Related: LIVE: Bendigo council meeting
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Bendigo’s RSL Soldier's Memorial Hall is one step closer to a $4.1 million upgrade after council voted to endorse the plan and contribute $800,000 from the city coffers.
City of Greater Bendigo councillors also “opened a can of worms” on pet management at the meeting, which was conducted in front of more than six police officers and more than a dozen anti-mosque protesters.
Two men in a burkas, another in a koala suit, a woman in a motorcycle helmet and an array of Australian flags were at the meeting, at which the public gallery was opened up for the first time since temporary security measures were imposed in September.
The meeting also saw the city lurch a step closer to yet another Councillor Conduct Panel, with the tabling of a failed mediation process between councillors Elise Chapman, Helen Leach and Peter Cox.
Speaking to the Bendigo Advertiser, both city Mayor Rod Fyffe and CEO Craig Niemann said they expected the matter would now go before a Councillor Conduct Panel.
Councillors Chapman and Leach are alleging breaches of council policy by the former mayor. A mediation process is required before the matter can go before a panel.
"It is disappointing, because you would hope people can sort out their differences,” Mayor Fyffe said.
“It's a minor distraction but we're focused on what we can deliver for our community.”
One item endorsed during the meeting likely to generate discussion over coming weeks was the release the draft Domestic Animal Management Plan 2016 - 2020.
The report supports, in-principle, the creation of two new dog off leash parks but rejects the proposal to extend the sunset to sunrise cat curfew during the life as well as that which would have introduced a law requiring dogs to be on leash at all times.
Cr Cox said he supported a 24-hour cat curfew and called on people to submit their ideas over the next four weeks.
“This is the time to comment, it only comes around once every four years,” he said.
The meeting also saw Councillor Lisa Ruffell, who was French family, give an emotional tribute to the victims of the Paris terrorist attacks.