Clifton Springs Primary School Annual Drive In - November 18

On Friday, November 18, Clifton Springs Primary School will be holding their annual "drive in" fund raiser.  The film screening is "Zookeeper" at the Primary School.

Movie starts at dusk. Tickets are $25 per car.  Food and drink will be available for purchase.

Tickets are available from the Clifton Springs Primary School Office.

Griggs Creek Bridge will now be built

The bridge over Griggs Creek at the end of Bayshore Avenue will now be built.  Clifton Springs residents lost their case in VCAT last week.

Read more from DryClift Days - Bridge protesters lose at VCAT

Clifton Springs Boat Harbour Dredging

Geelong Council published a public notice in the Echo on Thursday October 2011 advising that the Clifton Springs Boat Harbour entrance and an area next to the main ramp will be dredged over a two week period starting Monday October 24 until Monday November 7.

The boat ramps will be closed during the week preventing access to the bay.

Launching facilities will be available on weekends but there may be restrictions and some delays.

Amendment C245 Greater Geelong Planning Scheme being prepared

Geelong Council is providing residents with the opportunity to view the amendment being prepared regarding dwellings over the height of 7.5 meters.

"The amendment seeks to implement the findings of the "Review of Design and Development Overlay 14 - Dwellings over 7.5 meters in height" (November 2010) and proposes to retain a modified DDO14 permanently in areas that have been identified as having access to significant views within the municipality..."

This includes areas within Clifton Springs and Drysdale.

You can inspect the amendment, supporting documents and the explanatory report at Ocean Grove customer service centre (as Drysdale is not open due to renovations) or on the Geelong Council website or on the Department of Planning and Community Development's website.

There will be a public drop in session at the Potato Shed on Thursday 10 November 2011 between 4 and 6pm.

Submissions close Monday 12 December 2011. They must be in writing and sent to The Coordinator, Strategic Implementation Unit, City of Greater Geelong, PO Box 104, Geelong, Vic 3220 or by email to: strategicplanning@geelongcity.vic.gov.au.

Submissions will be made publicly available.

Parents of Infants in Drysdale wanted for Parenting Groups

The Echo newspaper on October 20, 2011 page 3 reports that Glastonbury Community Services is looking for parents of infants between the ages of six and 12 months to take part in its Small Talk parenting groups.

This is part of a research study running across Victoria. Groups will run in Torquay, Drysdale, Grovedale, Whittington and Bell Park.

Please contact Glastonbury for further information - (03) 5222 6911

Discounted microchipping and pet registration for dogs and cats Nov 23 in Drysdale

Geelong Council is offering discounted microchipping in Drysdale for dogs and cats at $15 per animal as well as half price pet registration.

You will need to present yourselves complete with dogs and cats on November 23 at the Springdale Community Centre from 4.30 pm - 7pm to take advantage of this offer.

Griggs Creek / Bayshore Avenue Bridge Issue profiled on Youtube

Dryclift Days posted the other day that the Griggs Creek Bridge protesters had compiled a video on Youtube about the issues surrounding the controversial proposed bridge. I believe there is a VCAT hearing this week.  Below is the video.

Amendment C230 for the Jetty Road Growth Area Development Contributions Plan on Geelong Council Agenda this Tuesday

The Geelong Council is seeking to Adopt Amendment C230 for the Jetty Road Growth Area Development Contributions Plan. This amendment is being considered at the Council meeting on Tuesday October 25, 2011.
Below is an extract from the Council Agenda 25 October 2011 (pdf format - 23.65mb) which gives a high level summary of the report and recommendation which will be put before Council for voting. The detailed report provided by council can be found in the agenda.

3. C230 JETTY ROAD GROWTH AREA, DEVELOPMENT CONTRIBUTIONS PLAN – ADOPTION OF AMENDMENT

Portfolio: Planning – Cr Macdonald
Source: Economic Development, Planning and Tourism
General Manager: Peter Bettess
Index Reference: Subject: Council Reports 2011
Application No:230 Class: Strategic Implementation

Summary

• This report is for Council to consider the Independent Panel Report on Amendment C230 and seek adoption of the amendment.
• This is a Council initiated amendment and seeks to include the Jetty Road Urban Growth Area Development Contributions Plan (DCP) as an incorporated document in the Planning Scheme and apply a Development Contributions Plan Overlay (DCPO) to Stage 1 of the growth area.
• The amendment also applies a Public Acquisition Overlay (PAO) over private land for a section of the new north-south collector road. The DCP will levy developers to help fund infrastructure for the growth area including: collector roads; signalised intersections; a Rail Trail pedestrian crossing; 2 pedestrian bridges across Griggs Creek; open space along Griggs Creek, foreshore and a hilltop park; a children's and community hub; and a regional community and learning hub in Drysdale.
• The amendment was exhibited between 28 October and 29 November 2010. 8 submissions were received and on 27 April 2011 Council referred the submissions to an Independent Panel appointed by the Minister. The Panel hearing was on 15 June 2011.
• A number of issues were negotiated between the developers and Council during the hearing. The Panel has supported Council's position on all key issues and has recommended adoption of C230 subject to some changes. The Panel recommended Council review two of the intersections.
• The intersection of the new East West Rd, Wyndham Street and Jetty Rd has changed from $880,000 to $1.43M as a result of Council engineering requirements and the developer Eureka preparing a design and tender.
• The North South Rd and Portarlington Rd intersection requires acquisition of more land and this cost has been added to the DCP along with extra constructions costs based on Vic Roads advice and a more detailed design. The cost for this intersection has changed from $1M to $1.5M.
• The total cost of the infrastructure is now $25.4M with $19.3M funded from the DCP. The final DCP levy is $82,348 per hectare plus $900 per dwelling.
• It is recommended that the Amendment be adopted as described in this report.

Recommendation

That Council:
1) Adopt Amendment C230 in the form as outlined in Appendix 3-1 to this report; and
2) Submit the adopted Amendment together with the prescribed information to the Minister for Planning requesting approval.

Update 7 November 2011 - Council adopted / passed the recommendations on 25 October 2011. The minutes are available in pdf format (23mb)

Geelong Council proposes new "Policy Special Rates and Charges."

Geelong Council has reviewed its special rates and charges process and will be recommending at its meeting to be held on Tuesday October 25, 2011 the adoption of the Policy Special Rates and Charges.
The policy defines what Council sees as a "Special Benefit" enjoyed by ratepayers who are levied with a special rate or charge for roads, drainage, footpaths, carparks and streetscapes.
Below is an extract from the Council Agenda 25 October 2011 (pdf format - 23.65mb) which includes the special rates policy and guidelines.

17. SPECIAL RATES AND CHARGES - REVIEW AND ADOPTION OF POLICY

Portfolio: Infrastructure - Cr Richards
Source: City Services - Engineering Services
General Manager: Gary Van Driel
Index Reference: Subject: Special Rates and Charges
Council Reports 2011

Summary

• A review of the special rate and charge process has been undertaken.
• A new Special Rates and Charges policy is presented to Council and this supersedes the relevant section of the currently used, Comprehensive Infrastructure Funding Policy.
• Council has in place Management Procedure, Debt Management – Special Rates and Charges, which addresses the issue of financial hardship.
• Part of the review process involved contact with all Councils in Victoria regarding the use of special rates and charges. Approximately two-thirds of Councils utilise the process.
• The special charge process has been particularly useful in facilitating a project forming part of the Geelong Ring Road Employment Precinct (GREP) and another major scheme is currently in the planning stage. It is doubtful whether those projects could proceed without the use of the special charge process.
• There are improvements which can be made in the community consultation phase along with the administration and particularly decision making and timing.
• There is scope within the existing administrative arrangements to evaluate and identify community benefit and apply this to schemes.

Recommendation

That Council adopt the Policy Special Rates and Charges (Appendix 17-1) and the attachment - Contribution Guidelines.

COUNCIL POLICY

1. PURPOSE

To set out the principles for the use of special rates and charges by Council, for the provision of infrastructure or services and their application in a fair, equitable and consistent manner.

2. SCOPE

This policy applies to the provision of "first up" infrastructure where it can be demonstrated that special benefit applies to those properties included in the scheme. The policy also covers the provision of on-going services to properties or a group of properties which also must satisfy the special benefit test.
The special rate and charge process broadly includes the following:

• Community consultation.
• The special benefit test.
• The relevant legislation and precedent.
• Scheme preparation and apportionment.
• Council processes leading to the scheme determination.

3. REFERENCES

• The Local Government Act 1989
• Special Rates and Charges Ministerial Guidelines – September 2004
• Planning and Environment Act 1987
• Various determinations by the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal and other Courts.
• Council Policy – "Community Consultation" CPL 10.2
• Council Management Procedure – Debt Management – Special Rates and Charges" MPR510.2.1.1

4. DEFINITIONS

"Special benefit" – is a benefit received by those owners included in the scheme that is over and above that received by others who are not the subject of the scheme.

5. COUNCIL POLICY

This Council has utilised the special rate and charge provision since amalgamation in 1993. Some of the former member Council's also used private street scheme and drainage provisions of the Local Government Act 1958 from a period of around 1960 onwards.
Financial resources available, in most cases do not enable the construction of new infrastructure or if it can be programmed it would be significantly delayed. Council will continue with its special rate and charge program in order to provide new, up-front infrastructure and provide services. In the preparation, administration and execution of special rate and charge schemes, Council shall consider fairness, equity and consistency as fundamental principles.
The initiation of a special rate or charge scheme will generally come from the property owners themselves however there may be instances where for public safety or reasonable amenity, Council may promote a scheme. Council will attempt to provide obvious in-fill infrastructure through the special rate and charge process where applicable.
Drainage systems may be provided via the process and unless otherwise specified will be undertaken on the basis of alleviating public health issues, utilising Section 163B(1) of the Act.
As each special rate or charge scheme is unique, a consultation program shall be tailored to suit specific needs. Council policy CPL 10.2 shall be used as a guide. All property owners shall be given the opportunity to provide feedback to Council and discuss issues with Council Officers.
The preparation of special rate or charge schemes shall be undertaken by experienced Council Officers. The precedent created by reviewing bodies such as the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal, Courts and Review Courts shall be taken into consideration when formulating schemes.
In every instance, special benefit to properties and owners, shall be evaluated and schemes will only proceed where this can be established.
The preparation and administration of special rate and charge schemes shall be in accordance with the Act and the Ministerial Guidelines, September 2004. The attachment to this policy "Contribution Guidelines" provides guidance. As schemes are generally unique there is no set method of apportioning costs, however, the Unit Cost method is preferred.
The basic, relevant infrastructure shall be included in a special charge scheme. Any works outside the scope or re-working of existing infrastructure shall be funded by Council.
In providing infrastructure, Council shall apply the standard which is used for other non-scheme projects. References used may be standard drawings, specifications, current practice and the application of reasonable standards and practice. In instances where property owners request a standard of infrastructure over and above the standard referred to above, the full cost attributed to the higher standard shall be funded by the property owners.
Where required, a Submissions Panel Hearing will take place, affording property owners the opportunity to address Councillors in a relatively informal setting. The Panel will formulate their recommendation as quickly as is practicable and this will form the basis for the recommendation to Council.
From time to time, Council may receive, or provide from its own range of funding streams, ex-gratia contributions to special rate or charge schemes. These funds are to be applied to offset the overall cost of the project and not specific components. Council may consider schemes from time to time, of a particular and special nature. For reasons unique to a particular scheme Council may resolve to apply a funding arrangement which differs to that shown in the attached "Contribution Guidelines". This shall be project specific, only.
Council, in considering a scheme, may elect to adopt, abandon or modify a project. The Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal may review a scheme on owners request. Council Officers will represent Council's decision including reasons why the scheme should proceed.
Where an infrastructure Scheme is adopted, with or without review, a public tender process shall be used to appoint a suitable contractor. Council's Supervising Engineer shall manage the project including any further discussions and negotiations with property owners.
Once the project has reached final completion and all costs have been aggregated, a finalisation report will be presented to Council. Any cost adjustments will be in accordance with requirements of the Act.

6. QUALITY RECORDS

Quality Records shall be retained for at least the period shown below.

Record Retention/Disposal	Responsibility	Retention Period	Location
Council Reports	Corporate Records	Ongoing	DataWorks
Minutes	Engineering Services	7 years	DataWorks
Scheme details, working documents	Engineering Services	7 years	EngineeringServices

7. ATTACHMENTS

CONTRIBUTION GUIDELINES

The following provides a guide for Council regarding financial contribution arrangements for the various types of special rate and charge schemes.

1. Road Infrastructure

Property owners, where special benefit can be established, pay for full cost of works as base case. In certain circumstances a contribution to a scheme, by Council or other parties is warranted and this includes:

• Council owned land abutting the works.
• Land owned by the Crown or other Authority which is unable to be joined in the scheme.
• A standard road pavement width of 7.5m for residential areas and 10.0m for industrial areas shall be used as a benchmark and any width greater than this is to be funded from sources other than property owners.
• Community benefit shall be assessed on each project and the cost attributable to this benefit, paid for by Council.
• Footpaths shall be funded on the basis of 50% Council and 50% property owners. Owners contribution may be reduced subject to community benefit analysis.
• Rural roads will be assessed for charging purposes on a 6.0m road pavement and a maximum charge of $15,000 applied to property owners. This will be the subject of CPI increases commencing 1 July 2012.

2. Drainage Infrastructure

• Easement drainage over private property shall be fully funded by benefiting owners.
• Main drainage shall be considered on a catchment basis and funded by benefiting owners.

3. Carparks and Streetscapes

• Generally to be the subject of consideration by Council on an individual basis.

4. Marketing, Promotion and Business Development

• Program to be fully funded by business / commercial owners within the specified catchment.
• Properties used exclusively for residential purpose to be exempted.

Update 7 November 2011 - Council adopted / passed the recommendations on 25 October 2011. The minutes are available in pdf format (23mb)

Drysdale Pony Club Dressage Competition this Sunday

Drysdale Leopold Pony Club will be holding their "BEDS" Dressage competition this Sunday at Lake Lorne Reserve.

This is both a Pony Club and Horse Riding Club event.


Sashes awarded for 1st  – 6th placing in individual tests. Champion sash and trophy and reserve champion sash awarded for jackpot events in each level in both Pony Club Association of Victoria (PCAV) and Horse Riding Clubs Association of Victoria (HRCAV) sections.

Please come along and see our local riders in action.

Wheelie DAY in Drysdale on 14 October 2011

Wheelie Day is on in Drysdale on Friday 14 October. It is part of the 2011 October Jayco Herald Sun Cycling Tour Week of Activities.

The main event for families and the local community will be from 12-6pm on the Drysdale Primary School oval. Free entertainment, giveaways, live music, food, wine and local produce will be available.

The Royal Institution of Australia will present "Spin, sweat and success". Interactive hands on activities, specially designed science obstacle course, with guests presenters from the CSIRO and Deakin to talk about elite athlete physiology and nutrition and offer free samples.

Committee for Bellarine will be handing out free value show bags to the first 500 families who enter, which will also include items that promote the Bellarine.

More information is available from http://cleangreenbellarine.groupsite.com/discussion/topic/show/508836

Update 10 October 2011: Information on Drysdale road closures is available from the City of Greater Geelong website - an extract is reproduced below:

"To facilitate the safe running of the Honda Hybrid Women’s Tour Team Trial on Friday 14 October, the following temporary changed traffic conditions will be implemented:

• Geelong-Portarlington Road between Murradoc Road, Drysdale, and Batman Road, Portarlington, will be closed to vehicular traffic from approximately 11.30am until 1.30pm. All side street access onto Geelong-Portarlington Road will be restricted during these times. Detours will be in place for the closure of the Geelong-Portarlington Road. It is recommended that motorists use the detour route via Murradoc Road, Portarlington-Queenscliff Road (or vice versa) when travelling during the road closure period."

"To facilitate the safe finish of the Stage 3 Men’s Road Race on Friday 14 October, the following temporary changed traffic conditions will be implemented:

• Princess Street between Newcombe Street and the carpark to the Springdale Neighbourhood Centre, Drysdale, will be closed from approximately 10.00am to 5.00pm. Local access will be maintained at all times, with the exception of the race finish between 2.00pm and 3.00pm."

Drysdale Women's Health Forum

Aimed at women 40 years and over, the Drysdale Women's Health Forum will feature a local female GP and health workers from Bellarine Community Health.

This is a social evening with supper and a prize provided by Curves Drysdale women's gum.

Topics covered include: heart health, menopause and continence, health self management, mental health, breast and cervical health, Zena women's health services and gamblers help.

Held on Thursday 13th October from 6.30 to 8.30 pm at the Bellarine Community Health. 21 Palmerston Street, Drysdale.

There are limited places - you must confirm your attendance - phone 5251 2291