Meeting Update
February 25, 2021
Councillor Code of Conduct
Colac Otway Shire Council has adopted a new Councillor Code of Conduct, as required under the 2020 Local Government Act, and will undertake a further review of the code in nine months with an opportunity for public input.
In accordance with the Local Government Act, Council was required to review the previous Councillor Code of Conduct, adopted in February 2019, and adopt a revised Code within four months of the Council election.
The revised Code of Conduct, developed with consideration to best practice, meets mandatory standards of conduct and includes a new internal arbitration process. The new Councillor Code of Conduct can be viewed online at www.colacotway.vic.gov.au.
Community Engagement Policy
Colac Otway Shire Council has formalised its commitment to engage with the community, reflecting the requirements of the new 2020 Local Government Act with a focus on transparency and authentic engagement to meet the expectations of residents and ratepayers.
Council adopted the Community Engagement Policy 2021 this week following consideration of five submissions received from community members during the public exhibition of the draft policy.
Council will contact submitters to thank them for their feedback and explain where changes were made to the draft policy in response to their submission.
The principles and values of the new policy are currently being applied in the development of Colac Otway’s Community Vision and Council Plan, and will also guide community engagement in developing the Financial Plan and Asset Plan.
Colac Otway is visiting towns across the shire, encouraging local residents to share their ideas and aspirations for the shire for the next 30 years, and also has an online survey for people to complete if they are unable to attend face-to-face sessions. Colac Otway Shire’s Community Engagement Policy 2021 can be viewed online at www.colac.vic.gov.auwww.colac.vic.gov.au.
Community Sports Infrastructure Stimulus Program
Colac Otway Shire Council will allocate the required matching funding if it is successful with its application to the State Government’s Community Sports Infrastructure Stimulus Program Round 2.
Council will seek funding to provide compliant sports lighting at the Colac Lawn Tennis Courts, Lake Oval, Irrewillipe Recreation Reserve, Alvie Recreation Reserve, Warrowie Recreation Reserve and Gellibrand Recreation Reserve.
Council has agreed to allocate $231,240 in its 2021-22 Budget towards the Colac Otway Shire Lighting Upgrades Project if the application is successful.
Live Streaming and Recording of Council Meetings
Colac Otway Shire has reviewed and consolidated two policies addressing recording of Council Meetings and adopted a new policy with guidelines on the availability and retention of audio recordings and live-streaming practices.
Council had been audio recording Council and Planning Committee Meetings and making them available to the public via its website.
An interim Live Streaming policy and the decision to live stream meetings via Council’s YouTube channel was introduced in response to COVID19 restrictions which prevented members of the public attending meetings.
Council will continue to audio record and livestream, and both recordings will be available to the public following the meetings.
Acquisition and Disposal of Council Property Draft Policy
Colac Otway Shire’s Draft Acquisition and Disposal of Council Property Policy will be on public exhibition for six weeks and community feedback is welcome.
Submissions to the draft policy will be considered at a future Council Meeting.
Community Consultation on Kennett River City Deals Project
Colac Otway Shire Council will consult further with the Kennett River community to address issues raised regarding proposed work to improve tourism parking, infrastructure and traffic management in the coastal town.
Council developed a Kennett River Tourism Parking and Traffic in 2019 and has received funding to implement infrastructure improvements in Kennett River through the Geelong City Deals project.
Council has considered submissions from the community regarding the proposed works and will extend the community consultation period to April 30, 2021, to enable more feedback while meeting the timelines of the City Deal funding.
Apollo Bay Mechanics Institute Hall rates waiver
Colac Otway Shire Council has waived a municipal rates charge on the Apollo Bay Mechanics Institute Hall.
The hall had previously been the only hall in the shire deemed liable to pay municipal rates because it has been hired to a commercial operator for the screening of movies.
The hall will continue to be charged a fire services levy and waste management charge.
Council Enquiries
(03) 5232 9400