
Pillar and the Municipal Association of Victoria’s Transport and Infrastructure Committee and
Environment Committee.
ISSUE 6, 2020 | Golden Plains Shire Gazette | 5
COMMUNITY NEWS
Grants for Local Community Projects
Seventeen Golden Plains community in local reserves, and helping local residents purchase a
groups have been awarded Community solar or battery system for their home. Council’s $71,928
contribution will leverage another $204,560 in value for
Strengthening Grants by Council, to deliver
the community and provide a return of $2.80 for every
an exciting range of community projects and $1 invested by Council.
programs across the Shire.
As with the first round announced in July, Councillors
In the second round of this year’s grants program, Council read out a short statement on each of the successful
awarded a combined $71,928 to the successful groups projects at the November Council Meeting, instead of
for projects across four categories: Healthy Active Living; the in-person community event, which not held due to
Creative Community; Environment and Sustainability; COVID-19 restrictions.
and Community Safety. In its 25th year, Council revised its successful community
These grants will support a variety of programs, including grants program and in the first round of this year’s grants
building community facilities, enhancing the biodiversity program, 16 groups shared in $74,284 of funding.
The recipients of the second round of Council’s 2020 Community Strengthening Grants are:
Healthy Active Living Grants
Meredith Cricket Club Updating the Cricket Nets $2,500
Woady Yaloak Athletics Club Haddon Seating Enhancement Project $1,980
Rokewood Kindergarten Outdoor Blinds Project $2,717
Bannockburn and District Netball Association Community Sports Grandstand $10,000
Hands of Change Meredith Meredith Community Garden $5,000
Maude Recreation Reserve Committee of Management Maude Recreation Reserve Cricket Nets $3,243
Creative Community Grants
Mannibadar Hall Committee Mannibadar Soldier Settlement Centenary $5,610
Linton Cemetery Trust Chinese Memorial Plaque and Landscaping $2,500
Environment and Sustainability Grants
Garibaldi Landcare Group Hardies Hill Reserve Wetlands Restoration $4,000
Inverleigh Golf Club Inverleigh Golf Club Watering Project $8,600
Linton and District Progress Association Enhancing Edinburgh Reserve’s Biodiversity $1,300
Yarrowee Leigh Catchment Group Replacement of Landcare Tree Planting Tools $1,256
Batesford Fyansford Stonehaven Landcare Enhancing Red Gum Reserve’s Biodiversity $2,087
Bannockburn Community Planning Group Milton Street Arbour $8,000
Geelong Sustainability Group Community Solar Bulk Buy $8,000
Community Safety Grants
Life Saving Victoria Sink or Swim Aquatic Safety and First Aid Online $4,385
Bannockburn & District Men’s Shed Security Alarm System $750
6 | Golden Plains Shire Gazette | ISSUE 6, 2020
COMMUNITY NEWS
New Cricket Facility at Linton
Michaela Settle MP, Member for Buninyong, and Mayor Cr Helena Kirby (back row) celebrated the announcement of the new cricket training facility with Linton Cricket Club
members, (front, left to right) Claire Keefe, Hunter McDonald, Liam Kerr and Rory Kerr.
Linton cricket players were bowled over Delivering at the Linton Recreation Reserve
by the recent announcement of a new The Linton Recreation Reserve has received significant
cricket training facility to be built at Linton upgrades over the past years – and there’s most exciting
Recreation Reserve. projects in 2021.
Last year, the new lights on the oval were switched on
On 20 November, Mayor Cr Helena Kirby and members for the Linton football teams and the new female friendly
of the Linton Cricket Club joined Member for Buninyong change rooms delivered for the Linton netball teams.
Michaela Settle MP at the Reserve for the announcement of This year, the pavilion and grandstand have been painted
the partnership of the Victorian Government and Council to in the club colours and Linton Cricket Club will enjoy the
deliver this $202,500 project. The Victorian Government will new hard cricket wicket.
contribute $100,000 from its 2019-2020 Community Cricket
Program – Community Facilities Fund, with Council investing In 2021, a significant upgrade of the playground at the
$72,500 and also securing an additional grant from the Reserve will be completed, along with the new cricket
Australian Cricket Infrastructure Fund for $30,000. training facility ready for 2021-22 cricket season.
The Linton Cricket Club has active junior and senior cricket
teams participating in the Grenville Cricket Association,
as well as running an under 8’s skill development program.
Howzat!
The installation of the new three-bay training facility at Cricket continues to be one of the most
Linton will: popular sports in Golden Plains Shire,
• Increase capacity for more training times and with many local clubs listing senior and
non-structured training opportunities for the Linton
community;
junior teams of male and female players.
• Deliver increased skill development due to the Last year, Council delivered new hard cricket wickets
availability of a usable facility and an additional net; at the Linton Recreation Reserve, Rokewood
Recreation Reserve and Inverleigh Sporting Complex.
• Create opportunities for the Linton Cricket Club to
encourage new users and new programs including In 2021, along with the new cricket facility in Linton,
female teams; Council is delivering the Lethbridge Cricket Net
Upgrade, funded by $145,000 from the Federal
• Increase club participation due to beginner level skill
Government’s Local Roads and Community
development with the hope of attracting further female
Infrastructure Program.
participants; and
Council also awarded two Community Strengthening
• Provide a safe training facility for the club and community.
Grants of $2,500 to the Meredith Cricket Club to
Construction of the cricket training facility including three upgrade its cricket nets and $3,242 for cricket nets
new cricket nets and associated fencing will begin early at the Maude Recreation Reserve.
next year following the current cricket season.
ISSUE 6, 2020 | Golden Plains Shire Gazette | 7
COMMUNITY
ROADS AND BRIDGES
NEWS
In the Works: New Bridges
Council has a busy schedule of significant road and bridge projects in 2020-21, improving
road safety in Meredith, Rokewood, Napoleons, Shelford, Mt Mercer and Sutherlands Creek.
Slate Quarry Road Bridge The $393,583 bridge is fully funded by the Federal
Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure
A new $2.3 million Slate Quarry Road Bridge will be built
Program – Round 1, and construction will be completed
in Meredith, funded by $1.15 million from Council and
by mid-2021.
$1.15 million from the Federal Government’s Bridge
Renewal Program.
Slate Quarry Road in Meredith is the major link between
two arterial roads: Midland Highway and Geelong-Ballan
Road. The existing bridge is currently load limited to
15 tonne on a road network that connects many local
businesses.
The new unrestricted bridge will eliminate a 20km detour
for an estimated 25 heavy vehicles per day, equating
to 130,000km saved each year. With bushland to the
Construction of the Franklin Bridge.
northeast of Meredith, the new unrestricted bridge will
provide emergency services access to this important route Franklin Bridge
for response vehicles, significantly reducing travel times
in emergencies. Works on the new Franklin Bridge in Napoleons are almost
complete, with the opening scheduled for December 2020.
Construction will begin in early 2021 with the new Slate
The new $2.85 million bridge is a partnership project with
Quarry Road Bridge to open in mid to late 2021.
a $512,000 contribution from Council and the remaining
Geggies Road Bridge funding from City of Ballarat and the Federal Government.
City of Ballarat has managed the construction of the project.
A new $700,000 Geggies Road Bridge in Rokewood will
be constructed with $350,000 from Council and $350,000
from the Federal Government’s Bridge Renewal Program.
The $700,000 new unlimited bridge will benefit Road Projects in Golden Plains
approximately 30 primarily farming and grazing properties, Construction will soon begin
allowing light and heavy vehicles full access to these
on the following road projects:
important work sites.
The existing 2.5 tonne load-limited Geggies Road Bridge in Meredith-Shelford Road
Rokewood currently prohibits future expansion of existing Works to widen 2.2km of Meredith-Shelford Road
livestock businesses in the nearby area. Families who use from Henderson’s Road to Lower Plains Road. The
the local school bus will also benefit, with the new bridge project is fully funded by the Federal Government’s
to cut out the current 10km daily detour to avoid the Road to Recovery Program.
existing old bridge.
Construction will begin in early 2021 with the new Shelford-Mt Mercer Road
Geggies Road Bridge to open in mid to late 2021. Works to widen and seal 3.5kms of Shelford-Mt
Mercer Road from Grahams Road to Rices Road, with
Reserve Road Bridge guard rails installed. This project is fully funded by the
A new unrestricted double lane concrete bridge will Federal Government’s 2020-21 Black Spot Program.
replace the existing aged, load-limited single lane Reserve
Russells Bridge Road
Road Bridge in Rokewood.
Works along 2km section near Parker Road at
The new Reserve Road Bridge will allow heavier and
Russells Bridge to reduce speed limit to 60km/h,
oversize farm machinery and vehicles to travel across
and install additional chevron alignment markers,
the Kuruc A Ruc Creek at this location. With a 100-year
raised reflective pavement markers and guide
design life, the new bridge project was identified in
posts. A barrier and guard rail will also be
Councils 10-year replacement program.
installed. This project is fully funded by the Federal
Government’s 2020-21 Black Spot Program.
8 || Golden
8 Golden Plains
Plains Shire Gazette || ISSUE
Shire Gazette ISSUE 6,
6, 2020
2020
ROAD AND COMMUNITY PROJECTS
New Road and Community Projects for 2021
Upgraded playground in the north, a new bridge In early October, the Federal Government announced Council
replacement project in the centre, and an would receive an additional $1,512,680 from its Local Roads
and Community Infrastructure Program. The program is part
improved cricket net facility in the south – these of the Federal Government’s COVID-19 response to help
are some of the infrastructure projects that local councils support jobs and businesses by delivering more
have been brought forward to be delivered in shovel-ready projects by 31 December 2021.
Golden Plains Shire next year, thanks to further In November, Council endorsed allocating this funding to
investment from the Federal Government. seven valuable road and community infrastructure projects
to be completed by the end of next year:
Replace guardrails at various Upgrade Enfield Playground: Garibaldi intersection upgrade:
locations: $200,000 $250,000 $250,000
This project will fund the Council’s 10-year Play Space Strategy The Buninyong – Mt Mercer/Hardies
replacement and installation of identified several playgrounds Hill intersection has been identified
new guardrails on a number of requiring renewal to improve safety as requiring an upgrade on a blind
bridges across the Shire, including in and increase the play value of the curve and de-acceleration lane.
Rokewood, Happy Valley, Werneth, sites. In line with the strategy, this Design work on the upgrade has
Meredith, Haddon, Inverleigh, funding adds the Enfield playground already commenced, and this funding
Piggoreet and Linton. to next year’s upgrade list. will complete the project.
Berringa intersection upgrade: Bannockburn Skate Park Paddys Gully Road Bridge
$250,000 upgrade: $99,900 Replacement, Rokewood
With multiple road approaches, this This project will rejuvenate and Junction: $318,680
project will fund the upgrade of the upgrade the Bannockburn Skate Park The ageing single span timber bridge
intersection of Derwents Jacks Road/ and address public safety and security is currently limited to 10 tonnes and
Snow Gum Road/Reef Road/Chromes issues at the site and in the wider is in poor condition. The $318,680
Road in Berringa to improve safety. precinct. This $99,900 funding from will go towards the $650,000
As with the Garibaldi intersection the second round of LRCI program will replacement project and will require
upgrade, design work has already fund lighting, landscaping, artwork, Council to allocate the remaining
commenced. rubbish bins and project management funding in its 2021-22 budget.
works, following Council previously
Lethbridge Cricket Net receiving $100,000 from the first To stay up-to-date with the
Upgrade: $145,000 round of the Federal Government’s construction and delivery
Local Roads and Community of these projects, read
The $145,000 project, including
Infrastructure (LRCI) program, and Council’s news stories at
design, construction and project
a $250,000 grant from the Victorian goldenplains.vic.gov.au or
management costs, will deliver
Government’s Community Crime follow Golden Plains Shire
an upgraded cricket net at the
Prevention Program. Council on Facebook, Twitter,
Lethbridge Recreation Reserve.
Instagram and LinkedIn.
Building Across the Shire These funded projects are on track to be delivered by 30 June 2021:
• Replacement of Reserve Road Bridge, Rokewood
If the Local Roads and Community • Maude Recreation Reserve/Lookout water supply
Infrastructure funding sounds • Playground renewals in Dereel, Linton, Garibaldi and Haddon
familiar, that’s because Council • Inverleigh Female Friendly Change Rooms
received $1.33 million from the • Bannockburn Skate Park Upgrade
first round of the program earlier • Golden Plains Shire Youth Hub in Bannockburn
this year. With our fast population growth, Council is proactive in lobbying
for Government investment in our Shire, and is looking forward
to completing and opening these projects next year.
ISSUE 6, 2020 | Golden Plains Shire Gazette | 9
YOUTH PROJECTS
Supporting Our Young People
Council is pleased to deliver two new projects for young people, located in the growing
south near the Shire’s only high school and welcoming youth from across Golden Plains.
The Golden Plains Shire Youth Hub Bannockburn Skate Park Upgrade
Council welcomes the recent announcement that the A $449,900 upgrade will significantly improve safety and
Victorian Government will contribute $271,032 towards skate elements at the Bannockburn Skate Park in 2021.
the Golden Plains Shire Youth Hub project.
The $562,000 Golden Plains Shire Youth Hub project will
see the redevelopment and relocation of a Council portable
office into a vibrant facility that will provide inclusive,
innovative and accessible programs and services for young
people in a growing community.
Located at the Bannockburn Recreation Precinct, opposite
the Shire’s only high school, Bannockburn College P-12,
the Youth Hub will support improved health, social,
education and employability outcomes, and provide
stronger connections between the local community
and services young people need.
The Golden Plains Shire Youth Hub is a partnership
projects, supported by $271,032 from the Victorian
Government’s Growing Suburbs Fund. In June, the Bannockburn Skate Park.
Victorian Government added Golden Plains Shire Council
and the five other members of the Peri Urban Group of The project will rejuvenate and upgrade the Bannockburn
Rural Councils (PUGRC) to the Growing Suburbs Fund. Skate Park and address public safety and security issues
The fund was established by the Victorian Government at the site and in the wider precinct. The project will
in 2015 to fund community infrastructure projects in incorporate a safe, accessible and modern design to
10 fast-growing council areas of Melbourne. maximise site usability and ownership, while supporting
local economic activity.
In addition, Council received a significant local contribution
from Bannockburn & District Connected Communities New skate elements including ramps and jumps will be
and $100,000 from the Federal Government’s Local Roads installed, as well as a shade shelter, drinking fountain, rock
and Community Infrastructure program. bollards, bicycle locking stands, bag storage and safety
signage. Resurfacing of the existing concrete slab, with
Council has also made a $90,720 in-kind contribution of landscaping and electrical works will also be included as
the portable structure, which will be relocated from its part of the project, as well as new lighting, landscaping,
Bannockburn office to serve as the new youth hub. The artwork and rubbish bins.
portable building previously housed Council staff who
have moved into the Golden Plains Civic Centre, and is The Bannockburn Skate Park upgrade is funded by
the second office portable to be repurposed from the $250,000 from the Victorian Government’s Community
site, following the transformation of the first into female Safety Infrastructure Grants program and $199,900 from
friendly change rooms at Linton Recreation Reserve last the Federal Government’s Local Roads and Community
year. Infrastructure Program.
In 2019, Council was pleased to open the upgraded
Smythesdale Skate Park in the north of the Shire,
which was a partnership project between Council
and the Victorian Government.
10 | Golden Plains Shire Gazette | ISSUE 6, 2020SPORT AND ACTIVE RECREATION
Building for the Community
Two popular local sport and recreation reserves will receive significant upgrades in 2021,
following the confirmation of funding grants in August 2020.
Inverleigh Change The Victorian Government has contributed $1.52
million from its Community Sport Infrastructure
Rooms Upgrade Stimulus Program to the change rooms. To complete
the project, Council has allocated $177,700 from the
Construction will start on the Inverleigh Federal Government’s Local Roads and Community
Change Room Upgrade project in 2021. Infrastructure Program and the Inverleigh Sporting
Complex Committee of Management and the
The $1,777,000 upgrade of Inverleigh Sporting Inverleigh Football and Netball Club also contributed
Complex will deliver two new female friendly/ $72,000 to the project.
unisex change rooms and umpire change rooms with
supporting amenities, including first aid and storage The new change rooms will add to the upgrade of the
spaces. Two existing change rooms will also be social rooms that have been fully funded by $500,000
refurbished and a new septic system installed as from the Federal Government. The Inverleigh Football
part of this extensive project. & Netball Club advocated to the Federal Government
for the upgrade of the social rooms which will cater for
Home to the Inverleigh Football and Netball Club increased activity at the Inverleigh Sporting Complex,
(the Hawks) and the Inverleigh Cricket Club (the fuelled by the lighting upgrade delivered at the site
Kookaburras), the new and refurbished change rooms early last year.
will support greater participation in sport and active
recreation in Inverleigh. Players from visiting local The new change and social rooms join an impressive
teams will also enjoy the upgraded facilities at the list of works that have been completed at the
Inverleigh Sporting Complex. Inverleigh Sporting Complex in the past few years
including the brand new netball courts, the oval
lighting upgrade and new cricket nets.
Bannockburn Soccer Facility To deliver the projects, the Victorian Government
has invested $464,535 from its World Facilities Game
The Bannockburn Soccer Facility will have Fund, following the successful grant application from
Council. This contribution partners with the Federal
new change rooms and lights in 2021.
Government’s $832,000 election commitment to
The $1,296,535 Bannockburn Soccer Facility Change deliver the full project.
Rooms Project will deliver two new female friendly/
The second pitch change rooms and lights completes
unisex change rooms with a referee change room, first
the soccer infrastructure projects in Stage Two of the
aid room and dedicated storage area to service the
Bannockburn Recreation precinct masterplan. Along
recently constructed second soccer pitch. The project
with the Bannockburn Soccer Pavilion built in 2017
also includes Football Federation Victoria night match
and the lights and work on the first pitch in 2014, this
compliant sports lighting on the second pitch and
reserve has received more than $3 million in funding
perimeter fencing.
over the past six years and been transformed into a
Home to the Golden Plains Soccer Club (the Eagles) quality sporting facility for local soccer players and
with male and female senior and junior players from supporters.
many towns in the Shire, the completion of this project
will support greater use of the second pitch at the
facility and increase participation in sport and active
recreation in Golden Plains Shire.
ISSUE 6, 2020 | Golden Plains Shire Gazette | 11SUSTAINABILITY & ENVIRONMENT
Gorse Control and the VGT
Sharing the Shire Gorse is a huge problem
with Snakes in the northern part of
our municipality, with the
In Golden Plains Shire, we live
control of gorse a real
side-by-side with a large snake
population and particularly
challenge for land owners.
in the summertime, it’s The Victorian Gorse Task Force (VGT) is here to help. The VGT
important to be alert and is a community advisory taskforce, funded by Agriculture
have a snake plan. Victoria, who supports public and private landowners
in their community-led efforts to reduce gorse across
As part of your snake plan: Victoria. To educate communities on the negative impacts
• Have local snake catchers’ contact details in your of gorse and how to manage it, the VGT produces effective,
phone; educational, and supportive gorse management programs.
• Cover all holes leading to your house and garage; This includes community field days and expos, delivering an
• Maintain a tidy garden; annual community grants program, and producing resources
landowners and land managers can access anytime.
• Block cavities in wall structures;
For a snapshot of gorse management techniques, the VGT
• Place rodent bait around your house yearly to deter
also has five short demonstration videos on its website and
rodents from attracting snakes; and
YouTube account that detail control methods and how to
• Keep your chicken pen tidy and place mesh around it. best work with your neighbours. They are a short, sharp
Remember, it is against the law to kill snakes. easy watch and are still packed full of information.
Fortunately, there are professionals that are highly For more information on gorse, online resources and
skilled in catching snakes. If you come across a snake, upcoming virtual events, please visit the VGT website at
stay calm and move out of harm’s way before calling www.vicgorsetaskforce.com.au, find VGT on Facebook
your local snake catcher. or contact the Extension officer Brydie Murrihy on
0428 335 705.
Local Landcare
beating Rabbits Need a
The Maude and District Landcare Group
and Batesford, Fyansford, Stonehaven
Compost
Landcare Group are running their annual
community rabbit baiting programs in
Bin?
early February 2021. Golden Plains
These programs supply pindone-baited Shire residents can
carrots to landholders along with expert purchase a compost
advice on the best practices for rabbit
baiting to maximise the effectiveness of
bin for their home
the program. through Council.
The program involves collecting carrot Compost bins are available at wholesale prices in two sizes:
baits from Landcare on three separate • 220 L: $39 • 400 L: $49
days (two free feeds and one baited feed). To order a bin, simply call the Customer Service team on
To participate in these programs, contact: 5220 7111 or visit goldenplains.vic.gov.au/compost to
Maude and District Landcare Group - download and fill out the Compost Bin Order form.
maudeanddistrictlandcare@gmail.com If you need help setting up your new compost bin, there is
Batesford, Fyansford, Stonehaven tutorial information and an instructional video on Council’s
Landcare Group - info@bfslandcare.org website at the link above.
12 | Golden Plains Shire Gazette | ISSUE 6, 2020COUNCIL NEWS
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays
On behalf of all Councillors and staff, Golden Plains Shire Council wishes all
residents and visitors a Merry Christmas and a safe and happy New Year.
Council Festive Season Closures
Golden Plains Shire Council will have Council’s Kindergarten Services in Bannockburn, Teesdale,
altered hours during the Christmas and Rokewood, Inverleigh and Meredith will be closed by Friday
New Year holiday period. 18 December, 2020 and programs will recommence from
Friday 29 January, 2021.
The Customer Service Centres at Bannockburn and
Bannockburn Children’s Service will close from 12pm,
Smythesdale will close at 5pm, Thursday 24 December
Thursday 24 December, 2020. Kardinia Early Learning Inc.
2020, and will re-open at 8.30am, Monday 4 January,
will commence operating at Bannockburn Family Services
2021. Essential services will be available in this period,
Centre the week of 4 January 2021.
in case of an emergency. If you need urgent assistance,
please call 5220 7111 and follow the prompts. The Rokewood Transfer Station will be closed on Sunday
The Bannockburn Family Services Centre including 27 December, 2020 and re-open for normal operational
Maternal and Child Health Service and Active Ageing hours on Sunday 3 January, 2021.
and Inclusion Services will also close at 5pm, Thursday For more information on holiday operations and
24 December, 2020 and re-open for normal operational services, please visit Council’s website in mid-December:
hours from Monday 4 January, 2021. A number of goldenplains.vic.gov.au
Community Care workers will deliver essential
personal care during the holiday period, and Maternal
and Child Health will also deliver essential services Shop Golden Plains
on designated dates. This festive season, please remember to shop local
Maternal and Child Health consultation from Meredith, for food and gifts. It’s been a tough year for local
Teesdale, Inverleigh and Rokewood Early Years facilities businesses and keeping money in our Shire will
will recommence from Monday 4 January 2021 by support jobs and the economic recovery in 2021.
appointment only.
Normal Collection Day Christmas / New Year Collection Day
GARBAGE AND Wednesday 23 December, 2020 Wednesday 23 December, 2020
RECYCLING COLLECTION Thursday 24 December, 2020 Thursday 24 December, 2020
There are changes to Council’s
waste and recycling collection Friday 25 December, 2020 Saturday 26 December, 2020
service over the Christmas and
New Year holiday period. Monday 28 December, 2020 Monday 28 December, 2020
Refer to the table below for your
revised collection day during the Tuesday 29 December, 2020 Tuesday 29 December, 2020
festive season, and please remember Wednesday 30 December, 2020 Wednesday 30 December, 2020
to place your bins out the night
before your collection day. Thursday 31 December, 2020 Thursday 31 December, 2020
Friday 1 January, 2021 Saturday 2 January, 2021
ISSUE 6, 2020 | Golden Plains Shire Gazette | 13COMMUNITY NEWS
Recognising
Achievement in Sport
Have you represented Victoria or Australia
in sport and active recreation?
Council has a policy on recognising athletes who have
been selected or win at State level or above competitions.
If this is you, we’d love to hear your story. Please contact
Council’s Recreation team via enquiries@gplains.vic.gov.au
or 5220 7111.
Ready, Set, Play!
Last year, Council finalised its 10-year Play Space
IT Grants for Kindergartens Strategy for Golden Plains Shire.
Golden Plains Shire Council welcomes With engagement from the community, several local
the Victorian Government’s recent IT playgrounds were identified to be in need of upgrades
grants to five local kindergartens. to improve safety and increase the play value of these
locations.
In September, Council secured a $6,958 grant Council has allocated funds from Round 1 of the
from the Victorian Government’s Building Blocks Federal Government’s Local Roads and Community
Improvement 2020-21 Information Technology Infrastructure (LRCI) program to deliver playground
program. This funding will provide new IT equipment upgrades in 2021 in the following towns:
at five Council-operated Kindergarten Services
in Golden Plains Shire. Council’s kindergartens in • Garibaldi
Teesdale, Inverleigh, Meredith and Bannockburn • Haddon
will purchase new computers, and the Rokewood • Linton
kindergarten will receive a new iPad and printer. • Dereel
This grant funding will ensure improved access Council also allocated fund from Round 2 of the LRCI
and support children’s learning in the kindergarten program to upgrade the play space at Harrison Reserve,
environment, and enable Council’s dedicated Enfield.
educators to connect more effectively with families
Council understands the value of quality local
in supporting the continuity of children’s learning
playgrounds and hopes the families of, and visitors to,
at home.
these towns will enjoy the new improved play facilities.
Join in the festivities from 4 to 9pm on Thursday 17 December
at the Bannockburn Heart, Byron Street.
The Twilight Market is a one-stop shop for all your Christmas
needs: fresh fruit and vegetables, flowers, free range meats,
vegan treats and bespoke gifts direct from the farmers, makers,
artists and gourmet provedores of our region. While you stock
up on farm-fresh produce for your festive feast or last minute
Christmas shopping, sample a chilled craft beer, a glass of local
wine or even a cocktail, while enjoying live music and great food.
The Golden Plains Twilight Market is back COVID-safe measures will be in place at the event, with more
for another year with an evening of food, information available at goldenplains.vic.gov.au closer to the
event. To stay up-to-date with the latest from the Golden
fun and fine crafts just before Christmas.
Plains Farmers’ Market, follow the market on Facebook:
facebook.com/goldenplainsfarmersmarket.
14 | Golden Plains Shire Gazette | ISSUE 6, 2020EVENTS & ENGAGEMENT
Your Council. Draft Community
Engagement Policy
Your Say.
Council is committed to engaging with
residents on decisions that affect their lives
and we want to hear from you!
In early 2021, community engagement will open on the
Council Plan 2021-2025 and Council hopes all residents
will take an interest and share their ideas to develop a
robust plan for the next four years.
Currently, there are three open community consultations:
Council is seeking public feedback on its Draft
Teesdale Structure Plan Community Engagement Policy as part of its commitment
to improve how engagement is undertaken by Council.
As part of new requirements introduced under the
Local Government Act 2020, all councils are required to
adopt and maintain a Community Engagement Policy,
and have one adopted by 1 March 2021. Council’s
Draft Policy provides a clear and succinct process that
improves Council’s existing practises to ensure deliberative
engagement opportunities are well planned, inclusive,
accessible and appropriate.
The Draft Policy is available on Council’s website and
written submissions are welcome until 11 January 2021.
The Teesdale Structure Plan and Planning Scheme
Amendment C92 are now on public exhibition until 25
January 2021. Draft Access & Inclusion Plan
The Teesdale Structure Plan is a strategic planning Following community engagement undertaken last year,
document that will guide the long-term growth of Teesdale Council has developed a Draft Access & Inclusion Plan.
into the future. It has been developed with the local This strategy will assist Council build a more supportive,
community, with engagement undertaken in late 2019. inclusive and accessible community for people of all
The Teesdale Structure Plan was endorsed by Council abilities and ages.
in April and this consultation process is part of the final The Draft Plan will be open for public exhibition from
process to incorporate the plan into the Planning Scheme. mid-December 2020 to 31 January, 2021. In January,
Council’s Strategic Planning team is available to discuss the Council’s Active Ageing & Inclusion team will also hold
Plan over the phone during business hours at 5220 7111. a number of in-person consultations on the Draft Plan.
Thank you for everyone who participated in an online
drop-in session on 7 December and an after-hours phone Feedback on all these engagements can be sent to
consultation on 9 December. There is also an after-hours enquiries@gplains.vic.gov.au or mailed to: Golden Plains
phone consultation on Monday 14 December. Shire, PO Box 111, BANNOCKBURN VIC 3331. To find out
The Structure Plan and relevant documents are available more about any of these projects, visit the Have Your Say
at Council’s website, with written feedback welcome until page on Council’s website at goldenplains.vic.gov.au/
25 January 2021. consultations. They are also promoted in the Gazette and
Golden Plains Times, and on Council’s social media.
ISSUE 6, 2020 | Golden Plains Shire Gazette | 15COMMUNITY NOTICE BOARD
Rates Payment
All Golden Plains Shire ratepayers received their
2020-21 Rates Notices in the mail last year.
For residents who are signed up to pay their rates by
Customer Service instalments, the third payment is due on 28 February
2021. Full payment of the Rates Notice is due on
BANNOCKBURN 15 February 2021.
8.30am to 5pm, Monday to Friday To apply for Council’s COVID-19 Financial Hardship Policy
2 Pope Street, Bannockburn or discuss your rates payments, please call our Rates
Victoria, 3331. team for a confidential conversation on 5220 7111.
SMYTHESDALE
8.30am to 5pm, Monday to Friday
19 Heales Street, Smythesdale Online Planning Portal
Victoria, 3351. There’s now a more efficient way for Golden Plains’ residents and
PHONE businesses to interact with Council’s Planning Department, thanks
P: 5220 7111 to a new online planning portal.
F: 5220 7100 Powered by Greenlight, Council’s Permit Manager portal has been extended
POSTAL ADDRESS to provide all planning-related activities on the one platform. The online
Golden Plains Shire Council portal also makes it easier for all residents to search the publicly available
PO Box 111, Bannockburn, planning register and make a submission on an advertised application.
Victoria 3331. Customers without Internet access can still request hard copies of forms
by contacting Council’s Planning Department on 5220 7111.
EMERGENCY CONTACTS
P: 1300 363 036
P: 5220 7111 (24 Hours)
To receive a copy of the Gazette
Avian influenza update
in large print, call 5220 7111. Agriculture Victoria has been responding to several detections of avian
influenza across the state, including in Golden Plains Shire.
Council’s Customer Service Centres There have been no new detections since late August, and in October the
and offices will be closed at 5pm, housing order for birds ended. However, in order to limit the spread of the
Thursday 24 December, 2020 and disease, the Restricted Area around Lethbridge and wider Control Area are
will reopen at 8.30am, Monday still subject to movement controls and permits.
4 January, 2021. The centres and
A permit from Agriculture Victoria is required to move poultry, poultry
offices will also be closed for the
products, equipment or vehicles involved in poultry production into, out of
Australia Day Public Holiday on
or within the Restricted Areas and Control Areas. A permit is also required
Tuesday 26 January, 2021.
for buying, selling or moving eggs, manure and chickens, whether on the side
COVER: Pictured from left to right: of the road, from your property, your local store, social media or at markets.
Liam Kerr, Claire Keefe, Rory Kerr It is illegal to move these products without a permit.
and Hunter McDonald enjoy the The strains of avian influenza in this incident are not a risk to the
new hard wicket at Linton public. It rarely affects humans unless there is direct and close
Recreation Reserve and celebrate contact with sick birds. There are no food safety issues identified;
the announcement of the new properly cooked chicken meat and eggs are safe to eat.
cricket training facility. This information is correct as of 27 November 2020.
Photo courtesy of Golden To stay up-to-date with the latest restrictions and to apply
Plains Times. for a permit, call Agriculture Victoria on 4334 2715 or visit
agriculture.vic.gov.au/avianflu
connect with golden plains shire council goldenplains.vic.gov.au
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