Council plan revised before caretaker time
A revised council plan has been endorsed by Baw Baw Shire councillors that will see out the final months of their four year term.
The council plan represents a four year road map for council and sets out key priorities for council’s term from 2017 to 2021.
Mayor Danny Goss said the plan continued to strive for the community’s vision of Baw Baw 2050.
Cr Goss said one of the most prominent issues for the community had been road maintenance.
With the road maintenance expiring at the end of June 2020, he said council had an opportunity to engage with the community to understand the expectations for road conditions in the shire.
“In direct response, council has significantly increased its annual funding allocation to road maintenance, meaning you will see faster repairs; more grading of unsealed roads; increased road shoulder grading to improve drainage,” he said.
The council plan sets out four key strategic objectives including vibrant communities; thriving economy; safe and sustainable environments; and, organisational excellence.
Cr Goss said the vibrant communities program had seen an extension to the Drouin Early Learning Centre and early learning centres at Trafalgar and Warragul primary schools.
“These works mean an additional 254 spaces will be available to educate out growing community’s youngest learners,” he said.
Cr Goss said council had launched an economic development strategy to ensure council worked with and support small businesses.
“Consultation with the community confirmed the importance of maintaining the unique qualities of Baw Baw Shire by carefully managing the region’s growth.
“The high value placed on parks, gardens and open spaces was another clear message from the community,” he said.
Cr Goss said any strategies implemented across the shire must be flexible enough to meet the needs of council’s larger communities as well as smaller towns and villages throughout the region.
The council plan also includes acknowledgements and statements supporting traditional custodians; a commitment to child safety; and, preventing violence against women.
Cr Darren Wallace said the objectives of the council plan had not changed much and were still just as relevant as when council set them.
“This plan has stood up well over the time,” he said.
Cr Joe Gauci said this part of the budget process was under-rated.
He said the plan set out four main pillars and everything council did had to sit under those pillars.
Community members are encouraged to provide feedback on the council plan annual review.
Submissions can be in writing or via the shire’s Have Your Say section on its website. Feedback closes on July 23.
The new early learning centre at Trafalgar will open its doors for its first students this week.
Staff have used the term break to move equipment into the new building and construction of additional car parking is expected to start in the next few weeks.
Baw Baw Shire mayor Danny Goss said the new early learning centre meant it was conveniently located in School Rd with the primary and secondary schools.
The State government provided $1.8 million for the project with the shire contributing $85,000 towards internal fit-outs and $150,000 for additional on-site car parking.
Cr Goss, who inspected the facility with fellow councillors last week, said council was pleased its was able to help bring the project to facility.
The centre can accommodate up to 132 children in three and four year-old kindergarten programs.