Council Meeting Snapshot - Wednesday 24 November

Published on 24 November 2021

To keep our community up to date with key Council decisions, outcomes and plans; here is a snapshot summary from Council’s Wednesday 24 November Council meeting. 

A Healthy Community 

Petition Response - Footpath along Sutton Street, Warragul.

Council moved an amended recommendation to;

  • Approve undertaking the design for a project, as per Option 3 within the report, to upgrade and reconstruct Sutton Street, between Bladen Street and Copelands Road, Warragul, including pedestrian and shared user paths, as part of the 2022/23 Forward Works Design Program within Council's Long Term Infrastructure Plan;
  • Note that the lead petitioner had been advised that the officers response will be presented at the 24 November 2021 Council meeting; and,
  • Advise the lead petitioner of Council's decision in response to the petition.

Petition Response - Speed cushions on Melaleuca Drive, Trafalgar East.

Council moved an alternate recommendation to;

  • Capture further traffic count data in at least three locations along the full length of Melaleuca Drive;
  • Do not proceed with the installation of speed cushions and solar street lights on Melaleuca Drive, Trafalgar, until a further report is presented to Council at a future Council Meeting no later than 31 March 2022, which considers the additional traffic count data;
  • Note that the lead petitioner has been advised that the response to the petition will be presented at the 24 November 2021 Council Meeting; and,
  • Notify the lead petitioner in writing of Council's decision in relation to the petition decision.

Aged and Disability Services Transition and Exit: Update and decision on remaining services.

  • Council noted that it is fully committed to making sure residents have ongoing access to a range of quality aged and disability care providers and services; 
  • The Federal Government is changing the way it funds and delivers Commonwealth Home Support Programs in response to the Aged Care Royal Commission, and acknowledges that the changes may take up to ten years to implement. 
  • Council confirmed that no additional extension options will be sought, and the exit date of 30 June 2022 remains.
  • Council noted that from 1 July 2022, Council will exit all remaining Commonwealth Home Support Program services. As a result, post 1 July 2022, Council will not deliver any Aged Care services. The existing transition plan will be amended to ensure that:
    - All exiting clients are support to transfer their service/s to another service provider; and,
    - All staff impacted by the new arrangements are supported by Council and receive their full entitlement under the enterprise agreement.
  • Council supports submission of the Service Provider Analysis Report to Government Departments for consideration in their procurement of alternative service providers.
  • Council will address gaps resulting from the transition to alternative service providers and plans its future role in making sure this cohort of people continue to be able to access the supports they need. This includes;
    - Assisting individual clients with making informed decisions;
    - Strengthening support for positive ageing as well as social inclusion and;
    - Performing a leadership and advocacy role in the local community care sector.

A Thriving Community

Roadside and Footpath Trading Policy Post Consultation

Council adopted the Roadside & Footpath Trading Policy and noted that the policy will be reviewed once during each Council term. 

Organisational Excellence

Annual Report of Operations 2020-2021

  • Council noted the reports (Annual Report of Operations and Annual Financial Report) to be provided to the Minister for Local Government as per the Local Government Act 2020; and
  • Council noted that the report were prepared according to the Local Government (Planning and Reporting) Regulations 2014 (as per the transitional provisions of the Local Government Act 2020).

Mayoral Minute

Cr Leaney acknowledged that Council passed the Aged & Disability Services Exit, and wanted to thank the wonderful staff that have carried out these services, and note that Council's exit in the services is a result of funding changes, which is in result of the Royal Commission into Aged Care. Cr Leaney thanked the Support Staff for their work over a long period, the Meals on Wheels team, the Home Maintenance and modifications team, the Social Support Groups, the Volunteer Coordinator, the Access and Intake teams, and the teams affected by the previous decision in September, the Home and Community Care team. Cr Leaney acknowledged this can be a challenging and stressful time for people, and advised that Council is here to support staff and clients to ensure the transition is as smooth as possible.
To all our staff and volunteers; thank you for your service. We value your work; you are highly valued and we look forward to continuing your role with other providers post the transition on 30 June 2022.

In line with COVID-19 restrictions across Victoria, Council will be limiting attendance of its Council meetings.

Continuing with the Wednesday 8 December 2021 Council Meeting:

  • Only essential officers and Councillors will attend Council Meetings
  • There will be no public access/gallery attendance at Council Meetings  

Meetings will remain available to the public via live stream, and community submissions can be made in writing.

The agenda for the next meeting will be available online the Friday prior to the meeting.

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