Minutes of Ordinary Meeting

Permit No.	Address	Project Description	Value	Date Approved
20140031	Birchip-Corack Road, BIRCHIP	New Building: Storage Shed	$9,800	15/04/2014
20140032	842 Devon Park Road, DONALD	Extension: Verandah	$13,500	15/04/2014
20140034	10 Blair Street, DONALD	Extension: Addition to Dwelling-Completion and Carport	$30,000	22/04/2014
20140035	John Curtain Drive, CHARLTON	New Building : Dwelling(Travellers Rest)	$186,670	29/04/2014

Permit No.	Address	Project Description	Value	Date Approved
20140033	28 Campbell Street, BIRCHIP	New Building: Shed	$11,500	9/04/2014

Buloke Shire Council Ordinary Meeting Minutes Wednesday, 14 May 2014

7.2.4 Permission to Seek Adoption from the Minister for Amendment C19- Replacement Municipal Strategic Statement for the Buloke Planning Scheme and Delete Four Local Planning Policies

Attachment 1 Municipal Strategic Statement Final Copy

21 MUNICIPAL STRATEGIC STATEMENT

21.01 INTRODUCTION

Buloke Shire is a rural municipality located in north-west Victoria. The Shire has an area of some 8,000km2 and its economy is largely based on broadacre, dryland agricultural production. In 2011 the ABS estimated the shire had a total population of 6, 384. Buloke Shire is located in the riverine plains and Murray-Mallee region of Victoria, approximately 300km North West of Melbourne and 180km south of Mildura. The Shire is characterised by vast agricultural plains extending from the sedimentary hills south of Charlton, north to the Mallee dunes and into the Wimmera region, interspersed by small settlements acting as service centres to the surrounding farming districts.

The Shire also plays a valuable role in the production of the State’s agricultural output, including $225 million as the gross value of agricultural production at the 2012 ABS data.

The Shire contains 5 townships and 5 hamlets, the largest of which is Donald with a population of over 1400 people. Approximately 64% of the population live in the urban centres of the Shire, with the remainder residing on farms throughout the rural areas.

The main urban centres of the Shire and their populations in 2011 were as follows: Birchip (683), Charlton (1,072), Donald (1434), Sea Lake (634), Wycheproof (686). Other smaller settlements include Berriwillock, Culgoa, Nandaly, Nullawil, and Watchem, which range in population from 50 to 140.

The population centres of Buloke Shire provide an important retail and industry function for the Shire. They provide a range of shopping facilities, medical and educational services and recreational facilities. While the key urban centres in the Shire each have a strong and unique identity, a number of features are characteristic of them all. These include: the strong focus on the core commercial area; the role of major highways in shaping settlement patterns and commercial development; the existence of an industrial precinct; and the strong delineation between urban and non-urban land use, defined by historic patterns of zoning and servicing.

Another feature of the Shire’s (and the region’s) towns is the way in which sympathetic rural, urban commercial and industrial land uses are interspersed. While towns in Buloke Shire do have identified commercial and industrial areas, historic patterns of development have created urban areas with mixed land uses.

The municipality has seen structural demographic change for several decades, this has resulted in outcomes such as the age structure of the Shire, in comparison to regional Victoria as a whole, has less representation in the younger age groups, particularly the ages between 18 and 35, and a relatively high representation in the age groups over 50. The relatively high proportion of lone person households is a reflection of the ageing nature of the community.

21.02 KEY INFLUENCES AND ISSUES

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The key influences and related issues of how to respond to them in Buloke are:

Our Community

Settlement and Township Development

· An Ageing Population – Accommodating and servicing older residents.

· Population Decline – Mitigating and/or adapting to population decline.

· The viability of urban centres - Maintaining or improving urban character, amenity and services, and encouraging development in urban centres.

· Our Community value - Ensuring the participation within the community reflects in social capital outputs and indicators.

Our Natural Environment

Environment

· Environmental Values - Protecting biodiversity, native vegetation and natural landscape values.

· Risk management - Minimising environmental risk, including salinity and floodplain management.

· A changing climate - Mitigating and adapting to climate change.

Natural Resources

· Providing viable futures - Managing natural resources sustainably.

Our Built Environment

Housing

· A changing demographic - Ensuring diversity, availability and quality of housing

stock

Heritage

· Preserving heritage - Utilising the heritage values of the Shire to enhance the

community.

Infrastructure

· Financial viability - Providing and managing infrastructure, including Communications, Power, Sewerage and Water to provide for present and future needs.

Transport

· Future needs- Maintaining and improving the Shire’s connectivity, internally

and to the rest of the region/state/world.

· Minimising travel times

Our Local Economy

Economic Development

· Viability - Encouraging economic activity in the Shire that increases incomes

and opportunities for residents.

Agricultural Development

· Future growth and opportunity - Managing and encouraging sustainable

agriculture

· Preserving the value of agricultural land

· Protecting valuable agricultural land from inappropriate settlement.

21.02 - 1 LAND USE THEMES:

The objectives, strategies and implementation, including policy guidelines, scheme implementation and further strategic work are outlined in the following clauses;

21.05 Our community
21.06 Our Natural Environment
21.07 Our Built Environment
21.08 Our Local Economy

21.03 THE VISION

The Council’s vision for the Buloke municipality as follows:

‘A sustainable community where everyone is actively encouraged to participate in community life to enrich the cultural, social, and economic viability of our Shire and to care for our most important asset, the natural environment.’

The Council Plan 2013-2017 also set key objectives and strategies for the Buloke Shire Council revolving around the strategic areas of community, local economy, built environment, natural environment, and people and organisation. The strategic objectives of the Council Plan may be summarised as:

· Including, supporting, servicing and connecting a diverse community.

· Recognising and supporting agriculture and business in the local economy; encouraging employment and investment.

· Supporting current and long term sustainable agriculture; providing facilities and infrastructure that contributes to the well being of the community.

· A shire that is working with the community to protect and enhance its natural environment.

· Responding to the evolving needs of the community; managing risk and developing its people.

The 2006 strategic review Buloke 2015: A Partnership in Progress also identified priority actions including:

· Facilitating new housing opportunities within existing township boundary areas

· Encouraging the development of independent living opportunities for older people

· Protecting and enhancing the environmental value of remnant vegetation and habitat

· Working with local farming and agricultural groups to encourage sustainable farming practices

Among the priority projects committed to by Council that are of direct relevance to the planning scheme are:

· Promoting the shire as a location for renewable energy production

· Developing township structure plans

· Implementing strategies to improve stormwater quality and enhance natural waterways

Reference Documents

Buloke 2015: A Partnership in Progress (July 2006)

Buloke Shire Council Plan 2013-2017
Buloke Planning Scheme Four Year Review of the MSS (July 2013)
21.04 STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK PLAN

The Buloke Shire Strategic Framework Plan (Figure One) sets out the general pattern for land use and development to respond to the key influences and issues to achieve the strategic vision for the municipality.

The framework plan identifies:

· Major landscape features, including:

- Richardson River

- Avoca River

- Lake Buloke

- Lake Tyrell

- The Mallee Plain

- The Wimmera Flats

· Major transport links, including:

- Sunraysia Highway

- Calder Highway

- Mildura-Ballarat Railway line

- Swan Hill-Bendigo Railway line

· Townships and hamlets

· Major community assets and infrastructure

· Recreational Lakes

SETTLEMENT STRUCTURE PLAN (FIGURE 1)

21.05 OUR COMMUNITY

This Clause provides local content to support Clause 11 (Settlement) and Clause 15 (Built Environment and Heritage - Part) of the State Planning Policy Framework.

Overview

The demographics and geography of the Buloke Shire are key influences on its settlement patterns and township development. Major demographic influences on the shire are an aging population and population decline. The shire has an older than average median age (45) compared to the rest of Australia (37). Declining population trends are similarly a key influence on the viability both of the shire’s capacity to maintain services overall, and to the shire’s urban centres of Donald, Charlton, Wycheproof, Birchip and Sea Lake, which are small towns spread over large distances. This makes local economies of scale difficult to achieve for economic activity and community development. Any tendencies to disperse population over the shire thus also pose challenges to the viability of its urban centres and the capacity for the shire to service its residents effectively and efficiently.

The main issues arising from these key settlement influences will be addressed through the following objectives and strategies:

Key Issues

· Ageing Population – How to accommodate and service older residents.

· Population Decline – How to mitigate and adapt to population decline.

· Viability of urban centres - How to maintain or improve urban character, amenity and services, and how to encourage development in urban centres.

· Community value - Ensuring the participation within the community reflects in social capital outputs and indicators.

Objective 1

To encourage accommodation and services that will meet the needs of a diverse population.

Strategies

· Increase the mix of housing types and densities to reflect the needs of older people in the community

· Encourage further public or private housing for the elderly within the Shire. Ideally these facilities should be established in key urban centres.

· Encourage development that facilitates older people living at home.

Objective 2

To adjust to changing population demographics and attract residents to the Shire.

Strategies

· Ensure future development maximises the range of existing services, infrastructure and facilities to encourage population retention and growth.

· Ensure that threshold populations are determined and made apparent in order to retain services.

· Work collaboratively with other key strategic partners who have links with the Shires changing demographics including health networks, education networks and social service providers.

Objective 3

To adapt to smaller populations where necessary and maintain sustainable communities.

Strategies

· Maintain threshold populations within the defined urban centres of the Shire through urban consolidation where possible.

· Encourage joint usage of existing facilities and the rationalisation of under utilised facilities.

· Promote and encourage greater community involvement and self-sufficiency.

· Ensure that all communities are provided with facilities in both a social and cost effective manner.

Objective 4

To develop vibrant, attractive urban centres within the Shire which provide high quality living environments, with ready access to a range of facilities and services.

Strategies

· Encourage consolidation of development and growth to within the defined township boundaries of the large, serviced urban centres of the Shire to provide a sustainable population base, maximise services and promote opportunities for employment, investment and infrastructure development.

· Avoid land use conflict between residential, industrial and rural land uses.

· Protect residential amenity and improve the presentation of streetscapes and town centres.

· Encourage the re-use of vacant housing stock where this does not affect residential amenity

· Protect and enhance the quality of recreation facilities and the range of community services provided in the Shire.

Implementation

These strategies will be implemented by:

The use of policy guidelines

The exercise of discretion

· The use of the Township Policy to promote high quality development that is consistent with the character of the Towns in Buloke Shire.

· The use of the Discretionary Uses in the Township Zone Policy to provide a set of standards for non-residential developments that may have potential to impact on residential amenity.

· By encouraging development that uses, or re-uses, sites within the existing urban area, maximising the use of infrastructure.

· By encouraging residential development that offers housing forms best suited to the household structure and age-groups represented in the Shire.

· Recognising the positive characteristics of urban centres, streetscapes and rural landscapes and encouraging the maintenance of these characteristics when deciding on applications for land use and development.

· Encouraging opportunities for land use and development that sensitively re-use existing heritage buildings.

Applying Zones and Overlays

The application and use of the:

· Township Zone to provide for a range of urban uses, while maintaining residential amenity in towns.

· Commercial 1 Zone within existing town centres to promote a consolidation of commercial areas.

· Commercial 4 Zone in peripheral highway commercial areas to reflect those commercial uses that are unsuitable for town centres.

· Industrial 3 Zone, where sensitive uses are located adjacent to existing industrial development.

Further strategic work

· Develop additional initiatives to retain and attract young people to the Shire.

· Investigate the potential for development for older people close to services.

· Continue to undertake an audit of recreational facilities to determine long term needs and maintenance requirements.

· Develop and implement guidelines for the restoration and maintenance of heritage areas and features.

· Investigate the population levels and characteristics needed to support government and private services and facilities, and monitor service changes in various centres.

Other actions by Council

· Provision of Customer and Community Service Officers in five district centres.

· Operation of HACC, Social Support, and Home Help Handyman program along with Senior Citizens Centres in eight towns.

· Operation of Maternal Health Centres, Neighbourhood Houses and Pre-Schools.

· Operation of VicRoads Agencies.

· Support private and public sector provision of a range of housing in the community.

· Maximise community involvement in the pursuit and management of community services.

21.06 OUR NATURAL ENVIRONMENT

This Clause provides local content to support Clause 12 (Environmental and Landscape Values), Clause 13 (Environmental Risks), Clause 14 (Natural Resources –part) of the State Planning Policy Framework.

Overview

The Buloke Shire Council faces environmental challenges such as wind erosion, salinity and floodplains. These challenges cause environmental degradation and impact on natural resources including agricultural land as well as impacting on life, property and community infrastructure. The need to plan appropriately for the environmental management of risks is critical to the Councils ability to respond to emerging impacts

The natural environment of the Buloke Shire is highly modified as a result of settlement and agriculture. The environment has many aspects of significance which need to be protected, for example remnant vegetation along roadsides, watercourses and rivers, and significant wetlands such as Lake Buloke, Lake Tyrell and the Wooroonook Lakes.

Key Issues

· How to protect biodiversity, native vegetation and natural landscape values in

Buloke Shire.

· Environmental degradation – How to minimise and reverse the effects

· Climate change – How to mitigate risk and adapt to climate change

Objective 1

To conserve remnant native vegetation and protect biodiversity throughout Buloke Shire.

Strategies

· Prevent native vegetation removal and promote native revegetation where practicable.

· Protect remnant native vegetation where it exists along roadsides and waterways.

· Encourage the protection and enhancement of remnant vegetation through the development of linkages between existing areas, and by requiring proposals to retain and enhance vegetation where appropriate.

· Regulate droving of livestock and manage road works to prevent areas of remnant vegetation being compromised.

Objective 2

To conserve the environmental value of the waterways and wetlands, including those at Lake Buloke, Lake Tyrell and the Wooroonook Lakes.

Strategies

· Prevent inappropriate vegetation removal, waste water disposal and earthworks that negatively affect waterways and wetlands.

· Promote the use of existing serviced areas for new development and discourage expansion into areas of environmental sensitivity.

· Educate the community on the environmental sensitivity of land as an important economic and environmental resource which requires protection and careful management.

· Discourage the removal of native vegetation from waterways

· The precautionary principle will be used for all use and developments with unknown impacts

· Incorporate CMA strategies that mitigate adverse impacts on waterways and wetlands into statutory and strategic planning considerations.

FLOODPLAINS

Objective 1

To ensure that new use and developments do not compromise the health of the catchment, a natural resource base.

Strategies

· Manage activities on floodplains to maintain natural flows.

· Accurately map floodwater regularly to ensure appropriate application of zones

and overlays.

· Educate the shire population about artificial barriers to natural water flows and

their consequences

· Maintain rural flows and natural conditions within waterways where possible.

· Identify and implement coordinated land use strategies to deal with flood

control.

WILDFIRE PROTECTION

Objective 1

To identify areas of wildfire risk and address issues of development with regard to that risk.

Strategies

· Ensure that development applications meet the Country Fire Authorities

guidelines.

· Ensure native and remnant vegetation are within the Department of

Environment and Primary Industries guidelines for permissible volume or

offsets are set.

· Minimise the threat and potential impact of bushfires throughout the shire

through land use management.

SALINITY

Objective 1

To reduce the impact of salinity on development, rivers, soil, groundwater and areas of environmental significance.

Strategies

· Discourage development in areas identified as subject to high levels of salinity

unless a salinity management plan is prepared.

· Manage the identified high recharge areas in the Shire with stringent planning

controls.

· Promote vegetation retention in high recharge areas and salinity tolerant

vegetation in new developments.

· Provide information on best practice land management to reduce impacts of

Salinity.

WATERWAY MANAGEMENT

Objective 1

To recognise the contribution waterways make to the economy along with natural fauna and flora.

Strategies

· Educate the Shire population about the economic value of health waterways.

Implementation

These strategies will be implemented by:

The use of policy and the exercise of discretion

· Encourage planning permit applications that accommodate the management of land and water, and the enhancement of vegetation.

· Requiring detailed site analysis to assess environmental impacts and land suitability for particular permit applications.

· Encourage proposals for land use and development which incorporate measures to minimise the impact on remnant vegetation, including dead and hollow bearing trees.

· Encourage proposals that provide areas of open space directly adjacent to existing vegetation or areas of public land.

· High value remnant vegetation, including a broad vegetation type, ecological vegetation class of floristic community or sub-community which is classified as depleted, rare or endangered, should not be cleared.

· Council will consider the advice of the Department of Environment and Primary Industries and the relevant Catchment Management Authority where sites include remnant vegetation, including grasslands and wetlands.

· Applications for land use and development should demonstrate consistency with applicable regional vegetation plans and the vegetation and habitat recommendations of catchment-based strategies.

· Should the land be identified to contain the habitat of a Victorian Rare and Threatened flora or fauna species the responsible authority should request the advice of the Department of Environment and Primary Industries to determine whether and under what conditions the proposed development should proceed.

· High priority should be placed upon retaining remnant vegetation and habitat corridors in areas identified as habitat for Victorian Rare and Threatened Flora or Fauna species.

· Approaches such as fencing pockets of remnant vegetation or providing vegetation corridors between pockets of remnant vegetation should be considered as requirements on permits where appropriate.

· Using the Catchment Management Strategy to promote integrated farm management and environmental protection, promoting vegetation and habitat enhancement, appropriate water use and the protection of waterways.

· Encourage applications that accommodate the management of land and water, and the enhancement of vegetation.

· Preventing earthworks that result in inappropriate concentrations of floodwater, or

directs water from a natural path to an area that would not otherwise experience

flooding.

By applying Zones and Overlays

· Environmental Significance Overlay (ESO1) to waterways in the Shire to prevent inappropriate vegetation removal, waste water disposal and land forming.

· Vegetation Protection Overlay (VPO1) to roadsides of identified significance to maintain habitat and promote vegetation linkages.

· Land Subject to Inundation Overlay (LSIO) to areas identified as being subject to

flooding to prevent inappropriate rural, residential or industrial development that

may have impacts on water quality.

· Floodway Overlay (FO) to areas identified as being highly subject to flooding to prevent inappropriate rural, residential or industrial development that may have impact on water quality and flows.

· Urban Floodway Zone (UFZ) to areas identified as being highly subject to flooding to prevent any development and protect lives and infrastructure.

Further strategic work

· In conjunction with adjoining local governments, the Department of Environment and Primary Industries and Catchment Management Authorities, identify areas subject to flooding, saline discharge and groundwater recharge areas.

· Implement the Buloke Shire Roadside Management Guidelines to identify practices to minimise disturbance to roadside vegetation.

· Establish appropriate stock routes that minimise environmental impacts.

· In collaboration with other governmental departments, identify areas subject to salinity.

· Amendment to remove sections of the Environmental Significance 2 Overlay from the Buloke Planning Scheme as a consequence of the pipeline and decommissioning of channels

Other Actions

· In collaboration with the Environmental Officer undertake to produce information sheets for farmers regarding land use planning and environmental risks.

21.07 OUR BULT ENVIRONMENT

This Clause contains local content to supplement Clause 19 (Infrastructure) and

Clause 18 (Transport) Clause 16 (Housing) and Clause 15 (Built Environment and

Heritage- Part) of the State Planning Policy Framework.

Overview

The sparsity of settlement throughout the Shire means that planning for infrastructure and transport must be efficient, logical and equitable. Utilising existing infrastructure and forward planning for future infrastructure provisions are of equal importance for Buloke Shire, as maintenance has a fundamental economic impact.

There are also numerous significant heritage buildings and places throughout the Shire listed and their consideration is provided for by the Heritage Overlay. Heritage assets in the Shire contribute to the character of the landscape and townships. The towns and rural areas of the Shire contain numerous historic buildings and sites acting as a reminder of the history and cultural heritage of the towns and surrounding area.

The principal transport infrastructure connecting the shire to the region and beyond is railways and highways. All major towns in the Shire have silo facilities at the railroad terminals. The significant network of highways and secondary roads connects the Shire to Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide, Ballarat, Mildura and Bendigo. The Calder Highway tends to be used mostly by heavy vehicles and road transports from Melbourne, while the Sunraysia Highway is more generally used by rural transportations and tourists visiting Mildura. Increasing traffic volumes are being experienced through grain transports using major roads from Rainbow, Beulah, Birchip and Wycheproof. Local roads, which are the responsibility of the Shire, prove to be a major liability in terms of cost for the Council.

The Shire also has limited airport infrastructure. The airstrips at Birchip, Charlton, and Donald have sealed runways and lighting, while Sea Lake and Wycheproof have grass runways.

Key Issues

· How to utilise the heritage values of the Shire to enhance the community.

· Maintaining and improving the Shire’s connectivity, internally and to the rest of the region, state and the world.

· Minimising travel times for residents.

· Managing the costs and demands of local infrastructure maintenance given scarce

resources and sparse population.

TRANSPORT

Objective 1

To ensure new development is managed to take advantage of the existing road network without unnecessarily increasing the works requirements of Council.

Strategies

· Development, (especially development that generates substantial traffic), should be directed to those roads that are able to support it.

· The cost of upgrading roads for new development should not be unfairly imposed on the community and, where appropriate, the cost should be met by the developer.

Objective 2

To improve the Shire’s connectivity and reduce travel times, particularly given scarce resources and vast distances.

Strategies

· Maximise the availability and accessibility of internet resources and tools for Shire residents involved in business and community activities, particularly given the anticipated connection to the wireless National Broadband Network and potential future optic fibre connection.

RENEWABLE ENERGY

Objective 1

To facilitate the development of a more sustainable, renewable energy industry for the Buloke Shire.

Strategies

· Promoting the Shire as a suitable site for renewable energy.

· Supporting community initiatives in favour of renewable energy.

· Encourage the upgrade of existing energy infrastructure to accommodate renewable energy projects.

TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Objective 1

To provide the Shire with access to efficient, affordable and modern telecommunication infrastructure.

Strategies

· Encourage new providers into the region for competition .

· Recognise the positive contribution modern telecommunication has on economic development including rethinking employment.

· Facilitate any upgrades of new instillations of telecommunication infrastructure.

· Promote the advantages of telecommunications to reduce isolation.

INFRASTRUCTURE

Objective 1

To maintain and enhance the quality of infrastructure provision in the Shire.

Strategies

· Ensure proper situating of septic solutions in non sewered urban areas.

· Lobby for implementation of sewer infrastructure in smaller townships and support Domestic waste water management plans for each hamlet.

· Lobby for upgrades to power supply infrastructure in the Council.

· Maintain levels of community, health and education infrastructure in the Shire by encouraging higher use.

· Promote the advantages of existing infrastructure, including transport and the use of public transport facilities.

· Protect areas of possible future transport expansion from development such as road reserves.

Objective 2

To encourage efficient use and development of infrastructure.

Strategies

· Encourage co location of developments where appropriate.

· Inform the Shire population about costs associated with infrastructure maintenance.

Objective 3

To encourage development in key towns where provision of reticulated water, sewerage, power, communications, drainage and sealed roads is readily available.

Strategies

· Promote development in locations that have existing service connection options.

· To discourage developments that require an extension of service delivery, unless costs are met by the developer.

Objective 4

To demonstrate that without the rationalisation process, infrastructure decline will continue due to lower patronage.

Strategies

· Inform and consult with the Shire population about using infrastructure and prioritising essential infrastructure.

· Promote the need to maintain threshold populations for infrastructure provisions.

HERITAGE

Objective 5

To protect the buildings, sites and artefacts of natural and man made heritage significance in the Shire and to utilise the heritage values of the Shire in order to enhance the community.

Strategies

· To maximise the economic value and amenity, and unleash the potential of the Shire’s heritage places.

· To preserve and maintain places of heritage value where practicable.

Implementation

These strategies will be implemented by;

The use of policy guidelines

The exercise of discretion

· Developments requiring significant water infrastructure will be referred to the relevant water authority.

· Industrial development in sewered areas will be strongly encourage to mitigate the impact of septic on groundwater.

· Applications affecting Road Zone 1 will be referred to VicRoads.

Applying Zones and Overlays

Applying the:

· The application of the Industrial 3 Zone (IN3Z) and Commercial 4 Zone (B4Z) to guide development.

· The application of the Road Zones to ensure appropriate consideration of development that may affect significant transport routes.

· The Heritage Overlay to provide statutory protection for places with identified

cultural and natural heritage values where practicable.

Through undertaking further strategic work

· Identify and protect areas with potential to become Industrial areas.

· Ensure the continual maintenance of transport routes by responsible authorities.

Other actions by Council

· Support the improvement of electricity supply and capacity.

· Establishments, extensions or new designated areas for Industrial areas in the five major towns.

· Request support for transport route maintenance.

· Apply for funding from relevant bodies, such as Heritage Victoria, for the preservation and maintenance of heritage areas used by the community.

21.08 OUR ECONOMY

This clause contains local content to supplement Clause 14 (Natural

Resource Management) and Clause 17 (Economic Development) of the State

Planning Policy Framework.

Overview

The key to providing for a vibrant community is the provision of an employment base. Although agriculture is the economic foundation of the Shire, the primary production areas such as cropping and grazing are limited in their capacity to provide direct employment to members of the community. Higher efficiencies within agricultural can still contribute to the Shire wide productivity outputs but other such opportunities like value adding of local produce and manufacturing through the development and promotion of Rural Dependent Enterprises need to be supported to provide employment opportunities outside of agriculture.

Whilst the industry base of the Shire is small, increased opportunities and diversity in industrial developments in the Shire are critical to the creation of employment opportunities. Many of the existing key towns within the Shire contain vacant land zoned for industrial purposes. Traditional industries that support the agricultural sector such as repairs and servicing of agricultural machinery could be strengthened alongside opportunities for new industries that process raw materials and by-products of agriculture. Access to infrastructure, availability of affordable and serviced land, incentives, raw materials and markets are key considerations for the establishment and operation of successful industrial development.

The support for successful retailing will have a positive impact on the retention of population in the towns and contribute to the economic prosperity of the Shire. There is also the potential in the Shire for quality tourism development based on the Shire’s natural and built features, relying on its location relative to surrounding attractions such as the Murray River and the Goldfields. The annual duck shoot at Donald attracts significant numbers of visitors to the Shire as do other local events such as Country racing and the Mallee Rally.

Service industries incorporating opportunities for legal, finance, accounting business services and personal services have become increasingly important to support the primary production industry. This sector is also becoming more important as contracting out for such services, professional support, equipment and assets maintenance becomes the business trend.

In order to maintain and enhance the use of the Shire’s natural resources, including agricultural land, there needs to be a planning framework that allows for sustainable land use and development. Management of the most important economic asset needs to be high priority for the Shire.

Key issues

· Managing and encouraging sustainable agriculture.

· Preserving the value of agricultural land.

· Protecting valuable agricultural land from inappropriate settlement.

· Economic Development – How to encouraging economic activity in the Shire that increases incomes and opportunities for residents.

Objective 1

To protect productive farming land and ensure land use patterns of large, viable allotment sizes for broad acre cropping are maintained.

Strategies

· Support research for ongoing farming efficiency and diversification.

· Encourage farmers to create farm plans.

· Encourage the use of Future Farming techniques including crop rotation.

· Consider land use patterns of surrounding areas before removing land from agricultural use.

· Actively support and promote the Birchip Cropping Group and other Agricultural Research and Development enterprise.

Objective 2

To support, promote and facilitate sustainable, diverse and viable agriculture to provide for the long-term economic, social and environmental health of the Buloke Shire.

Strategies

· Develop a Rural Land Use strategy.

· Investigate innovative farming opportunities originating from the pipeline water supply.

· Investigate innovative farming opportunities originating from the governments approach to Climate change adaptation.

· Encourage the revegetation areas of wind erosion vulnerability.

· Encourage the use of Future Farming techniques including crop rotation.

· Investigate where areas of soil structure decline are prominent within the Shire.

· Actively encourage track rationalisation for hoofed animals in areas of soil structure decline.

· Limit the fragmentation of productive agricultural land to maintain sustainable holdings.

· Encourage and support agricultural diversification and sustainable farm practices.

· Ensure that new development does not limit the viability of surrounding enterprises and reflects the optimum use of land.

The exercise of discretion

· Using the Catchment Management Strategy to promote integrated farm management and environmental protection.

· Promoting vegetation and habitat enhancement, appropriate water use and the protection of waterways.

· Using the Rural Land Use Strategy to promote farm practice that is sustainable and uses water and soil in an effective and sustainable way.

· Encourage planning permit applications that accommodate the management of land and water, and the enhancement of vegetation.

· Requiring detailed site analysis to assess environmental impacts and land suitability for certain permit applications.

Applying Zones and Overlays

Applying the:

· Farming Zone (FZ) to identify areas of agriculture that needs to be protected.

· Environmental Significance Overlay (1 & 2) to protect waterways and channels from insensitive land uses.

Further strategic work

· Develop a Rural Land use strategy.

Other actions by Council

· Continual support for the Birchip Cropping Group and other sustainable agricultural initiatives.

COMMERCIAL

Objectives 1

To encourage sustainable economic activity in the Shire that increases employment choices, incomes and opportunities for residents.

Strategies

· Provide a broad range of services and facilities that is consistent with the role of the town in the settlement hierarchy.

· Improve the presentation of the whole Shire, including strengthening the role, function and presentation of the streetscapes, commercial centres and facilities in the townships to provide a vibrant environment for development.

· Investigate the re-use of key vacant commercial buildings.

· Develop strategies for economic development in conjunction with regional municipalities.

· Actively promote tourism products including items of natural and cultural heritage, landscapes, events and culinary products with a local focus, protecting the assets that contribute to that experience.

· Encourage the development of a diverse range of accommodation options.

· Encourage growth and infill development in business areas

INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT

Objective 1

To facilitate well planned and sited industrial use and development.

Strategies

· Appropriate zoning of land for industrial estate developments.

· Guide development to maximise use of existing infrastructure.

· Ensure an adequate supply of serviced industrial land, requiring attractive and landscaped development.

Objective 2

To promote industrial use and development which adds value to local produce.

Strategies

· Encourage business plans that demonstrate the benefits to the local economy.

· Support Rural Dependent Enterprises that complement the agricultural production base of the Shire and are appropriately located.

· Encourage the development of local enterprises based on processing of local products.

Objective 3

To minimise conflict with other sensitive land uses such as residential areas.

Strategies

· Require permit applications to show amenity issues being addressed proactively.

· Encourage development in appropriate locations.

EXTRACTIVE INDUSTRY

Objective 1

To identify, facilitate and ensure that extractive industry is carried out in an environmentally sensitive manner including the site rehabilitation.

Strategies

· Ensure applications are within the Department of Environment and Primary Industry guidelines for rehabilitation of sites.

· Encourage the controlled development of mining and extractive industries, ensuring regard for community and environmental values and appropriate rehabilitation.

· That proposed site operation be considered against the economic benefits and surrounding amenity.

Implementation

These strategies will be implemented by:

The use of policy guidelines

The exercise of discretion

· The use of the Rural Land Policy to provide guidance for subdivision, value adding production and intensive agriculture.

· The use of the Townships Policy to direct development to appropriate locations, enhance the presentation of the towns and to protect the amenity of residential areas.

· Requiring detailed site analysis, where appropriate, for industrial and processing development in rural areas.

· Preventing the loss of important cultural and natural landscapes and heritage places that contribute to the tourism product of the Shire.

The application of Zones and Overlays

· The application and use of the Township Zone to provide flexibility for non-residential development while maintaining residential amenity in towns.

· The application and use of Industrial 3 Zone to identify established industrial areas within the urban area.

· The application and use of Commercial 1 Zone to identify established commercial centres, or areas for potential town centre expansion.

· The application and use of Commercial 4 Zone to identify those commercial areas on the fringe of towns with highway access, appropriate for large scale bulky goods retailing.

· The application and use of Heritage Overlay to identify places of heritage significance.

Through ongoing strategic investigation

· Prepare and promote tourism strategies in association with tourism boards.

· Improve visitor signage in association with VicRoads.

· Identify and protect areas with mining or extractive potential.

· Continuously identify emerging tourism products and markets.

· Develop a comprehensive database on existing and potential industrial and commercial properties and promote the provision of serviced land.

· Investigate options for re-use of key buildings in urban areas.

· Identify options for water sources to facilitate new agricultural industry and undertake land suitability studies to provide a basis for planning and development promotion in conjunction with the Department of Natural Resources and Environment.

Other actions by Council

· Provide support to retailers through strengthening forums and chambers of commerce.

· Encourage retailers through the economic development officer to diversify their market presence and continuously up skill.

Buloke Shire Council Ordinary Meeting Wednesday, 14 May 2014

7.2.5 Buloke Shire Council Economic Development Strategy

Attachment 1 BSC Economic Development Strategy

INTRODUCTION

Where we are

a) Buloke Shire is a rural municipality located in North West Victoria.

c) The Shire has an area of some 8,000 kilometers squared and is largely based on broadacre, dryland agricultural production. In 2011 the ABS estimated the shire had a total population of 6,384. It is approximately 250 kilometers North West of Melbourne and 180 kilometers south of Mildura.

d) Two main highways, the Calder and Sunraysia run North and South through the Shire. The Shire also plays a valuable role in the production of the State’s agricultural output, including $252 million as the gross value of agricultural production at the 2012 Remplan data set.

Vic LGA Map - Buloke.png

Who we are

The Shire contains five townships and five hamlets, the largest of which is Donald with a population of over 1,400 people. Approximately 64% of the population lives in the urban centers of the Shire, with the remainder residing on rural holdings throughout the agricultural areas.

The main urban centers of the Shire and their populations in 2011 were as follows:

Birchip(683), Charlton(1,072), Donald(1,434), Sea Lake(634), Wycheproof(686). Other smaller settlements include the districts of Berriwillock, Culgoa, Nandaly, Nullawil, and Watchem, which range in population from 50 to 140 people.

The age structure of the Shire, in comparison to regional Victoria as a whole, has less representation in the younger age groups, particularly the ages between 18 and 35, and a relatively high representation in the age groups over 65 (3,280). The relatively high proportion of lone person households is a reflection of the ageing nature of the community. It is also a stable population with 5,105 (74.5%) living in the Shire for at least five years

The educational qualifications attained by Buloke residents are comparatively less than found in regional Victoria with only 1,542 (29.1%) holding post secondary educational qualifications.

What we do

Workplaces in Buloke provide approximately 2,486 jobs. The majority of these jobs 786 (33.0%) are in the Agricultural sector followed by 286 (9.1%) in the Health sector. 236 (11.8%) in the Education sector and 202 (9.5%) in the retail sector.

These four sectors round out the top four industries of employment in 2012. A small number of manufacturers operate in the Shire employing 151 (5.2%) people. A high proportion 2,227 (90.8%), of the jobs in Buloke are filled by people who live in the Shire.

Of the 3,260 households in Buloke 1,593 (57.4%) are owned and 580 (20.9%) are being purchased which is well above the average levels in regional Victoria. The majority of houses are detached dwellings is 2,591 (78.4%).

Housing density makes Buloke one of Victoria’s most sparsely populated municipalities.

The population centers of Buloke Shire provide an important service; retail and industry function for the Shire. They provide a range of shopping facilities, medical and educational services and recreational facilities. While the key urban centers in the Shire each have a strong and unique identity, a number of features are characteristic of them all. These include: the strong focus on the core commercial area; the role of major highways in shaping settlement patterns and commercial development; the existence of an industrial precinct; and the strong delineation between urban and non-urban land use, defined by historic patterns of zoning and servicing.

What we generate

The output generated by the Buloke Shire Council economy is estimated at $610 million. Agriculture, forestry and fishing accounts for $169.02 million, followed by manufacturing ($102 million).

The total value-added by the Buloke Shire Council economy is estimated at $305.33 million. Agriculture, forestry and fishing contributes the highest value-added ($88.01 million), followed by rental, hiring and real estate services ($39.59 million).

The estimated number of employed persons in Buloke in December 2011 was 3,560, which is 226 higher than the number reported in December 2009 with an increase of 6.8%. Compared to regional, state and national averages, Buloke Shire Council has a high proportion of managers and laborers; a comparable representation of machinery operators and drivers; but an under representation for other occupations including salespersons.

Major Infrastructure and Investment Projects

There are a number of key infrastructure and investment projects currently underway or recently completed in Buloke Shire. These include:

1. Road restoration project post January 2011 Floods.

2. Redevelopment of Charlton Hospital.

3. Development of Donald Intermodal Freight Hub.

4. Development of the Wimmera Mallee Pipeline.

5. Creation of the Charlton Trade Centre which facilitates TAFE training in the region through a state of the art new centre.

6. Funding for the new Donald Family Centre which includes maternal child health services, kindergarten and preschool capabilities.

7. Upgraded internet and mobile phone services including future connection of the NBN telecommunication facilities.

8. Multipurpose centre at Berriwillock to service the surrounding communities.

Major Regional Projects

1. The Loddon Mallee North Regional Growth Plan is the long term strategic plan for the region. This strategy identifies, prioritises, communicates and advocates for key regional projects.

Issues and Trends

The last 20 years has seen major economic, social and environmental change. It is likely that the pace of this change will increase and many other factors may be unforeseeable.

However it is possible to identify many likely issues and to plan accordingly. Some key issues include:

1. The world population will continue to grow and therefore so will the demand for food and other resources.

2. China and India will continue to grow economically and in their global influence.

3. The process of globalisation will continue, creating new opportunities for business but also making local economies more susceptible to these impacts.

4. The ageing population will present major challenges but will also provide new business opportunities.

5. The generational change of the employed population will lead to new ways of working.

6. The cost of energy is likely to rise and there is likely to be a strong focus on efficiency and alternate energy sources.

7. The drive to lower carbon emissions will require ongoing responses from business and government.

8. The digital economy and connectivity will become even more important and impact a greater number of areas.

9. Innovation and new technology development will continue and create new industry sectors and businesses.

Economic Development Principles and Mechanisms

The main goal of economic development is to improve the economic wellbeing of the community. There is no single strategy, policy, or program for achieving this. As communities differ in their strengths and weaknesses, each has a unique set of challenges and opportunities. In light of this Buloke Shire needs to recognise that:

1. Councils have responsibilities under the Local Government Act 1989 regarding economic developmentowth Plan onal G. These include:

a) To promote the social, economic and environmental viability and sustainability of the municipal district;

b) To improve the overall quality of life of people in the local community; and

c) To promote appropriate business and employment opportunities.

2. The private sector is the key driver of economic activity and the key economic activity in the Buloke Shire is agriculture.

3. A significant amount of investment and employment generation comes from businesses already located in the area. Much of this will come from a number of high growth businesses. The approach of supporting this type of business growth is known as “Economic Gardening”.

4. In addition to the Council there are of range of groups that also have key roles in economic development. These include, the Australian and Victorian Governments, neighbouring Councils, business and industry associations, trade unions, infrastructure and education providers, the community and businesses. Council must work cooperatively with these Groups for the best outcomes possible.

5. Duplication of services between agencies and groups should be minimised and the leverage of funding maximised.

6. Economic development goals must be balanced against other important objectives that at times may be in conflict. These include environmental, social and cultural values.

7. Different economic land uses may be in conflict and so their relative merits and weaknesses must also be carefully balanced.

8. Council’s economic development function also has a key role in assisting during periods of emergencies and natural disasters where businesses are affected.

9. High quality Infrastructure is vital for both the attraction of new businesses and for existing businesses to be able to compete. It can significantly reduce the cost of doing business as well as increasing sustainability.

10. Flexibility in the provision of economic development services is required in the face of ongoing and often rapid change in areas of society, technology, the environment and economy plus new government policies and programs.

Economic Development Strategy Vision

To create a new period of development and investment within the Buloke Shire Council which includes accounting for the advantages and strengths of the Buloke area. The strategy will focus on the most effective way that Council can deliver economic development, with a focus on business support, facilitation and personalising the Buloke Shire service delivery.

Economic Development Strategy Objectives

Objective 1: To seek advantages from the demographic changes to the Shire profile.

Objective 2: To encourage appropriate development throughout the Shire.

Objective 3: To create a climate for investment and growth of existing and new business.

Objective 4: To provide leadership and facilitation in economic development.

Objective 5: To strengthen the business of agriculture.

Objective 6: To capitalise on business opportunities that arise.

Objective 7: A commitment to understanding our economy.

Economic Development Strategy Themes

The Economic Development Strategy has four strategic themes and fourteen sub themes in which actions and measures are elaborated on, these include:

BUSINESS

STRATEGY 1

To increase interconnectedness of business throughout the Shire.

Initiatives:

® Participate with and reenergise Traders Forums and Chambers of Commerce.

® Facilitate group purchasing bodies between like businesses for cross Shire collaboration.

® Develop a local product and services database for internal and external usage.

STRATEGY 2

To promote the reuse of key vacant commercial buildings.

Initiatives:

® Initiate and maintain annual contact with vacant premise owners following a usage audit.

® Facilitate innovative initiatives for the use of vacant buildings for start ups and local uses.

STRATEGY 3

To continuously improve the skills and capabilities of business owners in the Shire.

Initiatives:

® Assess the type and demand of skills required by employees and employers from new and existing data sets.

® Provide a suite of various business seminars that are demand driven and address skills gap

STRATEGY 4

To support Shire businesses as they transition into an online environment.

Initiatives:

® Advocate for improvements in technologies and coverage both of internet and telephone to support businesses transitioning to ecommerce.

® Promote the benefits of adopting online technology to complement existing trading.

STRATEGY 5

To encourage entrepreneurship.

Initiatives:

® Celebrate success through the biannual Buloke Business Awards

® Prepare a prospectus pack for new business owners.

® Facilitate networking events between businesses and with relevant departments

® Advocate strengthening youth and home business opportunities.

STRATEGY 6

To increase the profile of Buy Local within the Shire to both traders and the public.

Initiatives:

® Publicise and encourage buy local schemes through promotions and education through different mediums.

® Continue with Councils local price preference in Procurement Policy.

® Promote cross town referral processes to keep purchases in Buloke.

STRATEGY 7

To increase opportunities by expanding business development and incubator spaces.

Initiatives:

® Develop further capacity in existing and new enterprise parks.

® Encourage future strategic business planning by local business.

VISITOR AND TOURISM

STRATEGY 1

To provide a multi faceted tourism facility in the five larger townships.

Initiatives:

® Ensure a travellers rest with toilet facilities and RV dump points is available.

® Ensure up to date tourism signage and information paraphernalia is available at strategic locations throughout towns.

STRATEGY 2

To connect interested parties such as providers and customers.

Initiatives:

® Encourage a diverse range of accommodation options.

® Maintain tourism websites with current information.

® Facilitate and support the local and regional tourism board.

® Provide and promote targeted, demand driven tourism seminars.

AGRICULTURAL AND SUPPORT SERVICES

STRATEGY 1

To provide targeted assistance to those businesses that support primary producers.

Initiatives:

® Strengthen relationships between the primary producer and their supporting industries.

® Increase workforce participation through the employment portal.

® Liaise with groups such as Nullawil Best Wool and poultry clusters to provide innovative information.

STRATEGY 2

To encourage farm based business that supplements and compliments agriculture.

Initiatives:

® Facilitate business training for farm located business.

® Publicise products available from local agricultural business including farm gate products.

STRATEGY 3

To strengthen the industrial interface between agriculture and retail.

Initiatives:

® Ensure appropriate land supply for agricultural services and support where there is demand.

LIVESTOCK

STRATEGY 1

To strengthen the Shire as a prime location for livestock production.

Initiatives:

® Continue to operate the Wycheproof Saleyards.

® Active representation on peak bodies.

STRATEGY 2

To market the Shires comparative advantages for intensive agriculture.

Initiatives:

® Maintain involvement with regional and state stakeholders of intensive agriculture.

® Promote the Shires bio security credentials and take steps to ensure it is maintained.

STRATEGY 3

To allow for future marketing and market changes to produce systems and sales.

Initiatives:

® Keep abreast of market changes and requirements to adjust for disseminating information.

AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE

STRATEGY 1

To strengthen the Shire and regions leading role in agricultural research and development.

Initiatives:

® Continue and strengthen partnerships with Birchip Cropping Group, ‘No Til’ groups and other farm based stakeholder groups.

® Identify gaps in value adding opportunities such as food and fibre clusters.

STRATEGY 2

To support diverse agricultural methods.

Initiatives:

® Investigate and support innovative farming opportunities.

STRATEGY 3

To capitalise on the pipeline water opportunities.

Initiatives:

® Garner specific economic opportunities from the pipeline.

STRATEGY 4

To build on the Shires advantages in sustainable agriculture and research capabilities.

Initiatives:

® Actively participate in regionally significant projects and market the Shire as a prime position.

® Establish links with private sector research and development companies.

STRATEGY 5

To adjust to climate change.

Initiatives:

® Disseminate relevant and timely information regarding adaptation initiatives, research and economic opportunities.

® Continued landcare support.

AGRICULTURE

STRATEGY 1

To increase farm productivity through improved knowledge base and adoption of best practice in agriculture.

Initiatives:

® Promote membership of local farmers in a range of agricultural industry and research groups.

STRATEGY 2

To protect productive agriculture and ensure viable land use patterns.

Initiatives:

® Undertake a rural land use strategy and ensure Buloke Planning Scheme reflects current circumstances and desired futures.

STRATEGY 3

To improve communication between Council and primary producers to increase value adding ventures.

Initiatives:

® Disseminate information to assist agricultural productivity.

® Support farmers and potential supply chain partners to facilitate collaboration on projects.

STRATEGY 4

To support rural dependent enterprises that compliments an agricultural holding.

Initiatives:

® Encourage and provide electronic tools for developing farm plans on the Council website.

STRATEGY 5

To position Buloke Shire as a leader for carbon farming initiatives.

Initiatives

® Explore the potential of the carbon farming funding.

® Collaborate with agricultural research bodies.

LEARNING AND EDUCATION

STRATEGY 1

Support initiatives that increase postsecondary education levels throughout the Shire.

Initiatives:

® Promote the rural skills cadet program to all school leavers through school newsletters and shire liaison activities by the Youth Officer.

® Continue to advocate for apprenticeships and traineeships by local employers to retain populations and meet skill shortages.

STRATEGY 2

Up skill existing labour force and attract new skilled labour to the workforce by identifying skill gaps.

Initiatives:

® Advocate for targeted skills programs to assist in delivering the skills needed for the Buloke Shire as identified in analysis including the Agrifoods project and government data.

STRATEGY 3

Advocate for Shire wide modern, accessible and affordable education facilities.

Initiatives:

® Highlight past local student achievements in regional and state forums such as the Rural Victoria Living Expo.

® Promote and support adult education services in the five larger townships.

® Encourage innovative learning facilities with external providers for wider accessibility.

STRATEGY 4

To improve access to adult education opportunities and build on external provider relationships.

Initiatives:

® Promote and support community resource centers and innovative learning environments such as an enterprise park.

CULTURAL

STRATEGY 1

To support community based cultural and art activities.

Initiatives:

® Participate in state and federal grant funding seeking for activities.

® Grow the Hobson Bay friendship alliance and encourage collaboration on cultural activities.

STRATEGY 2

To acknowledge and recognise the value of culture with youth.

Initiatives:

® Support youth based initiatives such as Kool Skools, FReeZA and Youth Engage events.

STRATEGY 3

To encourage a wide range of diverse cultural activities to meet the needs of the range of demographics in the shire.

Initiatives:

® Continue to develop partnerships with external cultural organisations such as Arts Victoria, Hobson’s Bay and Museum Council of Victoria.

® Attract state and regional cultural events.

HEALTH

STRATEGY 1

To embrace new forms of sustainable service delivery and build on local capabilities.

Initiatives:

® Assist health providers to educate the community about technological health service delivery.

STRATEGY 2

To maintain acceptable levels of health services in the communities.

Initiatives:

® Advocate for minimum standards of service delivery and encourage staff retention and improvement.

STRATEGY 3

To embrace an ageing population as an economic development opportunity.

Initiatives:

® Promote opportunities within the age care sector for Buloke with an ageing population such as employment and entrepreneurship for service delivery.

SOCIAL CAPITAL

STRATEGY 1

To promote volunteerism, active citizenship and a village lifestyle.

Initiatives:

® Encourage participation by publicising programs available and requiring participation.

® Celebrate and recognise volunteers.

STRATEGY 2

To work on housing affordability and practicality issues.

Initiatives:

® Ensure social housing opportunities are maintained by various sources including government and private partnerships.

STRATEGY 3

To vest responsibility for community development within the community.

Initiatives:

® Continue master planning and community planning with widespread participation.

ALTERNATIVE ENERGY

STRATEGY 1

To market Buloke as an attractive location for alternative energy industries including small community projects.

Initiatives:

® Map areas suitable for alternative energy development including appropriate infrastructure and ensure a supportive planning scheme.

STRATEGY 2

To increase locals participation with alternative energy options.

Initiatives:

® Educate and promote local investment in self sufficient energy production.

STRATEGY 3

To promote the Shire as a location for trialing alternative energy systems including biomass and other carbon initiatives.

Initiatives:

® Advocate the State and Federal Government to support alternative energy research and trails in rural contexts.

® Participate in regional trail programs.

MINING

STRATEGY 1

The sustainable exploitation of natural resources.

Initiatives:

® Encourage extractive industry with a strong planning scheme.

STRATEGY 2

To have employee ready locals for the industry.

Initiatives:

® Ensuring that local employees have the appropriate skills to take advantage of mining opportunities.

STRATEGY 3

To strengthen the regions mining profile.

Initiatives:

® Build relationships with current salt mining operations and promote the industry and expansion options.

TRANSPORT

STRATEGY 1

Build on the advantages of the major transport networks through the Buloke Shire.

Initiatives:

® Advocate for State and Federal Government investment in the maintenance of State highways.

STRATEGY 2

Capitalise on changes to on farm storage methods in agriculture.

Initiatives:

® Promote the Shires grain receivable and storage capabilities and access to markets.

STRATEGY 3

Be in a position of strength for rail and road freight changes.

Initiatives:

® Ensure the road management plan for the Buloke Shire is prepared for legislative changes to road and rail freight.

® Continue active participation in transport stakeholder committees.

TELECOMMUNICATIONS

STRATEGY 1

Promoting telecommunications as a way to stay connected.

Initiatives:

® Ensuring appropriate coverage and decreased black spots.

® Competitiveness from telecommunication providers.

STRATEGY 2

Improve telecommunications infrastructure for wider options.

Initiatives:

® Promote the ecommerce and telecommuting aspects of improved infrastructure.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY MONITORING AND REVIEW

The Economic Development Strategy is a working document that will have a desktop review annually and a consultation with stakeholders review biennially. The document strategies will continue to align and compliment Council directives and strategy documentation as well as respond to changes in policy and marketplace.

MEASURING OUR SUCCESS

SHORT TERM 1-5 YEARS

LONG TERM 5 YEARS +

ANNUAL

ACTIONS

Assist with acquiring skilled staff for local business through increased participation with the Buloke Shire Council employment portal.

Develop and assist to implement a Shire wide ‘Buy Local’ campaign with each town incorporating Buloke branding.

An annual youth event held in each major township.

Obtain RV friendly status across the Shire.

Undertake an agricultural economic study to prioritise the areas of Council involvement and assistance.

Audit vacant commercial buildings and contact owners annually about mixed uses activities.

An increased number of local businesses participating in targeted training by the Buloke Shire Council or registered training organisations.

Develop and publish an investment prospectus document for Buloke Shire Council.

Facilitate the statutory process such as building and planning for significant community infrastructure.

Present entrepreneurship opportunities at all relevant events such as Birchip Cropping Group Day, youth events and the Rural Victorian Living Expo.

Produce an annual events calendar with print and online versions available.

Encourage trader and chamber groups to meet regularly with support from Council including providing a meeting space.

Collate and publish a business newsletter quarterly.

Continue to invest in Wycheproof Saleyards and its growth.

Maintain all Buloke Shire Council affiliated websites with current information.

Increase participation in the Rural Skills Cadetship program.

Annual contact between business and Council Economic Development Officers.

SHORT TERM 1-5 YEARS

LONG TERM 5 YEARS +

ANNUAL

ADVOCACY

Active involvement with the Agrifoods skills project.

Participate and prioritise regional focused forums such as Regional Growth Plans and joint infrastructure applications to increase the benefits to Buloke Shire Council.

Promote Buloke Shire Council Local Government area as a relocation option through attendance at the Regional Victoria Living Expo.

Create a new residents package to support interaction with BSC and local business.

Work with Research and development groups to ensure Buloke Shire Council residents are having their needs prioritised.

Liaise with alternative energy suppliers to invest in BSC due to its natural advantages.

Provide quarterly online information brief about govt and non government policies and opportunities to local producers.

Focus on recognition of local and regional tourism status for Buloke Shire Council Tourism Board and the Wimmera Mallee Tourism Board at State level.

Lobby for large scale housing affordability options to be adaptable and available for smaller scale such is present in Buloke Shire Council.

Assist with the development of a program with the Department of Education and Training to strengthen connections between apprentices and employers for long term retention.

Continue Buloke Shire Council promotion of telemedicine options to overcome distances.

Link as many funding opportunities between government and research through liaison.

Ensure the Buloke Planning Scheme content allows for economic opportunities and has appropriately zoned land.

Advocate for higher annual investment in Buloke Shire Council transport infrastructure by state and federal government including road, rail and urban requirements all needed to facilitate commerce.

Assist local business to access State and Federal Assistance Programs through Buloke Shire Council contacts.

Buloke Shire Council Ordinary Meeting Minutes Wednesday, 14 May 2014

7.2.6 Notice of Intention to Approve Planning Permit Application 535/14 for the use and development of a Wind Energy Facility.

Author’s Title: Senior Planning Officer

Department: Corporate and Community Services File No: LP/09/01

Attachments:

1 ViewAcciona Planning Permit conditions

Relevance to Council Plan 2013 - 2017

Objective: A local economy in which new business is actively encouraged; investment welcomed; employment created; business skills developed and local networks are supported.

Strategy: Encouraging innovative energy solutions for future energy generation.

Priority: Actively promoting the Shire as a location for energy production from wind, solar and other clean energy technologies and advocate to other levels of Government for investment in infrastructure to ensure this can occur.

Cr David Pollard declared an indirect interest in Item 7.2.6 on the basis as of being a Committee Member of the Charlton Rex Theatre who has obtained sponsorship from Acciona.

Cr Pollard left the Council Chamber at 7.20pm.

Motion:

That:

1. That Notice of Intention to approve Planning Permit 535/14 for a Wind Energy Facility, subject to conditions as attached, be given to the applicant and submitters.

Moved: Cr Ellen White

Seconded: Cr Graeme Milne

Carried.

Cr Pollard re-entered the Council Chamber at 7.24pm

1. Executive Summary

An application for a wind energy facility comprising of twenty-four turbines was received
on the 20 December 2013 from Acciona. The application is to supersede the current

proposal allowable under Planning Permit 490/13. Four submissions were received, three

objections and one in favour of the proposal.

2. Discussion

The land is zoned Farming Zone with no overlay controls. A planning permit is required

for a wind energy facility in Farming Zone. An additional requirement under the Buloke

Planning Scheme under Clause 52.32 are the Wind Energy Guidelines. State and Local

Planning Policies addressing environment, energy and economics were also

determinates in the planning decision.

The application was received on the 20 December 2013 and Notice of Application was undertaken by:

- Notice in the North Central News (23/01/14) and the Buloke Times (25/01/14).

- Letters sent to all landowners within a 5km radius of the proposed site on 20/01/2014.

- Planning Permit documentation available for inspection in Charlton and Donald.

Four submissions were received. One was in favour of the application subject to council controls being met and no further consultation was required. Three objections were received and they were addressed in the following way:

- Objection One raised concerns about the increased risk of fire, noise pollution and visual impact on the ridge proportions.

- A letter was sent to the objector acknowledging the objection and requesting a meeting with Council’s Planning Officer. The applicant, Acciona, sent a letter addressing the objections raised including information about consultations with the local CFA, how the applicant has met noise standards and an offer to assess targeted screening on site to reduce visual amenity impacts. No contact from the objector was received.

- Objection Two raised concerns about the increased height of the turbines and the potential impact on vegetation to construct the turbines. A letter was sent to the objector acknowledging the objection and requesting a meeting with Council’s Planning officer. The applicant, Acciona, sent a letter addressing the objections raised including information about the increased efficiency and economic benefits of larger, modern turbines as well as outlining how the native vegetation responsibilities are to be met. A meeting between Council’s Planning Officer and the objector resolved some concerns subject to an additional planning condition being placed on the permit.

- Objection Three raised concerns about the visual amenity impact and also about the impact to their agricultural activities as a result of the increased traffic during and post construction. A letter was sent to the objector acknowledging the objection and requesting a meeting with Council’s Planning Officer. The applicant, Acciona, sent a letter addressing the objections raised including information about the route of construction traffic and the opportunity to investigate alternate routes. A meeting between Council’s Planning Officer and the objector was unable to substantiate an alternate route that would be feasible. Further investigation by the applicant confirmed that no other route was viable. A mutual agreement on post construction traffic has been decided upon.

- A final objection was received on the 2^nd May 2014 after exhibition and was acknowledged and matters raised included unsightliness and amenity impacts. Due to time restraints, consulting on the objection was not able to take place.

The application was referred to a number of Referral Authorities including:

- North Central Catchment Management Authority – no objection, no conditions

- Powercor- no objections, no conditions

- GWM Water- no objections, no conditions

- VicRoads, no objections, conditions on the planning permit

- Department of Environment and Primary Industry- no objections, no conditions

- Country Fire Authority- no objections, conditions on the planning permit

- Environmental Protection Agency- no objections, note on the permit

- Aboriginal Affairs Victoria - no response

- Civil Aviation Safety Authority- no objections, note on the planning permit

- Department of Transport, Planning and Local Infrastructure - no objection, no conditions

The application was accompanied by a number of technical reports to address the Wind Energy Guidelines; these are listed below with a brief summary of their specifics for the proposed Berrimal Wind Facility:

- Community Consultation and Engagement Strategy: Consultation with a range of stakeholders and the local community has taken place over the life of the project and will continue to take place on a regular basis including post construction.

- Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment: The assessment concludes that the impact on the landscape (classified as undulating pastoral) will be noticeable but minor to moderate change.

- Shadow Flicker and Blade Glint Assessment: The maximum allowable shadow flicker per year under the guidelines is 30 hours. One house will experience 2.8 hours per year and two houses less than one hour.

- Transport Impact Assessment: Preliminary assessment of the traffic route has determined works will need to be undertaken. Planning permit conditions from Council and VicRoads will ensure this is carried out to Council’s satisfaction.

- Geotechnical Investigation: Preliminary drilling has determined rock structure and general geology of the site, planning permit conditions allowing micrositing as a result of geological testing have been included.

- Electromagnetic Interference Analysis: The report analyses all telecommunication services in the area and determines that interference issues are not expected. A complaints process will be part of a planning permit to ensure ongoing compliance.

- Aviation Assessment: The assessment concludes that the risk to aviation is low, minimal marking as a result of the turbine height is the only recommendation.

- Flora and Fauna Management Plan: No nationally listed flora is on site and the three Ecological Vegetation Class communities are highly modified. Only recommendation is that access tracks align with existing farm traffic routes to minimise native vegetation impacts. Targeted surveys for three fauna species are required and will be a condition on the planning permit.

- Cultural Heritage Management Plan: Compliant and endorsed by the Registered Traditional Owners.

- Noise Assessment: Demonstrates compliance with NZS6808:2010

Taking into consideration the submissions received, advice from statutory referral agencies and the data contained within the reports submitted by Acciona, the applicant has met the guidelines for the wind energy facility and the development is in keeping with the land use principles of the Buloke Shire Planning Scheme.

3. Financial Implications

There are three specific financial implications:

- If the Notice of Intention to Approve is challenged through the Victoria Civil and Administrative Tribunal, Buloke Shire Council will be required to provide legal support for the position taken in the planning permit process and outcome.

- If the planning permit is ultimately approved by the end of the Notice period or VCAT, then enforcement of the conditions will add additional workload to the Planning staff at Buloke Shire Council.

- Once the project is developed and operational a set fee as determined by the Electricity Regulator will be provided to Council annually from the energy producing facility.

4. Community Consultation

Community consultation was undertaken by Council as per Section 52 of the Planning

and Environment Act 1987 which included notice in the locally circulating newspaper (North Central News) and mail notification to neighbouring properties within a 5km radius
of the project.

5. Internal Consultation

Consultation was undertaken with Council’s Technical Officer regarding construction and ongoing road maintenance with several conditions recommended for the planning permit.

6. Legislative / Policy Implications

There are many statutory requirements on wind energy facilities; this includes sections of the Planning and Environment Act, the Buloke Shire Planning Scheme, Victoria Planning Provisions and the Policy and Planning Guidelines for Development of Wind Energy Facilities in Victoria 2009.

7. Environmental Sustainability

There are two environmental considerations for this planning permit; from a

development perspective all environmental sustainability issues need to be addressed

through the environmental management plans. In relation to the ongoing use perspective,

the alternative energy sector is proposed to increase overall environmental sustainability.

8. Conflict of Interest Considerations

No conflict of interest considerations are reasonably known.

9. Conclusion

It is recommended that a Notice of Intention to Approve Planning Permit 535/14 for the

use and development of a wind energy facility be granted.

Buloke Shire Council Ordinary Meeting Minutes Wednesday, 14 May 2014

7.2.6 Notice of Intention to Approve Planning Permit Application 535/14 for the use and development of a Wind Energy Facility.

Attachment 1 Acciona Planning Permit conditions

ATTACHMENT 1

GENERAL

This Permit Allows:

1. (a) Before the development starts, development plans must be prepared to the

satisfaction of the Responsible Authority. When approved, the plans will be

endorsed by the Responsible Authority and will then form part of this permit.

(b) Except as permitted under condition 1(c), the use and development as shown

on the endorsed development plans or other plans to the satisfaction of the

Responsible Authority must not be altered or modified in any way without

the written consent of the Responsible Authority.

(c) Any micro siting of wind generators will be regarded as generally in accordance with the endorsed plans if the Responsible Authority is satisfied that it will not give rise to a material adverse change to assessed landscape, vegetation, cultural heritage, visual amenity, shadow or noise impacts when compared to the site shown on the endorsed plans.

(d) If a turbine requires micro siting then:

i) House #17 should not have turbine #23 brought any closer than shown in the application plans.

ii) House #18 & 19 should not have turbine #7 & 2 brought any closer on the side than shown in the application plans.

LIGHTING

2. No permanent external lighting of infrastructure associated with the wind energy facility may be installed or operated, without prior written consent from the Responsible Authority, other than:

(a) Low-level security lighting;

(b) Aviation obstacle lighting; and

(c) Lighting necessary in the case of an emergency or for operational call outs at reasonable times.

SPECIFICATIONS

3. The wind energy facility must be constructed and maintained in accordance with the following specifications, which must not be changed without the prior written consent of the Responsible Authority:

(a) A total of not more than 24 wind turbine generators.

(b) The turbine model that is selected for final use will not give rise to a material adverse change in the assessed impacts of the planning permit application turbine model.

(c) The wind turbines shown on the plan shall have an overall height of not more than 185 metres.

(d) The rotor on each wind generator must comprise of no more than three blades.

(e) The tower, nacelle and rotor blades must be off-white or another colour to the satisfaction of the Responsible Authority, and must be of a non-reflective finish.

(f) The colours and finishes of all substations and ancillary equipment must be specified so as to ensure that impact on landscape values is minimised, to the satisfaction of the Responsible Authority.

(g) All new electricity and optic fibre cabling associated with the collector network within the wind energy facility turbine cluster must be placed under the ground unless otherwise requested by Powercor.

(h) The access tracks within the site are to be sited to ensure minimum impacts on the site, including impacts on erosion and overland flows and, where appropriate, having regard to the farming attributes of the land.

(i) The wind energy facility may include up to four permanent meteorological monitoring masts.

(j) The wind energy facility may include a temporary concrete batching plant, while the

facility is being constructed.

(k) The wind energy facility may include the temporary construction compound; borrow pit and casting area as designated in the endorsed development plans.

(l) The wind energy facility may include up to two substations.

4. An operations and maintenance building, car parking for staff vehicles, amenities including bathroom and kitchen facilities, warehouse to accommodate equipment, an outside storage area and up to two substations may be permanent features of the development. The Permit Holder must provide the Responsible Authority with a site map showing the location of the foregoing with the lodgement for the building permit application for the wind energy facility.

5. The use and development authorised by this permit may be completed in stages as shown on the endorsed development plans. The corresponding obligations arising under this permit may be similarly completed in stages.

TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT – VICROADS CONDITIONS

6. Before the commencement of any works and before the engagement of any haulage contractors, a Traffic Management Plan to the satisfaction of the Responsible Authority, in consultation with Vic Roads, in its capacity as road authority under the Road Management Act 2004 for local and arterial (public) roads used to transport material to/from and within the vicinity of the wind energy facility. The traffic management plan must be submitted to and approved by the Responsible Authority and Vic Roads. When approved, the plan will be endorsed by the Responsible Authority and Vic Roads.

The traffic management plan, without limiting the generality of the plan, must include:

(a) Prior to commencement of works, an existing conditions survey of public roads and associated infrastructure that may be used in connection with the wind energy facility (for access, delivery of material, pre-construction or construction purposes) including details of the suitability of the proponent’s use, design, condition and construction standard of the relevant public roads and bridges.

(b) The designation of appropriate construction and transport vehicle routes to the wind energy facility for pre construction, construction and transport.

(c) The designation of all vehicle access points to the wind energy facility from surrounding roads, including main road access points to local access roads.

(d) The designation of vehicle access points which must be designed and located to ensure safe sight distances, turning movements, and avoid potential through traffic conflicts.

(e) Engineering plans and reporting demonstrating whether, and if so, how truck movements to and from the site can be safely accommodated within a road reserve. Mitigation measures are to be developed by the proponent and agreed to by VicRoads and the Responsible Authority for all hazards including, but not limited to; oversize and over-mass haulage, traffic management, removal of roadside vegetation, reduction in speed limits, alteration to any road furniture or intersection, emergency management, and risk management.

(f) recommendations regarding the need for road, bridge and intersection upgrades to accommodate any additional traffic, oversize or over-mass loads, or site access requirements (whether temporary or ongoing). Where upgrades are required, the traffic management plan must include:

i) Detailed engineering plans showing the required works.

ii) The timing of when works are to be undertaken.

(g) A program of regular inspections to be carried out during the construction of the wind energy facility to identify maintenance works necessary as a result of construction traffic.

(h) Works identified during surveys in condition (a) above must be completed expeditiously to the satisfaction of Vicroads and the Responsible Authority.

(i) The designation of operating hours and speed limits for trucks on routes accessing the site which:

i) Avoid school bus routes and school bus times where relevant.

ii) Provide for resident safety.

(j) Measures to be taken to manage traffic impacts associated with the construction and ongoing operation of the wind energy facility on the traffic volumes and flows on surrounding roads.

(k) A program to rehabilitate existing public roads and associated infrastructure to a safe and usable condition to a standard no less then what is required to support the proposed use or the condition identified by the surveys required under Condition (6a) above, whichever is the greater:

i) During the construction period.

ii) At the conclusion of the construction of the wind energy facility.

iii) First two years during the operation of the wind energy facility.

(l) Demonstration that all necessary permits have been obtained for the removal of vegetation within the road reserve for the purpose of providing access to the site for material.

(j) That the proponent is responsible for any damage caused to construction vehicles or other vehicles in the event that the safe and usable quality of any public road and associated infrastructure is degraded or compromised as a result of the development, and that VicRoads or the Responsible Authority will not accept liability for any such damage.

7. By no later than three (3) months after the date of completion of the wind energy facility, a post construction conditions surveys of public roads that have been used in connection with the wind energy facility (for access, preconstruction or construction purposes) must be submitted to the satisfaction of Vicroads and the Responsible Authority. The report must include details of any dilapidation or damage to the roads and a program of rehabilitation in accordance with the requirements of the approved Traffic Management Plan.

8. The traffic management and road upgrade and maintenance works indentified in the endorsed traffic management plan must be carried out in accordance with the endorsed traffic management plan to the satisfaction of Vicroads and the Responsible Authority.

9. The provision of a security bond prior to the commencement of works equal to the estimated cost of the rehabilitation/replacement of any infrastructure identified as being at risk to the satisfaction of Vicroads and the Responsible Authority.

10. All works, reporting and the provisions of Vicroads road escort vehicles and personnel are to be at not cost to Vicroads or the Responsible Authority, including but not limited to: all additional route survey work, together with all associated Vicroads bridge assessments for the over dimensional and over-mass vehicles and their loads, and all additional traffic management resources and equipment such as variable message signs.

11. The use and development must be carried out in accordance with the endorsed Traffic Management Plan and the cost of any works including maintenance are to be at the expense of the permit holder.

ENVIRONMENTAL AND CULTURAL MANAGEMENT PLANS

12. Before the development starts, an environmental management plan must be prepared to the satisfaction of the Responsible Authority. When approved, the environmental management plan will be endorsed by the Responsible Authority and will then form part of this permit.

(a) The Environmental Management Plan must include:

i) The identification of all construction and operational processes that could potentially lead to water contamination.

ii) The identification of appropriate storage, construction and operational methods to control any identified contamination risks.

iii) The identification of waste re-use, recycling and disposal procedures.

iv) Appropriate sanitary facilities for construction and maintenance staff.

(b) The plan must contain procedures for the removal of any temporary buildings and staging areas on completion of construction of the project and for the return of the relevant parts of the site to its former condition (or to the standard otherwise specified by this permit), on the completion of construction.

(c) The environmental management plan must include a sediment, erosion and water quality management plan. This plan must be prepared in consultation with and approved by the relevant Catchment Management Authority.

The sediment and erosion plan must include:

i) Procedures to ensure that silt from batters, cut-off drains, table drains and road works is retained on the works site during and after the construction stage of the project. All land disturbances must be confined to a minimum practical working area and to the vicinity of the identified works areas. Soil to be removed must be stockpiled and separate soil horizons must be retained in separate stockpiles and not mixed. Stockpiles must be located away from drainage lines.

ii) The installation of geotextile silt fences (with sedimentation basins where appropriate) on all drainage lines from the site which are likely to receive run-off from disturbed areas.

iii) Procedures to contain any contaminated or turbid run-off during and after construction of the wind energy facility.

iv) Procedures to suppress dust arising from construction-related activities. Appropriate measures may include water spraying of roads and stockpiles, stabilising surfaces, temporary screening and/or wind fences, modifying construction activities during periods of heightened winds and revegetating exposed areas as soon as practicable.

v) Procedures to ensure that steep batters are treated in accordance with Environmental Protection Authority recommendations detailed in the ‘Construction Techniques for Sediment Pollution Control’ No 275, May 1991.

vi) Criteria for the siting of any temporary concrete batching plant (temporary

or permanent) associated with the development of the wind energy facility

and the procedure for its removal and reinstatement of the site once its use finishes. The establishment and operation of any temporary concrete batching plant must be in accordance with the Environment Protection Authority’s Environmental Guidelines for the Concrete Batching Industry, Publication No. 628.

vii) Procedures for waste water discharge management.

viii) A process for overland flow management to prevent the concentration and diversion of waters off site or erosion prone slopes.

ix) Pollution management measures for management of stored and stockpiled materials including waste materials, litter and any other potential source of water pollution.

x) Incorporation of control measures outlined in EPA publication No. 480 Environmental Guidelines for Major Construction Sites.

xi) Siting of temporary concrete batching plant and any on-site wastewater and

disposal and disposal treatment fields at least 100 metres from any

watercourse.

xii) Appropriate capacity and an agreed program for annual inspection and regular maintenance of any on-site wastewater management system constructed to service staff, contractors or visitors.

xiii) A program of inspection and remediation of localised erosion, with a specified response time.

13. Procedures for storage of any fuels, lubricants or waste oil to be stored in bunded areas with contingency measures to ensure that any chemical or oil spills are contained on-site and cleaned up in accordance with the Environment Protection Authority’s requirements, are to be provided to the responsible authority for endorsement within three months of project construction commencement.

14. The environmental management plan must include an Emergency Management Plan which must be endorsed by both the Country Fire Authority and Responsible Authority and must not be altered without the written consent of both parties.

15. The wind energy facility must be constructed and operated in compliance with the cultural heritage management plan Jaara Jaraa Aboriginal Corporation Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation approved by Aboriginal Affairs Victoria.

16. The environmental management plan must include a native vegetation protocol. This protocol is to be established in consultation with the Department of Environment and Primary Industry– North West Region. The protocol is to clarify the circumstances in which a planning permit will be sought for native vegetation removal. The protocol is to also include the offset actions that will be undertaken if native vegetation disturbance or removal cannot be avoided for the construction, operation and decommissioning stages of the project.

17. The Environmental Management Plan must also include:

(a) A pest animal and plan management plan including:

i) Procedures for the control of pest animals and follow-up pest animal control for all areas disturbed by the wind energy facility construction works for a period of two years following the completion of the wind energy facility;

ii) A program of early identification and eradication of weeds in disturbed areas and follow-up weed control for a minimum period of two years following the completion of the works; and

iii) A monitoring plan.

(b) A training program for construction workers and permanent employees or contractors at the wind energy facility site including a site induction program relating to the range of issues addressed by the Environmental Management Plan.

(c) A program for reporting, including a register of environmental incidents, non- conformances, complaints and corrective actions.

18. The Environmental Management Plan is to be reviewed every five years and if necessary amended to reflect operational experience and changes in environmental management standards and techniques. The amended Environmental Management Plan must be submitted to the Responsible Authority for re-endorsement. Once re-endorsed, the amended environmental management plan will take the place of the earlier version of the environmental management plan and will form part of this permit.

19. The use and development must be carried out in accordance with the endorsed Environmental Management Plan.

NOISE

20. The operation of the wind energy facility must comply with the New Zealand Standard ‘Acoustics – The Assessment and Measurement of Wind Farm Noise’ (NZS6808:2010) (the ‘New Zealand Standard’) as modified by this condition, in relation to any dwelling existing at the date of issue of this permit to the satisfaction of the Responsible Authority. In determining compliance with the New Zealand Standard, the following requirements apply:

(a) The wind energy facility operator must ensure the sound level from the wind energy

facility, when measured outdoors within 10 metres of a dwelling at any relevant

nominated wind speed, should not exceed the background level (L₉₅) by more than

5dBA or a level of 40dBA L₉₅, whichever is the greater.

(b) When sound has a special audible characteristic, the measured sound level of the source shall have a 5dBA penalty applied.

(c) Compliance at night must be separately assessed with regard to night time data. For these purposes the night is defined as 10.00pm to 7.00am. For sleep protection purposes, a breach of the standard set out at Condition 20(a), for 10% of the night, amounts to a breach of the condition.

Noise compliance assessment

21. An independent post-construction noise monitoring program must be commissioned by the proponent within two months from the commissioning of the last generator. This is to continue for 24 months, to the satisfaction of the Responsible Authority. The program must be carried out in accordance with the New Zealand standard as varied by Conditions 20 (a), (b) and (c) above. The wind facility operator must pay the reasonable costs of the monitoring program.

22. For the purposes of determining compliance under condition 20, and in accordance with the requirements of condition 21, the following requirements must be met by the wind facility operator:

a. Acoustic compliance reports must be prepared by a suitably qualified and experienced independent acoustic engineer to demonstrate compliance with the noise limits specified in the New Zealand Standard.

b. Noise assessment positions must be located according to the New Zealand Standard, and shown on a map.

c. Compliance reports should be publically available.

d. Following facility commissioning, all complaints shall be managed following procedures set out in the noise complaints management plan set out in condition 30.

23. Demonstrating compliance with the noise standards must not include the calculation/use of mitigation measures that are used in post construction management techniques (i.e. sector management).

24. Post installation sound levels shall, where practical, be measured at the same locations where the background sound levels were determined (GPS coordinates and a map showing these locations is to be provided) as required by condition 22(b) of this Permit. If not practicable, alternate sites are to be submitted to and be to the satisfaction of the Responsible Authority.

25. Following demonstration that compliance with the noise criteria has been achieved to the satisfaction of the Responsible Authority by the program above, the Responsible Authority will inform the permit holder in writing of the date that compliance has been achieved.

26. The compliance noise monitoring program must be repeated commencing not less than 10 months and not greater than 12 months after the compliance date specified in condition 24, unless with the written consent of the Responsible Authority.

27. An independent report summarising the results of the monitoring program, and the data collected, and indicating compliance or non compliance with the New Zealand Standard (as modified by condition 20), must be forwarded to the Responsible Authority at six monthly intervals during the monitoring period. The results must be written in plain English and formatted for reading by lay people.

28. The Responsible Authority must make a copy of the report referred to in Condition 34, and any data available, as soon as practicable during office hours for any person to inspect free of charge.

29. Upon a written request by the Responsible Authority, a peer review of any acoustic assessment or report is required to be submitted under this permit by the wind facility operator, is to be undertaken by a suitably qualified acoustic consultant chosen by the Responsible Authority and submitted to Council for review to Council's satisfaction. The cost of the peer review is to be borne on the wind facility operator.

Noise complaint management plan

30. Before the use commences, the wind facility operator must submit to the Responsible Authority details of a noise complaint, evaluation and response plan to the satisfaction of the Responsible Authority. The plan should include, but not be limited to the following components:

a. A noise complaint telephone service;

b. A table outlining complaint information for each complaint received, including:

i. the complainant’s name;

ii. any applicable property reference number if connected to a background testing location;

iii. the complainant’s address;

iv. a receipt number for each complaint which is to be communicated to the complainant;

v. the time, prevailing conditions and description of the complainant’s concerns including the potential incidence of special audible characteristics;

vi. the processes of investigation to resolve the complaint.

c. A report including a reference map of complaint locations, and outlining complaints, investigation and remediation actions is to be provided on an annual basis to the satisfaction of the Responsible Authority.

d. The register and complaints response process shall continue for the duration of the operation of the wind energy facility and must be made available to the Responsible Authority within seventy two hours of a written request being made.

Ongoing noise compliance monitoring, review and enforcement

31. For the purposes of complaints evaluation, the following requirements apply, unless with the written consent of the Responsible Authority:

a. Post installation sound levels shall, where practical, be measured at the same locations where the background sound levels were determined (GPS coordinates and a map showing these locations is to be provided).

b. If a breach in compliance is detected, or noise complaints are received, the wind facility operator must provide to the Responsible Authority an independent assessment report prepared by a suitably qualified and experienced independent acoustic engineer to:

i. identify the weather or operational conditions associated with the complaint / breach;

ii. analyse the uncertainty and confidence levels in the monitoring, and the steps taken to reduce uncertainty;

iii. target assessment to identify the cause and remediation actions;

iv. submit a remediation plan to the satisfaction of the Responsible Authority outlining the investigation process, complainant communications, actions and timelines to resolve the complaint/breach.

If the complaint is not resolved through the processes outlined above, the Responsible Authority may request an independent peer review at the cost of the wind facility operator and on/off shut down testing to resolve uncertainty.

c. Following the initial post-construction reporting process, additional independent assessment may be requested by the responsible authority at any time, where complaints are received and are considered to reasonably warrant investigation.

d. If investigations indicate special audible characteristics are potentially occurring, procedures outlined in Appendix B of the Standard should be applied.

32. Upon receiving a written request by the Responsible Authority, the wind facility operator must within 60 days of that request supply an assessment of noise levels emitted by the wind energy facility by a suitably qualified acoustic consultant with readings taken at times and locations specified by the Responsible Authority. Recommendations to address any non-compliance with the New Zealand Standard must be included in the report and, on agreement by the Responsible Authority, measures to address non-compliance must be immediately implemented to the satisfaction of the Responsible Authority.

33. The wind turbines must operate in their normal mode during any investigation required under this Permit, unless at the request of, or with the written consent of the acoustic engineer.

34. Substations and transmission lines related to the wind energy facility on the nominated site must comply with the Environment Protection Authority’s Guidelines for Control of Noise for Industry in Rural Victoria NIRV: 1411 at all times, to the satisfaction of the Responsible Authority. To the extent of any inconsistency, condition 20 prevails.

35. Before the use commences, details of a noise complaint, evaluation and response process must be submitted to and approved by the Responsible Authority. This evaluation process should include, but not be limited to the following components:

(a) A noise complaint telephone service;

(b) Details of validity requirements for noise complaints (that is: date, time, noise description and weather conditions at the receptor);

(c) Response protocol to valid noise complaints;

(d) A register of complaints, responses and rectifications which may be inspected by the Responsible Authority within seventy two hours of a written request being made.

(e) Provision for review of the complaint and evaluation process, including review of the process six months after commencement of the operation of the wind energy facility.

36. Upon receiving a written request by the Responsible Authority, the operator must within 60 days of that request supply an assessment of noise levels emitted by the wind energy facility by a qualified acoustic consultant with readings taken at times and locations specified by the Responsible Authority. Recommendations to address any non-compliance with NZS6808 must be included in the report and, on agreement by the Responsible Authority, measures to address non-compliance must be immediately implemented to the satisfaction of the Responsible Authority.

37. An independent post-construction noise monitoring program must be commissioned by the proponent within two months from the commissioning of the last generator and continue for 24 months all to the satisfaction of the Responsible Authority. The program must be carried out in accordance with the New Zealand standard as varied by Conditions 20 (a), (b) and (c) above. The permit holder must pay the reasonable costs of the monitoring program.

38. An independent report summarising the results of the monitoring program, and the data collected, and indicating compliance or non compliance with the New Zealand Standard (as modified by condition 20), must be forwarded to the Responsible Authority at six monthly intervals during the monitoring period. The results must be written in plain English and formatted for reading by lay people. A peer review of the noise reports will be undertaken prior to a decision on the adequacy of the reports. This will be undertaken by an independent expert chosen by the responsible authority, and the costs incurred for this peer review will be borne by the proponent.

BLADE SHADOW FLICKER

39. No existing dwelling as at the date of this permit will experience over ten hours blade shadow flicker per annum, unless the operator of the wind energy facility has entered into an agreement with the relevant landowner under which the landowner acknowledges and accepts that shadow flicker may exceed 30 hours per annum at the landowner's dwelling. Evidence of any such agreement must be provided to the satisfaction of the Responsible Authority.

COMPLAINTS HANDLING

40. Before the use commences the complaint, evaluation and response process outlined at Appendix D of the permit application report will be endorsed and become part of the planning permit.

TELECOMMUNICATION AND TELEVISION RECEPTION AND INTERFERENCE

41. If, following the commencement of operation of the wind energy facility, complaints are received regarding the television and radio reception at the residences identified within 5km, a post-construction qualitative survey must be carried out. If the qualitative survey establishes any detrimental increase in interference to reception or transmission, measures must be taken to mitigate the interference to return the affected reception or transmission to pre-construction quality at the cost of the wind energy facility operator and to the satisfaction of the Responsible Authority.

SECURITY

42. Unless directed otherwise by the emergency services, all site and wind generator access points and access to electrical equipment must be locked and made inaccessible to the general public to the satisfaction of the Responsible Authority. Public safety warning signs must be located on all towers and, unless directed otherwise by the emergency services, all spare parts and other equipment and materials associated with the wind energy facility must be located in screened, locked storage areas that are inaccessible to the public, to the satisfaction of the Responsible Authority.

EMERGENCY ARRANGEMENTS

43. Before the use starts, the operator of the wind energy facility must conduct a familiarisation visit and explanation of emergency procedures for the Country Fire Authority (CFA) and the State Emergency Service (SES), and thereafter must continue to provide such sessions for the CFA and SES on a regular basis and/or as required by those agencies.

AVIATION

44. The applicant will provide appropriate conspicuous markings to the two existing wind monitoring masts.

45. Plans must be provided to Civil Aviation and Safety Authority and other relevant bodies and operators to enable the details of the wind energy facility to be identified on the relevant aeronautical charts once final locations are selected.

46. Despite any other condition of this permit, the Wind Energy Facility Operator must

implement the requirements of the Civil Aviation and Safety Authority.

DECOMMISSIONING

47. The wind energy facility operator must, without delay, notify the Responsible Authority in writing within two months of all or any wind energy facility generators permanently ceasing to generate electricity, whether due to planned removal, faults or otherwise. Within 12 months of the date of notification, the wind energy facility operator, or in the absence of the operator, the owner of the land on which the relevant generator is located must undertake the following to the satisfaction of the Responsible Authority:

(a) Remove all non-operational or downed equipment;

(b) Remove and clean up any residual spills;

(c) Clean up and restore all storage, construction and other areas associated with use, development and decommissioning of the wind energy facility including provision of soil cover and grassing over the wind generator site;

(d) Restore all access roads and any other area affected by the project closure or decommissioning, if not otherwise useful to the on-going management of the land;

(e) Prepare and submit a post-decommissioning traffic management plan to the satisfaction of the Responsible Authority and, when approved by the Responsible Authority, implement that plan; and

(f) Prepare and submit a post-decommissioning revegetation management plan to the satisfaction of the Responsible Authority and, when approved by the Responsible Authority, implement that plan.

AGREEMENTS

48. Any Agreements required under the Planning Scheme shall be retained by the wind energy facility operator for inspection by the Responsible Authority and any prospective purchaser of a property containing wind turbines.

POST CONSTRUCTION TRAFFIC

49. At the completion of construction, all traffic to the site will be via Old Wedderburn road, weather permitting.

LANDSCAPE

50. Before the development starts, a program of landscape mitigation works is to be offered at no initial cost to the owners of any house within 5km of a wind turbine. As part of this program an Off-site Landscaping Plan must be prepared and submitted, to the satisfaction of the Responsible Authority. When approved, the plan will be endorsed by the Responsible Authority. The Off-site Landscaping Plan may be submitted in stages, to the satisfaction of the Responsible Authority (such that not all stages are completed before the development starts) and must include:

(a) A provision for the owners of any other dwellings within 5km of a wind turbine to have the opportunity to accept the offer of visual screen planting at any time up to until twelve months after the commissioning of the last wind turbine; and

(b) The process by which the owners of any other dwellings within 5km of a wind turbine will be informed of this offer and the process by which it can be accepted.

Following acceptance of the offer of landscape mitigation works, the off-site Landscaping Plan must include:

(c) Details of planting or other treatments that will be used to reduce the visual impact of the wind turbines at the dwellings of participating landowners;

(d) Details of the species proposed to be used for the landscaping including details of height and size of species at maturity;

(e) A timetable for the implementation plan.

51. Before the development starts, a Landscape Plan for the intended permanent buildings on site must be submitted to and approved by the Responsible Authority. It must be prepared by a suitably qualified person and show details of landscaping of around the site to minimise the visual impact of the substations, switchyard and associated buildings (excluding turbines) from public roads and nearby dwellings. When approved by the Responsible Authority, the landscape plan will be endorsed and will then form part of the permit.

52. The development must be carried out in accordance with the endorsed Off-site Landscaping Plan and Landscape Plan for the intended permanent buildings on site, to the satisfaction of the Responsible Authority.

ADVERTISING SIGNS

53. Details of any signage proposed to be displayed as part of the wind farm must be approved by the Responsible Authority and limited to:

(a) One logo or company identification for the wind facility operator or wind generator manufacturer displayed on each wind turbine.

(b) Signs required specifically in relation to site safety issues.

EXPIRY

54. Notwithstanding other provisions of these conditions, this permit will expire if one of the following circumstances applies:

(a) The development is not started within four years of the date of this permit.

(b) The development is not completed within six years of the date of this permit.

The Responsible Authority may extend the periods referred to if a request is made in writing before the permit expires or within six months afterwards.

55. For the purposes of this permit, the carrying out of preliminary investigative works is not considered to amount to commencement of the development.

NO.	TOPIC		PURPOSE
1.	Declarations of Conflicts of Interest		Nil.
2.	Presentations
3.	Items for Discussion
	3.1	Council April 9 2014 Ordinary Meeting Agenda Items
	3.2	2014/2015 Budget Status Update
	3.3	Flood Contracts Status Update

Date and Time:	30 April 2014	Time: 5.00pm to 8.00pm
Location:	Nullawil Community Building

Date and Time:	16 April 2014	Time: 5.00pm to 8.00pm
Location:	Wycheproof Supper Room
Attendees:	Cr Reid Mather – Mayor Cr Ellen White Cr David Pollard Cr Stuart McLean Cr Leo Tellefson Cr Gail Sharp Cr Graeme Milne Paul Younis – Acting Chief Executive Officer Tom O’Reilly – Acting Manager Finance Anthony Judd – Director of Works and Technical Services Gaynor Doreian – Director of Corporate and Community Services Bill Keane – Manager Community Services
Apologies:	Nil

NO.	TOPIC
1.	Review 2014/ 2015 Budget
2.	Request from North West Municipalities Group

NO.	TOPIC		PURPOSE
1.	Declarations of Conflicts of Interest		NIL
2.	Presentations		NIL
3.	Items for Discussion
	3.1	Local Government Amendment (Governance and Conduct) Bill 2014
	3.2	Public Transport Users Association - Council Support – Open Letter to Premier – Herald Sun
	3.3	Council Meeting 14 May 2014
	3.4	Update on 2014/2015 Budget Questions
4.	CEO Updates		Council Meeting Agenda Items for 14 May 2014
5.	Councillor Matters

Date and Time:	12 May 2014	Time: 5.00pm to 8.00pm
Location:	Wycheproof Supper Room

Application No	Applicant	Address	Date Rec	Summary of Proposal	Status
535/14	Acciona	1 Gap Road, Nine Mile	20/12/13	Use and development of a wind energy facility	Council report
545/14	Charlton Lions Club	9 Camp St, Charlton	09/04/14	Buildings & works to an outbuilding	Referral
546/14	R Bales	38 Cumming Ave, Birchip	14/04/14	Buildings & works to a façade	Referral
547/14	Ferguson Perry Surveying	505 Bischs Rd, Nareewillock	08/04/14	Two Lot Subdivision	Referral
548/14	R Bailey	Willangie-Woomelang Road	17/04/14	Two dwellings on the one lot	Notice of Advert