It was published: 9 months 3 weeks ago
- Council Meeting Attachments, October 6, 2025 (88.86 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 1 September 2025 be confirmed. (7-0)
4. Declaration by Councillors and Officers of any Conflict of Interest in any Item on the Agenda
None.
5. Mayoral Presentation
6. Public Question Time
7.1. Annual Report 2024-2025
Council’s Annual Report informs the community about the progress made to implement the Council Plan and about Council’s financial performance in relation to the annual budget.
Operationally, it was another successful year with key projects delivered including construction of the West Warrnambool Neighbourhood House and completion of the Brierly Reserve Stage One redevelopment. During the 2024-2025 financial year Council also started upgrades to the City Kindergarten, Wollaston Road and a key beach access point off McGennan Car Park that features an all-abilities access ramp.
In addition to a considerable volume of infrastructure work Council embarked on a number of key planning documents including the long-term land use strategy, Warrnambool Futures, and the Warrnambool Retail Strategy.
Other highlights included another successful Solstice Search Party, which activates the city at a traditionally quieter time of year, and hosting the triple j One Night Stand event which saw about 10,000 people descend on the Friendly Societies Recreation Reserve to see and hear from some of Australia’s great music performers including G Flip and Thelma Plum.
Council’s financial position is sound but not without future challenges. Cost-shifting, the rate cap and rising costs – including construction costs – have contributed to a future where Council must continue to carefully consider how it will maintain service levels and endeavour to maintain and renew assets valued more than $800 million.
Council supported the following recommendation (7-0):
That Council adopt the Warrnambool City Council 2024-2025 Annual Report.
7.2. Long Term Financial Plan 2026-2035
The Long Term Financial Plan (LTFP) provides a 10-year financially sustainable projection regarding how the actions of the Council Plan may be funded to achieve the Community Vision. The LTFP sets out the financial direction for Council over the next ten years. It highlights how Council will balance service delivery, capital investment, and financial sustainability in a challenging economic environment.
The LTFP shows that while Council is in a sound financial position, increasing cost pressures, a rate cap that is below key expenditure growth, and reliance on recurrent grants present ongoing challenges. Strong strategic actions will be required to maintain financial sustainability and continue meeting community expectations.
Council supported the following recommendations (7-0):
That Council adopt the Long Term Financial Plan.
7.3. Warrnambool 2040 Community Plan
Having a long-term community plan or vision became a requirement for all Councils under the Local Government Act 2020.
In anticipation of a long-term plan becoming a legislated requirement, Warrnambool City Council developed a long-term community plan, Warrnambool 2040 (W2040). The plan was developed over a two-year period and adopted in December 2018.
The plan is considered to be “owned” by the community, including the groups, organisations and individuals who contributed to its development. Ultimately, however, while Council is a plan partner, it is effectively the caretaker of the plan and takes the lead on its development and maintenance.
Although the scope of the plan must cover at least a decade, the Local Government Act directs Councils to either develop or review the plan by 31 October in the year following a general election.
A review of the plan began this year with the Mayor writing to the organisations who were involved in the development of the plan in 2017 and 2018.
Council made considerable progress on aspects of the plan. Of particular note were the delivery of “big ticket” items including the new Warrnambool Library and the upgrade of Reid Oval.
Following feedback from partners minor revisions to the plan were made. These changes included the removal of immediate and short-term actions, which dated from 2018 and were largely achieved, while medium-term actions were updated and the target date changed from 2026 to 2029. This will bring the plan into alignment with the general election cycle.
Overall goals and outcomes for 2040 were unchanged with the exception of “genders” being added to Goal 1 (Warrnambool is a welcoming and inclusive city) which acknowledges the importance of gender equality, now mandated through the Gender Equality Act 2020.
At its meeting on September 1, 2025, Council voted to release a revised draft of the long-term community plan, Warrnambool 2040 (W2040), for general community feedback.
Council received one submission with the respondent seeking upgraded showers along the promenade, including McGennan Car Park. This specific request could be evaluated during the 2026-2027 budget process.
Council supported the following recommendation (7-0):
That Council adopt the reviewed long-term community plan Warrnambool 2040.
7.4. Active Warrnambool Strategy 2025-2035
The Active Warrnambool Strategy 2025 to 2035 replaces the previous Active Warrnambool Sport and Physical Activity Strategy 2019 to 2030.
This strategy aligns with the Council Plan, Warrnambool 2040 and draft Healthy Warrnambool 2025-2029, providing the strategic direction for Council on the future planning, provision, management and priorities for a range of sport and active recreation opportunities over the next ten years.
Council supported the following recommendation (7-0):
That Council approves the release of the draft Active Warrnambool Strategy for public comment through Council's Your Say from 7 October to 28 October 2025.
7.5. Warrnambool Art Gallery Strategic Plan 2025-2029
The Warrnambool Art Gallery is owned and operated by the Warrnambool City Council, is the fifth oldest public collecting institution in Australia, and represents a significant cultural and artistic asset where locals and visitors can explore some of the most important issues facing our communities today.
The Warrnambool Art Gallery currently holds a large permanent collection of 3,500+ objects that include Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artefacts, contemporary cultural material and works of art. The gallery manages this significant Warrnambool City Council cultural asset in a measured way for ongoing enjoyment of future audiences. Alongside displays from the collection the Gallery presents 8- 10 contemporary art exhibitions per year comprising solo and group exhibitions from regional, remote, national and international artists.
The Warrnambool Art Gallery Strategic Plan will provide guidance to the Gallery Director and Curatorial team over the next four years in applying consistent principles and methodology in activating one of Warrnambool’s most important cultural assets. It will support the management of the City’s collection and curated exhibitions.
The Strategic Plan will guide practice, programming and engagement with the local community and visitors to the city. The plan will enhance the Gallery’s reputation with the local, national and international creative industry.
The Strategic Plan will help the Gallery to best attract resources including funding to support development of exhibitions and infrastructure.
Council supported the following recommendation (7-0):
It is recommended that Council adopt the Warrnambool Art Gallery Strategic Plan.
7.6. Healthy Warrnambool Plan 2025-2029
The Municipal Health and Wellbeing Plan (the Plan) has been prepared after a comprehensive review of available health statistics and engagement with the community, subject matter experts and internal stakeholders.
Development and adoption of the plan is a legislated requirement under the Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008 within 12 months after a general election of council.
The Plan was released for public comment on 3 September and submissions closed on 16 September. 17 Submissions were received in total via a variety of methods including; meetings, emails, letter and webform.
Submissions were received from;
• Women’s Health and Wellbeing Barwon South West (WHWBSW)
• Barwon South West Public Health Unit (BSWPHU)
• Internal WCC staff
• South West Healthcare
• Western District Food Share
• Meli
• Switchboard (LGBTQIA+ inclusion)
• Victorian Pride Lobby - Rainbow Local Government Campaign
• Representative - Wannon Water
• Representatives from WRAD Health
• Five Warrnambool residents
Where appropriate, changes have been made to the Plan based on these submissions. This is summarised within the report.
Council supported the following recommendation (7-0):
That Council adopts the Healthy Warrnambool Plan 2025-2029.
7.7. Road Management Plan 2025
The Road Management Plan establishes a management system for Council for the discharge of its duty to inspect, maintain and repair its public roads based on policy and operational objectives as well as available resources.
The Road Management (General) Regulations 2016 (Vic) require Council to conduct a review of its Road Management Plan in accordance with section 90(3) of the Local Government Act 2020 (Vic).
This requires the review of the Road Management Plan to be completed, and the revised Plan adopted by 31 October in the year following a general election.
As part of the Road Management Plan review process, where amendments are proposed to be made, the document must be made public and allow for submissions for a period of not less than 28 days.
An internal review of Warrnambool City Council’s Road Management Plan (June 2021 version 6.00) was completed with minor additions to the document proposed to allow for improved clarity. With no public submissions received on the endorsed draft plan, the final version is now presented to Council for adoption.
Council supported the following recommendation (7-0):
That Council adopts the Road Management Plan 2025.
7.8. Buildings Asset Management Plan and Bridges Asset Management Plan
The current buildings asset management plans were completed in June 2020 and spread across three documents titled Community Facilities, Corporate and City Growth and Infrastructure Buildings Asset Management Plans. Similarly, the current Bridges Asset Management Plan was completed in March 2017. Therefore, both the buildings and bridges asset management plans are due for review and consolidation.
The Asset Management Plans (AMPs) detail information about infrastructure assets with actions required to provide an agreed level of service in the most cost-effective manner while outlining associated risks. The AMPs define the services to be provided, how the services are provided, and what funds are required over a 10-year forward planning period.
Council supported the following recommendations (7-0):
That Council:
1. adopts the Buildings Asset Management Plan; and
2. adopts the Bridges Asset Management Plan.
7.9. Asset Plan 2025-2035
The purpose of the Asset Plan is to improve the transparency around asset value and performance, and to better inform the community on the type of assets under council management and their financial impost.
The Asset Plan also articulates and communicates the challenges and choices available to the Council in relation to service levels, costs and risk relating to how Council approaches and undertakes asset management.
Council supported the following recommendation (7-0):
That Council adopt the Asset Plan 2025 – 2035.
7.10. East Local Area Traffic Management (LATM) Plan
The East Warrnambool Local Area Traffic Management (LATM) Plan has been to community consultation following the September Council Meeting with a range of feedback items.
The final East Warrnambool LATM Plan (Attachment 1) is now presented to Council and is recommended for adoption.
Council supported the following recommendation (7-0):
That Council adopts the East Warrnambool Local Area Traffic Management Plan.
7.11. Leases And Licenses Policy 2025
This report presents Council with a new Leases and Licences Policy for adoption. The policy establishes a clear, consistent and transparent framework for the management of all Council occupancy agreements, including leases, licences, seasonal tenancies, shared use agreements and Committees of Management arrangements.
The policy defines categories of tenants and introduces a structured methodology for determining rent and obligations, ensuring fairness across commercial, community, and sporting uses. It formalises rent discounts for community benefit, applies consistent principles for sporting clubs, and ensures all tenancies are formalised under legally binding agreements.
To further support consistency, the policy incorporates a standardised Maintenance Responsibilities Schedule, clarifying obligations between tenants and Council. This ensures better asset management outcomes and reduces the risk of disputes.
The policy will strengthen transparency, protect Council’s financial sustainability, and provide certainty to tenants, moving away from the historic case-by-case approach.
Council supported the following recommendation (7-0):
That Council releases the attached Leases and Licenses Policy 2025 for community consultation for a period of four (4) weeks beginning 7 October 2025.
7.12. Policy Neutral Planning Scheme Amendment C216warr
This amendment seeks to implement policy neutral changes to the Warrnambool Planning Scheme recommended as part of the Warrnambool Planning Scheme Review (March 2023).
In October 2023 Council adopted the Warrnambool Planning Scheme Review (Version 1.2, 2 March 2023, Final) including recommendations. The report recommended, amongst other things, that policy neutral changes be undertaken to bring scheme provisions into alignment with the drafting style as provided by the Ministerial Direction: The Form and Content of Planning Schemes. These administrative amendments do not change the policy intent of the scheme. See Attachments 1 & 2 for further details.
The amendment was exempted from the requirement to publish a notice in the local newspaper and notice letters are only being sent to the Prescribed Ministers and government agencies during the statutory exhibition period as prescribed by the Planning and Environment Act 1987 (the Act).
The exhibition period for the amendment was from 24 July 24 to 25 August 2025. This period was extended until 8 September by the Department of Transport and Planning (DTP), following a request from the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) for additional time to review the amendment.
Council has received submissions from the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), Glenelg Hopkins Catchment Management Authority (GHCMA) and DEECA. All submissions have been resolved. Therefore, no panel hearing is required for this amendment.
Council supported the following recommendations (7-0):
That Council:
1. Adopts Amendment C216Warr to the Warrnambool Planning Scheme in accordance with Section 29(1) of the Planning and Environment Act 1987 with minor changes.
2. Submits Amendment C216Warr to the Minister for Planning for approval in accordance with Section 31(1) of the Planning and Environment Act 1987.
7.14. Child Safety Statement of Commitment
A statement of commitment to child safety is a formal, public declaration by an organisation that child safety and wellbeing are a priority, setting expectations for everyone involved to create and maintain environments where children are protected from harm.
It signifies a zero-tolerance approach to abuse, outlines the organisation's values and principles, and communicates its dedication to implementing procedures, policies, and standards to safeguard children and ensure their views are respected.
Council supported the following recommendation (7-0):
That Council adopt the Statement of Commitment to Child Safety.
7.15. Proposed Sale of Council Owned Properties At 34–38 Koroit Street
Council owns three adjoining properties at 34, 36 and 38 Koroit Street. These properties have historically been used for staff accommodation and, in the case of 34 Koroit Street, for commercial purposes. Following flood damage and subsequent repairs, the properties have been underutilised and are currently either vacant or occupied by Council staff on a short-term lease.
Council officers recommend that the properties be declared surplus to requirements and sold, with the preferred method being a collective sale as a development opportunity. This pathway aligns with Council’s strategic objectives by reducing the asset renewal gap, freeing staff from tenancy management responsibilities, reducing compliance risks, and enabling reinvestment of capital into higher-value community outcomes. The proposed sale also supports the local housing market by returning underutilised assets to private ownership.
While drainage works have reduced the historical flood risk, uncertainty remains until the system is fully tested in a major event. The properties also face insurance limitations due to past flood claims.
To mitigate risks and ensure transparency, it is recommended that Council disclose all known issues, including commissioning building reports and valuations prior to sale, consistent with its obligations as a public entity.
Council supported the following recommendations (7-0):
That Council:
1. Places the proposal to sell 34–38 Koroit Street, Warrnambool on community engagement for a period of 14 days, conducted in accordance with Council’s Community Engagement Policy.
2. Delegates to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) the authority, after considering all feedback, to determine whether to proceed with the sale proposal (in whole or in part) or not proceed.
3. If the CEO determines to proceed, endorses sale by expression of interest as the preferred sale method, and delegates to the CEO the ability to use an alternative lawful method if required and appropriate.
4. If the CEO determines to proceed, authorises the publication of a public notice of intention to sell the land at least four (4) weeks prior to dealing with the land, in the form required by law.
5. If the CEO determines to proceed, authorises officers to commission and publish any formal reports required to support the process and to ensure equal information access for prospective purchasers, including a building report and an independent valuation by a qualified valuer dated not more than six (6) months prior to sale.
6. If the CEO determines to proceed, authorises the CEO to finalise and execute all documents and take all administrative actions necessary to give effect to these resolutions, including minor timeline or process adjustments to ensure full statutory compliance and probity.
7.16. South West Victoria Alliance - Memorandum of Understanding
Warrnambool City Council forms part of the SouthWest Victoria Alliance (SWVA). A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) outlines the working arrangements of this partnership and is due for renewal. A copy of the MoU is attached – refer Attachment 1.
Council supported the following recommendation (7-0):
That Warrnambool City Council endorses the Memorandum of Understanding with the SouthWest Victoria Alliance (SWVA) effective from 24 October 2025 to 23 October 2028 (3 years).
7.17. Advisory Committee Reports
This report contains the record of the Planning Advisory Committee meeting held on 5 August 2025.
1. Planning Advisory Committee – 5 August 2025 – refer Attachment 1.
Council supported the following recommendation (7-0):
That the minutes of the Planning Advisory Committee meeting held on 5 August 2025, be received.
7.18. Cycling Reference Group Minutes 03 September 2025
This report relates to the Cycling Reference Group meeting, held Wednesday 3 September 2025, with a range of items discussed.
Key items from the meeting include discussion on the endorsed work plan, Council strategy tie-in and the review of upcoming capital projects.
Council supported the following recommendation (7-0):
That the record of the Cycling Reference Group meeting held on 3 September 2025, be received.
7.19. 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. Monday 8 September 2025 – refer Attachment 1.
2. Monday 15 September 2025 – refer Attachment 2.
3. Monday 22 September 2025 – refer Attachment 3.
4. Monday 29 September 2025 – refer Attachment 4.
Council supported the following recommendation (7-0):
That the record of the Informal Meetings of Council held on 11, 18 and 25 August 2025, be received.
7.20. 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