- Agenda Attachments July 6, 2026 (10.41 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
Cr Ziegeler
3. Confirmation of Minutes
That the Minutes of the Scheduled Meeting of Council and the Hearings Meeting held on 1 June 2026, be confirmed. (6-0)
4. Declaration by Councillors and Officers of any Conflict of Interest in any Item on the Agenda
Cr Benter Declared a Conflict in Item 7.4
5. Mayoral Presentation
6. Public Question Time
7.1. Community Satisfaction Survey 2026
The annual Local Government Community Satisfaction Survey measures perceptions of Council performance across a range of services and measures.
The survey covers eight core services which are listed in the table below, along with last year’s measure and the state and regional averages.
This revealed a number of stronger results. Services that recorded scores above 60 included the Library (82), waste management (68), appearance of public areas (65), customer service (65), the art gallery (63) recreational facilities (62), community events and cultural activities, elderly support services, business and community development and tourism, family support services and environmental sustainability (all 60).
The surveys have been conducted for more than a decade with the outcomes strongly influenced by prominent local issues at play while the surveys are undertaken.
Over February and March, at the time the survey was conducted, Council was undertaking work to renew the roundabout at the intersection of Timor and Gilles streets. The work also included resurfacing of De Grandi Lane, installing a compliant footpath and changing De Grandi Lane to become one-way only access into Ozone Car Park. There were some objections to the project, and these were covered extensively by local media.
Council was also addressing an error related to superannuation budgets that drew negative media coverage.
Another influence over the results was that the Victorian Government changed its preferred survey provider to Klein Research. This allowed Council to change survey methodology. This involved changing from 100 per cent telephone responses to a mix of telephone (75%) and online (25%).
Klein’s analysis indicated the changed methodology using online surveys via social media recruitment “may have allowed respondents to be more critical” when scoring Council on consultation and engagement and on making decisions.
Another change was the shift to social media as being more preferred method of receiving Council information (31%) where previously this was a newsletter sent by email or via mail.
Council supported the following recommendations (6-0):
That:
1. Council notes the findings of the 2026 Community Satisfaction Survey;
2. Council posts the survey results to the Council website.
7.2 Warrnambool Gaming Policy - Policy Review
The Warrnambool Gaming Policy was established in April 2011 with the intent of communicating “Council’s position in relation to gaming within the Municipality”. The policy is aimed at limiting the economic and social impact of Electronic Gaming Machines (EGMs) on less socio-economically advantageous areas of the City.
As the regulator, the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) manages the licensing and allocation of EGMs across the state. Under this structure, Council had limited influence in controlling the distribution of machines within the municipality. Applications to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal to overturn the decisions of the GVCCC have had little success.
Recognising the impact of gambling in the community, Council included “harm from gaming…” as one of the pillars in the Healthy Warrnambool Plan 2026-29. This has permitted the development of programs that address the determinants of problem gambling. Council’s planning scheme also guides the distribution of gaming venues by restricting planning permission in certain areas of the city.
Recognising the regulatory role of the VGCCC in managing the number and location of EGMs and addressing problem gambling through population health programs permits the removal of this policy.
Council supported the following recommendation (5-1):
That Council revoke the Warrnambool Gaming Policy 2011.
7.3. Domestic Animal Management Plan
Council is required to prepare a Domestic Animal Management Plan (DAMP) every four years under the Domestic Animals Act 1994 (the Act).
The DAMP provides a strategic framework for the management of domestic animals within the municipality and ensures Council meets its statutory obligations under the Act, including promoting responsible pet ownership, protecting community safety, and supporting animal welfare outcomes.
A review of the current DAMP was undertaken, incorporating feedback from both internal stakeholders and external community consultation.
Notable changes in this Plan include updated data and performance metrics, revised organisational roles and responsibilities, improved directory information, and an increased focus on proactive compliance activities such as Local Laws patrols, risk-based enforcement, and targeted community education programs.
Council supported the following recommendation (6-0):
That Council adopt the Domestic Animal Management Plan 2026-29.
7.4. Onsite Wastewater Management Plan
This report presents a revised Onsite Wastewater Management Plan (OWMP) 2026–2030 for adoption.
The OWMP establishes a risk-based framework for Council to manage wastewater from approximately 1,000 onsite wastewater systems (commonly known as septic systems) across the municipality where reticulated sewerage is not available. Poorly performing or ageing systems can pose risks to groundwater, waterways and public health if not effectively managed.
The plan ensures Council’s approach complies with the Environment Protection Act 2017, including the General Environmental Duty (GED) under section 25, which requires the identification and management of risks to human health and the environment so far as reasonably practicable.
Consistent with this framework and EPA guidance, councils are expected to implement an OWMP to systematically identify, assess and manage risks associated with onsite wastewater systems.
To address these risks, the OWMP outlines targeted actions including improving system data, delivering audit, education and compliance programs and enhancing coordination with external stakeholders such as Wannon Water.
Council supported the following recommendation (5-0):
That Council adopt the Onsite Wastewater Management Plan 2026-2030.
7.5. Warrnambool Moyne Youth Strategy Annual Report
Warrnambool City Council (WCC) and Moyne Shire Council (MSC) have successfully delivered the first year of the Youth Strategy 2025–2030, following its adoption by Council in March 2025.
A key achievement has been the establishment of the joint Youth Advisory Board (YAB), comprising 18 young people across both municipalities. The YAB has been embedded as a core mechanism for youth engagement, providing structured input into Council planning, strategy development, and service delivery.
More broadly, delivery of the Youth Strategy has resulted in strong participation outcomes across both municipalities, with high engagement in events, programs, and skills development opportunities.
The first year demonstrates a strong foundation for achieving the Strategy’s long-term objectives, with continued focus required on addressing barriers such as transport, cost of living, and equitable access to opportunities as well as outcomes aligned with key strategies in Council’s Plan.
Council supported the following recommendation (6-0):
That Council receives the report on the first year of implementation of the joint Moyne Shire Council and Warrnambool City Council Youth Strategy 2025–2030.
7.6. Connecting Warrnambool Motion
The “Connecting Warrnambool” group is advocating for improvements to the Hopkins Highway between Bushfield and Warrnambool, including speed reduction, road safety improvements and provision of footpath/trail provision for cycling and walking. Along with this they are calling for improvements to the connection between Allansford and Warrnambool.
Council supported the following recommendations (6-0):
That Council:
1. Acknowledges the work done by “Connecting Warrnambool” and thank them for their continued advocacy for safer connections between Warrnambool and nearby townships.
2. Calls on the State Government to prioritise investment into road improvements and safe walking and cycling provision on the Hopkins Highway between Bushfield and Warrnambool and the Princes Highway between Allansford and Warrnambool.
7.7. 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 records of the following Informal Meetings of Council are enclosed:
1. Tuesday 9 June 2026 – refer Attachment 1.
2. Monday 15 June 2026 – refer Attachment 2.
3. Monday 22 June 2026 – refer Attachment 3.
4. Monday 29 June 2026 – refer Attachment 4.
Council supported the following recommendation (6-0):
That the record of the Informal Meetings of Council held on 9, 15, 22 and 29 June 2026, be received.
7.8. 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 (6-0):
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