An update from the most recent Council Meeting that took place on 18 October 2022.
More information is available at 2022 Council Meeting Agendas and Minutes.
Sunshine Town Centre Marketing and Business Development Special Rate Scheme
Brimbank Council has resolved to give notice of its intent to declare a Marketing and Business Development Special Rate for Sunshine Town Centre at its Council Meeting in February 2023.
All property owners and business occupiers will receive information about the Special Rate over the coming months.
First introduced in 2013, the Special Rate supports a program of business-led activities and initiatives promoting Sunshine Town Centre’s retail, restaurant and business services, which the Sunshine Business Association (SBA) manages.
The current Special Rate is due for renewal in June 2023.
The SBA has requested that the Special Rate be renewed, so that its program can continue to support Sunshine’s businesses, encourage commerce and deliver events and activities in the Sunshine Town Centre.
The request to renew the Sunshine Special Rate Scheme was made after engaging with owners and occupiers of the properties that will be liable to pay the Special Rate, if declared in February 2023. This engagement found that more than 150 businesses have general support for the SBA’s program and continuation of the Special Rate.
Governance Report October 2022
Council considered a summary of recent Governance activity.
This included a report on the exercise of delegated authority, Councillor Representatives and delegates reports from committees and records of informal meetings of Councillors.
In addition Council:
- Approved the proposed Council Meeting dates for 2023
- Agreed to sign a pledge to become a partner of the Target Zer0 project. This is a collective impact model developed by West Justice and CMY, that aims to dive towards zero the number of children and youth in Brimbank, Melton and Wyndham involved in the justice system, especially those from Indigenous and culturally diverse backgrounds, and those who live in residential care.
Annual Report 2021-2022
Council adopted the Annual Report 2021-2022, which reports back on the work done to realise the vision of a transformed Brimbank that is beautiful, thriving, healthy and connected.
This work is guided by the Council Plan 2021-2025, which set out agreed objectives, activities and strategic indicators for Council to achieve this vision for the city.
The Annual Report meets the State Government’s performance reporting framework.
Brimbank Council has also provided the Minister for Local Government with a copy of its Annual Report for 2021-2022.
The Financial Statements 2021-2022 and Performance Statement 2021-2022 required to be included in the Annual Report, were adopted in-principle at the Council Meeting on 20 September 2022.
Brimbank Council’s 2021-2022 Annual Report, which incorporates the required auditor’s report, can be viewed here.
Copies of the Annual Report are also available for public inspection during business hours at Council’s customer service centres and libraries.
Proposed Aboriginal Community Centre
Council agreed to develop a MOU and auspice the Coowinda Community Group to support a pilot of a culturally safe and welcoming space and programs for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people at Romsey Villa at 42 Furlong Road in North Sunshine.
This would be auspiced through an application to the State Government Neighbourhood House funding stream to support an Aboriginal-run community facility.
Council will pursue funding opportunities to support the delivery of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander programs and will also consider a future community facility for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as part of the next review of the Community Services and Infrastructure Plan.
Taylors Lakes Lions Club Community Garden Proposal
Council resolved to support the establishment of a community garden at Parmelia Drive Reserve, subject to the establishment of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Agreement between Council and the Taylors Lakes Lions Club.
The MOU Agreement will detail the necessary requirements and responsibilities for establishing a community garden at this site.
As part of the MOU Agreement, an ecological assessment is required to determine if any indigenous grassland species exist, and subject to this assessment a planning permit may be required. Subject to final approval of use of the land for a community garden, Council officers would formalise the use through a Lease with the Club as per Council’s Community Facilities Hire, Licences and Leases Agreement Major Policy.
Subject to the above, it is likely that a community garden could be established at Parmelia Drive Reserve, Taylors Lakes in 2023.
Development of an Alfrieda Street Master Plan
Council endorsed the Draft Alfrieda Street Master Plan, for community consultation and invited written submissions.
A first round of community and stakeholder engagement was undertaken between 5 March and 9 May 2021. This was to gather the information that informed the development of a draft Master Plan.
Alfrieda Street is a key street in St Albans linking people to shops and the train station, to schools and to the new Brimbank Aquatic and Wellness Centre on Taylors Road. The draft Master Plan provides a vision for the future development of the street.
The draft Master Plan includes the whole street from Main Road East to Taylors Road and there are three distinct sections; the Civic Walk in the south, the Nature Walk in the centre and the Neighbourhood Walk in the north.
It includes two options for the Civic Walk section and the community consultation process will seek feedback on the two options for Council’s further consideration.
Consultation on the Draft Alfrieda Street Master Plan will commence on 7 November 2022 and close on 2 December 2022. For more details visit yoursay.vic.gov.au
Notices of Motion
At the Council Meeting on 18 October 2022, two Notices of Motion were carried:
- Gambling Reforms – Cr Virginia Tachos
- Health Mitigation Support for Community Members – Barro Landfill Kealba – raised by Cr Virginia Tachos
