- Meeting agenda attachments, May 5, 2025 (50.24 MB)
For more information and appendices for each item, view the Council Meeting Agenda above.
The below summary is unconfirmed until the Minutes of the Meeting are accepted by Council.
1. Opening Prayer & Original Custodians Statement
2. Apologies
None.
3. Confirmation of Minutes
That the Minutes of the Scheduled Meeting of Council held on 7 April 2025 be confirmed. (7-0)
4. Declaration by Councillors and Officers of any Conflict of Interest in any Item on the Agenda
Cr Ziegeler Declared a Conflict in Public Question Time.
5. Mayoral Presentation
6. Public Question Time
7.1. Draft Council Plan 2025-2029 And Annual Action Plan 2025-2026
Council is required under Section 90 of the Act to prepare and approve a Council Plan by October 31 following a general election.
The Council Plan, reviewed every four years, is the feature document in Council’s suite of strategic planning documents. It is formulated to guide the work of Council over the next four years.
In December last year Council began community consultation to help inform a new Council Plan.
Community consultation and engagement with Council staff continued in January, February and March this year and these activities have shaped the Draft Council Plan 2025-2029.
The draft Council Plan has a strong emphasis on asset renewal, housing matters and advocacy along with commitments to maintain services the community has come to expect of Council such as home support, facilitation of events and business support. Among the proposed new strategies is the use of AI (artificial intelligence) to help deliver efficiencies in Council operations.
The four-year Council Plan is accompanied by an Annual Action Plan covering the 2025-2026 financial year.
Council is in a position to consider releasing the Draft Council Plan and Draft Annual Action Plan for public exhibition and community feedback.
It is recommended that the community be given a two-week timeframe to provide feedback, which will inform a final draft of the Council Plan, scheduled to be considered at the Council meeting on 2 June 2025.
Council supported the following recommendations (7-0):
1. That Council approves the release of the Draft Council Plan 2025-2029 for public exhibition and community feedback.
2. That Council approves the release of the Annual Action Plan 2025-2026 for public exhibition and community feedback.
7.2. 2025-26 Draft Budget
Following the requirements of the Local Government Act 2020 (sections 94 and 96), Warrnambool City Council is preparing the Draft Budget for the 2025-26 financial year, which includes the allocation of resources for the next four years. This budget aligns with the vision and objectives set forth in the Council Plan, aiming to make “Warrnambool a thriving regional leader, rich in opportunities and committed to fostering a sustainable and inclusive lifestyle”.
The draft budget has been developed in line with best practice principles, adhering to the Local Government (Planning & Reporting) Regulations 2020. It will include:
• Financial statements
• Services and initiatives data
• Rating and borrowings data
• Proposed Fees and charges for 2025-26
Following Council approval, a public notice regarding the draft budget will be made available online and through local media. The draft document will be accessible electronically and in hardcopy at the Council's service centre. Submissions and feedback on the draft document will be received until Friday 16 May 2025.
Residents can submit their feedback through a dedicated your say warrnambool portal on the Council website or in writing.
Those who wish to present their views in person need to indicate this in their written submission and will be invited to attend a hearing of submissions on 26 May 2025.
The final budget for 2025-26 is scheduled to be presented for Council adoption at the Scheduled Council Meeting to be held on Monday, 2 June 2025.
Council supported the following recommendation (7-0):
That Council:
1. Place the 2025-26 Draft Budget on exhibition until 5:00pm Friday 16 May 2025, and invite submissions from the public.
2. Gives public notice of its intention to adopt the budget at the 2 June 2025 ordinary Council Meeting, subject to any changes.
3. Will hear requests to be heard on submissions received about the Draft Budget at a hearing on Monday, 26 May 2025, at 5:00pm in Council Chambers.
7.3. Revenue & Rating Plan
Section 93 of the Local Government Act 2020 requires a Council to prepare and adopt a Revenue and Rating Plan by the 30 June after a general election for a period of at least the next 4 financial years.
The purpose of the Revenue and Rating Plan (refer Attachment 1) is to determine the most appropriate revenue and rating approach for the Warrnambool City Council which, in conjunction with other income sources will provide the strategic basis for adequate financing of the objectives outlined in the in the Council Plan and that is consistent with the legislation relating to the State Governments “Fair Go Rates System” introduced in 2016 which included rate capping.
The Revenue and Rating Plan will be available for community consideration for a period of two weeks and the Council welcomes any submissions the community may make in relation to the rating and revenue plan.
The Plan is significantly the same as the Revenue and Rating Plan that has been in place for the last term of Council and seeks to provide consistency and certainty as to Councils rating framework.
Following the consideration of submissions, it is proposed that Council adopt the Revenue and Rating Plan at the Scheduled Council meeting on 2 June 2025.
Council supported the following recommendation (7-0):
That Council endorses the draft Rating and Revenue Plan 2025-2029 for public exhibition and community feedback.
7.4. Councillors Gift Policy 2025
The Local Government Act 2020 (the Act) requires that Council has a Councillors Gift Policy. Minor changes are recommended to the existing policy to remove ambiguity and further improve standards of governance.
Council supported the following recommendation (7-0):
That Council:
1. Revoke the Councillors Gift Policy 2024.
2. Adopt the attached Councillors Gift Policy 2025.
7.5. Sporting Reserves Signage Policy Review
It is important for Council to support local sporting clubs and acknowledges the vital role that sponsorship and promotional signage plays in helping clubs raise funds.
At the same time, it is essential to manage and regulate signage installation to preserve the visual appeal, condition, and safety of Council-owned and managed facilities, and to meet the requirements with Clause 52.05 of the Warrnambool Planning Scheme.
The Sporting Reserves Signage Policy (refer Attachment 1) was introduced to provide a consistent framework for signage that maintains the visual amenity of reserves and aligns with Council’s broader Advertising Signage Policy.
The Sporting Reserves Signage Policy was implemented in May 2022; the policy is now due for review.
Following consultation with stakeholders, feedback has been considered and proposed amendments have been made to update the policy accordingly.
Council supported the following recommendations (6-1):
That Council
1. Revoke the Sporting Reserves Signage Policy 2022.
2. Adopt the Sporting Reserves Signage Policy 2025.
7.6. Playspace Strategic Framework
The Playspace Strategic Framework builds on the work undertaken in 2019 where the development of a Playspace Strategy was undertaken.
This framework provides guidance on the hierarchy of Council's playspaces and provides a set of guidelines and future directions to support the ongoing management of playground assets.
The Playspace Strategic Framework will inform the community on Council’s approach to playspaces across the municipality, and it will guide decision making to ensure playspaces remain fit for purpose and allow for interactive play in a safe and inclusive environment.
This report presents the Playspace Strategic Framework to Council for consideration and is recommended for adoption.
Council supported the following recommendation (7-0):
That Council adopt the Playspace Strategic Framework 2025-2034.
7.7. Community Development Fund 2025 / 2026 Guidelines
The Community Development Fund aims to support the development and capacity of Warrnambool clubs and associations. Funding is available for projects, equipment and activities which meet the grant program eligibility and criteria and contribute to the participation, club capacity and sustainability and the livability of the City.
The 2025/26 guidelines set out the aims, objectives and key dates for the program along with detailed information on each category and how the applications will be assessed against each criteria. Applicants who are considering a submission are required to read and understand the guidelines to ensure program eligibility, prior to submitting an application.
Funding per grant category has been amended to provide for an allocation to a new category: Minor Capital Works. This new category has been included recognising that no other funding program supports community infrastructure works.
Council supported the following recommendation (7-0):
That Council approve the draft Community Development Fund Guidelines for the Community Development Fund 2025/2026 grant round.
7.8. Festivals And Events Fund 2025 / 2026 Guidelines
Warrnambool City Council, through the Events and Promotion Team supports, partners, facilitates and delivers some 150 events annually. The Festivals and Events Fund Grant Program aims to support events which contribute to the local economy and build the profile of Warrnambool as a vibrant regional city through the Festivals and Events Fund.
The objectives include:
• Generate a diverse, vibrant and inclusive annual calendar of events
• Attract overnight visitors outside of peak visitation times, particularly in winter
• Attract new revenue into the local economy, providing a boost to local businesses
• Create memorable experiences that are unique to Warrnambool’s city lifestyle and unique natural environment
• Encourage and assist events to become financially sustainable and protect valuable annual events
• Inspire and empower environmental enhancements, and social benefits to improve livability
• Occur in off-peak and shoulder seasons
• New events that have not been funded previously
The funding streams include support for:
• Tourism Events
• Community Events
• Business Events and Conferences
• Partnership Stream
• Community Christmas Carol Events
Council supported the following recommendation (7-0):
That the Festivals and Events Fund Guidelines 2025-2026, be adopted.
7.9. Ziegler Parade Bridge Management Plan
The Ziegler Parade Bridge is in Allansford, spanning the Hopkins River. The bridge once served as a vital link in the region’s road network until the Princes Highway-Allansford bypass was built in the mid 1970’s and now carries an estimated 14,000+ vehicles per day over the Hopkins River immediately upstream of Ziegler Parade.
The Ziegler Parade Bridge currently has a load limit of 14 tonne and caters for westbound local traffic only, linking to the Princes Highway.
A previous detailed inspection of the bridge was completed in 2016 and at the December Council meeting in 2017, Council agreed to review the bridge condition and management plan within 10 years.
Another detailed condition assessment was completed in March 2024 to determine the best course of action for its maintenance and future use. This assessment highlighted the significant work required on the structure as it is nearing the end of its useful life.
The future of the Ziegler Parade Bridge has been considered at a number of points over the past 15 years. Different mitigations have been applied to the bridge to allow it to remain operational. The bridge is now reaching the end of its useful life and a decision about the future of the bridge needs to be considered by Council with the best available options at this point to close or replace the bridge.
This report details these options, why they are the best options and makes a recommendation in relation to the future of the bridge which takes into consideration the detailed inspection reports coupled with Council’s Asset Management practices and policies.
Council supported the following recommendations (5-2):
That Council:
1. Continue with a single lane, 14 tonne load limit on the bridge, and complete necessary rehabilitation works to prevent further deterioration of Ziegler Parade Bridge (up to a cost of
$400,000 – if costs come back greater than $400,000 a report will be brought back to Council for further consideration);
2. Work with the Department of Transport and Planning to seek to reduce the speed limits on the Princes Highway around Allansford to improve safety around significant intersections in to and out of Allansford;
3. Lobby the Department of Transport and Planning, local State and Federal Members of Parliament, and Ministers responsible for roads, for upgrade improvements to the design layout of the Garabaldi Lane/Princes Highway intersection and Grauers Road/Princes intersection;
4. Complete design works for safe access to the property directly west of the Ziegler Parade Bridge, from the Princes Highway;
5. Undertake community engagement to inform the community of the planned closure of Ziegler Parade Bridge;
6. Close the Ziegler Parade Bridge on 31 December 2029, unless closure is otherwise required before this date due to deterioration of the bridge to a level no longer deemed safe for bridge access to continue; and
7. Undertake a Transport and Access Strategy for Allansford to provide longer-term recommendations to support traffic flow in and around Allansford in line with potential future growth and development of the area.
7.10. Joint Venture South West TAFE And Warrnambool City Council
A new Joint Venture agreement has been prepared by Taits Solicitors in relation to Florence Collins Children's Services Complex on behalf of South West TAFE and Warrnambool City Council due to the previous agreement expiring. South West TAFE is the lead on this agreement and engaged Taits Solicitors to prepare the agreement.
The previous agreement had expired and since its expiration the agreement has been under review by members of South West TAFE and Warrnambool City Council Executive with all changes to the document being negotiated between both parties before any alteration to the document occurred.
During the review of the agreement it was agreed that the document needed to be written more clearly to ensure clarity within the document and to be more user-friendly to the reader.
The period of the lease will be for 25 years and therefore requires approval from Councillors as the combination of costs across the 25-year tenure will be outside the CEO delegation limit.
The cost for the term of the agreement will be $1,500,000, plus CPI each year, there will also be additional costs associated with the change of the terms of the agreement in relation to responsibilities and roles with Council now responsible for maintenance of specialised equipment, materials and operational equipment necessary for the operation of the childcare facility. This will relate to non-fixed equipment in the outdoor playground.
A new clause has been added in relation to any capital improvements or renovations deemed to be outside the scope of the agreement will be split between both parties.
Council supported the following recommendations (7-0):
That Council
1. Approve the joint venture between South West TAFE and Warrnambool City Council for provision of childcare services at Florence Collins Children's Services Complex.
2. Delegate to the Chief Executive Officer to sign the Florence Collins Children’s Services Complex Joint Venture Deed.
7.11. Council Plan Actions 2024 - 2025: January - March (Quarter 3)
This report provides information on the progress in achieving the actions set down for 2024-2025 as part of the Council Plan and Budget process. This report provides Council and the community with an update in the progress of actions across Councils' functional areas.
Council supported the following recommendation (7-0):
That the Council Plan Actions 2024 – 2025: January – March (Quarter 3), be received.
7.12. Sister Cities Update
Warrnambool City Council supports the sister city relationship established with Changchun and Miura for the purpose of cultural, social and economic benefit. Warrnambool is one of seventy cities under Sister Cities Australia with formalised arrangements.
Communication with both of Warrnambool City Council’s sister cities has been re-established after the challenging years faced during COVID-19. Miura and Changchun have extended an invitation for a WCC delegation to visit during 2025.
WCC’s Economic Development Unit liaises with representatives of Changchun’s American & Oceanian Division, Foreign Affairs Office, and Changchun Municipal People's Government.
With Miura, our communications are via the staff in Mayor Yoshida’s Office.
Regular contact with both cities has been in place mainly through Councils Economic Development Unit for the past 18-24 months. This has resulted in a visit from the Mayor of Miura in July 2024, re-establishing an Assistant Language Teacher (ALT) exchange program which will see a Warrnambool Citizen commence in Miura in March 2025 and four Warrnambool Citizens visited Changchun in September 2024 to participate in their marathon.
WCC’s Economic Development team have held discussions with Deakin University Warrnambool who have indicated they are keen to work with Council and Deakin’s International Recruitment Manager for China to promote opportunities for Changchun residents. The aim is to encourage students to study and live in Warrnambool. Our Sister City in Japan, Miura, was also discussed with Deakin and we will share opportunities with them for their citizens to consider.
In the 10-year anniversary ceremony in 2023, a framework agreement (see attached framework agreement) on joint establishment of a Changchun and Warrnambool SME Trade Platform were signed by the leaders of both sides. Continuing discussions on the readiness to trial the platform for businesses in both cities would be held.
The Manager of Economic Development and Events met recently with Global Victoria to discuss the newly launched Trade Start Program which focusses on food and fibre exports. From January 2025 to June 2027, the program will provide 1:1 support to Victorian businesses seeking to enter and expand in priority international markets including China. Global Victoria has five staff located in different areas of China and a Geelong based representative who will share export advice and insights, export capability building, and connect export-ready businesses to global markets. Economic Development staff will be working with Global Victoria to promote the Trade Start program and identify local businesses who may be eligible and possibly link with our Changchun representatives.
The purpose of a visit to our sister cities would be to continue to strengthen our relationship through cultural and social opportunities and promote areas with potential economic benefit such as tourism, agriculture and education.
Council supported the following recommendation (7-0):
That Council endorse a visit to both sister cities (Changchun, China and Miura, Japan) within the next 18 months, with a focus on opportunities for our local tourism, education, agriculture and community members.
7.13. Informal Meetings of Council Reports
Section 80A(2) of the Local Government Act 1989 required the record of an Assembly of Councillors to be reported at an ordinary Council meeting.
Assembly of Councillor Records are no longer a requirement in the Local Government Act 2020 as of 24 October 2020. However, under Council’s Governance Rules, a summary of the matters discussed at the meeting are required to be tabled at the next convenient Council meeting and recorded in the minutes of that Council meeting.
The record of the following Informal Meetings of Council are enclosed:
1. Monday 14 April 2025 – refer Attachment 1.
2. Tuesday 22 April 2025 – refer Attachment 2.
3. Monday 28 April 2025 – refer Attachment 3.
Council supported the following recommendation (7-0):
That the record of the Informal Meetings of Council held on 14, 22 and 28 April 2025 be received.
7.14. Mayoral & Chief Executive Officer Council Activities - Summary Report
This report summarises Mayoral and Chief Executive Officer Council activities since the last Ordinary Meeting which particularly relate to key social, economic and environmental issues of direct relevance to the Warrnambool community.
Council supported the following recommendation (7-0):
That the Mayoral & Chief Executive Officer Council Activities – Summary Report be received.
8. Notice of Motion
9. General Business
10. Urgent Business
11. Close of Meeting