Catch up on the news from last night’s Council Meeting.
6.1 DRAFT YOUTH INFRASTRUCTURE PLAN
Council endorsed the draft Youth Infrastructure Plan for public consultation via Have Your Say Latrobe platform.
The draft plan aims to provide young people with diverse outdoor recreational spaces for informal physical activity and social connection, supporting health and wellbeing.
Community engagement will help Council inform decision making on improvements to existing facilities, identify needs and gaps in recreational opportunities for young people and to make informed decisions around planning and delivery of youth infrastructure.
6.2 LATROBE CITY COUNCIL SUBMISSION TO VICTORIAN ENERGY JOBS PLAN CONSULTATION PAPER
Council retrospectively endorsed the submission to the Victorian Energy Jobs Plan Consultation Paper 2024.
Council’s submission aligns with the Council’s advocacy priorities, including Latrobe’s New Energy Future and the Council Plan 2021-2025 objectives.
The submission advocates for local education and training providers to create a skills base that improves educational outcomes, and advocates for the region’s equitable transition.
The submission is consistent with the Council's commitment to its established advocacy goals.
8.1 ADOPTION OF 2024/25 BUDGET
Council adopted the 2024/25 Budget, including proposed fees and charges, following extensive community engagement.
The responsibly developed budget is balanced on a cash basis, maintaining existing services and infrastructure while supporting the Council Plan 2021-2025 and over 70 community services.
As per the Local Government Act 2020, Council must adopt a budget for each financial year by 30 June.
8.2 RECREATION RESERVE AND FACILITIES SIGNAGE POLICY
Council adopted the revised Recreation Reserve and Facilities Signage Policy.
The Policy applies to 60 facilities across Latrobe City, including sites on Crown and Council owned land, such as Recreation Reserves, Passive Open Space, All Abilities Play Spaces and Rail Trails.
The updated Policy reflects community feedback received through two separate engagement periods, with 14 submissions contributing to the final version. It aims to guide User Groups on the
requirements for installing Promotional Signage within areas zoned as Public Use (PUZ) or Public Park and Recreation (PPRZ)
URGENT BUSINESS – PROVISION OF TOILETS IN CHURCHILL
Council admitted an urgent business item regarding the provision of public toilets in Churchill, recognising the urgent community need and previous identification of a suitable location.
Officers will provide a report at the next Council Meeting on options and costs for installing public toilets in the Churchill Town Centre.
This urgent action aligns with Council’s Public Toilet Policy prioritising Churchill, reflecting the community's expectations.
13.1 COUNCILLOR CONDUCT PANEL
Council tabled an independent report in relation to a Councillor Code of Conduct matter in accordance with Section 168(2) of the Local Government Act 2020.
The report detailed the independent panel’s findings and determinations into a Councillor conduct matter, which found Councillor Melissa Ferguson guilty of serious misconduct and suspended her from her duties as a Councillor for a period of one month.
Cr Ferguson will not perform her duties for one month as of today and will not receive a Councillor allowance.
South Ward residents can raise issues by contacting any councillor, irrespective of the ward they represent. As a Council, we are here to serve all in our community. Alternatively, residents can self-report via the Snap Send Solve app or by contacting our customer service team on 1300 367 700.