Finance and Operations Committee
Agenda Date: Wednesday 20 October 2021 Time: 6pm Venue: Councillors
- Civic Centre (Council Meeting Room) 13 Mair Street, Benalla
Council Staff – Meeting to be held virtually Via Zoom The COVID-19
Omnibus (Emergency Measures) Act 2020 enables councils to hold
meetings electronically. This measure is intended to ensure the
safety of members of the public, Councillors and Council staff.
Members of the public will not be able to attend in person.
Accordingly, the meeting will be broadcast live at
www.benalla.vic.gov.au Any person wishing to participate in
Question Time in accordance with Rule 7.2 of the Governance Rules
2020 should contact the Council by emailing
[email protected] or telephoning Governance Coordinator
Jessica Beaton on (03) 5760 2600. In accordance with the Governance
Rule 6.4 an audio recording will be made of the proceedings of the
meeting.
PO Box 227 Benalla Victoria 3672 1 Bridge Street East
Tel: 03 5760 2600
[email protected]
BENALLA RURAL CITY COUNCIL 2
Contents
2. Draft Community Vision 2036 Public Submissions
........................................... 7
3. Draft Council Plan 2021-2025 Public Submissions
......................................... 13
4. Draft Financial Plan 2021/2022 to 2030/2031 Public Submissions
................. 17
Closure of Meeting
..................................................................................................
21
BENALLA RURAL CITY COUNCIL 3
Agenda Chair Councillor Justin King
Councillors Councillor Danny Claridge Councillor Peter Davis
Councillor Don Firth Councillor Bernie Hearn Councillor Punarji
Hewa Gunaratne Councillor Gail O’Brien
In attendance Dom Testoni Chief Executive Officer Robert Barber
General Manager Corporate Jane Archbold Manager Community Cathy
Fitzpatrick Manager Finance Tom Arnold Community Development
Coordinator Jessica Beaton Governance Coordinator
Acknowledgement of Country We, the Benalla Rural City Council,
acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which we are
meeting. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and
to Elders from other communities who may be here today.
Apologies
Recommendation: That the apology/ies be accepted and a leave of
absence granted.
Agenda – Finance and Operations Committee 20 October 2021
BENALLA RURAL CITY COUNCIL 4
Governance Matters This Committee Meeting is conducted in
accordance with the Local Government Act 2020 and the Benalla Rural
City Council Governance Rules 2020. a) Recording of Council
Meetings In accordance with the Governance Rules 2020 clause 6.4
meetings of Council will be audio recorded and made available for
public access, with the exception of matters identified as
confidential items in the agenda. b) Behaviour at meetings Members
of the public present at a meeting must remain silent during the
proceedings other than when specifically invited to address the
Committee. The Chair may remove a person from a meeting for
interjecting or gesticulating offensively after being asked to
desist, and the chair may cause the removal of any object or
material that is deemed by the Chair to be objectionable or
disrespectful. The Chair may call a break in a meeting for either a
short time, or to resume another day if the behaviour at the
Council table or in the gallery is significantly disrupting the
meeting. c) Disclosures of Conflict of Interest In accordance with
the Local Government Act 2020, a Councillor must declare any
Conflict of Interest pursuant to Section 130 of the Act in any
items on this Agenda. At the time indicated in the agenda, a
Councillor with a conflict of interest in an item on that agenda
must indicate they have a conflict of interest by clearly stating:
the item for which they have a conflict of interest; whether their
conflict of interest is general or material; and the circumstances
that give rise to the conflict of interest. Immediately prior to
the consideration of the item in which they have a conflict of
interest, a Councillor must indicate to the meeting the existence
of the conflict of interest and leave the meeting.
Agenda – Finance and Operations Committee 20 October 2021
BENALLA RURAL CITY COUNCIL 5
Business 1. Public Question Time
A person wishing to address the Committee on a matter not listed on
the agenda must submit a ‘Request to be heard’ form by 10am on the
day of the meeting. At the time of registering to speak persons
must provide a summary of the matter on which they will be
speaking. It must not be in contravention of the Governance Rules
2020.
Requests to speak will be registered strictly in the order of
receipt of the request.
A total of 12 minutes will be allocated for public submissions with
a maximum of three minutes to each speaker.
Recommendation: That the submission(s) be received.
Agenda – Finance and Operations Committee 20 October 2021
BENALLA RURAL CITY COUNCIL 6
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Agenda – Finance and Operations Committee 20 October 2021
BENALLA RURAL CITY COUNCIL 7
2. Draft Community Vision 2036 Public Submissions
SF/2659-02 Tom Arnold – Community Development Coordinator
Jane Archbold – Manager Community Robert Barber – General Manager
Corporate
PURPOSE OF REPORT The report considers submissions received on the
draft Community Vision 2036. BACKGROUND The Council at its meeting
on 1 September 2021 resolved:
1. That the draft Benalla Rural City Community Vision 2036 be
endorsed: “Benalla Rural City is welcoming and friendly, thriving
and prosperous, sustainable, innovative and industrious, caring and
supportive and engaging for all residents and visitors – a place
where people want to continue to live, move to and are proud to
call home”.
2. That the draft Benalla Rural City Community Vision 2036 be
placed on public exhibition for a period of at least 28 days.
3. That the draft Council Plan 2021-2025 be endorsed and placed on
public exhibition for a period of at least 28 days.
4. That submissions relating to the draft Benalla Rural City
Community Vision 2036 and the draft Council Plan 2021-2025 be heard
at a special meeting of the Finance and Operations Committee on
Wednesday 6 October 2021.
5. That the Council consider submissions relating to the draft
Benalla Rural City Community Vision 2036 and the draft Council Plan
2021-2025 at a meeting of the Finance and Operations Committee on
20 October 2021.
6. That the Council consider the adoption of the Benalla Rural City
Community Vision 2036 and Council Plan 2021-2025 at a Special
Meeting of the Council on Wednesday 27 October 2021.
Public notice of the Draft Council Plan 2021-2025 was given on the
Council’s website on 3 September 2021 and in the Benalla Ensign on
Wednesday 8 September 2021. Feedback was also sought via the
Council’s website and promoted on social media. The submission
period closed 5pm Thursday 30 September 2021.
Agenda – Finance and Operations Committee 20 October 2021
BENALLA RURAL CITY COUNCIL 8
DISCUSSION At the close of the submission period nine submissions
had been received from: Sally Matheson (refer Appendix 1) Karen
Nankervis (Appendix 2) Brandon (Appendix 3) David Moore (Appendix
4) Sean McAvoy (Appendix 5) Susan Pearce (Appendix 6) Kelly Maughan
(Appendix 7) Christine Owen (Appendix 8) Victoria Cooper and Doug
Spowart (Appendix 9). In accordance with the Council’s Governance
Rules 2020, submitters were invited to address the Finance and
Operations Committee on 6 October 2021 in support of their
submissions A summary of submissions and officer comments can be
found in the table below. Feedback from the Community Plan
Implementation Steering Committee has also been included.
No Submission Feedback Summary Officer Comment
1 Sally Matheson Visions are wonderful ideals but query if they are
realistic, also extremely wordy and may not carry a lot of meaning
to many in our community.
Community vision needs to be aspirational and have endeavoured to
keep the language as user friendly as possible.
2 Karen Nankervis Suggest Council be included in the wording to
achieve the vision along with individuals, communities,
organisations and businesses.
Include Council in the wording as suggested to ensure the community
clearly understands this is a partnership between the Council and
our community to work towards achieving this vision.
3 Brandon Stronger focus on young people, allowing young people to
build their own dirt jumps and pump track. Concerns re loss of
dedicated bicycle shop in Benalla.
Referred on for inclusion in the development of the Benalla Rural
City Council Youth Strategy.
Agenda – Finance and Operations Committee 20 October 2021
BENALLA RURAL CITY COUNCIL 9
No Submission Feedback Summary Officer Comment
4 David Moore Suggestions for building on tourism and economic
development through promotion of rail services, includes a
discussion paper outlining economic impact of rail. Importance of
maintaining and enhancing accessible, attractive historic station
precinct for tourists and tree changers.
Project to link Benalla Station precinct to Benalla central
business district to be investigated on finalisation of design
concepts for alterations to the Benalla Station.
5 Sean McAvoy Transform old Dunlop campus into a park and living
area
Property owned by Department of Education.
6 Kelly Maughan Inclusion of children and young families in future
vision suggested actions include child friendly shops, indoor play
centre and free curb side tip pick up
Importance of listening to the community.
Actions outside scope of Community Vision and Council Plan
Community engagement and listening to the community is embedded in
the document.
7. Christine Owen Suggest walking path to the mural allowing
community members to access safely and not slip on wet grass.
Capital works project
Refer to Council Plan report.
9. Victoria Cooper and Doug Spowart
Hoping that future planning supports the arts and the gallery
enabling it to continue to be a centre point for arts in the
region. Recently moved to Benalla for its vibrant arts
community.
No change required to the Community Vision which embraces the
arts.
Agenda – Finance and Operations Committee 20 October 2021
BENALLA RURAL CITY COUNCIL 10
No Submission Feedback Summary Officer Comment
10. Community Plan Implementation Steering Committee
Suggestions regarding slight wording changes to Vision and Themes
as follows:
In Vision change sustainable to environmentally responsible
Community wellbeing and sense of place theme include the word
supportive
Vibrant, thriving and progressive economy change boast to have a
diverse, robust and resilient economy and add for all before
attracting
Sustainable environment add will have enhanced our beautiful… We
will continue to responsibly manage
A destination of choice add science, technology after sport and
include new arrivals after visitors
Suggested changes to wording are minor and do not change the
meaning of the Vision or Themes. The Council to consider
incorporating proposed changes.
Agenda – Finance and Operations Committee 20 October 2021
BENALLA RURAL CITY COUNCIL 11
COUNCIL PLAN 2017-2021 (2020 REVIEW) IMPLICATIONS High Performing
Organisation Effective and open community engagement and
communication supports and
facilitates our connection with the community. Provide good
governance and responsible management and planning We are compliant
with our legislative and risk management responsibilities.
CONCLUSION The Community Vision 2036 will be considered for
adoption at an additional Council meeting on 27 October 2021.
Recommendation: That the report be noted.
Agenda – Finance and Operations Committee 20 October 2021
BENALLA RURAL CITY COUNCIL 12
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From: To: Subject: Date:
[email protected] Benalla Council Email Response Form - Draft
Community Vision 2036 Submitted Wednesday, 8 September 2021 3:44:53
PM
Your submission on the Draft Community Vision 2036:
The visions are wonderful ideals but I query whether they are
realistic. They are extremely wordy and may not carry a lot of
meaning for many in our community.
Upload a document in support of your submission:
No file attached.
Would you like to speak at a Council meeting on Wednesday 6 October
2021: Representative to speak
Name: Sally Jane Matheson
[email protected] Benalla Council Email Response Form - Draft
Community Vision 2036 Submitted Monday, 13 September 2021 3:55:29
PM
Your submission on the Draft Community Vision 2036:
Thanks for the opportunity to comment. I think there is a word
missing in this sentence: To achieve this vision, individuals,
communities, organisations and businesses must continue to work
together for the common good and prosperity of all people who live,
visit, work and invest in Benalla Rural City. No mention of Council
being involved. How about : .... individuals, communities,
organisations, businesses and Council ....
Upload a document in support of your submission:
Would you like to speak at a Council meeting on Wednesday 6 October
2021:
Name:
[email protected] Benalla Council Email Response Form - Draft
Community Vision 2036 Submitted Monday, 13 September 2021 3:38:09
PM 73BBF1BC-437D-4362-BA2D-8B7DCF7897A5.jpeg
Would you like to speak at the Council Meeting on Wednesday 6
October 2021:
Name:
Your submission on the Draft Community Vision 2036:
As a person of the younger generation in Benalla I beg you to
please think stronger about the youth. Having recently spent a day
in Wangaratta exploring I can see that Wangaratta is heading in the
right direction for there youth with pump tracks, skate parks and
playgrounds that are actually usable and areas where kids are
actually allowed to build there own dirt jumps with out the council
destroying them. Upgrading the existing dirt track would be a
positive step forward allowing the kids to explore different lines
of jumps and is a strong way to build confidence. Wangaratta has
two bicycle shops that have been able to stay open to the kids
getting outside thanks to these new additions to there town where
Benalla no longer has a dedicated bicycle shop. I ask you to spend
half a Saturday in Wangaratta and just take note of how many youth
you see riding around on bicycles building there confidence and
enjoying the out doors. I have attached a few photos of what a pump
track is and I believe it is the next best thing to do for all
different age groups
Upload a document in support of your submission:
73BBF1BC-437D-4362-BA2D-8B7DCF7897A5.jpeg (Attached)
[email protected] Benalla Council Email Response Form - Draft
Community Vision 2036 Submitted Wednesday, 15 September 2021
11:45:10 AM The-Economic-Impact-of-Rail.pdf
Your submission on the Draft Community Vision 2036:
Benalla Station plays a vital role in the towns operation. The
proposed redevelopment of the station must emphasise access for
all, safety, adequate parking and vehicle infrastructure all
combined in a design sympathetic to the historic precinct. The
failure of previous Council's to protect the historic tower and
dining rooms must not be repeated and any proposals by the ARTC
must meet the requirements of Council and the wider
community.
Upload a document in support of your submission:
The-Economic-Impact-of-Rail.pdf (Attached)
Would you like to speak at a Council meeting on Wednesday 6 October
2021: Yes
Name:
The Economic Impact of Prioritising Rail Services for Benalla
Benalla is a major station on the Sydney/Melbourne route, and has a
history as a
regional service centre. The railway station has an impressive
history of its own,
and with current revival of interest in rail across the world,
evidenced in
increased passenger services and success of websites such as The
Man in Seat
61, could provide an increased economic impact for Benalla in the
future.
Regional towns and cities across Victoria have relied on distinct
branding and
promotion to attract tourism. The success of Bendigo’s Art Gallery
and sense of
history, and of Echuca’s promotion of high-speed water sports are
examples of
tourism strategies which have led to increased population and
economic growth
as former tourists decide to relocate permanently. This population
increase in
turn increases demand for services and leads to growth in funding
for hospitals
and other facilities.
Benalla has a strong claim to a role as gateway to the north east.
While many
tourists will still come by road, promotion of rail services fits a
current worldwide
emphasis on climate change and lowering emissions. Benalla’s
proximity to
Melbourne allows for promotion of day trips and themed events such
as steam
rail. It is possible to then build on Benalla’s history and
environment with the
following as suggestions:
1. The Kelly family. While Beechworth lays claim to Kelly history,
much of the
court and policing activity relating to them occurred in Benalla,
with extant
historic locations such as the Commercial Hotel and the bootmakers
shop
included in recent histories. A Kelly trail in Benalla linked to
Greta and
Glenrowan would be a focus for day trips and tours.
2. Benalla has a wealth of art and creativity similar to that which
has made
Castlemaine a prized destination. Day tours could encompass the
Gallery, Wall
to Wall, silo trail as well as cafes and restaurants.
3. Ecotourism: the potential for cycling, canoeing, wetland
exploration and
other outdoor activity would appeal to people looking for a more
relaxed
environment than that at Echuca and Yarrawonga/Mulwala.
4. Winery and food touring- again, rail could be included in a
destination
tourism theme encompassing wineries and producers generally across
the
region.
As Melbourne becomes increasingly crowded and expensive, regional
towns and
cities are being seen as options both for retirement and for
commuter work.
People first explore these options as tourists, becoming familiar
with a town or
region and then making the decision to move. The health industry,
as an
example, provides an ongoing stream of work at Benalla Health,
Goulburn Valley
Health and North East Health. Both larger hospitals are within
commuting
distance of Benalla.
The maintenance and enhancement of an accessible, attractive
station precinct
in Benalla should be part of an overall tourism strategy that
emphasises
proximity to both Melbourne and the North east. With increased
workplace
flexibility, tourists who can be attracted to Benalla will then see
rail travel and
commuter work options as a reason to make a tree change. The
benefits to
Benalla would be significant.
The Economic Impact of Prioritising Rail Services for Benalla
Benalla is a major station on the Sydney/Melbourne route, and has a
history as a
regional service centre. The railway station has an impressive
history of its own,
and with current revival of interest in rail across the world,
evidenced in
increased passenger services and success of websites such as The
Man in Seat
61, could provide an increased economic impact for Benalla in the
future.
Regional towns and cities across Victoria have relied on distinct
branding and
promotion to attract tourism. The success of Bendigo’s Art Gallery
and sense of
history, and of Echuca’s promotion of high-speed water sports are
examples of
tourism strategies which have led to increased population and
economic growth
as former tourists decide to relocate permanently. This population
increase in
turn increases demand for services and leads to growth in funding
for hospitals
and other facilities.
Benalla has a strong claim to a role as gateway to the north east.
While many
tourists will still come by road, promotion of rail services fits a
current worldwide
emphasis on climate change and lowering emissions. Benalla’s
proximity to
Melbourne allows for promotion of day trips and themed events such
as steam
rail. It is possible to then build on Benalla’s history and
environment with the
following as suggestions:
1. The Kelly family. While Beechworth lays claim to Kelly history,
much of the
court and policing activity relating to them occurred in Benalla,
with extant
historic locations such as the Commercial Hotel and the bootmakers
shop
included in recent histories. A Kelly trail in Benalla linked to
Greta and
Glenrowan would be a focus for day trips and tours.
2. Benalla has a wealth of art and creativity similar to that which
has made
Castlemaine a prized destination. Day tours could encompass the
Gallery, Wall
to Wall, silo trail as well as cafes and restaurants.
3. Ecotourism: the potential for cycling, canoeing, wetland
exploration and
other outdoor activity would appeal to people looking for a more
relaxed
environment than that at Echuca and Yarrawonga/Mulwala.
4. Winery and food touring- again, rail could be included in a
destination
tourism theme encompassing wineries and producers generally across
the
region.
As Melbourne becomes increasingly crowded and expensive, regional
towns and
cities are being seen as options both for retirement and for
commuter work.
People first explore these options as tourists, becoming familiar
with a town or
region and then making the decision to move. The health industry,
as an
example, provides an ongoing stream of work at Benalla Health,
Goulburn Valley
Health and North East Health. Both larger hospitals are within
commuting
distance of Benalla.
The maintenance and enhancement of an accessible, attractive
station precinct
in Benalla should be part of an overall tourism strategy that
emphasises
proximity to both Melbourne and the North east. With increased
workplace
flexibility, tourists who can be attracted to Benalla will then see
rail travel and
commuter work options as a reason to make a tree change. The
benefits to
Benalla would be significant.
From: To: Subject: Date:
[email protected] Benalla Council Email Response Form - Draft
Community Vision 2036 Submitted Wednesday, 15 September 2021
4:56:29 PM
Your submission on the Draft Community Vision 2036:
Upload a document in support of your submission:
Would you like to speak at the Council meeting on Wednesday 6
October 2021:
Name:
Transform the old Dunlop campus into a park and living area.
No file attached
[email protected] Benalla Council Email Response Form - Draft
Community Vision 2036 Submitted Friday, 17 September 2021 8:31:30
PM
Your Submission on the Draft Community Vision 2036: There is no
mention of children. How will Benalla Rural City support them? We
desperately need more child friendly shops (target, kmart, big w,
etc). An indoor play centre with small cafe would be amazing! We
need to support the young families who are here (before they leave)
and encourage new young families to move here. Supporting those who
live in Benalla/surrounds also need a once off free curb-side tip
pick-up! This is a staple in other city councils. I couldn't
believe it when we moved and there isn't one. From what I have
heard the rates are steep!!!! (and the rate payers aren't happy).
Include children and young families in your future vision. And
support the local community by listening to what they are repeating
time and time again. We have been here less than a year and the
voice of the community is strong!
Upload a document in support of your submission: No file
attached
Would you like to speak at the Council Meeting on Wednesday 6
October 2021:
Name: Kelly Maughan
[email protected] Benalla Council Email Response Form - Draft
Community Vision 2036 Submitted Saturday, 25 September 2021 9:24:30
AM
Your submission on the Draft Community Vision 2036:
Upload a document in support of your submission:
Would you like to speak at a Council meeting on Wednesday 6 October
2021:
Name:
I think a two walking path going down to the murel would look good
as I found when the grass is wet it’s very dangerous for slipping
especially when you have elderly people wanting to look at it up
closer . Cheers Christine.
No file attached
[email protected] Benalla Council Email Response Form - Draft
Community Vision 2036 Submitted Thursday, 30 September 2021 4:28:46
PM
Your submission on the Draft Community Vision 2036:
Upload a document in support of your submission:
Would you like to speak at the Council meeting on Wednesday 6
October 2021:
Name:
We have just moved from Queensland to Victoria because of the broad
acceptance of the importance of art in society and community … We
chose Benalla because of its locality and in particular what we
felt was a vibrant arts community with a significant regional
gallery. We would wish that future planning will support the arts
community and the gallery enabling it to continue to be a centre
point for arts in this region.
No file attached
Appendix 9
BENALLA RURAL CITY COUNCIL 13
3. Draft Council Plan 2021-2025 Public Submissions
SF/2659-02 Tom Arnold – Community Development Coordinator
Jane Archbold – Manager Community Robert Barber – General Manager
Corporate
PURPOSE OF REPORT The report considers submissions received on the
draft Council Plan 2021-2025. BACKGROUND The Council at its meeting
on 1 September 2021 resolved:
1. That the draft Benalla Rural City Community Vision 2036 be
endorsed: “Benalla Rural City is welcoming and friendly, thriving
and prosperous, sustainable, innovative and industrious, caring and
supportive and engaging for all residents and visitors – a place
where people want to continue to live, move to and are proud to
call home”.
2. That the draft Benalla Rural City Community Vision 2036 be
placed on public exhibition for a period of at least 28 days.
3. That the draft Council Plan 2021-2025 be endorsed and placed on
public exhibition for a period of at least 28 days.
4. That submissions relating to the draft Benalla Rural City
Community Vision 2036 and the draft Council Plan 2021-2025 be heard
at a special meeting of the Finance and Operations Committee on
Wednesday 6 October 2021.
5. That the Council consider submissions relating to the draft
Benalla Rural City Community Vision 2036 and the draft Council Plan
2021-2025 at a meeting of the Finance and Operations Committee on
20 October 2021.
6. That the Council consider the adoption of the Benalla Rural City
Community Vision 2036 and Council Plan 2021-2025 at a Special
Meeting of the Council on Wednesday 27 October 2021.
Public notice of the Draft Council Plan 2021-2025 was given on the
Council’s website on 3 September 2021 and in the Benalla Ensign on
Wednesday 8 September 2021. Feedback was also sought via the
Council’s website and promoted on social media. The submission
period closed Thursday 30 September 2021.
Agenda – Finance and Operations Committee 20 October 2021
BENALLA RURAL CITY COUNCIL 14
DISCUSSION At the close of the submission period 26 submissions had
been received from: Lee Anderson (refer Appendix 1) Parminder Singh
(Appendix 2) Rahni Gee (Appendix 3) Suzan Pearce (Appendix 4) June
Roscoe (Appendix 5) – same submission received for Draft Council
Plan 2021-
2025 and Draft Community Vision 2036. Sabine Smyth (Appendix 6)
Benalla Squash and Racquetball Association (Appendix 7) Tanya
Johnstone (Appendix 8) Benalla All Blacks Football and Netball Club
(Appendix 9) Friendlies Precinct Redevelopment Action Group
(Appendix 10) Benalla Basketball Association (Appendix 11) North
East Bushrangers (Appendix 12) Winsome McCaughey (Appendix 13)
Dennis O’Brien (Appendix 14) Karen Nankervis (Appendix 15) David
Blore (Appendix 16) Maggie Hollins (Appendix 17) Howard Bartlett
(Appendix 18) Jane Rushworth (Appendix 19) Valerie Dunn (Appendix
20) Susan Campbell and Michael Hedderman (Appendix 21) Benalla
Family Research Group Inc. (Appendix 22) Mary Tallis (Appendix 23)
Alice Tallis (Appendix 24) Fiona Stephens (Appendix 25) Ellen
Crocker (Appendix 26) A summary of submissions and officer comments
is attached as Appendix 27. In accordance with the Council’s
Governance Rules 2020, submitters were invited to address the
Finance and Operations Committee meeting on 6 October 2021 in
support of their submissions.
Agenda – Finance and Operations Committee 20 October 2021
BENALLA RURAL CITY COUNCIL 15
COUNCIL PLAN 2017-2021 (2020 REVIEW) IMPLICATIONS High Performing
Organisation Effective and open community engagement and
communication supports and
facilitates our connection with the community. Provide good
governance and responsible management and planning We are compliant
with our legislative and risk management responsibilities.
CONCLUSION Submissions will be considered at the additional Finance
and Operations Committee on 20 October 2021. The Council Plan
2021-2025 will be considered for adoption at the additional Council
meeting on 27 October 2021. Recommendation: That the report be
noted.
Agenda – Finance and Operations Committee 20 October 2021
BENALLA RURAL CITY COUNCIL 16
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From: To: Subject: Date:
Your Submission on the Draft Council Plan 2021-2025:
Benalla has the potential to be the gateway to the abundant
beautiful resources of North East Victoria and needs to invest in
its city and surrounds to attract and retain visitors to the
region. To do this it must carefully develop a strategy and plan
that deliberately transitions Benalla from being "a slum of north
east victoria" (with 30% empty shops, boarded up pubs/hotels, scant
quality restaurants/cafes and the capital of discount shops (=ie 3
junk shops cheap as chips, reject shop and treasure hunter sends a
terrible message to visitors) into being a destination rural city
that embraces local produce, and creates incentives for restaurants
and cafes to open, establishes some higher-end accomodation for
visitors, revives its heritage buildings and invests in dying
satelite towns eg Tatong, swanpool etc. Look at Euroa for example
-great destination pubs and restaurants, beechworth - heritage
buildings and brewery, bright - mountain biking and brewery etc. If
benalla invests in its economoy the rest will follow. Can i suggest
having a good look at Derby in Tasmania - who turned around a
declining town by installing a world class mountain bike trail
(https://www.theaustralian.com.au/travel/how-mountain-biking-
helped-tasmanias-derby-blaze-a-prosperous-new-trail/news-
story/62bf8806cfc19484c6528357d173009e and
https://www.redbull.com/in-en/australian-
towns-resurrected-by-mountain-biking). Something like this
installed at Reef Hills, Tatong or Samaria would turn the town
around. But council needs to move fast - many towns in the area (eg
Omeo) are already moving ahead with such plans.
Upload a document in support of your Submission: No file
attached
Would your like to speak at the Council Meeting on Wednesday 6
October 2021: No
Name: Lee Anderson
Your submission on the Draft Council Plan 2021-2025:
Most of streets in Benella city don’t have footpath and underground
sewerage even no street lights It’s very hard for old people to
drive their wheel chairs on muddy patch in the dark nights
especially in rainy season Council must think about that and
consider it It seems like we still live in 18th of century
Upload a document in support of your submission: No file
attached
Would you like to speak at a Council meeting on Wednesday 6 October
2021: No
Name: Parminder singh
[email protected] Benalla Council Email Response Form - Draft
Council Plan 2021-2025 Submitted Wednesday, 15 September 2021
11:41:45 AM Nappy-rebate-letter.docx
Your submission on the Draft Council Plan 2021-2025:
I propose a reusable cloth nappy rebate be introduced by Benalla
Council. Parent's who use disposable nappies receive a
complimentary second landfill curbside bin, whereas residents who
do the right thing by the environment and their children get no
incentive at all. A rebate of $50-$150 would be a great incentive
for parents to use reusable nappies, swim nappies, breast pads,
wipes and reusable menstrual products.
Upload a document in support of your submission:
Nappy-rebate-letter.docx (Attached)
Would you like to speak at a Council meeting on Wednesday 6 October
2021: No
Name: Rahni Gee
Re: WASTE MANAGEMENT AND CLOTH NAPPY REBATE INITIATIVES
My name is Rahni Gee and I am a resident of Benalla and also a
small business owner. My business Charlotte’s World sells reusable
modern cloth nappies.
I am writing to you to request that our council introduce a cloth
nappy rebate scheme to encourage parents to switch to cloth
nappies, and reduce the impact on our local
environment.
A rebate will essentially provide accessibility for those unable to
afford reusables, help normalise these products, provide a place
for education and start conversations, and reward those wanting to
reduce their waste.
Encouraging the use of reusables, like cloth nappies, will
ultimately save Councils money that could go back into health and
wellbeing programs.
A parent could find out through their Maternal Health meetings that
their local Council provides a rebate. They might not take it up,
but just getting the conversation started could encourage the
parent or caregiver to research other ways to reduce their
environmental footprint.
What other councils in Victoria do is offer a rebate where a
household can receive up to fifty percent of the purchase back on
new and secondhand items with proof of receipt at a limit of $150.
This limit could even be $100. Every little bit helps. These
reusable items can include cloth nappies, swim nappies, nappy
liners and cloth wipes as well as breast pads and menstrual
products.
Other councils in Australia have already successfully introduced a
cloth nappy subsidy or rebate scheme. These are the councils in
Victoria so far:
· City of Casey (VIC)
· Wyndham City Council (VIC)
· City of Whittlesea (VIC) commencing soon
Australia is one of the highest generators of waste in the world.
Disposable nappies (including biodegradable nappies because they
are single-use and also go to landfill unless they are collected
separately) make up 4% of our landfills in Australia. With a child
going through 6,000-7,000 nappies before toilet training, that is a
significant amount of waste being picked up each week. Then there
is the fact most disposable nappies require resources like oil to
make the plastic, old growth forests for the inner lining,
chemicals used inside to create that absorbency, plastic packaging,
shipping of materials to factories for processing, and of course
transport to stores and the diesel fuelled garbage trucks to take
it all away.
An example of how Mornington Peninsula Council offers the rebate
can be found at this link:
https://www.mornpen.vic.gov.au/Online-Forms-and-Services/Cloth-nappy-and-re-usable-sanitary-product-rebate
I am asking you to take the lead on this matter and help us, as a
community, play a positive role in household waste and the future
of our natural environment.
I look forward to hearing your position on this matter.
Kind Regards,
Rahni Gee.
Dear Mr.Gunaratne,
Re: WASTE MANAGEMENT AND CLOTH NAPPY REBATE INITIATIVES
My name is Rahni Gee and I am a resident of Benalla and also a
small business owner. My business Charlotte’s World sells reusable
modern cloth nappies.
I am writing to you to request that our council introduce a cloth
nappy rebate scheme to encourage parents to switch to cloth
nappies, and reduce the impact on our local environment.
A rebate will essentially provide accessibility for those unable to
afford reusables, help normalise these products, provide a place
for education and start conversations, and reward those wanting to
reduce their waste.
Encouraging the use of reusables, like cloth nappies, will
ultimately save Councils money that could go back into health and
wellbeing programs.
A parent could find out through their Maternal Health meetings that
their local Council provides a rebate. They might not take it up,
but just getting the conversation started could encourage the
parent or caregiver to research other ways to reduce their
environmental footprint.
What other councils in Victoria do is offer a rebate where a
household can receive up to fifty percent of the purchase back on
new and secondhand items with proof of receipt at a limit of $150.
This limit could even be $100. Every little bit helps. These
reusable items can include cloth nappies, swim nappies, nappy
liners and cloth wipes as well as breast pads and menstrual
products.
Other councils in Australia have already successfully introduced a
cloth nappy subsidy or rebate scheme. These are the councils in
Victoria so far: • City of Casey (VIC) • Wyndham City Council (VIC)
• Cardinia Shire (VIC) • Mornington Peninsula Shire (VIC) • City of
Wodonga (VIC) • Shires of Indigo (VIC) • City of Whittlesea (VIC)
commencing soon
Australia is one of the highest generators of waste in the world.
Disposable nappies (including biodegradable nappies because they
are single-use and
also go to landfill unless they are collected separately) make up
4% of our landfills in Australia. With a child going through
6,000-7,000 nappies before toilet training, that is a significant
amount of waste being picked up each week. Then there is the fact
most disposable nappies require resources like oil to make the
plastic, old growth forests for the inner lining, chemicals used
inside to create that absorbency, plastic packaging, shipping of
materials to factories for processing, and of course transport to
stores and the diesel fuelled garbage trucks to take it all
away.
An example of how Mornington Peninsula Council offers the rebate
can be found at this link:
https://www.mornpen.vic.gov.au/Online-Forms-and-Services/Cloth-nappy-
and-re-usable-sanitary-product-rebate
I am asking you to take the lead on this matter and help us, as a
community, play a positive role in household waste and the future
of our natural environment.
I look forward to hearing your position on this matter.
Kind Regards,
Rahni Gee.
From: To: Subject: Date: Attachments:
June Roscoe Tom Arnold Re: Have Your Say - Benalla Rural City
Council - Council Plan 2021-2025 Thursday, 16 September 2021
8:36:48 AM
ABN 80 468 957 671
17th September 2021 Mr Dom Testoni, Chief Executive Officer
&
The Mayor, Cr Danny Claridge Benalla Rural City Council
P.O. Box 227 Benalla VIC 3671
Dear Mr Testoni and Cr Claridge,
This is a submission to the 1/ DRAFT 2021-2025 Council Plan, and
the 2/ DRAFT Financial Plan 2021-2031.
I would like to submit my feedback to you with a focus on those two
plans’ relevance to a unique local cultural heritage asset, known
as the Former Benalla Migrant Camp
(BMC) VHR H2358.
In the Council Plan the BMC has a relationship to your Theme 2
Liveability – Vibrant public spaces and places. The document states
that Council will 6 - Enhance and maintain key places of
significance. & 7 Advocate for and act on opportunities
to
protect, maintain and preserve heritage assets.
There are no performance outcomes at all listed under Theme 2 of
the Draft Council Plan that relate to the Benalla Airport
Masterplan 2015, or the Former Benalla Migrant Camp Conservation
Management Plan 2018 although both are listed as a key plans
for Theme 2. This appears to be an unfortunate oversight and we ask
can you please amend it; this leaves the site particularly
vulnerable.
Suggested Amendment 1 and 2:
We ask that you 1- add meaningful performance outcomes and 2- that
you relate them directly to a department of service area, which is
responsible for its
implementation.
We can suggest for your consideration some examples of meaningful
performance
outcomes:
The Benalla Airport Masterplan 2015 is reviewed (Heritage Victoria
updated) A Former Migrant Camp landscaping and drainage plan has
been developed Opportunities are provided to inform and engage the
wider community
Key community partner satisfaction is measured as medium-high
Appendix 6
Further Background:
The Former Benalla Migrant Camp is not only a cultural heritage
asset, but it is one of
three State Heritage Listed places owned by this Council.
The site is unique in Victoria and of great significance to the
Benalla community. Yet it is obvious to tourists and locals alike,
that the Former Benalla Migrant Camp site is in a state of neglect:
The site is an embarrassment with a hodge-podge of parked
caravans and sheds, shabby shade-cloth fences, glider trailers
parked in the open, lined-up bins greeting arriving tourists and
building-type rubbish left lying around.
A Conservation Management Plan was funded by Heritage Victoria, and
adopted by this Council on December 5, 2018. According to the Local
Government Act 2020
Councils must have an Asset Plan and act as ‘trusted and
responsible stewards of community assets’.
The CMP listed a range of urgent works be done within 12 months,
including a drainage and landscape plan. We note that in almost
three years since this plan was
adopted by Council in 2018, no urgent works have been scheduled and
that the condition of the site is further deteriorating.
In your DRAFT Financial Plan 2021-2031 you allocate $300,000
towards the ‘BARC Hut Precinct Development’ in 2027-2028.
Suggested Amendment 3
We ask that you bring forward a sufficient portion of that sum to
2022-2023 to allow for the development of a BARC Precinct Landscape
and Drainage Plan, and basic
landscaping works to be done to allow for the moving of the
caravans to their new site when current leases expire (as per the
intent of the Airport Masterplan 2015).
Our substantial volunteer contribution 2013 onwards
Our committee has worked for the past eight years to promote the
heritage of the site, and we funded the application and research to
have it placed on the Victorian
State Heritage Register in 2016. We have also promoted the site as
a destination for heritage tourists, growing Benalla’s
tourism.
More than two hundred families have registered as ‘Friends of the
Benalla Migrant Camp’ and over 1,000 people follow our Benalla
Migrant Camp Exhibition Facebook
Page. We have raised funds and produced an exhibition, a website, a
short film, a history book, site signage, site walking maps, and
run a major reunion event in 2017.
We can help gather substantial community support towards funding
applications for site restoration if given the opportunity early
on.
Regards
Sabine Smyth Chair, Benalla Migrant Camp Inc.
Please note: A copy of this submission has been sent to Heritage
Victoria.
Supported by
Submission to Benalla Rural City Draft Council Plan 2021-2025
The Benalla Squash & Racquetball Association would like to
lodge the following submission regarding the Draft of the Council
Plan 2021-2025.
Unfortunately the Draft of the Council Plan 2021-2025 lacks detail
and specifics. In general it refers broadly to topics in five
categories or “Themes” that are intended to encompass all that the
Council intends to do over the next 4 years, however it does not
refer to any projects in particular, what it intends to do
specifically nor when it is to be done.
The Draft contains many dot points, but lacks explanation of
these.
The document is more of a display of data and statistics gathered,
than a description of what is planned to be done and how and
when.
There are many statements that Council intends to ‘improve this’,
‘increase that’, ‘address so & so’, ‘tackle such & such’,
but no information on how this is to be done.
Only “Major Projects” are referred to directly, in the Mayor’s
Message on Page 4. These number six, with four of them having some
information on costs.
Specifically, we believe the Sports 4 Courts Project, as a part of
the Benalla Indoor Recreation Centre refurbishment, should be
written in the Council Plan 2021- 2025 as a project that has
priority. It has been on the Council’s radar for over a decade, is
included in the Recreation Strategic Plan July 2015 and is
described in detail and costed in the Benalla Indoor Recreation
Centre Master Plan November 2019.
[ For information: the Courts 4 Sports Project is the initiative
started in 2009 by the Benalla Squash & Racquetball Association
to build more squash & racquetball
Appendix 7
Supported by
Benalla
courts in Benalla and more specifically and more recently, to build
six squash & racquetball courts, with moveable walls for
multi-use, within the BIRC refurbishment, as per the aforementioned
BIRC Master Plan. ]
This Project was referred to specifically in the Council plan
2017-2021, and it should at least maintain this status, if not
higher, in the next Council Plan.
Councillors agreed and stated that this project has been
“overlooked for too long” and “deserves to be top priority” in
response to a question by Joy Arbuthnot at the Council Meeting of
September 1st 2021. So then, it should be included in the Council
Plan specifically as something to be done.
More specifically to the text of the Draft Plan, the “Key
Supporting policies, strategies & plans, page 21” should
include the document “Recreation Strategic Plan, Volume One: The
Strategy and Recommendations, July 2015” and also probably the
“Benalla Indoor Recreation Centre Master Plan, November
2019”.
We would also like to see this project included alongside the
others in the “Mayor’s Message” on page 4.
Collins Dictionary defines “plan” as “a method of achieving
something that you have worked out in detail”. Oxford Dictionary
defines “plan” as “a detailed proposal for doing or achieving
something”. Look up “plan” in many dictionaries and you will see
the word “detail” appear quite often.
In conclusion, we want the Courts 4 Sports Project and the BIRC
refurbishment to be referred to specifically and by name, and have
some prominence in the Council Plan 2021-2025, as it deserves
it.
Thank you,
From: To: Subject: Date:
Your submission on the Draft Council Plan 2021-2025:
Upload a document in support of your submission:
Would you like to speak at the Council meeting on Wednesday 6
October 2021:
Name:
After reading the council draft plan for the next few years, I have
a query about a current asset to the town. I have a 12-year-old son
that has a new love, being mountain bike riding. Whilst he is
enjoying the facilities out at reef hills, he does rely on either
his dad or a mate’s dad to take him out there due to the distance
out of town as we don’t want the kids riding out over the highway
at their age. Him and his mates used the BMX track near the skate
park when they were younger, but this facility has had zero
maintenance/upgrade work completed on it in so many years and is in
vital need of some love. I noticed in your draft plan that there is
an allocation of funds proposed for parks, open space, streetscape
and playgrounds. Is there any room within this allocation for an
upgrade to the bike track? The skate park is a well-used facility
and recently funds have been used for half-court basketball courts
next to it, but the BMX/bike track seems to be large unused asset
because of its condition. Last weekend we went to Wangaratta with 2
other families from Benalla and tried out their new pump track, and
it’s a great facility next to their splash park, skate park and a
garden area with lots of kids on both bikes & scooters using it
and kids ranging from 2 to 18 and their families utilising it when
we were there. I just think that we have a fantastic family area
around both sides of the lake, with the skate park and basketball
courts, splash park, playgrounds and now new seating/ dining hubs,
an improved bike track with maybe larger jumps and whoops would be
a welcome addition to the area and provide another outdoor activity
for our kids to embrace. Whilst Wang’s is an asphalt track, leaving
the current track as a dirt facility but enhancing would be a
relatively lower cost option, make it specifically for bikes,
leaving the scooters for the skate park, and taking the bikes off
that facility. Thank you for your time reading my comments.
No file attached
Your submission on the Draft Council Plan 2021-2025:
Upload a document in support of your submission:
Would you like to speak at the Council Meeting on Wednesday 6
October 2021:
Name:
Benalla All Blacks Football & Netball Club Inc. provides the
following feedback to the Draft of the Council Plan 2021-2025 in
relation to the BIRC Redevelopment Project. 1. We believe more
detail is required in the draft Council Plan 2021-2025 2. This
redevelopment has been seen as a council priority for nearly 19
years. 3. The BIRC Redevelopment was commented upon by several
councilors at the recent Council meeting articulating their support
as a ‘high priority’, ‘it’s what our youth need’, ‘youth and sport
is good for Benalla’, ‘this project is not forgotten’ amongst other
comments 4. A first stage in the redevelopment is the Benalla All
Blacks Netball Court Upgrade (as submitted by Sean Ginnivan on
behalf of the BRCC to the Community Sport Infrastructure Program in
2020). This submission (highly commended but unsuccessful)
referenced the Benalla Rural City Council Benalla Indoor Recreation
Centre Redevelopment Plan November 2019 Priority Recommendations: -
Develop new toilet/change facilities for sports ground and
football/netball facilities integrated with new building 5. This
Project was referred to specifically in the Council plan 2017-2021,
and it should at least maintain this status, if not higher, in the
next Council Plan. We are keen that this project be acknowledged in
the mayors’ priorities to assist in future funding opportunities 6.
Further, it is our view that many ‘locals’ have little
understanding or knowledge of the acronym ‘BIRC’ and for those that
do, the reference to ‘BIRC Redevelopment’ does not encompass the
scale of the project at the UFS oval and surrounds – this whole
precinct is well known as ’the Friendlies’ - Benalla All Blacks FNC
proposes that this project be renamed the Friendlies Precinct
Redevelopment Project 7. Benalla All Blacks FNC are keen to further
this conversation at the earliest opportunity
No file attached
Ray Gallagher (Secretary Benalla All Blacks Football and Netball
Club)
Appendix 9
Friendlies Precinct Redevelopment Action Group
We are the nominated representatives to act on behalf of our
respective codes in relation to the Friendlies Precinct
Redevelopment Action Group (previously referred to as the BIRC
redevelopment). We represent the key stake holders of current and
future user groups of the Benalla Indoor Recreation Centre and the
Friendlies Reserve.
We refer to the draft of the Council Plan 2021 - 2025
This redevelopment project was not mentioned and we believe that
this plan lacks detail and is inadequate. It fails to capture any
of the previous commitments that have been made.
It is noted that plans for the redevelopment of the site were
started in 2002 and were represented in the last council plan and
now is not represented in the draft council plan. It is further
noted that in the draft plan, the project is not even mentioned.
This is unacceptable.
The plan for the Precinct Redevelopment needs to be added back in
the 2021 – 2025 Council plan and in greater detail.
Our representative groups have all presented individual
submissions.
Given the significant history of this project we ask that council
show their commitment in bringing it into fruition by placing it in
the Council Plan as a priority.
At the most recent council meeting a number of councillors provided
substantial commentary and support for this important
project.
With the approach of Federal and state elections, now is the time
to prioritise this plan of the highest importance for federal
funding to achieve this goal.
We intend to be proactive in gathering support. As a group we have
searched for anecdotal information from current and potential user
groups of this facility as we go forward.
We would like to meet at the earliest convenience to further
discuss
Yours Sincerely,
Greg Murphy Benalla Squash & Racquetball Association Ray
Gallagher Benalla All Blacks Football and Netball Club Michelle
Pastuszka Benalla Basketball Association Joy Arbuthnot APM Benalla
Basketball Association Anthony Long North East Bushrangers
Appendix 10
[email protected] Benalla Council Email Response Form - Draft
Council Plan 2021-2025 Submitted Wednesday, 29 September 2021
1:38:10 PM
Submission to Benalla Rural City Draft Council Plan 2021-2025 Dear
Councillors, Benalla Basketball Association would like to lodge the
following submission regarding the draft of the BRCC Council Plan
2021 -2025 We refer to the omission of the BIRC redevelopment in
the Draft Council Plan. Although, many members of our community
would not know what the term BIRC stands for and as it is not just
the inside of the indoor recreation centre that needs development
but also the outdoor facilities so we find ourselves referring to
this project as the Friendlies Sports Precinct. BRCC has had the
BIRC redevelopment listed as a major project on its“Council Plan”
since 2002. We received anecdotal information that over the years
there have been a few master plans drawn up and studies done. This
is our understanding: 2002 BIRC Redevelopment Concept Plan 2007
there was a review of the 2002 plan. 2012 there was another master
plan 2015 Improvements in the BRCC Recreation Strategic Plan 2017
Master Plan 2019 The 2017 Master plan was completed The BIRC
Redevelopment plan has been on every Council plan since 2002. We
are disappointed and concerned to find that it was not listed as a
high priority or even noted on the draft of the 2021 – 25 Council
Plan. How can that be? We would like to know what the process is
with moving this project forward? Who is responsible for pursuing
funding opportunities and what would be the time frame? Benalla
Basketball Association would like to see 2 new basketball courts
(one converting to a show court with slide out grandstand seating)
being specifically included in this plan as a high priority as
shown in the recently completed Master Plan (2019) It seems that we
continue to invest in an aging infrastructure but fail to invest in
a better facility. Safety, storage, user space and accessibility
continue to be growing concerns and user groups all face their own
difficulties with each of these issues. Every time we address these
concerns we are directed to the Master Plan showing what the new
BIRC will have and how it will be better but there is a very clear
lack of detail outlining the steps to achieve this goal. Of
particular concern is the lack of accountability around legal
requirements and OH & S. The roof leaks whenever it rains and
even after filling in forms and marking out the wet areas numerous
times on a stadium map, we are still having to use a mop and
bucket, towel or call off games which is frustrating and
disappointing to our players and families. Car parking either side
and across the road is a hazard for children. The front entrance
way is dangerous and unstructured and becomes an undesignated area
for small children to play as there is no designated area inside
the building. Improving the facilities and providing 2 more playing
courts would have an economic Impact & benefit for Benalla
businesses and the community. Our annual tournament brings visitors
from all across Victoria and NSW. We cap our tournament due to
court allocation time slots and close off long before the due date
for registrations. Once again due to our lack of facilities. On
this weekend all accommodations are full, families are out enjoying
what our community has to offer and our shop traders profit. It is
a positive experience for all giving our local economy a much
welcome boost. We enjoy the consistent feedback and then
contemplate the possibilities (if we just had more courts). Benalla
could easily become the sporting hub of the North East given its
location being roughly one hour from every one of our neighbouring
association / sporting groups in the district.
Your submission on the Draft Council Plan 2021-25:
Appendix 11
We are the mostcentral location in the whole of the North East.
Pathway programs and next level opportunities for our local
participants of all ages could be showcased here in our town. We
believe that with better facilities our sport can continue to grow
offering opportunities and pathway programs for Junior and senior
athletes. This is not just limited to basketball; this could be the
case for a plethora of sporting codes if we were to have the
facilities to accommodate. The surface of basketball Courts lend
themselves to many other uses and potential user groups. Connection
to community, Health and well being continue to be a huge area of
concern for our community. Lack of cohesiveness and facilities
being scattered and segmented seem to present transportation
difficulties for young people and their families. A central
sporting precinct would mean greater access to a large variety of
sports in the one area. Meaningful planning and shared community
spaces and facilities would foster community relationships and give
our young people a safe environment to participate in healthy
activity. It is illogical that the redevelopment of this facility
was not included in the draft Council plan. With alarming
statistics on many fronts in our community and social disadvantage
being an ongoing issue in Benalla we should all be more mindful of
early intervention and prevention. We seem to be reactive rather
than proactive to the issues in our society. Our aim is to increase
participation and engagement in sport for our young people and
across the wider community. We all know and understand the positive
impact that sport provides for so many young people. It can help
disengaged youth to reconnect and expose our young people to
positive role models. The positive benefits of sport are endless
and well documented. So again, why is the redevelopment of the BIRC
and Friendlies reserve not featured as a priority in the Draft
Council plan? The Master plans for this project has been drawn and
to our knowledge a feasibility study has been completed, user
groups were consulted some time ago (perhaps this needs
revisiting). This is a project that everyone agrees is well overdue
in terms of the needs within our community and yet we have not seen
any progress. The growth of our town has exploded and our fasciitis
are not in keeping with the patronage of them. We would like to
understand the process of how this can be done? When this can be
done? By whom shall it be done? The Friendlies precinct has been
listed as a priority for council since 2002 but in the current
draft plan it seems to have disappeared. This is unacceptable and
the approved plan needs to prioritise this project as one of
significance and urgency. NB: Please also see attached letter from
Basketball Victoria Yours Sincerely, Michelle Pastuszka, Vice
President Benalla Basketball Association Dom Testoni Chief
Executive Officer Benalla Rural City Council PO Box 227 Benalla
3671 29 September 2021 Dear Dom, SUPPORTING BENALLA BASKETBALL’S
SUBMISSION REGARDING THE COUNCIL PLAN 2021-2025 Basketball Victoria
fully supports the Benalla Basketball Association in relation to
their submission to the Benalla Rural City, Council Plan 2021-2025.
Basketball in the Benalla area is delivered by a strong association
providing an activity for country children and adults. It is
evident through research that by providing sporting and
multipurpose facilities and then the programs from the sporting
organisations, we can assist our community in being healthier and
well balanced. What is harder to measure is the positive impact
that a recreational facility can have on the local community with
the capacity to increase the community’s interaction and the
continued development of team characteristics. Basketball plays a
vital role in strengthening communities, particularly in rural and
regional Victoria. The Victorian Government recognises that small
populations and distance can make sustaining local sport and
recreation groups difficult.
I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the work of
the volunteer Benalla Basketball Committee who have demonstrated
true leadership during the last 20 months, through what has been a
very difficult time for Community Sport. Basketball is an all year
round operation and generates the majority of income from seasonal
registrations, game day fees, clinics, sponsorship, events and
tournaments. There are 240,000 registered weekly basketball
participants across Victoria, including 73,000 females This is the
largest registered playing numbers of any sport in Victoria. Year
round positive participation outcomes for all genders, ages and
abilities. Victorian basketball also has a gross Annual Turnover in
excess of $110m The Intergenerational Review of Australian Sport
2017’’ notes that: “Together, sport creates significant value for
Australia, with at least $7 returned for every $1 expended in the
sector. This high rate of return is a combination of direct
economic benefits, the network of volunteers, avoided health costs
and education benefits.” Basketball is returning just under $1b to
the Victorian Community annually. There are 52,680 registered
weekly participants in Country Victoria and this does not include
the many Junior Squad teams (such as the Benalla Breakers), our
Aussie Hoopers, referees, coaches, committee, Senior CBL teams, and
Senior Teams competing in the Senior State Leagues, such as the
BigV and the Victorian Junior Basketball League. Benalla Basketball
has been required to review all aspects of their operations to
ensure sustainability and viability. In excess of 400 weekly
participants compete at the Benalla Indoor Recreation Centre during
normal times and it is vitally important that the Basketball
Association provide strong, steady and positive leadership to
return our participants to their sport, when we can. If you add the
Aussie Hoops, squads, referees coaches etc, there are around 600
active participants in Benalla. That puts the participation rate as
approximately 2.72% of the Benalla population and basketball is
seen as the highest Team Participation Sport in Victoria. The
challenge to our sport is access to fully compliant courts to
contiunmue to grow that participation base. It has been
demonstrated in other parts of Victoria, that if indoor fully
compliant courts are developed or made available, Basketball can
increase the penetration rate into the community up to 6% in some
areas. In Benalla that would see approximately 840 participants
weekly, an increase of 440 participants and the added benefits that
participation brings to the community. Basketball in Victoria has
seen consistent strong growth and demand for a number of years and
at a state-wide level our participation numbers represent around 4%
of the population. Sport is an essential part of our community
well-being and will play an even more important role in the coming
years as the community recovers. Basketball Victoria understands
that the development of Multi Court facilities are based on the
high utilisation rates that basketball enjoys across the State, but
equally we fully understand that we need to be a community leader
in bringing lower participation sports to the Multi Court venues
and offer opportunities for those sports to grow and for the
community to have those sporting opportunities. The work in Benalla
is supported by the Basketball Victoria’s mission: Through the
provision of operational management, promote the game of basketball
and develop pathways allowing for all participants to reach their
potential Also supported by the following Strategies contained
within the 2017-2021 BV Strategic Plan: Provide Leadership We will
provide our membership with direction and support to ensure our
sport is best placed to meet future demands and provide a structure
whereby all associations, big and small, can flourish. Provide
Pathways Basketball Victoria will clearly define and align pathways
for all participants to enter and develop to the level of their
ability.
Upload a document in support of your submission:
Would you like to speak at the Council Meeting on 6 October
2021:
Name:
Through innovative practices, Basketball Victoria will provide
additional opportunities for more Victorians to play more
basketball. Drive Infrastructure Growth We are committed to
ensuring each basketball player has a place to play. We will be
relentless in our drive to ensure that new basketball facilities
and upgrades to existing facilities are front-of-mind whenever
local, state and federal funding is allocated and we will work with
other sports to ensure that multi-use facilities best benefit
basketball. Annually, Benalla Basketball operate the popular
Benalla Basketball Tournament, which has a demonstrated economic
impact to the local community of $261,300. The redevelopment of the
Benalla Indoor Recreation Centre will allow this tournament to
expand and create a larger impact for the Benalla and districts
community. Basketball Victoria has read and fully supports the
Benall Basketball submission to the Benalla Rural City, Council
Plan 2021-2025 Yours faithfully David Huxtable David Huxtable
General Manager, Member and Community Services Basketball
Victoria
No file attached
Your submission on the Draft Council Plan 2021-2025:
Upload a document in support of your submission:
Would you like to speak at the Council Meeting on Wednesday 6
October 2021:
Name:
Submission to Benalla Rural City Draft Council Plan 2021-2025 North
East Bushrangers would like to lodge the following submission
regarding the draft of the BRCC Council Plan 2021 - 2025 in support
of the Benalla Basketball Association. We refer to the omission of
the BIRC redevelopment in the Draft Council Plan. Although, many
members of our community would not know what the term BIRC stands
for The centre needs development. Benalla is ideally located in a
central point in the North East region making it a fantastic point
of call for the surrounding basketball community to commit to high
development pathway programs for both Junior and Senior
Committments. The location is fanatastic but the centre itself is
requiring several upgrades to meet the standards of the highest
level of or the sport. In turn the thrust to this pathway builds
relationships and also connection for involvement with especially
the Benalla youth. We brought our program to the area becuase the
council looked to have a plan to continue construction of the site
and therefore build the prospects of our club and the environment
for which we could progress. BRCC has had the BIRC redevelopment
listed as a major project on its “Council Plan” since 2002. We
received anecdotal information that over the years there have been
a few master plans drawn up and studies done. This is our
understanding: We would like to support the town its people and
help build a stronger community and would like to see the existing
facility be uprgraded bringing it to a standard for its future
growth not only for the local community but also for the growth of
the whole of the North East. The Master plans for this project has
been drawn and to our knowledge a feasibility study has been
completed, user groups were consulted some time ago (perhaps this
needs revisiting). This is a project that everyone agrees is well
overdue in terms of the needs within our community and yet we have
not seen any progress. The growth of our town has exploded and our
fasciitis are not in keeping with the patronage of them.
No file attached
Tony Long
Appendix 12
The Benalla Art Gallery needs to be included in the New Council
Plan for the following reasons
The Benalla district is at an exciting moment in time. It is in the
early stages of a wave of new development and growth with numerous
new buildings and businesses either underway or planned. The City
has many opportunities on which to build. Its people are capable,
caring and committed; it has good educational and sporting
facilities; major manufacturing industries and sound local
businesses; good health services; community clubs and
organisations; a beautiful landscape and a historic precinct with
botanical gardens and a lake. And the ‘jewel in the crown’ and
brand by which Benalla is known Australia-wide, is our
award-winning Art Gallery and collection worth $25M.
However, as Council also knows well, Benalla faces many social
disadvantage challenges: - Household incomes are lower than
average, and rates of family incidents and drug and alcohol
offences are higher than average - Suicide attempts and
psychological distress levels per head are among highest in the
state - Percentage of children experiencing abuse and in
out-of-home care is among highest in state - Such health indicators
as arthritis, cancer, obesity, cardiovascular, respiratory, etc
score poorly - There’s a severe shortage of reasonable housing for
low-income families - Skilled professional and trade workers are in
short supply and a shortage of available good
quality housing is discouraging skilled personnel from relocating
here.
The good news is that the arts and culture can help overcome
systemic social disadvantage and drive economic growth. While the
Gallery’s primary role lies in exhibiting, fostering and enabling
arts and cultural activities, in the process it can also help drive
socio-economic development and opportunities. The Benalla Gallery
has the potential to be a power-house for generating
transformational socio-economic change across the district, thereby
enhancing community well- being in ways that can help solve the
social disadvantages listed above and open up opportunities.
The positive socio-economic power of the arts is a fact now
substantiated by evidence-based global research and case studies,
including Australia. ANA (A New Approach)
https://newapproach.org.au/ is an Australian think-tank supported
by twenty major philanthropic bodies Over the last three years it
developed five major independent research studies which
comprehensively demonstrate the positive benefits the arts can have
on: - Individuals: in terms of improved mental health; better
educational outcomes; enhanced ability
to think creatively and innovate; increased confidence and sense of
‘agency’; improved feelings of self-esteem and sense of
belonging
- Society: in terms of improved social cohesion, stronger sense of
place, community connectivity and identity; better city planning;
enhanced cultural activities seeding stronger city economies.
The ANA research is so compelling that the findings of this study
have now been embedded in the new Australian Government 2021
Australian Infrastructure Plan designed to support national
recovery from COVID-19 pandemic and other high impact events such
as fires floods and drought.
https://www.infrastructureaustralia.gov.au/executive-summary-2021-australian-infrastructure-plan
display more of its nationally significant collection better and
more frequently; to host major touring exhibitions; and to mount
exhibitions that ‘tell’ stories of our people and our place - run
programs that enable the Gallery to become a true Peoples Gallery,
attracting and engaging
the whole community and helping drive social and economic
opportunities for all - through these art works, to position the
gallery as a leading exponent of Australia’s diverse
regional history, and thereby, increase understanding of who we
are, where we come from and what we may become. A Weary Dunlop
sculpture at the Gallery entrance honours local youth who
sacrificed health and life in three world wars - and who forged the
ANZAC spirit in
Appendix 13
the process. It powerfully depicts these values, expressed in text
around the base: Integrity, Courage, Compassion, Leadership,
Friendship, Forgiveness, Humility.
The Benalla Gallery today faces many challenges and problems. It is
a fine building, but it is 50 years old, deteriorating and no
longer ‘fit for purpose’ to serve the community for its second 50
years: - Space is too limited to display much of the Gallery’s own
collection or mount major exhibitions,
and certainly insufficient to run the kind of community engagement
and social outreach programs that could powerfully help all
students and disadvantaged young people in particular.
- Infrastructure and logistics are totally inadequate and badly
need up-dating - Staff numbers are half the recommended regional
gallery benchmark level.
A Feasibility Study, Concept Plan and Business Case for Gallery
Redevelopment was commissioned and paid for in the main, by
community donations - with $30K from the Trust, $30K from the
Friends Group and $20K from Council. Based on this Study, the
Victorian Government granted the Council $3.M to get the
redevelopment to get underway and extra funds to consult the
community.
The Need: The Study confirmed the urgent need for a major
Redevelopment to tackle the Gallery’s building and staffing
limitations and open up extended program opportunities; and
confirmed a redevelopment would bring major social, cultural,
economic benefits to the district.
The Benefits: The Study found that the third redevelopment Options
proposed in the Study would bring by far the greatest benefits to
the district, including by attracting an extra 90,000 to 100,000
visitors p.a. to the district, who would spend approximately $5.6M
during their visits
Lead Objective: The Study proposed the Redevelopment Objective be:
Strengthen Benalla Gallery and its role as a leading interpreter
and communicator of Australia’s regional cultural heritage. In
practical terms this means facilitating leading Australian and
regional artists to engage with the community in expressing,
depicting and interpreting the district’s stories. Benalla sits at
the heart of a place, rich in amazing stories. From the the First
Nations people’s aeons of the rich history through to first
European explorers and pioneers; from settlers and soldiers,
farmers and bushrangers, miners and migrants, traders and transport
operators - and many more! Taken together and interpreted by
artists, these stories can help us understand who we are as a
community, where we’ve come from, what it is to be Australian today
and what together we might aspire to become.
If the Gallery implements this objective, then Regional stories
could be the City’s stand-out theme and point of difference.
Through the Gallery, Benalla would be recognised as the leading
exponent of Australia’s rich regional cultural history and would
become a must-see tourist destination.
Covering Costs: The Feasibility Study identified the capital cost
of Option 3 would be approximately $14M and Operational costs (with
appropriately upgraded staffing levels) would run at around As a
Trustee of the Benalla Art Gallery Trust and as a ratepayer with
extensive professional experience in government, business and
philanthropy, I feel confident these funds can be raised
externally. However, this will only be achieved if all parties -
the Council, the Gallery, the Trust, the Committee and the
community, work together collaboratively and transparently. By
doing that we can bring great cultural, social, economic benefits
to the Benalla Rural City, district and region
Yours sincerely,
[email protected] Benalla Council Email Response Form - Draft
Council Plan 2021-2025 Submitted Thursday, 30 September 2021
1:16:19 PM
Your submission on the Draft Council Plan 2021-2025: I wish to make
a submission to the Council Plan, specifically in relation to the
proposed Benalla Art Gallery Redevelopment. As the previous Chair
of the Benalla Art Gallery Special Committee - who at the time
contributed to the development of a detailed Feasibility Study and
Business Case - I believe I have a strong understanding of this
project and its transformational potential. Firstly, it's
heartening to see 'Redevelopment of the Benalla Art Gallery' listed
as a Major Project in the foreword penned by the Mayor, Cr Danny
Claridge. As you would be aware, the Feasibility Study and Business
Case was presented by the Benalla Art Gallery Committee to an
Assembly of the Benalla Rural City Council. This presentation
specifically requested that the Council not only receive the
document, but to include the redevelopment in the Council Plan
2021-2025. Further, it was requested Council articulate its support
for the option which would bring greatest benefits to the Benalla
district. It was further clarified by the Committee that this
indication of Council support need not be at the ratepayer's
expense - rather, that Council could publicly support and actively
seek government grants to account for capital costs, and work
collaboratively with the Foundation and other stakeholders to
generate a corpus sufficient to cover operating shortfalls. Again,
while Cr Claridge's statement is encouraging, it would be
beneficial to see the scope of Council's support for the
'Redevelopment of the Benalla Art Gallery' more clearly defined in
the final Council Plan. As it stands, the $3 million grant funding
(already received) could be perceived by some as full
accomplishment of this aim. Indeed, the published draft of the 10
Year Financial Plan did not include any commitment to further
redevelopment, nor was the 'Benalla Art Gallery Redevelopment'
included in a list of 'Unfunded' aspirational projects. The
Feasibility Study and Business Case clearly defined the significant
social and economic benefits (in excess of 2.0 BCR) which could be
attained through redevelopment of the Benalla Art Gallery, however
these benefits can only be unlocked through more substantial
redevlopment than will be possible through the $3 million grant
outcomes. The potential benefits detailed in the Feasibility Study
and Business Case also align strongly with: The Council's Vision,
Purpose, and Values Guiding themes in the Benalla Rural City
Community Vision 2036:Community wellbeing and sense of place o A
well-planned, connected and accessible community o A vibrant,
thriving and progressive economy o A destination of choice o
Leadership and community spirit And the following objectives stated
in Draft Council Plan: o Theme 1: Community Objective: A healthy,
safe and resilient community strategies 3, 5, and 6 Objective: A
connected, involved and inclusive community strategies 1-7 o Theme
2: Liveability Objective: Vibrant public spaces and places
strategies 1-7 o Theme 3: Economy Objective: Thriving business and
industry strategy 2 Objective: Flourishing tourism strategies 1-2
Objective: Population growth strategy 1 o Theme 4: Environment
Objective: Sustainable practices strategies 2-3 o Theme 5:
Leadership Objective: High performance culture strategies 1-3
Objective: Effective and responsive advocacy strategy 1 The
Feasibility Study and Business Case would be approrpiate to refer
to as a 'Key Supporting policy, strategy and plan' against these
various objectives, but is entirely absent. Finally, I also want to
stress that the 'Redevelopment of Benalla Art Gallery' cannot be
dismissed on the grounds of insufficient community support.
Appendix 14
Upload a document in support of your submission:
Would you like to speak a the Council Meeting on 6 October
2021:
Name:
In fact, the presentation of the Feasibility Study and Business
Case to Council needs to be recognised as a single document
carrying the weight of support of numerous community members,
particularly: o the voluntary community members who formed part of
previous and current Committees and worked toward this outcome for
more than 12 months; o the numerous community members who form the
Friends of Benalla Art Gallery, which is an independent, voluntary
support group. The backing of the project from this group is very
clear, having been the first to make a substantial ($30,000)
financial commitment to enable the Feasibility Study and Business
Case to be developed Having been presented this document for
consideration in the Council Plan, Council has been told by a not
insignificant section of the community that the 'Redevelopment of
Benalla Art Gallery' is what they want, but this is again not
reflected in the draft. I firmly believe further community support
for this project would have been voiced, had any of the findings of
the Feasibility Study and Business Case detailing the clear
benefits been communicated to the public. My belief here is
strengthened by the community's inclusion of community facilities
-including the Art Gallery - as an existing community strength
(page 37), and with 'The Arts' being one of the top ten Council
services the community believed was of most importance to residents
(page 38). I hope and trust that in the final Council Plan and 10
Year Financial Plan, the scope of Council's support for
'Redevelopment of Benalla Art Gallery' will be adequately accounted
for. This would be appropriate given the evident social and
economic benefits, and community support, embedded within the
Feasibility Study and Business Case the Council has been presented
with. Attracting the external grant and philanthropic funding
required to achieve the most beneficial 'Redevelopment of Benalla
Art Gallery' will only be possible with this clear, public,
strategic support from Council. Thanks for your
consideration.
No file attached
From: Karen Nankervis
Thank you for the opportunity to submit comments on the Draft
Council Plan that will be vital in the strategic planning and
decision making of council staff and councillors.
I moved here in January 2021, from Beechworth in the Indigo Shire,
and whilst I have no wish to see Benalla have anything like the
tourism environment that area has; there are some things that they
are doing exceptionally well particularly in waste management and
their impact on the environment and climate, that Benalla would
benefit from investigating.
My comments about the Draft Council Plan:
“What you don’t measure, you can’t manage or improve”
There are no service areas allocated to the strategies and overall,
the plan lacks any clear KPIs - all the ‘Performance Measures’
sections give headings but no criteria.
For example, in the Liveability section, you have a strategy to
beautify streetscapes, landscaping, signage and town entrances,
then some suggestions from the community, and finally a performance
measure of ‘community satisfaction with appearance of public
areas’.
I understand that this is a plan, with strategies, so you aren’t
going into details here of specific projects, but there is no
determinate information on the measuring of results.
There are no details of the starting point of current community
satisfaction, and/or the percentage increase that you’ll be aiming
for. For example, a performance measure of ‘10% increase in
community satisfaction with appearance of public areas’ gives
confidence to the community that this will be focussed on and gives
guidance to council officers when they set their priorities.
Another example in that section is ‘ratio of Capital Works Program
delivered compared to budget’, what are you aiming to achieve
here?
This is repeated in every section. Perhaps you don’t see the
Strategic Plan as the spot to put clear performance measures, but
if not here, then where?
Planning for population growth
I can see items in the plan about increasing the population,
building a skilled workforce, infrastructure etc, but limited
mention of the development of housing for short- and long-term
rental and purchase.
The building of the FRV Solar Farm at Winton, demonstrated the lack
of short-term rentals in the area. I have heard comments about
larger employers, like Benalla Health, being unable to fill
positions because of the lack of housing.
I think the Strategic Plan needs to include a section on finding
out the true housing situation from a community and business
perspective and then developing a strategy to ensure new housing
developments, and redevelopment/repurposing of existing housing, is
in line with forecasted requirements.
Or the reverse might be to discourage the population increase and
business growth to match the housing availability.
Appendix 15
Strategy: Actively promote responsible behaviours to reduce
waste:
The HalveWaste education program, through Albury City and adjoining
councils, provides excellent support to councils to help
communities reduce waste and to dispose of waste correctly,
reducing what goes into landfill. Benalla isn’t part of the
HalveWaste waste collection system, but HalveWaste are interested
in partnering with other councils with their education program.
There are many resources that Council and the community can access
to help reduce our environmental impact. Please add this to the
Environment section strategy and make contact.
I couldn’t see any mention of the PlasticWise policy which I
believe was passed recently. This needs to be included in the ‘Key
Supporting policies, strategies and plans’ list as a key document
for review when action is taken on the Environment strategies and
Council needs to lead by example.
I would like to see a strategy included on making it inexpensive
and easy to manage waste and care for the environment. Our
community needs incentive to reduce waste and dispose of it
correctly. The long-term cost and risk of not reducing the impact
of waste, will far outweigh any short-term income reduction. For
example, reducing some of the costs at the transfer station, like
free ewaste as one option.
I look forward to receiving the final plan and watching it unfold
over the next 4 years.
Karen Nankervis
Submission David Blore September 2021
Dear Mayor, Councillors and CEO:
Further to discussions with various individuals including the Mayor
and CEO, and a review of Benalla’s draft document along with those
of other nearby municipalities, I wish to make the following
submission to the draft Council Plan currently on exhibition.
1. Form and Comprehensibility: The draft Council Plan is a lengthy
and difficult to read document. I appreciate it is presently only
in draft form, and I acknowledge and applaud the work done already
by staff to bring it to this point. Nonetheless, there are many
opportunities to enliven the final document with simple
improvements to layout, some precising of details and with the
judicious use of photos and graphics. A quick scan of the draft
2021-2025 Council Plans