Ordinary Agenda 18 October 2017

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AGENDA

Ordinary Meeting of Council

6.00pm Wednesday 18 October 2017

*** Broadcast live on Phoenix FM 106.7 ***

VENUE:
Reception Room,
Bendigo Town Hall,
Hargreaves Street, Bendigo

NEXT MEETINGS:
Tuesday 14 November 2017 (Special Meeting)
Wednesday 15 November 2017 (Ordinary Meeting)
Bendigo Town Hall

Copies of the City of Greater Bendigo Councils Agendas & Minutes


can be obtained online at www.bendigo.vic.gov.au

PAGE 1
This Council Meeting is conducted in accordance with Local Law No. 8. It is an offence for any
person to engage in improper or disorderly conduct at the meeting.

Council Vision

Greater Bendigo - creating the wold's most liveable community.

Council Values
Six values inform everything we as Council do in working together to be the best we can
for all of our community.

Seeking to achieve the best value for our use of the communitys public funds and
resources, by:

We Lead;
We Learn;
We Contribute;
We Care;
We Respond;
We Respect.

Goals

Presentation and Managing Growth


Wellbeing and Fairness
Strengthening the Economy
Environmental Sustainability
Embracing our Culture and Heritage
Lead and Govern for All

PAGE 2
ORDINARY MEETING

WEDNESDAY 18 OCTOBER 2017

ORDER OF BUSINESS:

ITEM PRECIS PAGE

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY 5

PRAYER 5

PRESENT 5

APOLOGIES 5

SUSPENSION OF STANDING ORDERS 5

PUBLIC QUESTION TIME 5

RESUMPTION OF STANDING ORDERS 6

CR ALDEN'S REPORT 6

DECLARATIONS OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST 7

CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES 8

1. ANNUAL REPORT 2016/2017 10

1.1 City of Greater Bendigo Annual Report 2016/2017 10

2. PETITIONS AND JOINT LETTERS 13

2.1 Response to Petition: Provision Of More Off Street 13


Parking at White Hills Shops

2.2 Response to Petition: Goynes Road, Epsom 19

3. PRESENTATION AND MANAGING GROWTH 23

3.1 9 Pratts Park Road, Strathdale - 15 Lot Subdivision, 23


Construction of a Dwelling on Each Lot and Removal of
Native Vegetation

3.2 Plan Greater Bendigo 42

3.3 Draft Public Toilet Strategy 50

4. WELLBEING AND FAIRNESS 59

4.1 Naming of New Pool at Kangaroo Flat 59

PAGE 3
4.2 Community Grants Round 1 2017/2018 84

4.3 Municipal Health and Wellbeing Plan 95

5. STRENGTHENING THE ECONOMY 99

6. ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY 99

7. EMBRACING OUR CULTURE AND HERITAGE 99

8. LEAD AND GOVERN FOR ALL 100

8.1 Audit Committee Chairperson's Report 2016 2017 100

8.2 Bendigo Stadium Limited Annual Report 2016/2017 103

8.3 Record of Assemblies 108

8.4 Contracts Awarded Under Delegation 116

9. URGENT BUSINESS 118

10. NOTICES OF MOTION 118

11. COUNCILLORS' REPORTS 118

12. MAYOR'S REPORT 118

13. CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER'S REPORT 118

14. CONFIDENTIAL (SECTION 89) REPORTS 118

14.1 Confidential Report in accordance with Section 89(2)(d) of 118


the Local Government Act relating to a contractual matter

____________________________
CRAIG NIEMANN
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

PAGE 4
Ordinary Meeting - 18 October 2017

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY

PRAYER

PRESENT

APOLOGIES

SUSPENSION OF STANDING ORDERS

That Standing Orders be suspended to allow the conduct of Public Question Time.

PUBLIC QUESTION TIME

Public Question Time Purpose


Council has provided the opportunity for members of the public to ask questions of broad
interest to Council and the community. Matters relating to routine Council works should
be taken up with Councils Customer Service Officers through its Customer Request
System.

By the time planning matters have reached the council agenda, they have been through
an extensive process as required by the Planning and Environment Act. In addition, in
most instances mediation has been held between the parties involved. Throughout the
process there are many opportunities for the people to ask questions. Therefore, no
questions relating to planning matters on the Agenda will be accepted.

Public Question Time Where, When And Who


The public question time is held at every Ordinary Meeting of Greater Bendigo City
Council. Meetings of Council commence at 6.00pm in the Reception Room, Bendigo
Town Hall, Hargreaves Street, Bendigo.

The public question time is held at the start of the meeting as close as practical to
6:00pm. A maximum of 30 minutes has been provided for registered and unregistered
questions.

Residents are encouraged to lodge questions in advance so that a more complete


response can be provided.

Questions will be put to the Council by the individual posing the question; the question
will be answered by the Mayor or CEO, or where appropriate, Councillors or Council
Officers.

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Ordinary Meeting - 18 October 2017

Acceptance of Questions
Each person asking a question of Council is required to stand, state their name, and
address the Mayor. Public Question Time is not an opportunity for making of statements
or other comments. Councils Meeting Procedure Local Law does not allow for other
questions or comments during the remainder of the meeting.

1. An individual may only ask one question per meeting, a follow-up question may be
permitted at the discretion of the Mayor.

2. In the event that the same or similar question is raised by more than one person,
an answer may be given as a combined response.

3. In the event that time does not permit all questions registered to be answered,
questions will be answered in writing or referred to the next meeting if appropriate.

4. The Mayor and or CEO have the right to decline registration on basis of:
Legal proceedings;
More appropriately addressed by other means;
Vague or lacking in substance, irrelevant, frivolous, insulting offensive,
improper, defamatory or demeaning;
Answer likely to compromise his / her position;
Confidential, commercial-in-confidence.

5. Each individual whose registration form has been accepted or declined will be
advised by the Friday of the week prior to the scheduled meeting.

6. In the event of a registration form being declined the registration form will be
circulated to the Mayor or Councillors for information.

RESUMPTION OF STANDING ORDERS

That Standing Orders be resumed.

CR ALDEN'S REPORT

PAGE 6
Ordinary Meeting - 18 October 2017

DECLARATIONS OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST

Pursuant to Sections 77, 78 and 79 of the Local Government Act 1989 (as
amended) direct and indirect conflict of interest must be declared prior to debate
on specific items within the agenda; or in writing to the Chief Executive Officer
before the meeting. Declaration of indirect interests must also include the
classification of the interest (in circumstances where a Councillor has made a
Declaration in writing, the classification of the interest must still be declared at the
meeting), i.e.

(a) direct financial interest


(b) indirect interest by close association
(c) indirect interest that is an indirect financial interest
(d) indirect interest because of conflicting duties
(e) indirect interest because of receipt of an applicable gift
(f) indirect interest as a consequence of becoming an interested party
(g) indirect interest as a result of impact on residential amenity
(h) conflicting personal interest

A Councillor who has declared a conflict of interest, must leave the meeting and
remain outside the room while the matter is being considered, or any vote is taken.

Councillors are also encouraged to declare circumstances where there may be a


perceived conflict of interest.

PAGE 7
Ordinary Meeting - 18 October 2017

CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES

Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of Wednesday 20 September 2017.

The following items were considered at the Ordinary Council meeting held on
Wednesday 20 September 2017 at 6:00pm.

Response to Petition: Request for Maintenance Works at Kamarooka Hall


Petition: Parking "Girton College and Sacred Heart Cathedral Precincts"
Petition: Naming of Kangaroo Flat Aquatic and Wellbeing Centre
Planning Scheme Amendment C233 - Advertising Sign Controls at the Kangaroo Flat
Aquatic and Leisure Centre, the Bendigo Stadium and The Bendigo Tennis Centre -
Adopt the Amendment
553 and 555 Napier Street, White Hills - Use and Development of Land for a
Restricted Place of Assembly, Use and Installation of 44 Gaming Machines, Change
of Liquor Licence and Area, Alteration of Access to a Road and Reduction in Car
Parking
79 Wattle Street, Bendigo - Two Lot Subdivision and Construction of a Three Storey
Dwelling
1469 Calder Highway, Marong - Approval of a Development Plan for the Use and
Development of Land for a Utility Installation; Tow Lot Subdivision; Removal of
Native Vegetation from the Road Reserve and Creation of Access to a Road Zone
Category 1
176 Midland Highway, 6-20, 22-24 and 26-28 Howard Street, Epsom - Use of Land
for Shops (Ex. 2000 sq.m), a Gym, a Car Wash, Construction of Buildings,
Advertising Signage, Alterations of Access to Road Zone, Category 1 and a
Reduction in Car Parking Requirements
359 Bendigo-Tennyson Road, Huntly North (Lot 1, PS523831N; CA 1 Sec 10 & CA
6C Sec 8, Parish of Bagshot) - Development of 3 Shedds Associated with Existing
Piggery and Associated Works
110-120 Midland Highway, Epsom - Use and Develop Land for Trade Supplies,
Associated Earthworks, Car Park and Signage, Waiver of Bicycle Parking
Requirements (Amendment of Conditions 5B and 19)
3 O'Brien Street, Quarry Hill - 5 Lot Subdivision with Common Property and
Construction of 5 Dwellings (2 Storey)
Spring Gully Mountain Bike Trail Network Master Plan
Bendigo Maubisse Friendship Committee Member Appointments
Arts and Creative Industries Strategy
Greater Bendigo Heritage Advisory Committee Terms of Reference
Financial and Performance Statements
Asset Management Policy Review
Record of Assemblies
Contracts Awarded Under Delegation
Confidential Section 89 Report (Proposed Development)

The unconfirmed minutes have also been posted on the City of Greater Bendigo website
pending confirmation at this meeting.

PAGE 8
Ordinary Meeting - 18 October 2017

RECOMMENDATION

That the Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of Council held on Wednesday 20 September,
2017, as circulated, be taken as read and confirmed.

PAGE 9
Annual Report 2016/2017 Ordinary Meeting - 18 October 2017

1. ANNUAL REPORT 2016/2017

1.1 CITY OF GREATER BENDIGO ANNUAL REPORT 2016/2017

Document Information

Author Kathleen Tonini, Communications Specialist

Responsible Craig Niemann Chief Executive Officer


Director

Summary/Purpose

The purpose of this report is to provide the opportunity for Council to consider the City of
Greater Bendigo 2016/2017 Annual Report.

RECOMMENDATION

That the Greater Bendigo City Council resolve to receive the City of Greater Bendigo
2016/2017 Annual Report.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Policy Context

This City of Greater Bendigo Annual Report covers the period from July 1, 2016 to June
30, 2017. Preparation of an Annual Report is a requirement of the Victorian Local
Government Act 1989 but it also provides an opportunity to communicate internally and
externally, with staff, community, government and industry stakeholders regarding the
roles, functions and achievements of the City of Greater Bendigo in the preceding year.

Sections 131 and 133 of the Local Government Act state that a Council must prepare an
annual report for each financial year that includes:
Report of Operations of the Council
Audited Financial Statement
Audited Performance Statement

These three documents have been combined in the City of Greater Bendigo Annual
Report for 2016/2017.

Background Information

All Victorian Councils are required to report under the Victorian Governments mandatory
system of performance reporting, which was introduced in 2014/2015. The system
prescribes performance information to be included in the Annual Report:

PAGE 10
Annual Report 2016/2017 Ordinary Meeting - 18 October 2017

The Report of Operations;


A statement of progress in relation to major initiatives;
A description of Councils operations;
Results against prescribed Local Government Performance Reporting Framework
(LGPRF) service performance indicators;
Results of the LGPRF Governance and Management Checklist;
A review of performance against the Council Plan actions;
Services funded in the budget and members /sectors of the community who receive
these services;
Major capital expenditure, changes and achievements;
Results against the City of Greater Bendigo Strategic Indicators; and
Other material relevant to Council activities and community interest.

The Audited Performance Statement:


A description of the municipal district;
Results against LGPRF prescribed service performance outcome indicators and
measures;
Results against LGPRF prescribed financial performance indicators and measures;
An explanation of any material variations between results (where available, because
these are transitional reports in a new format);
Results against LGPRF prescribed sustainable capacity indicators and measures.

Audited Financial Statements


This statement meets Local Government Victoria format requirements.

Report

The Annual Report describes the Citys operations throughout the year and highlights
major achievements. It reports to the Victorian Government, Greater Bendigo residents
and the wider community what has been done in order to meet Strategic Objectives,
strategies and actions that were set down in the Council Plan for the year, as well as the
prescribed information listed above.

In past years Council has also produced a number of separate reports on smaller parts
of Councils operations. This year all information has been consolidated into Councils
Annual Report to provide one centralised source of information for the community and
streamline the reporting process.

Consultation/Communication

Internal Consultation:

Regular data collection, as part of Council Plan quarterly reporting and the LGPRF
reporting requirements have provided the core content. Senior staff members have had
the opportunity to review the content relevant to their area and to make
recommendations for any necessary changes.

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Annual Report 2016/2017 Ordinary Meeting - 18 October 2017

Members of the Audit Committee had the opportunity to review the draft Financial
Statements and the draft Performance Statement for the 2016/2017 financial year prior
to final submission to the Auditor General.

Both the Performance Statement and the Financial Statements have been certified by
the Principal Accounting Officer, Chief Executive Officer and two Councillors. These
statements were presented to Council at its Ordinary Meeting on September 20, 2017
and signed opinions were provided by the Victorian Auditor-Generals Office on
September 22, 2017.

External Communication:

Following consideration by Council, residents will be informed by public notice of the


Annual Report's preparation and availability for inspection. Copies of the Annual Report
will be available via the City's web page and in hard copy upon request.

Priority/Importance:

To meet legislative requirements the Annual Report, including audited financial


statements and reports against LGPRF indicators and outcomes, must be completed and
supplied to the Minister for Local Government within three months of the end of the
financial year reported on (September 30).

Resource Implications

Printing and layout of the Annual Report and relevant advertising are provided for in the
2017/2018 Council budget.

Conclusion

The City of Greater Bendigo 2016/2017 Annual Report has been prepared and is
submitted according to the requirements of the Local Government Act 1989.

Attachments

Annual Report 2016/2017

PAGE 12
Petitions and Joint Letters Ordinary Meeting - 18 October 2017

2. PETITIONS AND JOINT LETTERS

2.1 RESPONSE TO PETITION: PROVISION OF MORE OFF STREET


PARKING AT WHITE HILLS SHOPS

Document Information

Author Brett Martini, Manager Engineering

Responsible Craig Lloyd, Director Presentation and Assets


Director

Purpose

The purpose of this report is to respond to the petition that was tabled at Council's
Ordinary Meeting on 19 July 2017 requesting more off-street parking at the White Hills
shops.

Summary

The redevelopment of Napier Street between Weeroona Avenue and Hall Street is aimed
at addressing the congestion and safety issues that exist with the current inconsistent
standard of the road geometry. There are sections of undivided two-lane two-way traffic
which serves the expanding northern corridor of the City. The corridor serves many
transport roles being not only access to the northern suburbs of Bendigo but also access
to the expanding East Bendigo industrial area and part of the Midland Highway for
passenger and freight traffic around the state.

In order to accommodate the range of demands on the space within the road reserve
some compromises have been required in the final design. One of these is the reduction
in on-street parking. This includes areas of commercial activity. On-street parking has
been provided in these areas generally with two indented parking bays on each side of
the road to service both in-bound and out-bound traffic. The provision of off-street
parking is not impacted by the Napier Street works.

At the White Hills Shopping strip, off-street parking has been provided over time through
planning permit conditions associated with development. This has occurred on an
individual property basis. Parking also occurs on the vacant property at 8 Plumridge
Street which in effect is currently a gravel carpark.

The Northern Corridor and Huntly Local Structure Plan identified the development
objectives for the commercial area including the potential acquisition of 8 Plumridge
Street and construction of car parking and consolidation with other off street parking at
the rear of the commercial businesses.

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Petitions and Joint Letters Ordinary Meeting - 18 October 2017

Based on the current commercial business and parking utilisation observed in the area
provision of additional parking is not justified even with the reduction of on-street parking
in Napier Street. Given the ownership pattern of commercial business and associated
off-street parking, the expansion and coordination of parking can be managed by the
property owners should they see a commercial benefit in undertaking these works. The
City will continue to review the parking requirements as planning application are
received.

RECOMMENDATION

That Council, having considered the concerns raised in the petition and the information in
relation to the current works in Napier Street, current utilisation of car parking and
property ownership pattern:

1. Not actively pursue the acquisition of 8 Plumridge Street for off-street parking.

2. Continue to work with VicRoads on the Napier Street design and works to ensure the
best outcome for the community.

3. Notify the submitter of the petition of Council's decision.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Policy Context

Community Plan Reference:

City of Greater Bendigo Community Plan 2017-2021:

Goal 4 Presentation and managing growth


Objective 4.3 Provide and maintain urban and rural infrastructure to
support the liveability of our community.

Strategy Reference (include weblink as applicable):

Connecting Greater Bendigo: Integrated Transport and Land Use Strategy (ITLUS):

'Moving Greater Bendigo' - Action


Complete investigations, concept design and community consultation for an
upgrade to the Napier Street section of the Midland Highway, in the north of
Bendigo (Weeroona Avenue to Scott Street), to inform a full business case for
improvements addressing traffic growth and which supports and promotes the use
of alternative transport modes such as public transport, cycling and walking.

PAGE 14
Petitions and Joint Letters Ordinary Meeting - 18 October 2017

Background Information

At Council's Ordinary Meeting on 19 July 2017, a petition was received from residents of
White Hills and surrounding areas, as outlined below:

"We, the undersigned being residents of White Hills and surrounding areas urgently
request that VicRoads/The Victorian Government and City of Greater Bendigo
provide more off street parking for the retail shops in the White Hills (in particular
vacant land at rear of shops in 8 Plumridge Street). The proposed VicRoads plan
does not address residents safety and access concerns".

The petition contained approximately 1,300 signatures. Council resolved to receive the
petition be received and a response be prepared within three meetings.

Report

Napier Street between Weeroona Avenue and Hall Street has a number of changes to
the road geometry which varies from four lanes to two throughout this length. Traffic
congestion is experienced during peak times particularly around Weeroona Secondary
College. The redevelopment of Napier Street will provide a consistent road standard to
accommodate the current and future needs of the area and the growing northern corridor
of Bendigo.

The Napier Street corridor is required to serve a range of different stakeholders. This
includes many who travel through the corridor including traffic between Bendigo and the
northern suburbs, those travelling further north within the municipality to places like
Goornong or Elmore and traffic going further afield as part of the journey on the Midland
Highway. There are also many who have an origin or destination along Napier Street
such as residents and their visitors, business operators and their customers along with
Weeroona Secondary College staff and students.

The corridor also needs to accommodate a range of different traffic modes in accordance
with the Transport Integration Act 2010. These range from freight movements, public and
school bus routes, cars, bikes and pedestrians. Not only do all these modes need to be
accommodated, the corridor also needs to accommodate a range of utility services. The
redevelopment of such a significant length of road also presents an opportunity for a
planned and coordinated approach to the undergrounding of power and landscaping of
the corridor to provide an attractive streetscape for residents, businesses and passing
traffic. All of these requirements are constrained by the available space within the road
reserve.

As part of the design and the widening to four lanes throughout this section, significant
reduction in on-street parking will occur. In guiding the design for Napier Street,
VicRoads has undertaken surveys of the existing utilisation of on-street parking, the
results of which are discussed below.

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Petitions and Joint Letters Ordinary Meeting - 18 October 2017

The current design includes provision for some on-street parking at each area of
commercial activity, typically two indented on-street parking bays on each side of the
road. Behind kerb parking has been included where possible, principally to provide for
parking for residential properties. VicRoads has surveyed all residential properties to
determine their requirement or position on the requirement and level of on-street parking.

The petition requests more off -street parking for the White Hills Shops. Currently off-
street parking is provided in front of shops, but predominantly it is located at the rear of
those shops fronting Napier Street. A number of the businesses have been required to
provide off-street parking as part of the development of the businesses.

To supplement the information collected by VicRoads and to specifically address the


parking raised in the petition around the White Hills shops, the City undertook a parking
survey in both the am and pm period of both the on-street and off-street parking between
Tuesday, 5 September 2017 and Thursday, 7 September 2017. The current supply of
parking is outlined in the table below.

Location Available bays


In Plumridge St between Napier and Raglan St 15
In Plumridge St between Napier and Dundas St 24
In Napier St between Plumridge and Bosquet St 29
8 Plumridge St 30
2 / 501 Napier St 7
503A Napier St 16
507 Napier St 6
509 Napier St 12
Total 139

The results of the survey indicated that across the six data collection times, the
occupancy rate across all sites varied between 34% and 46%, with an average
occupancy of 37%. This is consistent with the on-street parking survey undertaken by
VicRoads at 30 minute intervals from 7am to 7pm over five days in May/June 2016,
where the average occupancy between Bosquet Street and Plumridge Street was
approximately 42% on the western side and 16% on the eastern side of Napier Street.

Based on the current utilisation, with the reduction of parking on Napier Street the
average occupancy would increase from 37% to 43%. The peak occupancy would
increase from 46% to 54%. If 8 Plumridge Street was not available for car parking
following the Napier Street works, the average occupancy across the other sites would
increase to 57% with a peak of 72%. Even with the maximum reduction of capacity
(reduction in parking on Napier Street and removal of parking on 8 Plumridge Street), the
level of occupancy does not justify the acquisition of 8 Plumridge Street.

As part of the City parking survey, number plate information was collected for the off
street parking at 8 Plumridge Street and 2/501 Napier Street. Whilst these are two
separate properties, the parking areas are connected and generally act as one car park.
Of the 37 parking bays available, occupancy ranged from 15 to 24 vehicles with an
average of 19 vehicles, or 50% occupancy. The number plate survey indicates that this
area was occupied with between 12 and 14 staff vehicles per day.

PAGE 16
Petitions and Joint Letters Ordinary Meeting - 18 October 2017

Whilst staff parking is required, the location of staff parking which generally involves
travel to and from the vehicle once or twice a day, and the availability of spaces for
customers, needs to be balanced. At the current availability and level of occupancy this
would not appear to be an issue. However, with the reduction of parking associated with
the Napier Street redevelopment and the current utilisation of the privately owned 8
Plumridge Street, there may be a requirement to better manage staff parking. On-street
parking in Plumridge Street between Napier Street and Dundas Street is well suited to
staff parking. Walking distance to and from this parking area to businesses is a maximum
of 250m via the pedestrian crossing across Napier Street. This would ensure that the
most convenient parking at the rear of the shops is available for customers. Desirability
for off-street parking was highlighted in the VicRoads survey of people at the White Hills
shops. A large number of shoppers preferred to park off-street due to the perceived
danger of the on-street parking bays on Napier Street attributable to speed and volume
of traffic.

The Northern Corridor and Huntly Local Structure Plan adopted by Council in February
2005 identified improvements to the White Hills shopping precinct. Principally, this
included continuous shop fronts facing to Napier Street with no setback. The proposal
also included the consolidation of off-street parking behind shops to provide a continuous
car park with access off Plumridge and Napier Streets. For this car park to eventuate, it
requires the utilisation and formalisation of the parking at 8 Plumridge Street and
cooperation from other property owners to consolidate and connect the parking on other
individual sites. The Plan indicated the requirement for Council to acquire 8 Plumridge
Street. However, this arrangement would be inconsistent with parking and ownership
arrangements at other suburban shopping areas.

The nine properties in the area are owned by five different parties, but the off-street car
parking areas are owned by two of these. The four properties between 503 and 509A
Napier Street are currently advertised for sale. Three of these are commercial
developments and have provided off-street parking as part of the planning permit
requirement for the development. If the demand was demonstrated to pursue the plan
highlighted in the Northern Corridor and Huntly Structure Plan, further consideration
would be required in regard to funding, ownership and management of the consolidated
parking. As outlined above, provision of off-street parking has been managed through the
planning scheme and further development of sites in the shopping strip would be
managed in the same way. As there is only two property owners of the off-street parking
and these two property owners own 4 of the 7 existing commercial properties and the
one residential property, coordination and development of consolidated parking behind
the commercial businesses should be led by the commercial businesses as direct
beneficiaries of the car parking.

Alternatively, the City could undertake coordination and development of parking under a
special charge scheme which has been utilised in the past in similar commercial areas.
This would allow the City to recover all or part of the cost in development of the parking
from all of the benefitting property owners.

PAGE 17
Petitions and Joint Letters Ordinary Meeting - 18 October 2017

Consultation/Communication

The development of the Napier Street plans has been undertaken with extensive
community consultation by VicRoads. This has included community consultation
sessions at three different stages of the development of the design. A project community
consultation group (CCG) has also been established with membership including
business operators in Napier Street, representative of schools in the area, residents, City
of Greater Bendigo, and Greater Bendigo Ward Councillors among others. The CCG has
met six times to discuss the range of issues associated with the project. VicRoads have
visited all businesses and residences along the route and surveyed residents regarding
on-street car parking. Information continues to be provided to the community as the
project proceeds.

Following the receipt of the petition, information regarding the parking surveys was
requested from VicRoads and provided.

Resource Implications

The Napier Street redevelopment is funded by the Victorian Government with the City
contributing to a section of footpath replacement which was included in the Council
budget previously but postponed pending the Napier Street design.

Attachments

Nil.

PAGE 18
Petitions and Joint Letters Ordinary Meeting - 18 October 2017

2.2 RESPONSE TO PETITION: GOYNES ROAD, EPSOM

Document Information

Author Brett Martini, Manager Engineering

Responsible Craig Lloyd, Director Presentation and Assets


Director

Purpose

The purpose of the report is to respond to the petition requesting the reconstruction and
upgrade of Goynes Road, Epsom, from the completion of recent works near Acacia Park
Drive through to Howard Street.

Summary

The reconstruction of Goynes Road from Buckland Street to 100 metres north of Acacia
Park Drive was brought forward to 2016/2017 with works commencing in February 2017
and completed recently. The funding for this work was made available through the
deferral of the Tannery Lane reconstruction which was included in Council's 2016/2017
budget, but was deferred to 2017/2018.

The northern section of Goynes Road up to Howard Street is in better condition than the
section that has been recently reconstructed was and it is considered to be in suitable
condition to sustain traffic throughout the Napier Street works.

Funding for further reconstruction north of the recently completed works has not been
included in the Council's 2017/2018 budget and further works in this area would not be
completed without overlapping with the works on Napier Street.

RECOMMENDATION

That Council having considered the petition for reconstruction of Goynes Road, Epsom
from Acacia Park Drive up to Howard Street:

1. Continue to monitor the condition of Goynes Road throughout the reconstruction of


Napier Street.

2. Consider the reconstruction of the northern section of Goynes Road for future
Council budgets following the completion of VicRoads' works on Napier Street.

3. Notify the submitter of the petition of Council's decision.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

PAGE 19
Petitions and Joint Letters Ordinary Meeting - 18 October 2017

Policy Context

Community Plan Reference:

City of Greater Bendigo Community Plan 2017-2021:

Goal 4 Presentation and managing growth


Objective 4.3 Provide and maintain urban and rural infrastructure to
support the liveability of our community.

Background Information

At Council's Ordinary Meeting on 16 August 2017, a petition was received from residents
and ratepayers of the northern end of Goynes Road, Epsom, as outlined below:

"We, the undersigned request that the works in Goynes Road, Epsom be continued
up to the Howard Street intersection whilst all the equipment, manpower etc is still
in the area.

This road will see a massive increase in traffic once the Napier Street works start
and before the Scott street works are finished. This section of the road is already
starting to breakup and considering that this will only get worse in the very near
future only proves our point.

Can we see a road count be added to this road both before and after the Napier
Street Works?

The impact on residents of this section of the road and more so on the East side will
only exacerbate the problems as parents of school children are now parking down
Goynes Road for after school pickup. This has become a bigger health concern as
an increase in the dust is comparable to the increase in traffic.

Parking and flow of traffic for the Epsom Primary School should also be attended to
as a very high priority before there a major accident and someone being hurt.

This Goynes Road saga has been an ongoing request from 2006 ... from residents
...

We look forward to a favourable response".

The petition contained 60 signatures and Council resolved that the petition be received
and response be prepared within two meetings.

PAGE 20
Petitions and Joint Letters Ordinary Meeting - 18 October 2017

Report

The recent works on the reconstruction of Goynes Road, Epsom, between Buckland
Street to 100 metres north of Acacia Park Drive was undertaken due to a number of
factors. The road condition was poor and was due for reconstruction in the coming years.
Conversely, reconstruction of Tannery Lane was budgeted to be undertaken in the
2016/2017 financial year. Community consultation and the planning permit process for
this project resulted in the opportunity to delay the Tannery Lane reconstruction until
2017/2018 and bring forward the Goynes Road project. Given upcoming VicRoads'
works, this arrangement was also desirable to avoid a clash with road works on both
Napier Street and Goynes Road at the same time, given their close proximity. These
projects were also of similar value resulting in minimal impact on the 2016/2017 Council
budget.

The works on Goynes Road between Buckland Street and Acacia Park Drive
commenced in February 2017 and were completed in August 2017.

The northern section of Goynes Road from Acacia Park Drive to Howard Street is in
better condition than the section between Buckland Street and Acacia Park Drive was
prior to its reconstruction and is considered to be in suitable condition to sustain traffic
throughout the Napier Street duplication project.

Any extension of the recent construction works north to Howard Street would have
extended the works on Goynes Road by many months and resulted in a significant time
overlap with the works on Napier Street, which are now underway. A detailed design for
reconstruction of the northern section has not been undertaken. This would need to be
completed prior to any works commencing.

As the 2017/2018 Council budget was developed early in 2017 and adopted on 21 June
2017, the reconstruction of the northern section of Goynes Road was not included in the
2017/2018 budget. The condition of this section will be monitored and the reconstruction
of the section of Goynes Road between Acacia Park Drive and Howard Street will be
reviewed for reconstruction following the duplication of Napier Street.

The petition also outlines concerns regarding parking and traffic associated with the
Epsom Primary School. The school is currently being redeveloped and over time
additional students are expected at the school. Typically, increasing student numbers
also result in increased traffic management and parking pressures. Unfortunately for
Local Government, State schools are exempt from planning permits. Hence Local
Government does not get the opportunity to consider traffic and parking impacts of these
developments within a local context and therefore, is unable to include appropriate
planning permit conditions on the development that address traffic and parking issues.

Whilst there are constraints around the site in regard to parking, the school and City of
Greater Bendigo (the City) continue to work together to address these challenges. The
school is situated at the northern end of the Bendigo Creek Trail which provides for an
excellent facility for students south of the school to walk or cycle to school in a safe
environment away from vehicular traffic. Similarly, the installation of the school crossing
on Goynes Road in early 2015 provides for students from the Goynes Road area to
safely walk or cycle to school.

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Petitions and Joint Letters Ordinary Meeting - 18 October 2017

As part of the detailed design process for reconstruction of the northern section of
Goynes Road up to Howard Street, parking requirements of the school particularly for
drop-off and pick-up, will be discussed directly with the school.

Consultation/Communication

The City has been in consultation with the Department of Education and Training
regarding the anticipated growth in student numbers at the school.

Resource Implications

The preliminary budget for the reconstruction of the northern section of Goynes Road to
Howard Street, and modification to the Howard Street intersection is in the vicinity of
$1M. This preliminary amount will be reviewed and refined as the project and design is
further developed.

Attachments

Nil.

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Presentation and Managing Growth - Reports Ordinary Meeting - 18 October 2017

3. PRESENTATION AND MANAGING GROWTH

3.1 9 PRATTS PARK ROAD, STRATHDALE 3550 - 15 LOT SUBDIVISION,


CONSTRUCTION OF A DWELLING ON EACH LOT AND REMOVAL
OF NATIVE VEGETATION

Document Information

Author Chris Duckett, Coordinator Planning

Responsible Bernie OSullivan, Director Strategy and Growth


Director

Summary/Purpose

Application details: 15 lot subdivision, construction of a dwelling on each lot and


removal of native vegetation
Application No: DS/265/2017
Applicant: Captive Developments Pty Ltd
Land: 9 Pratts Park Road, STRATHDALE 3550
Zoning: General Residential Zone
Overlays: Bushfire Management Overlay
No. of objections: 4
Consultation A meeting was held on 11 August 2017 attended by 3
meeting: objectors, the applicant and three ward councillors.
Key considerations: The principle of residential development in this location;
Whether the proposed subdivision is an appropriate
outcome which respects neighbourhood character and
complies with other ResCode requirements;
Whether there will be an adverse impact on traffic safety;
Loss of native vegetation;
Whether the site is suitable from a bushfire safety
perspective.
Conclusion: The site is in a good location to provide new housing in terms
of accessibility to employment opportunities, leisure and
shopping facilities. The proposal will provide additional
housing in an urban area in line with Council strategies whilst
preserving neighbourhood character.
It is recommended that Council grant a Notice of Decision to
grant a planning permit.

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Presentation and Managing Growth - Reports Ordinary Meeting - 18 October 2017

RECOMMENDATION

Pursuant to section 61 of the Planning and Environment Act (1987), Greater Bendigo
City Council resolve to issue a Notice of Decision to Grant a Permit for a 15 lot
subdivision and removal of native vegetation at 9 Pratts Park Road, STRATHDALE
3550 subject to the conditions at the end of this report:

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Policy Context

City of Greater Bendigo Community Plan 2017 2021


Goal 4: Presentation and managing growth
Planning, developments and infrastructure that increase our liveability and pride in
where we live.
Goal 6: Embracing our culture and heritage
Recognise and celebrate our unique history and diverse cultures.

Report

Subject Site and Surrounds

The site is located on the corner of McIvor Road and Pratts Park Road and comprises an
irregular shaped parcel of land with an area of 9,365 square metres. The land has a fall
of around 4m from west to east. Located on the site is a single storey dwelling and some
scattered vegetation.

To the immediate north of the site is a water channel which is zoned public use. The
surrounding context of the site is somewhat mixed, with sparsely developed low density
zoned land located to the north and east, general residential to the west and north west.
On the opposite side of McIvor Road there is industrial land and the Greater Bendigo
National Park.

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Presentation and Managing Growth - Reports Ordinary Meeting - 18 October 2017

Figure 1: Location map showing subject site. Objectors properties marked with a star.

Proposal

The proposal is to subdivide the land into 15 lots, construct a dwelling on each lot and
remove the native vegetation.

The lots range in size from 365 to 862 square metres. Lots 1 and 15 will front Pratts
Park Road, lots 2 to 9 will front the internal road and lots 10 to 14 will front McIvor
Highway. All lots will be accessed by a new road from Pratts Park Road with a court bowl
at the end.

A dwelling will be constructed on each lot. As all the lots are over 300 square metres, a
dwelling only requires a planning permit under the Bushfire Management Overlay (BMO).
Therefore there are no design details for the dwellings as the BMO only requires bushfire
protection measures to be provided with the application. Such measures include the
required Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) rating that the dwelling has to be constructed to and
the amount of defendable space.

The native vegetation comprises two remnant patches and a single tree located towards
the western boundary.

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Presentation and Managing Growth - Reports Ordinary Meeting - 18 October 2017

Figure 2: Subdivision layout with vegetation removal shown hatched.

Planning Controls - Greater Bendigo Planning Scheme

The following clauses are relevant in the consideration of this proposal:

State Planning Policy Framework


11.02 Urban growth
11.05 Regional development
11.12 Loddon Mallee South regional growth
12.01-2 Native vegetation management
13.05 Bushfire
15.01 Urban environment
15.02 Sustainable environment
16.01 Medium density housing

Municipal Strategic Statement


21.05 Compact Greater Bendigo
21.09 Integrated Transport and Infrastructure
22.08 Highway Entrances and Boulevards Policy

Other Provisions
32.08 General Residential Zone
44.06 Bushfire Management Overlay
52.17 Native vegetation
52.47 Planning for Bushfire
56 Residential Subdivision

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Presentation and Managing Growth - Reports Ordinary Meeting - 18 October 2017

65 Decision Guidelines

Consultation/Communication

Referrals

The following authorities and internal departments have been consulted on the proposal:

Referral Comment
Powercor No objection subject to conditions
Coliban Water No objection subject to conditions
Tenix No objection subject to conditions
Country Fire Authority No objection subject to conditions
Traffic & Design No objection subject to conditions
Drainage No objection subject to conditions

Public Notification

The application was advertised by way of notice on the site and letters to adjoining and
nearby owners and occupiers.

As a result of advertising, 4 objections were received, with the grounds of objection


summarised as:
Failure to comply with a series of clause 56 objectives;
Traffic hazard;
No demand for housing.

A neighbour also stated that the advertising notice was placed on adjoining land rather
than the site. This was relayed to the applicant who confirmed that the neighbour was
correct. The advertising notice was subsequently relocated on the land for a further 14
days.

The objections are discussed in the assessment below.

Planning Assessment

Is the principle of an increase in residential density in this location appropriate from a


planning policy perspective?

Clause 11.05-4 Regional planning strategies and principles has the objective of
developing regions and settlements which have a strong identity, are prosperous and are
environmentally sustainable.

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Presentation and Managing Growth - Reports Ordinary Meeting - 18 October 2017

Of relevance to this application is the strategy to promote liveable regional settlements


and healthy communities by improving the availability of a diverse range of affordable
accommodation, including social housing, in locations with good access to transport,
commercial facilities and community services.

Clause 11.12 Loddon Mallee South regional growth includes strategies which
promote Bendigo as a regional city which seek to facilitate increased residential densities
for underutilised sites and land in Bendigo.

Clause 13.05 Bushfire seeks to assist to strengthen community resilience to bushfire


and includes the overarching strategy of prioritising the protection of human life over
other policy considerations in planning and decision-making in areas at risk from
bushfire. The site is affected by a Bushfire Management Overlay (BMO) which was
imposed on the land on 3 October 2017. Bushfire risk is discussed in greater detail
below.

Clause 16.01 Residential development promotes a diverse range of housing that meet
community needs in locations that offer good access to services and transport and that is
both water and energy efficient.

Clause 21.02- Key issues and influences outlines the background to the concept of
Compact Greater Bendigo which the Residential Strategy promotes in order to
strengthen the urban growth boundary and improve housing and transport options.

Clause 21.05 Compact Greater Bendigo provides further detail on the concept, in
particular clause 21.05-3 10 minute neighbourhoods which has the goal of creating a
network of 10 minute neighbourhoods where people can access many of their daily
needs within a 10 minute walk or cycle trip from where they live.

Also of relevance in clause 21.05 is sub-clause 21.05-4 Housing density and


diversity. This seeks to provide a greater choice in housing types and densities that
responds to the lack of dwelling size choice in Bendigo, in particular dwellings with less
than 3 bedrooms.

The site is not within 400m of an activity centre; services in the area are limited and it
does not have a bus route within walking distance. However, the site is within the urban
growth boundary, is on an arterial road and consequently does have convenient road
access to Bendigo. Therefore the proposal meets local and State objectives in terms of
being an appropriate location for housing.

Residents have raised concerns about the impact of an increase in density. Whilst it is
acknowledged that this subdivision would result in an increase in density, an application
should not be refused on the basis of density unless it can be demonstrated that the level
of density would result in a poor planning outcome.

Residents have also asserted that there is no demand for the type of housing proposed.
However, the Greater Bendigo Residential Strategy highlights, that in recent years, about
40% of housing development has been met by infill development in existing older areas.
This suggests that there is a demand for this type of housing.

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Presentation and Managing Growth - Reports Ordinary Meeting - 18 October 2017

Clause 21.09-1 Integrated transport and land use planning is a Council strategy that
provides a series of targets with a focus on moving away from private motor vehicles as
the dominant form of transport.

The site is currently poorly serviced by public transport, however the strategy does seek
to improve public transport connections between Heathcote and urban Bendigo,
including services for Axedale and Junortoun. It is anticipated therefore that in due
course, public transport connections to the site will be improved.

The site is also not currently well connected for walking and cycling. This topic is
considered in the ResCode assessment below.

Clause 22.08 Highway Entrances and Boulevards Policy has a policy basis and
strategies which seek to enhance the character and image of the various approaches to
Bendigo including McIvor Highway.

It is important that this subdivision creates a positive impression when approached from
the east of the municipality as the site is effectively a gateway to the suburb of Strathdale
and the wider urban area of Bendigo. Enhancement of the area is particularly important
as currently the approach to the Pratts Park Road intersection from Junortoun is
somewhat degraded by the industrial land opposite the site. The question of the
appearance of the subdivision is discussed in more detail below.

In summary, from a strategic policy perspective, there are no reasons why a planning
permit should be not granted for this subdivision.

Does the proposed subdivision design result in an acceptable neighbourhood character


and urban design outcome?

This is a proposal which requires consideration of the challenge of balancing State and
local planning policies which encourage consolidation of new housing within established
urban areas against the need for development to be respectful of existing neighbourhood
characteristics.

Neighbourhood character is referenced as an important consideration throughout the


Planning Scheme including Clauses 15.01 Urban Environment, 16.01 Residential
Development, 32.08 General Residential Zone and 56 Residential Subdivision.

Unlike much of the urban area of Bendigo, this site is not covered by a residential
character policy which provides guidelines for appropriate development. Therefore it is
necessary to undertake a review of the area to determine what features define the
character of the area.

Although the site adjoins some low density residential land to the north and on the
opposite side of Pratts Park Road, given that the site is in GRZ fronting McIvor Highway
it is more appropriate to consider McIvor Highway as defining the character of the area.
Another reason for doing this is that the low density areas on the west side of Pratts Park
Road have been identified as being suitable for rezoning as part of the Housing Strategy,
albeit that this piece of work is at an embryonic stage. This suggests that the low density
character that exists now will be subject to change into the future and should not be used
too rigidly in an assessment of existing character.

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Presentation and Managing Growth - Reports Ordinary Meeting - 18 October 2017

The average lot size of the proposed subdivision is 505 square metres. This is a lot size
which is less than others in the area. However, the width of the lots proposed, mostly
between 14m and 16m, are generally in keeping with other GRZ lots.

In principle, the area and widths of the lots are deemed an appropriate character
response as it would be possible to build dwellings with appropriate setbacks around
them to maintain a relatively spacious setting.

Does the proposal comply with Clause 56 (ResCode) requirements?

The principal purpose of Clause 56 Residential subdivision is to create liveable and


sustainable neighbourhoods and urban places with character and identity.

It is a requirement of Clause 56 that a development must meet all of the objectives of the
clause and should also meet all of the standards. The application has been assessed
against all relevant objectives and is deemed to comply.

Those most relevant to the application, including those raised by objectors, are
discussed below:

C6 Neighbourhood character

The objective is to design subdivisions that respond to neighbourhood character.

In addition to respecting existing character the standards include a requirement to


integrate with the surrounding environment.

The question of neighbourhood character is considered above.

C7 Lot diversity and distribution

The relevant objectives are to achieve housing densities that support compact and
walkable neighbourhoods and the efficient provision of public transport services and to
provide a range of lot sizes to suit a variety of dwelling and household types.

The standard in this clause includes that:


A range and mix of lot sizes should be provided including lots suitable for the
development of:
Single dwellings.
Two dwellings or more.
Higher density housing.
Residential buildings and Retirement villages.

The concerns raised by neighbours are that there are too many small blocks and
therefore the layout does not meet the lot diversity objective. It is correct that there
should be a mix of lot sizes as per the standard but the intent of this clause is not to
create larger lots as this would be contrary to the objective of creating compact
neighbourhoods.

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Presentation and Managing Growth - Reports Ordinary Meeting - 18 October 2017

If anything, the proposal does not create diversity in terms of providing lots for smaller
dwellings as it is unlikely that there will be two dwellings on a lot or higher density
housing. However, in this instance that is an acceptable outcome as the character of the
area is generally single dwellings on generous lots. Introducing higher density housing
forms in this area is likely to result in an outcome which would not be respectful of
neighbourhood character.

C8 Lot area and building envelopes

The objective of this policy is to provide lots with areas and dimensions that enable the
appropriate siting and construction of a dwelling, solar access, private open space,
vehicle access and parking, water management, easements and the retention of
significant vegetation and site features.

Concerns raised by neighbours relate to two storey dwellings being built on the lots. The
height of dwellings could be controlled by imposing three dimensional building envelopes
as a condition on the planning permit. However, this would only be reasonable if it was
necessary to protect a significant streetscape character. Officers are of the view that
such a restriction would be too onerous as it may not make the most efficient use of the
land and could stifle innovative design.

C10 Street orientation

The objective is to provide a lot layout that contributes to community social interaction,
personal safety and property security.

The standards in this clause are:


Subdivision should increase visibility and surveillance by:
Ensuring lots front all roads and streets and avoid the side or rear of lots being
oriented to connector streets and arterial roads.
Providing lots of 300 square metres or less in area and lots for 2 or more
dwellings around activity centres and public open space.
Ensuring streets and houses look onto public open space and avoiding sides and
rears of lots along public open space boundaries.
Providing roads and streets along public open space boundaries.

The applicants initial proposal was that all the lots would be orientated to the internal
road with high solid fences to the rear boundaries fronting McIvor Highway and Pratts
Park Road. Officers raised concerns that this would not meet the objective of increasing
visibility and surveillance to and from the new footpaths that are to be provided at both
road frontages.

The siting of the rear of dwellings and high fences would also create a poor urban design
outcome in terms of the presentation and appearance to McIvor Highway and Pratts Park
Road and not meet the objectives of the Highways and Boulevards policy discussed
above.

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Presentation and Managing Growth - Reports Ordinary Meeting - 18 October 2017

The applicant subsequently agreed to amend the application so that lots 1 and 10 to 15
would be rear loaded lots with their frontages to McIvor Highway and Pratts Park Road.
This revised design is considered to meet the objective and an appropriate condition will
be imposed requiring the built form to meet specified design guidelines in terms of
dwelling orientation, setbacks, fencing and connections with footpaths.

C11 Common area objectives

Neighbours have questioned why there is no common area. There is no common


property because the subdivision design includes a public road.

C12 Integrated urban landscape objectives

The standard in this objective says that a subdivision should be accompanied by a


landscape design. Neighbours have questioned how this clause can be complied with as
a landscape plan has not been provided.

For small subdivisions such as this, it is not unusual for the requirement to be met
through placing a condition on a permit should one be granted.

C15 Walking and cycling network


C17 Neighbourhood street network
C18 Walking and cycling network detail
C20 Neighbourhood street network

The above clauses seek to create a safe neighbourhood street system, encourage
walking and cycling and reduce car use.

Neighbours have concerns that that there is no proposed design for linking the
development with movement networks.

The site is not currently well connected with movement networks as there are no
footpaths in Pratts Park Road and the nearest footpath on McIvor Road ends at
Whittington Court, 130m to the west of the site. The Citys engineers have advised that if
the footpath is constructed at the front of the site, the remaining missing link in the
footpath network will get some priority in the budgeting process.

The Citys engineers and VicRoads have both determined that there will be a footpath
requirement as a result of the subdivision. It is proposed to impose conditions that
footpaths are to be constructed at the developer's cost on both the McIvor Road and
Pratts Park Road frontages. As a result of this requirement the subdivision will improve
movement networks and ensure the objectives of these clauses are met.

C21 Lot access objective

The objective is to provide safe vehicle access between roads and lots.

Neighbours have concerns that the access to Pratts Park Road will be dangerous but the
Citys engineers and VicRoads are satisfied that it will function in a safe manner.

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Presentation and Managing Growth - Reports Ordinary Meeting - 18 October 2017

C29 Fire hydrants objective

The objective is to provide fire hydrants and fire plugs in positions that enable fire fighters
to access water safely, effectively and efficiently.

Fire hydrants are required to be provided no more than 120 metres from the rear of each
lot. As a number of the lots are over 120 metres from the nearest hydrant, a new hydrant
will be required to be installed in the internal road reserve.

C30 Public lighting objective

The objective is to provide public lighting to ensure the safety of pedestrians, cyclists and
vehicles.

Neighbours are of the view that an electrical plan needs to be provided with the
application. This is not correct. Public lighting will be provided through planning permit
conditions to the internal road and Pratts Park Road.

Removal of native vegetation

The vegetation proposed to be removed has low biodiversity value and has been
deemed as appropriate for removal subject to the provision of vegetation offsets.

Are bushfire planning requirements met?

The Bushfire Management Overlay (BMO), which was amended on 3 October 2017,
includes mapping to show what land it applies to and written provisions which set out the
planning scheme requirements. The BMO also includes two local schedules, one of
which affects this site.

The Schedule sets out what bushfire protection measures are required for the
construction of one dwelling on a lot in existing urban areas, as documented in the table
below.

Requirement Comment
The dwelling must be constructed to A Bushfire Management Plan (BMP) has
BAL-12.5. been submitted which documents that
dwellings will be built to BAL-12.5. The
BMP will be endorsed as part of the
planning permit.

Defendable space of 30 metres or to Defendable space will be provided on each


the property boundary whichever is lot up to the property boundary.
the lesser.

A static water supply of between Lots less than 500 square metres will have
2,500 and 5,000 litres. a tank of 2,500 litres.

Lot greater than 500 square metres will


have a tank of 5,000 litres.

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Presentation and Managing Growth - Reports Ordinary Meeting - 18 October 2017

Requirement Comment
Vehicle access built to a road The internal road will have a turning area
standard with a turning area for a fire of the required standard.
truck.

Clause 52.47 Planning for Bushfire also applies and this clause sets out the bushfire
protection measures that a subdivision should meet. It is noted that some of the
protection measures required in clause 52.47 for a subdivision are higher than those
required by the Schedule for construction of dwellings on a lot.

This would appear to be an anomaly in the new bushfire provisions and the Country Fire
Authority (CFA) have advised that they are satisfied that the lower bushfire protection
measures for individual dwellings are appropriate. Subject to some minor changes to the
BMP, CFA are supportive of the proposal.

It is considered that bushfire risk can be safely managed and the proposal meets the
relevant objectives of the BMO.

Conclusion

This subdivision seeks to provide modest housing growth within the area, whilst aiming
to be respectful of neighbourhood character.

Balancing increased densities with neighbourhood character is not an uncommon


challenge and one which will inevitably become more commonplace and arguably
unavoidable as the City seeks to achieve a sustainable increase in densities in urban
areas to meet population growth.

Local residents do have some valid concerns over the potential impacts of the proposal,
including on existing neighbourhood character and traffic impacts.

However, any impacts need to be weighed against the need to maximise the use of
existing urban land such as this site. In this instance it is concluded that there is
insufficient reason to refuse the development and it recommended that Council supports
the proposal.

Options

Council, acting as the responsible authority for administering the Planning Scheme, may
resolve to: grant a permit, grant a permit with conditions, or refuse to grant a permit.

Attachments

Objections

PAGE 34
Presentation and Managing Growth - Reports Ordinary Meeting - 18 October 2017

Proposed Notice of Decision Conditions

1. AMENDED PLAN
Before the development starts an amended Bushfire Management Plan in
accordance with the requirements of condition 8 must be submitted to and
approved by the responsible authority.

2. LAYOUT PLANS
The subdivision, as shown on the endorsed plans, must not be altered without
the prior written consent of the responsible authority.

3. LANDSCAPE PLAN
Before a statement of compliance is issued for the subdivision a landscape
plan must be submitted to the satisfaction of the responsible authority. When
approved, the plan will be endorsed and then form part of the permit.

4. COMPLETION OF LANDSCAPING
Before a statement of compliance is issued for the subdivision the landscaping
works shown on the endorsed must be carried out and completed to the
satisfaction of the responsible authority.

5. LANDSCAPING MAINTENANCE
The landscaping works shown on the endorsed plans must be maintained to
the satisfaction of the responsible authority for 24 months after the works are
completed, including that any dead, diseased or damaged plants are to be
replaced.

6. SECTION 173 AGREEMENT - MANDATORY BUSHFIRE SUBDIVISION


Before the statement of compliance is issued under the Subdivision Act 1988
the owner must enter into an agreement with the responsible authority under
Section 173 of the Planning and Environment Act 1987. The agreement must:
State that it has been prepared for the purpose of an exemption from a
planning permit under Clause 44.06-2 of the Greater Bendigo Planning
Scheme.
Incorporate the plan prepared in accordance with Clause 52.47-2.4 of this
Planning Scheme and approved under this permit.
State that if a dwelling is constructed on the land without a planning permit
that the bushfire protection measures set out in the plan incorporated into
the agreement must be implemented and maintained to the satisfaction of
the responsible authority on a continuing basis.

The land owner must pay the reasonable costs of the preparation, execution
and registration of the Section 173 Agreement.

7. BUSHFIRE MITIGATION MEASURES


The bushfire protection measures forming part of this permit or shown on the
endorsed plans, including those relating to construction standards, defendable
space, water supply and access, must be maintained to the satisfaction of the
responsible authority on a continuing basis. This condition continues to have
force and effect after the development authorised by this permit has been

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Presentation and Managing Growth - Reports Ordinary Meeting - 18 October 2017

completed.

8. COUNTRY FIRE AUTHORITY


(i) Hydrants
(a) Prior to the issue of a Statement of Compliance under the Subdivision
Act 1988 the following requirements must be met to the satisfaction of
the CFA:
Above or below ground operable hydrants must be provided. The
maximum distance between these hydrants and the rear of all
building envelopes (or in the absence of building envelopes, the rear
of the lots) must be 120 metres and the hydrants must be no more
than 200 metres apart. These distances must be measured around
lot boundaries.
The hydrants must be identified with marker posts and road reflectors
as applicable to the satisfaction of the Country Fire Authority.

Note CFAs requirements for identification of hydrants are specified in


Identification of Street Hydrants for Firefighting Purposes available under
publications on the CFA web site (www.cfa.vic.gov.au).

(ii) Amended Bushfire Management Plan required


Before certification under the Subdivision Act 1988, an amended bushfire
management plan (BMP) must be submitted to and endorsed by the
Responsible Authority. The plan must be included as an annexure to the
section 173 agreement prepared to give effect to Clause 44.06-3 of the City
of Greater Bendigo Planning Scheme.
The BMP must be substantially in accordance with the Drawing Number
1131201 BMP, Sheet 1, Revision B, dated 09/10/2017 and must show the
following bushfire mitigation measures, unless otherwise agreed in writing
by the CFA and the Responsible Authority:

(a) Defendable Space


Show an area of defendable space for all lots to the property boundary
where vegetation (and other flammable materials) will be modified and
managed in accordance with the following requirements:
Grass must be short cropped and maintained during the declared fire
danger period.
All leaves and vegetation debris must be removed at regular intervals
during the declared fire danger period.
Within 10 metres of a building, flammable objects must not be
located close to the vulnerable parts of the building.
Plants greater than 10 centimetres in height must not be placed
within 3m of a window or glass feature of the building.
Shrubs must not be located under the canopy of trees.
Individual and clumps of shrubs must not exceed 5 sq. metres in
area and must be separated by at least 5 metres.
Trees must not overhang or touch any elements of the building.
The canopy of trees must be separated by at least 2 metres.
There must be a clearance of at least 2 metres between the lowest
tree branches and ground level.

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Presentation and Managing Growth - Reports Ordinary Meeting - 18 October 2017

(b) Construction Standard


All dwellings will be designed and constructed to a minimum Bushfire
Attack Level of BAL 12.5.

(c) Water supply (Nominal Locations Only)


Show 5,000 litres of effective water supply for Lots 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 15 and
show 2,500 litres of effective water supply for Lots 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 12,
13 and 14 for firefighting purposes which meets the following
requirements:
Is stored in an above ground water tank constructed of concrete or
metal.
All fixed above-ground water pipes and fittings required for
firefighting purposes must be made of corrosive resistant metal.
Include an outlet for occupant use.

9. PUBLIC OPEN SPACE CONTRIBUTION


Before the statement of compliance is issued the applicant or owner must pay
to the responsible authority a sum equivalent to 4.5% of the site value of all the
land in the subdivision.

10. DESIGN GUIDANCE- LOTS 1 and 10 TO 15


Prior to the certification of the plan of subdivision, design guidance for lots 1
and 10 to 15 as shown on the subdivision layout plan must be submitted and
approved by the responsible authority. The design guidance must include the
following requirements:
(a) Any dwelling constructed on lot 1 must be designed to address (front) Pratts
Park Road including pedestrian access. Vehicle access to the dwelling
must be from the internal road only.
(b) Any dwelling constructed on lot 15 must be designed to address (front)
Pratts Park Road or McIvor Highway including pedestrian access. Vehicle
access to the dwelling must be from the internal road only.
(c) Any dwellings constructed on lots 10 to 14 must be designed to address
(front) McIvor Highway including pedestrian access. Vehicle access to each
dwelling must be from the internal road only.
(d) The front street setback for the dwellings on lots 1 and 10 to 14 must be a
minimum of 4 metres.
(e) The front and side street setback (other than for the internal street) for the
dwelling on lot 15 must be a minimum of 4 metres.
(f) Any fencing constructed along the boundary abutting Pratts Park Road and
McIvor Highway must be no higher than 1.5m, have a minimum permeability
of 25% and include a pedestrian gate.
(g) Any garages or carports can be either attached or detached from the
dwellings and can be setback from the internal road by 0.0m.

The design guidance approved is an endorsed document under the Planning


Permit and must be registered on title in the form of Memorandum of Common
Provisions pursuant to Section 91A of the Transfer of Land Act, 1958.

11. DETAILED DRAINAGE


Prior to the certification of the plan of subdivision under the Subdivision Act

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Presentation and Managing Growth - Reports Ordinary Meeting - 18 October 2017

1988, plans to the satisfaction of the responsible authority must be submitted to


and approved by the responsible authority. When approved, the plans will be
endorsed and then will form part of the permit. The plans must be drawn to
scale with dimensions. The plans must include:
Direction of stormwater run off
A point of discharge for each lot;
Independent drainage for each lot.
Stormwater detention: Q1% = 73 l/s
Q20% = 27 l/s
Stormwater quality
Easements as required.

12. CONSTRUCTION OF WORKS


Road works, drainage and other civil works must be constructed in accordance
with the Infrastructure Design Manual and plans and specifications approved by
the responsible authority and must include:
Internal Road
(a) Fully sealed 1.5m pavement with kerb and channel;
(b) Underground drainage;
(c) Underground conduits for water, gas, electricity and telephone;
(d) Appropriate street lighting and signage;
Pratts Park Road
(a) 1.5m paved footpath
(b) Underground conduits for water, gas, electricity and telephone;
(c) Appropriate street lighting and signage;
McIvor Road
(a) 1.5m paved footpath.

13. CITY OF GREATER BENDIGO ASSETS


Before the development starts, the owner or developer must submit to the
responsible authority a written report and photos of any prior damage to public
infrastructure. Listed in the report must be the condition of kerb & channel,
footpath, seal, street lights, signs and other public infrastructure fronting the
property and abutting at least two properties either side of the
development. Unless identified with the written report, any damage to
infrastructure post construction will be attributed to the development. The
owner or developer of the subject land must pay for any damage caused to any
public infrastructure caused as a result of the development or use permitted by
this permit.

14. CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT PLAN


Prior to commencement of works the owner or applicant must submit a
Construction Management Plan (CMP) for approval by the responsible
authority.
This plan shall include, but not be limited to;
A site specific plan showing proposed erosion & sedimentation control
works,
Techniques and intervention levels to prevent a dust nuisance,
Techniques to prevent mud and dirt being transported from the site to

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Presentation and Managing Growth - Reports Ordinary Meeting - 18 October 2017

adjacent streets and


The protection measures taken to preserve any vegetation identified for
retention.
During construction of works associated with the subdivision, the must
employ and provide the protection methods contained in the CMP to the
satisfaction of the responsible authority.

15. CONSENT FOR WORK ON ROAD RESERVES


The applicant must comply with;
The Road Management Act 2004,
Road Management (Works and Infrastructure) Regulations 2005 and
Road Management (General) Regulations 2005
with respect to any requirements to notify the Coordinating Authority and/or
seek consent from the Coordinating Authority to undertake works (as defined
in the Act) in, over or under the road reserve.

The responsible authority in the inclusion of this condition on this planning


permit is not deemed to have been notified of, or to have given consent to
undertake any works within the road reserve as proposed in this permit.

16. SECTION 173 AGREEMENT - MINIMUM GARDEN AREA REQUIREMENT


Prior to the certification of the plan of subdivision, the owner must enter into an
agreement under Section 173 of the Planning and Environment Act 1987,
which provides that any lot created must provide the minimum percentage of
garden area required at ground level as set out in clause 32.08-4 of the Greater
Bendigo Planning Scheme to the satisfaction of the responsible authority. The
agreement must include a mechanism which would allow the responsible
authority to vary or delete the garden area requirement by written consent, in
the event of legislative changes.

17. VICROADS
(a) All disused or redundant vehicle crossings must be removed and the area
reinstated to surrounding conditions to the satisfaction of and at no cost to
the Roads Corporation and the Responsible Authority prior to the
commencement of the use or the occupation of the buildings or works
hereby approved.
(b) Before the plan of subdivision is submitted to the Responsible Authority for
certification under the Subdivision Act 1988, the following amendments to
the plans submitted with the application must be made:
(i) A 5 metre by 5 metre corner splay must be provided at the intersection
of Pratts Park Road and the McIvor Highway;
(ii) Any land set aside as Road must be labelled ROAD on the plan of
subdivision.
(c) Prior to the issue of a Statement of Compliance, the following must be
completed to the satisfaction of and at no cost to the Roads Corporation or
the responsible Authority:
(i) Sealed footpaths must be provided for the full length of the southern
boundary connecting to the New Court subdivisional road on Pratts
Park Road.

18. COLIBAN WATER

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Presentation and Managing Growth - Reports Ordinary Meeting - 18 October 2017

(a) The owner is required to provide reticulated water and sewerage services to
each of the lots within the subdivision and comply with any requirements
arising from any effect of the proposed development on Coliban Water
assets. Services are to be provided in accordance with our specifications.
(b) The owner must reach agreement with Coliban Water for the provision of
piping the Axe Creek Rural Channel that runs parallel to the Northern
Boundary of the site.
(c) The northern boundary of the development site must be fenced with a full
height colorbond fence or equivalent. No gates are to be installed in the
fences leading into the crown land.
(d) All Coliban Water assets within the subdivision, both existing and proposed,
are to be protected by an easement in favour of Coliban Region Water
Corporation.

19. POWERCOR
(a) The plan of subdivision submitted for certification under the Subdivision Act
1988 shall be referred to Powercor Australia Ltd in accordance with section
8 of that Act.
(b) The applicant shall provide an electricity supply to all lots in the subdivision
in accordance with Powercors requirements and standards, including the
extension, augmentation or re-arrangement of any existing electricity supply
system, as required by Powercor (A payment to cover the cost of such work
will be required). In the event that a supply is not provided the applicant
shall provide a written undertaking to Powercor Australia Ltd that
prospective purchasers will be so informed.
(c) Where buildings or other installations exist on the land to be subdivided and
are connected to the electricity supply, they shall be brought into
compliance with the Service and Installation Rules issued by the Victorian
Electricity Supply Industry. The applicant shall arrange compliance through
a Registered Electrical Contractor.
(d) Any buildings must comply with the clearances required by the Electricity
Safety (Network Assets) Regulations.
(e) Any construction work must comply with the Officer of the Chief Electrical
Inspector No Go Zone rules.
(f) Set aside on the plan of subdivision for the use of Powercor Australia Ltd
reserves and/or easements satisfactory to Powercor Australia Ltd where
any electric substation (other than a pole mounted type) is required to
service the subdivision.
Alternatively, at the discretion of Powercor Australia Ltd a lease(s) of the
site(s) and for easements for associated powerlines, cables and access
ways shall be provided. Such a lease shall be for a period of 30 years at a
nominal rental with a right to extend the lease for a further 30 years.
Powercor Australia Ltd will register such leases on the title by way of a
caveat prior to the registration of the plan of subdivision.
(g) Provide easements satisfactory to Powercor Australia Ltd, where
easements have not been otherwise provided, for all existing Powercor
Australia Ltd electric lines on the land and for any new powerlines required
to service the lots and adjoining land, save for lines located, or to be
located, on public roads set out on the plan. These easements shall show
on the plan an easement(s) in favour of "Powercor Australia Ltd" for Power
Line pursuant to Section 88 of the Electricity Industry Act 2000.

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Presentation and Managing Growth - Reports Ordinary Meeting - 18 October 2017

(h) Obtain for the use of Powercor Australia Ltd any other easement external to
the subdivision required to service the lots.
(i) Adjust the position of any existing easement(s) for powerlines to accord with
the position of the line(s) as determined by survey.
(j) Obtain Powercor Australia Ltds approval for lot boundaries within any area
affected by an easement for a powerline and for the construction of any
works in such an area.
(k) Provide to Powercor Australia Ltd, a copy of the version of the plan of
subdivision submitted for certification, which shows any amendments which
have been required.

20. TELECOMMUNICATIONS
The owner of the land must enter into an agreement with:
(a) A telecommunications network or service provider for the provision of
telecommunication services to each lot shown on the endorsed plan in
accordance with the providers requirements and relevant legislation at the
time.
(b) A suitably qualified person for the provision of fibre ready
telecommunication facilities to each lot shown on the endorsed plan in
accordance with any industry specifications or any standards set by the
Australian Communications and Media Authority, unless the applicant can
demonstrate that the land is in an area where the National Broadband
Network will not be provided by optical fibre.
(c) Before the issue of a Statement of Compliance for any stage of the
subdivision under the Subdivision Act 1988, the owner of the land must
provide written confirmation from:
(d) A telecommunications network or service provider that all lots are
connected to or are ready for connection to telecommunications services in
accordance with the providers requirements and relevant legislation at the
time.
(e) A suitably qualified person that fibre ready telecommunication facilities have
been provided in accordance with any industry specifications or any
standards set by the Australian Communications and Media Authority,
unless the applicant can demonstrate that the land is in an area where the
National Broadband Network will not be provided by optical fibre.

21. AUSNET SERVICES (GAS)


The plan of subdivision submitted for certification must be referred to AusNet
Services (Gas) in accordance with section 8 of the Subdivision Act 1988.

22. EXPIRY OF THE PERMIT


(a) The plan of subdivision is not certified within two years from the date of this
permit; or
(b) The subdivision is not completed within five years from the date of
certification of the plan of subdivision.
The responsible authority may extend the time for certification of the plan if a
request is made in writing before the permit expires or within six months
afterwards.

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Presentation and Managing Growth - Reports Ordinary Meeting - 18 October 2017

3.2 PLAN GREATER BENDIGO

Document Information

Author Bridget Maplestone, Strategic Planner Projects

Responsible Bernie OSullivan, Director Strategy and Growth


Director

Purpose

The purpose of this report is to provide an update on Plan Greater Bendigo and to seek
Council endorsement of a draft Plan Greater Bendigo and draft Plan Greater Bendigo
Implementation Plan for the purposes of community consultation.

Summary

Plan Greater Bendigo has been prepared in collaboration with the Victorian Planning
Authority and the regional office of the Department of Environment, Land, Water and
Planning, with input from various agencies, stakeholders, Council and the community.
Plan Greater Bendigo is about being proactive in planning and advocating for the
delivery of infrastructure as the population grows to an expected 200,000 by around
2050.

Plan Greater Bendigo and the Plan Greater Bendigo Implementation Plan present a
consolidated list of 18 infrastructure projects which will help in transforming Greater
Bendigo over a 30 year time period. The final selection of projects has been based on a
variety of factors including scale, transformational impact, whether the project could be
delivered as part of core business, and whether the project is consistent with State and
Local policy.

Plan Greater Bendigo builds on the existing work and strategies already prepared by
Council, State Government, as well as considering privately led initiatives. There are
also some new ideas which although in their infancy build on the unique and competitive
strengths of Greater Bendigo.

Plan Greater Bendigo is deliberately aspirational. It presents a collective vision for how
the delivery of infrastructure will be used to not only support population and employment
growth, but in better connecting and creating healthier more inclusive communities.

The next step in the process is to consult with the community, stakeholders and
government agencies on the Plan Greater Bendigo draft documents. This will include
views around the current list of projects, identifying if there are any projects missing and
any ideas around progressing initiatives.

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Presentation and Managing Growth - Reports Ordinary Meeting - 18 October 2017

Following consultation, a further report will be put to Council summarising the


consultation findings, with any proposed changes and requesting that Council adopt Plan
Greater Bendigo and commence implementation.

RECOMMENDATION

That the Greater Bendigo City Council resolves to:


1. Endorse the draft Plan Greater Bendigo and the draft Plan Greater Bendigo
Implementation Plan, for the purposes of community consultation.
2. Receive a further report summarising community and stakeholder feedback, and any
changes to the documents following consultation.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Policy Context

Community Plan 2017-2021:

Lead and govern for all


1.5 Take a leadership role in regional planning, advocacy and work in partnership with
regional councils.

Regional Strategic Plan Reference:

Plan Greater Bendigo will be the first stage in implementing the Loddon Mallee South
Regional Growth Plan (now the Loddon Campaspe Regional Growth Plan). This will
include building on relationships between the regional councils, improving regional
connections and determining infrastructure priorities which will benefit not only the City
but the region more broadly.

Rural Communities Strategy (Issues and Impacts):

Rural communities will be both considered and involved in the process of preparing Plan
Greater Bendigo. Reducing social isolation through inclusive growth, increasing
education levels and improving connections are important issues which will be
considered in the preparation of Plan Greater Bendigo.

There are specific projects included within the draft Discussion Paper which are of direct
relevance to rural communities. These include connectivity' for small towns and
neighbouring regional centres and community hubs.

Background Information

The previous Minister for Planning launched the Loddon Mallee South Regional Growth
Plan (LCRGP) on 29 April 2014. This includes the six municipalities of Greater Bendigo,
Campaspe, Central Goldfields, Loddon, Macedon Ranges and Mount Alexander.

The plan is one of eight regional growth plans for Victoria and informs the land use
principles and future directions for growth in the region.

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Presentation and Managing Growth - Reports Ordinary Meeting - 18 October 2017

On 20 July 2016, Minister Wynne announced Plan Bendigo as the first stage of
implementing the LCRGP.

In November 2016, the City received funding support from the Victorian Planning
Authority (VPA) for the preparation of Plan Greater Bendigo. This funding has enabled
the City to appoint an officer to work on the project until January 2018 and to backfill their
position.

Two groups were established to help oversee and contribute to Plan Greater Bendigo.
This includes a Steering Committee with high level representation from the City, VPA,
Regional Development Victoria, Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning,
and Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources. The Mayor
has also been appointed to Chair this committee. The Technical Reference Group has
representation from various State Government agencies and stakeholders including
Bendigo Bank, the Urban Development Institute of Australia and Be.Bendigo.

City officers working with the VPA, with input from the Steering Committee and Technical
Reference Group, prepared a draft Plan Greater Bendigo discussion paper. The
discussion paper outlined a series of 70 infrastructure projects of benefit to Greater
Bendigo and the region. The purpose of the discussion paper was to inform big picture
thinking, ideas and discussion around what projects will not only support population and
employment growth but will transform Greater Bendigo and set it apart from other
regional cities.

The City consulted with the community for a period of six weeks from 20 March to 28
April 2017 using a variety of engagement techniques. These included an Urban
Development Institute of Australia lunch, attendance at a variety of listening posts across
Greater Bendigo, a video, media releases, full page advertisements, a brochure
distributed in post offices and cafes, website updates and an online and hard copy
survey.

A total of 294 completed surveys were received, with a further 19 written submissions.
The top five projects identified were:
Securing Bendigos long term water supply (integrated water opportunities);
Outer arterial road;
Bendigo law courts;
Managing groundwater turning a problem into a resource;
Bendigo Creek improvements.

Each of these projects has been included in some form in the draft Plan Greater Bendigo
documents.

Previous Council Decision Dates:

16 November 2016 Council adopted the initial project scope and project timelines, as
well as appointing the Mayor as the Chair of the Plan Bendigo (now Plan Greater
Bendigo) Steering Committee.

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Presentation and Managing Growth - Reports Ordinary Meeting - 18 October 2017

15 March 2017 - Council endorsed the draft Plan Greater Bendigo Discussion Paper for
the purposes of community consultation and agreed to receive a further report
summarising the feedback and changes to the Draft Plan Greater Bendigo Discussion
Paper following consultation.

21 June 2017 - Council noted the findings from the consultation on the Draft Plan
Greater Bendigo Discussion Paper and resolved to proceed with the preparation of Plan
Greater Bendigo.

Report

Determining the final selection of projects

Plan Greater Bendigo has always been about determining a small number of
transformational infrastructure projects of benefit to Greater Bendigo and to support
growth in the broader Loddon Campaspe region. These projects generally transcend
Council or a single agency and will require the support of multiple agencies and often
private sector investment to effectively deliver.

Therefore while the majority of the 70 projects listed in the Plan Greater Bendigo
Discussion Paper have merit, it was about working through this list to ensure that the
final list of projects will not only support population, employment and housing growth, but
if delivered have the potential to fundamentally change the fabric and shape the City for
generations. This may include changing the way we get around, leading to a healthier
and more inclusive community, maximising our natural resources, or creating a strong
city core driving investment, residential and visitor growth.

The following figure highlights the steps involved in determining the final selection of
projects.

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Presentation and Managing Growth - Reports Ordinary Meeting - 18 October 2017

Overall each of the 18 listed projects:


Are consistent with local and/or State policy;
Support economic growth and development;
Are in addition to Councils ongoing service offerings;
Benefit and are valued by the community;
Have support and commitment by agencies/organisations to deliver.

Draft Plan Greater Bendigo and Plan Greater Bendigo Implementation Plan

The draft documents provide an overview of the project, its purpose and the consultation
process so far.

Both documents provide a summary around where we are now and where we aspire to
be as we move towards 2050 through the delivery of these projects. This helps to paint
a picture of how the delivery of these projects will help to transform the City.

Plan Greater Bendigo then provides a single sentence summary of each project, with the
Implementation Plan going into more detail, outlining each of the steps involved over the
short, medium and longer term to deliver the project. A summary implementation plan is
provided at the end of each document.

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Presentation and Managing Growth - Reports Ordinary Meeting - 18 October 2017

Next Steps

The next step is for community engagement and consultation on this draft list of projects.
During the consultation process we will be asking the community for their thoughts on
this draft list and whether there are any projects missing. This feedback will then be
reviewed, summarised and reported back to the Steering Committee, Technical
Reference Group and Council.

Based on this feedback, relevant changes will be made to the draft documents. A report
will then be put to Council summarising the feedback received, changes made and then
requesting Council to formally adopt Plan Greater Bendigo.

Priority/Importance:

Plan Greater Bendigo is an important project for the City which has the involvement of
multiple State Government agencies and stakeholders. Having a clear framework in
place which identifies infrastructure priorities, will help to attract investment and to
advocate to government for investment in important infrastructure projects.

Options/Alternatives:

Council has the option of endorsing the draft Plan Greater Bendigo and Plan Greater
Bendigo Implementation Plan for consultation in full, in part, or not consulting on the draft
documents.

Timelines:

Plan Greater Bendigo commenced in November 2016 with a final Plan Greater Bendigo
due to be completed by January 2018.

Progress:

Council is currently meeting the milestones for this project. The key milestones for this
project are outlined in the following figure.

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Presentation and Managing Growth - Reports Ordinary Meeting - 18 October 2017

Risk Analysis:

The City has received funding from the Victorian Planning Authority for the delivery of
Plan Greater Bendigo. Delaying consultation on Plan Greater Bendigo may mean that
Council does not meet its funding commitments. Given the agency and stakeholder input
into the project it may also lead to adverse government agency and stakeholder relations
and may even potentially impact on the future funding of projects.

Consultation/Communication

Internal Consultation:

Officers in the Regional Sustainable Development Unit have invited feedback from
Managers and the Executive Management Team in the process of preparing the draft
Plan Greater Bendigo.

External Consultation:

An extensive consultation program is proposed over a six week period from Monday, 23
October through to Friday, 1 December. Consultation will include:
Media releases
Video

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Presentation and Managing Growth - Reports Ordinary Meeting - 18 October 2017

Website updates
Flyer
Letters and meetings with government agencies
Survey available both online and in hard copy format
Presenting to various stakeholders and groups

Resource Implications

Budget Allocation in the Current Financial Year:

$35,000 has been allocated to Plan Greater Bendigo in this financial year.

External Funding Sources:

Council has received a $150,000 grant from the VPA for this project. This has enabled
the City to dedicate a staff member to this project and to backfill their position. In
addition, the VPA will provide $80,000 and the City $50,000 in-kind support for the
project.

The consultation for the draft Plan Greater Bendigo Discussion Paper will be funded from
the Regional Sustainable Development budget.

Attachments

1. Draft Plan Greater Bendigo


2. Draft Plan Greater Bendigo Implementation Plan

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Presentation and Managing Growth - Reports Ordinary Meeting - 18 October 2017

3.3 DRAFT PUBLIC TOILET STRATEGY

Document Information

Author Andy Walker, Manager Property Services

Responsible Craig Lloyd, Director Presentation and Assets


Director

Purpose

The purpose of this report is to:

1. Provide an update on the City of Greater Bendigo's Draft Public Toilet Strategy.

2. Seek Council's endorsement of the Draft Public Toilet Strategy for the purposes of
community consultation via public display for comment.

Summary

The provision of public toilets contributes to the liveability of the City of Greater Bendigo.
Public toilets are essential public infrastructure for residents, workers and visitors to the
City, as they improve public amenity and activation of public spaces and also support
social activities that are inclusive for all ages and abilities. The provision of such
services remains a core activity of local government.

There are currently 54 public toilets in the municipality managed by the City. There are
also numerous publically available toilets primarily located in shopping centres and car
parks that support the Citys public toilet network, as well as private toilets operated by
commercial businesses that are also accessed by the public regularly. This total includes
eight public toilets, predominately in rural areas, which the City does not own or manage,
but does provide support including monetary or maintenance support towards their
operation.

In the 2016/17 budget, Council endorsed the business case for the Property Services
Unit to undertake a Public Toilet Strategy.

The aim of the Public Toilet Strategy is to improve the quality, location and standard of
public toilets across the City of Greater Bendigo enhancing the amenity and health and
wellbeing of all residents and visitors to the municipality, as well as informing future
capital works programs.

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Presentation and Managing Growth - Reports Ordinary Meeting - 18 October 2017

RECOMMENDATION

That the Greater Bendigo City Council resolves to:

1. Endorse the Draft Public Toilet Strategy for the purposes of community consultation.
2. Receive a further report summarising the feedback and changes to the Draft Public
Toilet Strategy following community consultation.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Policy Context

Community Plan Reference:

City of Greater Bendigo Community Plan 2017-2021:


Goal 4 Presentation and managing growth

Planning, developments and infrastructure that increase our


liveability and pride where we live.

Objective 4.4 Keep Greater Bendigo attractive with good quality public facilities
and places.
Maintain and upgrade essential buildings and infrastructure in a
sustainable manner.
Objective 4.5 Provide and maintain urban and rural infrastructure to support the
liveability of our community.
Develop and adopt best-practice asset management principles.

Background Information

The concept for the Draft Public Toilet Strategy was derived from the 'Public Toilet
Design Brief' (the Brief) produced by the Building and Property Unit (now known as
Property Services Unit) in September 2011 and revised in October 2013. The Brief had
an asset management focus and called for a further analysis of the data collected during
the review of the public toilets at the time. Additionally, it was acknowledged at the time
that public engagement would also be required in order to gain a full understanding of
usage and demand.

The Brief also detailed aspects to be considered and incorporated in the design or
upgrade of public toilet facilities, in order to ensure the installation and maintenance of
adequate public toilet facilities. 'The importance of good design choices such as building
materials assists in facilitating the ease of management and cleaning, and may increase
the longevity of these facilities through reduced vandalism.'

An audit of all public toilet facilities was also conducted in 2011 to determine the
condition of each facility within the municipality and gather key property condition data
and review the current maintenance and cleaning schedules.

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Presentation and Managing Growth - Reports Ordinary Meeting - 18 October 2017

The results highlighted major inequality in the condition and quality of public toilets, as
well as parts of the municipality that did not have adequate or any public toilet facilities at
all.

With the additional information collected from the audit and the creation of a Brief, the
business case was prepared in 2013 and in subsequent years.

In 2016, the budget submission for the 2016/2017 budget was successful and work
commenced to engage a suitable consultant to produce a strategy for the municipality in
2017.

Report

It is important to understand that public toilets are key community assets that facilitate
the liveability of our City for residents and visitors.

Planisphere (the Consultants), who were appointed through a procurement process and
evaluation, were given a scope for the project that asked them to prepare a strategy that
would address the provision and availability of public toilets for the City that are safe,
accessible, clean and are of a high quality. The strategy would be framed in accordance
with City's Draft Public Toilet Design Brief and include key performance standards for
safety, demand, universal accessibility, service levels and sustainability.

The strategy provides an overarching framework and strategic direction for the design,
construction, maintenance, renewal and future upgrade of public toilets across Greater
Bendigo.

Although Councils are not obligated either statutorily or legislatively to provide public
toilets, they are still high on community expectations to not only be provided, but be
clean, safe and easily accessible.

The City is not the only government agency that is a provider of public toilets but is
publically presumed to be in more cases than not. Therefore, in order to meet
community expectations, the City must not just provide these facilities, but it must plan
for their existence, ongoing maintenance and renewal and future location.

If this is not done well, issues around facilities not being fit for purpose, attracting
antisocial behaviour and not being located in the right places become difficult to address
in a systematic, cost effective and timely manner.

Key Tasks

The consultants were asked to collate and consolidate the extensive background work
undertaken and information collected by City officers in previous years. The consultants
then obtained additional information through facilitated workshops with City officers and
other stakeholders and used this information to address and make recommendations on
the following issues:

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Presentation and Managing Growth - Reports Ordinary Meeting - 18 October 2017

Availability and locations


Universal accessibility and compliance
Future growth
Safety
Promotion and signage
Cleanliness and management
Design and sustainability
Decommissioning or reuse
Community expectation and demand
Special/major events

Priority/Importance:

Creating the world's most liveable community can be achieved when our essential
community assets such as public toilets are strategically planned, maintained and
managed. Public toilets are a major point of difference in the assessment visitors and
locals make when using a City facility as much as when they are shopping, enjoying an
event or exploring our rural townships.

This strategy warrants a high priority on the City and Community agenda.

Options/Alternatives:

The Strategy's Network Distribution recommendations include several site specific


actions, but also strategic directives that will not only see the City's current facilities
provide a better service, but also see rural areas, neighbourhoods and public and play
spaces benefit from better planning, management and investment into public toilets.

It is recommended that the City actively explore opportunities for partnerships with the
private sector for the construction of public toilets. These opportunities may be realised
as part of the planning process for the development of private commercial sites, as well
as sites under management of Committees of Management and other incorporated
community bodies.

This would reduce the City's capital outlay as well as the ongoing maintenance and
management costs for the life of the facility. It would also ensure communities and
businesses alike are appropriately engaged and as a consequence, reduce the potential
for marginalisation and improve the overall perception of public toilets.

Timelines:

The following are the key dates for the development of the Draft Public Toilet Strategy.
Preliminary work was conducted some years prior to the strategy itself commencing in
February 2017. The completed strategy is expected to be prepared and ready for
Council adoption in January 2018.

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Presentation and Managing Growth - Reports Ordinary Meeting - 18 October 2017

Risk Analysis:

Without the guidance and direction provided by a strategy, the Citys public toilets will
continue to be managed in an ad-hoc and reactive way which is not productive or
efficient and can become costly. Public anguish might arise and unintentional
discrimination could occur through facilities not being accessible to everyone.

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Presentation and Managing Growth - Reports Ordinary Meeting - 18 October 2017

Capital works planning based on the 2010 audits do not consider the location, proximity,
future growth and planning work already undertaken through existing strategies and
master plans.

The reputation of and tourism to the City of Greater Bendigo may suffer as it may
become known as a regional city with substandard public toilets.

Consultation/Communication

The strategy is predominantly based on a combination of City asset data and information
received via an extensive community consultation and engagement process, conducted
with the general public as well as key stakeholders.

Stakeholder workshops, listening posts, a community survey and various online and
social media methods were utilised to gather public and professional opinions,
perceptions and key issues on the topic.

A number of existing City strategies and master plans have also been considered
including:

Residential Development Strategy 2014


Commercial Land and Activity Centre Strategy 2015
Greater Bendigo Public Space Plan (under development - 2017)
Environment Strategy 2016-2021
CBD Plan 2005
Play Space Strategy 2008
Walking and Cycling Strategy 2006
Public Health and Wellbeing Plan 2013-2107
Community Access and Inclusion Plan
Municipal Early Years Plan 2015-2018
Various community plans for small towns (e.g. Heathcote, Elmore, Axedale,
Raywood, etc.)

Internal Consultation:

Internal stakeholder workshops with key City staff invited.

The first workshop was to introduce the project to City units and to workshop issues and
opportunities regarding the provision of public toilets in the municipality.

The second workshop was conducted once the first draft of the strategy was received.
Staff were asked to work through the key priorities and locations for construction,
renewal and upgrades of public toilet facilities to meet our current strategies as
highlighted in the Draft Public Toilet Strategy document.

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Presentation and Managing Growth - Reports Ordinary Meeting - 18 October 2017

The workshops were facilitated by the project consultants.

Staff invited:

Manager Property Services, Andy Walker


Manager Community Partnerships, Steven Abbott
Manager Parks & Open Space, Debbie Wood
Manager Active & Healthy Lifestyles, Lincoln Fitzgerald
Coordinator Property, Stephen Van der Werf
Coordinator Public Space Design, Aaron Lindsay
Place Manager, Philip DeAraugo
Senior Strategic Planner, Mark Stubbs
Senior Disability Inclusion Officer, Jolie Middleton
Facilities Team Leader, Amy Johnston

External Consultation:

1. Community Group workshop with key community groups to introduce the project to
community groups and to workshop issues and opportunities regarding the provision
of public toilets in the municipality.

The workshop was facilitated by the project consultants.

Community Groups invited:

Bendigo Business Council Disability Inclusion Reference


(Be.Bendigo) Committee
Bendigo Traders Association Interchange
Bendigo Community Health Services Distinctive Options
Raywood Progress Association Amicus
Kamarooka Community Committee Bendigo Special Development
Neilborough Progress Association Group (school)
Sebastian Progress Association Carer Support Services Bendigo
Woodvale Progress Association Health
Elmore Progress Association RIAC
Advance Heathcote FreeZa Youth Group
Redesdale and District Association Youth Worker Network
Axedale Our Town Our Future Alzheimers Australia
Victoria Police Parks Victoria
The Salvation Army (Chill Out space Golden City Support Services
volunteers) Anglicare Victoria
Bendigo Taxi Association BDAC
Scope Riding for the Disables
Noahs Ark Long Gully Neighbourhood Centre
Positive Ageing Advisory Committee

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Presentation and Managing Growth - Reports Ordinary Meeting - 18 October 2017

2. Business Group workshop with key businesses to introduce the project to


businesses and to workshop issues and opportunities regarding the provision of
public toilets in the municipality.

The workshop was facilitated by the project consultants.

Business Groups invited:

Bendigo Business Council Strathfieldsaye and District


Bendigo Traders Association Community Enterprise
Bendigo Tourism Board Business and Community Network
Bath Lane Traders 3556 (BCN3556) Eaglehawk
Empowering Eaglehawk Public Transport Victoria
Heathcote Tourism and Development Australian Commercial Maintenance
Inc. Ausbright

3. Pop up listening posts facilitated by the project consultants and City staff held at the
following locations:

Bendigo CBD the Bendigo Library, Mall and Bath Lane


Marong outside the existing public toilets
Heathcote at the Visitors Information Centre

4. Online and hardcopy survey promoted through social media and local newspapers.

925 surveys were completed and submitted


202 Facebook comments submitted

In addition to the above formally organised consultation, the City has been contacted by
several individuals and organisations wishing to convey their opinions, suggestions,
experiences and information on the topic. All of which have been forwarded to the
consultants for their consideration during this process.

Resource Implications

Budget Allocation in the Current Financial Year:

$620,000 for Capital works.

External Funding Sources:

The State Government has committed $100,000 for a Changing Places facility in
Bendigo as part of the Changing Places funding program.

The location for the Changing Places facility will be the Hargreaves Street Multi Storey
Carpark. These public toilets have been highlighted as average condition, high usage
and high profile requiring renewal. Extra funding may be required to upgrade these
facilities to ensure a successful Changing Places facility.

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Presentation and Managing Growth - Reports Ordinary Meeting - 18 October 2017

Projected costs for future financial years:

Approximately $8M over the next ten years.

Any ongoing recurrent expenditure required:

With new facilities and upgrades recommended, there will be an ongoing increase in
operating costs including maintenance, cleaning, security and utility costs.

Attachments

1. Draft Public Toilet Strategy 2017-2027

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Wellbeing and Fairness - Reports Ordinary Meeting - 18 October 2017

4. WELLBEING AND FAIRNESS

4.1 NAMING OF NEW POOL AT KANGAROO FLAT

Document Information

Author Aleisha Verwoert North, Communications Manager

Responsible Craig Lloyd, Director Presentation and Assets


Director

Purpose

For Council to confirm the name for the new aquatic and wellbeing centre currently under
construction in Kangaroo Flat.

Summary

From June 1, 2017 June 30, 2017 the City of Greater Bendigo ran a naming
competition, inviting the community to submit names for the new aquatic and wellbeing
centre. The City received 25 submissions.

At the August 16, 2017 Council meeting, Council provisionally named the new facility the
Gurri Wanyarra Wellbeing Centre. The Office of Geographic Names advised the City of
Greater Bendigo to consult with the community on the provisional name. The community
was given 30 days (August 19 September 18, 2017) to object to the name.

The City received 63 submissions (this does not include where an individual has
submitted multiple times, however all submissions received have been printed in this
report). Two of the 63 submissions were late and a further submission was received but
it was illegible so has not been included.

The submissions can be summarised as follows:

Five submissions supported the proposed name


One submission suggested an alternate indigenous name for the facility, with the
main pool to be named after Faith Leech
One submission suggested naming the Bendigo Aquatic Centre after Faith Leech
The remaining submissions objected to the proposed name. However it should be
noted some submissions suggested using Gurri Wanyarra in other ways (e.g.
giving the surrounding parkland an indigenous name, naming the learn to swim
pool Gurri Wanyarra)

Two petitions objecting to the provisional name were also submitted, one during the 30-
day consultation period and another after the consultation period had closed.

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Wellbeing and Fairness - Reports Ordinary Meeting - 18 October 2017

A petition with 452 signatures was tabled at the September 20, 2017 Council meeting.
Council agreed for the petition to be considered as part of this report.

A petition with 44 signatures was received late and will be tabled at the October 18, 2017
Council meeting, to be considered as part of this report.

RECOMMENDATION

That in accordance with the Office of Geographic Names Policy, Council accept all
submissions and petitions and consider them as part of the decision-making process on
whether to endorse the provisional name of the facility being the Gurri Wanyarra
Wellbeing Centre and resolve to:

(a) Adopt the name 'Gurri Wanyarra Wellbeing Centre' as the permanent name for the
new complex at Kangaroo Flat; and

(b) Commence community consultation on a proposal to rename the Bendigo Aquatic


Centre located on Barnard Street, Bendigo to become 'Faith Leech Aquatic Centre'.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Policy Context

Community Plan Reference:

City of Greater Bendigo Community Plan 2017-2021:


Goal 1 Lead and govern for all
Effective community engagement will guide well-informed,
responsive decision-making and financially responsible resource
allocations, which are transparent and accountable

Objective 1.1 Engage with all communities


Encourage community participation by citizens in the development
of new strategies and policies.

Goal 2 Wellbeing and fairness


Inclusive policies, partnerships and projects that increase access,
improve health and learning opportunities, by building better
connections and quality of life for all.

Objective 2.2 Promote positive wellbeing across the Greater Bendigo community
Prioritise efforts to promote physical and mental wellbeing
Design settings and environments that can create better health
outcomes

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Wellbeing and Fairness - Reports Ordinary Meeting - 18 October 2017

Background information

When complete, the $31M Greater Bendigo Indoor Aquatic and Wellbeing Centre will
feature an eight lane, 50m swimming pool, hydrotherapy/warm water pool and spa,
childrens splash/play/learn to swim pool, sauna, gymnasium, multipurpose rooms, caf,
change rooms, landscaped lawn areas and carpark.

This will be a centre for health, wellness, competitive sport and recreation. The new
facility is expected to attract 420,000 visitors each year, which is based off several visits
per year from the primary (Greater Bendigo) and secondary (central Victoria) catchment
zones.

It should be noted that while the new facility will have some seating capacity for events,
the Bendigo Aquatic Centre remains the most suitable venue for major swimming
carnivals due to its ability to accommodate temporary seating catering for more than 800
spectators. A recent example includes the Victorian Country Championships, the
pinnacle of long course event swimming in Victoria, which was held at Bendigo Aquatic
Centre.

School swimming carnivals, which require large participant and spectator capacity, could
not be accommodated at the new facility. Short course swimming competitions, which
are traditionally held in winter, and winter school swimming programs would be held at
the new facility.

All three levels of government have invested in this project and the community will
contribute $1M through a fundraising campaign being coordinated by the Kangaroo Flat
Community Enterprise. The total amount raised from the community to date is more than
$500,000.

The project is currently under construction and is expected to be completed by the end of
the 2017/2018 financial year.

Previous Council Decision(s) Date(s):

Wednesday June 15, 2016


Council awards the aquatic centre construction tender to Behmer and Wright Pty Ltd

Wednesday August 16, 2017


Council provisionally names the new facility the Gurri Wanyarra Wellbeing Centre,
subject to a 30-day public consultation process.

Report

Following the initial consultation process calling for possible names for the new aquatic
and wellbeing centre, the City of Greater Bendigo was advised by the Office of
Geographic Names to consult with the community on the provisional name it selected.

On August 19, 2017 the City of Greater Bendigo placed a public notice in the Bendigo
Advertiser advising people may submit an objection to the provisional name by
September 18, 2017.

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Wellbeing and Fairness - Reports Ordinary Meeting - 18 October 2017

The Office of Geographic Names states objections need to address the following points:

Your interest in the naming proposal e.g. if your address is affected or you have a
personal link with the place and/or name
Reasons why the name is not appropriate, including how it is considered to not
comply with the Naming rules for places in Victoria Statutory requirements for
naming roads, features and localities 2016.

Not all objections received strictly met these criteria, however the City has chosen to
consider all submissions (both objections and those in support).

The City received 63 submissions (this does not include where an individual has
submitted multiple times, however all submissions received have been printed in this
report). Two of the 63 submissions were late and a further submission was received but
it was illegible so has not been included.

The submissions can be summarised as follows:

Five submissions supported the proposed name


One submission suggested an alternate indigenous name for the facility, with the
main pool to be named after Faith Leech
One submission suggested naming the Bendigo Aquatic Centre after Faith Leech
The remaining submissions objected to the proposed name. However it should be
noted a number of submissions supported the use of Gurri Wanyarra in other
ways (e.g. giving the surrounding parkland an indigenous name)

One of the submissions came from the Dja Dja Wurrung Aboriginal Corporation noting it
respected Councils decision but would support an alternative name for the facility and
suggested naming the wider area/precinct Gurri Wanyarra.

Two petitions objecting to the provisional name were also submitted, one during the 30-
day consultation period and another after the consultation period had closed.

A petition with 452 signatures was tabled at the September 20, 2017 Council meeting.
Council agreed for the petition to be considered as part of this report.

A petition with 44 signatures was received late and was not tabled before Council.

Priority/Importance:

Council needs to make a decision regarding the name so as officers can commence the
formal endorsement process through the Office of Geographic Names and begin
marketing the facility with its new name.

Resource Implications

N/A

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Wellbeing and Fairness - Reports Ordinary Meeting - 18 October 2017

Name suggestions

1 I object to the pool being named "Gurri Wanyarra Wellbeing Centre because
we have a more suitable and fitting name available for this great Complex i.e.
the "Faith Leech Aquatic and Wellbeing Centre" Faith did Bendigo proud in
the 1956 Olympics as a swimmer, and this is a wonderful opportunity
to honour her name.
2 I object to the currently proposed name for the new pool at Kangaroo Flat
because I feel it does not reflect what the centre is for and is irrelevant to most
Bendigo people
3 Thank you for the opportunity to express our opinion on the proposal to name
our new health complex the "Gurri Wanyarra Wellbeing Centre".

However, we would like to express our disappointment in this process that


someone, maybe you, may choose to consider this, or any, objection
unworthy of presentation to council.

If this is found to be in this case with this submission, then we ask that you
please advise us. Furthermore, we accept that there needs to be guidelines
for this process, but having to wade through a one hundred and fifty page
document to ensure correctness would frighten most people away from
making a submission.

Our interest is based on us living close to this centre and our intention to
utilise this new facility as well as being proud citizens of Bendigo for most of
our lives.

Firstly we would state that we object to the proposed name "Gurri Wanyarra
Wellbeing Centre. We would like to support the alternative name being
publicly promoted, i.e. "The Faith Leech Wellbeing Centre" which would be in
line with the naming of the Peter Krenz centre.

We believe that Gurri Wanyarra was chosen in today's climate of political


correctness, and anyone who should speak against the idea of acknowledging
our indigenous people here would be labelled a racist whose opinion should
not be considered. However we would be more than happy to support other
sites for the name Gurri Wanyarra, e.g. the passive recreation area to be
developed on the west side of the gateway park between Browning & Alder
Streets Kangaroo Flat.

If Gurri Wanyarra are indigenous words for Kangaroo Waterhole, as reported


in the Bendigo Advertiser Saturday Aug'19th, then the naming of this new
complex Gurri Wanyarra must be considered at least inappropriate and difficult
to reconcile for this modern facility.

The alternative name we support, The Faith Leech Wellbeing Centre, is an


opportunity to recognise and honour a person whose achievements and
contribution to Bendigo through swimming & business have been well
recorded and we should not need to expand on these in this email.

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Wellbeing and Fairness - Reports Ordinary Meeting - 18 October 2017

The suggestion that her name be used or relegated to a minor facility within
this complex is offensive to us and may even be humiliating to Ms Leech's
family.

Finally, please consider, if there were a need for the emergency services to be
called to a problem at Gurri Wanyarra, delays could result because this name
is never likely to be part of normal language outside of Bendigo and its
spelling may add to this problem.
4 As residents of Kangaroo Flat since 1981, our family would like to support the
naming of the new indoor swimming facility as, The Faith Leech Aquatic and
Well Being Centre' and the reserve to acknowledge the custodians of the land
on which it is built as the Gurri Wanyarra Reserve.

As well as being The Greater City of Bendigo's only Gold medal Olympian,
Faith also taught many children to swim including our three daughters. She
was an inspiration to our middle daughter, as both our daughter and Faith
Leech suffered from severe scoliosis of the spine. Faith used swimming as a
form of therapy in her younger days and showed how it was possible to
manage the condition through swimming. She was an excellent, patient and
kind teacher.

We recognise that the council's endorsement of a Dja Dja Wurrung


name for the pool is part of the Reconciliation Plan which we fully support.
However, in this instance, we think it is more fitting that the Aquatic Centre be
named after Faith Leech.

The reason for this, is the particular connection between Faith Leech's life and
swimming, just as the particular connection of Sir Douglas Nicholls to
Australian football is recognised by the naming of the Thornbury Oval after
him.

The aboriginal people have demonstrated a much stronger connection to


Australian football than to competitive swimming. We suggest a useful addition
to the Reconciliation Plan would be to rename the Queen Elizabeth Oval with
an appropriate Dja Dja Wurrung name as well as the Browning Street
Reserve.
5 I favour the new Kangaroo Flat Pool be named to honour the memory of Faith
Leech.

Acknowledgement and naming of Aboriginal sites has developed into


consistent agitation against European Values. The 1967 referendum
recognized Indigenous citizens, John Howard acknowledged the Stolen
Generation. Kevin Rudd apologized and Julia Gillard committed personal and
finances in preference of a minority citizenship. The agitation is endless - time
to end - name the pool after a worthy European.
6 Thank you for your e-mail re the naming of the pool. I like many are
disappointed that the pool is not going to be named after Faith Leech. While I
think there is a place for the Aboriginal name to be somehow incorporated, I
feel that Faith should be honoured for her contribution to Bendigo and naming
a swimming pool after her would be very apt as she won a bronze and a gold
medal for swimming at the 1956 Olympics.

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Wellbeing and Fairness - Reports Ordinary Meeting - 18 October 2017

There are other places in Bendigo named for important Bendigonians; Anne
Caudle instantly springs to mind and I think it would be so fitting if the new
swimming complex was named after Bendigo's only Olympic medal winning
athlete. I think her achievements should live on and that naming the pool after
her would be most appropriate.

I do hope council will change their mind.


7 Totally agree with your decision to call our new pool Gurri Wanyarra. It has
kangaroo and water in its name, very appropriate.

Faith Leech was a great Bendigo icon for her swimming achievements so why
hasnt there been a hue and cry over honouring her in the last 50 years while
she was alive.

Eaglehawk renamed their pool The Peter Krenz centre to honour him. Why
cant the more relevant Aquatic Centre be renamed The Faith Leech pool to
pacify all the current complainants. Stick to your decision please.
8 We support naming the Aquatic and Wellbeing Centre being constructed at
Browning Street, Kangaroo Flat as the Gurri Wanyarra Aquatic and Wellbeing
Centre.

These are our reasons:

1. Gurri Wanyarra is a thoughtful response linking an indigenous name


with an appropriate connection to the location that is Kangaroo Flat
and waterway.
2. Gurri Wanyarra as a name is appropriate as it does not link the facility
to a point in time ie the 1956 Olympics and one persons swimming
achievement.
3. Gurri Wanyarra as a name does not create individual or community
expectations or ongoing precedents that involve winning a
race/game/competition and getting a significant facility named after you.
4. Naming the Aquatic and Wellbeing Centre after Faith Leech implies that
her contribution to swimming and community wellbeing was
monumentally significant. There would be many others in our
community who feel that their success and community contributions are
equally (or more) worthy.
5. There does not appear to be any connection between Faith Leech and
Kangaroo Flat and its community.

We do not support the naming compromise put forward by the Kangaroo Flat
Community Enterprise which is renaming the Browning Street reserve as the
Gurri Wanyarra Reserve and then the Aquatic and Wellbeing Centre as the
Faith Leech Aquatic and Wellbeing Centre.

We do however support naming the Reserve AND the Aquatic and Wellbeing
Centre as the Gurri Wanyarra Aquatic, Sports and Wellbeing Complex or the
Gurri Wanyarra Recreation and Wellbeing Complex.
9 I refer to the recent decision of Council to approve a name for the City of
Greater Bendigo Aquatic and Wellness Centre as Gurri Wanyarra Wellbeing

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Wellbeing and Fairness - Reports Ordinary Meeting - 18 October 2017

Centre.

I believe that the name chosen by Council has little or no relevance to the
Residents of Bendigo. The particular part of Kangaroo Flat has been dug over
more than 150 years ago and any cultural connection to the land by the
traditional owners of the particular land has been lost.
The City of Greater Bendigo should celebrate the wonderful contribution to our
city of Faith Leech. Her contribution will long be remembered as a special
achievement in our own county and state at the time of the 1956 Olympics. I
believe it is fitting to acknowledge her personal contribution to our national
performance at the 1956 Olympic Games.

Should Council not agree with the name Faith Leech then I suggest the name
be City of Greater Bendigo Aquatic and Wellness Centre.
10 Surely the new community pool at Kangaroo Flat should be named the Faith
Leech Aquatic and Wellbeing Centre.

This lady at least profiled Bendigo's name as an outstanding swimmer and


used her skills to after her competitive days teach people with disabilities how
to swim. By all means give the land/reserve the complex is on the title after the
Gurri Wanyarra people.

Any community projects involving community monies should where possible


be name after persons who have helped put Bendigo's name in the headlines.
11 We would like to call the pool the Faith Leech Aquatic Centre because she
has done such a wonderful job for Bendigo and swimming was her forte. She
needs to have recognition. Bendigo doesnt even have much Aboriginal
background.
12 We would like to call the pool the Faith Leech Aquatic Centre because she
has done such a wonderful job for Bendigo and swimming was her forte. She
needs to have recognition. Bendigo doesnt even have much Aboriginal
background.
13 I am a resident of Kangaroo Flat.

I object to the naming of the new aquatic facility as the Gurri Wanyarra
Wellbeing Centre, as I believe there is a missed opportunity to more
appropriately recognise both the Traditional Owners of the area, and a local
sporting legend.

I understand and acknowledge the cultural significance of the land this facility
sits on, and the nearby Bendigo Creek.

As such, I believe naming the entire reserve Gurri Wanyarra Reserve, and
naming the pool facility the Faith Leech Aquatic and Wellbeing Centre would
be a more appropriate recognition of both the cultural and sporting history of
the area.

I have put forward this proposal to Dja Dja Wurrung Clans CEO Rod Carter
and Chairman Trent Nelson, and they agree with my sentiments.

They, too, believe it would be more appropriate to recognise the important

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Wellbeing and Fairness - Reports Ordinary Meeting - 18 October 2017

Traditional Owner history through the landscape, and recognise a modern


sporting legend with a new, modern facility.

Therefore, I urge the City of Greater Bendigo councillors to respect the wishes
of both the Traditional Owners of this city, and the local community groups and
schools who lobbied to build the pool, and acknowledge the proposed
suggestion above.
14 In 2009, the residents of Kangaroo Flat took part in a series of meetings to
develop the Kangaroo Flat Community Plan. It was the number one priority of
residents to see a new swimming pool built in this community.

Now in 2017, we are seeing this resident driven pool complex become a
reality. However, no local resident came up with the name of GURRI
WANYARRA AQUATIC CENTRE. This has been a council driven process and
i strongly recommend that council consider the pool complex to be known as
the FAITH LEECH AQUATIC CENTRE.

Faith Leech is Bendigos only Olympic gold medallist in swimming and an


absolute legend of our community. Why not consider the landscape and name
the total land area of the pool complex and surrounding sporting fields as the
GURRI WANYARRA RESERVE.

I have closely watched the events of recent weeks and below is the summary
of events that should have seen the naming of the FAITH LEECH AQUATIC
CENTRE.

Thursday 1st June

The City of Greater Bendigo launches an advertising campaign at the site of


the Aquatic and Wellbeing Centre where it is announced that

The Greater Bendigo community is invited to submit their ideas for an


appropriate name for the new Greater Bendigo Indoor Aquatic and Wellbeing
Centre which is under construction in Browning Street, Kangaroo Flat.

Mayor Margaret ORourke said, I look forward to hearing what the public
thinks a facility like this should be called. The person of family who submits the
chosen name will be invited to a preview pool party.

When questioned by media representatives as to who will be judging the


entries it was advised that the council elected Community Reference Group
would look at the entries and make a recommendation to council.

Tuesday 11th July

Council officers met with members of the Community Reference Group. (Cr.
Rod Fyffe and Cr. Matt Emond) were also in attendance.

It was the unanimous view of the Community Reference Group that the $31
million Aquatic and Wellbeing Centre be known as the Faith Leech Aquatic

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Wellbeing and Fairness - Reports Ordinary Meeting - 18 October 2017

Centre.

This was also reflected by the entries for councils Name Our Pool
Competition. The Community Reference Group members that attended this
meeting were Geoff Bowyer ( Kangaroo Flat Community Enterprise), Shelley
Mulqueen (Sports Focus), Alan Besley (Kangaroo Flat Community Enterprise),
Cheryl Axell ( Swimming Representative)

Sunday 13th August

Members of the Community Reference Group discover that their


recommendation for the Faith Leech Aquatic Centre has been overlooked.

One of the Community Reference Group has stated I thought we had decided
on the pool complex being named after Faith Leech and now I wonder what
was the point of being at this meeting to advise on the pool name if they then
take no notice of our recommendation.

Wednesday 16th August

In the Bendigo Advertiser, a report declares that Dja Dja Wurrung, Chairman,
Trent Nelson says that it was the City of Greater Bendigo who approached the
corporation to provide a name for the Aquatic Complex.

The City of Greater Bendigo now has an opportunity to RIGHT A WRONG


and name the fantastic new pool complex as the FAITH LEECH AQUATIC
CENTRE.
15 We wish to object strongly to the insulting proposal to name the beginners
pool after Faith Leech.

She was a great swimmer and holder of Olympic records and has done much
in her post competitive life to teach swimming to people with disabilities.
She is truly one of Bendigos champions and deserves appropriate
recognition. She is one of those who have made Bendigo famous.

Her family has been long entrenched in Bendigo both socially and
commercially and is deeply respected for its achievements.

We believe she deserves to have the entire centre named after her or at the
very least the main pool. She did not bring fame to Bendigo by her feats in a
baby pool.

Perhaps the whole Public Purposes Reserve in which the centre is situated
could be named and signed as Gurri Wanyarra Reserve
16 Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the provisional name of the new
pool in Kangaroo Flat.

I wish to object to the provisional name of the Gurri Wanyarra Wellbeing


Centre for the name of the new pool at Kangaroo Flat.

My reason for the objection: This name refers to only one group in our society,

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Wellbeing and Fairness - Reports Ordinary Meeting - 18 October 2017

and could be understood to only be used for the wellbeing of indigenous


people, as are other facilities in our community.

Conversely, should the pool be named the Faith Leech Aquatic and Wellbeing
Centre, this would honour a person who displayed dedication enough to rise to
represent her city and country in an international event - something that any
young person could aspire to.
17 As a regular user of the Kangaroo Flat outdoor pool, I am disappointed in the
proposed name for the Kangaroo Flat indoor swimming complex. I would
much prefer the name Faith Leech Aquatic Centre.

Some councillors were concerned about whether she represented all of the
community. As an Olympian, I believe she represents all Australians. That is
what our Olympians do - represent their nation. I therefore think that the
whole complex should be named after her, as someone who has represented
our nation on our behalf and won gold as well.

The Gurri Wanyarra name, which I understand means kangaroo waterhole,


would be a much better name for the learn to swim pool. The pool could then
have Aboriginal paintings of kangaroos at the waterhole and the children of
our community will be exposed to our Aboriginal heritage from a young age in
a way they can relate to.

I understand you have a difficult job in choosing the final name, but this is my
suggestion as to how both preferred names are incorporated in a way I think
better represent the Kangaroo Flat community.
18 The proposed name for this asset is not descriptive of its role in this city.
Global Mapping is commonplace for all locations, Water Sports and
Recreational Facility-Bendigo for example would mean more to the rest of the
world.
19 I oppose the name GURRI WANYARRA because it has no connection with
what is on offer at the new complex. Faith Leech's name is closely aligned
with all of the aquatic experiences that are being promised. She is an Olympic
dual medallist who contributed to the Bendigo community in so many ways
and it is right and respectful that she should be honoured by the new complex
bearing her name.

Councillor Flack,

You are my elected representative on the City of Greater Bendigo Council.

I totally oppose the decision made by Council to bypass the opportunity to


name the Kangaroo Flat Aquatic Centre after local identity and dual medallist,
Faith Leech. What an insult to suggest naming a "learn to swim" pool after
her.

I have forwarded a letter addressed to "All councillors" at the City of Greater


Bendigo which I trust you will take the opportunity to peruse.

I fully support the proposal by the Director of the Kangaroo Flat Community
Enterprise, Geoff Bowyer, to name the aquatic centre to honour and

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Wellbeing and Fairness - Reports Ordinary Meeting - 18 October 2017

perpetuate the memory of Bendigo's Olympic champion, Faith Leech. Surely


the wishes of the Kangaroo Flat Community Enterprise should be respected??

Cr Wrigglesworth,

You are my elected representative on the City of Greater Bendigo council.

I am totally opposed to the decision by councillors to bypass the opportunity to


name the above aquatic centre after local identity and Olympic dual medallist,
Faith Leech. What an insult to suggest naming a "learn to swim " pool after
her.

I have forwarded a letter addressed to "All councillors" at the City of Greater


Bendigo, which I trust you will take the opportunity to peruse.

I support the proposal by the Director of the Kangaroo Flat Community


Enterprise, Mr Geoff Bowyer, that the Aquatic Centre should be named to
honour and perpetuate the memory of Bendigo's Olympic champion, Faith
Leech. Surely, the wishes of the Kangaroo Flat community should be
respected??

In response to Name debate rages on, Pool challenge is possible Bendigo


Advertiser, Saturday August 19 2017.

I am utterly appalled that the City of Greater Bendigo councillors would by-
pass the opportunity to name the Kangaroo Flat Aquatic Centre after local
aquatic champion, Faith Leech. What were they thinking?
Faith Leech overcame significant medical issues in her early life and
demonstrated considerable determination to become an Olympic dual
medallist by the age if fifteen at the 1956 summer Olympics held in Melbourne.
What a champion!!

Post-Olympic success she returned to Bendigo and contributed to the


community through her involvement with the JM Leech jewellery business,
founded by her parents, which still exists in Hargreaves Street today. It is also
worth noting that she gave back to the community in teaching disabled and
paraplegic people to swim.

Born and bred in Bendigo, Faith Leech drew attention to Bendigo with her
excellence in the pool; she still remains the only female gold medallist that
Bendigo has produced.

Bendigo City Councillors should have automatically named the Kangaroo Flat
Aquatic Centre the Faith Leech Aquatic Centre not only to acknowledge her
Olympic aquatic achievements but her contribution to the Bendigo community
throughout her lifetime.

I fully support the proposal by Director of the Kangaroo Flat Community


Enterprise, Mr Geoff Bowyer, to name the Aquatic Centre to honour and
perpetuate the memory of Bendigos Olympic champion, Faith Leech.

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Wellbeing and Fairness - Reports Ordinary Meeting - 18 October 2017

20 I wish to inform you my disappointment at the proposed name of the Aquatic


Centre. I have spoken to many people over the last week and everyone feels it
should be named after Faith Leech. What a great Lady, she had so many
qualities not only the Gold Medals she won. She ran a business in Bendigo,
coached many young swimmers in Bendigo and have been told even
helping young people with disabilities to learn to swim.

I am sure Faiths family must feel let down after being promised by the
Kangaroo Flat Community Enterprise that It was most likely be named after
her .I am sure that the K F C E were the group pushing for this new complex
for many years so why not give them say as to what the name will be?

If Council wants Dja Dja Wurrung then name an area inside or even outside
the centre.
21 We of the Kangaroo flat Swimming Club would like to submit our objection to
the name chosen by council for the Aquatic and Wellbeing Centre, for the
reasons below

We would like to see the Kangaroo Flat Wellbeing Centre named in honour of
our very own Faith Leech Olympic world record holder and a tireless supporter
to local communities within our region. We believe the Centre should be
named after a person who will inspire all people of all ages, gender and ability
to strive to use the facility in the same spirit.

We consider it is essential that the Dja Dja Wurrung nation and its past elders
and traditional owners of the land are appropriately recognised and respected
by naming the surrounding Precinct and all the land it contains which will
contain the Wellbeing Centre, CFA Training Facility, future Dog Park, Sporting
amenities, Pathways and the creek as the Gurri Wanyarra Precinct.

We of the Kangaroo Flat Swimming Club also consider it is essential to work


with Dja Dja Wurrung and council to develop a plan that acknowledges the
cultural significance of the entire precinct not just a building.

We urge Council to engage further with all groups within the community, to
consult and meet with including the Dja Dja Wurrung to bring an amicable
outcome for all.
22 Sorry, but Council couldn't have got things more wrong when they decided on
an aboriginal name for the new Aquatic Centre.

The reason is that naming the Centre after Faith Leech, Bendigo's Olympic
Gold medal Winner, was entirely appropriate and a "perfect fit."

What better way to recognise this great Bendigonian (and Australian) swimmer
than to name the new Aquatic centre after her and in her honour and memory.
It's just a "given".

By all means, recognise indigenous Australians (once again) by naming


something within or around the precincts of the Centre along these lines, but
for pity's sake do the right thing and recognise Faith's contribution to our City.

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My mother worked for Faith (doing housework) back in the day and Faith was
a wonderful, caring individual and a great role model for younger people. I
am not suggesting that Council, in naming the Aquatic centre after an
aboriginal term was being tokenistic and "politically correct", but gee.......if it
walks like a duck................!! Please listen to the community and the
ratepayers and DO THE RIGHT THING.
23 I am very happy with the proposed name. It is in line with my suggestion.

I think it is incredibly important to name our public assets in a manner that is


respectful and acknowledging of our first nations people. It is one of the key
ways we will change attitudes and redress ongoing racism. It also supports
Councils Reconciliation Action Plan.

Congratulations on the proposed of Gurri Wanyarra Wellbeing Centre. I truly


hope this is the name we end up with!
24 As a ratepayer, I am EXTREMELY disappointed with this decision, as I
suspect are many other Bendigonians. While I support appropriate recognition
of our First Nation peoples, this is NOT one of those occasions!

To ignore our Olympic champions at this time is deeply insulting to their efforts
and their achievements, especially in the face of the almost non-existent
swimming history of aboriginal peoples nationally!

While this issue may not fall within the boundaries of the regulations on place-
naming quoted by you, please convey to my Councillors, including Mayor
O'Rourke, my deepest disappointment at this decision. I trust that community
responses will force a change to this inappropriate and, in my view, offensive
decision.
25 I wish to enter my objection to the name being considered for the new pool, I
am surprised at the actions of the council because

I felt at last we had a group leading council who were inclusive and making a
lot of common sense decisions, then suddenly this silly decision which for
some has now become a divisive issue, not because of the indigenous name
but because you had the perfect person to name it after, she is the only gold
medal winning swimmer from Bendigo and common sense puts a gold medal
swimmer and a new pool as a perfect fit.

There are numerous places you could use for the indigenous name which
people would be very happy with in fact why not use the name to rename the
road outside the new indigenous centre in North Bendigo.
26 My opinion and you will find also the opinion of most of Bendigo residents.
The new aquatic centre should be named after Faith Leach. No disrespect to
the aboriginal people but a swimming pool is not a kangaroo watering hole.

This is going to be a leisure/aquatic centre and if Council did proper


research into Bendigos swimming/sporting history, you and the council staff
would see that Faith Leach is the only appropriate name for this building.

Faith is a Bendigo swimming legend and for those who knew her (I never met
Faith, I just did a bit of research) and the adversity she overcame, to become a

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Wellbeing and Fairness - Reports Ordinary Meeting - 18 October 2017

swimming Olympian and champion, know, this is a fitting tribute to her legacy!
The new centre should be named "The Faith Leach Aquatic Centre"
Please do not make this mistake and take this opportunity to listen to your
voters and in general the people of Bendigo.

It takes a great person to admit their mistake and you as individual councillors
need to be that person now.
Do not miss opportunity to reward our own Bendigo Olympian.

The new aquatic centre should be named after Faith Leach. No disrespect to
the aboriginal people but a swimming pool is not a kangaroo watering hole.
This is going to be a leisure/aquatic centre and if Council did proper
research into Bendigos swimming/sporting history, they would see that Faith
Leach is the only appropriate name for this centre.

Faith is a Bendigo swimming legend and for those who knew her and the
adversity she overcame, to become a swimming Olympian and champion,
know, this is a fitting tribute to her legacy!
27 Whilst the name chosen is relevant to the area it should be preserved in the
surroundings. It is a difficult name to remember and I'm sure people will just
say the Kangaroo Flat Pool.

I think that naming the pool complex after Faith Leech is much more
appropriate, given that she is Bendigo's first and only gold medallist in the
Olympics. Just a learn to swim pool is not enough as she was not a teacher,
but a champion swimmer. It diminishes the glory she brought to her home
town.
28 There is widespread concern about the Council favoured name for the Aquatic
Pool under construction at Kangaroo Flat. Perhaps the newer council are not
fully aware of the efforts of many responsible citizens of Kangaroo Flat and
elsewhere over a very long period towards this project.

A very large sum has been promised by a local Committee toward the project
and contributions are steadily increasing toward that large amount. The
Mulqueen Family of Kangaroo Flat have been continuously involved in the
Kangaroo Flat Swimming Club for more than 30 years and are still holding
positions with that club.

Along with this family many prominent local people have thrown their support
behind the project over a long period of time. These prominent citizens are too
numerous to mention but a leading spokesman for this project is Alan Besley a
local media personality.

Prominent local people including the Mulqueen family have unselfishly


recommended the new Aquatic Centre be named after our most famous
Olympic Swimming Gold Medallist, Faith Leach.

This new Centre is a wonderful opportunity for all of Bendigo but particularly
the large number of schools in the area who are within walking distance of the
Centre.

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Wellbeing and Fairness - Reports Ordinary Meeting - 18 October 2017

In this day and age where drownings are increasing at an unacceptable rate
surely the emphasis must be on learning to swim and what better example to
young people is an Olympic Gold Medallist swimmer. The indigenous name
suggested by Council could be incorporated in the project quite easily.
29 We wish to express our great disappointment in your choice of the name for
this aquatic facility. This is a facility that will enhance the health and wellbeing
of our community and also produce Bendigos elite athletes of the future
through dedicated training and hard work as demonstrated by our own highly
respected Olympic Gold Medallist, Faith Leech.

Kangaroo waterhole is quite out of context for a facility such as this. There
has been and will continue to be appropriate indigenous naming
opportunities in and around Bendigos ongoing developments. This name is
not appropriate for this facility.

Considering the financial contributions for the facility made by the community
via our rates as well as the fundraising and donations we should expect that
our Councillors will carefully review the provisional naming option based on
the public response via email and petitions.

Four generations of our family have been very involved in swimming in


Bendigo and Faith Leechs name has been well known and respected over
that time.

We trust that the results of the email replies and petition will be made available
to the community when collated.
30 In reference to the naming of the Kangaroo Flat Community Aquatic Centre.

I with many others, felt very proud that the Council were considering naming
the new Aquatic Centre at Kangaroo Flat, to honour our Gold Medallist, Faith
Leech.

In my opinion, she was an amazing woman in our time. Supported by her


equally well known and respected family, who have contributed in every way
possible to the Bendigo community over many years.

I agree with [named removed], that we need to recognise the Indigenous


Culture in Bendigo, and name the precinct surrounding the Aquatic Centre,
Gurri Wanyarra, meaning Kangaroo Water Hole.

This seems to me, to be respectful and correct to all concerned. I also agree
with editorial comment, that it is wonderful, that our Council recognise the
importance of this opportunity, let's not seize the moment for the wrong
reasons.

We need to understand the importance for our young swimmers to aspire to


emulate Faith Leech, and her incredible achievements.
31 I would appreciate my thoughts on the naming of the new Aquatic Centre be
passed on to council members .Firstly, they have my full support on their
current position. I walk past the site every couple of weeks and am still in awe
of its size and complexity.

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Wellbeing and Fairness - Reports Ordinary Meeting - 18 October 2017

To name it after a person would not do it justice, it needs its own identity which
you have found, so I encourage you to stick with it. I think of things that have
been named after people and they seem meaningless, mundane and boring
regardless of the person they are named after.

I was 17 when Faith Leech won her medals, which was a great achievement
for her at the time. But now 61 years on I dont think its quite enough to name
such and iconic building in her honour. I hope you can withstand the sentiment
which prevails around this argument and continue your current stance.
32 Further to your advertisement in Saturday's Bendigo Advertiser my wife and I
strongly object to council's plan to name the new Kangaroo Flat Aquatic
Centre the 'Gurri Wanyarra Wellbeing Centre', for the following reasons;

1. Few local people will ever refer to this name in general conversation.
2. We cannot undo the wrongs of the past by naming all new infrastructure
with an indigenous name.
3. We agree with the comments of Geoff Bowyer in the article in the
newspaper which suggests that this recreational area be known as Gurri
Wanyarra, as I feel sure that indigenous people and kangaroos did not drink
from just one water hole along the Bendigo Creek in the location of the new
swimming pool.
4. Our great swimmer Faith Leech should not be disrespected by naming a
children's pool after her.

Do what the rate payers want and NOT what the Councillor's think is politically
correct!
33 I see that you have chosen an Aboriginal name for the new aquatic centre
instead of the one most people expected, that of Bendigos outstanding
swimmer, Faith Leech.

I agree with the editorial in The Weekly that Faith Leechs name is more
appropriate for a swimming pool. Furthermore I am a little perturbed that
Councils decision might be the forerunner of numerous other name changes.

I was very happy with calling the gaol theatre Ulumbarra but I dont support
the name proposed for the pool. It seems to me that theres an attitude being
adopted of pandering to the indigenous community with superficial offerings
such as names, smoking ceremonies and introductions to meetings about
being on traditional lands instead of dealing with matters of substance such as
discrimination and poor health.

Perhaps it is an attempt to ease white consciences over past dealings with the
Aborigines without really doing anything important. Whatever the reason I
dont like it!

34 Faith Leech is the obvious choice for the overall name of the Kangaroo Flat
pool. Wouldnt it be more appropriate to name the gardens around the pool an
aboriginal name in keeping with their connection to the land and all things
native and natural
35 The GURRI WANYARRA WELLBEING CENTRE is a wonderful name for an

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Wellbeing and Fairness - Reports Ordinary Meeting - 18 October 2017

Aboriginal Health Centre but it is actually a swimming pool for all Australians
regardless of race. Visitors to Bendigo will not correlate the name to what
the facility actually is.
36 I object to the provisional name chosen. I would like to see the roadway or the
whole area given that name but I believe it should be The Faith Leech
Swimming Pool and Wellness Centre (or similar).
37 Vehemently object to the Kangaroo Flat pool not being named after Faith
Leach, not only because of her Olympic gold medal win but because of her
ongoing contribution to the community for many years. While I agree with
assisting the aboriginal community, [the proposed name] raises concerns
about the pandering to minority groups instead of recognising the significant
contributions someone like Faith Leach has made to the community.
38 This is to add my name to those objecting to the naming of the Kangaroo Flat
Aquatic Centre "Gurri Wanyarra". My reason is that the aboriginal people
would not name a chlorinated or salt water hole that wildlife drank out of with
such a name. Better to name it The Faith Leech Aquatic Centre but at the
same time the surrounding area can be named in support of the aboriginal
people.
39 This is to add my name to those objecting to the naming of the Kangaroo Flat
Aquatic Centre "Gurri Wanyarra". My reason is that the aboriginal people
would not name a chlorinated or salt water hole that wildlife drank out of with
such a name. Better to name it The Faith Leech Aquatic Centre but at the
same time the surrounding area can be named in support of the aboriginal
people
40 I have a suggestion for the name of the new pool, which I believe would be a
more appropriate name for the pool.I have never been involved in council
affairs, but after reading a news email that I received. I thought that there has
to be another name rather that the meaning Kangaroo Waterhole. I believe
that Jaara Wellbeing Centre would be more appropriate as Jaara means
people in the Dja Dja Wurrung language from what I have read.

This means that it represents ALL people. Maybe the main pool could be
named after Faith Leach and a sign with her achievements. So that young
children can aspire to and know that it is possible for them to achieve Olympic
status. That someone from Bendigo has done this, even though they may not
have heard of her before.
41 Council needs to urgently review the suggestion by the Dja Dja Wrung
community. Bendigo was developed by settlement of people predominantly
from the UK and Europe. While we can acknowledge aboriginals having lived
itinerantly in the area , we need to note the progress made by our forebears .

I urge council to check with Bendigo people about their opinion for a change
and get a true response.

Ironically Bendigo, in Spanish, means a blessing, despite the name allegedly


being ascribed to a popular boxer.

The name of Faith Leech has far more integrity for our community at large. I
recall Faith as a great young lady who was a great ambassador for our city.
42 As a resident who lives in your ward I am writing to express my
disappointment in the council for what I believe is the wrong name for the new

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pool complex currently being built in Kangaroo Flat.

It is my belief that the pool should be named after someone who has
contributed to the greater community of Kangaroo Flat, or alternately just to be
politically correct these days and cause no offence to anyone just called the
Kangaroo Flat Aquatic centre.

As a resident of Bendigo, i would like to express my disappointment in the


council decision in the naming of the new Kangaroo Flat pool.

I believe if it does need to be named then it should be for someone who has
contributed to the community. Or alternatively to be politically correct these
days just call it the Kangaroo Flat Aquatic centre. This way no one will be
offended.

43 In regard to the naming of the new pool and wellbeing centre being built in
Kangaroo Flat, I completely agree with the Director of the Kangaroo Flat
Community Enterprise Geoff Bowyer who says that Gurri Wanyarra should be
respected, and the name of the overall precinct, but the pool itself should be
named after the late, great Faith leech.

She is Bendigo's only Olympic gold medallist, and a contemporary inspiration


to everyone. This would be much more meaningful to the people who are
likely to use the new pool, for example swimmers.
Please consider the KFCE opinion as to the name, for I think a great many
other people would agree.
44 What is wrong with our City Councillors???

Don't they understand, we the public are quite sick of the Indigenous names
given to our buildings in Bendigo.
The Councillors appear to have no backbone in making decisions against the
minority Aboriginal peoples.
Whats wrong with the Leech naming of the yet to be unveiled centre???????

NO more Indigenous naming of our buildings and have some backbone


[comments removed].

Our weak and self-centred council members need to heed of the public's
wishes.
45 The pool does not water kangaroos! The pool is for people, Bendigo citizens
of all kinds. Faith was one of our greatest Olympic athletes, a brilliant swimmer
born in Bendigo.

Please acknowledge her wonderful accomplishments and the name the


complex in her honour.
46 I strongly support the name Gurri Wanyarra Wellbeing Centre. We should
support long term Australian history and be proud of it - it's our history too.
47 I would like to express my disappointment at the Councils choice of name for
the new Aquatic Facility under construction in Kangaroo Flat.

I feel strongly that a once in a lifetime opportunity will be missed in not naming

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it after our Olympic Gold Medallist in Faith Leech. This would give the building
prominence right around the country (think Rod Laver Arena/Margaret Court
Arena in Melbourne, Don Bradman Oval in Bowral, etc.). Proposing to name
just a Learn To Swim pool after Faith Leech seems somewhat insulting, to say
the least.

Other sports facilities around Bendigo have been named after sports identities,
including Harry Trott Oval, Tom Flood Sports Centre, Strauch Reserve Huntly,
Beischer Park. As well, we have Queen Elizabeth Oval, Kevin Gibbins Field,
Lords Raceway, to name a few.

Sidney Myer has been recognised with Sidney Myer Place, dozens of former
Bendigo Mayors are recognized with streets named in their honour. So, why
not The Faith Leech Aquatic/Wellbeing Centre??

I agree with the suggestion of naming the street or precinct as Gurri Wanyarra
to recognise our local indigenous people.

Sincerely hoping Council will reverse its decision,

48 As a ratepayer I wish to register my objection to the proposed aboriginal name


for the swimming pool complex in Kangaroo Flat.

Aboriginal names may be suitable for some appropriate recognition, but


this is an opportunity for Council to properly recognise one of its most
famous citizens, Olympic Champion, Faith Leech. There is no need for
me to expand on our famous Gold medal resident as her achievements
are well documented.

There is no logical connection with the swimming pool complex and the
aboriginal cause. Funding for the pool has been sourced from
taxpayers and ratepayers of all backgrounds who are not
acknowledged with Councils proposed aboriginal name.

There is a disturbing trend in our society where councils are being hi-
jacked by social engineers who miss-use their position to impose
controversial changes to our society. A decision to place an aboriginal
name on this most unlikely project seems to me to be patronising the
aboriginal industry in the worst possible way and is already causing
dissent with ratepayers. I believe it is unwise for council to proceed
with this unpopular proposal.

The aboriginal industry is well served in the Australian community with


expenditure of about $30 billion per year. Council patronises them with
ceremonies, we say sorry to them over and over again and yet we see
our local council continue to fall into supporting this welfare dependent
group who represent only 3% of our Australian population.

Please support our local Olympic swimming champion by recognising her


incredible success with her name proudly on our new swimming pool and
health complex in Kangaroo Flat.

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Wellbeing and Fairness - Reports Ordinary Meeting - 18 October 2017

49 I wish to voice my objection to the naming of the new aquatic centre at


Kangaroo Flat "Gurri Wanyarra Wellbeing Centre". I believe that the
suggestion of the Kangaroo Flat Community Enterprise group to name the
overall precinct Gurri Wanyarra, and the pool after Faith Leech, is an excellent
one, which will honour the Dja Dja Wurrung people and our own Olympic
swimming gold medallist equally.

It is appropriate that the name Gurri Wanyarra be applied to the whole area,
not just the pool, while the name Faith Leech is synonymous with the
swimming component of the precinct.
I hope the council will consider this proposal seriously.
50 I vehemently object to Councils proposed name Gurri Wanyarra for the new
aquatic centre at Kangaroo Flat.

I fully support the proposal of naming the centre the Faith Leech Wellbeing
Centre. The name Faith Leech is synonymous with Bendigo - our biggest
claim to fame which Bendigo grabbed on to every time it needed self-
promotion.

Not only was she our only gold medal Olympian but she put a lot back in to the
Bendigo community, working with kids of all ages teaching them swimming
and safety, and more notably her work with disabled kids and their
involvement in the Paralympics. Faith was always their champion and she
loved working with those kids.

The community will start to wonder why Council bothers to ask its residents to
have input in to these naming exercises. Is it just a farce? It seems the
minute a submission is received for an aboriginal name it takes precedence
over everything else, regardless of the wider communitys thoughts. It would
be interesting to know how many submissions were put in supporting the Faith
Leech naming.

The downgrading of Faiths importance to the name of this project is an insult


to her family, an insult to her legacy, an insult to the Kangaroo Flat Enterprise
who have done so much for this pool, and an insult to the history of Bendigo
and its residents, past and present.

Council needs to remember that inclusiveness involves ALL of its residents, it


needs to listen to the majority of its residents and resist the urge to be seen to
be politically correct. We may end up losing the importance of Bendigos last
160 years.

Thank you for the opportunity to respond.


51 I have two problems with the proposed name of the Aquatic Centre. Firstly
"wellbeing centre" describes nothing, it could be a church, medical centre, a
gym. The aquatic centre may be "more than an aquatic centre" but people will
have a fair idea what will be at the site if it is described as an aquatic centre.
Visitors to Bendigo will not know to be looking for a wellbeing centre.

I have no problem with indigenous names though I feel there may be some
places and things better named to mark respect for indigenous culture such as

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natural assets, museums. A modern aquatic centre has little relevance to


indigenous culture. I respect for example the people that fought in the World
Wars but I would not name the centre after a military hero as our reverence to
the military has little to do with an aquatic centre.

In contrast however, Bendigo was the home of Faith Leech our only swimming
Olympic Gold Medallist. She was always active in the community particularly
with swimming training, and was well regarded in the community at large. I
only met Faith two times, she impressed me on those occasions both as an
individual and as a citizen of Bendigo. She was a wonderful person who is
due a wonderful honour from the City. I am concerned that the centre has
been "provisionally named", it sounds like a done deal, I hope that is not the
case.
52 Well may I question who is running our city as it appears we get more publicity
about aboriginal affairs and naming rights. It must be the Faith Leech Centre
as all people I have spoken to agree as Faith did a lot for BENDIGO. The
aboriginal community comprise a small minority in BENDIGO yet they demand
more attention than the majority of residents in this city.
53 After looking at both names and giving much thought to both .& also
with a week of talking to many in the Community from one side of Bendigo to
the other..not just Kangaroo Flat people..I have formed an opinion
that the NEW Pool should be called the Faith Leech Well Being Centre
People I have talked to in the Community are wondering why Council seems
to call most new buildings after Aboriginal meanings ? We all live in this great
town & at least names in the area for new building should be at least 50/50
without getting into the politics of it allmaybe call the area for
the Childrens pool Gurri Wanyarra learn to swim pool.

Everyone is entitled to their opinions on this subject & most wont put their
hand up as they wont want to be criticised .but in this case our Clubs
Football, Netball in the area the pool is going in want it to be called the Faith
Leech Well Being Centre.
54 Memorandum. Faith Leech was an esteemed Bendigo citizen famed for her
swimmer accolades. I have already emailed my response.
55 I would like to forward my objection to the proposed name if the pool.
The pool should be named after a prominent Bendigo resident that made a
strong commitment to swimming and Bendigo. Faith Leech was that person.
Her achievements are well documented and we as a community should
acknowledge that by naming the pool after her.
56 I wish to endorse the name Faith Leech Aquatic and Wellbeing Centre.
Hopefully the many signatures forwarded to Council will surely honour Faith.
The present proposed name could well be incorporated in the street name.
However, previous Council discussed the naming of the pool with family
members. In respect to their wishes feel an oversight has occurred. The
previous idea would honour the achievements of a well-respected sports lady
and business lady.

I object to the name proposal for the above reason. Bendigo has few names of
outstanding citizens. A business still prospering in our city should be an
incentive to honour the family.

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Sport is vital in Bendigo and thanks to Faith, many people with disabilities
learnt to swim. Faith was the first lady to be inducted into the Bendigo Sports
Star Hall of Fame.

A sports pool means all regional areas should know a sports persons is
honoured by being named in this new indoor pool.
Bendigo has few gold medallists, so please consider favourably in this matter.
57 The X Family has been resident at Big Hill since 1955, three generations have
utilised facilities and supported the Kangaroo Flat entities/environs continually
from then and continue to do so to this day.

We contend that the proposed name as suggested by The Greater Bendigo


City Council is inappropriate for the following reasons:-

(1) Item 4.1 (Features) Naming rules for places in Victoria includes
buildings, there is no evidence to show that the original inhabitants of
Central Victoria ever constructed permanent structures in any shape or
form, to suggest an indigenous name for this building is a gross mis-
representation of their culture.
(2) The proposed name Gurri Wanyarra refers to a topographical location
only and not structure related. Given that Aboriginal culture had no
written language and what language exists today relies totally on
dreamtime and generational memory makes the likelihood that its
accuracy may be subject to other interpretation.
(3) As opposed to (2) there is a complete and undisputed record of the life
and times of Faith Leech, her contributions to Bendigo business and in
particular her achievements in the swimming pool both locally and
internationally and meets all requirements of General Principles C
(Linking names to Place)
(4) The Aquatic centre will be a venue not just the local populace but
presumably to attract those from afar involving personal enjoyment,
education as well as competitive events. To give an Indigenous name
to such a venue inviting all from far and wide is open to ridicule as
history records that adjacent aboriginal communities were sometimes
hostile to each other.

In conclusion, the X Family appeal to the CoGB to name the aquatic centre at
Kangaroo Flat the Faith Leech Aquatic Centre
58 I am appalled that you would even think of naming the new swimming pool
anything except the Faith Leech Pool.

Aside from the fact that the chosen name is unpronounceable, do you really
think it will ever be known by that name? Never! After the official speeches are
over it will never be spoken of again, except maybe by the councillors who put
it there. But people WILL remember the Faith Leech Pool.

I do not care if it is an Aboriginal name. It is so difficult to say it is ridiculous.


Ulumbarra is difficult enough, everyone pronounces it differently, but at least
you can pronounce it.

Why does everything have to be aboriginal based these days anyway? Not

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everyone is aboriginal and we have a right to our own say as well, and
pushing all these odd names in our faces all the time is not helping their cause
either (or yours).
59 I object to the name Gurri Wanyarra for the new $31M indoor pool and
wellbeing centre at Kangaroo Flat. However, I strongly support the pool and
wellbeing centre being named after Faith Leech, whose many
accomplishments in and out of the pool make it an obvious and appropriate
choice.
60 I believe that the new aquatic centre should be called the Bendigo Aquatic
Centre or The Faith Leech Aquatic Centre. I would suggest that a sizable
portrait of Faith Leech together with the story of her Olympic success be
placed in the entrance to the new facility to inspire young swimmers of the
future.
61 As a resident who frequently walks past the building of the new aquatic centre
and watches its progress, I was disappointed to hear that the councillors had
all agreed to the Aboriginal name that translates to Kangaroo waterhole (which
I understand is close by).

For such a large complex that had a lot of community input, I feel that this is
inappropriate. Suggestions of names like Kangaroo Flat Aquatic Centre with
our gold medal winners name on the 50 metre pool seem far more
appropriate. After all she won the medal in swimming.

I would therefore like to add my concerns to the public ones.


62 I am writing to you regarding matters of interest regarding the Citys
development of the Aquatic Centre.

As you may be aware there has been concern expressed by a section of the
Community that arose from the announcement of the Dja Dja Wurrung
Language Gurri Wanyarra being used as the naming of this Centre.

Firstly, we would like to thank the CoGB for its consideration of our language
and recognition of our involvement and state that we would always publicly
ensure we communicate our respect of Councils responsibility and Authority in
these matters.

The Dja Dja Wurrung also would look towards some form of mutually
beneficial outcomes at a Community Level. And it is for this reason that we
have spoken privately to members of the Community that have expressed
concern about the naming of the Aquatic Centre.

We have also communicated to them, that any changes need the Councils
acceptance and endorsement and that any future statements by us and others
upon this matter would clearly support Councils Leadership.

The Dja Dja Wurrung would like to state some options following:

That the use of our language as naming can be applied to the greater
area/precinct that the Aquatic Centre is a part of. We would believe that if
Council chose to do this, could be positively promoted as a greater respect of
the Dja Dja Wurrung being placed back into Landscape.

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Wellbeing and Fairness - Reports Ordinary Meeting - 18 October 2017

We would support an alternative name for the Aquatic Centre chosen by


Council, in particular in doing this and any subsequent promotion that it
evidenced the collaborative nature of how we all worked together under the
leadership of the Council.

To note is an initial positive outcome from the Dja Dja Wurrung talking to the
Community that has concerns about naming. Is that we have received a
greater recognition from them and a desire to work together now and into the
future upon mutual interest in respect of our culture. This is an extremely
pleasing outcome as it goes beyond what we all would have expected, though
a local government naming matter. And we would think shows a very healthy
degree of maturity in our broader community in respect of our culture which
the Council has always shown to us.

63 We have read with great interest the papers RE Faith Leech naming of Pool.
Just an idea, How about naming the Aquatic Centre .........
'The Faith Leech Aquatic Centre'. THAT IS WHERE Faith swam. Not at
Kangaroo Flat. You would only have to put Faith Leech at the front of the
Aquatic Centre name?

PAGE 83
Wellbeing and Fairness - Reports Ordinary Meeting - 18 October 2017

4.2 COMMUNITY GRANTS ROUND 1 2017/2018

Document Information

Author Deb Simpson, Coordinator Strong Communities

Responsible Vicky Mason, Director Health and Wellbeing


Director

Purpose

This report presents the recommended funding allocations for Round 1 of the 2017/2018
Community Grants. It seeks Councils consideration and endorsement.

Summary

Applications for Round 1 of the 2017/2018 Community Grants (Round 1) opened on 1


August 2017 and closed on 24 August 2017. 74 eligible applications were received.

The Community Assessment Panels have recommended 59 applications as meeting the


criteria and suitable for funding. The total recommended funding amount is $167,254 and
is within the available Round 1 budget.

RECOMMENDATION

That Council:

1. Endorse the Community Assessment Panels recommendations to allocate $167,254


from the 2017/2018 Community Grants Round 1 funding across 59 applicants.

2. Thank all Community Assessment Panel members for volunteering their time to
assess the applications and to develop the funding recommendations for Council
consideration.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Policy Context

Community Plan Reference:

Goal 1: Lead and govern for all.

Objective 1.4: Be accountable and efficient in the use of the communitys money.

Goal 2: Wellbeing and fairness.

Objective 2.3: Promote community connection.

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Wellbeing and Fairness - Reports Ordinary Meeting - 18 October 2017

Council Policy Reference:

Community Grants Policy (Policy) and Program Guidelines (Guidelines)

Background Information

This report relates to Round 1 of the 2017/18 Community Grants Program. A total of 74
eligible applications were received across the six grant categories of:

Active and Healthy Communities


Arts
Community Development
Community Events
Environmental Sustainability and
Print and Digital Publications

This represents 17 less applications than the 91 applications received for Round 2 of the
2016/2017 Community Grants.

In accordance with the Guidelines, Community Assessment Panels (Panels) were


convened to consider the applications received for each of the six categories. The use of
Panels to assess applications and to develop funding recommendations for Council
consideration is one of the strategies embedded within the Guidelines for achieving
transparency. The Guidelines require Council to consult with the respective Panel prior to
resolving upon funding allocations if any variations to Panel funding recommendations
are proposed.

As per the Policy, 10% of the budget for each category is set aside as a reserve to
provide capacity for Quick Response Grants for community needs that may arise outside
of Community Grant funding rounds.

The Quick Response Grants reserves for 2017/2018 are:

Active and Healthy Communities $11,110


Arts $8,860
Community Development $13,860
Community Events $7,760
Environmental Sustainability $4,430
Print and Digital Publications $3,320
TOTAL $49,330

Previous Council Decision(s) Date(s):

- 11 February 2015: Council adopted the Policy and Guidelines.

- 5 August 2015: Council endorsed minor changes to the Policy and Guidelines.

- 16 December 2015: Council appointed the Panel members.

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Wellbeing and Fairness - Reports Ordinary Meeting - 18 October 2017

Report

The table below provides a summary of the Round 1 recommended funding by category.

Total Total Total Total Total Panel


Round 1 applications funding applications recommended
funding received requested recommended funding
available by Panel for allocations
funding
Active and $49,900 9 $33,830 5 $15,330
Healthy
Communities
Category
Arts Category $39,880 14 $54,568 11 $39,048

Community $62,380 23 $95,470 21 $62,380


Development
Category
Community $34,920 14 $45,961 11 $22,511
Events
Category
Environmental $19,945 6 $31,395 4 $13,045
Sustainability
Category
Print and $14,940 8 $23,102 7 $14,940
Digital
Publications
Category

TOTAL $221,965 74 $284,326 59 $167,254

The tables below provide the more detailed information and outline the funding
allocations recommended by the respective Panels for each grant category.

In accordance with the Policy and Guidelines, the maximum amount of funding available
in any category or to any organisation is $5,000.

Some applications were not recommended by the Panels for funding as:
They were incomplete or provided insufficient detail.
They were assessed as not meeting the criteria.
The category was oversubscribed and other applications were considered to
satisfy the criteria more fully.
Funding was requested for an ongoing resource.

The not-recommended applications and associated rationale are detailed in Confidential


Attachment 1.

In some cases the Panels have recommended partial funding. The affected applications
and associated rationale are detailed in Confidential Attachment 2.

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Wellbeing and Fairness - Reports Ordinary Meeting - 18 October 2017

Active and Healthy Communities

Amount Amount
Organisation Description
sought recommended
Bendigo and Purchase of portable heating $880 $880
District Table equipment for use at table
Tennis Association tennis tournaments
Friends of the Purchase of a bicycle and $3,035 $3,035
Bendigo Kilmore luggage transportation trailer
Rail Trail
Heathcote Primary Healthy Lunchboxes $3,950 $3,950
School Heathcote project
Bendigo Baseball Pathways to umpiring $5,000 $3,500
Umpires project
Association
Eaglehawk Junior Female participation in $3,965 $3,965
Football (AFL) Club football program
TOTAL $16,830 $15,330

Arts

Amount Amount
Organisation Description
sought recommended
Golden City Support Choice Voices community $5,000 $5,000
Services (auspice choir performances
agency)
Golden City Support Peter Pan - adventures in $5,000 $5,000
Services growing up performances
(as part of a broader
CreateAbility program)
Bendigo Comedy A series of comedy and $2,800 $2,800
Festival open microphone skills
development workshops
Mia Mia Mechanics Opera performances in Mia $2,300 $2,300
Institute Mia in 2018
Bendigo Artists Masquerade mask making $5,000 $5,000
(auspice agency) workshops
Bendigo Artists A series of creative $5,000 $5,000
workshops for school aged
children and
Youth
Bendigo Theatre Community Chorus $4,800 $4,800
Company community choir
participation project
Bendigo Symphony A tour of community $2,855 $2,855
Orchestra performances within
Greater Bendigos rural
communities

PAGE 87
Wellbeing and Fairness - Reports Ordinary Meeting - 18 October 2017

Amount Amount
Organisation Description
sought recommended
Loddon Campaspe Development of a resource $2,623 $2,623
Multicultural kit for community cultural
Services events

St Paul's August A series of community $1,170 $1,170


2018 Promenade singing performances
Series
Bendigo Artists Swagman's Luck $5,000 $2,500
(auspice agency) community marionette
performances

TOTAL $41,548 $39,048

Community Development

Amount Amount
Organisation Description
sought recommended
Multiple Sclerosis Bendigo based Multiple $3,920 $3,000
Limited Sclerosis wellness workshop
Long Gully Upgrade of storage facilities $5,000 $4,000
Community Centre for use by Centre hirers

Bendigo Radio Undertake a feasibility study $5,000 $3,000


Controlled Aircraft process regarding potential
Club new Club bases due to
urban growth pressures
Elmore Memorial A re-design of the unisex all $5,000 $4,000
Hall Management abilities toilet
Committee
The Old Church on Installation of an all abilities $5,000 $4,000
the Hill toilet
CFA Costerfield Installation of kitchen $5,000 $2,500
facilities for volunteer use
Friends of the OKeefe Rail Trail - $1,930 $700
Bendigo Kilmore refurbishment and
Rail Trail installation of railway
semaphore signals
Bendigo Baptist MADCOW (Make A $5,000 $1,650
Church Difference, Change Our
World) community garden
Dr Harry Little Pre Shade sails $5,000 $5,000
School
The Gianna Centre Parenting education program $1,685 $1,500

The Karen Culture Circus and performances $4,850 $4,000


and Social Support program
Foundation
Huntly Memorial Meeting room carpet $2,780 $2,780

PAGE 88
Wellbeing and Fairness - Reports Ordinary Meeting - 18 October 2017

Amount Amount
Organisation Description
sought recommended
Hall replacement
Kangaroo Flat Primary school $5,000 $5,000
Primary School commencement
enhancement program for
children experiencing
disadvantage
Bendigo Purchase of event support $2,000 $1,500
Budgerigar Club trailer
Loddon Campaspe Friday Food Safari program $5,000 $2,350
Multicultural building community cultural
Services awareness through shared
preparation of traditional
dishes
North Bendigo Installation of additional $5,000 $2,500
Football / Netball seating
Club
Bendigo Street art and wellbeing $4,910 $3,600
Community Health program to be delivered in
Services Term 1 2018
Quarry Hill Golf Information and $2,000 $1,800
Club communication technology
equipment upgrade
CFA District 2 Purchase of timing and $5,000 $3,000
Competition public address equipment
Committee and trailer
The Salvation BeConnected growing $5,000 $5,000
Army Bendigo community connectedness in
the Bendigo CBD pilot
project
California Gully Healthy cooking program $1,500 $1,500
Primary School

TOTAL $85,575 $62,380

PAGE 89
Wellbeing and Fairness - Reports Ordinary Meeting - 18 October 2017

Community Events

Amount Amount
Organisation Description
sought recommended
Bendigo Heritage Heritage Unwrapped event $4,500 $1,950
Attractions
Rotary Club of Great Australian camping $5,000 $2,000
Eaglehawk and swap meet event
Axedale Events Axedale quick shear, wood $3,886 $2,000
chop and family fun day
event
Bendigo Northern Huntly family fun day event $3,700 $3,500
District Community
Enterprise
Suicide Prevention Suicide prevention $1,351 $1,351
Awareness awareness raising
Network community walk
Interchange International Day of People $4,500 $3,000
Loddon-Mallee with a Disability Bendigo
Region event
Central Victorian Tenth anniversary of $2,974 $1,360
Community Phoenix FM
Broadcasters going to air celebratory event
Trading As
Phoenix FM
Epsom Community Epsom community $2,350 $2,350
Church Christmas festival
National Red Thank You Fireys Bendigo $2,000 $2,000
Balloon Day event
Sedgwick Hall and Sedgwick and North $1,200 $1,000
Conservation Harcourt community
Reserve Christmas
carnival
Junortoun Community cultural event at $2,000 $2,000
Community Action Knul Doorong
Group Woodland

TOTAL $33,461 $22,511

Environmental Sustainability

Amount Amount
Organisation Description
sought recommended
Bendigo Field Construction and installation $2,500 $2,500
Naturalist Club of 100 artificial hollows
designed for phascogales

Girton Grammar Design and construction of $14,195 $3,145


School an electric vehicle

PAGE 90
Wellbeing and Fairness - Reports Ordinary Meeting - 18 October 2017

Amount Amount
Organisation Description
sought recommended
Junortoun PSG Triple B Phase 2 $2,500 $2,500
Community Action phascogales, sugar gliders,
Group birds, bats and bikes. The
project will involve Catholic
College students
constructing a variety of
nesting boxes for installation
along the OKeefe Rail Trail.
Bendigo Bendigo repair caf - $4,900 $4,900
Sustainability promoting more community
Group (auspice members to come together
agency) and learn skills to repair
items rather than disposing
of them
TOTAL $24,095 $13,045

Print and Digital Publications

Amount Amount
Organisation Description
sought recommended
Sporting Shooters Development of A Guide to $3,345 $3,340
Association of the Shooting Sports in
Australia, Bendigo Bendigo.
Branch
Zonta Bendigo Development of a digital $4,877 $800
history of the Zonta Club of
Bendigo
Axedale Events Axedale quick shear, wood $1,100 $1,100
chop and family fun day
event promotional materials
Sedgwick Hall and Sedgwick Connect website $1,000 $1,000
Conservation enhancements
Reserve
Woodvale A project focused on $5,000 $3,200
Progress documenting more of
Association Woodvale's history
Bendigo Connecting culturally and $5,000 $5,000
Neighbourhood linguistically diverse
Hub learners to the digital world
Junortoun A project focused on $500 $500
Community Action improving the Junortoun
Group communitys digital presence

TOTAL $20,822 $14,940

Successful and unsuccessful applicants are advised via email of their application
outcome following Councils resolution.

PAGE 91
Wellbeing and Fairness - Reports Ordinary Meeting - 18 October 2017

Successful applicants are required to enter into a Funding Agreement (FA) with the City
of Greater Bendigo (City). The FA outlines the scope of the funded project as well as the
Citys and the grant recipients responsibilities. Funds are only released to grant
recipients upon receipt of the signed FA and an invoice.

Funding offers may be revoked if a signed FA and an invoice are not received within 30
days of the funding offer being made.

Unsuccessful applicants are encouraged to contact the Community Grant Officer for
clarification and assistance with future applications.

Quick Response Grants Update

Quick Response Grant funding of $21,440 has been allocated to 12 applicants since the
last update to Council on 19 April 2017.

The table below provides details of these 12 Quick Response Grants.

Organisation Project Details Category Amount


2016/2017 Financial Year (since last update in April 2017)
Mandurang Fire Mandurang Valley family Community Event $2,000
Brigade fun festival
Bendigo Malaylee New Year and Community Event
Malaylee Easter celebration 2017 $940
Association

The Salvation Bendigo Victory (enabling Active and Healthy $2,000


Army participation in sport and Communities
recreation activities for
people experiencing
disadvantage)
Kangaroo Flat Art Therapy Pilot Project Community
Primary School Development $2,000
Bendigo and Indigenous Film Festival Art $2,000
District 2017
Aboriginal
Cooperative
Bendigo South Greater Bendigo Colleges Community $2,000
East College Strings and Choir Tour Development

2017/2018 Financial Year (year to date)


Bendigo Artists Swagmans Luck Art $2,000
(auspice (marionette performances)
agency)
Bendigo Regional Symposium Community $2,000
Student Development
Association
Bendigo Artists Faces of Bendigo (a Art $2,000

PAGE 92
Wellbeing and Fairness - Reports Ordinary Meeting - 18 October 2017

Organisation Project Details Category Amount


(auspice photography project)
agency)
Bendigo Carpe Diem (using Community $2,000
Loddon Primary performing arts as a Development
Care medium for community
Partnership conversations about
mental health)
Discovery Spring school holiday Community $500
Science and Planetarium Show Development
Technology
Centre
Axedale, Our Axedale Summer Community Event $2,000
Town, Our Preparedness Project
Future
TOTAL $21,440

Timelines:

Initiatives funded under Round 1 are required to:


Commence on or after 1 December 2017;
Be completed within one year; and,
Submit Project Evaluation Forms / Acquittals within 60 days of project completion.
Recipients who do not fulfil this requirement may be ineligible to receive further
City funding.

Risk Analysis:

All Round 1 applications were assessed in line with the Policy and Guidelines.

All Panel members were required to declare conflicts of interest in any applications.

Where conflicts of interest were declared, Panel members were required to leave the
room when the respective applications were being assessed.

The Panels are required to recommend funding allocations that are within the set budget
for the category.

Consultation/Communication

Round 1 applications were encouraged through public notices, the Citys social media
pages and website plus City staff email networks.

The Community Partnerships Unit facilitated two free grant seeking and writing
workshops in the lead up to Round 1. They were attended by a combined 58
representatives from various community groups.

PAGE 93
Wellbeing and Fairness - Reports Ordinary Meeting - 18 October 2017

Both City staff and recurring Panel members have observed a marked improvement in
the quality of applications being received since the City has been offering these
workshops.

Resource Implications

Budget Allocation in the Current Financial Year:

The total 2017/2018 Community Grant budget is $493,260. This is broken down into the
following sub-budgets:

Round 1 and 2 (combined) $443,930


Quick Response Grants $49,330

The Panels have recommended that 59 (or approximately 80%) of the 74 applicants be
allocated a level of funding. The total amount of Round 1 funding recommended by the
Panels is $167,254. This is well within the available Round 1 budget of $221,965.

Attachments

1.CONFIDENTIAL Attachment 1: Not recommended applicants.


2.CONFIDENTIAL Attachment 2: Applicants recommended for partial funding.

PAGE 94
Wellbeing and Fairness - Reports Ordinary Meeting - 18 October 2017

4.3 MUNICIPAL HEALTH AND WELLBEING PLAN

Document Information

Author Lindy Wilson, Social Planner

Responsible Vicky Mason, Director Health and Wellbeing


Director

Purpose

The purpose of this report is to seek Councils adoption of the Greater Bendigo Health
and Wellbeing Plan 2017 2021 following a period of community consultation.

Summary

The draft Greater Bendigo Health and Wellbeing Plan has been available for community
comment from 16 August to 24 September 2017. Council officers have met with several
groups to discuss the draft plan and receive feedback and 19 submissions have been
received.

RECOMMENDATION

That Council adopt the final Greater Bendigo Health and Wellbeing Plan 2017 2021.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Policy Context

Community Plan Reference:

City of Greater Bendigo Community Plan 2017-2021:


Goal 2: Wellbeing and fairness
Objective 2.1 Create a much healthier Greater Bendigo

The development and implementation of the Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan
is a key action of the Community Plan for 2017 2018.

PAGE 95
Wellbeing and Fairness - Reports Ordinary Meeting - 18 October 2017

Background Information

The Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008 (the Act) mandates that Local Governments
across Victoria must prepare a Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan (Plan) every
four years. The next plan for the City of Greater Bendigo is due by October 2017.

The Act (Section 26) mandates that the Plan must:

Include an examination of data about health status and health determinants in the
municipal district
Identify the goals and strategies based on evidence for creating a local community
in which people can achieve maximum health
Provide for involvement of people in the development, implementation and
evaluation of the public health plan
Specify how Council will work in partnership with the Department of Human
Services (now the Department of Health and Human Services DHHS) and other
agencies undertaking public health initiatives, projects and programs to achieve
the goals identified.

In May 2017 the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services released guidance
for local government that requires councils to report on the measures they propose to
take to reduce family violence and respond to the needs of victim in preparing their
municipal public health and wellbeing plans.

In addition to the requirements of the Act, the Victorian Climate Change Act 2011
requires that the Plan also consider the impact of climate change, both short and long
term, when making decisions about health and wellbeing priorities.

Council officers worked with community partners to develop a new Municipal Public
Health and Wellbeing Plan for Greater Bendigo. Development of the plan has included:

Review of local demographic, socio-economic and health and wellbeing data


Analysis of Federal, State, regional and local policy
Community and stakeholder consultation

An External Project Reference Group and cross directorate internal working group led
the development of the plan in consultation with representatives from the Victorian
Department of Health and Human Services.

The plan utilises the Victorian Public Health and Wellbeing Outcomes Framework to
ensure alignment with the Victorian Public Health and Wellbeing Plan and existing
evaluation measures.

PAGE 96
Wellbeing and Fairness - Reports Ordinary Meeting - 18 October 2017

Report

The draft Plan was available for community comment from the 16 August 2017 until 24
September 2017. A media release, social media and radio advertising were used to
promote and invite feedback on the draft Plan.

Council officers emailed an invitation to provide comment on the draft plan to all
workshop attendees as well as others identified as having an interest in health and
wellbeing. Attendance at regular meetings of a number of groups such as the
Sustainability and Environment Advisory group, the Farmers Advisory Group, the
Shamrock Cluster of Neighbourhood Houses, Bendigo Loddon Primary Care
Partnership, Bendigo Community health, as well as meetings with staff have all provided
feedback and comments to strengthen the plan.

Key points raised at the meetings where:


The need to include the LGBTIQ community in promote inclusive communities
Remove problem from gambling
The need for an Action Plan
The need for alignment with Human Rights Charter
The need for Indicators/measures

Nineteen individuals or representatives of groups lodged a submission. A summary of


these and the recommended responses is included in Attachment 1.

Other recommended changes include:


Delete Promote Lifelong Learning and add Promote Education Attainment and
Support Positive Ageing
Inclusion of Digital Literacy
Reword dot points under Promote Inclusive Communities and Reduce Socio-
economic disadvantage
Add action words to some objectives.
Expand some of the points in the framework for action All Ages to Children and
Youth and Older people.
The Indicators/measures have been reviewed and now align with the objectives and
priorities.
Due to budgets and timing the first Year Action Plan has been prepared and aligns
with the Community Plan.

Many of these suggestions have been incorporated into the final Plan (Attachment 2) and
Action Plan (Attachment 3).

Consultation/Communication

The final Greater Bendigo Health and Wellbeing Communication and Engagement
Report provides full details of engagement for this plan (Attachment 4).

PAGE 97
Wellbeing and Fairness - Reports Ordinary Meeting - 18 October 2017

Resource Implications

The Greater Bendigo Health and Wellbeing Plan 2017 2021 has been developed within
existing operating budgets.

Attachments

1. Submissions to the Greater Bendigo Health and Wellbeing Plan


2. Greater Bendigo Health and Wellbeing Plan October 2017
3. 2017-2018 Action Plan
4. Final Greater Bendigo Health and Wellbeing Plan Community Engagement Report

PAGE 98
Strengthening the Economy / Environmental Sustainability
Embracing Our Culture and Heritage - Reports Ordinary Meeting - 18 October 2017

5. STRENGTHENING THE ECONOMY

Nil.

6. ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY

Nil.

7. EMBRACING OUR CULTURE AND HERITAGE

Nil.

PAGE 99
Lead and Govern for All - Reports Ordinary Meeting - 18 October 2017

8. LEAD AND GOVERN FOR ALL

8.1 AUDIT COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSON'S REPORT 2016 2017

Document Information

Responsible Kerryn Ellis, Director Corporate Performance


Director

Summary/Purpose

To present the Audit Committee Chairperson's 2016/17 Annual Report to Council, as per
the Audit Charter.

RECOMMENDATION

That Council acknowledge the work of the Audit Committee.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Policy Context

Community Plan Reference:


City of Greater Bendigo Community Plan 2017-2021
Goal 1 Lead and govern for all
Objective: 1.2 Be innovative and financially responsible

Report

The membership of the Audit Committee for 2016/17 comprised: Ken Belfrage (Chair),
independent members Graham Bastian, Kate Scarce (completed October 2016) and
Warren Pollock (commenced October 2016) and Crs ORourke and Flack and former
Councillors Lyons and Campbell (October 2016).

Clause 12 of the Audit Committee Charter requires that the Chairperson shall report to
Council a summary of the activities and achievements of the Committee during the
financial year.

The Audit Committee Chairperson will present the attached report to the Councillor
Briefing on 2 October, 2017.

Attachments

1. Audit Committee Chairpersons Annual Report

PAGE 100
Lead and Govern for All - Reports Ordinary Meeting - 18 October 2017

Attachment 1
Annual Report from the Audit Committee Chairperson
The Audit Committee is a formally appointed Advisory Committee of Council and is responsible
to that body. The Committee's role is to report to Council and provide appropriate advice and
recommendations relevant to its charter in order to facilitate decision making by Council. The
Audit Committee plays a key role in assisting Council to fulfil its governance and overseeing
responsibilities in relation to financial reporting, internal control, the risk management system,
ethical accountability and the internal audit function.

The main objectives of the Audit Committee are to assist the Councillors, Management and Staff
by providing independent appraisals of:
internal control systems;
the arrangements in place to safeguard assets and resources;
compliance with legislative requirements and Council's policies and procedures;
the integrity of information;
organisational effectiveness in terms of program efficiency and economy against the
Council Plan;
the effectiveness of the internal and external audit functions and the communication
between the external auditor, internal audit, management and the Council; and
to provide timely advice to Council on any matters which may be referred to it by
Council.

The Audit Committee consists of five members, comprised as follows:


Three independent representatives
Two Councillors

The members of the committee in 2016/17 were: Ken Belfrage (Chair), independent members
Graham Bastian, Kate Scarce (completed October 2016) and Warren Pollock (commenced
October 2016) together with Crs ORourke and Flack and former Councillors Lyons and Campbell
(October 2016).

The independent members serve a 3 year term on a rotating basis. The Audit Charter requires
that all reappointments following each independent members second term must be publicly
advertised. Kate Scarce completed her second term on 1 October 2016 and chose not to seek
reappointment. Nominations for this position were advertised and Council appointed Mr Warren
Pollock to this position at their meeting of 21 September 2016.

During the past 12 months, the Audit Committee held 4 meetings. The key focus of the
Committee is to oversee the conduct of External Audit and Internal Audit, recommend the
approval of the Annual Financial Statements to Council, and review the management of risks for
Council. The Audit Committee also reviewed the relevant local government and sector wide
VAGO reports for applicability to City of Greater Bendigo.

During the year under review, Internal Audit services were provided by Crowe Horwath in the
second of a three year contract. The program is not limited to financial matters but extends to
organisational performance, efficiency and effectiveness.

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Lead and Govern for All - Reports Ordinary Meeting - 18 October 2017

The Internal Audit program undertaken by Crowe Horwath in 2016/17 included the following:
Strategic Audit Plan
Corporate Governance and Councillor Expenses
Tree Management
Depot Operations
Contaminated Land

The recommendations made by the Internal Auditors, and adopted by the Committee, are then
transferred to management for implementation. An annual review is undertaken to assess
which recommendations have been completed.

At 30 June 2017 there were 1 high risk and 11 medium risk items outstanding from the audit
recommendations. The outstanding high risk actions are:
Develop and implement a financial hardship policy.

Officers are monitoring these items and including actions in their work programs, when budget
and staffing allocations enable completion. EMT now also review the status of these
outstanding items on a quarterly basis.

Key improvements/changes made in response to recommendations made by the auditors in the


2016/17 program include:
Reviewed and improved policies for IT security and use, and mobile device use.
Improved cash handling processes and procedures
Endorsement by Council of a new Tree Policy
Approval of a new Delegations Policy and processes

A function of the Audit Committee includes oversight of the External Audit activity. During the
year the Committee is provided with the Audit Plan together with the Interim Audit
Management Letter. At year end the Committee meets with the External Auditor to review the
Annual Financial Statements, the Closing Audit Report and the Final Management Letter.

I am pleased to report that the Committee has met its objectives during the past year.

Ken Belfrage
Chair

PAGE 102
Lead and Govern for All - Reports Ordinary Meeting - 18 October 2017

8.2 BENDIGO STADIUM LIMITED ANNUAL REPORT 2016/2017

Document Information

Authors Nathan ONeill, CEO, Bendigo Stadium Limited


Nathan Morsillo, Manager Financial Strategy

Responsible Kerryn Ellis, Director Corporate Performance


Director

Summary/Purpose

To provide an overview of the Bendigo Stadium Limited (BSL) performance for the year
ended 30 June 2017.

RECOMMENDATION

That the Greater Bendigo City Council acknowledge the performance of the Bendigo
Stadium Limited for the year ended 30 June 2017.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Policy Context

Community Plan Reference:


City of Greater Bendigo Community Plan 2017-2021:
Goal 1 Lead and Govern for All
Objective 1.3 Be innovative and financially responsible
Strategy 1.3.2 Ensure value for investment on behalf of the community

Background Information

The Bendigo Stadium is a major asset of the City of Greater Bendigo, hosting weekly
community sporting programs along with major sporting and entertainment events. The
facilities include seven indoor sports courts, licensed club and associated administration
facilities. It is recognised as one of the most progressive sporting venues in regional
Australia. The Bendigo Stadium attracts over 10,000 patrons each week, through
operating as a sports venue for domestic volleyball and basketball competitions as well
as being a licensed club venue with 8,000 members.

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Lead and Govern for All - Reports Ordinary Meeting - 18 October 2017

The BSL group operates the Bendigo Stadium, the Borough Club, The Wellington and St
Arnaud Sports Club, with over 150 employees. There are currently 40 electronic gaming
machines at the Borough Club, 105 at the Bendigo Stadium, whilst the St Arnaud Sports
Club operates 35 gaming machines.

Council has provided bank loan guarantees totalling $13,819,898 on behalf of the BSL
over a number of years. The outstanding loan liability at 30 June 2017 was $12,205,986.
There is a Deed of Agreement in place between Council and BSL which enables
financial oversight and provides for one CoGB representative on the BSL Board,
currently Cr Williams, as well as representation on the BSL Finance Committee by the
Director Corporate Performance and the Manager Financial Strategy.

Report

Domestic Basketball
Basketball continues to grow. The Winter competition grew by 5.7% and the Summer
competition was consistent with the previous year. The 807 teams equates to 5549
athletes participating.
Summer Winter Total Summer Winter Total
2015/16 2016 FY16 2016/17 2017 FY17
Teams 424 364 788 422 385 807

FY17 Community Donations


BSL donated a total of $344,950 to the community in 2016/2017.

Major Cash Donations $


Bendigo Umpires Association (AFL) $1,000
Emu Valley Cricket Association $1,000
The Big Give Community Foundation $25,000
Bendigo Volleyball Assoc. Phantoms State League Team $25,000
Empowering Eaglehawk Eaglehawk Regional Play Space $15,000
Maiden Gully Junior Football Club $800
Bendigo Spirit $60,000
Community Foundation $15,000
Basketball Junior Squad and Disability Program $1,500
Marist College COGB Community Projects $50,000
Ladies Day out $150
Cash Donations to 200+ Bendigo Sporting Clubs & Charities $120,500
Total Cash Donations $314,950
Donations of food & beverage vouchers to Community Groups $10,000
Provision of facilities at no charge for Community Groups $20,000
Total Donations to Charities and Community Groups $344,950

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Lead and Govern for All - Reports Ordinary Meeting - 18 October 2017

2016/2017 Major Events


Several of the major events held during 2016/17 were as follows:

Date Event Est.


attendees
Jul 2016 Parkway Drive Music Concert 1000
Jul 2016 Hindsight Club High Tea 350
Aug 2016 Vic Police Farm Security Expo 500
Aug 2016 Circus Quirkus 300
Aug 2016 National Taekwondo Championships 2500
Sep 2016 National Gymnastics Championships 4000
Oct 2016 Dragon City Volleyball 1000
Nov 2016 Basketball Vic Country U14 Qualifier 300
Nov 2016 World Festival of Magic 300
Dec 2016 Girton Grammar Speech Night 2000
Dec 2016 Kids Christmas Concert 550
Jan 2017 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament 250
Jan 2017 Basketball Junior Classic 6000
Feb 2017 U20s National Basketball Championships 700
Mar 2017 Basketball Vic Country U16/18 Championships 2200
Apr 2017 Basketball Vic Country U12 Championships 3200
Apr 2017 National Square Dance Convention 700
Season Phantoms State League Volleyball Games 1000
Season Bendigo Braves Home and Away Games 6000
Season Bendigo Spirit Home Games 4000
35,850

Financial Performance for the year ended 30 June 2017

BSL Financial Performance


2014 2015 2016 2017
Expenditure $ $ $ $
Employee Benefits (e.g. wages) 3,418,593 3,635,760 3,812,201 3,961,930
Cost of Goods sold 1,000,981 1,091,755 1,167,046 1,091,158
Administration 1,139,382 1,183,897 916,847 954,296
Donations & Sponsorships 0 192,191 483,527 471,083
Advertising and Promotion 218,703 369,355 383,621 427,364
Depreciation 1,512,313 1,731,045 1,435,774 1,260,142
Repairs & Maintenance 178,527 208,721 168,636 200,398

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Lead and Govern for All - Reports Ordinary Meeting - 18 October 2017

Borrowing Costs 179,582 159,201 112,002 115,770


Other Expenses 1,475,392 947,448 1,038,991 1,261,520
Sub Total $9,123,473 9,519,373 9,518,645 9,743,661

2014 2015 2016 2017


Income
Gaming Income 6,777,372 6,618,339 6,644,039 6,302,587
Kiosk, Bistro and Bar sales 2,605,251 2,857,658 3,016,057 2,871,647
Sporting Fees 763,154 809,644 743,189 791,994
Sponsorship 320,356 324,797 324,797 150,222
Events Income 234,758 190,430 185,428 141,454
Training Income 87,600 88,059 89,812 90,029
Interest Income 73,085 99,270 94,091 46,907
Other Income 263,197 353,339 465,154 414,818
Sub Total $11,124,773 11,341,536 11,454,352 10,809,658

Net Result $2,001,300 $1,822,163 $1,935,707 $1,065,997

City of Greater Bendigo financial contribution to the BSL operations


2014 2015 2016 2017
Expenditure $ $ $ $
Depreciation 223,680 223,680 228,758 228,758
Maintenance 18,847 16,471 11,159 9,180
Sub Total $242,527 $240,151 $239,917 $237,938

Income
Rent 1,106 1,000 257 Nil
Sub Total $1,106 $1,000 $257 $Nil

Net Cost to CoGB $241,421 $239,151 $238,894 $237,938


Net Cash Contribution by $ 17,741 $ 15,471 $ 10,902 $ 9,180
CoGB

Future Look
The Bendigo Stadium is embarking on a historic moment, with a $22 million expansion
set to open in March 2018. This includes three new basketball courts with seating up to
an impressive 4,000 spectators for the show court. With 16 metre ceilings and FIBA
approved timber floors, it has the capacity to alternate into a concert or conference
configuration. The new development will include a VIP mezzanine (holding 240 patrons),
new ground floor offices, licensed caf bar, two large scoreboards, jumbotron, and a
retail store. The new development will secure top line sports and entertainment events
for the Bendigo community, and more importantly to Central Victoria.

In collaboration with the CoGB, Otium Planning Group have been engaged to partake in
creating the next phase of the Master Plan. This 10 year plan incorporates a high
performance centre, gymnasium, new restaurant, and up to three new basketball courts.
The BSL group have an ambition to provide the community with state of the art indoor
and outdoor sporting facilities that enhance Bendigos other key landmarks to
accommodate future population growth.

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Lead and Govern for All - Reports Ordinary Meeting - 18 October 2017

The BSL group has repositioned its Vision to Delivering World Class Experiences. This
best in class facility will provide the community with grassroots sporting opportunities and
premium entertainment experiences, which will endeavour to inspire future athletes,
attract major events, and deliver outstanding customer experiences every time. The BSL
groups new goals that have been recreated in 2017/2018 will strengthen their core focus
on what they would like to be renowned for. Through this, the BSL group will improve the
community awareness of what they do, why they do it, and how they contribute to the
wider community.

The new 2017/2018 Goals are -


Enhance community liveability
We actively pursue world class sport and entertainment events to deliver an inspiring
calendar of events for the community

Promote active & healthy lifestyles


We develop sporting programs that are accessible to everybody.
Our athletes are ambassadors in the community

Positive economic contribution


We invest in community sport, local charities and improved infrastructure. Our
commercial success facilitates junior sport development

Provide pathways to performance


We want every user to achieve their dream, from grassroots to elite we provide the
facilities and environment for every user to reach their full potential.

PAGE 107
Lead and Govern for All - Reports Ordinary Meeting - 18 October 2017

8.3 RECORD OF ASSEMBLIES

Document Information

Author Jessica Clarke-Hong, Manager Governance

Responsible Kerryn Ellis, Director Corporate Performance


Director

Purpose

The purpose of this report is to provide the record of any assembly of Councillors, which
has been held since the last Council Meeting, so that it can be recorded in the Minutes of
the formal Council Meeting.

RECOMMENDATION

That Council endorse the record of assemblies of Councillors as outlined in this report.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Policy Context

Community Plan Reference:

City of Greater Bendigo Community Plan 2017-2021:


Goal 1 Effective community engagement will guide well informed,
responsive decision-making and financially responsible resource
allocations, which are transparent and accountable.

Background Information

A meeting will be an assembly of Councillors if it considers matters that are likely to be


the subject of a Council decision, or, the exercise of a Council delegation and the
meeting is:

1. A planned or scheduled meeting that includes at least half the Councillors (5) and a
member of Council staff; or
2. an advisory committee of the Council where one or more Councillors are present.

The requirement for reporting provides increased transparency and the opportunity for
Councillors to check the record, particularly the declarations of conflict of interest.

PAGE 108
Lead and Govern for All - Reports Ordinary Meeting - 18 October 2017

Report

Meeting Information
Meeting Councillors' Briefing
Name/Type
Meeting Date 28 August 2017
Matters discussed 1. Planning Induction: ResCode and Unit/Townhouse
developments
2. Workshop on Gaming Policy
3. Visit by MAV President, Cr Mary Lalios
4. Council representation on various organisations
5. Bendigo Club

Attendees/Apologies
Councillors Cr Margaret O'Rourke
Cr Rod Fyffe
Cr Andrea Metcalf
Cr Jennifer Alden
Cr Julie Hoskin
Cr Matt Emond
Cr Yvonne Wrigglesworth
Cr James Williams
Apology:
Cr George Flack
Staff/ Mr Craig Niemann
Community Mr Bernie O'Sullivan
Representatives Mr Craig Lloyd
Ms Kerryn Ellis
Ms Vicky Mason
Ms Jessica Clarke-Hong
Mr Peter Hargreaves

Conflict of Interest disclosures


Matter Councillor/officer making disclosure Councillor/officer left
No. meeting
1. Cr O'Rourke Yes
2. Cr Williams Yes

PAGE 109
Lead and Govern for All - Reports Ordinary Meeting - 18 October 2017

Meeting Information
Meeting Bendigo Heritage Advisory Committee
Name/Type
Meeting Date 31 August 2017
Matters discussed 1. Terms of Reference
2. McClure Memorial Proposal - Rosalind Park
3. World Heritage Listing update

Attendees/Apologies
Councillors Cr Matt Emond
Staff/ Mr Trevor Budge
Community Ms Emma Bryant
Representatives Dr Dannielle Orr/
Ms Helen Ashby
Mr Laurie Brown
Ms Elaine Doling
Ms Kay MacGregor
Dr Di Smith
Mr Rod Spitty
Mr Calum Walker
Mr Darren Wright
Apologies:
Mr Andrew Cockerall
Ms Megan McDougall
Ms Trudy Richard/
Mr David Bannear
Mr Jordan Grenfell

Conflict of Interest disclosures


Matter Councillor/officer making disclosure Councillor/officer left
No. meeting
Nil

PAGE 110
Lead and Govern for All - Reports Ordinary Meeting - 18 October 2017

Meeting Information
Meeting Councillors' Briefing
Name/Type
Meeting Date 4 September 2017
Matters discussed 1. Regional Floodplain Management Strategy
2. Artlands Project
3. Bendigo Mountain Bike Club
4. Bendigo Heritage Attractions
5. Section 89 Confidential Report

Attendees/Apologies
Councillors Cr Margaret O'Rourke
Cr Rod Fyffe
Cr Andrea Metcalf
Cr Jennifer Alden
Cr Julie Hoskin
Cr Matt Emond
Cr Yvonne Wrigglesworth
Cr James Williams
Cr George Flack
Staff/ Mr Craig Niemann
Community Mr Bernie O'Sullivan
Representatives Mr Craig Lloyd
Ms Kerryn Ellis\
Ms Vicky Mason
Ms Jessica Clarke-Hong
Mr Peter Hargreaves

Conflict of Interest disclosures


Matter Councillor/officer making disclosure Councillor/officer left
No. meeting
Nil

PAGE 111
Lead and Govern for All - Reports Ordinary Meeting - 18 October 2017

Meeting Information
Meeting Councillors' Briefing
Name/Type
Meeting Date 11 September 2017
Matters discussed 1. Planning matters and draft Ordinary Agenda review
2. Finance Committee Meeting
3. Organisation Health Check
4. Community Plan Review
5. Environment Strategy Action Plan
6. Creative Industries Strategy
7. Arena Theatre Company
8. Home Support and NDIS
9. Bendigo Education Plan
10. Central Goldfields Library
11. Marriage Equality

Attendees/Apologies
Councillors Cr Rod Fyffe
Cr Andrea Metcalf
Cr Jennifer Alden
Cr Julie Hoskin
Cr Matt Emond
Cr Yvonne Wrigglesworth
Cr James Williams
Apologies:
Cr Margaret O'Rourke
Cr George Flack
Staff/ Mr Craig Niemann
Community Mr Bernie O'Sullivan
Representatives Ms Debbie Wood
Ms Kerryn Ellis
Ms Vicky Mason
Ms Jessica Clarke-Hong
Mr Peter Hargreaves
Apology:
Mr Craig Lloyd

Conflict of Interest disclosures


Matter Councillor/officer making disclosure Councillor/officer left
No. meeting
Nil

PAGE 112
Lead and Govern for All - Reports Ordinary Meeting - 18 October 2017

Meeting Information
Meeting Consultation meeting
Name/Type
Meeting Date 14 September 2017
Matters discussed Planning application DP/80/2017
1 Averys Road, EAGLEHAWK 3556
Buildings and works for a telecommunication facility (35 metre
pole and equipment shelter in fenced compound)

Attendees/Apologies
Councillors Cr Julie Hoskin
Cr Andrea Metcalf
Staff/ Peter O'Brien
Community Applicant
Representatives Objectors

Conflict of Interest disclosures


Matter Councillor/officer making disclosure Councillor/officer left
No. meeting
Nil

PAGE 113
Lead and Govern for All - Reports Ordinary Meeting - 18 October 2017

Meeting Information
Meeting Councillors' Briefing
Name/Type
Meeting Date 18 September 2017
Matters discussed 1. Parking arrangements
2. State Election Strategy
3. Loddon Mallee Waste and Resource Recovery Group
4. Waste Services Review
5. Big Hill and Mandurang Valley Landscape Planning
Scheme Amendment C208
6. 2018-2019 Budget Process
7. Rural Community Engagement and Ward Tours
8. Naming of Kangaroo Flat Aquatic and Wellbeing Centre

Attendees/Apologies
Councillors Cr Margaret O'Rourke
Cr Jennifer Alden
Cr Matt Emond
Cr George Flack
Cr Rod Fyffe
Cr Julie Hoskin
Cr Andrea Metcalf
Cr James Williams
Cr Yvonne Wrigglesworth
Staff/ Mr Craig Niemann
Community Ms Vicky Mason
Representatives Mr Bernie O'Sullivan
Mr Craig Lloyd
Ms Kerryn Ellis
Ms Jessica Clarke-Hong
Mr Peter Hargreaves

Conflict of Interest disclosures


Matter Councillor/officer making disclosure Councillor/officer left
No. meeting
Nil

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Lead and Govern for All - Reports Ordinary Meeting - 18 October 2017

Meeting Information
Meeting Bendigo Heritage Advisory Committee
Name/Type
Meeting Date 21 September 2017
Matters discussed 1. Terms of Reference
2. Final meeting of current Heritage Advisory Committee
3. Expression of Interest for Committee Members process
4. Future Directions
5. Site updates

Attendees/Apologies
Councillors Cr Matt Emond
Staff/ Mr Andrew Cockerall
Community Dr Dannielle Orr/
Representatives Mr Laurie Brown
Ms Elaine Doling
Mr Rod Spitty
Mr Calum Walker
Mr Darren Wright
Apologies:
Ms Emma Bryant
Mr Trevor Budge
Ms Megan McDougall
Ms Trudy Rickard/
Ms Helen Ashby
Mr David Bannear
Mr Jordan Grenfell
Ms Kay MacGregor
Dr Di Smith

Conflict of Interest disclosures


Matter Councillor/officer making disclosure Councillor/officer left
No. meeting
Nil

PAGE 115
Lead and Govern for All - Reports Ordinary Meeting - 18 October 2017

8.4 CONTRACTS AWARDED UNDER DELEGATION

Document Information

Author Lee Taig, Contract Support Administrator, Governance Unit

Responsible Kerryn Ellis, Director Corporate Performance


Director

Purpose/Summary

The purpose of this report is to provide information on contracts recently awarded under
delegation.

RECOMMENDATION

That the contracts awarded under delegation, as outlined in this report, be acknowledged
by Council.

Policy Context

Delivery of programs, projects and services that respond to community needs.

Community Plan Reference:

City of Greater Bendigo Council Plan 2017-2021

Goal 1: Lead and govern for all

Objective: 1:2 Be innovative and financially responsible

PAGE 116
Lead and Govern for All - Reports Ordinary Meeting - 18 October 2017

Report

Contract Successful Value Delegated Date


Project
No Contractor (GST Exc)l Officer Signed

Service Contracts

Provision and
Maintenance
Cleaning
Electrical
Services for
Resource Schedule of 28 August
Gutters Craig Lloyd
CT000342 Providers Pty Rates 2017
(Spouting) of
Ltd
Selected
Council
Buildings
Current annual Council Budget for the goods/services contracted via this
schedule of rates is $90,000.00
Provision of 8
CT Rural Schedule of Vicky
Fire Hazard September
Services Rates Mason
CT000345 Removal 2017
Current Annual Council Budget for the good/services contracted via this
Schedule of Rates is $40,000.00

PAGE 117
Ordinary Meeting - 18 October 2017

9. URGENT BUSINESS

Nil.

10. NOTICES OF MOTION

Nil.

11. COUNCILLORS' REPORTS

12. MAYOR'S REPORT

13. CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER'S REPORT

14. CONFIDENTIAL (SECTION 89) REPORTS

14.1 Confidential Report in accordance with Section 89(2)(d) of the Local


Government Act relating to a contractual matter

RECOMMENDATION

That Council close the meeting to members of the public pursuant to Section 89(2)(e) of
the Local Government Act 1989 to consider a report relating to a contractual matter.

PAGE 118

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