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Baw Baw Shire Council meeting snapshot - 27 October 2021

To keep our community up to date with key council decisions, outcomes and plans; here is a snapshot summary from council's Wednesday 27 October meeting.

By news@gippsland - 27th October 2021 - Back to News

Rapid population growth increases the demand for residential land, community services and infrastructure. A predominantly rural shire, the rate at which growth is presently occurring is unsustainable in the medium-to-long term. With a growing population and thriving economy, Baw Baw Shire provides a unique village lifestyle with strong communities, cultural groups, and access to quality infrastructure and services.

Baw Baw Shire Council is increasing its transparency and community engagement by holding open community briefings that will help them create a more liveable community for the shire

Baw Baw Shire Municipal Health and Wellbeing Plan

Council noted the submissions to the draft Baw Baw Shire Municipal Public Health & Wellbeing Plan 2021-2025

• Moved to adopt the Baw Baw Shire Municipal Public Health & Wellbeing Plan 2021-2025.
  Council will write to the Department of Health and to all submitters to advise them of Council's decision
• Planning Scheme Amendment C142 - The Gables Heritage Overlay - Post Panel Report Council, having considered the Panel report in respect of Amendment C142bawb, have adopted Amendment C142bawb
• The adopted Amendment C142bawb documentation, together with the prescribed information will be submitted to the Minister for Planning for approval

Council will write to the submitters to Amendment C142bawb to advise them of Council's decision.

Kindergarten on School Site Opportunity - Drouin West

Council moved to:

• Agree to a co-contribution for the fit-out and any additional car park works associated with the new kindergarten at Drouin West Primary School
• Allocate $300,000 in the 2022/2023 budget towards this project
• Authorise the Chief Executive Officer to execute a lease with the Minister of Education for the ongoing operation of the kindergarten

Baw Baw Shire Council's 2021/22 Community Development Grant Program - Application Assessment

Council moved an amended recommendation to consider the 2021/22 Community Development Grant recommendations, and authorise officers with sufficient financial delegation to execute Funding Agreements to the applicants recommended for approval.

Baw Baw Shire Council Advocacy Priorities 2022-2025

Council moved to:

• Endorse Tier 1 & 2 Advocacy Projects as per report
• Approve the inclusion of the Advocacy Strategy to be included in the draft Baw Baw Shire Economic Development and Visitor Economy Strategy 2022-2025
  Continue to advocate on behalf of the community for other much-needed services and infrastructure, including a new West Gippsland Hospital, more schools and improved connectivity and electricity services;
• Support the delivery of the proposed Advocacy Strategy until endorsement of the Baw Baw Shire Economic Development and Visitor Economy Strategy 2022-25

Providing a further briefing to Council on the resourcing options are required to achieve this Advocacy Strategy.

Petition Response, Pedestrian Refuge at Normanby Street, Warragul

Council endorsed the nomination of a project involving the installation of a pedestrian refuge near the medical centre on Normanby Street, Warragul, for inclusion in the 2022/23 draft Long Term Infrastructure Plan under Councils Local Roads Safety Improvements Program.

Community Vision and Council Plan 2021 - 2025, Long Term Finance Plan 2021/22 - 2030/31

Council adopted the Community Vision, Council Plan 2021 - 2025, and Long Term Financial Strategy 2021/22 to 2030/31 as amended. The Council Plan will be submitted to the Minister of Local Government within 30 days, and Council will notify submitters how submissions were considered in this decision.

Ripplebrook Cemetery - Closure and Transition to Historic Cemetery Park

Council resolved to formally close the Ripplebrook Cemetery and seek to transition it into a Historic Cemetery Park.

General business

Cr Peter Kostos raised a general business motion requesting;

• Preparation of a report detailing the responsibilities of the relevant authorities for maintenance, upgrades and improvements to North Canal Road, Yarragon, and the adjacent North Canal/Moe Drain waterway, including but not limited to the costs Council has incurred from ongoing maintenance and repairs, and future ongoing maintenance and repairs
• Formally write to West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority (WGCMA) advising of this motion.

Chief Executive Officer of Baw Baw Shire Council, Mark Dupe, raised a general business motion requesting;

• That the consultation period for the Warragul and Drouin design Guidelines be extended, to close on 8 December 2021, to allow the community more time for consultation
• That the communications department develop a communications plan to facilitate broader community consultation to run in parallel with the current Have Your Say survey

The broader community consultation opportunity will use plain English where possible.

Mayoral minute

"Baw Baw Shire is losing one of its best employees. 31 years of service - Robyn D'Arcy. Almost 31 years at Baw Baw Shire, and you think about the corporate knowledge and the experience and what she's taking with her. I think for those 31 years she's left an extraordinary legacy, given much support to Councillors, CEOs, Executive and staff - and couldn't she tell some stories of Councillors and CEOs over the years!"

She would have been involved in just about every project in Baw Baw Shire, doing research in some capacity. I think Baw Baw Shire will miss Robyn enormously. She epitomises what a true public servant should be; pleasant, honest, selfless and humble. On behalf of the Councillor group we wish her well, she takes with us her gratitude and thanks and we appreciate everything she has done for Baw Baw Shire." Cr Goss.

In line with COVID-19 restrictions across Victoria, Council will be limiting attendance of its Council meetings.
Continuing with the Wednesday 10 November 2021 Council Meeting:

• Only essential officers and Councillors will attend Council Meetings
• There will be no public access/gallery attendance at Council Meetings

Meetings will remain available to the public via live stream, and community submissions can be made in writing. The agenda for the next meeting will be available online the Friday prior to the meeting.

Pictures from Cr. Michael Leaney Facebook page.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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  East Gippsland Shire Council will replace Marlo’s ageing Healeys Road timber bridge with a $642,780 steel structure, improving safety, access, load capacity and long-term reliability for local users.
• Regional hospitals face staffing and funding pressures as new nurse-to-patient ratios take effect across Gippsland health services
  East Gippsland Shire Council is installing two louvered roofs at Bairnsdale Library, improving shade, weather protection and outdoor activities, with works expected to take two weeks.
• Latrobe City extends Phoenix partnership, securing NBL matches and delivering sporting, community and economic benefits
  Latrobe City Council has extended its partnership with South East Melbourne Phoenix, securing two NBL matches across the next two seasons, delivering elite sport, community engagement and economic benefits.
• Latrobe City opens nominations for 2027 Australia Day Awards and Sporting Hall of Fame honours, nominate by 11 September 2026
  Latrobe City Council has opened nominations for the 2027 Australia Day Awards and Sporting Hall of Fame, recognising outstanding community contributors and sporting achievers. Entries close September 11, 2026.
• Warragul Leisure Centre extends outdoor pool season following community feedback with revised opening hours through April 2027
  Warragul Leisure Centre will extend outdoor pool access from October, introducing revised opening hours following community feedback, with the schedule continuing through April 10, 2027.
• Gippsland community groups share $60,000 in Federal Volunteer Grants to strengthen local organisations and support volunteers
  Twenty-four Gippsland not-for-profit organisations will share more than $60,000 in federal grants to improve volunteering, reduce barriers to participation and strengthen local communities.
• Gippsland community groups invited to apply for grants up to $20,000 under Stronger Communities Program Round 10 until 23 November 2026
  Gippsland community organisations can apply for $2,500 to $20,000 grants under Round 10 of the Stronger Communities Programme, with $150,000 available for local infrastructure and social benefit projects.
• Community planting day advances Blue Rock Lake foreshore restoration and native fish habitat
  Students, Landcare volunteers and partner organisations have planted native vegetation at Blue Rock Lake, building on fish habitat projects and erosion-control works to strengthen the shoreline and support wildlife.
• The Nationals pledge to keep Victoria's coal-fired power stations operating amid growing electricity supply concerns
  The Nationals' Martin Cameron has pledged existing Victorian coal-fired power stations will not close early, warning of electricity shortages, higher prices and job losses while advocating firm generation and gas investment.
• Latrobe Mayor slams government's community safety funding decision, demands urgent support despite region's higher crime and social harm rates
  Latrobe Mayor Sharon Gibson has criticised the Victorian government for again excluding Latrobe from Community Connectors funding, despite higher crime, family violence and drug-related harm rates than funded metropolitan municipalities.
• Meet the Makers connects local producers, makers and hospitality businesses across Bass Coast and South Gippsland and other council updates
  Meet the Makers will connect Bass Coast and South Gippsland producers, makers and hospitality businesses for networking, collaboration and new opportunities.
• New Lakes Entrance fire station prioritised ahead of 2026 state election
  Council is urging the Victorian government to fund a new Lakes Entrance CFA station, replacing the 90-year-old facility to improve emergency response, safety, capacity and regional resilience.
• Latrobe City endorses draft Moe Activity Centre Plan to guide future town centre growth and development
  Latrobe City Council endorsed the draft Moe Activity Centre Plan for public exhibition, outlining long-term CBD growth, planning reforms, improved public spaces and transport, with Planning Scheme Amendment C155 exhibition proposed for late 2026.
• Live and Loud at GPAC brings AFL Grand Final action, family fun and entertainment to Traralgon on 26 September 2026
  Latrobe City Council will host Live and Loud at GPAC on September 26, featuring family activities, entertainment, a ticketed musical-acrobat performance and free live screening of the 2026 AFL Grand Final.
• Marlo named sole East Gippsland finalist in Victorian Top Tiny Tourism Town Awards, celebrating community spirit
  Marlo was East Gippsland’s sole finalist in the Victorian Top Tiny Tourism Town Awards, recognised for its authentic visitor experiences and strong community-driven tourism campaign.
• Latrobe City launches Forestree platform showcasing 63,000 public trees across urban and rural townships
  Latrobe City Council has launched Forestree, an interactive platform showcasing more than 63,000 public trees, 600 species and ongoing tree planting, watering and maintenance efforts.
• East Gippsland and Wellington farmers' 'Looking Ahead Farmer Survey' extended until 9 October 2026
  Farmers across East Gippsland and Wellington have until October 9 to complete the Looking Ahead Farmer Survey 2026, helping shape agricultural priorities, advocacy and future government support across the region.
• Sale coffee cup campaign spreads strong community message against domestic and family violence across local businesses
  Sale's Rotary Club has launched a coffee cup awareness campaign against domestic and family violence, with MPs Darren Chester and Danny O'Brien urging businesses and residents to support the initiative.
• Phillip Island prepares for final MotoGP weekend celebrating three decades of racing, community spirit, entertainment and history
  Phillip Island will host its final MotoGP from October 23-25, celebrating three decades of racing while showcasing community festivities, entertainment and the island’s motorsport legacy.
• Construction begins on Warragul’s $30M Library and Learning Centre, delivering new community, cultural and co-working spaces by 2028
  Construction has begun on Warragul’s $30 million Library and Learning Centre, featuring library, cultural, meeting and co-working spaces, with opening planned for early 2028.
• East Gippsland Jobs Expo connects job seekers with employers, training providers and career opportunities across the region on 8 October 2026
  East Gippsland Jobs Expo on October 8 will connect job seekers with employers, training providers and employment services, showcasing local career pathways and workforce opportunities across the region.
• East Gippsland coastal management plan gains ministerial approval after extensive community consultation and collaboration across region
  East Gippsland's Coastal and Marine Management Plan has received Ministerial Approval, recognising three years of community consultation and providing a shire-wide framework for sustainably managing coastal and marine environments.