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News from the Chamber – April 2022

An update from the most recent Council Meeting that took place on 19 April 2022.

More information is available at 2022 Council Meeting Agendas and Minutes.

 Draft Annual Budget 2022-23

Council endorsed the release of the draft Annual Budget 2022/2023, for four-week community consultation from 21 April 2022 until 19 May 2022, and invites written submissions.

The top priorities under the Draft Annual Budget 2022-23 are improving parks, roads and sporting facilities, addressing climate emergency, supporting our community with mental health and wellbeing initiatives, and business support initiatives that promote economic recovery from COVID-19.

The draft Annual Budget has been shaped by the feedback, thoughts and ideas shared during Council’s extensive community engagement to develop the Council Plan 2021-2025 and Community Vision 2040

This community feedback has been taken into account in developing the draft Budget 2022-2023, which allocates how funding will be directed to make Brimbank better.

For more information on information sessions and how to make comment visit yoursay.brimbank.vic.gov.au

 

Proposed Planning Scheme Amendment C222brim – Cairnlea Development

Council has lodged a submission on Development Victoria’s proposed Cairnlea development, expressing concerns with several issues and seeking further work and changes to achieve higher quality amenity outcomes for future residents.

The proposed development is currently being exhibited as Amendment C222brim to the Brimbank Planning Scheme, and applies to 147A Cairnlea Drive and 26S Glenbrook Avenue, Cairnlea. The site is owned by Development Victoria which requested the amendment to facilitate the use and development of the land for residential, retail, commercial and community uses.

The proposed plan would see major changes to Cairnlea, including affordable housing, aesthetic features, trees and a mix of uses on the site.

Council’s submission addresses a range of concerns about Development Victoria’s proposal, including development density, development contributions, provision of community infrastructure, particularly given none of the community and other infrastructure identified by Development Victoria forms part of Council’s long term budget, and the stripping of Council’s responsible authority powers for the development.

The submission can be read on brimbank.vic.gov.au

Council will attend a Hearing to be held by the Government Land Standing Advisory Committee to present its Submission, and will be represented by a legal advocate who may call on experts to supplement and defend key concerns raised in Council’s submission about the amendment.

 

Governance Report April 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 noted:

  • the Allowance payable to Mayors, Deputy Mayors and Councillors
  • the Gender Equality Action plan
  • the Audit and Risk Committee Biannual Activity Report March 2022 and the Minutes of the meeting held on 11 March 2022

 

Motions for 2022 MAV Council

Council endorsed the submission of four motions to the upcoming MAV State Council Meeting on 24 June 2022. This is an opportunity to help influence State Government investment and policy.

These are matters of state significance consistent with Council’s advocacy strategy and priorities. The motions address:

  • Mental Health and Wellbeing
  • Climate Emergency
  • Pathways to Employment
  • Local Business Support

 

BAWC Operational Planning Update

The Operational Planning update to Council noted that the construction of the new Brimbank Aquatic and Wellness Centre on Taylors Road in Keilor Downs is nearing completion, and Council is gearing up for the opening in the second half of 2022, including offering another organisation tenancy at the facility.

The centre will be a vibrant and welcoming multi-generational health and wellbeing hub with a state-of-the-art aquatic and leisure facility, while also offering preventative health, education and social services, all under the one roof.

In preparation for operating the facility, Council has consulted with stakeholders and developed an establishment plan drawing on the expertise of the leisure centres’ management team, and other recently opened major leisure centres, to ensure all the operational needs for the new facility have been considered.

The establishment plan sets out:

  • Staff Recruitment and Training; analysis of planned programs and services identified more than 150 staff will be needed to operate the Council components of the centre, with interviews planned from mid-April.
  • Marketing and Promotion; a detailed communications plan to maximise awareness and promotion of the facility including brand development, a dedicated website and establishment of a Membership Information Office, located at the Keilor Downs Community Centre from 7 March.
  • Operating Procedures and Manuals; developed over the past 12 months including standard process documents, risk assessments, safe work method statements, lifeguard deployment maps and emergency procedures.
  • Programs and Service Offerings; to replicate many existing programs and services offered at Sunshine Leisure Centre, and an additional range of new programs including ‘The Vault’ high performance training program, Reformer Pilates and the Recovery Room – designed to assist members with recovery post exercise or injury.
  • Key Tender Processes; underway or awarded including Pool Plant Maintenance, Cleaning, Fitness Equipment, Café, Co-located tenant partner space.

 

Final Brimbank Aquatic and Wellness Centre – Co-located Partner Tenancy

The new Brimbank Aquatic and Wellness Centre offers an opportunity for Council to maximise community health and wellbeing benefits to support current and future residents.  It includes infrastructure planning and development, and building a collective approach to addressing critical social and health challenges in Brimbank.

Right from the start, the project has maintained a strong partnership focused approach to enable delivery of integrated services.

In line with this, Council determined to offer Distinctive Options’ tenancy at the centre at the 19 April 2022 Council Meeting. Their service delivers on individual’s National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) plan outcomes, with a focus on developing independent living and other fundamental skills as well as developing local connections and engagement, and providing social and emotional support.

The Distinctive Options’ offerings will further complement the services to be delivered by the other co-located tenant partners; CommUnity Plus Services Ltd and Good Shepherd Australia New Zealand.

 

Brimbank Transport Priorities Paper

New train stations, the Sunshine Super Hub, an upgraded Albion Train Station and improvements to the Calder Freeway are among the transport priorities Brimbank Council will be seeking for investment from the State and Federal Government.

These priorities are outlined in the updated Transport Priorities Paper 2022, adopted by Council at its April 19 Council Meeting.

Since the first version of the Transport Priorities Paper in 2013, it has played an important role in helping Council successfully advocate for several major road, rail and active transport infrastructure projects.

This includes:

  • Removal of seven level crossings
  • Upgrades to the Sunbury train line
  • Upgraded intersections on the arterial road network and preliminary funding commitments to upgrade the Calder Freeway

Council is updating its transport priorities to respond to local and global challenges, as well as support the strategic objectives outlined in Council’s latest Council Plan, as well as recently adopted strategic documents such as the Climate Emergency Plan and the Sunshine Priority Precinct Vision 2050.

These new priorities include:

  • Maximise the local benefits from the Melbourne Airport Rail
  • Deliver the Sunshine Super Hub
  • Upgrade Albion Train Station
  • Future train stations at Calder Park, Keilor Park and Sunshine North
  • Upgrades to improve safety and address congestion on Calder Freeway
  • Electric vehicle charging infrastructure
  • Exploring opportunities for light rail and other transit technologies.

 

Draft Creating Streets for People Policy

Council endorsed the Draft Creating Streets for People Policy, for community consultation for a period of four weeks.

The policy is a long term vision to guide how Brimbank’s streets should look, function and support the community.

The draft Creating Streets for People Policy will guide future investment in Brimbank’s street network to create people-focused places, acknowledging the continued need for car travel, which allow for sustainable active travel choices, foster community cohesion and adapt our environment for the future climate.

 

Draft Asset Plan 2022-2032

Council endorsed the draft 10 Year Asset Plan for community consultation.

The draft plan will help Council maintain, renew, expand or upgrade public assets such as roads, parks, footpaths, buildings, drainage, trees and more.

Council had undertaken deliberative community engagement to inform the draft 10 Year Asset Plan. The feedback, ideas and recommendations provided by the 10 Year Asset Plan Community Working Group helped inform the development and priorities of the draft 10 Year Asset Plan.

 

Notices of Motion

At the Council Meeting on 19 April 2022, Councillors put forward four notices of motion:

  • Notice of Motion – raised by Cr Tachos – Request for Information on EPA Licenced Sites in Brimbank
  • Notice of Motion – raised by Cr Tachos – Brimbank Park and Organ Pipes National Park Development – April 2022
  • Notice of Motion – raised by Cr Dang – Main Road St Albans Road Safety – April 2022
  • Notice of Motion – raised by Cr Kerr – European Festival in Keilor
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Brimbank City Council acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of this land, the Wurundjeri People, and pays our respects to Elders past and present.