LIVE: Bendigo council meeting, May 6, 2020

They've managed to close the meeting just as the lights in the building they appear to be broadcasting from seems to have gone out.

Wait. I wrote prematurely. They're still expressing support for the motion to close the meeting.

That's done.

They're now thanking people for listening in, and that's a wrap. Time to write for tomorrow's paper.

I'll be listening back to any recording they might be able to provide of the meeting in its entirety to fill in any gaps in my transcribing and my own understanding, and will tag this blog 'updated' if I make any updates after this evening.

Meanwhile, please feel free to send me an email at addynews@bendigoadvertiser.com.au if there is anything you might want clarification on or would like to draw to our attention.

Thank you for following along. The city next meets on May 20 - so expect to see more council meeting coverage this month from our team.

7.57pm: Cr Emond said this would be a pilot for future efforts. Cr Metcalf quickly chipped in with an acknowledgement of how keen the community would be to contribute to the work, when there was the opportunity to do so.

Sounds like we've got unanimous support for the motion, again... Yes. We do.

"And it is so carried," the mayor says.

7.56pm: Cr Fyffe also seemed to be appreciative of Cr Alden's historical tour of a suburb's gastronomical history and contribution to our community.

He is emphasising the importance of the body of work and of ensuring heritage significance is documented.

7.51pm: No, it's not deja vu - we've moved along to the first stage of the Golden Square Heritage Study. Cr Alden is touching on a bit of the history of the suburb.

She's managed to combine history with a historical perspective of foods that came out of the suburb. You've got to admire the incorporation of our City of Gastronomy status into a motion about a heritage study. It's fascinating stuff and it's coming far too fast for me to accurately transcribe, but it could be excellent fodder (pun intended) for a more detailed story down the track.

Guts of it (I'm on a roll) is that Cr Alden is supportive of the motion.

7.50pm: OH MY GOODNESS CR WILLIAMS... phew, I thought he dropped out. It's game over if they drop out and we can't possibly have come that far just to lose the connection.

They've carried the motion, unanimously.

7.47pm: Cr Metcalf says she is very happy to support the recommendation, and Cr Pethybridge seems to be capturing the thought process of many in saying the work is quite interesting.

Heritage studies are expensive, Cr Emond said, and has expressed gratitude for the resources set aside to ensure the work was done.

Support for the motion tonight would mean the process progresses to the next stage.

7.42pm: The mayor has extended thanks to the community for participating in the work associated with the city centre plan and parking futures action plan, along the way.

We're onto the first stage of the Bendigo City Centre Heritage Study.

Cr Emond is speaking to the motion. Far out - the majority of the heritage identification and protection for Bendigo stems from work that is about 27 years old.

Cr Emond is running through some of the gems we have in our city, including what sounds like a former "undie", or underwear, factory. Yes, I'll dig into the documentation to find out more about that. Just maybe not while our councillors are still speaking.

7.37pm: Cr Hawke is wading in on the parking aspect of the plans, which she and Cr Alden have spoken in favour of. They have mentioned the potential for parking revenue to improve the city.

Cr Williams is responding to some of Cr Metcalf's comments, specifically, Bendigo's transition to a regional city over a period of 40 years.

"As you grow you provide infrastructure and you actually move things forward," he said.

"We've seen some immediate results in terms of those applications... something that has been lacking in the past but it's coming forward now."

Unanimously carried, again.

7.34pm: Cr Alden is speaking to the plan, with the current focus of her comments on the way people move around in cities.

"When it comes to our bus system it could be so much better," is among her comments about the way we move around our cities.

She's not the only one to raise public transport as an issue, with one of the councillors referencing an article in the Bendigo Weekly last year about bus utilisation.

7.33pm: Cr Pethybridge said the plan was great for Bendigo, and he had been eagerly anticipating its return before council for adoption.

He was optimistic about the future of the city after the pandemic and congratulated those involved in the project.

7.26pm: Cr Metcalf makes the point there could be significant changes post-pandemic, which have not been considered in the proposed plan.

She notes there could be opportunities for developers to contribute to public spaces, with the plan highlighting opportunities for more residential development in the CBD.

Developer contribution plans are being introduced in outlying areas, Cr Metcalf said, emphasising a desire for developers to contribute to the city going forward.

She believes the idea business owners will sell up to be in the CBD - a concept raised in the draft - is fanciful.

Cr Metcalf is seeking an extension of time to address the plan.

She said she was pleased the heritage study was coming to the city tonight, too, reflecting feedback from some of the submissions to the draft.

Consolidation of parking into a multi-storey carpark Cr Metcalf believes to be a good idea.

We're still on parking, though Cr Metcalf briefly dropped out.

I did capture the conclusion: "I don't wholeheartedly support this recommendation, but on balance I will support it," Cr Metcalf said.

7.21pm: All our councillors seem to support the motion - it's unanimously carried.

The city centre plan is now up for adoption. This is also a big piece of work.

Cr Williams says "I think it's exciting times," referencing proposed private investment from a hotel and hotel developer.

"Bendigo is actually becoming a very strong and prominent destination," Cr Williams said.

"It is investments like this that will take the city to the next stage."

He said it was very timely that the plan came forward and noted the submissions that came in, citing heritage among the concerns.

Infrastructure was raised, including "dated infrastructure".

"Some of this infrastructure was put in many years ago and doesn't meet modern requirements," Cr Williams said.

He said the proposed plan would open up opportunities and said he was thrilled to see the type of proposals coming forward.

Work in recent years was starting to pay off, Cr Williams said, looking forward to a much more vibrant city in the future.

7.11pm: It might sound dry, but our next item is a proposal for the biggest update to the Greater Bendigo Planning Scheme.

"It's been a huge piece of work," Cr Alden said.

She's introducing the motion, which she said would result in greater consistency.

Cr Metcalf is also speaking to the motion, which relates to an extensive body of work.

Residents won't be notified individually, she said, as the changes would cover the entire of the municipality.

No speakers against the motion. Cr Emond wishes to speak to it, saying it has been a long and thorough process.

Identifying policy gaps has been one of the positives to come out of the process, he said.

Cr Fyffe suggested all residents have at least a cursory look at the proposed changes as it would be a blueprint for the future - a bedrock was the other term he used.

7.08pm: Cr Williams shares the concerns of all the speakers before him on this issue. He said he attended a meeting related to this proposal.

Councillors Alden, Emond, Flack, Fyffe, Hawke, Metcalf, Pethybridge, Williams, and O'Rourke support the motion. So, unanimous decision not to issue a permit for the proposal.

7.07pm: An overreach of design was what I heard Cr Alden say before she briefly dropped in and out on the connection.

None of the councillors have spoken against the motion - that is, suggested a permit ought to be granted.

"I reckon it's back to the drawing board," Cr Alden said.

7.05pm: Cr Pethybridge has thanked people for their objections, which ensure the matter comes before the council for a decision.

The developer who bought this must have known the neighbouring house was 150 years old, he said, with a connection to William Vahland.

He raised concerns about a reliance on stairs, making the property less accessible, and a lack of a backyard for families, and potential issues with a proposed turntable.

6.59pm: Unanimous support for the motion, again. Moving to item 3.1 in the agenda, which relates to a proposal to demolish a dwelling at 88-90 Forest Street in Bendigo.

It also includes a three-lot subdivision, and development of three dwellings and associated works. Council is considering refusing the permit, given non-compliance with aspects of a number of policies and the significance and appearance of a heritage place.

Cr Metcalf is dropping in and out on my connection, but I could hear concerns that there was no record of advice from a temporary heritage advisor the city engaged regarding more detailed plans prior to lodgement of the application.

She's now running through the aspects of the proposal that don't comply with standards and policies, saying it would be an over-development of the site.

6.53pm: Cr Metcalf, too, said it's unlikely to happen anytime soon. She considered that the city and developer did not believe it necessary for part of the proposed works at the time, creating costs now.

She believed it was reasonable for further investigations into whether there might be opportunity for shared funding of the infrastructure - which is one of the motion's recommendations.

The other is to advocate to the Department of Transport to consider the projects in the ongoing McIvor Highway Corridor Study.

Cr Alden is also speaking to the motion, further highlighting the benefits of walking already raised by her fellow councillors.

She made a note that there might be an opportunity for recycled materials to be used on part of the project.

Cr Alden, too, expressed concern that it might be a while before the project was delivered given the ranking of the need for the paths compared with others in the city.

She said an investment in walking could be considered for COVID-19 funding, given the health benefits of walking.

6.49pm: We're onto petitions and joint letters. Cr Hawke has thanked residents of the Bendigo Domain Country Club for raising the issue, which is a request for sealed footpaths along the McIvor Highway at Junortoun.

Cr Hawke said she has seen more and more people out on the track since the virus restrictions were imposed, and the petition was timely.

She was hopeful people would continue using the track even afterwards.

Cr Hawke acknowledged it was unlikely to be a "quick fix" but said she would be interested to see what became of it.

Cr George Flack said it was quite an important track. He is supportive of the call for sealed sections of footpath, not only for Domain residents but for the benefit of the broader community.

6.48pm: Cr Alden, Cr Emond, Cr Flack, Cr Fyffe, Cr Hawke, Cr Metcalf, Cr Pethybridge, Cr Williams, and Cr O'Rourke all support the motion - unanimously passed.

6.46pm: Cr Malcolm Pethybridge has reiterated that some businesses are doing relatively well, and others are suffering due to the conditions created by the virus.

He has reiterated thanks to all those who have contributed to the measures the council has implemented thus far.

"It's not whether you get COVID-19 it's just make sure you don't spread it to someone else," Cr Pethybridge said.

"We're all got to look after each other and not get it."

6.45pm: Cr James Williams is commenting on many and varied effects the virus has had on businesses, extending on what he was saying during his report.

"I certainly hope we don't see the virus get away," he said.

6.43pm: Cr Matt Emond is touching on the Help Your Neighbour campaign, which the City of Greater Bendigo is involved in.

He spoke to the need for kindness at these times.

"We do hope these immediate initiatives can make a difference," he said, referencing hte initiatives outlined in the meeting agenda.

6.41pm: Cr Rod Fyffe is also supportive of the motion.

"Yes, the budget will take a hit. The budget will take a hit in many, many ways," he said.

He believes the council can play a role in supporting businesses and providing the stimulus.

He, like some of his colleagues, expected there would be pain to come.

"It will take a couple of years to play out fully. But by the same token I think we are prepared as a council and a community to make sure we help each other out," Cr Fyffe said.

6.40pm: Cr Jennifer Alden has started with emergency food relief. She's also touched on the need for flexibility, given the conditions created by COVID-19. She is supportive of the motion.

6.36pm: COVID-19 immediate support initiatives is the first item on our agenda for the evening.

"The really pleasing things for me... are the work of the environmental health officers working with local food business to adjust their business model..." Cr Andrea Metcalf said.

She also referenced efforts to expedite invoicing.

Cr Metcalf said the budget prepared for the April meeting had to be revised due to COVID-19.

She said she would like to see rates waived for businesses for the period the business operation was affected and encouraged businesses to contact councillors about the concept.

6.31pm: Resumption of standing orders - Councillor James Williams is providing his report to council.

He's opening with COVID-19.

"Sadly there will be winners and losers, both financially and job-wise," Cr Williams said.

But he said it was fortunate Australia had not seen the death toll experienced in other countries.

Again, a reference to the economic impact locally and the upcoming budget, but no concrete particulars.

Just the expectation of pain associated with, at the very least, the costs associated with some of the city's premier sports venues, which are currently vacant due to virus restrictions.

6.27pm: We're on to public question time, with two questions submitted within the required timeframe.

The environmental significance overlay planned for Epsom is the subject of the first question, who was wondering where the work was at.

"It has taken longer than was expected to finalise that amendment," the mayor said, citing technical issues associated with the complexity of the proposal.

But it's coming.

Epsom is also the subject of the second question, regarding Acacia Park Estate.

The answers to both queries will be sent out to both parties. I might need to listen back, regarding the Acacia Park Estate question and response.

6.23pm: "I'm continually impressed by the way the community has responded," Mr Niemann said, echoing the mayor's comments.

He has also thanked the mayor, councillors and the city's staff.

The mayor is also acknowledging the work of both the federal and state governments in their responses to the coronavirus pandemic.

"We still have a long journey to take," Cr O'Rourke said.

She anticipated people were eager to hear about when restrictions might be relaxed and what that would look like.

6.20pm: Difficult is the word the chief executive has used to describe the city's financial circumstances resulting from the coronavirus pandemic.

Sounds like the city is still working on its draft budget, and it sounds like the city is anticipating some significant impacts.

6.17pm: City of Greater Bendigo chief executive Craig Niemann is also speaking during this portion of the meeting, which is a little unusual.

His address seems to be primarily concerned with changes to the way services are being provided, and the arrangements in place to continue safely delivering services, during the coronavirus pandemic.

Mr Niemann is also speaking about pressure from other levels of government to continue providing services. He has mentioned a reduction in casual staff - not too many, he was at pains to say - among the changes affecting staff.

6.14pm: The Gowns for Doctors initiative got a shout out, and the mayor is also expressing thanks to the city's essential workers.

"Your amazing commitment and support is very much appreciated," Cr O'Rourke said.

She is also acknowledging the service of the city's police, especially given the loss of four officers struck and killed in the line of duty in Melbourne last month.

6.10pm: "I just wonder how you're all going at home," Bendigo mayor Margaret O'Rourke says during the community section of the meeting.

She's running through some of the initiatives the city introduced in response to the COVID-19 crisis, looking back on what's happened to date.

Just a reminder, this is the council's first meeting since March.

Victorian Governor Linda Dessau was due to visit Bendigo for the city's 150^th Easter festival, which was postponed to 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic. Cr O'Rourke said the Victorian Governor sent her well wishes and desire to visit once safe to do so.

6pm: The City of Greater Bendigo's first audio-only live stream meeting during the coronavirus pandemic is underway. The internet broadcast audio has dropped out once or twice on my end, but not for too long, so let's hope this continues.

Scribd, which we usually use to embed the meeting agenda, is not playing ball today so here is a link to the meeting agenda on the City of Greater Bendigo website.

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