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Moorabool Shire Council

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Adopt minor Governance Rules update for Mayor/Deputy Mayor election process

  • Update Councillor and Deputy Mayor allowances to Victorian Independent Remuneration Tribunal rates
  • Approve Bacchus Marsh Aerodrome drainage grant variation; execute Common Seal for +$44,601
  • Adopt Planning Scheme Amendment C101 (Browns Lane Heritage Overlay correction) and submit to Minister
  • and 2 more

6 decisions · 9 min read
Official minutes of the Moorabool Shire Council meeting on 1 February 2023

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Key Decisions & Outcomes

  • Adopt minor Governance Rules update for Mayor/Deputy Mayor election process
  • Update Councillor and Deputy Mayor allowances to Victorian Independent Remuneration Tribunal rates
  • Approve Bacchus Marsh Aerodrome drainage grant variation; execute Common Seal for +$44,601
  • Adopt Planning Scheme Amendment C101 (Browns Lane Heritage Overlay correction) and submit to Minister
  • Receive Bacchus Marsh Aerodrome Master Plan following consultation
  • Approve Ballan Library and Community Hub concept plan ($7.25m project)

Detailed Descriptions

Adopt minor Governance Rules update for Mayor/Deputy Mayor election process

  • Context: Council undertook an administrative review of its Governance Rules ahead of the 2022 Statutory Meeting, identifying a cross-reference error affecting the Mayor/Deputy Mayor election process where three or more Councillors nominate.
  • Details:
    • Meeting date: Wednesday, 1 February 2023
    • Item: 11.1 Governance Rules Update
    • Change: Update to Part 4 – Election of Mayor and Deputy Mayor to correct the cross-reference to 4.1.4(a) and the associated Appendix.
    • Resolution: Council adopted the minor change relating to the election of Mayor/Deputy Mayor (Moved Cr Tonia Dudzik, Seconded Cr Moira Berry; CARRIED).
  • Impact: Reduces ambiguity and ensures the election process for Mayor/Deputy Mayor nominations and voting mechanics is accurate for future Council meetings.
  • Next steps: The updated Governance Rules (February 2023 update) take effect for future Mayor/Deputy Mayor election procedures.

Update Councillor and Deputy Mayor allowances to Victorian Independent Remuneration Tribunal rates

  • Context: Council reviewed Councillor allowances to align with the Victorian Independent Remuneration Tribunal determination effective 18 December 2022, including the Deputy Mayor allowance for Moorabool Shire.
  • Details:
    • Meeting date: Wednesday, 1 February 2023
    • Item: 11.2 Councillor Allowances
    • Tribunal effective date: 18 December 2022
    • Allowance rates (including 10% superannuation):
      • Mayor: $100,637 pa
      • Deputy Mayor: $50,319 pa
      • Councillors: $31,353 pa
    • Period stated in resolution: until 17 December 2023
    • Resolution:
      • Council received the report noting the above allowances (effective 18 Dec 2022 to 17 Dec 2023).
      • Council updated allowances from the date of the first determination to align with the Tribunal.
    • Moved Cr David Edwards, Seconded Cr Tom Sullivan; CARRIED.
  • Impact: Ensures elected officials’ remuneration is compliant with the statewide Tribunal determination, supporting transparent and consistent allowance settings.
  • Next steps: Allowance payments continue on the monthly schedule in line with the Tribunal determination, with payments made monthly in advance between 18 December and 17 December annually.

Approve Bacchus Marsh Aerodrome drainage grant variation; execute Common Seal for +$44,601

  • Context: Council previously received grant funding for drainage repairs at Bacchus Marsh Aerodrome under the Regional Airports Program Round 2, and sought approval to vary the agreement due to increased project costs.
  • Details:
    • Meeting date: Wednesday, 1 February 2023
    • Item: 11.3 Grant Agreement Regional Airports Program Round 2 (RAPII0000107) – Bacchus Marsh Aerodrome Drainage Repair and Upgrade – Variation Agreement
    • Variation amount: additional $44,601 in Federal funding
    • New grant total: $279,076
    • Total project expenditure stated: $303,118
    • Previous Council contribution included: $24,042
    • Grant variation approved by: Hon Ed Husic MP, Minister for Industry and Science
    • Resolution: Council approved the Variation Contract (RAPII000107) and executed the Common Seal on two printed copies of the attached variation contract.
    • Moved Cr David Edwards, Seconded Cr Tonia Dudzik; CARRIED.
  • Impact: Enables completion of drainage works that improve aerodrome safety by reducing water pooling around hangars and strengthening access for aerodrome users.
  • Next steps: Officers arrange execution of the Common Seal and return/submit the sealed variation contract to the grant administrator to formalise the increased funding.

Adopt Planning Scheme Amendment C101 (Browns Lane Heritage Overlay correction) and submit to Minister

  • Context: Amendment C101moor was prepared to correct an error in the application of the Heritage Overlay (HO194) in the Moorabool Planning Scheme affecting two properties at Browns Lane, Parwan.
  • Details:
    • Meeting date: Wednesday, 1 February 2023
    • Item: 12.1 Amendment C101 – Browns Lane Adoption
    • Purpose of amendment:
      • Removes HO194 incorrectly applied to 75 Browns Lane, Parwan
      • Applies HO194 to 81 Browns Lane, Parwan
      • Introduces a new Statement of Significance for HO194
      • Makes consequential changes to Clause 43.01 (Heritage Overlay) to comply with Ministerial Direction requirements
    • Authorisation date: 18 February 2022
    • Exhibition period: 27 October to 27 November 2022
    • Submissions: no opposing submissions received (one supportive submission from the landowner of 75 Browns Lane, Parwan)
    • Resolution:
      1. Council considered submissions (Attachment 1)
      2. Council adopted Amendment C101moor (Attachment 2) under Section 29(1) of the Planning and Environment Act 1987
      3. Council authorised submission to the Minister for Planning for approval under Section 31(1)
      4. Authorised minor changes that do not impact the intent
    • Moved Cr Paul Tatchell, Seconded Cr David Edwards; CARRIED.
  • Impact: Corrects heritage protections to ensure a locally significant heritage place is properly recognised and conserved, while improving scheme accuracy and administrability.
  • Next steps: Officers submit the adopted amendment package to the Minister for Planning for approval; if approved, the amendment is expected to be gazetted.

Receive Bacchus Marsh Aerodrome Master Plan following consultation

  • Context: Council worked with Bacchus Marsh Aerodrome Management Inc. (BMAM) to develop a new Bacchus Marsh Aerodrome Master Plan, following extensive stakeholder and community consultation.
  • Details:
    • Meeting date: Wednesday, 1 February 2023
    • Item: 12.2 Bacchus Marsh Aerodrome Master Plan
    • Location: Aerodrome is approximately 6km south of Bacchus Marsh township within the Parwan Employment Precinct (PEP)
    • Consultation outcomes:
      • Total responses received: 150 (across consultation stages)
      • Final public consultation period: 30 May to 27 June 2022
      • Support: 10 of 15 respondents supported the Master Plan in its current form
      • Not supported: 5 of 15 respondents raised concerns (e.g., perceived impacts on surrounding land development, Council resource use, and desire for clearer implementation/business planning detail)
      • Amendments were made to address concerns by clarifying purpose and how subsequent work (BMAM business planning and VPA-related work) would address issues.
    • Resolution:
      • Council noted the consultation outcome (Attachment 1)
      • Council received the Final Bacchus Marsh Aerodrome Master Plan
    • Moved Cr Tonia Dudzik, Seconded Cr David Edwards; CARRIED.
  • Impact: Provides a strategic, community-informed direction for aerodrome land use and facility development over the planning period, supporting long-term sustainability and coordinated implementation.
  • Next steps: BMAM retains responsibility for implementing the Master Plan, working with Council and the Victorian Planning Authority (VPA) to progress relevant actions.

Approve Ballan Library and Community Hub concept plan ($7.25m project)

  • Context: Council progressed the design for a major community facility in Ballan after two phases of community engagement to capture operational needs and local aspirations.
  • Details:
    • Meeting date: Wednesday, 1 February 2023
    • Item: 13.3 Ballan Library and Community Hub Concept Plan
    • Project cost: $7.25 million
    • Grant funding: $5.0 million from the State Government
    • Engagement and design development:
      • Phase 1 engagement: September 2021 (Have Your Say online survey; 88 responses)
      • Phase 2 engagement: May to August 2022 (Have Your Say survey; 62 responses, plus community cafés and targeted engagement)
      • Architect appointed: Croxon Ramsay
    • Resolution: Council approved the Ballan Library and Community Hub Concept Plan
    • Moved Cr Paul Tatchell, Seconded Cr Ally Munari; CARRIED.
    • Project timeframe (as stated): construction expected to commence mid-2023, completion mid to late 2024 (subject to detailed design/procurement).
  • Impact: Advances delivery of a modern library and community hub that reflects local feedback, supports community gathering and services, and provides improved spaces for children, teens, study, events, and maternal/child health needs.
  • Next steps: Following concept approval, detailed designs are refined and finalised for development/construction documentation, with community updates via Council’s website, social media, and onsite signage.

Community Impact

  • Ballan, Mount Wallace & Fiskville residents: Council will prepare a report on extending rubbish pick-up services to properties currently requiring residents to buy tip vouchers and transport rubbish themselves
  • Parwan residents (75 & 81 Browns Lane): Heritage Overlay (HO194) will be corrected—removed from 75 Browns Lane and applied to 81 Browns Lane—changing planning permit requirements and heritage protections for those properties
  • Bacchus Marsh Aerodrome users/nearby residents: Additional federal funding ($44,601) will fund aerodrome drainage repair and upgrades to reduce water pooling around hangars and improve safety/access during wet weather
  • Bacchus Marsh Aerodrome area & Parwan Employment Precinct (PEP) stakeholders: Council will receive the Aerodrome Master Plan, guiding future aerodrome land use, infrastructure priorities, and coordination with VPA/other planning work over the long term
  • Ballan residents & surrounding community: Concept approval for a $7.25m Ballan Library and Community Hub (construction expected mid-2023 to mid/late-2024) will deliver expanded library, children’s/teen spaces, maternal & child health space, and community meeting/event areas
  • Moorabool ratepayers (2023/24): Council will not seek a rate cap variation, keeping rates constrained to the 3.50% cap and potentially limiting the ability to increase funding for services/infrastructure beyond the cap

Other Notable Items

  • Residents petitioned to extend rubbish pick-up services to Ballan, Mount Wallace, and Fiskville.
  • Public question raised about statutory planning permit decision timeframes and emergency reconstruction exemptions.
  • Bacchus Marsh Aerodrome Master Plan consultation: 5/15 respondents concerned about development impacts and council resources.
  • Ballan Library & Community Hub concept plan progressed; $7.25m project with extensive community engagement feedback.
  • Notice of Motion: investigate sediment entering Werribee River from stormwater pipes near 270 Werribee Vale Road.

Tech & Innovation Notes

  • Meeting livestreamed (online recording/streaming of Council proceedings).
  • Use of Council “Have Your Say” online platform for community engagement (surveys and publication of engagement summaries).
  • Online community consultation tools referenced for the Ballan Library & Community Hub concept plan (Have Your Say website, online surveys, social media).
  • Online engagement/consultation for Bacchus Marsh Aerodrome Master Plan (online survey; “Have Your Say Moorabool webpage”; online workshops/meetings).
  • Use of Microsoft Teams for stakeholder communications (BMAM aerodrome grant works updates via Teams video conferences and emails).
  • Planning/heritage scheme administration with public advertising via online channels (Council website and Victorian Government Gazette mentioned for amendment consultation/availability).
  • “Online” meeting location noted for the Council meeting (Council Chambers and Online).