The proposed amended Governance Rules for public consultation have been endorsed and 2022-2023 Annual Action Plan has been adopted at the Ordinary Council Meeting this week (23/08).
The draft amendments proposed to the Central Goldfields Shire Council's Governance Rules are in line with changes to the Local Government Act 2020.
The amendments include provisions relating to electronic attendance and participation in Council meetings as well as small amendments to apply more gender-neutral language in the document.
Central Goldfields Shire General Manager Corporate Performance Mick Smith said the Regulatory Legislation Amendment (Reform) Act 2022 to be introduced into the Local Government Act 2020 on 2 September 2022 makes permanent the temporary provisions relating to electronic attendance and participation in Council meetings which all Councils have been operating under for the past three years.
"To comply with our legislative requirements, Council must amend its Governance Rules to reflect the permanent change.
'The proposed amended Governance Rules include provisions to continue a hybrid approach, enabling attendees including Councillors and officers to attend meetings virtually and in person.
"The preference will certainly continue that Council meetings be conducted in person; however, the Rules will allow the blended 'hybrid' approach and permanently prescribe how these meetings will be conducted.
"A two-week community engagement process, from 25 August 2022 to 08 September 2022, via a submission process on Council's website will now be undertaken to give the community a chance to have their say and provide feedback on the amendments."
A further report will be presented to Council at the 27 September 2022 Council Meeting to consider feedback and formally adopt the draft amended Governance Rules.
The 2022-2023 Annual Action Plan is a planning tool which ensures that Council delivers services, programs and projects in accordance with the strategic objectives and priorities of the Council Plan 2021 – 2025.
Central Goldfields Shire Mayor Cr Chris Meddows-Taylor said the Annual Action Plan provides a strong reporting framework for Council to measure its progress of achievement against the Council Plan 2021-2025 over the next 12 months.
"It highlights seven key infrastructure projects currently being undertaken by Council, including ongoing upgrades to the Maryborough Outdoor Pool, completion of the Carisbrook Recreation Reserve, competition of the Central Goldfields Art Gallery redevelopment and construction of the Maryborough Skate and Scooter Park.
"The 2022–2023 Annual Action Plan also identifies how Council is delivering on opportunities for the community to have a say, be heard and to work together in partnership on the things that matter most.
"Growing community leadership and building the capacity of young people is a key focus of Council activities over the next 12 months and involves the establishment of groups such as the Youth Council, Youth Pride Group, Climate Action Partnership and Health and Wellbeing Partnership and Waterway Management Plan for Carisbrook Governance Committee."
The quarterly progress reports are consolidated as part of Council's Annual Report.
To view the 2022-2023 Annual Action Plan, visit https://www.centralgoldfields.vic.gov.au/Council/Policies-Plans-Strategies-and-Documents/Council-Plans
To provide feedback on the amended Governance Rules, visit https://engage.cgoldshire.vic.gov.au/governancerules
