By ZAIDA GLIBANOVIC
THE March Latrobe City Council meeting on Monday, March 5, was a bit unusual, with both Mayor Darren Howe and Deputy Tracie Lund not in attendance. Former Mayor Kellie O’Callaghan regained her seat for a brief moment to chair the meeting. The chamber shared a laugh as councillors continued to refer to Cr O’Callaghan as Madam Mayor months after she had left the helm.
All other Councillors were present, including Cr Melissa Ferguson, who made her first public appearance in council chambers following a month’s leave. Cr Dan Clancey and council chief executive officer Steven Piasente attended the meeting via Zoom. A gallery of five people sat through the meeting, which lasted a little over three hours, featuring some healthy debate. Here are some of the meeting’s key moments: Hydrogen report – Japan trip BY invitation, Latrobe City Council representatives visited J-Power, the lead Japanese business for the Hydrogen Energy Supply Chain (HECS) Consortium. The total trip cost was $11,261.41, a little under the budget allocation of $12,000 for the delegation, which was approved at a council meeting in September 2023. The delegation was for one week in October, from the 23rd to the 28th. The council endorsed the tabled report from the Japan delegation. The report details discussions held at the various meetings with J-Power and other associates. Mayor at the time, Cr Kellie O’Callaghan, and the council’s chief executive officer, Steven Piasente, met with key HESC consortium members and visited hydrogen demonstration plants. Latrobe City Council has welcomed the Japanese Government’s announcement of a $2.35 billion AUD investment to establish an international large-scale liquefied hydrogen supply chain to Japan. Council proudly supports the Hydrogen Energy Supply Chain (HESC) Project, a ground-breaking initiative shaping the future of sustainable energy. The Council is committed to the success of the HESC Project, promoting economic growth, environmental sustainability and a brighter future for our community. The HESC consortium plans to have the commercial plant operational by 2028, subject to government approvals being obtained. Equal sporting access THE council unanimously endorsed the Fair Access and Use Policy – Community Sports and Recreation Facilities. Though councillors agreed with the draft, many councillors spoke to the agenda item regarding persisting gender inequalities in sport and recreation. The policy comes as a request from the state government. Cr Sharon Gibson was happy to endorse the policy, stating that there is no longer a “boys club” and that sporting clubs should be more inclusive. Public acquisition overlay THE proposed amendment C143 intends to apply Public Acquisition Overlay (PAO) to 24 properties across Newborough, Morwell and Traralgon was delayed for community engagement. The council officers recognise in the report that the region has experienced a big rise in demand for residential development. Cr Gibson filed an alternative motion to notify the 24 landowners of the outline of the process and plan and consider their concerns. Though the proposed public acquisition overlay will be delayed, many councillors said they wished to give residents the common courtesy of enough notice before the notion is voted on. The major growth zones in Lake Narracan, Morwell North West and Traralgon North require key infrastructure to be delivered before future development occurs. This includes wetlands for storm water treatment, road and intersection upgrades, and community facilities. The council’s report states that the majority of the identified projects are located on properties where there is no intention to develop or subdivide. Opening statement for council meetings FOLLOWING a review of the use of the Lord’s Prayer at council meetings, the practice has since been removed, and councillors were recommended to adopt a new opening to the meeting with a statement of commitment. Cr Gibson proposed another alternative motion, which was carried. Cr Gibson’s motion was on the grounds that the officers didn’t follow the original notice of motion endorsed in July 2023, requesting a report on opening statement options and community consultation. The recommended councillor statement of commitment was: “As Councillors, we are committed to working towards a shared vision that supports the aspirations of the Latrobe City community. We pledge to uphold the principles of good governance in making informed decisions that serve the best interests of our community.” Though councillors haven’t exactly disposed of that idea, Cr Dan Clancey suggested that the Mayor or Chair of the day could perhaps recite a statement of commitment with authenticity rather than read from a script. The decision to remove the Lord’s Prayer has been met with some resistance, with a public speaker using their time to express their concern about the council turning away from the custom and tradition of the Lord’s Prayer. For now, council will continue with no opening statement until a resolution is found later. Mid-Year Budget Review WITH a review of the council’s finances, officers suggested how to use the $3.1 million forecasted surplus. Cr Bradley Law told the chamber that it was through good officer and councillor management that the council could secure such a large surplus forecast. The councillors endorsed funding $500,000 for the Traralgon West Development Plan. The footpath rehabilitation program will receive $320,000. Two new wing mowers will be purchased at a price of $180,000 to maintain public spaces. The council also endorsed the following: Council Plan 2025-2029 Development – $150,000; Morwell Depot Environmental Assessment – $100,000; Over Sowing Couch Sports Fields – $65,000; Community Grant Program – $60,000; Kernot Hall Lighting & Equipment – $50,000; Small Township Community Planning Support – $30,000, and; Transition Reserve – $800,000. Cr Graeme Middlemiss made one complaint regarding the $45,000 allocated for the Gippsland New Energy Conference. “Out of this conference, I haven’t seen anything that has offered anything for the Valley so far,” he said. “Not one job have I seen come out of this conference for us now. “When it comes to what it does for the Valley, it does nothing. I’d be not far off the mark to characterise this as a hug fest for the green element.” Cr Dale Harriman opposed the motion and said that perhaps some of the money could be better spent during a financially tough time. He asked whether a rate reduction could be more beneficial for the region experiencing a penny pinch, but nevertheless, the original notion was carried. Regional Community Sports Infrastructure Fund THE council will make applications to the state government’s Regional Community Sports Infrastructure Fund after the motion was carried. The council has narrowed down the key projects they will submit to the state government for funding consideration. The identified project for the Community Facilities stream is the construction of a new multi-use pavilion at Gaskin Park, Churchill. The project is estimated at $3,039,025, with a Council contribution required of $2,039,025. In the Women and Girls Facilities funding stream, the council will submit applications to renew the cricket and umpire change rooms at Maryvale Reserve in Morwell. Two additional cricket change rooms and a first aid room and public toilets will also be sought for. The project is estimated to cost $804,100 with a $160,820 contribution from local government. Under the same funding stream, council will apply to renew existing AFL and netball change rooms and public amenities at Baillie Reserve, Tyers with an estimated project cost of $443,438 and a Council contribution required of $88,688. Ronald Reserve in Morwell comes under the All Abilities stream, with the application featuring a lift to the social rooms. The project is set to cost $295,625 with a council contribution of $59,125. This fund is only available to regional and rural councils and has a high funding ratio with four state government dollars to every council dollar. Election Period Policy Review THE council adopted the Election Period Policy 2024. The policy aims to continue ordinary business in an election period in a responsible and transparent manner, in accordance with statutory requirements and established conventions. After officers reviewed the existing policy, they determined that no changes are necessary and was endorsed by the council. With the upcoming council elections in October, the policy aims to ensure that councillors remain impartial, transparent, and fair during election time. Road, Facility and Place Naming AFTER a lengthy debate and confusing amendment process, the council will defer the consideration of the road, facility, and naming matter to the next council meeting to enable consultation with the Latrobe Combined History Group regarding developing a naming register for Latrobe City Council. National Basketball League games THE council approved a $25,000 annual contribution for the 2024–2025 SEM Phoenix National Basketball League (NBL) in-season match at the Gippsland Regional Indoor Sports Stadium and community engagement activities. Cr Law said the basketball was a major draw card for the Latrobe Valley. “It’s proven to be one of our biggest assets for Latrobe City,” Cr Law said. “The people that actually come out to watch the basketball is phenomenal. It’s such a growing sport.” The council officers predict that the council’s investment will yield a return of $650,000 per year, or $26 for every $1. The two-year partnership will also offer extensive community engagement opportunities, including school visits and player appearances, coaching clinics, and match day experiences, which council officers say will build community connections and pride. Local Development Strategy Fund THE council endorsed the officer’s proposed application to the Local Development Strategy Fund. This comes as a state government program designed to support communities affected by the closure of the native timber industry on January 1 this year. An allocation of $1.8 million has been made available to develop and implement projects that assist the community. Latrobe Council has identified a need to invest in the following projects: Latrobe City Business Capability Grant Program; Start-up Gippsland; First Nations Entrepreneur Program / Early Ideas Kick Starter; Workers of the Future: Innovative Training; Hospitality Training – Serving the Valley; First Nations Upskilling Program; AAM Strategy Implementation: Launchpad, and; Industry and Manufacturing Alliance: Incorporation and Development. It is expected projects will be delivered by February 2026. Freedom of Information Act COUNCIL endorsed the attached Latrobe City Council submission to Victorian Parliament’s Integrity and Oversight Committee inquiry into the operation of the Freedom of Information Act 1982. Cr Middlemiss said the report outlined clearly the issues with the Freedom of Information Act 1982. “It’s a little bit of a cry to the state government – Freedom of Information is not working well in this state, particularly as it regards to council, and the report points that out and suggests some alternatives,” Cr Middlemiss
