September Council Meeting news bites

Published on 23 September 2020

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The Northern Grampians Shire Council held an unscheduled council meeting on Monday, 21 September 2020 via Zoom at 12:30pm and resolved to accept the following recommendations. This was the final council meeting of the current council term. 

Arts and Culture Engagement Policy
Council reviewed the community feedback on the draft Arts and Culture Policy 2020 and the draft Arts and Culture Strategy 2020-24 and agreed to consider the feedback during the development of the new policy and strategy later this year. The new policy and strategy will enable the arts and culture community to understand the role that council can play in supporting the sector. It is expected the next four years will provide opportunities for the arts and culture community to be engaged in a council partnership process that continues to celebrate and grow arts and culture success in the region.

Waste Strategy
Council adopted a Waste Management Strategy which will provide direction for the next ten years based on Recycling Victoria reform. There are four main objectives in the strategy which are improving resource recovery, community-focused waste management systems, adaptive infrastructure and operations and sustainable strategic planning. New waste goals have been set to divert 50 percent of food organic and garden organic (FOGO) waste from landfill, reduce per person waste, reduce transfer station general waste and increase recyclables by 20 percent. Council also agreed to introduce a free trial for green waste only over a two week period as soon as practicable.

Annual Report 2019-20
Council approved in principle the financial statements for the year ending 2020 and the performance statement for 2019-20. Councillors Erwin and Hyslop were authorised to certify the 2019-20 statements in accordance with the requirements of the Local Government Act 1989.

Extension of COVID-19 Financial Support and Hardship Policy
Council has decided to amend the current COVID-19 Financial Support and Hardship Policy by extending the waiver of penalty rates interest from 30 September 2020 to 30 June 2021. The current policy only deferred interest on rates and charges from the declaration of the State of Emergency in March until 30 September 2020. Amending the policy to 30 June 2021, would also result in the deferral of rates and charge payments in cases of financial hardship.
The policy is in response to financial hardship experienced by ratepayers, local business and the community due to the ongoing impacts of COVID-19. Implementation of the policy is not intended to replace financial support initiatives by other levels of government.
 
Rural Council Transformation Program Withdrawal
Council has withdrawn from the Rural Council Transformation Program after advice from Central Highlands Regional Shared Services that the program is no longer viable for Northern Grampians Shire Council and should be discontinued. It has been determined the funding was insufficient to sustain the program. Participating councils will progress to the sharing of services across the region instead.
 
Lord Nelson Park Multipurpose Sporting Facility Development
Council announced on Monday 21 September that MKM Constructions have been awarded the tender for the development of Lord Nelson Park Multipurpose Sporting Facility. Further information on this announcement can be found here
 
The complete council meeting agenda and minutes are available for public viewing at www.ngshire.vic.gov.au/minutes-agendas

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