Catch up on the news from Monday night’s Council Meeting.
BLACK SPOT PROGRAM APPLICATIONS 2025/2026
Council has endorsed an application to the Australian Government’s 2025/2026 Black Spot Program. Following a review of crash data from the Department of Transport and Planning (DTP), projects in Newborough, Morwell, and Traralgon have been submitted, including Old Sale Road, Newborough (new application) and resubmissions for Franklin Street and McNairn Road in Traralgon.
If successful, Council officers will engage with residents near the proposed sites to gather feedback on the treatments during the design development process.
ROAD, FACILITY AND PLACE NAMING
Council adopted the Road, Facility and Place Name Policy and approved the abolishment of the existing Road, Facility and Place Name Committee.
This follows the April 2024 Council Meeting resolution to develop a Naming Register and streamline the naming process for roads, facilities and places. A community engagement campaign has already resulted in 109 name submissions, including from the Moe & District Historical Society and Morwell Historical Society. The updated policy will formalise the Naming Register and remove the need for the existing advisory committee.
2024/25 COMMUNITY GRANT PROGRAM - ROUND 1
Council received a total of 71 applications across five streams for Round One of the 2024/25 Community Grant Program, which was open from 3 June 2024 to 1 July 2024. A total of 48 applications have been recommended for funding in the following streams: Capital Works Minor, Capital Works Major, Community Wellbeing, Community Events Minor, and Community Events Major.
The allocated budget for Round One was $359,500, and any remaining budget will be transferred to Round Two, opening in February 2025. All applications were assessed by subject matter expert panels in accordance with the Community Grant Program Governance Policy.
2024-25 COUNTRY FOOTBALL AND NETBALL PROGRAM
Council has endorsed the submission of a funding application to the 2024/25 Country Football and Netball Program for the installation of sports lighting at Agnes Brereton Reserve, Traralgon. The application includes a $150,000 co-contribution, to be auspiced from the Traralgon Netball Association.
The installation of sports lighting at Agnes Brereton Reserve was identified through Council's Recreation Needs Assessment as the most suitable project for this funding round. While other projects ranked higher in lighting and surface categories, this project was prioritised due to its ‘shovel ready’ status, the Traralgon Netball Association's ability to contribute up to $150,000, and high participation numbers with over 600 junior members at the club.
The Country Football and Netball Program provides funding opportunities for country football and netball clubs to upgrade existing facilities and construct new infrastructure, in line with the 2024/25 Program Guidelines.
RENEWABLE ENERGY IMPACT AND READINESS STUDY
Council noted the draft Renewable Energy Impact and Readiness Study.
Latrobe City Council and South Gippsland Shire Council in conjunction with Regional Development Australia (RDA) funded the study. The study focused on four key themes: business supply chain, jobs and skills, housing and accommodation, and infrastructure. The study highlights Latrobe City's pivotal role in industrial land supply, manufacturing, and renewable energy training. This document will support future advocacy and project development.