Catch up on the news from last night’s Council Meeting.
6.1 Events & Visitor Economy Strategy 2024 – 2028
Council unanimously endorsed the Events and Visitor Economy Strategy 2024-2028. This Strategy aims to enhance Latrobe City's events and visitor economy, outlining a vision, values, and priorities for attracting major tourism events to stimulate growth and community pride.
Released for public consultation at the May Council Meeting, the draft received 12 submissions from 207 visitors, informing the final Strategy's objectives and priorities for maximizing events and the visitor economy.
The Strategy will be made available on Council’s website.
6.3 Sales Update - Hazelwood House, 59-91 Philip Parade, Churchill
Council endorsed the sale process for Hazelwood House at 59-91 Philip Parade, Churchill, and unanimously agreed to proceed with the sale via auction or private sale. Following an Expression of Interest (EOI) process managed by Wilson Property from 3 May to 7 June 2024, which resulted in no conforming offers, the property will be sold on an ‘as-is, where-is’ basis.
The Chief Executive Officer is authorised to execute necessary documents to complete the sale at no less than the minimum price set.
6.4 Brayakaulung Advisory Committee
Council endorsed to dissolve the Brayakaulung Advisory Committee and noted the creation of a Brayakaulung Community Engagement Group.
Established in 1998 to foster relationships and consultation with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community, the committee's Terms of Reference, unchanged since 2009, were deemed outdated.
A 2024 review, involving consultations with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander representatives, found the committee's advisory role underutilised. Transitioning to a Community Engagement Group will provide a more responsive and supportive framework aligned with self-determination principles.
SUBMISSIONS
- Council moved to approve a range of submissions to government inquiries as part of Latrobe City’s advocacy activities.
- Latrobe City Councils Submission to Plan Victoria
- Latrobe City Councils Submission to Australian Governments Parliamentary Inquiry into Local Government Sustainability
- Latrobe City Councils Submission to the Victorian Governments Inquiry into Local Government Funding and Services
- Latrobe City Councils Submission to The Victorian Governments Transmission Investment Framework - Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) Community Benefits Plan
7.4 VCAT (Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal) Appeal - Amended Application for Service Station at 182 Princes Street, Traralgon
Council unanimously supported a Motion to not agree to a consent order at the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal, and continues to recommend refusing the planning permit (2023/245) for a service station at 182 Princes Street, Traralgon. The refusal is based on the following grounds:
- Incompatibility with the Neighbourhood Residential Zone (Schedule 4) due to the scale and intensity of the proposal and will not predominantly service local community need;
- Inconsistency with Clause 13.07 – 1S (Land Use Compatibility), as the service station is not compatible with nearby residential land uses;
- Misalignment with Clause 11.01-1L (Traralgon Structure Plan) due to its location outside designated activity areas; and
- Non-compliance with Clause 65.01, potentially affecting human health, area amenity, and orderly planning.
8.1 Approve Funding and KPI's of the Latrobe City Business Chamber for the 2024/25 Financial Year
Council moved to allocate $69,000 from the 2023-2024 surplus budget to the Latrobe City Business Chamber (LCBC) for 2024-2025 and will review the Chambers achievements in August 2025.
The Chamber met its 2023-2024 KPIs by running five events, raising $85,000, and employing a Marketing/Membership Officer.
For 2024-2025, revised KPIs include running 15 events, delivering four training opportunities, raising $100,350 and developing a financial sustainability plan.
8.2 Tourism & major events advisory committee recommendation - july 2024
Council has given its endorsement to the recommendations of the Tourism and Major Events Advisory Committee. These recommendations relate to funding support for events through the annual Major Events Attraction budget.
The allocated funding is as follows:
- Boolarra Folk Festival 2025 – 2027, 15,000 per year, for three years.
- 2025 Lions Australia National Convention (2-5 May 2025) - $20,000
These investments aim to enhance tourism, promote diversity, and foster community engagement through major events.
8.7 Lease Update - Old Methodist Church, 39 Princes St, Traralgon
Council received an update on the ongoing lease discussions with VicTrack regarding a new community lease for the Old Methodist Church at 39 Princes Street, Traralgon.
In November 2023, Council requested VicTrack to enter a new lease for the site. By April 2024, VicTrack's initial review indicated potential availability for lease renewal, and as of May 2024, the application was with the Department of Transport and Planning (DTP).
Officers will continue collaborating with VicTrack and report back once the DTP assessment is complete. Council will also seek an update from the Minister.