Reporter William Vallely will be tweeting and posting a live video on Facebook of the council meeting from 6pm. Follow him on @williamvallely or watch the live stream here.
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7.30PM – Councillors endorse the City of Greater Bendigo’s submission to the local government draft exposure bill, 7:1.
Cr James Williams, who has previously called for better pay for councillors, said: “We really need to see a remuneration that matches the task.”
“It is very demanding on your time, and unless you have some resources in the background assisting you the allowances aren’t adequate,” he said.
The council, through its submission, urged the state government to commission an independent review of councillor allowances, arguing the current ‘wage’ was an impediment to certain people.
The mayor and another councillor in February called for better pay after the local government minister in December approved a two per cent increase to allowances across Victoria, meaning Bendigo councillors could earn up to $30,223 in 2017-18.
Cr Metcalf, in what could be interpreted as a sly dig to her state counterparts, said: “It’s difficult to provide well-informed feedback to guidelines and documents we don’t have access to.”
“It (draft local government bill 2018) is very much still a work in progress as far as I can see.”
The state government is in the process of updating the local government bill for the first time in 25 years.
7PM – Very few in the public gallery this evening, in stark contrast to last month when it was standing room only as the Golden Square community turned out in their droves to save their pool.
6.50PM – After some long-winded arguments, the development plan is approved. Cr Andrea Metcalf said she was aware of the objectors’ concerns about flooding, based on their “lived experience” but was comfortable this was addressed in the plan.
Plan approved via a 5:3 vote.
6.40PM – A development plan for a 119-lot subdivision is up next. Cr Jennifer Alden said she was concerned with flooding on the proposed estate, situated on Emu Creek Road, Strathfieldsaye.
“We might in the future end up calling it ‘water world’,” she said.
Like Cr Metcalf on the previous development, she termed it ‘over development’.
“I recommend the development go back to the drawing board and I can’t support it in its current form,” Cr Alden said.
6.20PM – Discussing a planning application for a four-storey apartment block on the corner of Williamson and Galvin Streets, councillor Yvonne Wrigglesworth said it’s considered the proposal fails to address heritage concerns for the area.
“Even though our planning policy promotes high-density development, this particular development represents an unacceptable planning outcome,” she said.
Cr Andrea Metcalf said the application was a significant test for the current crop of councillors, suggesting the appearance of the building was akin to something you would see in central Melbourne.
“The proposal oversteps the line of what the city seeks from medium-density development,” Cr Metcalf said, terming it “over development”.
Councillors unanimously reject the proposal on a number of grounds, including; it will adversely impact the significance and appearance of the heritage place, it does not respect the character of the existing neighbourhood, and it does not comply with the height and setback requirements.
6.15PM – Firefighter of 70 years, George Ellis, is honoured for his service to the community. He has been involved in a number of large fires, including the Black Saturday bush fires of 2009.
Mayor Margaret O’Rourke said George had made a significant contribution to the community.
“Congratulations to you on your many achievements – and I’m sure there’s more to come.”
Cr O’Rourke thanked George and other firefighters for the valuable work they did.
6PM – Welcome to our live blog of the Bendigo council meeting. Dry looking agenda tonight, but I’ll try and keep you entertained.
Full March 21 council agenda