WEBVTT

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Welcome councilors, officers, and

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members of the gallery to tonight's

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council meeting. I'm councelor Lisa

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Cooper, and I have the privilege of

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being the Mayor of Knox City Council.

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Council acknowledges the Wurundjeri

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Woi Wurrung People and Bunurong People of the

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Kulin Nation as traditional custodians

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of the land. Today, we meet on the

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traditional lands of the Wurundjeri

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Woi Wurrung People and pay our respects to

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Elders both past and present.

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The Knox way is characterized by service

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integrity, community participation,

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accountability, and good governance.

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Council is committed to being responsive

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to the community, and advocating to

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other governments and agencies on their

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behalf. We recognize the importance of

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local democracy and council's

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responsibility to govern well for all in

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our city. Our history is rich and in the

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spirit of the Knox tradition, let us move

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and prosper.

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We are conducting tonight's meeting in a

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hybrid format as usual. However, we do

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have all counselors present in the

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chamber this evening. I'll start by

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introducing my colleagues and ask you to

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give a bit of a wave as I do so.

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Councelor Pearce representing Taylor

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Ward Councelor Peter Lockwood

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representing Baird Councelor Robert

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Williams representing Dinsdale Ward.

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Councelor Chris Duncan representing

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Collier Ward  Councelor Parisa Considine

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representing Friberg Ward. Deputy Mayor

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Councelor Glenn Atwell representing to

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Tirhatuan Ward  Councelor Paige Kennett

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representing Chandler Ward and Councelor

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Meagan Baker representing Dobson Ward.

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Joining us in the chamber this evening,

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we also have our chief executive

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officer, Bruce Dobson. Director of

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Infrastructure Grant Thorn, our acting

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director of city livability Jonathan

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McNelly.

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Director of connected communities Judy

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Chalkley, interim director of customer and

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performance Matt Kelleher, chief financial

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officer Yvette Lawkin, manager of

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governance and risk Andrew Dowling and

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head of governance Saskia Weirheim and

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also other members of our governance

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team.

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Please note this meeting is being

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recorded and streamed live on our

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website in accordance with our live

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streaming of public meetings policy. So

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council does not permit additional

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recordings of the meeting. Members of

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the gallery should note that you may be

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visible in the background of the live

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stream vision.

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Live streaming and recording will be

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suspended if this meeting is closed to

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the public to consider confidential

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business in accordance with section 66

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of the Local Government Act 2020.

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I remind everyone that opinions

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expressed and statements made during the

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meeting are those of the individuals

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making them and not those of council

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unless set out in a resolution passed by

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council. Council accepts no liability

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for any defamatory remarks made during a

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meeting and you are responsible for your

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own comments and therefore may be

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personally liable for any loss or damage

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they may cause. I would also ask

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everyone present to remain quiet when

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others are addressing the meeting and

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remind the gallery that this is a

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meeting of council and there is no

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opportunity for members of the gallery

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to participate in debate during the

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meeting and that questions are only

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permissible during public question time.

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So moving on to our order of business

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this evening. First item is apologies

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and requests for leave of absence. So

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there are no apologies this evening.

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Does a counselor wish to request a leave

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of absence?

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No. Thank you. Item two. If there are 

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declarations of conflict of interest, if

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there are any  conflicts of interest

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to declare tonight, now is an

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opportunity to foreshadow that conflict.

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And I'd also ask that you declare your

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conflict of interest in full later in

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the meeting immediately before the item

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is considered. Are there any such

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declarations?

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None noted. Thank you. Item three,

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confirmation of minutes. Is there any

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opposition to the minutes of the council

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meeting which was held on Monday the

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25th of August 2025?

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Okay. There being no opposition, I can

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declare the minutes to be confirmed.

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Thank you.

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Item four, presentations, petitions and

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memorials.

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Next on our agenda is presentations

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and there are no presentations this

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evening. Are there any petitions this

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evening?

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No. Thank you. Next on the agenda  is

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memorials. But before I call  to

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counselors for memorials

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sorry I would also like to 

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acknowledge that today is National

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Police Remembrance Day. On the 29th of

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September every year Australia marks

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national police remembrance day an

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opportunity for our nation to honour the

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lives and service of fallen police

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officers who have made the ultimate

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sacrifice while on duty or as a result

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of their duties. It is appropriate that

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we pause for a moment to pay tribute to

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their courage, commitment, and

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dedication and to acknowledge the

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ongoing service of those who protect our

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community each and every day.

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This year's reflections feel

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particularly close as we recently

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acknowledged the tragic loss of the

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police officers in Porepunkah.

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Their passing reminds us in the most

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sobering way of the risks and challenges

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that police officers willingly face in

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the service in in the service for our

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community.

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National Police Remebrance Remembrance

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Day is not only an opportunity to honour

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those who have died, but also a time to

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extend our respect and gratitude to

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their families, their colleagues, and

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the wider policing community. We

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recognize the enduring grief carried by

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loved ones and the impact such losses

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have on those who continue to serve with

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courage and commitment despite the

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risks.

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On behalf of council, we express our

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deepest appreciation to all police

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officers for their service, their

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bravery, and their commitment to the

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safety and the well-being of our

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community.

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Are there any other memorials this

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evening?

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Councelor Pearce.

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Thank you, Madame Mayor. I've actually

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got two memorials. Excuse me. I'm going

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to stand for this.

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The first memorial is to Vale Ed

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Lamanchant. I was very sorry to hear about

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the passing of a well-loved member of

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the Rowville men's shed. Vale Ed

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Lamanchant joined the menshed in March

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of 2014

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and was an early member.

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He was an active member throughout this

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time. I got to speak at to Ed at the

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open day and talk to him when he was

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involved in the presentation to council

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with Michael regarding the mens shed. He's

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a true gentleman with a witty sense of

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humour and will sadly be missed. I would

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like to convey our condolences to his

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wife and family. Thank you. The second

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memorial is to Graeme Lachlan McEwan,

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a longtime Rowville resident.

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We were saddened to share the passing of

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Graeme McEwan OMA. He was passed away

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peacefully surrounded by his family on

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the 17th of August 2025 following a

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prolonged illness.

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Graeme and Maureen are long-term residents

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of Rowville and Graeme was an active

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member in the Rowville Uniting Church as

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well as being an active member in the

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Liberal Party.

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He was a supporter of the Melbourne

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Football Club and he was also the

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chairman of the Rowville Ferntree Gully

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Bendigo Bank.

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Graham's tireless volunteer work was

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recognized in 2026 in 2016 sorry when he

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was awarded the medal of the Order of

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Australia for his services to the

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Rowville community.

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He's a dedicate. His dedication, warmth,

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generosity attached touched all of who

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were privileged working alongside him,

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leaving a lasting legacy that will be

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remembered to years to come.

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To Graeme's wife, Maureen, his four

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children, Glenice, David, Andrew, and

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Ian, as well as his 10 grandchildren, 10

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great grandchildren, we'd like to

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convey our condolences for his passing.

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Thank you.

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Thank you, Councelor Pearce, for

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extending  our condolences to the

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families.

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Okay, so we'll move on to  our next

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item on the agenda this evening, which

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is item five, reports by councilors. 

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I might  start with councelor Baker.

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Thank you, Mayor Cooper. 

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for the last month, I attended the 

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Ferntree Gully ?  meeting. I also attended the

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Ferntree Gully Cemetery master plan on-site

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engagement with officers from the

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governance team and also councilors

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Pearce and Duncan  also attended the

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Knox active aging committee with

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councelor Considine. I also attended the

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Ray Presley awards night for Ferntree

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Gully Football and Netball Club, the Knox

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Scouts AGP meeting,  Ample Soul, the

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Knox Historical Society AGM, and I also

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recently attended the the MAV master

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class for council's role in CEO

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performance. Thank you. Thank you,

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councelor Baker. Councelor Kennet,

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thank you through you, Madame Mayor. 

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this month I attended the food is free

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project in the basin for their AGM. This

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volunteer group do a wonderful job in

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providing free locally grown food to

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residents. I also attended the Basin

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Wildcats 50th anniversary as a

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basketball club in the area. A really

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successful well attended event. 

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together with councelor Duncan and

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councelor Lockwood, we met with transit

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police and council's director of

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infrastructure to discuss some

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antisocial issues and behaviors that

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have been occurring near the Bonia

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station.  there is work happening here

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 and residents should know that there

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is imminent work at the station and

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council staff are working with the

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transit police to make the area safer

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for us all.

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Council Lowood and I were at the Bonia

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Library in midepptember to take part in

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a special event where the Bonia Basin

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newspaper presented the last four years

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of printed bound copies of the newspaper

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to the library so that we can all enjoy

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them in perpetuity.

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I went to the environment advisory

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committee this month. I also met with a

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number of residents um and namely down

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in the basin we have been experiencing

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some antisocial behavior um  what

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appears to be a rise in crime and

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graffiti.

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Um I have met with the Basin Temple. 

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the some a couple of our council staff

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from traffic and transport came down

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with me and have supported the basin

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temple in a couple of early initial

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improvements down there. So I'd like to

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say thank you to those team members for

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joining me there. I also today met with

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Bonia police with um our acting director

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of city deliverability and another staff

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member to speak about crime in the area

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and how council can strengthen our

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working relationship with Bonia police.

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The message from police is clear. We can

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all help by reporting incidents and

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suspicious behavior through to police so

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that it can be investigated.

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and if at home or going away to remember

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to lock our doors, our windows, and even

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our doggy doors um to prevent

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opportunistic crime.  this month I've

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heard about issues of graffiti, parking

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issues, fines, and questions regarding

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the damp. Thank you.

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Thank you, councelor Howwell.

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Thank you, Mayor.  yesterday I

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attended the  shares spring market at

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the first Rowville  scout hall at

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Arcadia Reserve in in Rowville. It was

00:13:02.639 --> 00:13:03.976
beautiful weather. They had a wonderful

00:13:04.000 --> 00:13:06.776
crowd and buzz. There was a a wonderful

00:13:06.800 --> 00:13:09.255
 community activation  on a Sunday

00:13:09.279 --> 00:13:11.255
afternoon. So, a shout out to to Gail,

00:13:11.279 --> 00:13:14.279
Jess, Brian,  all the familiar faces

00:13:14.560 --> 00:13:16.296
 and friends and and shares space

00:13:16.320 --> 00:13:18.696
volunteers and the many vendors and

00:13:18.720 --> 00:13:21.336
storeh holders who came out um  to

00:13:21.360 --> 00:13:24.216
bring the market to life. Um yesterday,

00:13:24.240 --> 00:13:26.856
 I would note  we had Criate Street

00:13:26.880 --> 00:13:29.336
Grill there.  pretty famous  food

00:13:29.360 --> 00:13:31.896
truck there on Stud Road who came out to

00:13:31.920 --> 00:13:33.815
 provide lunch to everyone. Sundays

00:13:33.839 --> 00:13:35.495
and chill  soft serve truck, the

00:13:35.519 --> 00:13:37.016
Lizard Wizard bringing snakes and

00:13:37.040 --> 00:13:39.176
turtles  for the kids. There was local

00:13:39.200 --> 00:13:41.576
live music  and a shout out to some

00:13:41.600 --> 00:13:43.656
small businesses in Rowville. Angie Craft

00:13:43.680 --> 00:13:46.680
Creations,  Izzy Bicky Dog Treats, um

00:13:47.279 --> 00:13:49.896
the two small home businesses um mostly

00:13:49.920 --> 00:13:51.976
run by  kids who were there selling

00:13:52.000 --> 00:13:53.815
their wares. And also note Bubbles at

00:13:53.839 --> 00:13:55.815
Rowville Swim School, the Rowville Hawks

00:13:55.839 --> 00:13:57.896
Junior Football Club.  were there as

00:13:57.920 --> 00:14:00.776
well um with activations to bring some

00:14:00.800 --> 00:14:02.136
color and movement to the day. So, it

00:14:02.160 --> 00:14:03.416
was a wonderful community event. There

00:14:03.440 --> 00:14:04.296
would have been hundreds of people

00:14:04.320 --> 00:14:05.576
there. We were there for three or four

00:14:05.600 --> 00:14:08.136
hours and  great to chat to so many 

00:14:08.160 --> 00:14:11.160
friends and family  locally.  on on

00:14:12.320 --> 00:14:14.296
Grand Final Day, Saturday the 27th, a

00:14:14.320 --> 00:14:15.576
shout out to Wellington Village. They

00:14:15.600 --> 00:14:18.055
run an annual  grand final community

00:14:18.079 --> 00:14:20.456
celebration um which was really well

00:14:20.480 --> 00:14:22.375
attended. , I think everyone heads

00:14:22.399 --> 00:14:23.976
down to Wellington Village to stock up

00:14:24.000 --> 00:14:26.216
on food and drink to be to begin their

00:14:26.240 --> 00:14:28.615
grand final day. , the Rowville ,

00:14:28.639 --> 00:14:31.096
fire brigade, the CFA was there. ,

00:14:31.120 --> 00:14:32.935
Rowville Primary School kids had had

00:14:32.959 --> 00:14:34.856
commissioned some art for the day. ,

00:14:34.880 --> 00:14:36.456
the Rotary Club of Rowville and

00:14:36.480 --> 00:14:37.815
Lististerfield put on one of their world

00:14:37.839 --> 00:14:39.896
famous sausage sizzles. There was face

00:14:39.920 --> 00:14:41.976
painting and cupcake decorating. So

00:14:42.000 --> 00:14:44.055
again, really well attended , family

00:14:44.079 --> 00:14:46.776
fun , in in Rogueville on a Saturday.

00:14:46.800 --> 00:14:48.696
 Tuesday the 16th, I had the privilege

00:14:48.720 --> 00:14:50.696
of joining students and staff at Rowville

00:14:50.720 --> 00:14:52.776
Secondary College  for the opening of

00:14:52.800 --> 00:14:54.776
the their new yarning circle at the West

00:14:54.800 --> 00:14:57.175
Campus.  this was a a very special

00:14:57.199 --> 00:14:58.856
place that was inspired by the students

00:14:58.880 --> 00:15:01.255
themselves.  and um even more

00:15:01.279 --> 00:15:02.856
impressively was built by the students

00:15:02.880 --> 00:15:05.495
too.  Uncle Perry Wandon  Warren

00:15:05.519 --> 00:15:08.136
Jerry  Elder led a led a fantastic

00:15:08.160 --> 00:15:09.896
smoking ceremony the day before he was

00:15:09.920 --> 00:15:12.456
here with us on National Citizenship

00:15:12.480 --> 00:15:14.776
Day.  but it's a very special spa

00:15:14.800 --> 00:15:16.375
space at Rowville Secondary College that

00:15:16.399 --> 00:15:19.016
will now um serve as a place to come

00:15:19.040 --> 00:15:20.856
together and share wisdom and knowledge

00:15:20.880 --> 00:15:23.336
um for students and staff and I do note

00:15:23.360 --> 00:15:25.896
that the council  supported the the

00:15:25.920 --> 00:15:28.375
project directly. So  congratulations

00:15:28.399 --> 00:15:30.296
to the staff here who  helped bring

00:15:30.320 --> 00:15:32.536
that project to life.  Wednesday the

00:15:32.560 --> 00:15:34.136
17th of September it was national

00:15:34.160 --> 00:15:37.016
citizenship day.  in this very room. I

00:15:37.040 --> 00:15:38.536
think without the dividing wall, we had

00:15:38.560 --> 00:15:40.456
three significant ceremonies across the

00:15:40.480 --> 00:15:43.336
day. About 280  new Australian

00:15:43.360 --> 00:15:45.336
citizens across the three  formal

00:15:45.360 --> 00:15:47.656
ceremonies here at the civic center. 

00:15:47.680 --> 00:15:50.680
federal  MP for Aston Mary Doyle. 

00:15:50.959 --> 00:15:53.336
Daniela D. Martino, the state MP, ,

00:15:53.360 --> 00:15:56.055
councelor Peter Lockwood, , and, um,

00:15:56.079 --> 00:15:57.815
the assistant federal minister for

00:15:57.839 --> 00:15:59.735
citizenship, Julian Hill, also attended

00:15:59.759 --> 00:16:01.735
one of the the ceremonies, which, ,

00:16:01.759 --> 00:16:03.735
you know, of course, the final step for

00:16:03.759 --> 00:16:06.375
people becoming Australian citizens. Um,

00:16:06.399 --> 00:16:08.296
as deputy Mayor, it was an honour to

00:16:08.320 --> 00:16:09.656
administer the pledge of commitment at

00:16:09.680 --> 00:16:12.296
two of those ceremonies. um and was such

00:16:12.320 --> 00:16:15.320
a delight to see the smiling faces as 

00:16:15.440 --> 00:16:17.576
people and families um have chosen

00:16:17.600 --> 00:16:19.495
Australia as their home and and more

00:16:19.519 --> 00:16:21.735
importantly for us have chosen Knox 

00:16:21.759 --> 00:16:23.656
as their home as well. So they all have

00:16:23.680 --> 00:16:25.815
a remarkable story and  it was a real

00:16:25.839 --> 00:16:27.656
honour and highlight to be involved  in

00:16:27.680 --> 00:16:30.136
that day a couple of weeks ago. 

00:16:30.160 --> 00:16:31.735
congratulations to Rogueville Primary

00:16:31.759 --> 00:16:33.255
School, their incredible cast crew and

00:16:33.279 --> 00:16:34.856
support staff. They had two soldout

00:16:34.880 --> 00:16:37.336
nights of Moana Junior  school

00:16:37.360 --> 00:16:38.615
production at the drum theater in

00:16:38.639 --> 00:16:41.016
Danyong. And  shout out to our state

00:16:41.040 --> 00:16:42.696
member for Roveville, Kim Wells, who I

00:16:42.720 --> 00:16:43.735
think said on the night that it was

00:16:43.759 --> 00:16:46.055
about his 20th consecutive Roseville

00:16:46.079 --> 00:16:47.896
Primary School um school production. So

00:16:47.920 --> 00:16:49.735
I thought that was very impressive. And

00:16:49.759 --> 00:16:51.495
just finally, it's a it's a bit of a

00:16:51.519 --> 00:16:53.416
risk to pull out one footballing success

00:16:53.440 --> 00:16:56.055
story of the season, but um

00:16:56.079 --> 00:16:57.815
congratulations to Scoresby Football

00:16:57.839 --> 00:16:59.815
Club.  they won their division 3 grand

00:16:59.839 --> 00:17:02.536
final um earlier this month  in the

00:17:02.560 --> 00:17:04.456
Eastern Football Netball League. 

00:17:04.480 --> 00:17:06.136
back-to-back premierships for for the

00:17:06.160 --> 00:17:09.096
Magpires.  was at one point  win or

00:17:09.120 --> 00:17:10.696
it went literally went down to the last

00:17:10.720 --> 00:17:12.055
second. So I got caught up in the

00:17:12.079 --> 00:17:14.535
emotion at Bazewater Oval and um was

00:17:14.559 --> 00:17:16.295
pleased to see the coach Craig McKenzie

00:17:16.319 --> 00:17:19.256
and captain Tim de raise the cup and the

00:17:19.280 --> 00:17:21.576
Hawks um seniors went down in the prelim

00:17:21.600 --> 00:17:23.576
but the reserves at the Rowville Hawks

00:17:23.600 --> 00:17:25.496
won their grand final. So a bit of

00:17:25.520 --> 00:17:27.175
footballing news  to end a very busy

00:17:27.199 --> 00:17:28.376
month. Thank you may

00:17:28.400 --> 00:17:31.400
thank you um councelor Considine.

00:17:32.960 --> 00:17:35.496
Thank you through you madam madame may

00:17:35.520 --> 00:17:38.520
um I had the privilege of  attending

00:17:38.559 --> 00:17:41.559
the opening of the recreation for all

00:17:41.840 --> 00:17:44.216
expo and at Carrington Park Religious

00:17:44.240 --> 00:17:47.240
Center. Many thanks to all volunteers

00:17:47.679 --> 00:17:50.456
from the Knox um disability advisory

00:17:50.480 --> 00:17:52.936
committee, Knox active aging advisory

00:17:52.960 --> 00:17:55.496
committee and senior exercise park

00:17:55.520 --> 00:17:58.520
champions as well as the dedicated stall

00:17:59.440 --> 00:18:00.936
holders.

00:18:00.960 --> 00:18:03.960
The center provides a range of  recre

00:18:04.320 --> 00:18:07.320
recreational and leisure activities

00:18:07.440 --> 00:18:10.440
available in Knox for people of all ages

00:18:10.640 --> 00:18:13.096
and abilities fostering community

00:18:13.120 --> 00:18:15.895
connection, health and wellbeing. I

00:18:15.919 --> 00:18:18.535
attended the annual  volunteer thank

00:18:18.559 --> 00:18:21.416
you dinner at Knox Church's soccer and

00:18:21.440 --> 00:18:24.136
cricket club. The evening was a

00:18:24.160 --> 00:18:26.775
celebration of all volunteers whose

00:18:26.799 --> 00:18:29.799
dedication and effort can help um help

00:18:30.559 --> 00:18:33.176
make the club a friendly and su

00:18:33.200 --> 00:18:35.816
successful community. It was a wonderful

00:18:35.840 --> 00:18:37.816
opportunity to connect with many

00:18:37.840 --> 00:18:40.296
passionate volunteers and to express our

00:18:40.320 --> 00:18:42.616
appreciation for their valuable

00:18:42.640 --> 00:18:45.176
contributions. Also, I attended the

00:18:45.200 --> 00:18:46.936
baseball club grand finals and

00:18:46.960 --> 00:18:49.960
celebrated a great 2025 season. All

00:18:50.480 --> 00:18:53.256
three Knox teams won their finals which

00:18:53.280 --> 00:18:55.976
is amazing.  we finished the season

00:18:56.000 --> 00:18:58.616
with three um senior flags, two junior

00:18:58.640 --> 00:19:01.640
flags and two junior runs runners up.

00:19:01.919 --> 00:19:04.616
They um this is a fantastic result for

00:19:04.640 --> 00:19:07.640
and everyone should be proud of what we

00:19:08.160 --> 00:19:10.936
achieved together.  I also attended

00:19:10.960 --> 00:19:13.736
the Knox active aging advisory committee

00:19:13.760 --> 00:19:16.760
um with councelor Baker. We received a

00:19:16.799 --> 00:19:19.799
pres presentation on a on the draft Knox

00:19:19.840 --> 00:19:22.056
mobility access and action plan

00:19:22.080 --> 00:19:24.296
alongside

00:19:24.320 --> 00:19:27.320
the Aliian's involvement in creating a

00:19:28.320 --> 00:19:30.856
safer and more connected community. The

00:19:30.880 --> 00:19:32.936
table discussion was both engaging and

00:19:32.960 --> 00:19:35.960
insightful. Um thank you. Thank you.

00:19:36.240 --> 00:19:39.240
Thank you Council Duncan.

00:19:40.000 --> 00:19:42.616
Thank you Mayor Cooper. Um this month I

00:19:42.640 --> 00:19:44.936
chaired the recreation and leisure um

00:19:44.960 --> 00:19:47.496
subcommittee u with councelor Atwell.

00:19:47.520 --> 00:19:49.256
Councelor Kennet was an apology for that

00:19:49.280 --> 00:19:51.416
one. I also attended the fentry gully

00:19:51.440 --> 00:19:53.496
cemetery  on-site engagement with

00:19:53.520 --> 00:19:56.136
council Baker and Pearce as as councelor

00:19:56.160 --> 00:19:58.456
Baker had mentioned earlier. Um I was

00:19:58.480 --> 00:20:00.216
also at the recreation and all-inclusive

00:20:00.240 --> 00:20:02.136
expo down at Carrington. Although later

00:20:02.160 --> 00:20:04.136
in the afternoon, it was great to speak

00:20:04.160 --> 00:20:06.456
to so many of the clubs there.  and

00:20:06.480 --> 00:20:08.856
the the Special Olympic swimming squad

00:20:08.880 --> 00:20:10.856
was extremely interesting. There was a

00:20:10.880 --> 00:20:13.336
whole bunch of medals that they had as a

00:20:13.360 --> 00:20:15.736
club.  turns out all but one were for

00:20:15.760 --> 00:20:18.216
from one member, but that was  I think

00:20:18.240 --> 00:20:20.376
bronze and silver at four consecutive

00:20:20.400 --> 00:20:21.976
Special Olympics, which is which is

00:20:22.000 --> 00:20:25.000
fairly sensational. Um I also attended a

00:20:25.200 --> 00:20:27.496
meeting with officers at the Templeton

00:20:27.520 --> 00:20:29.416
Reserve to discuss the forthcoming

00:20:29.440 --> 00:20:31.176
pavilion upgrades and speak about

00:20:31.200 --> 00:20:34.200
options there. Um I went to the Yak on

00:20:35.360 --> 00:20:37.736
 the Wednesday. Councelor Williams and

00:20:37.760 --> 00:20:40.456
myself, we alternate. Um, believe it or

00:20:40.480 --> 00:20:42.296
not, was on public speaking. So

00:20:42.320 --> 00:20:43.976
hopefully I've picked up a few tips and

00:20:44.000 --> 00:20:47.000
do a lot better than I usually do. Um,

00:20:47.520 --> 00:20:50.296
the leisure services team  at Knox here

00:20:50.320 --> 00:20:51.736
that run Carrington Park and Rowville

00:20:51.760 --> 00:20:53.416
Leisure Center, they're actually hosting

00:20:53.440 --> 00:20:56.440
basketball  clinics over the holidays.

00:20:56.640 --> 00:20:58.696
Um, and in my position as the interim

00:20:58.720 --> 00:21:00.135
vice president at the Fentry Gully

00:21:00.159 --> 00:21:02.696
Falcons, they've partnered with us. Um,

00:21:02.720 --> 00:21:04.936
so shout out to the basketball club, the

00:21:04.960 --> 00:21:06.616
Fentry Gully Falcons, for donating the

00:21:06.640 --> 00:21:08.296
balls for all the all the new players

00:21:08.320 --> 00:21:09.336
there.

00:21:09.360 --> 00:21:11.336
Um, and I also attended the Wernern

00:21:11.360 --> 00:21:13.176
South Junior Footy Club best and fairest

00:21:13.200 --> 00:21:16.056
awards  along with Jackson Taylor and

00:21:16.080 --> 00:21:17.895
also met with Jackson Taylor after that

00:21:17.919 --> 00:21:19.976
to discuss some more options for for

00:21:20.000 --> 00:21:21.736
potential funding arrangements for

00:21:21.760 --> 00:21:24.760
sporting clubs around Knox. Um, and I

00:21:25.120 --> 00:21:27.176
will submit a report for the remaining

00:21:27.200 --> 00:21:28.535
given that we've got a fairly heavy

00:21:28.559 --> 00:21:29.976
agenda to get through tonight.

00:21:30.000 --> 00:21:31.496
Thank you, Councelor Ding. Councelor

00:21:31.520 --> 00:21:33.096
Williams.

00:21:33.120 --> 00:21:35.496
Thank you through you, Mayor. Um, been a

00:21:35.520 --> 00:21:37.655
busy month again. um the end of month

00:21:37.679 --> 00:21:40.216
yak attended that one. So as councelor

00:21:40.240 --> 00:21:41.655
Duncan mentioned we sort of rotate a

00:21:41.679 --> 00:21:44.056
couple and it was um my turn to attend.

00:21:44.080 --> 00:21:47.015
It was a great event. Um also attended

00:21:47.039 --> 00:21:48.376
the Knox Junior Football Club

00:21:48.400 --> 00:21:50.775
presentation day where we awarded some

00:21:50.799 --> 00:21:52.296
um some of the great kids some great

00:21:52.320 --> 00:21:55.320
awards that um day um and the exciting

00:21:55.760 --> 00:21:58.056
news about growing teams in 2026. So

00:21:58.080 --> 00:22:01.080
which is great.  attended the EFNL

00:22:01.840 --> 00:22:04.840
meeting with um  CEO Jai Dean and the

00:22:05.520 --> 00:22:07.576
team and just had a chat about football

00:22:07.600 --> 00:22:10.600
in Knox. Um attended the unofficial

00:22:11.280 --> 00:22:13.736
Bazewater library opening um which was

00:22:13.760 --> 00:22:16.456
um Monday week ago. Um and just to see

00:22:16.480 --> 00:22:18.936
the great facilities that um the new

00:22:18.960 --> 00:22:21.256
library brings to to Bazewater. So what

00:22:21.280 --> 00:22:23.736
a great job to Judy and the team on what

00:22:23.760 --> 00:22:25.176
they've produced over at the Bazewater

00:22:25.200 --> 00:22:26.616
Library. um the official opening. No

00:22:26.640 --> 00:22:29.640
doubt we'll hear about in due course. Um

00:22:29.679 --> 00:22:32.679
went to the Arana AGM um and again that

00:22:32.880 --> 00:22:35.096
was great to see what Emily and the team

00:22:35.120 --> 00:22:37.336
over there are doing.  attended the

00:22:37.360 --> 00:22:40.135
ARAP um with the scouts um just to see

00:22:40.159 --> 00:22:41.976
what um has been going on the last 12

00:22:42.000 --> 00:22:44.135
months here in Knox. Um joined by

00:22:44.159 --> 00:22:45.976
Councelor Pearce and councelor Baker for

00:22:46.000 --> 00:22:47.736
that one.

00:22:47.760 --> 00:22:50.056
 attended the Bazewater Striker 

00:22:50.080 --> 00:22:52.616
strikers junior presentation and I was

00:22:52.640 --> 00:22:55.336
proud to present um the um member of the

00:22:55.360 --> 00:22:57.096
club member of the year to Ellen Clark.

00:22:57.120 --> 00:22:58.616
So well done to Ellen on winning that

00:22:58.640 --> 00:23:00.696
and to all the teams that have won their

00:23:00.720 --> 00:23:03.720
awards. That's a a massive um team that

00:23:03.760 --> 00:23:05.256
keeps growing out there at the basewater

00:23:05.280 --> 00:23:07.336
strikers and um attending their seniors

00:23:07.360 --> 00:23:10.216
session  this Saturday.  attended

00:23:10.240 --> 00:23:12.376
the AGM for the Knox Historical Society

00:23:12.400 --> 00:23:15.176
with um yourself, Madame May, um

00:23:15.200 --> 00:23:17.096
councelor Baker and councelor Pearson.

00:23:17.120 --> 00:23:18.775
That was great just to see. Bit of fun

00:23:18.799 --> 00:23:20.775
with their new merchandise that they had

00:23:20.799 --> 00:23:22.456
on the day as well. That was a bit of

00:23:22.480 --> 00:23:25.480
fun.  attended the EFNL um  finals

00:23:27.600 --> 00:23:29.895
at Bazewater Oval with Councelor

00:23:29.919 --> 00:23:31.895
Lockwood. Um that was great and well

00:23:31.919 --> 00:23:34.775
done to Bowwin who won that game. It was

00:23:34.799 --> 00:23:37.799
right to the   right to the end

00:23:38.960 --> 00:23:41.416
literally um points wise. So well done

00:23:41.440 --> 00:23:43.816
to Ball and there was some 4,800 people

00:23:43.840 --> 00:23:45.496
that visited that event. So it's a great

00:23:45.520 --> 00:23:48.296
great event for Knox.  last week met

00:23:48.320 --> 00:23:50.135
up with Nicole and Martina from

00:23:50.159 --> 00:23:53.159
Champion. Um so they do a lot of great

00:23:53.760 --> 00:23:56.760
work um for people of all ages um within

00:23:57.039 --> 00:23:59.256
Knox. So well done to them.  and while

00:23:59.280 --> 00:24:00.775
I was there met one of their new

00:24:00.799 --> 00:24:02.456
managers that's been appointed there and

00:24:02.480 --> 00:24:04.216
 that happens to be the ex Mayor

00:24:04.240 --> 00:24:07.240
Nicole Seymour. So um well done Nicole

00:24:07.280 --> 00:24:10.280
on um what's coming ahead there. Um had

00:24:10.559 --> 00:24:12.456
several requests around parks and things

00:24:12.480 --> 00:24:13.976
like that. So I passed a lot of those on

00:24:14.000 --> 00:24:15.096
to Grant and the team and they've been

00:24:15.120 --> 00:24:16.775
getting on to those but done a few

00:24:16.799 --> 00:24:19.799
visits there. and sadly  on Saturday

00:24:20.240 --> 00:24:23.096
 attended with um a group of local

00:24:23.120 --> 00:24:26.120
residents um France Bakery um and

00:24:26.159 --> 00:24:28.856
unfortunately last Thursday at 3:30

00:24:28.880 --> 00:24:31.336
which is broad daylight um they were

00:24:31.360 --> 00:24:34.360
literally robbed um so the crime in Knox

00:24:34.559 --> 00:24:36.936
is sadly getting worse. Um so we went

00:24:36.960 --> 00:24:39.655
there to support Tracy and the team and

00:24:39.679 --> 00:24:41.176
um just give them a bit of support. So

00:24:41.200 --> 00:24:43.255
there's probably a handful of us there

00:24:43.279 --> 00:24:45.736
just supporting um a local business. So

00:24:45.760 --> 00:24:47.015
important to get behind our local

00:24:47.039 --> 00:24:49.096
businesses and understand that crime,

00:24:49.120 --> 00:24:50.376
you know, especially your long start

00:24:50.400 --> 00:24:51.655
field. I've had probably three or four

00:24:51.679 --> 00:24:54.056
reports in the last couple of months. So

00:24:54.080 --> 00:24:57.080
um definitely some reason um people out

00:24:57.600 --> 00:24:59.336
there just u doing what they can during

00:24:59.360 --> 00:25:01.096
the day unfortunately and destroying

00:25:01.120 --> 00:25:03.576
some small businesses out there. Um I

00:25:03.600 --> 00:25:04.856
would like to acknowledge as part of my

00:25:04.880 --> 00:25:07.176
report um Kimwell's name has been

00:25:07.200 --> 00:25:08.616
mentioned a few times our local member

00:25:08.640 --> 00:25:11.640
for Oval. um after 30 years he's um

00:25:11.679 --> 00:25:13.816
stepping down next year as the member

00:25:13.840 --> 00:25:15.895
for Roal and likewise I'd like to

00:25:15.919 --> 00:25:18.856
acknowledge  the um expputy Mayor of

00:25:18.880 --> 00:25:21.576
Knox Jackson Taylor um and thank him for

00:25:21.600 --> 00:25:24.056
his public service for 10 years um since

00:25:24.080 --> 00:25:27.015
he joined um council and then went on to

00:25:27.039 --> 00:25:29.336
 being the local member for Basewater.

00:25:29.360 --> 00:25:30.856
So just want to acknowledge those two

00:25:30.880 --> 00:25:32.296
people who have played a a pretty big

00:25:32.320 --> 00:25:34.856
part  in our local community.

00:25:34.880 --> 00:25:36.535
Thank you councelors. Councelor

00:25:36.559 --> 00:25:39.559
Lockwood.  thank you.

00:25:39.679 --> 00:25:42.456
Um

00:25:42.480 --> 00:25:43.895
like councelor Kennet went along to the

00:25:43.919 --> 00:25:45.496
Bronia Library for the u the

00:25:45.520 --> 00:25:47.015
presentation of the bound copies of the

00:25:47.039 --> 00:25:49.655
BBCN to bring their their collection up

00:25:49.679 --> 00:25:51.816
to 30 years. That was great to see. Um

00:25:51.840 --> 00:25:53.816
we get out there again soon for a Bronia

00:25:53.840 --> 00:25:56.840
booklet prepared by the library. Um we

00:25:57.120 --> 00:25:58.535
went to the Bronia station visit with

00:25:58.559 --> 00:26:00.456
transit police and discuss issues as we

00:26:00.480 --> 00:26:03.336
said. Um and they were had a long

00:26:03.360 --> 00:26:05.655
conversation with those those guys. Um

00:26:05.679 --> 00:26:07.096
and things we've heard before about

00:26:07.120 --> 00:26:09.736
young people reoffending  is quite an

00:26:09.760 --> 00:26:12.296
issue which is why I think we can try

00:26:12.320 --> 00:26:14.376
and do something. Um your library

00:26:14.400 --> 00:26:16.616
limited board meeting and our and audit

00:26:16.640 --> 00:26:18.696
committee and the citizenship ceremonies

00:26:18.720 --> 00:26:19.895
with deputy Mayor minister for

00:26:19.919 --> 00:26:22.296
citizenship Julian Hill for national

00:26:22.320 --> 00:26:23.976
citizenship day. That was great. I see

00:26:24.000 --> 00:26:26.456
Mary Do there all day as well and

00:26:26.480 --> 00:26:28.376
Daniela de Martino there for one of the

00:26:28.400 --> 00:26:29.976
ceremonies.

00:26:30.000 --> 00:26:32.696
Um environment advisory committee

00:26:32.720 --> 00:26:34.936
meeting another lively  discussion but

00:26:34.960 --> 00:26:36.296
actually limited discussion with a

00:26:36.320 --> 00:26:39.320
presentation um from council for a good

00:26:39.520 --> 00:26:42.520
part of the night um etc rangers where

00:26:43.279 --> 00:26:46.056
are finalizing our submissions to the

00:26:46.080 --> 00:26:48.376
government for advocacy

00:26:48.400 --> 00:26:51.255
um and also to the ANZAC station on

00:26:51.279 --> 00:26:53.736
behalf of the etc  near the war

00:26:53.760 --> 00:26:56.616
memorial. So it's a it's a beautiful

00:26:56.640 --> 00:26:58.296
metro station. And it's a fairly shallow

00:26:58.320 --> 00:27:00.856
one given where it is.  doesn't need

00:27:00.880 --> 00:27:02.616
to be deep underground cuz it's not in

00:27:02.640 --> 00:27:05.336
the city. But yeah, when the new metro

00:27:05.360 --> 00:27:08.296
opens, it'll it'll be impressive. Um I

00:27:08.320 --> 00:27:09.416
look forward to that. I've been on

00:27:09.440 --> 00:27:11.895
Sydney's Metro and that's just amazing

00:27:11.919 --> 00:27:13.416
how quickly you can get around the city

00:27:13.440 --> 00:27:15.255
and how efficiently. So this will be a

00:27:15.279 --> 00:27:17.336
partial metro if you like cuz it's still

00:27:17.360 --> 00:27:19.736
winding on the old tracks at the

00:27:19.760 --> 00:27:22.760
beginning at the end of it to Packenham.

00:27:22.799 --> 00:27:24.856
Um, Eastern Affordable Housing Alliance

00:27:24.880 --> 00:27:26.456
had a meeting discussing affordable

00:27:26.480 --> 00:27:28.856
housing yet again. Um, we're hopefully

00:27:28.880 --> 00:27:30.216
making some headway there, putting

00:27:30.240 --> 00:27:32.216
together what we're  what we're

00:27:32.240 --> 00:27:33.895
advocating for again for the election

00:27:33.919 --> 00:27:35.655
and the arts and culture advisory

00:27:35.679 --> 00:27:37.496
committee meeting where we again had

00:27:37.520 --> 00:27:40.520
presentations from council. Um,

00:27:41.520 --> 00:27:43.496
I went  had contact with the Eastern

00:27:43.520 --> 00:27:45.416
Raptors rugby league team today. This is

00:27:45.440 --> 00:27:48.440
in my colleagues ward  councelor Paige

00:27:49.679 --> 00:27:51.015
and they've had a whole series of

00:27:51.039 --> 00:27:54.039
breakins and  the um the culprits

00:27:55.039 --> 00:27:56.775
empty the wheelie bins the rubbish bin

00:27:56.799 --> 00:27:59.576
into the the area we've reserved for

00:27:59.600 --> 00:28:01.576
biodiversity which is not really good

00:28:01.600 --> 00:28:03.736
good good for it um put all their loot

00:28:03.760 --> 00:28:06.456
in the wheelie bin and wheel it away or

00:28:06.480 --> 00:28:08.296
put it into a truck there something

00:28:08.320 --> 00:28:11.320
there's three down three wheelie bins um

00:28:11.600 --> 00:28:13.416
who empty rubb having the rubbish empted

00:28:13.440 --> 00:28:15.255
out and

00:28:15.279 --> 00:28:17.655
um loop stuffed in it while they stole

00:28:17.679 --> 00:28:20.456
it. Um they have been still waiting to

00:28:20.480 --> 00:28:22.616
be replaced. 

00:28:22.640 --> 00:28:23.976
so that's that's a problem. We're going

00:28:24.000 --> 00:28:26.856
to go and have a chat to them very soon

00:28:26.880 --> 00:28:29.176
about what we can do. Had some contact

00:28:29.200 --> 00:28:31.096
over the damp

00:28:31.120 --> 00:28:33.176
um as you'll see on on the agenda

00:28:33.200 --> 00:28:35.255
tonight and the grand final at

00:28:35.279 --> 00:28:36.775
Bazewater.

00:28:36.799 --> 00:28:38.056
Yet another great event. It was

00:28:38.080 --> 00:28:40.216
fantastic to see that. And  yeah, I

00:28:40.240 --> 00:28:41.416
thought the burners were going to do it.

00:28:41.440 --> 00:28:42.856
They were in lead in the lead for a long

00:28:42.880 --> 00:28:45.880
time, but right at the end um Baldwin

00:28:46.799 --> 00:28:49.015
took it off them. Yeah, they snatched

00:28:49.039 --> 00:28:50.936
victory at the last minute. It was just

00:28:50.960 --> 00:28:53.960
just amazing. Um

00:28:54.000 --> 00:28:56.216
and Melbourne Storms made another grand

00:28:56.240 --> 00:28:57.895
final for any people who happen to

00:28:57.919 --> 00:29:00.696
support the NRL. Congratulations to

00:29:00.720 --> 00:29:03.720
Brisbane, to the old Fitzroy Lions.

00:29:03.919 --> 00:29:06.919
Um  congratulations to Kim Wells and

00:29:07.520 --> 00:29:09.655
Jackson Taylor on their on their time in

00:29:09.679 --> 00:29:12.056
the state parliament. I mean, Kim's

00:29:12.080 --> 00:29:15.080
first opponent in 1992 is sitting right

00:29:15.120 --> 00:29:18.120
here. So, he's certainly been there a

00:29:18.320 --> 00:29:21.176
while. Um, it's been an interesting

00:29:21.200 --> 00:29:24.056
time. We get along well, of course. Um,

00:29:24.080 --> 00:29:26.296
and that's about it.

00:29:26.320 --> 00:29:27.895
Thank you, councelor Lockwood. Councelor

00:29:27.919 --> 00:29:29.816
Pearce.

00:29:29.840 --> 00:29:31.976
Thank you, Madame May. It's been a busy

00:29:32.000 --> 00:29:35.000
month in Tail Award. On the 28th of

00:29:35.440 --> 00:29:37.736
August, I attended the ARK meeting,

00:29:37.760 --> 00:29:40.135
which is the audit and risk committee

00:29:40.159 --> 00:29:43.159
via Zoom and our we had our new member

00:29:43.520 --> 00:29:45.336
Susie and I'm going to pronounce her

00:29:45.360 --> 00:29:47.655
name incorrectly so I do apologize.

00:29:47.679 --> 00:29:50.679
Thal,

00:29:51.760 --> 00:29:53.576
thank you.

00:29:53.600 --> 00:29:55.255
Who attended her first meeting the

00:29:55.279 --> 00:29:57.015
meeting was productive concerning

00:29:57.039 --> 00:29:58.616
various financial stamps and audit

00:29:58.640 --> 00:30:01.015
reports. On the 30th August, I attended

00:30:01.039 --> 00:30:03.576
the Rowville Nights gala dinner at the

00:30:03.600 --> 00:30:06.600
Italian club in re in Rowville. It was a

00:30:06.880 --> 00:30:09.880
great night as always and the clubs

00:30:09.919 --> 00:30:12.216
continues to grow in both girls and boys

00:30:12.240 --> 00:30:14.375
teams. They've had massive growth over

00:30:14.399 --> 00:30:17.399
the last um 12 months and the club club

00:30:18.159 --> 00:30:21.159
is growing from strength to strength.

00:30:21.279 --> 00:30:23.015
Congratulations to the committee, the

00:30:23.039 --> 00:30:24.616
volunteers, the coaches and the parents

00:30:24.640 --> 00:30:27.640
for for such a successful night.

00:30:28.320 --> 00:30:30.856
Congratulations to Johnny and sorry

00:30:30.880 --> 00:30:33.015
Johnny I know you know me I I can't

00:30:33.039 --> 00:30:35.976
pronounce your last name. It's

00:30:36.000 --> 00:30:39.000
Bur Bari who was inducted to with an

00:30:39.840 --> 00:30:42.296
award in his own name. So it's the John

00:30:42.320 --> 00:30:45.320
Pagari volunteers award for volunteers

00:30:45.760 --> 00:30:48.135
in the club. I think it's fantastic and

00:30:48.159 --> 00:30:51.159
they could not have had anybody else for

00:30:51.679 --> 00:30:54.216
that award. On the 1st of September I

00:30:54.240 --> 00:30:55.736
attended an issues briefing on various

00:30:55.760 --> 00:30:57.816
issues. On the 6th of September, I

00:30:57.840 --> 00:31:00.616
attended the Rowville Hawks  discussing

00:31:00.640 --> 00:31:02.296
concerning some maintenance at Seabbuck

00:31:02.320 --> 00:31:05.320
Hall and the lighting of Sebac's reserve

00:31:05.679 --> 00:31:08.679
number two. I also attended the cemetery

00:31:09.039 --> 00:31:11.336
master plan public meeting and got to

00:31:11.360 --> 00:31:13.576
view the cemetery.

00:31:13.600 --> 00:31:16.600
It is a fantastic historical cemetery

00:31:16.880 --> 00:31:18.616
and speak to the public concerning the

00:31:18.640 --> 00:31:20.775
changes. On the 8th of September, I

00:31:20.799 --> 00:31:22.216
attended via Zoom the mid-monthly

00:31:22.240 --> 00:31:24.616
meeting where my motion to request the

00:31:24.640 --> 00:31:26.456
report on four trees in Bristol Place

00:31:26.480 --> 00:31:29.416
was voted four to five. Thank you for

00:31:29.440 --> 00:31:32.216
those who supported me. On the 17th of

00:31:32.240 --> 00:31:33.736
September, I attended a community

00:31:33.760 --> 00:31:36.056
reference group for the quarry and

00:31:36.080 --> 00:31:38.056
listened to discussions concerning comm

00:31:38.080 --> 00:31:40.375
 community day on the 16th of

00:31:40.399 --> 00:31:42.056
November. I don't know if you can see

00:31:42.080 --> 00:31:45.080
that 16th of November down at the quarry

00:31:45.360 --> 00:31:47.576
they're having an open day. Um,

00:31:47.600 --> 00:31:49.416
basically there's face painting, there's

00:31:49.440 --> 00:31:51.416
all sorts of activities for the kids.

00:31:51.440 --> 00:31:53.176
There's also people you can talk to

00:31:53.200 --> 00:31:56.200
about jobs and about the quarry. They've

00:31:56.960 --> 00:31:58.856
also got tours on the the quarry

00:31:58.880 --> 00:32:01.015
material. It's it's a really good

00:32:01.039 --> 00:32:04.039
opportunity.

00:32:04.240 --> 00:32:07.240
So, okay.

00:32:07.679 --> 00:32:09.416
After the quarry meet, I attended the

00:32:09.440 --> 00:32:11.655
scouts district Arap with council

00:32:11.679 --> 00:32:13.576
Williams and councelor Baker Baker as

00:32:13.600 --> 00:32:16.600
long as with Jackson Taylor and council

00:32:16.720 --> 00:32:19.655
Jackson Taylor MP and Kim Wells MP. It

00:32:19.679 --> 00:32:21.336
was interesting to hear the updates on

00:32:21.360 --> 00:32:23.495
the various sections are doing and a

00:32:23.519 --> 00:32:25.976
pres presentation on the youth members

00:32:26.000 --> 00:32:28.775
who attended the overseas events. These

00:32:28.799 --> 00:32:31.799
kids were sending events, scout events

00:32:32.240 --> 00:32:34.535
where scouts from all over the world

00:32:34.559 --> 00:32:37.559
meet. It's a fantastic experience.

00:32:38.159 --> 00:32:41.015
and it was very in inspiring. On the

00:32:41.039 --> 00:32:42.696
20th September, I attended the annual

00:32:42.720 --> 00:32:44.375
general meeting of the Knox Historical

00:32:44.399 --> 00:32:47.399
Society with Council Roberts and April

00:32:47.760 --> 00:32:50.616
Counsel Roberts, sorry, Robert 

00:32:50.640 --> 00:32:53.255
Council Williams and April Williams,

00:32:53.279 --> 00:32:55.655
Councelor Megan Baker, and the Mayor

00:32:55.679 --> 00:32:58.616
Lisa Lisa Cooper. It was an interesting

00:32:58.640 --> 00:33:00.936
meeting including the unveiling of a s

00:33:00.960 --> 00:33:03.416
suggested new abbreviation which I'm not

00:33:03.440 --> 00:33:06.440
going to say and new uniforms

00:33:07.840 --> 00:33:10.840
which caused much laughter.

00:33:11.039 --> 00:33:14.039
Um I was contacted by Tony Tony Kitsus a

00:33:15.840 --> 00:33:17.655
former Taylor board counselor concerning

00:33:17.679 --> 00:33:20.216
the frequency of our street sweepers the

00:33:20.240 --> 00:33:23.240
attitude of council's arborists

00:33:23.440 --> 00:33:26.440
um and other and the basically the

00:33:27.679 --> 00:33:30.135
representation of Taylor board members

00:33:30.159 --> 00:33:33.159
on committees and trees

00:33:33.440 --> 00:33:35.576
I've raised all the items and for the

00:33:35.600 --> 00:33:37.576
proate officers who will follow up these

00:33:37.600 --> 00:33:40.375
items and report it back. They've also

00:33:40.399 --> 00:33:42.456
received num numerous complaints over

00:33:42.480 --> 00:33:45.096
waste and the collection the past in the

00:33:45.120 --> 00:33:47.655
past months. I returned home on Friday

00:33:47.679 --> 00:33:50.679
after a night nice evening out um to

00:33:51.200 --> 00:33:54.200
find rubbish all over my yard.

00:33:55.840 --> 00:33:58.840
Item one.

00:33:59.919 --> 00:34:02.919
Oh, sorry. Exhibit one, exhibit two and

00:34:02.960 --> 00:34:05.960
exhibit three. Before, bin after we

00:34:06.399 --> 00:34:08.855
picked up all the rubbish.

00:34:08.879 --> 00:34:10.936
The still the bin still remains outside

00:34:10.960 --> 00:34:13.960
my house where it is full. I have

00:34:14.079 --> 00:34:15.496
provided my fellow counselors with

00:34:15.520 --> 00:34:18.216
several photos of my yard to see what

00:34:18.240 --> 00:34:21.240
people in my ward have go through. This

00:34:22.320 --> 00:34:24.855
is not an isolated incident and has been

00:34:24.879 --> 00:34:27.095
reported. This similar to what my

00:34:27.119 --> 00:34:29.976
residents in my ward experience. I

00:34:30.000 --> 00:34:32.615
received complaints from residents also

00:34:32.639 --> 00:34:35.335
concerning parking, trees and waste.

00:34:35.359 --> 00:34:37.655
That is all from Taylor Ward. Thank you

00:34:37.679 --> 00:34:39.655
very much.

00:34:39.679 --> 00:34:41.815
Perfect timing just on the buzzer.

00:34:41.839 --> 00:34:44.839
Council Pearce. Um, okay. So, I'm going

00:34:45.359 --> 00:34:46.855
to submit a report for the meetings

00:34:46.879 --> 00:34:48.456
which I've attended, but I do want to

00:34:48.480 --> 00:34:50.776
highlight a number of events that I've

00:34:50.800 --> 00:34:53.256
attended. So, earlier in the month, I

00:34:53.280 --> 00:34:56.280
visited feed one feed all um headed by

00:34:56.480 --> 00:34:59.480
Lily Jang, Lily Jang. And I know that a

00:34:59.520 --> 00:35:01.496
number of um counselors went out a

00:35:01.520 --> 00:35:03.256
little bit earlier in the year and I

00:35:03.280 --> 00:35:05.016
wasn't able to go at that point in time

00:35:05.040 --> 00:35:06.936
and and just to go there and see the

00:35:06.960 --> 00:35:08.936
operation in full swing and just how

00:35:08.960 --> 00:35:11.575
much work  is undertaken by the team

00:35:11.599 --> 00:35:14.055
there is outstanding. It's truly amazing

00:35:14.079 --> 00:35:16.936
and um it certainly opened my eyes in

00:35:16.960 --> 00:35:19.416
terms of you know how how much

00:35:19.440 --> 00:35:21.416
resourcing they need, how much space

00:35:21.440 --> 00:35:23.656
they need and how many people they serve

00:35:23.680 --> 00:35:25.736
within the community and how many

00:35:25.760 --> 00:35:28.296
volunteers an organization like that

00:35:28.320 --> 00:35:30.616
needs to function as well as many many

00:35:30.640 --> 00:35:32.696
others of course um within our

00:35:32.720 --> 00:35:34.856
community. But I just want to shout out

00:35:34.880 --> 00:35:37.256
to Feed One Feed All and and thank them

00:35:37.280 --> 00:35:38.856
so much for what they're doing. It's

00:35:38.880 --> 00:35:41.880
it's fantastic. Um I also attended the

00:35:42.800 --> 00:35:45.800
Knox Historical Society's 60th AGM with

00:35:46.960 --> 00:35:48.776
Councelor Baker, Councelor Williams and

00:35:48.800 --> 00:35:51.800
and Councelor Pearce. Um it was a lovely

00:35:51.839 --> 00:35:54.839
afternoon and they were also delighted

00:35:55.119 --> 00:35:58.119
with um the knowledge of receiving a a

00:35:59.440 --> 00:36:01.815
small grant from the state government to

00:36:01.839 --> 00:36:04.216
help them with some digital scanning.

00:36:04.240 --> 00:36:05.815
Um, so they've currently got an

00:36:05.839 --> 00:36:08.376
application in with Knox City Council, I

00:36:08.400 --> 00:36:11.016
think, um, for for another portion of

00:36:11.040 --> 00:36:14.040
grant money. Um, so hopefully we're um,

00:36:14.480 --> 00:36:16.776
in a position at some point to help them

00:36:16.800 --> 00:36:19.575
further down the track as well. Um, I

00:36:19.599 --> 00:36:22.536
also attended the master class for

00:36:22.560 --> 00:36:24.856
councelor's role in CEO performance with

00:36:24.880 --> 00:36:27.880
councelor Baker, which was great. Um,

00:36:28.240 --> 00:36:30.055
I've certainly attended something

00:36:30.079 --> 00:36:31.896
similar to this in the past over my

00:36:31.920 --> 00:36:33.416
years, but it was great to have a

00:36:33.440 --> 00:36:35.896
refresher and and focus in on the issues

00:36:35.920 --> 00:36:38.616
that um, I probably needed to understand

00:36:38.640 --> 00:36:41.640
more. Um, this Wednesday we have the

00:36:42.320 --> 00:36:45.320
opening of our Knox Seniors Festival and

00:36:45.599 --> 00:36:47.656
that's at Carrington Parks Leisure

00:36:47.680 --> 00:36:49.896
Center. So, I will be there around about

00:36:49.920 --> 00:36:52.920
10:00 on Wednesday morning. Um, and we

00:36:52.960 --> 00:36:55.335
also have our budget public submissions

00:36:55.359 --> 00:36:57.256
this Wednesday night that counselors

00:36:57.280 --> 00:37:00.280
will be um, reviewing. I want to just

00:37:00.400 --> 00:37:02.936
shout out to Inflatable World who have

00:37:02.960 --> 00:37:05.656
just announced that they're going to be

00:37:05.680 --> 00:37:07.575
um, operating out of the state

00:37:07.599 --> 00:37:10.599
basketball stadium on Sundays and um, I

00:37:10.880 --> 00:37:12.696
think it was Fridays, but I'll need to

00:37:12.720 --> 00:37:14.776
check that during the school holidays.

00:37:14.800 --> 00:37:17.800
So, that's great to see. And I also just

00:37:17.920 --> 00:37:20.376
want to draw um our community's

00:37:20.400 --> 00:37:23.400
attention to the upcoming consultations

00:37:23.680 --> 00:37:26.680
which we're um delivering over the month

00:37:26.800 --> 00:37:29.800
of October and you can um go to our have

00:37:30.400 --> 00:37:32.856
your say page on our website to

00:37:32.880 --> 00:37:34.776
participate in the feedback for these

00:37:34.800 --> 00:37:37.800
forums. So we are consulting the draft

00:37:37.839 --> 00:37:39.736
domestic animal management plan in

00:37:39.760 --> 00:37:42.760
October, the Mari Wallace playground,

00:37:42.960 --> 00:37:45.496
the Fentragali train station shared path

00:37:45.520 --> 00:37:48.456
options, the community signage on

00:37:48.480 --> 00:37:51.416
council open spaces policy, and the

00:37:51.440 --> 00:37:54.440
draft mobility access and action plan.

00:37:54.880 --> 00:37:57.575
And closing very very soon is our draft

00:37:57.599 --> 00:38:00.216
storm water asset management plan, our

00:38:00.240 --> 00:38:03.240
draft road management plan. So if um if

00:38:03.280 --> 00:38:05.095
any of those take your interest, I do

00:38:05.119 --> 00:38:07.656
encourage you to jump on our website and

00:38:07.680 --> 00:38:10.536
and provide some feedback. And I too,

00:38:10.560 --> 00:38:12.055
like some of my colleagues today, would

00:38:12.079 --> 00:38:13.896
just like to acknowledge the many years

00:38:13.920 --> 00:38:16.456
service both um our local member for

00:38:16.480 --> 00:38:19.256
Rowville, Kim Wells, and our local member

00:38:19.280 --> 00:38:21.736
for Bazewater, Jackson Taylor, have

00:38:21.760 --> 00:38:23.335
served within our community. They've

00:38:23.359 --> 00:38:25.016
still got a little bit of time to go, so

00:38:25.040 --> 00:38:26.936
I look forward to sharing that time with

00:38:26.960 --> 00:38:29.960
them. Um and of course we'll we'll um

00:38:30.160 --> 00:38:32.136
we'll say our goodbyes formally then.

00:38:32.160 --> 00:38:35.160
But um but yeah, certainly a surprising

00:38:35.680 --> 00:38:38.680
surprising news I think for most. So um

00:38:39.440 --> 00:38:41.656
yeah, I think I'll submit the rest of my

00:38:41.680 --> 00:38:44.680
um  commitments in a report in terms

00:38:44.960 --> 00:38:46.536
of the meetings that I've attended. So

00:38:46.560 --> 00:38:49.560
we'll move on to the next item on our

00:38:49.920 --> 00:38:52.136
agenda this evening, which is number

00:38:52.160 --> 00:38:55.160
item number six, planning matters. 6.1

00:38:55.520 --> 00:38:57.736
is report of planning applications

00:38:57.760 --> 00:39:00.760
decided under delegation from the 1st of

00:39:01.280 --> 00:39:04.280
June 2025 to the 30th of June 2025.

00:39:05.680 --> 00:39:07.575
Would a council like to move a motion

00:39:07.599 --> 00:39:10.055
council Williams and seconded by

00:39:10.079 --> 00:39:13.079
councelor Baker the recommendation? Yes.

00:39:13.680 --> 00:39:14.136
Thank you.

00:39:14.160 --> 00:39:15.416
Yes ma'am.

00:39:15.440 --> 00:39:17.896
Would you like to speak to the motion?

00:39:17.920 --> 00:39:20.136
 just another another month with some

00:39:20.160 --> 00:39:23.160
planning permits but um 37 in total. So

00:39:23.760 --> 00:39:26.055
um little bit shorter than normal um for

00:39:26.079 --> 00:39:28.696
the report but thank you to Matt and the

00:39:28.720 --> 00:39:31.095
team for providing the report.

00:39:31.119 --> 00:39:33.496
Thank you councelor Baker. Reserve your

00:39:33.520 --> 00:39:35.896
right. Thank you. Would any other

00:39:35.920 --> 00:39:38.920
councelor like to speak to the motion?

00:39:39.359 --> 00:39:41.335
No. I can now put the motion. All those

00:39:41.359 --> 00:39:44.136
in favor? The motion is carried. Thank

00:39:44.160 --> 00:39:47.095
you. So we'll move on to item seven

00:39:47.119 --> 00:39:49.976
public question time. Council allocates

00:39:50.000 --> 00:39:52.376
30 minutes to consider questions from

00:39:52.400 --> 00:39:54.536
the community. I'd like to take this

00:39:54.560 --> 00:39:56.296
opportunity to remind everyone that

00:39:56.320 --> 00:39:58.616
public question time is not your only

00:39:58.640 --> 00:40:01.640
opportunity to engage with council. If

00:40:01.839 --> 00:40:03.815
you have questions, I encourage you to

00:40:03.839 --> 00:40:05.976
consider contacting council through our

00:40:06.000 --> 00:40:08.456
usual channels, including through our

00:40:08.480 --> 00:40:10.376
customer service team or via our

00:40:10.400 --> 00:40:12.936
website. I would also encourage everyone

00:40:12.960 --> 00:40:14.696
to make the most of our have your say

00:40:14.720 --> 00:40:17.095
page to access information about current

00:40:17.119 --> 00:40:19.496
projects and to submit questions or

00:40:19.520 --> 00:40:22.520
provide feedback on them. Our protocols

00:40:22.640 --> 00:40:24.696
for submitting and considering public

00:40:24.720 --> 00:40:26.936
questions are set out in the council's

00:40:26.960 --> 00:40:29.095
governance rules which include an

00:40:29.119 --> 00:40:31.095
opportunity for submitters to lodge a

00:40:31.119 --> 00:40:33.575
maximum of two questions and for

00:40:33.599 --> 00:40:35.416
submitters to speak to their questions

00:40:35.440 --> 00:40:38.440
for a maximum of 2 minutes. Copies of

00:40:38.560 --> 00:40:40.856
all questions submitted are circulated

00:40:40.880 --> 00:40:43.880
to counselors in full inclusive of any

00:40:44.079 --> 00:40:46.456
commentary. So before we move to

00:40:46.480 --> 00:40:48.536
questions, I'll also remind submitters

00:40:48.560 --> 00:40:51.095
that this is an opportunity to introduce

00:40:51.119 --> 00:40:53.575
the questions you have already submitted

00:40:53.599 --> 00:40:55.896
and not an opportunity to participate in

00:40:55.920 --> 00:40:58.920
debate or an opportunity to change or

00:40:59.200 --> 00:41:01.095
add to the questions that you have

00:41:01.119 --> 00:41:03.656
already submitted. By choosing to

00:41:03.680 --> 00:41:05.736
participate, submitters acknowledge that

00:41:05.760 --> 00:41:08.760
your name, submissions, and your images

00:41:08.880 --> 00:41:11.815
are being captured and may be broadcast

00:41:11.839 --> 00:41:14.839
on the live stream and the recording. I

00:41:15.119 --> 00:41:17.256
also remind you that you are personally

00:41:17.280 --> 00:41:19.896
responsible for your own comments and

00:41:19.920 --> 00:41:22.136
therefore may be personally liable for

00:41:22.160 --> 00:41:25.160
any loss or damage they cause. I would

00:41:25.200 --> 00:41:28.200
also ask that respect be afforded to all

00:41:28.240 --> 00:41:31.176
participants and that the gallery remain

00:41:31.200 --> 00:41:34.200
silent when people are speaking.

00:41:34.720 --> 00:41:37.720
So we will now move to our order of

00:41:37.920 --> 00:41:39.976
questions.

00:41:40.000 --> 00:41:42.216
We have a question from Ashley Morgan

00:41:42.240 --> 00:41:44.216
Shay. Would you like to come forward

00:41:44.240 --> 00:41:47.240
Ashley?

00:41:49.520 --> 00:41:51.095
Ashley, would you like to read your

00:41:51.119 --> 00:41:52.616
question or would you like me to read

00:41:52.640 --> 00:41:53.176
your question?

00:41:53.200 --> 00:41:55.736
Yes, please. Okay, I'll read or do you

00:41:55.760 --> 00:41:56.616
want to read your question?

00:41:56.640 --> 00:41:59.640
I did notice that um there is one wrong

00:41:59.920 --> 00:42:01.976
word. I did this late at night, so I'll

00:42:02.000 --> 00:42:04.295
correct it as I read just in the first

00:42:04.319 --> 00:42:06.055
sentence. That's all right.

00:42:06.079 --> 00:42:07.656
So, you can read your question and then

00:42:07.680 --> 00:42:09.575
you have two minutes to speak to your

00:42:09.599 --> 00:42:11.176
Thank you.

00:42:11.200 --> 00:42:13.976
Why has the Knox damp agenda 8th of

00:42:14.000 --> 00:42:16.696
September 2025

00:42:16.720 --> 00:42:19.416
not included the scientific evidence on

00:42:19.440 --> 00:42:22.376
community cat programs which was in the

00:42:22.400 --> 00:42:24.856
public submissions emailed from the

00:42:24.880 --> 00:42:27.256
Australian Pet Welfare Foundation and

00:42:27.280 --> 00:42:30.280
from residents group Knox advocates.

00:42:31.200 --> 00:42:33.496
The Australian Pet Welfare Foundation is

00:42:33.520 --> 00:42:36.055
the peak research body and advocate for

00:42:36.079 --> 00:42:39.016
pet welfare in Australia, specializing

00:42:39.040 --> 00:42:41.896
in evidence-based solutions to prevent

00:42:41.920 --> 00:42:44.776
euthanasia of healthy and treatable

00:42:44.800 --> 00:42:47.800
companion animals in shelters and pounds

00:42:48.079 --> 00:42:50.696
and the associated mental health damage

00:42:50.720 --> 00:42:53.720
to staff and community residents.

00:42:53.839 --> 00:42:56.376
Wherever community CAT programs are used

00:42:56.400 --> 00:42:58.616
in Australia, they prove to be

00:42:58.640 --> 00:43:01.575
effective, low cost, and saving many

00:43:01.599 --> 00:43:04.599
animals lives, including wildlife, and

00:43:04.720 --> 00:43:07.720
also preventing harm to human lives.

00:43:08.480 --> 00:43:11.176
Bananiel ran a community cat program for

00:43:11.200 --> 00:43:14.200
eight years during 2013 to 2021

00:43:15.760 --> 00:43:18.456
successfully decreasing cat intake by

00:43:18.480 --> 00:43:20.776
66%

00:43:20.800 --> 00:43:23.800
euthanasia by 82% complaints by 51% in

00:43:25.760 --> 00:43:28.760
the target area and 36% citywide also

00:43:30.079 --> 00:43:33.079
increasing reclaimed cats by 10%.

00:43:33.599 --> 00:43:36.599
After managerial staff had left, Baniel

00:43:36.880 --> 00:43:39.656
went backwards, tripling cat impounds

00:43:39.680 --> 00:43:42.055
within two years and rising costs to

00:43:42.079 --> 00:43:43.976
council.

00:43:44.000 --> 00:43:46.536
Community CAT programs are successfully

00:43:46.560 --> 00:43:49.560
used across the USA and in Europe. Free

00:43:50.000 --> 00:43:53.000
dexing has to be intensive and targeted

00:43:53.680 --> 00:43:55.896
specifically to the most affected

00:43:55.920 --> 00:43:57.736
postcodes.

00:43:57.760 --> 00:44:00.536
Examples of successful programs are from

00:44:00.560 --> 00:44:03.095
the Australian Pet Welfare Foundation,

00:44:03.119 --> 00:44:06.119
also in peer-reviewed science papers in

00:44:06.160 --> 00:44:09.160
international MDPI animals. I included

00:44:09.839 --> 00:44:11.496
the link.

00:44:11.520 --> 00:44:14.295
Thank you.

00:44:14.319 --> 00:44:16.536
Okay. So, did you want two minutes now

00:44:16.560 --> 00:44:17.976
to speak? Yes.

00:44:18.000 --> 00:44:19.896
Yes, please. Please go ahead. I actually

00:44:19.920 --> 00:44:22.920
would like to quote the honoury the on

00:44:24.400 --> 00:44:27.400
Emma Hurst MLC.

00:44:27.520 --> 00:44:30.136
Cat containment laws are simply cat

00:44:30.160 --> 00:44:33.016
killing laws. Now don't get fooled.

00:44:33.040 --> 00:44:35.256
There are campaign organizations that

00:44:35.280 --> 00:44:37.176
will continue to push for cat

00:44:37.200 --> 00:44:39.815
containment laws. The people who hate

00:44:39.839 --> 00:44:42.839
cats, let's be absolutely honest. If

00:44:43.119 --> 00:44:45.416
they were genuinely about reducing the

00:44:45.440 --> 00:44:47.496
number of cats, then they would be

00:44:47.520 --> 00:44:49.815
supporting the solutions where there's

00:44:49.839 --> 00:44:52.216
evidence that they work. Instead,

00:44:52.240 --> 00:44:54.456
they're pushing for cat killing through

00:44:54.480 --> 00:44:57.256
cat containment laws, where there's no

00:44:57.280 --> 00:44:59.496
evidence that's even going to work to

00:44:59.520 --> 00:45:02.520
protect wildlife. Now the wildlife card

00:45:02.720 --> 00:45:05.416
is continuing to be used and we know

00:45:05.440 --> 00:45:07.496
from the evidence that we heard in this

00:45:07.520 --> 00:45:09.896
inquiry we heard from major

00:45:09.920 --> 00:45:11.496
organizations

00:45:11.520 --> 00:45:14.520
even wires saying that actually cats are

00:45:14.960 --> 00:45:17.736
not the biggest threat to wildlife. The

00:45:17.760 --> 00:45:20.055
biggest threats that we have to wildlife

00:45:20.079 --> 00:45:22.136
is deforestation,

00:45:22.160 --> 00:45:25.016
climate change, overdevelopment.

00:45:25.040 --> 00:45:27.016
We know that the government really needs

00:45:27.040 --> 00:45:30.040
to take action in those spaces if they

00:45:30.160 --> 00:45:33.160
genuinely want to protect our wildlife.

00:45:33.280 --> 00:45:36.280
Emma Hurst was chair of the inquiry that

00:45:37.200 --> 00:45:40.200
went for months over 24 and 25 of

00:45:40.400 --> 00:45:43.016
management of cat populations in New

00:45:43.040 --> 00:45:46.040
South Wales and the inquiry has rejected

00:45:46.640 --> 00:45:48.536
cat curfews.

00:45:48.560 --> 00:45:50.856
Thank you. I will now direct your

00:45:50.880 --> 00:45:53.880
question to our acting director of city

00:45:54.079 --> 00:45:57.079
livability, Jonathan McNal. Thank you.

00:45:59.200 --> 00:46:02.200
Thank you.  through the Mayor. 

00:46:02.640 --> 00:46:04.776
thanks for your question, Ashley.

00:46:04.800 --> 00:46:06.696
Regarding the public publishing of

00:46:06.720 --> 00:46:09.016
submissions from the previous phase, the

00:46:09.040 --> 00:46:10.776
domestic accountable management

00:46:10.800 --> 00:46:13.496
management plan consultation. Um the

00:46:13.520 --> 00:46:15.176
phase one consultation for the

00:46:15.200 --> 00:46:18.200
development of the draft DAMP 2026209

00:46:19.280 --> 00:46:20.696
included a number of channels for

00:46:20.720 --> 00:46:22.616
community members and organizations to

00:46:22.640 --> 00:46:25.496
share their views. As part of that, our

00:46:25.520 --> 00:46:28.136
standard privacy collection and terms of

00:46:28.160 --> 00:46:29.896
use were enforced as part of the have

00:46:29.920 --> 00:46:32.216
your say site. Our terms of use

00:46:32.240 --> 00:46:34.456
specifically say information that

00:46:34.480 --> 00:46:36.696
identifies you will typically be removed

00:46:36.720 --> 00:46:39.256
from your responses when they are being

00:46:39.280 --> 00:46:41.656
analyzed and before your response is

00:46:41.680 --> 00:46:43.896
shared in any way. If your responses

00:46:43.920 --> 00:46:46.216
will be personally identifiable, we are

00:46:46.240 --> 00:46:49.016
committed to informing you of this.

00:46:49.040 --> 00:46:50.696
Submitters were not specifically

00:46:50.720 --> 00:46:52.456
informed that council would be sharing

00:46:52.480 --> 00:46:55.335
their personally identifiable data.

00:46:55.359 --> 00:46:57.496
Council was therefore provided with a

00:46:57.520 --> 00:47:00.055
deidentified summary of the key issues

00:47:00.079 --> 00:47:03.079
and engagement report for this reason to

00:47:03.119 --> 00:47:04.856
support council in making its decision

00:47:04.880 --> 00:47:07.815
in relation to endorsing the draft damp

00:47:07.839 --> 00:47:09.416
which it endorsed on the 8th of

00:47:09.440 --> 00:47:12.440
September 2025 council meeting.

00:47:12.960 --> 00:47:14.616
While it may be possible that the two

00:47:14.640 --> 00:47:16.536
organizations referenced are comfortable

00:47:16.560 --> 00:47:19.095
to have their submissions published, we

00:47:19.119 --> 00:47:21.256
have another 20 or so submitters who may

00:47:21.280 --> 00:47:23.176
not be comfortable and the expectation

00:47:23.200 --> 00:47:25.335
their submissions would be published has

00:47:25.359 --> 00:47:27.575
not been established. It would also be

00:47:27.599 --> 00:47:29.656
inappropriate to publish just two of the

00:47:29.680 --> 00:47:32.295
submissions received.

00:47:32.319 --> 00:47:35.319
Thank you. Um Ashley, you have a second

00:47:35.359 --> 00:47:37.416
question. Would you like to read your

00:47:37.440 --> 00:47:39.496
second question? Just would like to say

00:47:39.520 --> 00:47:42.055
that actually legally Knox advocates and

00:47:42.079 --> 00:47:44.456
Australian Pet Welfare Foundation do not

00:47:44.480 --> 00:47:47.480
fall under that identification law if

00:47:48.240 --> 00:47:50.776
you look it up.

00:47:50.800 --> 00:47:53.800
Question two, why are all the domestic

00:47:54.000 --> 00:47:57.000
animal management plan 2026 to 2029

00:47:59.280 --> 00:48:02.280
questions only on dogs? Rather than

00:48:03.040 --> 00:48:05.575
continue Knox's punitive, expensive,

00:48:05.599 --> 00:48:08.599
divisive direction, advocates urge you

00:48:08.800 --> 00:48:11.176
to consider the Australian Pet Welfare

00:48:11.200 --> 00:48:14.200
Foundation's one welfare approach, which

00:48:14.640 --> 00:48:17.095
optimizes the well-being of people,

00:48:17.119 --> 00:48:19.896
animals, and their environment.

00:48:19.920 --> 00:48:22.376
Community CAT programs reduce the number

00:48:22.400 --> 00:48:25.400
of stray cats in pounds and shelters and

00:48:25.520 --> 00:48:28.456
free up more resources to care for and

00:48:28.480 --> 00:48:31.016
rehome dogs.

00:48:31.040 --> 00:48:34.040
Community CAT programs are lowcost, help

00:48:34.240 --> 00:48:37.240
both dogs and cats, rescuers, shelter

00:48:37.839 --> 00:48:40.839
volunteers, and council's own management

00:48:41.040 --> 00:48:42.535
offices.

00:48:42.559 --> 00:48:45.095
I include links to Emirator's professor,

00:48:45.119 --> 00:48:48.119
Dr. Jackie Rand, at the 2025

00:48:48.480 --> 00:48:51.480
Getting to Zero 10th National Summit and

00:48:51.920 --> 00:48:54.920
to Community CAT programs information.

00:48:56.400 --> 00:48:58.776
Please consider the enormous cost

00:48:58.800 --> 00:49:01.800
savings of a community cat program.

00:49:02.079 --> 00:49:04.535
Casey Council currently spends an

00:49:04.559 --> 00:49:07.559
estimated $1.8 million annually on

00:49:08.640 --> 00:49:11.640
24hour cat curfew. Empowerments in Casey

00:49:12.800 --> 00:49:15.800
have risen 680%

00:49:15.920 --> 00:49:18.055
more than double the rate of human

00:49:18.079 --> 00:49:20.776
population growth and complaints have

00:49:20.800 --> 00:49:23.800
increased. Community CAT programs are

00:49:23.920 --> 00:49:26.920
evidence-based, scienceproven, effective

00:49:27.280 --> 00:49:30.280
cat management and a low cost. And I

00:49:30.400 --> 00:49:32.776
include the link to the Casey

00:49:32.800 --> 00:49:33.736
submission.

00:49:33.760 --> 00:49:35.815
Thank you. You now have two minutes to

00:49:35.839 --> 00:49:38.456
speak to your question.

00:49:38.480 --> 00:49:39.176
It's fine.

00:49:39.200 --> 00:49:41.976
Okay, not a problem. I will refer your

00:49:42.000 --> 00:49:43.736
question to our acting director of city

00:49:43.760 --> 00:49:46.760
livability, Jonathan Mcnal.

00:49:48.000 --> 00:49:50.295
Thank you, Ashley. Um the questionnaire

00:49:50.319 --> 00:49:52.456
currently published on council's have

00:49:52.480 --> 00:49:55.256
you say page as part of consultation on

00:49:55.280 --> 00:49:57.496
the draft damp is targeted at gaining

00:49:57.520 --> 00:49:59.736
feedback on specific significant actions

00:49:59.760 --> 00:50:01.256
that have been included in the draft

00:50:01.280 --> 00:50:03.815
damp itself. The draft damp has been

00:50:03.839 --> 00:50:05.416
developed following considerable

00:50:05.440 --> 00:50:07.656
community involvement in the phase 1

00:50:07.680 --> 00:50:09.416
consultation completed in March and

00:50:09.440 --> 00:50:12.440
April 2025 which identified specific

00:50:12.559 --> 00:50:14.456
opportunities to review programs that

00:50:14.480 --> 00:50:17.480
relate to dogs within our community.

00:50:19.119 --> 00:50:22.119
Thank you. Thank you for your questions.

00:50:26.559 --> 00:50:28.376
We did have another submitter who was

00:50:28.400 --> 00:50:30.295
going to join us online and they have

00:50:30.319 --> 00:50:32.136
not entered the Zoom waiting room at

00:50:32.160 --> 00:50:35.160
this point in time. Um I would suggest

00:50:35.680 --> 00:50:38.680
ask Okay, thank you. So we I should I

00:50:40.000 --> 00:50:41.656
read the question? Yeah. Okay, I'll read

00:50:41.680 --> 00:50:43.335
it.

00:50:43.359 --> 00:50:46.359
Thank you. So here okay for over two

00:50:47.599 --> 00:50:49.736
this question sorry first of all is from

00:50:49.760 --> 00:50:52.760
Dena Nick

00:50:52.960 --> 00:50:55.095
um for over two and a half years our

00:50:55.119 --> 00:50:57.256
elderly parent has been on a waiting

00:50:57.280 --> 00:50:59.976
list for aged care gardening services to

00:51:00.000 --> 00:51:03.000
no avail. The numerous private providers

00:51:03.359 --> 00:51:06.055
we've contacted claim they receive no

00:51:06.079 --> 00:51:08.376
funding. Their books are full. They're

00:51:08.400 --> 00:51:11.400
not accepted referrals and cannot help.

00:51:11.440 --> 00:51:13.176
They're not sorry they're not accepting

00:51:13.200 --> 00:51:15.335
referrals and cannot help. They

00:51:15.359 --> 00:51:17.575
apparently turn away numerous people in

00:51:17.599 --> 00:51:20.295
need and have done so for the last three

00:51:20.319 --> 00:51:23.319
years at least. Knox City Council stopped

00:51:23.359 --> 00:51:26.295
providing services in question

00:51:26.319 --> 00:51:28.535
to the detriment of its elderly

00:51:28.559 --> 00:51:31.095
population. They are now in the hands of

00:51:31.119 --> 00:51:33.416
private providers who aren't experience

00:51:33.440 --> 00:51:35.976
who who aren't providing the services

00:51:36.000 --> 00:51:38.776
our government claims are available to

00:51:38.800 --> 00:51:41.800
eligible elderly population.

00:51:41.839 --> 00:51:44.456
Question. Why did the council stop

00:51:44.480 --> 00:51:46.616
providing this essential service to its

00:51:46.640 --> 00:51:49.640
vulnerable elderly? What is Knox Council

00:51:49.920 --> 00:51:52.055
planning on doing to address this matter

00:51:52.079 --> 00:51:54.936
affecting their rate payers? My aged

00:51:54.960 --> 00:51:57.960
care and the providers link United Age

00:51:58.400 --> 00:52:00.696
Well, and all the many other providers

00:52:00.720 --> 00:52:03.720
say we're sorry we can't help. Does Knox

00:52:03.839 --> 00:52:06.776
City Council care to help? Um I would

00:52:06.800 --> 00:52:09.256
like to refer this question to our

00:52:09.280 --> 00:52:10.936
director of connect connected

00:52:10.960 --> 00:52:13.960
communities um Judy Chalkley. Thank you.

00:52:15.200 --> 00:52:17.335
Thank you through you madame Mayor. Um

00:52:17.359 --> 00:52:19.335
thank you for your question um regarding

00:52:19.359 --> 00:52:21.736
access to age care gardening services.

00:52:21.760 --> 00:52:23.416
We understand the frustration and

00:52:23.440 --> 00:52:25.736
difficulty it is while seeking supports

00:52:25.760 --> 00:52:28.376
for your parent. Knox City Council did

00:52:28.400 --> 00:52:30.616
cease direct care services as you

00:52:30.640 --> 00:52:33.496
indicated for home support services, but

00:52:33.520 --> 00:52:36.136
this did not include gardening services

00:52:36.160 --> 00:52:38.696
as Knox has never been funded to provide

00:52:38.720 --> 00:52:41.256
this service. Knox does still provide

00:52:41.280 --> 00:52:42.776
home maintenance, which includes a

00:52:42.800 --> 00:52:45.176
one-off garden service when there are

00:52:45.200 --> 00:52:48.200
identified safety issues. We appreciate

00:52:48.400 --> 00:52:50.295
that demand for service such as

00:52:50.319 --> 00:52:52.216
gardening currently exceeds provider

00:52:52.240 --> 00:52:54.295
capacity and that this is creating long

00:52:54.319 --> 00:52:57.319
time wait long time long times long wait

00:52:58.400 --> 00:53:00.216
times and difficulties for older

00:53:00.240 --> 00:53:02.776
residents and their families. Council

00:53:02.800 --> 00:53:05.095
has been actively act actively

00:53:05.119 --> 00:53:06.776
advocating to the Commonwealth

00:53:06.800 --> 00:53:08.776
government to highlight these service

00:53:08.800 --> 00:53:11.575
gaps and the significant impact they

00:53:11.599 --> 00:53:13.896
have on our community. While council no

00:53:13.920 --> 00:53:15.976
longer provides the majority of age care

00:53:16.000 --> 00:53:18.216
services directly, we remain committed

00:53:18.240 --> 00:53:19.896
to supporting our older community

00:53:19.920 --> 00:53:22.920
members. This includes through advocacy,

00:53:22.960 --> 00:53:24.616
information, and referral through our

00:53:24.640 --> 00:53:26.856
short-term support team and our

00:53:26.880 --> 00:53:28.616
community connections where we continue

00:53:28.640 --> 00:53:30.456
to invest in programs and initiatives

00:53:30.480 --> 00:53:32.696
that reduce isolation, promote

00:53:32.720 --> 00:53:35.016
well-being, and help older residents

00:53:35.040 --> 00:53:37.095
stay connected and supported. I

00:53:37.119 --> 00:53:39.335
encourage you to remain connected with

00:53:39.359 --> 00:53:41.176
my age care as they are the gateway to

00:53:41.200 --> 00:53:43.736
funded age care services. If you would

00:53:43.760 --> 00:53:46.055
like, I will reach out to you with our

00:53:46.079 --> 00:53:49.079
short-term support teams um details and

00:53:49.839 --> 00:53:51.656
they may be able to assist you with

00:53:51.680 --> 00:53:53.736
further guidance on navigating the

00:53:53.760 --> 00:53:56.295
system and council will continue to

00:53:56.319 --> 00:53:58.295
advocate strongly for improved access

00:53:58.319 --> 00:54:00.216
and outcomes for older residents in

00:54:00.240 --> 00:54:01.896
Knox. Thank you.

00:54:01.920 --> 00:54:03.736
Thank you, Director Chley. That would be

00:54:03.760 --> 00:54:06.456
great. Um before we move to our next

00:54:06.480 --> 00:54:08.295
item, I would just like to acknowledge

00:54:08.319 --> 00:54:10.055
that we do have a former Mayor in the

00:54:10.079 --> 00:54:11.736
gallery with us this evening who has

00:54:11.760 --> 00:54:14.216
joined us. Um former Mayor Tony Holland.

00:54:14.240 --> 00:54:15.815
Welcome.

00:54:15.839 --> 00:54:18.839
The next item for discussion is item 8.1

00:54:19.200 --> 00:54:21.256
community engagement feedback for the

00:54:21.280 --> 00:54:24.280
annual budget 2026 to 27. Would a

00:54:25.440 --> 00:54:28.440
counselor like to move a motion?

00:54:29.599 --> 00:54:31.736
Thank you. Councelor Atwell, the

00:54:31.760 --> 00:54:34.295
office's recommendation. Yes.

00:54:34.319 --> 00:54:36.856
Thank you. Thank you. Seconded by

00:54:36.880 --> 00:54:38.696
councelor Baker. Councelor Outwall,

00:54:38.720 --> 00:54:40.136
would you like to speak to the motion?

00:54:40.160 --> 00:54:42.616
 thank you, Mayor. Um yes, we're

00:54:42.640 --> 00:54:44.535
things are well underway in terms of the

00:54:44.559 --> 00:54:47.416
 planning cycle for the 2026 27 budget

00:54:47.440 --> 00:54:50.376
and  in August we undertook some 

00:54:50.400 --> 00:54:53.016
community engagement and this  report

00:54:53.040 --> 00:54:55.736
 receives and notes um  that

00:54:55.760 --> 00:54:57.335
community engagement report and also

00:54:57.359 --> 00:54:58.856
details the eight formal submissions

00:54:58.880 --> 00:55:00.216
that we received some of which are

00:55:00.240 --> 00:55:03.240
presenting to us  Wednesday week. um

00:55:03.920 --> 00:55:06.535
594 community responses on budget

00:55:06.559 --> 00:55:09.559
priorities um which  was really

00:55:10.480 --> 00:55:11.736
interesting. I think all councilors

00:55:11.760 --> 00:55:14.456
participated in a in a in a in a budget

00:55:14.480 --> 00:55:17.016
 session. Um I attended the 

00:55:17.040 --> 00:55:18.776
Rogville Community Center popup on

00:55:18.800 --> 00:55:20.936
Saturday 23rd of August with 

00:55:20.960 --> 00:55:22.535
councelor Considine and councelor

00:55:22.559 --> 00:55:25.559
Pearce. Um and um yeah, what struck me

00:55:26.400 --> 00:55:29.256
um from the feedback on the day and from

00:55:29.280 --> 00:55:32.280
u the collation of of the report was um

00:55:32.800 --> 00:55:34.936
yeah, I mean this this budget this

00:55:34.960 --> 00:55:36.456
budget the first full budget I think

00:55:36.480 --> 00:55:38.856
we've had as a new council um is really

00:55:38.880 --> 00:55:40.696
our community's budget. Um they've told

00:55:40.720 --> 00:55:43.256
us what matters most and it's our job I

00:55:43.280 --> 00:55:45.095
think to allocate as many dollars as

00:55:45.119 --> 00:55:46.696
possible to the priorities that came

00:55:46.720 --> 00:55:48.775
through  in those sessions and that

00:55:48.799 --> 00:55:51.799
comes through clearly. Um um you know my

00:55:52.079 --> 00:55:53.896
take was that there's a a striking

00:55:53.920 --> 00:55:56.696
simplicity to what people  want us to

00:55:56.720 --> 00:55:59.016
focus on and that is is core services

00:55:59.040 --> 00:56:01.815
and council fundamentals. Um  and the

00:56:01.839 --> 00:56:04.136
top valued services um that came through

00:56:04.160 --> 00:56:05.656
through the feedback were roads and

00:56:05.680 --> 00:56:07.656
transport  sports and leisure,

00:56:07.680 --> 00:56:10.680
libraries, um health and open space. um

00:56:10.720 --> 00:56:13.176
those basic infrastructure and community

00:56:13.200 --> 00:56:15.976
amenities um remain paramount and some

00:56:16.000 --> 00:56:18.216
of the conversations um I had were quite

00:56:18.240 --> 00:56:20.055
interesting in that people I think

00:56:20.079 --> 00:56:22.136
prefer a well-maintained road over a

00:56:22.160 --> 00:56:24.055
significant aspirational project and I

00:56:24.079 --> 00:56:25.815
think that is a a tension that this

00:56:25.839 --> 00:56:27.256
council will need to grapple with in a

00:56:27.280 --> 00:56:29.176
rate capped environment those big

00:56:29.200 --> 00:56:30.696
aspirational

00:56:30.720 --> 00:56:32.616
um high stakes projects versus getting

00:56:32.640 --> 00:56:34.456
the fundamentals right in terms of how

00:56:34.480 --> 00:56:36.936
we allocate and where we allocate um our

00:56:36.960 --> 00:56:39.960
dollars um of course we've got  formal

00:56:40.160 --> 00:56:41.736
submissions to come next week and and

00:56:41.760 --> 00:56:43.496
we'll be guided by those as well. But it

00:56:43.520 --> 00:56:46.520
was a a really clear message um from the

00:56:46.559 --> 00:56:48.856
community  in this report in the

00:56:48.880 --> 00:56:51.880
session I was at. Um and I believe um

00:56:52.240 --> 00:56:54.535
what we see and hear in these moments of

00:56:54.559 --> 00:56:56.055
engagement with our community that is

00:56:56.079 --> 00:56:58.295
what should fundamentally shape  this

00:56:58.319 --> 00:57:00.055
next budget and I look forward to

00:57:00.079 --> 00:57:02.295
fulfilling  those priorities in our

00:57:02.319 --> 00:57:04.376
budget discussions this year.

00:57:04.400 --> 00:57:07.016
Thank you councelor. Councelor Baker.

00:57:07.040 --> 00:57:09.095
Thank you.  councelor at Wells

00:57:09.119 --> 00:57:10.535
actually covered off a lot of the the

00:57:10.559 --> 00:57:13.559
tick point points that I had. Um but

00:57:13.599 --> 00:57:15.095
yeah, just wanted to acknowledge that

00:57:15.119 --> 00:57:18.119
the the the feedback we we did receive.

00:57:18.240 --> 00:57:20.136
I did attend Knox Leisure Works and

00:57:20.160 --> 00:57:21.656
certainly it was interesting to hear

00:57:21.680 --> 00:57:23.976
what the feedback was and what the top

00:57:24.000 --> 00:57:25.896
results of what people valued the most

00:57:25.920 --> 00:57:28.535
in our services that we provide. Um

00:57:28.559 --> 00:57:30.936
there are 34 service plans that council

00:57:30.960 --> 00:57:33.176
do deliver. Um so to hear the feedback

00:57:33.200 --> 00:57:35.016
from our residents and what is most

00:57:35.040 --> 00:57:37.496
important to them  it was very helpful

00:57:37.520 --> 00:57:39.815
to understand through this report. So

00:57:39.839 --> 00:57:41.496
thanks for putting it together and note

00:57:41.520 --> 00:57:43.335
the feedback received. So thank you.

00:57:43.359 --> 00:57:44.856
Thank you councelor Baker. Would any

00:57:44.880 --> 00:57:46.376
other counselor like to speak to the

00:57:46.400 --> 00:57:49.400
motion councelor um piece? Thank you.

00:57:50.000 --> 00:57:53.000
Thank you madame may I'll be very short.

00:57:53.520 --> 00:57:55.416
I'd like to bring council's attention to

00:57:55.440 --> 00:57:58.440
page 39 and the state of CPAC Hall 

00:57:59.839 --> 00:58:02.839
CPAC football club  hall or the

00:58:03.760 --> 00:58:06.136
Rowville sorry the Rowville football club

00:58:06.160 --> 00:58:09.160
at Cabback and notice the um repair

00:58:12.079 --> 00:58:14.055
being a piece of cardboard put on the

00:58:14.079 --> 00:58:17.079
eve of by a facilities manager to cover

00:58:18.160 --> 00:58:21.016
it temporary.

00:58:21.040 --> 00:58:23.736
I'm concerned about this hall and the

00:58:23.760 --> 00:58:26.760
state of state of it. I've looked at the

00:58:27.040 --> 00:58:29.815
hall. I've taken pictures of the hall

00:58:29.839 --> 00:58:31.815
and I've brought it to their attention.

00:58:31.839 --> 00:58:33.896
I find it very apt that this picture is

00:58:33.920 --> 00:58:36.775
in here and I take I would like my

00:58:36.799 --> 00:58:39.656
fellow councilors to take note that this

00:58:39.680 --> 00:58:42.680
is a pavilion of a major football team

00:58:42.799 --> 00:58:44.616
in Knox.

00:58:44.640 --> 00:58:47.176
They're an EFL team

00:58:47.200 --> 00:58:49.815
and the state of their facilities are

00:58:49.839 --> 00:58:51.896
not up to par.

00:58:51.920 --> 00:58:53.976
So I just wanted to bring attention to

00:58:54.000 --> 00:58:55.896
that fact. Thank you, Madame May.

00:58:55.920 --> 00:58:57.736
Thank you, Councelor Williams. Did you

00:58:57.760 --> 00:58:59.256
have your hand?

00:58:59.280 --> 00:59:01.256
Thank you through you, Madam May. Um,

00:59:01.280 --> 00:59:03.016
great report which does give us a lot of

00:59:03.040 --> 00:59:04.696
insight and some of the key things I've

00:59:04.720 --> 00:59:06.696
sort of highlighted and again sort of

00:59:06.720 --> 00:59:08.376
think it's pretty important for us to

00:59:08.400 --> 00:59:10.055
have a look at the around the priorities

00:59:10.079 --> 00:59:13.079
on page 20  and 21. um support for

00:59:13.920 --> 00:59:16.055
local business,  improved and

00:59:16.079 --> 00:59:19.079
accessible footpath and bike pass. Um in

00:59:19.280 --> 00:59:21.256
theme three, there there's a responder

00:59:21.280 --> 00:59:23.736
rise in um illegal dumping of waste and

00:59:23.760 --> 00:59:25.496
animal waste in parks. That's been a

00:59:25.520 --> 00:59:27.496
concern that's been raised with us all

00:59:27.520 --> 00:59:30.520
over and over. Um theme six um upkeep of

00:59:31.040 --> 00:59:32.775
scout halls and toy libraries and

00:59:32.799 --> 00:59:35.256
prioritize graffiti removal. I think

00:59:35.280 --> 00:59:37.335
there's some key  things that have

00:59:37.359 --> 00:59:39.496
been brought up in the past. um from the

00:59:39.520 --> 00:59:42.520
multi-advisory on page 22 um put more

00:59:42.720 --> 00:59:44.295
men sheds in central Knox. I think

00:59:44.319 --> 00:59:46.295
that's a great idea for  our

00:59:46.319 --> 00:59:49.319
communities um provide coping mechanisms

00:59:49.760 --> 00:59:51.256
for young people and I think that's

00:59:51.280 --> 00:59:52.856
important especially for councelors

00:59:52.880 --> 00:59:54.856
Duncan and myself are on the yak and we

00:59:54.880 --> 00:59:56.616
see what's going on at grand level

00:59:56.640 --> 00:59:58.775
there. Um the keeping it real program I

00:59:58.799 --> 01:00:00.456
think's been a real good initiative of

01:00:00.480 --> 01:00:03.480
Knox and something that um like to see

01:00:03.760 --> 01:00:05.815
continue. Um theme four, it's got here,

01:00:05.839 --> 01:00:07.416
cancel to go to schools and get ideas

01:00:07.440 --> 01:00:09.575
from feedback from schools. Again, being

01:00:09.599 --> 01:00:11.176
on the yak, I think that's a that's a

01:00:11.200 --> 01:00:14.200
pretty important um process there.

01:00:14.799 --> 01:00:17.736
Um on page 24, excited by the community

01:00:17.760 --> 01:00:19.416
ideas for projects, and that was one of

01:00:19.440 --> 01:00:22.055
them was pedestrian safety um around the

01:00:22.079 --> 01:00:23.736
Baywater shopping precinct on Mountain

01:00:23.760 --> 01:00:26.136
Highway. Um the Knox basketball stadium,

01:00:26.160 --> 01:00:27.815
the Knox Regional Football Center on

01:00:27.839 --> 01:00:30.616
Claremont Avenue, um public toilets. I

01:00:30.640 --> 01:00:31.815
think that's definitely something we've

01:00:31.839 --> 01:00:34.535
all had to consider. I was excited to

01:00:34.559 --> 01:00:35.896
see Christmas decorations and

01:00:35.920 --> 01:00:37.976
celebrations on that list. So, that's um

01:00:38.000 --> 01:00:40.616
that's great. And then um just excited

01:00:40.640 --> 01:00:41.896
to read some of the letters from Knox

01:00:41.920 --> 01:00:44.775
Info Link. Um 10,134

01:00:44.799 --> 01:00:47.799
meals  delivered. Um 1,118

01:00:49.520 --> 01:00:51.335
guests accepted referrals for extra

01:00:51.359 --> 01:00:53.575
assistance. So, the demands on these

01:00:53.599 --> 01:00:56.456
services um are becoming more prevalent.

01:00:56.480 --> 01:00:59.480
and in their letters um  as council

01:00:59.760 --> 01:01:01.815
Lockwood sort of initiated through um

01:01:01.839 --> 01:01:04.136
council this year  the emergency

01:01:04.160 --> 01:01:06.856
relief fund um there's been a bit of a

01:01:06.880 --> 01:01:08.295
request to increase that funding and as

01:01:08.319 --> 01:01:11.256
we all know that funding's um coming to

01:01:11.280 --> 01:01:13.496
 coming to a close in terms of what

01:01:13.520 --> 01:01:14.616
we've got left so I think it's pretty

01:01:14.640 --> 01:01:16.775
important we do focus on the relief

01:01:16.799 --> 01:01:19.256
services that um are required  around

01:01:19.280 --> 01:01:20.616
here in Knox and just remember the

01:01:20.640 --> 01:01:23.416
importance of those and likewise um

01:01:23.440 --> 01:01:26.440
councelor Pearce um mentioned Cbec And

01:01:26.559 --> 01:01:28.055
that was one that I've highlighted in my

01:01:28.079 --> 01:01:31.079
report. Um cardboard to repair things. I

01:01:31.599 --> 01:01:34.055
think um important that we keep an eye

01:01:34.079 --> 01:01:35.496
on those sorts of things and it is an

01:01:35.520 --> 01:01:37.896
important facility. But um it's given us

01:01:37.920 --> 01:01:39.335
some really good direction for for the

01:01:39.359 --> 01:01:42.295
next um budget and some um food for

01:01:42.319 --> 01:01:43.976
thought as we enter into that and

01:01:44.000 --> 01:01:46.775
hearing from our um local community and

01:01:46.799 --> 01:01:49.016
and like um councelor Ratwell mentioned,

01:01:49.040 --> 01:01:50.936
I'm excited for what Wednesday night's

01:01:50.960 --> 01:01:51.976
going to bring in terms of the

01:01:52.000 --> 01:01:53.815
submissions and and hearing those. So,

01:01:53.839 --> 01:01:55.095
thank you, Mayor.

01:01:55.119 --> 01:01:56.696
Thanks, Councelor Williams. Would any

01:01:56.720 --> 01:01:58.216
other counselor like to speak to the

01:01:58.240 --> 01:02:01.016
motion?

01:02:01.040 --> 01:02:03.176
Yep. Sure. Councelor Duncan.

01:02:03.200 --> 01:02:05.815
Um, council. Well, I agree with you. We

01:02:05.839 --> 01:02:07.016
need to start focusing on the

01:02:07.040 --> 01:02:09.095
fundamental core services that we

01:02:09.119 --> 01:02:10.775
provide rather than our aspirational

01:02:10.799 --> 01:02:13.256
projects. Um, what I am somewhat

01:02:13.280 --> 01:02:15.335
disappointed with with this report is

01:02:15.359 --> 01:02:18.359
the feedback from  Andrew who's the

01:02:19.200 --> 01:02:20.775
president of the Wavely City Soccer

01:02:20.799 --> 01:02:23.799
Club.  unfortunately his feedback is

01:02:24.240 --> 01:02:25.896
very similar to what I'm receiving from

01:02:25.920 --> 01:02:28.295
other sporting clubs. Um and it's

01:02:28.319 --> 01:02:30.136
actually a disappointment in council's

01:02:30.160 --> 01:02:31.976
ability to follow through with committed

01:02:32.000 --> 01:02:34.936
fundings for  various oval upgrades

01:02:34.960 --> 01:02:37.416
and pavilions. Um Andrew gives some

01:02:37.440 --> 01:02:39.095
great examples where over the last four

01:02:39.119 --> 01:02:41.095
years of budgets there has actually been

01:02:41.119 --> 01:02:44.119
line items specifically for Miler

01:02:44.400 --> 01:02:47.335
Reserve which is in Collier Ward. um and

01:02:47.359 --> 01:02:48.936
it's been kicked down the road, down the

01:02:48.960 --> 01:02:50.055
road, down the road, and then has

01:02:50.079 --> 01:02:51.736
suddenly disappeared from the budget.

01:02:51.760 --> 01:02:53.656
So, this is something that I think we as

01:02:53.680 --> 01:02:56.376
a council need to look at um and

01:02:56.400 --> 01:02:58.696
actually find out why we're we're

01:02:58.720 --> 01:03:00.216
committing to these things and actually

01:03:00.240 --> 01:03:02.055
not delivering. I think we need to be a

01:03:02.079 --> 01:03:03.496
bit more transparent with our clubs as

01:03:03.520 --> 01:03:06.295
to where that money is going and why we

01:03:06.319 --> 01:03:08.055
can't afford to fund them if that is the

01:03:08.079 --> 01:03:11.079
direction that we go in future.

01:03:11.119 --> 01:03:13.335
Thank you. Would any other council like

01:03:13.359 --> 01:03:16.359
to speak to the motion?

01:03:17.280 --> 01:03:18.775
Councelor Atwell, would you like to

01:03:18.799 --> 01:03:20.216
exercise your right of reply?

01:03:20.240 --> 01:03:21.896
Just briefly, Mayor, just to um yeah,

01:03:21.920 --> 01:03:24.216
just to send thanks um to  our

01:03:24.240 --> 01:03:25.896
community for engaging with us either at

01:03:25.920 --> 01:03:27.815
our our pop-up sessions or through the

01:03:27.839 --> 01:03:30.696
other um communications channels. It was

01:03:30.720 --> 01:03:32.775
um it was done in good spirits. Um

01:03:32.799 --> 01:03:34.775
people were honest and open in sharing

01:03:34.799 --> 01:03:36.055
with us what they were seeing and

01:03:36.079 --> 01:03:38.055
hearing and and noticing and some of

01:03:38.079 --> 01:03:39.575
it's come out in the discussion tonight.

01:03:39.599 --> 01:03:41.496
But to receive in a in an environment

01:03:41.520 --> 01:03:42.936
where there's lots of noise, we've got a

01:03:42.960 --> 01:03:45.015
lot of surveys out for consultation at

01:03:45.039 --> 01:03:46.936
the moment, it can be difficult. But to

01:03:46.960 --> 01:03:49.736
receive  nearly 600 responses as well

01:03:49.760 --> 01:03:52.616
as  formal submissions, I think is 

01:03:52.640 --> 01:03:54.295
fantastic. Fantastic community

01:03:54.319 --> 01:03:57.319
engagement and and and yeah, we are the

01:03:57.599 --> 01:03:59.416
responsibility now sits with us to to

01:03:59.440 --> 01:04:00.775
deliver on what we've heard. So, thank

01:04:00.799 --> 01:04:02.136
you to the community for 

01:04:02.160 --> 01:04:03.176
participating.

01:04:03.200 --> 01:04:05.176
Thank you, councelor. I'll now put the

01:04:05.200 --> 01:04:08.055
motion. All those in favor motion is

01:04:08.079 --> 01:04:10.936
carried. Thank you. We now move to item

01:04:10.960 --> 01:04:13.960
8.2, the Knox reconciliation action plan

01:04:14.079 --> 01:04:17.079
2023 to 25 review and development of the

01:04:18.400 --> 01:04:21.335
reconciliation action plan for 2026 to

01:04:21.359 --> 01:04:22.936
2028.

01:04:22.960 --> 01:04:25.960
Would a counselor like to move a motion?

01:04:26.079 --> 01:04:27.976
Thank you, councelor Kennet. That is the

01:04:28.000 --> 01:04:30.295
office's recommendation and seconded by

01:04:30.319 --> 01:04:32.936
councelor Atwell. Councelor Kennet,

01:04:32.960 --> 01:04:35.015
would you like to speak to the motion?

01:04:35.039 --> 01:04:35.976
Thank you.

01:04:36.000 --> 01:04:37.416
Thank you through you, Madame Mayor.

01:04:37.440 --> 01:04:40.440
Just quickly um the report  speaks to

01:04:42.640 --> 01:04:45.575
council's progress with our reconcil

01:04:45.599 --> 01:04:47.176
reconcilation

01:04:47.200 --> 01:04:50.200
action plan with Knox having the second

01:04:50.880 --> 01:04:53.015
largest first nations population in

01:04:53.039 --> 01:04:55.095
Melbourne's east and is home to places

01:04:55.119 --> 01:04:57.575
of historical significance to the

01:04:57.599 --> 01:04:59.656
Cooland nation. So the work here is

01:04:59.680 --> 01:05:02.616
really important. In 2020, council

01:05:02.640 --> 01:05:04.456
consulted with members of local first

01:05:04.480 --> 01:05:06.456
nations communities with key

01:05:06.480 --> 01:05:09.480
recommendation to develop the RAP. This

01:05:09.760 --> 01:05:11.416
report provides a review of the

01:05:11.440 --> 01:05:12.775
progress, achievements, and

01:05:12.799 --> 01:05:15.095
recommendations of the RAP between 23

01:05:15.119 --> 01:05:18.119
and 25. And of the total of 73 actions,

01:05:19.039 --> 01:05:21.176
19 have been completed, 51 are on

01:05:21.200 --> 01:05:23.736
schedule for completion as planned, and

01:05:23.760 --> 01:05:25.815
three are just behind schedule. I

01:05:25.839 --> 01:05:28.216
commend the report and the actions taken

01:05:28.240 --> 01:05:31.095
to date by staff and council. Thank you.

01:05:31.119 --> 01:05:32.775
Thank you, councelor Kennet. Councelor

01:05:32.799 --> 01:05:33.815
Atwell.

01:05:33.839 --> 01:05:35.575
 thank you, Mayor, and um thank you,

01:05:35.599 --> 01:05:37.736
councelor Kennet. I do note our

01:05:37.760 --> 01:05:39.496
council's first nation lead, Adrien

01:05:39.520 --> 01:05:41.575
Greenwood's in the gallery, and he's had

01:05:41.599 --> 01:05:43.815
 played such an instrumental role in

01:05:43.839 --> 01:05:45.976
in in in the wrap and the review and the

01:05:46.000 --> 01:05:47.736
development of our of our next plan. So,

01:05:47.760 --> 01:05:50.696
thank you,  Adrian. Um yes, I think

01:05:50.720 --> 01:05:52.535
it's um it's with pride to speak to this

01:05:52.559 --> 01:05:54.775
item. 96% completion of our of our

01:05:54.799 --> 01:05:56.856
actions is outstanding. winning an award

01:05:56.880 --> 01:05:59.176
along the way in 2023, the establishment

01:05:59.200 --> 01:06:00.775
of a yarning circle here at the civic

01:06:00.799 --> 01:06:03.335
center, 22 Aboriginal housing 

01:06:03.359 --> 01:06:06.359
residences now  established in Knox um

01:06:06.799 --> 01:06:08.295
and some really strong cultural

01:06:08.319 --> 01:06:10.936
education programs. Um and I really like

01:06:10.960 --> 01:06:13.335
the um as we look to the future that

01:06:13.359 --> 01:06:15.176
we're recommending that we maintain our

01:06:15.200 --> 01:06:16.936
innovate level, you know, rather than

01:06:16.960 --> 01:06:19.416
pushing too hard too fast, which I think

01:06:19.440 --> 01:06:21.736
is is really important in the

01:06:21.760 --> 01:06:23.815
environment post voice referendum. I

01:06:23.839 --> 01:06:25.896
think that matches  you know that

01:06:25.920 --> 01:06:28.535
meets people where they are um and that

01:06:28.559 --> 01:06:30.456
place-based consultation approach I

01:06:30.480 --> 01:06:33.480
think is is is perfect for um our focus

01:06:33.520 --> 01:06:36.055
into the future. So um I strongly 

01:06:36.079 --> 01:06:38.295
support the the recommendations here to

01:06:38.319 --> 01:06:40.136
look back um and begin to look forward

01:06:40.160 --> 01:06:43.160
on  to the  action plan for 2026 to

01:06:43.599 --> 01:06:46.055
2028. Thank you.

01:06:46.079 --> 01:06:47.656
Thank you. Would any other councilor

01:06:47.680 --> 01:06:49.815
like to speak to the motion? Thank you

01:06:49.839 --> 01:06:51.656
councelor Lockwood.

01:06:51.680 --> 01:06:53.575
 thank you. um I'll take a slightly

01:06:53.599 --> 01:06:54.456
different approach and but

01:06:54.480 --> 01:06:56.856
congratulations on on the report and the

01:06:56.880 --> 01:06:59.015
review of the rap. It's very important.

01:06:59.039 --> 01:07:00.616
I was around at the early days of

01:07:00.640 --> 01:07:03.640
gestation of this um 2019 2020 and we

01:07:04.559 --> 01:07:06.616
had some pretty strong arguments over

01:07:06.640 --> 01:07:09.496
this. Um I was hoping to get a united

01:07:09.520 --> 01:07:12.520
council at the time. Now um a original

01:07:13.119 --> 01:07:14.616
tourist straight on the people have had

01:07:14.640 --> 01:07:16.856
a long history of exclusion in Australia

01:07:16.880 --> 01:07:18.696
um from the history books from the flag

01:07:18.720 --> 01:07:20.535
from the anthem and for many years

01:07:20.559 --> 01:07:22.616
Australian democracy

01:07:22.640 --> 01:07:24.535
um and this dispossession and

01:07:24.559 --> 01:07:26.616
colonization is at the heart of the

01:07:26.640 --> 01:07:28.456
disparity between aberiginal tourist

01:07:28.480 --> 01:07:29.976
islander people and other Australians

01:07:30.000 --> 01:07:32.775
today. Those those divisions have not

01:07:32.799 --> 01:07:35.799
yet been healed. Well, um given after

01:07:36.319 --> 01:07:38.616
the voice there was a lot of I saw in

01:07:38.640 --> 01:07:40.136
the media a lot of attack over

01:07:40.160 --> 01:07:42.136
acknowledgement of country and people

01:07:42.160 --> 01:07:45.095
making fun of it, people calling out um

01:07:45.119 --> 01:07:48.055
at the war memorial that is pretty poor

01:07:48.079 --> 01:07:50.775
really. Um it is important um and

01:07:50.799 --> 01:07:52.376
Aboriginal trial straight on people I'm

01:07:52.400 --> 01:07:55.400
sure see it as you know contributing to

01:07:56.240 --> 01:07:58.456
ending that exclusion. It's it's

01:07:58.480 --> 01:08:00.936
encouraging us all to end that exclusion

01:08:00.960 --> 01:08:02.856
and including those welcoming and

01:08:02.880 --> 01:08:05.880
acknowledgement protocols recognizes

01:08:06.079 --> 01:08:08.936
um a original trist onto people and

01:08:08.960 --> 01:08:11.960
shows respect. Um I often hear some

01:08:12.960 --> 01:08:15.176
people say country this is my country.

01:08:15.200 --> 01:08:17.576
Well I guess the word country that there

01:08:17.600 --> 01:08:19.896
may not be any direct equivalent from

01:08:19.920 --> 01:08:21.576
the original indigenous languages and

01:08:21.600 --> 01:08:23.896
country is the closest. It's not country

01:08:23.920 --> 01:08:26.536
as in coming across the border into Knox

01:08:26.560 --> 01:08:27.976
or coming across the border into a

01:08:28.000 --> 01:08:30.856
country. It's it's it's the land, it's

01:08:30.880 --> 01:08:33.175
it's the sky, it's the trees, it's the

01:08:33.199 --> 01:08:35.655
rivers, it's the wind and the rain. It's

01:08:35.679 --> 01:08:37.016
all of these things that are part of

01:08:37.040 --> 01:08:39.255
life. And Ainal people are part of all

01:08:39.279 --> 01:08:42.279
of that. So when they're inviting you to

01:08:42.719 --> 01:08:45.255
country,  they're inviting you into

01:08:45.279 --> 01:08:48.279
their lives to to walk with them  in

01:08:48.560 --> 01:08:51.560
those lands and not to that is not I

01:08:51.679 --> 01:08:54.295
guess in a white person speak  another

01:08:54.319 --> 01:08:56.936
country. It's it's life. Welcome to my

01:08:56.960 --> 01:08:59.896
home and my family essentially is how I

01:08:59.920 --> 01:09:02.920
see it anyway. So um certainly endorse

01:09:03.199 --> 01:09:05.976
the plan and  hope it continues. I

01:09:06.000 --> 01:09:07.496
would like love it to continue and no

01:09:07.520 --> 01:09:10.520
doubt it will. Um and it's important

01:09:10.560 --> 01:09:13.416
that we maintain this this building

01:09:13.440 --> 01:09:14.616
bridges. There's still a lot of

01:09:14.640 --> 01:09:17.255
division. Um we need to need more

01:09:17.279 --> 01:09:19.815
truthtelling. There's been,

01:09:19.839 --> 01:09:22.295
you know, the bad history's been covered

01:09:22.319 --> 01:09:23.815
up. The victors always write the

01:09:23.839 --> 01:09:26.056
history. Um but we need to be honest

01:09:26.080 --> 01:09:27.976
about the past. That's all it requires

01:09:28.000 --> 01:09:29.896
is recognize what actually happened in

01:09:29.920 --> 01:09:32.456
the past and not what we say happened.

01:09:32.480 --> 01:09:35.480
So I'll leave it at that.

01:09:35.600 --> 01:09:37.335
Would any other counselor like to speak

01:09:37.359 --> 01:09:40.359
to the motion?

01:09:42.480 --> 01:09:43.815
Councelor Kenna, would you like to

01:09:43.839 --> 01:09:46.056
exercise your right of reply? I'll now

01:09:46.080 --> 01:09:48.936
put the motion. All those in favor? The

01:09:48.960 --> 01:09:51.960
motion is carried. Thank you.

01:09:52.400 --> 01:09:55.400
Okay. We now move to item 8.3, waste

01:09:55.440 --> 01:09:58.056
services community engagement plan.

01:09:58.080 --> 01:10:01.080
Would a counselor like to move a motion?

01:10:01.520 --> 01:10:04.376
Um, councelor Baker. Um, would a

01:10:04.400 --> 01:10:05.576
counselor, are you moving the

01:10:05.600 --> 01:10:07.896
recommendation? Would a councelor like

01:10:07.920 --> 01:10:10.920
to second the motion?

01:10:11.120 --> 01:10:13.896
Councelor Atwell. Thank you. Councelor

01:10:13.920 --> 01:10:15.736
Baker, would you like to speak to the

01:10:15.760 --> 01:10:16.056
motion?

01:10:16.080 --> 01:10:18.215
Thank you. I will, Mayor Cooper. , the

01:10:18.239 --> 01:10:20.456
purpose of this survey is to engage with

01:10:20.480 --> 01:10:22.135
our community regarding their

01:10:22.159 --> 01:10:23.976
satisfaction with current waste services

01:10:24.000 --> 01:10:26.695
across Knox. The survey is designed to

01:10:26.719 --> 01:10:28.616
provide reliable, objective data from

01:10:28.640 --> 01:10:30.616
our residents on a service that all over

01:10:30.640 --> 01:10:33.096
our community uses each and every week.

01:10:33.120 --> 01:10:34.936
Residents will be able to provide their

01:10:34.960 --> 01:10:36.856
feedback on their satisfaction levels

01:10:36.880 --> 01:10:39.016
with a curbside waste collection,

01:10:39.040 --> 01:10:41.896
recycling, foggo, hard waste collection,

01:10:41.920 --> 01:10:44.616
bundle green waste, and curbside glass

01:10:44.640 --> 01:10:47.640
only service  which is um a potential

01:10:48.880 --> 01:10:50.936
 future service.

01:10:50.960 --> 01:10:52.616
Um I want to be very clear that this

01:10:52.640 --> 01:10:54.536
report is seeking community feedback and

01:10:54.560 --> 01:10:56.616
satisfaction levels from the community

01:10:56.640 --> 01:10:59.016
and that no decision has been made to

01:10:59.040 --> 01:11:00.536
change the current waste collection

01:11:00.560 --> 01:11:02.695
frequency from not fortnightly to 

01:11:02.719 --> 01:11:05.175
weekly. Um I also note in the report

01:11:05.199 --> 01:11:08.199
that just as a an um interest that um

01:11:09.760 --> 01:11:12.296
for example changing the frequency could

01:11:12.320 --> 01:11:14.296
have a cost implication of nearly $3

01:11:14.320 --> 01:11:16.456
million. Um, I understand that the

01:11:16.480 --> 01:11:18.296
survey comes at a cost, but one I feel

01:11:18.320 --> 01:11:19.736
is worthwhile in understanding the

01:11:19.760 --> 01:11:21.496
sentiments of our community with the

01:11:21.520 --> 01:11:23.736
current way service. While the report

01:11:23.760 --> 01:11:25.416
notes that there'll be 500 face-to-face

01:11:25.440 --> 01:11:27.175
interviews, the community can still have

01:11:27.199 --> 01:11:29.256
the opportunity providing their feedback

01:11:29.280 --> 01:11:31.336
through the online have your say page

01:11:31.360 --> 01:11:33.816
and will be open for community feedback

01:11:33.840 --> 01:11:36.215
for 4 weeks between the 10th of November

01:11:36.239 --> 01:11:38.215
and the 7th of December. And I encourage

01:11:38.239 --> 01:11:40.856
our community to jump online and share

01:11:40.880 --> 01:11:43.096
your views regarding this waist service

01:11:43.120 --> 01:11:46.120
 satisfaction survey. Thank you.

01:11:46.480 --> 01:11:48.056
Thank you, councelor Baker. Councelor

01:11:48.080 --> 01:11:48.776
Atwell,

01:11:48.800 --> 01:11:50.296
I'll reserve my right. May.

01:11:50.320 --> 01:11:52.135
Thank you. Would any other counselor

01:11:52.159 --> 01:11:53.736
like to speak to the motion? Councelor

01:11:53.760 --> 01:11:55.736
Pearce.

01:11:55.760 --> 01:11:57.655
Thank you, Madame May. I'm not

01:11:57.679 --> 01:11:59.175
supporting this motion on the following

01:11:59.199 --> 01:12:01.016
grounds.

01:12:01.040 --> 01:12:03.175
The survey, if approved on the offic's

01:12:03.199 --> 01:12:05.416
recommendation, will only survey 500

01:12:05.440 --> 01:12:08.440
residents. Based on the 2021 census,

01:12:09.600 --> 01:12:12.600
there are 160,500

01:12:13.120 --> 01:12:15.816
people residents in the Knox Council

01:12:15.840 --> 01:12:18.616
area. Based on the office recommendation

01:12:18.640 --> 01:12:21.096
of the survey of 500 people, that

01:12:21.120 --> 01:12:23.096
equates to

01:12:23.120 --> 01:12:25.416
31%,

01:12:25.440 --> 01:12:28.296
not even half a percent of the

01:12:28.320 --> 01:12:30.856
population of Knox.

01:12:30.880 --> 01:12:33.096
During the election, I I door knocked a

01:12:33.120 --> 01:12:36.120
majority of my ward and over 80% wanted

01:12:36.400 --> 01:12:38.376
the return of the red bin to be picked

01:12:38.400 --> 01:12:40.856
up on a weekly basis.

01:12:40.880 --> 01:12:43.880
There are 16,000 people or over 6,400

01:12:47.360 --> 01:12:49.896
houses in Taylor Ward.

01:12:49.920 --> 01:12:51.896
If you divide the 500 people in the

01:12:51.920 --> 01:12:54.920
survey to equates to 55 people per ward,

01:12:55.440 --> 01:12:57.175
I believe if you stand in your local

01:12:57.199 --> 01:12:59.336
shopping center on a Saturday, a

01:12:59.360 --> 01:13:01.496
Saturday morning over a couple of weeks,

01:13:01.520 --> 01:13:04.520
you could survey more than 55 people.

01:13:04.560 --> 01:13:06.695
This is not and this wouldn't be a cost

01:13:06.719 --> 01:13:09.719
to counselors. I volunteer.

01:13:10.080 --> 01:13:12.296
Based on the information I received, the

01:13:12.320 --> 01:13:15.016
survey is conducted over Knox, but not

01:13:15.040 --> 01:13:18.040
equally across each ward. On this basis,

01:13:18.560 --> 01:13:21.560
each ward as each ward are different and

01:13:22.239 --> 01:13:24.776
uniquely significant.

01:13:24.800 --> 01:13:26.376
The discrepancy is not being

01:13:26.400 --> 01:13:28.135
acknowledged

01:13:28.159 --> 01:13:30.936
based on this motion approved by if this

01:13:30.960 --> 01:13:32.616
motion is approved by council. Majority

01:13:32.640 --> 01:13:34.135
of the motion deals with the weekly

01:13:34.159 --> 01:13:35.976
service, then less than half the

01:13:36.000 --> 01:13:39.000
questions relate to this topic. I find

01:13:39.120 --> 01:13:41.256
myself with some of the questions

01:13:41.280 --> 01:13:42.936
finding that they are a suggestive

01:13:42.960 --> 01:13:45.960
nature and imply a result.

01:13:46.000 --> 01:13:47.736
Consequently, I'm not happy with the way

01:13:47.760 --> 01:13:50.296
the survey is prepared.

01:13:50.320 --> 01:13:53.016
It indicate the survey costs a larger

01:13:53.040 --> 01:13:56.040
bin at $48.50 for 120 L

01:13:58.239 --> 01:14:00.616
and $1729

01:14:00.640 --> 01:14:03.640
for 240 L. However, the cost per

01:14:03.920 --> 01:14:05.976
household for the weekly service to be

01:14:06.000 --> 01:14:09.000
returned is $57.

01:14:09.600 --> 01:14:12.600
The difference between increasing to 120

01:14:12.800 --> 01:14:15.800
liter and the weekly service is $8.50

01:14:17.199 --> 01:14:19.976
less than most people's coffee bill.

01:14:20.000 --> 01:14:23.000
However, nowhere in the survey survey is

01:14:23.440 --> 01:14:26.440
this comparison asked in it's asked in

01:14:27.120 --> 01:14:29.736
various positions but not exactly that

01:14:29.760 --> 01:14:32.760
point. The survey will cost $35,000

01:14:33.920 --> 01:14:36.920
or $70 per survey. While this has been

01:14:37.199 --> 01:14:40.056
allocated the budget, I question if it's

01:14:40.080 --> 01:14:42.776
a good use of resources. However, the

01:14:42.800 --> 01:14:45.800
cost will increase if the survey in

01:14:46.159 --> 01:14:49.159
surveys more people. As a consequence,

01:14:49.600 --> 01:14:51.736
I'm not supporting this motion. Thank

01:14:51.760 --> 01:14:53.175
you, Madame May.

01:14:53.199 --> 01:14:55.576
Thank you, Councelor Pearce. Would any

01:14:55.600 --> 01:14:57.256
other councelor like to speak to the

01:14:57.280 --> 01:14:59.896
motion? Thank you, councelor Lockwood,

01:14:59.920 --> 01:15:01.976
then councelor Duncan.

01:15:02.000 --> 01:15:04.135
Um, I like the idea of a survey. I mean,

01:15:04.159 --> 01:15:06.296
we talked about this and I think it's

01:15:06.320 --> 01:15:08.695
useful to survey the opinions. However,

01:15:08.719 --> 01:15:10.856
I'm quite concerned at some elements of

01:15:10.880 --> 01:15:13.256
this survey. A, it's too long. I don't

01:15:13.280 --> 01:15:15.336
see why we're asking so many questions.

01:15:15.360 --> 01:15:17.655
I thought we were surveying one aspect

01:15:17.679 --> 01:15:19.576
of this service and we're not. And

01:15:19.600 --> 01:15:21.416
secondly, quite a bit of this is push

01:15:21.440 --> 01:15:24.215
polling. I I think that lacks integrity

01:15:24.239 --> 01:15:26.695
quite personally. Um, before today, we

01:15:26.719 --> 01:15:27.976
aware the state government requires

01:15:28.000 --> 01:15:29.416
council to implement a glass only

01:15:29.440 --> 01:15:31.976
collection service by 2027 at a direct

01:15:32.000 --> 01:15:33.896
cost to the residents. Do you support

01:15:33.920 --> 01:15:35.416
the state government initiative? There's

01:15:35.440 --> 01:15:37.896
two questions. That's push polling. Um

01:15:37.920 --> 01:15:40.215
you're giving people

01:15:40.239 --> 01:15:42.215
how can they how can they, you know, say

01:15:42.239 --> 01:15:45.239
no to that. The answer is predictable.

01:15:45.920 --> 01:15:48.135
How many the ones about how many glass

01:15:48.159 --> 01:15:50.056
containers is fine, but there are other

01:15:50.080 --> 01:15:51.655
elements in here that are clearly push

01:15:51.679 --> 01:15:53.416
polling. Some of the previous ones are

01:15:53.440 --> 01:15:56.440
push polling as well. So, um I just not

01:15:56.800 --> 01:15:59.655
happy with the with the nature of this.

01:15:59.679 --> 01:16:02.215
It's um meant to be objective, meant to

01:16:02.239 --> 01:16:04.376
get people's honest objective opinion,

01:16:04.400 --> 01:16:06.456
but we're giving them information to

01:16:06.480 --> 01:16:08.695
influence how they're going to answer.

01:16:08.719 --> 01:16:10.376
So, the results that come out of this

01:16:10.400 --> 01:16:13.256
won't be accurate. Um I I disagree with

01:16:13.280 --> 01:16:15.096
my colleague. I think 500 is is an

01:16:15.120 --> 01:16:18.120
adequate survey. Um and I would love I I

01:16:18.800 --> 01:16:20.056
want to want to go ahead with the

01:16:20.080 --> 01:16:23.080
survey. However, um I'm never ever going

01:16:23.120 --> 01:16:26.120
to support push polling. Um I think it's

01:16:26.159 --> 01:16:29.159
immoral and now lacks integrity. I won't

01:16:29.199 --> 01:16:31.175
do it.

01:16:31.199 --> 01:16:33.336
Councelor Duncan.

01:16:33.360 --> 01:16:35.256
Um, thank you, Councelor Lockwood. And

01:16:35.280 --> 01:16:37.175
yes, I agree with you. The the number of

01:16:37.199 --> 01:16:39.736
500 statistically speaking will give us

01:16:39.760 --> 01:16:42.760
a very good understanding of  the

01:16:42.800 --> 01:16:45.096
greater community's concerns.

01:16:45.120 --> 01:16:46.695
Can you just pop the microphone?

01:16:46.719 --> 01:16:48.456
Sorry, can't hear. Yeah, that's better.

01:16:48.480 --> 01:16:50.215
Thank you. Um,

01:16:50.239 --> 01:16:51.576
what I did want to say is I wanted to

01:16:51.600 --> 01:16:53.256
thank the officers for including some of

01:16:53.280 --> 01:16:55.096
the feedback that we gave at the issues

01:16:55.120 --> 01:16:56.616
briefing with some additional questions

01:16:56.640 --> 01:16:59.496
in here about how likely they are to use

01:16:59.520 --> 01:17:01.976
the green waste service and and so forth

01:17:02.000 --> 01:17:04.456
which we weren't asking previously. Um,

01:17:04.480 --> 01:17:06.296
as far as push polling councelor

01:17:06.320 --> 01:17:07.736
Lockwood that the questions are in

01:17:07.760 --> 01:17:09.016
there. I think we can either take them

01:17:09.040 --> 01:17:10.616
or leave them that, as you said, they're

01:17:10.640 --> 01:17:12.536
not going to give us any great 

01:17:12.560 --> 01:17:14.695
insight into into people's  waste

01:17:14.719 --> 01:17:16.135
management etc. But I just wanted to

01:17:16.159 --> 01:17:17.336
thank the officers for taking our

01:17:17.360 --> 01:17:18.776
feedback on board. And there's quite a

01:17:18.800 --> 01:17:20.616
few questions in there that I think are

01:17:20.640 --> 01:17:22.856
going to give us some really interesting

01:17:22.880 --> 01:17:24.616
 results to see whether we stick with

01:17:24.640 --> 01:17:26.296
our weekly colle  fortnightly

01:17:26.320 --> 01:17:29.256
collections or go back to weekly. Um I

01:17:29.280 --> 01:17:30.695
also wanted to acknowledge councelor

01:17:30.719 --> 01:17:32.376
Pearce as you said that there is the

01:17:32.400 --> 01:17:35.400
option to increase your bin size  for

01:17:35.679 --> 01:17:37.816
those users that want to. Um, I think

01:17:37.840 --> 01:17:39.496
that's a much better option than than

01:17:39.520 --> 01:17:41.416
forcing an additional cost onto the

01:17:41.440 --> 01:17:44.135
entire municipality for those  of us

01:17:44.159 --> 01:17:47.159
that can actually recycle our um our

01:17:47.679 --> 01:17:49.336
waste and actually stick to our bin

01:17:49.360 --> 01:17:51.655
limits. So, I I'm looking forward to

01:17:51.679 --> 01:17:53.256
seeing the results of this survey and I

01:17:53.280 --> 01:17:54.536
think we might be quite surprised by

01:17:54.560 --> 01:17:55.976
some of the results that come back. So,

01:17:56.000 --> 01:17:56.536
thank you.

01:17:56.560 --> 01:17:58.695
Thank you, Councelor Duncan. Would any

01:17:58.719 --> 01:18:00.616
other councelor Yep. Councelor Williams,

01:18:00.640 --> 01:18:01.336
thank you.

01:18:01.360 --> 01:18:03.016
Thank you through you, May. Um,

01:18:03.040 --> 01:18:05.976
likewise. Um I guess just echoing what

01:18:06.000 --> 01:18:07.336
um my two fellow colleagues have just

01:18:07.360 --> 01:18:09.655
mentioned. I do have a question um query

01:18:09.679 --> 01:18:12.376
in regards to question 34. Again I just

01:18:12.400 --> 01:18:14.456
think that's leading towards a towards

01:18:14.480 --> 01:18:16.456
an answer one way or the other. Um and

01:18:16.480 --> 01:18:19.256
not sure um that sort of sits with me

01:18:19.280 --> 01:18:22.135
that well. Um understanding that

01:18:22.159 --> 01:18:24.936
residents are paying for this survey

01:18:24.960 --> 01:18:26.695
during the through the waste charge. I'd

01:18:26.719 --> 01:18:29.256
be curious to find out exactly how much

01:18:29.280 --> 01:18:31.496
the um each resident would be paying

01:18:31.520 --> 01:18:34.215
through that um rate charge. But I also

01:18:34.239 --> 01:18:36.376
just question the timing. Um I'm just

01:18:36.400 --> 01:18:37.976
wondering if from 10th of November till

01:18:38.000 --> 01:18:40.056
the 7th of December if we're going to

01:18:40.080 --> 01:18:41.336
capture the right people at the right

01:18:41.360 --> 01:18:43.096
time being, you know, a lot of people

01:18:43.120 --> 01:18:45.016
aren't home, a lot of people are busy.

01:18:45.040 --> 01:18:48.040
Are they going to um we got 42 odd um

01:18:48.800 --> 01:18:50.135
questions in there which as councelor

01:18:50.159 --> 01:18:51.976
Lockwood mentioned is quite detailed.

01:18:52.000 --> 01:18:53.096
Are they going to be able to get through

01:18:53.120 --> 01:18:55.016
it in a timely manner? Um so I'll

01:18:55.040 --> 01:18:56.215
probably just question the timing. I'm

01:18:56.239 --> 01:18:57.496
probably sitting on the edge at this

01:18:57.520 --> 01:18:59.816
stage between a yes and no. I'm I'm

01:18:59.840 --> 01:19:01.416
supportive of giving a survey. I think

01:19:01.440 --> 01:19:03.655
surveys give us a good result as we've

01:19:03.679 --> 01:19:05.496
seen in other papers that we've just

01:19:05.520 --> 01:19:07.736
discussed today. Um so I do think it's

01:19:07.760 --> 01:19:10.135
worth doing, but I question the timing,

01:19:10.159 --> 01:19:13.159
the questions, um and how much residents

01:19:13.360 --> 01:19:15.175
are actually paying.

01:19:15.199 --> 01:19:17.896
Thank you, Councelor Williams. Would any

01:19:17.920 --> 01:19:19.496
other counselor like to speak to the

01:19:19.520 --> 01:19:21.655
motion?

01:19:21.679 --> 01:19:24.056
Councelor Kennet. Thank you.

01:19:24.080 --> 01:19:26.695
Thank you. through you. Madame Mayor, um

01:19:26.719 --> 01:19:29.655
I probably just want to speak to the

01:19:29.679 --> 01:19:32.679
number of respondents being 500. Um

01:19:33.360 --> 01:19:36.360
those that are interested can review

01:19:36.800 --> 01:19:39.800
um item 1.6 in the report which details

01:19:40.239 --> 01:19:43.239
the statistic validity of the number of

01:19:43.920 --> 01:19:46.456
people that will be surveyed and why

01:19:46.480 --> 01:19:48.776
that number's being chosen.

01:19:48.800 --> 01:19:51.256
um it provides a confidence interval

01:19:51.280 --> 01:19:54.280
that um that is likely to be true of the

01:19:55.679 --> 01:19:58.679
community's view.

01:19:59.120 --> 01:20:02.056
Um so the information in in the report

01:20:02.080 --> 01:20:05.080
is useful for people to understand. So I

01:20:05.440 --> 01:20:07.736
would certainly point you to that. I'm

01:20:07.760 --> 01:20:10.536
interested to hear about  residents

01:20:10.560 --> 01:20:13.560
views on um an upcoming glass collection

01:20:14.719 --> 01:20:17.496
and our current hard rubbish and green

01:20:17.520 --> 01:20:20.520
waste collection. I spoke to a number of

01:20:21.120 --> 01:20:22.695
um our committee members at the

01:20:22.719 --> 01:20:24.776
environment advisory committee and they

01:20:24.800 --> 01:20:27.655
wanted to understand why were we asking

01:20:27.679 --> 01:20:29.655
about our waste collection. they were

01:20:29.679 --> 01:20:32.679
very satisfied with council's rubbish

01:20:32.960 --> 01:20:35.960
collection services and  so I think

01:20:36.400 --> 01:20:38.936
that this is not only an opportunity

01:20:38.960 --> 01:20:41.960
just to  have a checkpoint on what

01:20:42.320 --> 01:20:45.096
council services um are delivered for

01:20:45.120 --> 01:20:47.016
waste because it it affects every

01:20:47.040 --> 01:20:49.416
resident in our municipality but also

01:20:49.440 --> 01:20:52.440
those services that are optional I guess

01:20:52.960 --> 01:20:55.016
u like hard rubbish and green waste but

01:20:55.040 --> 01:20:57.416
also the upcoming glass collection. So,

01:20:57.440 --> 01:21:00.440
I am  supportive of hearing back from

01:21:00.960 --> 01:21:03.960
residents on those items in particular.

01:21:04.480 --> 01:21:05.096
Thank you.

01:21:05.120 --> 01:21:07.576
Thank you. Would any other counselor

01:21:07.600 --> 01:21:10.536
like to speak to the motion?

01:21:10.560 --> 01:21:12.056
Thank you, councelor.

01:21:12.080 --> 01:21:13.655
 thank you, Mayor. I'm very

01:21:13.679 --> 01:21:15.096
comfortable in terms of the number of

01:21:15.120 --> 01:21:17.736
respondents. The 500 is exactly the same

01:21:17.760 --> 01:21:20.215
as the number of  surveys we do for

01:21:20.239 --> 01:21:21.896
our annual community satisfaction

01:21:21.920 --> 01:21:23.576
survey. So it's exactly the same as the

01:21:23.600 --> 01:21:25.175
other survey that we do annually that we

01:21:25.199 --> 01:21:28.199
all  we all accept and and and take a

01:21:28.400 --> 01:21:30.536
steer from to some extent. So very happy

01:21:30.560 --> 01:21:33.416
with the statistical validity. And um to

01:21:33.440 --> 01:21:34.695
put that into context, I mean the

01:21:34.719 --> 01:21:36.376
national news poll survey which gives us

01:21:36.400 --> 01:21:37.976
our national two-party prefer and

01:21:38.000 --> 01:21:39.096
primary

01:21:39.120 --> 01:21:41.336
um I think that's done on about a 1500

01:21:41.360 --> 01:21:44.360
to 200  2,000  respondent survey. So

01:21:45.840 --> 01:21:48.536
um this is um exactly in line with the

01:21:48.560 --> 01:21:49.896
graph in terms of that confidence

01:21:49.920 --> 01:21:51.976
interval. Um I think in terms of the

01:21:52.000 --> 01:21:55.000
cost um you know I I recall the meeting

01:21:55.760 --> 01:21:57.576
where this ended up being an alternate

01:21:57.600 --> 01:22:00.600
motion um  to go down the path of of

01:22:00.719 --> 01:22:02.936
of conducting a survey to seek the

01:22:02.960 --> 01:22:05.416
sentiment of our community because we we

01:22:05.440 --> 01:22:07.496
were one vote away in this chamber 

01:22:07.520 --> 01:22:10.056
only a few months ago. It was a 5-4 vote

01:22:10.080 --> 01:22:11.976
on making the decision to return to

01:22:12.000 --> 01:22:13.816
weekly rubbish collection with no

01:22:13.840 --> 01:22:16.615
consultation at a cost of $3 million and

01:22:16.639 --> 01:22:19.496
$57 per household with no consultation.

01:22:19.520 --> 01:22:22.520
No question. know nothing.  $35,000 is

01:22:22.639 --> 01:22:24.615
a very smart investment rather than

01:22:24.639 --> 01:22:26.856
heaping $3 million um across every

01:22:26.880 --> 01:22:29.880
household in Knox. Um this is um

01:22:30.080 --> 01:22:31.655
something we've talked about for a long

01:22:31.679 --> 01:22:33.496
time. I'm not sure the nervousness of of

01:22:33.520 --> 01:22:35.976
asking people  the questions. There's

01:22:36.000 --> 01:22:38.695
you know 35 or there's 40 odd. I think

01:22:38.719 --> 01:22:40.776
it's a tension between do you want it

01:22:40.800 --> 01:22:41.896
short and brief? Do you want it

01:22:41.920 --> 01:22:43.976
comprehensive enough to get the insight?

01:22:44.000 --> 01:22:45.736
Question 34, which has been talked

01:22:45.760 --> 01:22:47.976
about, asks, um, which of the following

01:22:48.000 --> 01:22:49.655
options do you prefer for the curbside

01:22:49.679 --> 01:22:51.496
collection? Option one, the current

01:22:51.520 --> 01:22:52.936
system, a fortnightly garbage

01:22:52.960 --> 01:22:55.096
collection, and it goes on, or option

01:22:55.120 --> 01:22:57.416
two, the alternative, a weekly garbage

01:22:57.440 --> 01:22:59.256
collection. If that's the crux of the

01:22:59.280 --> 01:23:01.655
issue, question 34 lays it out plainly

01:23:01.679 --> 01:23:03.416
in black and white for people to have

01:23:03.440 --> 01:23:05.416
their say. Um, you know, around the

01:23:05.440 --> 01:23:07.416
traps, I've talked to plenty of people.

01:23:07.440 --> 01:23:09.016
I mean, waste services touch every

01:23:09.040 --> 01:23:11.016
household in Knox. I've heard from

01:23:11.040 --> 01:23:12.296
people who are quite happy with the

01:23:12.320 --> 01:23:13.576
current system. I've heard the

01:23:13.600 --> 01:23:16.536
frustrations around fortnightly garbage

01:23:16.560 --> 01:23:18.215
collections and a and a request to go

01:23:18.239 --> 01:23:20.456
back to Wheatly. People talk to me about

01:23:20.480 --> 01:23:23.175
recycling options for soft plastics. 

01:23:23.199 --> 01:23:24.695
people are frustrated by illegal

01:23:24.719 --> 01:23:27.096
dumping. People talk about our hard

01:23:27.120 --> 01:23:28.936
rubbish  collection services and

01:23:28.960 --> 01:23:30.856
whether they should be  on a certain

01:23:30.880 --> 01:23:33.880
date or book. So, um, there's a lot to

01:23:34.080 --> 01:23:35.976
unpack and part of the conversation is

01:23:36.000 --> 01:23:38.215
transparency about cost because when I

01:23:38.239 --> 01:23:39.576
talk to people and people say, "I'm

01:23:39.600 --> 01:23:41.016
frustrated. I want to go back to a

01:23:41.040 --> 01:23:42.856
weekly." And then I'm able to detail

01:23:42.880 --> 01:23:45.416
what it will cost um, every household in

01:23:45.440 --> 01:23:47.736
Knox um, to do that. Um, people are a

01:23:47.760 --> 01:23:49.256
little bit , a little bit more

01:23:49.280 --> 01:23:51.496
balanced and unsure. So, this is an

01:23:51.520 --> 01:23:53.896
important um, survey. It will dig into

01:23:53.920 --> 01:23:55.816
the environmental responsibility, the

01:23:55.840 --> 01:23:58.840
financial part um, and um, also goes to

01:23:59.040 --> 01:24:00.536
that trust we have with the community.

01:24:00.560 --> 01:24:02.615
We will we will consult and ask your

01:24:02.639 --> 01:24:04.135
opinion before we make really

01:24:04.159 --> 01:24:06.456
significant decisions. And I'm minded of

01:24:06.480 --> 01:24:08.296
the meeting. We were one vote away from

01:24:08.320 --> 01:24:10.456
from immediately going back to a weekly

01:24:10.480 --> 01:24:13.175
garbage collection. 54 was the vote. And

01:24:13.199 --> 01:24:15.416
um I think we'd be hearing a lot  a

01:24:15.440 --> 01:24:17.096
lot more than than this if we had have

01:24:17.120 --> 01:24:18.615
made that decision on the night. So this

01:24:18.639 --> 01:24:20.536
is a really important survey and I'm

01:24:20.560 --> 01:24:22.135
very open-minded on the issue and look

01:24:22.159 --> 01:24:23.496
forward to getting it back  when it

01:24:23.520 --> 01:24:24.936
comes back. Thank you.

01:24:24.960 --> 01:24:27.960
Thank you. Thank you, councelor.

01:24:28.000 --> 01:24:29.576
Would any other counselor like to speak

01:24:29.600 --> 01:24:32.600
to the motion? Councelor Consid.

01:24:33.199 --> 01:24:34.936
Thank you through you, Madame May. I'm

01:24:34.960 --> 01:24:37.960
just very happy with the  report and

01:24:38.080 --> 01:24:40.456
supporting you.

01:24:40.480 --> 01:24:43.480
Yes. Um and 100% agree with  cancer as

01:24:44.320 --> 01:24:47.016
well. I think he made a very good point

01:24:47.040 --> 01:24:49.336
and  we'll see what happens. it comes

01:24:49.360 --> 01:24:51.736
to the community although I have heard a

01:24:51.760 --> 01:24:54.760
lot of complaints about it in my ward

01:24:54.880 --> 01:24:57.880
but we should like you know go and see

01:24:57.920 --> 01:24:59.736
what's going to happen thank you thank

01:24:59.760 --> 01:25:01.816
you thank you I'm going to quickly jump

01:25:01.840 --> 01:25:04.615
in here and um just express my support

01:25:04.639 --> 01:25:07.256
to move forward um I am comfortable with

01:25:07.280 --> 01:25:10.135
the questions I am comfortable with the

01:25:10.159 --> 01:25:13.159
statistical significance of of the

01:25:13.520 --> 01:25:15.096
respondents

01:25:15.120 --> 01:25:18.120
um as a counselor who has being

01:25:18.639 --> 01:25:20.776
reelected into this term of council. So,

01:25:20.800 --> 01:25:22.536
this decision was originally made with

01:25:22.560 --> 01:25:24.695
the last term of council and something I

01:25:24.719 --> 01:25:26.776
wanted to see from the very outset was a

01:25:26.800 --> 01:25:28.776
checkpoint, a point where we could check

01:25:28.800 --> 01:25:31.336
back in with the community and basically

01:25:31.360 --> 01:25:32.776
consult them to see, you know, how are

01:25:32.800 --> 01:25:35.256
we going? What issues are you facing?

01:25:35.280 --> 01:25:36.456
What are you happy with? What are you

01:25:36.480 --> 01:25:38.615
not happy with? Um, so I'm really really

01:25:38.639 --> 01:25:40.695
pleased to be sitting here and I equally

01:25:40.719 --> 01:25:43.719
look forward to reviewing these results

01:25:43.840 --> 01:25:46.840
and I honestly can't encourage um our

01:25:47.040 --> 01:25:49.175
community enough to get involved and and

01:25:49.199 --> 01:25:52.135
participate as as much as they can um

01:25:52.159 --> 01:25:54.135
when it comes to having their say on

01:25:54.159 --> 01:25:56.936
this particular issue. Council Baker,

01:25:56.960 --> 01:25:58.856
you moved the motion. Would you like to

01:25:58.880 --> 01:26:01.880
exercise your right um just touch on

01:26:02.000 --> 01:26:03.816
what has been mentioned a few times now.

01:26:03.840 --> 01:26:05.816
I do note as councelor Kennet pointed

01:26:05.840 --> 01:26:08.840
out about the statistical  response in

01:26:09.040 --> 01:26:12.040
item 1.6. Um likewise I'm also very

01:26:12.480 --> 01:26:15.416
comfortable with the questions  34 I

01:26:15.440 --> 01:26:16.856
think it's very clear in the system of

01:26:16.880 --> 01:26:18.856
our current system versus an alternative

01:26:18.880 --> 01:26:21.880
system. Um so I'm very clear with that

01:26:22.400 --> 01:26:25.400
messaging. Um I am comfortable with the

01:26:25.840 --> 01:26:27.736
the cost with this because this is as

01:26:27.760 --> 01:26:30.215
we've mentioned a service that each and

01:26:30.239 --> 01:26:32.695
every one of our residents use. They are

01:26:32.719 --> 01:26:34.135
rate payers. they are paying for a

01:26:34.159 --> 01:26:36.376
service and I am happy to listen to what

01:26:36.400 --> 01:26:38.776
they have to say. Um likewise during the

01:26:38.800 --> 01:26:41.496
term  previous term I heard varying

01:26:41.520 --> 01:26:43.655
views from people. So now this is our

01:26:43.679 --> 01:26:45.336
opportunity and I encourage our

01:26:45.360 --> 01:26:47.336
community to have your say, share your

01:26:47.360 --> 01:26:49.175
feedback and I want to hear what you

01:26:49.199 --> 01:26:51.496
have to say. So I look forward to the

01:26:51.520 --> 01:26:53.976
response and I'm supportive of this 

01:26:54.000 --> 01:26:56.215
report going out. So thank you.

01:26:56.239 --> 01:26:57.976
Thank you. I'll now put the motion. All

01:26:58.000 --> 01:27:01.000
those in favor?

01:27:01.280 --> 01:27:03.976
All those against.

01:27:04.000 --> 01:27:07.000
All those abstaining.

01:27:07.199 --> 01:27:08.936
Okay. Well, the motion is carried. There

01:27:08.960 --> 01:27:10.456
has been a division called sorry who

01:27:10.480 --> 01:27:13.480
called that council by councelor Baker.

01:27:13.600 --> 01:27:16.600
We'll now set that um decision aside.

01:27:17.280 --> 01:27:20.280
All those in favor, councelor Baker,

01:27:20.400 --> 01:27:22.215
councelor Kennet, councelor Atwell,

01:27:22.239 --> 01:27:24.936
councelor Considine, councelor Cooper,

01:27:24.960 --> 01:27:27.960
and councelor Duncan. All those against,

01:27:28.159 --> 01:27:31.159
councelor Pearce, all those abstaining,

01:27:31.440 --> 01:27:33.256
councelor Lockwood and councelor

01:27:33.280 --> 01:27:35.496
Williams. The motion is carried. Thank

01:27:35.520 --> 01:27:38.520
you. Okay, we have been going for about

01:27:39.040 --> 01:27:41.175
90 minutes now. So, I'm going to propose

01:27:41.199 --> 01:27:44.199
that we move a motion for a 10-minute

01:27:44.560 --> 01:27:47.560
break. Um, so moved by myself. Can I

01:27:47.679 --> 01:27:49.496
have a seconder?

01:27:49.520 --> 01:27:51.816
Seconded by councelor Atwell. All those

01:27:51.840 --> 01:27:54.615
in favor? The motion is carried. will

01:27:54.639 --> 01:27:57.639
reconvene at 8:40. Thank you.

01:27:59.760 --> 01:28:02.456
Okay, welcome back everybody. We're now

01:28:02.480 --> 01:28:05.336
moving on to item 8.4

01:28:05.360 --> 01:28:08.360
2026 council meeting schedule. Would a

01:28:09.280 --> 01:28:11.016
counselor like to move a motion? Thank

01:28:11.040 --> 01:28:13.256
you, councelor Baker.

01:28:13.280 --> 01:28:15.016
And councelor Duncan would like to

01:28:15.040 --> 01:28:16.615
second that. That's the offic's

01:28:16.639 --> 01:28:18.456
recommendation. Thank you. Councelor

01:28:18.480 --> 01:28:21.480
Baker, would you like to  this report

01:28:22.000 --> 01:28:23.736
just outlines the next 12 months worth

01:28:23.760 --> 01:28:26.456
of council meetings  for the 2026

01:28:26.480 --> 01:28:28.215
council year and requires a resolution

01:28:28.239 --> 01:28:30.296
of council? Hence why the report is here

01:28:30.320 --> 01:28:32.376
and I will support the schedule that's

01:28:32.400 --> 01:28:34.215
outlined in the report. Thank you. Thank

01:28:34.239 --> 01:28:36.615
you very much. Councelor Duncan,

01:28:36.639 --> 01:28:37.655
I'll reserve my right.

01:28:37.679 --> 01:28:39.096
Thank you. Would any other counselor

01:28:39.120 --> 01:28:40.936
like to speak? Yes, councelor Pearce.

01:28:40.960 --> 01:28:43.960
Thanks. Just on a note, I have an

01:28:44.239 --> 01:28:47.239
objection to a senior being called 55.

01:28:47.520 --> 01:28:49.016
I've just had a birthday and I've turned

01:28:49.040 --> 01:28:51.896
55 and I don't consider myself a senior.

01:28:51.920 --> 01:28:54.056
So, it might be nice if you don't call

01:28:54.080 --> 01:28:57.080
seniors from age 55 upwards.

01:28:57.199 --> 01:28:59.336
I think you're talking about the next

01:28:59.360 --> 01:29:01.256
talking about the meeting.

01:29:01.280 --> 01:29:02.135
Wrong one.

01:29:02.159 --> 01:29:04.615
Yeah.

01:29:04.639 --> 01:29:07.639
Um Oh, yes.

01:29:12.239 --> 01:29:14.936
Okay. Okay. Might have to get the gabble

01:29:14.960 --> 01:29:17.960
out in a minute. Um, okay. We are

01:29:18.000 --> 01:29:20.776
talking about item 8.4, which is the

01:29:20.800 --> 01:29:23.800
council meeting schedule for 2026.

01:29:24.960 --> 01:29:26.615
Councelor Baker has moved the motion.

01:29:26.639 --> 01:29:29.256
Councelor Duncan, a second. Would any

01:29:29.280 --> 01:29:30.776
other council like to speak to the

01:29:30.800 --> 01:29:33.096
motion?

01:29:33.120 --> 01:29:35.256
I will now put the motion. All those in

01:29:35.280 --> 01:29:37.416
favor? The motion is carried

01:29:37.440 --> 01:29:40.440
unanimously. Thank you. Item 8.5 which

01:29:41.280 --> 01:29:43.655
is Knox Child Youth and Seniors Plan

01:29:43.679 --> 01:29:46.679
2021 to 25 final report. Would a

01:29:47.280 --> 01:29:50.280
counselor like to move a motion?

01:29:52.560 --> 01:29:55.496
Thank you, Councelor Atwell. Moving the

01:29:55.520 --> 01:29:57.816
office's recommendation and seconded by

01:29:57.840 --> 01:30:00.135
councelor Baker. Thank you. Councelor

01:30:00.159 --> 01:30:01.736
Atwell, would you like to speak to the

01:30:01.760 --> 01:30:02.536
motion?

01:30:02.560 --> 01:30:04.376
 just  briefly, Mayor, I'll let

01:30:04.400 --> 01:30:06.615
councelor Pearce um tee off in a moment.

01:30:06.639 --> 01:30:09.639
Um  this report  represents it's

01:30:09.840 --> 01:30:12.215
it's a four-year plan  of of work here

01:30:12.239 --> 01:30:14.695
at Knox that's  supported residents

01:30:14.719 --> 01:30:16.296
right across right across their life

01:30:16.320 --> 01:30:18.056
journey from early childhood programs

01:30:18.080 --> 01:30:20.296
right through to  senior services.

01:30:20.320 --> 01:30:22.376
This is important work and touches the

01:30:22.400 --> 01:30:25.096
lives of  so many in our community. Um

01:30:25.120 --> 01:30:27.896
and I do note that um you know this plan

01:30:27.920 --> 01:30:30.920
was stood up and delivered um  during

01:30:31.360 --> 01:30:33.976
um co times um which we know has you

01:30:34.000 --> 01:30:35.976
know had implications for a whole lot of

01:30:36.000 --> 01:30:39.000
these um  services and the way they 

01:30:39.280 --> 01:30:42.280
they are implemented. So, um, plenty of

01:30:42.719 --> 01:30:44.856
of achievements in terms of what we've

01:30:44.880 --> 01:30:46.856
what we've achieved over the the

01:30:46.880 --> 01:30:48.376
lifespan of this plan, but the report

01:30:48.400 --> 01:30:51.096
also identifies  some ongoing gaps

01:30:51.120 --> 01:30:52.776
particularly around youth mental health

01:30:52.800 --> 01:30:55.416
support  and social isolation among

01:30:55.440 --> 01:30:57.576
seniors um which are challenges again

01:30:57.600 --> 01:30:59.736
that have intense only intensified

01:30:59.760 --> 01:31:02.760
postco. So, um look forward to um 

01:31:04.080 --> 01:31:06.456
seeing what comes next. But um always an

01:31:06.480 --> 01:31:08.215
important moment to to look back over

01:31:08.239 --> 01:31:11.239
these um plans um see see what worked um

01:31:11.679 --> 01:31:13.175
what didn't make sure that the good

01:31:13.199 --> 01:31:15.016
successful programs aren't lost in that

01:31:15.040 --> 01:31:17.256
changeover  and that we implement

01:31:17.280 --> 01:31:19.816
closely against the the council plan 

01:31:19.840 --> 01:31:22.056
for this term um for future years. Thank

01:31:22.080 --> 01:31:22.776
you.

01:31:22.800 --> 01:31:25.800
Thank you councelor Council Baker.

01:31:26.960 --> 01:31:29.576
Thank you three Mayor Cooper. Um

01:31:29.600 --> 01:31:32.135
similarly,  this is a a plan that was

01:31:32.159 --> 01:31:35.159
adopted back in February of 2022,

01:31:36.400 --> 01:31:39.175
I think it was 2021, maybe um and

01:31:39.199 --> 01:31:41.416
responded to five key directions um as

01:31:41.440 --> 01:31:43.096
outlined in the previous Knox Council

01:31:43.120 --> 01:31:45.416
plan um with differing interests, needs,

01:31:45.440 --> 01:31:46.856
and priorities of children, young

01:31:46.880 --> 01:31:49.256
people, and seniors.  while the plan

01:31:49.280 --> 01:31:51.016
reached the end of life cycle in June

01:31:51.040 --> 01:31:53.336
2025, the report outlined several key

01:31:53.360 --> 01:31:55.816
achievements between that time  with

01:31:55.840 --> 01:31:57.736
33 actions being completed and

01:31:57.760 --> 01:32:00.056
successfully being delivered  for

01:32:00.080 --> 01:32:02.296
important outcomes for our community. Um

01:32:02.320 --> 01:32:04.456
having been on the active aging now for

01:32:04.480 --> 01:32:07.256
some time  you know these services

01:32:07.280 --> 01:32:10.280
certainly helped um our aging community

01:32:10.320 --> 01:32:12.215
with a community transport program that

01:32:12.239 --> 01:32:14.215
grew over 4 years from participation

01:32:14.239 --> 01:32:17.239
rates of 20  212 in 2122 to 9,640

01:32:20.960 --> 01:32:23.816
trips made in the 2425 year.  we've

01:32:23.840 --> 01:32:26.215
now just  we had our initial Knox

01:32:26.239 --> 01:32:27.896
Senior Exercise Park that was 

01:32:27.920 --> 01:32:29.336
installed at Carrington and now we've

01:32:29.360 --> 01:32:32.056
just recently had two new at Bazewater

01:32:32.080 --> 01:32:35.080
train park and  Wally Chew Reserve. 

01:32:35.280 --> 01:32:38.280
the Knox festival was held  in October

01:32:38.320 --> 01:32:40.536
of each year which had 2,000

01:32:40.560 --> 01:32:43.496
participants in  engaging with that.

01:32:43.520 --> 01:32:45.896
 we were also recognized as an age

01:32:45.920 --> 01:32:47.655
friendly city by the World Health

01:32:47.679 --> 01:32:50.376
Organization and also developed

01:32:50.400 --> 01:32:52.376
implemented the first Knox dementia

01:32:52.400 --> 01:32:55.016
friendly action plan and established the

01:32:55.040 --> 01:32:58.040
Knox  dementia alliance. Um assisted

01:32:58.239 --> 01:33:00.776
over 3,300 Knox seniors as a comwalth

01:33:00.800 --> 01:33:02.536
home support program provider for meals

01:33:02.560 --> 01:33:04.376
on wheels, home maintenance, home

01:33:04.400 --> 01:33:06.695
modifications and occupational therapy

01:33:06.719 --> 01:33:09.719
and delivered an average of 2,600

01:33:09.760 --> 01:33:12.695
meals per month. Um there were over 20

01:33:12.719 --> 01:33:15.016
dementia awareness sessions across the

01:33:15.040 --> 01:33:18.040
community. Um audiences included bright

01:33:18.080 --> 01:33:21.016
ideas network life activities um your

01:33:21.040 --> 01:33:23.096
library staff and also council staff 

01:33:23.120 --> 01:33:25.576
at various events. Um and now also the

01:33:25.600 --> 01:33:28.215
inter  intergenerational programs with

01:33:28.239 --> 01:33:29.896
playgrs, kindergartens, primary and

01:33:29.920 --> 01:33:31.496
secondary school, retirement village and

01:33:31.520 --> 01:33:33.896
age care facilities growing to 21

01:33:33.920 --> 01:33:36.296
programs and 486 participants in the

01:33:36.320 --> 01:33:39.175
2425 year  which many of them are now

01:33:39.199 --> 01:33:40.615
embedded into respective 

01:33:40.639 --> 01:33:43.336
organizations regular planning. Um, I'll

01:33:43.360 --> 01:33:45.816
also of special note is the the fishing

01:33:45.840 --> 01:33:47.496
program for vulnerable men, keeping it

01:33:47.520 --> 01:33:49.576
real, that received an outstanding

01:33:49.600 --> 01:33:52.600
commendation to the 2025  local

01:33:52.639 --> 01:33:54.056
government proositive aging and

01:33:54.080 --> 01:33:55.576
well-being awards for the outstanding

01:33:55.600 --> 01:33:58.600
program or project grant based category

01:33:59.199 --> 01:34:01.256
um and tackled critical issues faced by

01:34:01.280 --> 01:34:03.976
older men in socialization for example.

01:34:04.000 --> 01:34:05.655
Um, so I just want to note that there

01:34:05.679 --> 01:34:07.175
has been a lot of work and I commend the

01:34:07.199 --> 01:34:08.536
officers as well for all the work that

01:34:08.560 --> 01:34:11.016
they have gone into making a variety of

01:34:11.040 --> 01:34:13.016
these programs to support our community

01:34:13.040 --> 01:34:14.776
particularly through co times early on

01:34:14.800 --> 01:34:16.776
in the piece. Um, and I really

01:34:16.800 --> 01:34:18.215
appreciate the work that's gone into

01:34:18.239 --> 01:34:19.976
helping and support our local community.

01:34:20.000 --> 01:34:22.776
So if I could pass on um the, you know,

01:34:22.800 --> 01:34:24.695
the efforts that the team have have done

01:34:24.719 --> 01:34:25.816
to support our community, it's been

01:34:25.840 --> 01:34:27.416
absolutely amazing. So thank you.

01:34:27.440 --> 01:34:29.816
Thank you, Councelor Baker. Would any

01:34:29.840 --> 01:34:31.256
other council like to speak to the

01:34:31.280 --> 01:34:33.576
motion? Councelor Pearce,

01:34:33.600 --> 01:34:36.600
now I get to have a go. Yeah. Um,

01:34:37.360 --> 01:34:40.296
seniors are over 55, so that must mean

01:34:40.320 --> 01:34:43.320
I'm a senior. Um, I honestly feel like

01:34:43.600 --> 01:34:46.600
I'm 21. So, I I just think it's a bit

01:34:46.880 --> 01:34:49.880
Couldn't we just put it at say 60, 65 as

01:34:50.719 --> 01:34:52.776
a senior? Cuz I tell you what, I don't

01:34:52.800 --> 01:34:55.800
feel like a senior. Um, so my only

01:34:55.920 --> 01:34:58.920
comment is I don't think 55 is a good

01:34:59.120 --> 01:35:01.496
age to be called a senior and I'd rather

01:35:01.520 --> 01:35:04.520
not be. Thank you.

01:35:04.960 --> 01:35:07.960
Okay, councelor Williams.

01:35:09.040 --> 01:35:10.536
, thank you through you, Mayor. Um,

01:35:10.560 --> 01:35:13.096
very well written report and um,

01:35:13.120 --> 01:35:15.576
inspired by the 400 young people that

01:35:15.600 --> 01:35:18.456
have um, learned first aid and and those

01:35:18.480 --> 01:35:19.816
sorts of skills. That's very important

01:35:19.840 --> 01:35:21.655
especially in our current climate. So,

01:35:21.679 --> 01:35:23.175
want to note that. but also in the case

01:35:23.199 --> 01:35:26.199
studies um around Youth Hive um since

01:35:26.719 --> 01:35:28.695
March 2024 that's that's provided a

01:35:28.719 --> 01:35:29.896
really good benefit for the youth of

01:35:29.920 --> 01:35:32.215
Knox and for those who have visited um

01:35:32.239 --> 01:35:35.239
it's um it's a fantastic  area there u

01:35:35.440 --> 01:35:37.336
for the youth to um be engaged and I

01:35:37.360 --> 01:35:38.856
know your services is doing really well

01:35:38.880 --> 01:35:40.695
out of that. So just acknowledging what

01:35:40.719 --> 01:35:42.056
they're doing there and also the keeping

01:35:42.080 --> 01:35:43.576
it real program as councelor Baker

01:35:43.600 --> 01:35:45.816
mentioned um winning those awards but

01:35:45.840 --> 01:35:48.840
also um here as noted in our report 70%

01:35:49.679 --> 01:35:51.096
have attended all sessions and I think

01:35:51.120 --> 01:35:53.175
that's um something that um shows that

01:35:53.199 --> 01:35:54.856
the sessions that we're running are are

01:35:54.880 --> 01:35:56.536
really well worthwhile going and I think

01:35:56.560 --> 01:35:58.135
that keeping it real program as I

01:35:58.159 --> 01:35:59.896
mentioned in our previous discussion is

01:35:59.920 --> 01:36:01.896
is quite an important one.  and the

01:36:01.920 --> 01:36:03.816
two-year cycle on the reporting um and

01:36:03.840 --> 01:36:05.576
just to get this back is um pretty

01:36:05.600 --> 01:36:07.256
important. It's good to see what we're

01:36:07.280 --> 01:36:09.416
doing and the great work um Judy and the

01:36:09.440 --> 01:36:11.736
um team are doing. So, well done.

01:36:11.760 --> 01:36:13.416
Thank you, Councelor Williams. Would any

01:36:13.440 --> 01:36:14.936
other counselor like to speak to the

01:36:14.960 --> 01:36:17.416
motion? Councelor Loquid.

01:36:17.440 --> 01:36:19.096
Yes, thank you. Congratulations on the

01:36:19.120 --> 01:36:20.776
report. Thank the staff for that. Um

01:36:20.800 --> 01:36:23.800
look, age 55 is a mere child really. Um

01:36:24.960 --> 01:36:27.096
just barely out of puberty. I mean,

01:36:27.120 --> 01:36:29.175
goodness sake.

01:36:29.199 --> 01:36:31.096
Although I guess in my colleague's case

01:36:31.120 --> 01:36:33.655
here, it it does actually look a little

01:36:33.679 --> 01:36:36.679
bit older. But anyway,

01:36:37.679 --> 01:36:39.976
sorry. My my mom lived a long time past

01:36:40.000 --> 01:36:41.736
that age. So, she was a senior for a

01:36:41.760 --> 01:36:44.760
very long time. But anyway, just  just

01:36:45.199 --> 01:36:46.776
having a bit of fun at my colleagues

01:36:46.800 --> 01:36:48.856
expense. Thank you.

01:36:48.880 --> 01:36:50.615
Would any other counselor like to speak

01:36:50.639 --> 01:36:52.936
to the motion?

01:36:52.960 --> 01:36:55.016
Thank you, councelor Duncan.

01:36:55.040 --> 01:36:57.336
Um just quickly, councilors, just to

01:36:57.360 --> 01:36:58.776
note that this is actually the final

01:36:58.800 --> 01:37:00.135
report that we'll be getting from the

01:37:00.159 --> 01:37:02.936
Knox  child, youth and seniors plan.

01:37:02.960 --> 01:37:04.615
Um, what I wanted to highlight though

01:37:04.639 --> 01:37:06.296
was the reason for that is it's now

01:37:06.320 --> 01:37:08.936
embedded into our council and health and

01:37:08.960 --> 01:37:10.376
well-being plan. So, it's something that

01:37:10.400 --> 01:37:12.536
we take very very seriously. , and

01:37:12.560 --> 01:37:14.135
we'll actually be doing annual reporting

01:37:14.159 --> 01:37:16.376
on our plan and then having an

01:37:16.400 --> 01:37:17.896
additional report every two years

01:37:17.920 --> 01:37:19.496
specifically around these topics. So, I

01:37:19.520 --> 01:37:21.496
think it's fantastic that we have a

01:37:21.520 --> 01:37:24.056
council have as a council have grown and

01:37:24.080 --> 01:37:26.056
are embedding these principles into our

01:37:26.080 --> 01:37:27.655
actual daily plan.

01:37:27.679 --> 01:37:28.296
Thank you.

01:37:28.320 --> 01:37:31.256
Y well highlighted. Thank you. Would any

01:37:31.280 --> 01:37:32.936
other counselor like to speak to the

01:37:32.960 --> 01:37:35.736
motion?

01:37:35.760 --> 01:37:37.655
Councelor Atwell, would you like to

01:37:37.679 --> 01:37:39.816
exercise? No. I'll now put the motion.

01:37:39.840 --> 01:37:42.215
All those in favor, the motion is

01:37:42.239 --> 01:37:44.856
carried. Thank you.

01:37:44.880 --> 01:37:47.880
Okay. Item 8.6, Knox mental health action

01:37:48.560 --> 01:37:51.560
plan 2021 to 2025 review. Would a

01:37:53.520 --> 01:37:56.376
counselor like to move a motion? Council

01:37:56.400 --> 01:37:57.816
Baker, is that the offic's

01:37:57.840 --> 01:38:00.296
recommendation? Thank you. Do we have a

01:38:00.320 --> 01:38:01.816
seconder for the motion? Thank you,

01:38:01.840 --> 01:38:04.456
Councelor Lockwood. Councelor Baker,

01:38:04.480 --> 01:38:06.056
would you like to speak to the motion?

01:38:06.080 --> 01:38:08.215
Thank you, Mayor Cooper. , this is a

01:38:08.239 --> 01:38:09.736
report from the last four years

01:38:09.760 --> 01:38:12.760
reviewing um and noting the actions um

01:38:13.360 --> 01:38:15.976
that has come from this  mental health

01:38:16.000 --> 01:38:19.000
action plan um and was developed with 

01:38:19.520 --> 01:38:22.056
partners and peak bodies.  the key

01:38:22.080 --> 01:38:23.416
achievements have been a number

01:38:23.440 --> 01:38:25.655
throughout the case.  the case studies

01:38:25.679 --> 01:38:28.679
as well that I promote  in this report

01:38:29.280 --> 01:38:32.280
and it's something that I commenced last

01:38:32.320 --> 01:38:34.695
term not long after with the Knox

01:38:34.719 --> 01:38:36.296
empowering communities not long after I

01:38:36.320 --> 01:38:39.256
started last term  where Knox Council

01:38:39.280 --> 01:38:40.695
received a grant from the department of

01:38:40.719 --> 01:38:42.936
justice and community safety  to

01:38:42.960 --> 01:38:44.615
improve community safety by addressing

01:38:44.639 --> 01:38:46.215
underlying factors such as social

01:38:46.239 --> 01:38:49.016
cohesion and mental well-being um and

01:38:49.040 --> 01:38:50.536
with this funding there were a number of

01:38:50.560 --> 01:38:51.816
activities that were undertaken in the

01:38:51.840 --> 01:38:54.456
fryaly area such as the Knox

01:38:54.480 --> 01:38:56.776
Nocturnals youth group that was run by

01:38:56.800 --> 01:38:59.336
Fentry Gully Rotary.  the ES program

01:38:59.360 --> 01:39:00.695
which was run through Mountain District

01:39:00.719 --> 01:39:03.719
Learning Center. Um there was also um

01:39:05.199 --> 01:39:08.056
some other AUAK day with the community

01:39:08.080 --> 01:39:11.016
safety outreach team. Um so and 

01:39:11.040 --> 01:39:12.695
neighbors day as well. So there was a

01:39:12.719 --> 01:39:13.976
number of activities that were

01:39:14.000 --> 01:39:17.000
undertaken with this funding. Um and I

01:39:17.840 --> 01:39:20.056
was quite proud to see this report come

01:39:20.080 --> 01:39:22.695
through. Um and noting as well similar

01:39:22.719 --> 01:39:25.095
to what was mentioned previously um is

01:39:25.119 --> 01:39:26.536
that delivering on council and health

01:39:26.560 --> 01:39:28.376
well-being plan will continue to be

01:39:28.400 --> 01:39:30.456
embedded into the future works with the

01:39:30.480 --> 01:39:33.480
mental health  of  by all teams

01:39:33.520 --> 01:39:35.416
across council. Um so I'm very

01:39:35.440 --> 01:39:37.736
supportive of this report. Um it's very

01:39:37.760 --> 01:39:40.760
detailed and appreciative um and  note

01:39:42.320 --> 01:39:44.215
the feedback and the limitations etc

01:39:44.239 --> 01:39:45.655
that was outlined in the report. So

01:39:45.679 --> 01:39:47.175
thank you.

01:39:47.199 --> 01:39:48.776
Thank you councelor Baker. Council

01:39:48.800 --> 01:39:50.776
Lockwood.

01:39:50.800 --> 01:39:53.800
Yeah. Um we we started this in 2020 if

01:39:53.920 --> 01:39:55.736
you remember um that the household

01:39:55.760 --> 01:39:58.056
impact survey went at the beginning of

01:39:58.080 --> 01:40:00.456
CO because we realized the households

01:40:00.480 --> 01:40:02.776
were feeling a huge impact from the

01:40:02.800 --> 01:40:05.016
lockdowns and everything that followed.

01:40:05.040 --> 01:40:08.040
Um and following CO um talking to my

01:40:09.040 --> 01:40:11.416
local doctor there was a sharp increase

01:40:11.440 --> 01:40:14.135
 in mental health and um problems

01:40:14.159 --> 01:40:16.296
particularly depression coming out of

01:40:16.320 --> 01:40:19.320
CO. there were lots of extra  cases

01:40:19.440 --> 01:40:20.936
and then the mental health system was

01:40:20.960 --> 01:40:23.416
struggling. Not enough psychologists and

01:40:23.440 --> 01:40:25.016
psychiatrists to go around at the time.

01:40:25.040 --> 01:40:26.615
There was there were serious weights

01:40:26.639 --> 01:40:29.016
getting into see services.

01:40:29.040 --> 01:40:31.336
So yeah, that that had a huge impact on

01:40:31.360 --> 01:40:33.175
mental health and and it's it's great

01:40:33.199 --> 01:40:34.615
that we do something about it. I mean

01:40:34.639 --> 01:40:37.639
it's good that we're positive. Um

01:40:37.760 --> 01:40:39.175
just a couple other things. Are you

01:40:39.199 --> 01:40:41.095
okay? We have an are you okay day and I

01:40:41.119 --> 01:40:42.456
point out that just asking if you're

01:40:42.480 --> 01:40:45.095
okay may not be enough because someone

01:40:45.119 --> 01:40:46.695
who's suffering depression is usually

01:40:46.719 --> 01:40:48.856
good at masking and the last thing you

01:40:48.880 --> 01:40:50.056
want to do is admit that you're

01:40:50.080 --> 01:40:51.976
suffering anything. So you might have to

01:40:52.000 --> 01:40:54.296
be look at the answer, see how they

01:40:54.320 --> 01:40:56.936
answer and probe a bit further. Um

01:40:56.960 --> 01:40:59.256
before you can get anything. Um the last

01:40:59.280 --> 01:41:01.496
thing I ever wanted to admit was that I

01:41:01.520 --> 01:41:03.416
was down and out and suffering and I

01:41:03.440 --> 01:41:04.856
couldn't wait to get back inside the

01:41:04.880 --> 01:41:06.776
house. That's that's not something you

01:41:06.800 --> 01:41:09.256
want to admit to anybody. Um, so it is

01:41:09.280 --> 01:41:12.056
it is important to to learn to recognize

01:41:12.080 --> 01:41:14.215
when somebody's really isolating

01:41:14.239 --> 01:41:16.215
themselves and not wanting to get out

01:41:16.239 --> 01:41:18.536
and about and not not participating in

01:41:18.560 --> 01:41:21.256
things the way they have been. Um, very

01:41:21.280 --> 01:41:23.095
important. Now, you know, I talked about

01:41:23.119 --> 01:41:25.896
the black dog before um as black dog

01:41:25.920 --> 01:41:27.655
associations about men's mental health

01:41:27.679 --> 01:41:30.135
mainly about mental health full stop.

01:41:30.159 --> 01:41:32.296
Started with men and there's a ride the

01:41:32.320 --> 01:41:34.776
motorbike riders go on.

01:41:34.800 --> 01:41:37.576
Um

01:41:37.600 --> 01:41:38.615
oh I forgot what I was going to say

01:41:38.639 --> 01:41:41.496
about it now. Anyway, so it's so it's

01:41:41.520 --> 01:41:43.256
important that initiatives like that be

01:41:43.280 --> 01:41:45.976
supported. There's plenty of um um

01:41:46.000 --> 01:41:47.816
support groups now for mental health. We

01:41:47.840 --> 01:41:50.776
have um Beyond Blue which does great

01:41:50.800 --> 01:41:53.800
work and there are others. Um oh that's

01:41:54.800 --> 01:41:57.016
yes council actions with some of the

01:41:57.040 --> 01:41:59.496
things we do may impact someone's mental

01:41:59.520 --> 01:42:01.736
health and we're not aware of it. um

01:42:01.760 --> 01:42:03.655
just need to if somebody's going to be

01:42:03.679 --> 01:42:05.256
affected by our action perhaps we need

01:42:05.280 --> 01:42:07.896
to be receptive to  helping them out

01:42:07.920 --> 01:42:10.456
if um if they do suffer an impact I mean

01:42:10.480 --> 01:42:13.480
without going overboard um  but I do

01:42:14.159 --> 01:42:15.976
think it's it's possible if we restrict

01:42:16.000 --> 01:42:18.056
somebody in some way they may feel I was

01:42:18.080 --> 01:42:19.416
thinking around pets you know I got an

01:42:19.440 --> 01:42:22.440
email about somebody about dogs on ovals

01:42:22.639 --> 01:42:24.456
and  I thought yeah that's a point

01:42:24.480 --> 01:42:26.776
some people might somebody might be

01:42:26.800 --> 01:42:28.695
relying on that to get out and about

01:42:28.719 --> 01:42:30.296
pets are fantastic for people with

01:42:30.320 --> 01:42:31.976
depression

01:42:32.000 --> 01:42:34.536
Well, you like cats or dogs or birds or

01:42:34.560 --> 01:42:36.856
or lizards or whatever. Um, having a pet

01:42:36.880 --> 01:42:38.856
to care for gives you that sense of

01:42:38.880 --> 01:42:41.095
responsibility and keeps you interested

01:42:41.119 --> 01:42:44.119
in living, staying alive. Um and that

01:42:44.560 --> 01:42:47.175
don't forget the consequences of of not

01:42:47.199 --> 01:42:48.776
picking up depression could be death

01:42:48.800 --> 01:42:51.336
because I know when you go through um

01:42:51.360 --> 01:42:54.215
the medical questionnaire the doctors

01:42:54.239 --> 01:42:55.336
sitting in front of you asking about

01:42:55.360 --> 01:42:57.496
what you've been doing and then they

01:42:57.520 --> 01:42:59.095
spring a question on you that says how

01:42:59.119 --> 01:43:01.016
many times a day do you think of death?

01:43:01.040 --> 01:43:02.215
You're at time.

01:43:02.239 --> 01:43:03.816
Okay, I might leave it at that because

01:43:03.840 --> 01:43:05.496
it's it's um it's an important

01:43:05.520 --> 01:43:07.256
consideration.

01:43:07.280 --> 01:43:10.280
Thank you. Council Pearce,

01:43:11.840 --> 01:43:14.615
I I thank um Council Lockwood for its

01:43:14.639 --> 01:43:17.639
words. Um like council other counselors

01:43:18.000 --> 01:43:19.256
and other people out there, I've

01:43:19.280 --> 01:43:21.655
suffered from depression since I was

01:43:21.679 --> 01:43:23.496
quite young.

01:43:23.520 --> 01:43:25.576
Um and it's one of those things that's

01:43:25.600 --> 01:43:27.976
chemically what people don't realize

01:43:28.000 --> 01:43:31.000
that it can be a chemical imbalance.

01:43:31.040 --> 01:43:32.776
So many people out there suffer in

01:43:32.800 --> 01:43:34.456
silence

01:43:34.480 --> 01:43:37.256
and I encourage those to just rather

01:43:37.280 --> 01:43:39.736
than say are you okay are you feeling

01:43:39.760 --> 01:43:42.456
okay you look a bit talk to them a bit

01:43:42.480 --> 01:43:45.480
more don't are you okay believe me you

01:43:45.520 --> 01:43:48.520
can mask it I did it for years before I

01:43:48.800 --> 01:43:50.456
was diagnosed

01:43:50.480 --> 01:43:52.296
but I was lucky with through the support

01:43:52.320 --> 01:43:55.320
of my family and my friends that I've

01:43:56.560 --> 01:43:59.256
able to overcome it

01:43:59.280 --> 01:44:02.280
But things like mental action plans,

01:44:02.320 --> 01:44:05.320
getting people to ask people questions.

01:44:05.440 --> 01:44:07.496
If you see somebody who's just not going

01:44:07.520 --> 01:44:10.215
out, ask them the question. These

01:44:10.239 --> 01:44:12.695
initiatives that we're doing are so very

01:44:12.719 --> 01:44:15.175
important because so many people out

01:44:15.199 --> 01:44:17.896
there are suffering in silence

01:44:17.920 --> 01:44:20.456
and it really is an important initiative

01:44:20.480 --> 01:44:23.480
of council and I fully support it. Was a

01:44:24.000 --> 01:44:26.296
great report. Thank you.

01:44:26.320 --> 01:44:27.976
Thank you, councelor Pearce. Would any

01:44:28.000 --> 01:44:29.736
other counselor like to speak to the

01:44:29.760 --> 01:44:32.615
motion?

01:44:32.639 --> 01:44:34.695
Thank you, councelor Williams.

01:44:34.719 --> 01:44:37.416
Thank you through you, May. Again, um

01:44:37.440 --> 01:44:39.095
reiterate what my colleagues have

01:44:39.119 --> 01:44:41.736
mentioned, a very important survey. Um

01:44:41.760 --> 01:44:43.655
CO and the implications through CO

01:44:43.679 --> 01:44:45.816
definitely change the world that we see

01:44:45.840 --> 01:44:48.296
today and probably will for many many

01:44:48.320 --> 01:44:50.615
years ahead. Um don't think that's going

01:44:50.639 --> 01:44:51.896
to go away and especially the young

01:44:51.920 --> 01:44:54.920
kids. Um so um and and I know that's

01:44:55.360 --> 01:44:57.496
been highlighted in this um report to us

01:44:57.520 --> 01:44:59.256
today in regards to the the young adults

01:44:59.280 --> 01:45:01.576
and things that  that they're going

01:45:01.600 --> 01:45:03.016
through schooling and and everything

01:45:03.040 --> 01:45:04.456
like that. It's um very important that

01:45:04.480 --> 01:45:06.695
we do focus on that.  someone who's

01:45:06.719 --> 01:45:09.719
done their mental health first aid um 

01:45:10.800 --> 01:45:12.695
a couple of years ago. um understanding

01:45:12.719 --> 01:45:14.536
that you may, you know, as my colleagues

01:45:14.560 --> 01:45:17.336
have said, you may not always see what's

01:45:17.360 --> 01:45:19.175
 what's going on, but there's um

01:45:19.199 --> 01:45:21.496
sometimes stories behind it and mental

01:45:21.520 --> 01:45:23.496
health can be various different things.

01:45:23.520 --> 01:45:24.695
 and definitely different

01:45:24.719 --> 01:45:27.655
understanding of um how to assist and

01:45:27.679 --> 01:45:30.679
how to um work with people that um you

01:45:30.719 --> 01:45:32.056
know, we've all got a bit of mental

01:45:32.080 --> 01:45:34.776
health issues in some way or form. So,

01:45:34.800 --> 01:45:36.056
um I think it's pretty important that

01:45:36.080 --> 01:45:37.976
the work that's been done here and again

01:45:38.000 --> 01:45:40.296
congratulate Judy and her team  on the

01:45:40.320 --> 01:45:41.976
amazing work and the case studies that

01:45:42.000 --> 01:45:43.496
have been presented to us and definitely

01:45:43.520 --> 01:45:45.576
something vitally important that we here

01:45:45.600 --> 01:45:48.600
in Knox continue to um provide some

01:45:48.639 --> 01:45:50.296
mental health and wellbeing and the

01:45:50.320 --> 01:45:52.056
support that we need to um support our

01:45:52.080 --> 01:45:53.416
local community through this. So, um

01:45:53.440 --> 01:45:55.175
highly commend.

01:45:55.199 --> 01:45:56.695
Thank you, Councelor Williams. Would any

01:45:56.719 --> 01:45:58.456
other counselor like to speak to the

01:45:58.480 --> 01:46:01.256
motion?

01:46:01.280 --> 01:46:03.496
Councelor Baker, would you like to

01:46:03.520 --> 01:46:06.376
exercise your right of reply? No. I'll

01:46:06.400 --> 01:46:09.016
now put the motion. All those in favor?

01:46:09.040 --> 01:46:12.040
Motion is carried. Thank you. We'll move

01:46:12.239 --> 01:46:15.239
to item 8.7, Knox disability advisory

01:46:15.440 --> 01:46:17.496
committee, membership, recruitment, and

01:46:17.520 --> 01:46:20.056
annual report. Councilors, before I call

01:46:20.080 --> 01:46:21.896
for a mover, I'd just like to remind

01:46:21.920 --> 01:46:24.056
councilors that we may need to close the

01:46:24.080 --> 01:46:26.456
meeting if there are detailed questions

01:46:26.480 --> 01:46:28.776
or debate about the matters which are

01:46:28.800 --> 01:46:30.856
set out in the confidential attachment

01:46:30.880 --> 01:46:33.880
of this report. In in um in light of

01:46:34.159 --> 01:46:37.159
that, I would like to um call councelor

01:46:37.840 --> 01:46:40.135
to move a motion. Councelor Baker and

01:46:40.159 --> 01:46:42.695
councelor Pearce. Thank you. Councelor

01:46:42.719 --> 01:46:44.456
Baker, you're moving the office's

01:46:44.480 --> 01:46:46.296
recommendation. Correct. There's some

01:46:46.320 --> 01:46:47.896
names that are going to go up on the

01:46:47.920 --> 01:46:48.536
screen.

01:46:48.560 --> 01:46:51.095
Yep.

01:46:51.119 --> 01:46:52.615
So, while that's just happening, I just

01:46:52.639 --> 01:46:54.296
wanted to start by saying as the chair

01:46:54.320 --> 01:46:56.856
of the Knox disability advisory advisory

01:46:56.880 --> 01:46:58.615
committee, I would like to welcome the

01:46:58.639 --> 01:46:59.736
five committee members who have been

01:46:59.760 --> 01:47:01.976
reappointed for a  for a two-year

01:47:02.000 --> 01:47:03.896
term.

01:47:03.920 --> 01:47:06.920
Um, and they are Dean Nan, Emily Dive,

01:47:07.920 --> 01:47:09.896
Carmen Wang, and those three are

01:47:09.920 --> 01:47:11.655
community representatives on this

01:47:11.679 --> 01:47:14.135
committee. And the two service or

01:47:14.159 --> 01:47:15.896
industry representatives are Rachel

01:47:15.920 --> 01:47:18.920
Holmes and Bran Steven.

01:47:19.119 --> 01:47:21.336
 this is a a committee group that

01:47:21.360 --> 01:47:24.360
exempli exemplifies dedication, insight,

01:47:24.880 --> 01:47:27.576
and a true community spirit. This

01:47:27.600 --> 01:47:29.416
community is more than an advisory body.

01:47:29.440 --> 01:47:32.376
It's a powerful p powerful voice for the

01:47:32.400 --> 01:47:34.215
people with disabilities and their

01:47:34.239 --> 01:47:36.056
carers advocating tirelessly for

01:47:36.080 --> 01:47:38.615
inclusion, accessibility, and respect in

01:47:38.639 --> 01:47:40.695
every corner of Knox. Over the past

01:47:40.719 --> 01:47:42.376
year, the committee has worked closely

01:47:42.400 --> 01:47:44.615
with council to ensure that our policies

01:47:44.639 --> 01:47:46.536
and programs reflect the real needs and

01:47:46.560 --> 01:47:47.736
rights of people living with

01:47:47.760 --> 01:47:50.376
disabilities. Their advice has shaped

01:47:50.400 --> 01:47:52.296
projects that improve accessibility,

01:47:52.320 --> 01:47:54.456
foster social connections, and promote

01:47:54.480 --> 01:47:56.056
disability awareness throughout our

01:47:56.080 --> 01:47:58.376
community. This isn't just about policy.

01:47:58.400 --> 01:48:00.135
It's about making no a place where

01:48:00.159 --> 01:48:01.976
everyone feels welcomed, valued, and

01:48:02.000 --> 01:48:04.536
supported. KADA contributed to various

01:48:04.560 --> 01:48:06.695
topics over the last um over the last 12

01:48:06.719 --> 01:48:08.776
months and includes such though as those

01:48:08.800 --> 01:48:11.256
as family violence, international day of

01:48:11.280 --> 01:48:13.095
people with disability, the national

01:48:13.119 --> 01:48:15.655
disability insurance agency, accessible

01:48:15.679 --> 01:48:17.896
transport, EV charging, inclusive

01:48:17.920 --> 01:48:20.776
language, the NDIS review and disability

01:48:20.800 --> 01:48:23.095
royal commission to name a few. What

01:48:23.119 --> 01:48:24.615
makes this committee truly special is

01:48:24.639 --> 01:48:26.296
the lived experience each member brings

01:48:26.320 --> 01:48:28.215
to the table and there's there's a lot

01:48:28.239 --> 01:48:30.135
of them. They don't just offer

01:48:30.159 --> 01:48:31.976
suggestions from a distance. They speak

01:48:32.000 --> 01:48:33.496
from their own journeys and the journeys

01:48:33.520 --> 01:48:36.056
and stories um of those around them.

01:48:36.080 --> 01:48:37.976
Their insights allow council to see

01:48:38.000 --> 01:48:39.896
beyond statistic and legislation into

01:48:39.920 --> 01:48:41.896
everyday realities and challenges faced

01:48:41.920 --> 01:48:44.456
by many of our residents. As we consider

01:48:44.480 --> 01:48:46.296
the re appointment of these five

01:48:46.320 --> 01:48:48.776
dedicated members for another term, it's

01:48:48.800 --> 01:48:50.456
important to recognize the continuity

01:48:50.480 --> 01:48:52.296
and strength that brings  to the

01:48:52.320 --> 01:48:54.056
committee. Their ongoing commitment

01:48:54.080 --> 01:48:56.376
ensures that progress is sustained and

01:48:56.400 --> 01:48:57.976
that the community's evolving needs

01:48:58.000 --> 01:48:59.496
continue to be met with empathy and

01:48:59.520 --> 01:49:02.056
expertise. Their robust and insightful

01:49:02.080 --> 01:49:03.736
discussions are always well informed and

01:49:03.760 --> 01:49:05.976
diverse and provide sound information to

01:49:06.000 --> 01:49:07.496
counciling and understanding their needs

01:49:07.520 --> 01:49:10.296
in Knox. I also want to take a moment to

01:49:10.320 --> 01:49:12.456
sincerely thank outgoing member Vicky

01:49:12.480 --> 01:49:14.056
Mororrow for her invaluable

01:49:14.080 --> 01:49:16.215
contributions to this committee. Her

01:49:16.239 --> 01:49:17.976
passion and dedication have left a

01:49:18.000 --> 01:49:20.056
lasting impact on this committee and the

01:49:20.080 --> 01:49:21.576
community it serves and I wish her all

01:49:21.600 --> 01:49:23.816
the very best.  welcome back to the

01:49:23.840 --> 01:49:25.256
returning committee members and I look

01:49:25.280 --> 01:49:26.695
forward to our next meeting which is

01:49:26.719 --> 01:49:27.976
next week. Thank you.

01:49:28.000 --> 01:49:29.736
Thank you councelor Baker. Councelor

01:49:29.760 --> 01:49:31.256
Pearce.

01:49:31.280 --> 01:49:33.816
Thank you, Madam Mayor. This committee

01:49:33.840 --> 01:49:36.215
is this is the first time I've been on

01:49:36.239 --> 01:49:38.296
this committee and I find it absolutely

01:49:38.320 --> 01:49:40.936
inspiring. You can walk into this

01:49:40.960 --> 01:49:43.016
committee and you can have a bad day and

01:49:43.040 --> 01:49:45.736
I tell you what, you come out inspired.

01:49:45.760 --> 01:49:48.056
Their viewpoints, their ways of looking

01:49:48.080 --> 01:49:51.080
at things, the way they interpret um

01:49:52.560 --> 01:49:55.560
different scenarios is inspiring. And

01:49:55.679 --> 01:49:57.496
every time I walk into that room, I

01:49:57.520 --> 01:50:00.520
always walk out more and more inspired.

01:50:00.560 --> 01:50:03.416
The people and the dedications they and

01:50:03.440 --> 01:50:06.376
the information they provide

01:50:06.400 --> 01:50:08.936
is so important

01:50:08.960 --> 01:50:11.256
because it it makes you have a different

01:50:11.280 --> 01:50:14.280
viewpoint from what you had. It allows

01:50:14.639 --> 01:50:16.776
you to explore

01:50:16.800 --> 01:50:19.800
what it's like in their position.

01:50:20.000 --> 01:50:22.056
Like one of the one of the members was

01:50:22.080 --> 01:50:23.896
pointing out about the problems of

01:50:23.920 --> 01:50:26.856
getting around Knox Festival

01:50:26.880 --> 01:50:29.880
and about the fact that they found it

01:50:30.159 --> 01:50:32.695
quite difficult in a wheelchair. Spiring

01:50:32.719 --> 01:50:35.719
young lady and she said look the way of

01:50:36.639 --> 01:50:39.639
solving that is we need more of the

01:50:40.000 --> 01:50:42.856
paths to get around. We need it not just

01:50:42.880 --> 01:50:45.256
on the outside in the middle so we can

01:50:45.280 --> 01:50:47.576
actually go through things. And I

01:50:47.600 --> 01:50:50.376
thought it's such a logical and common

01:50:50.400 --> 01:50:53.016
sense thing

01:50:53.040 --> 01:50:56.040
and nobody had thought about it.

01:50:56.480 --> 01:50:58.856
And that's what why this committee is so

01:50:58.880 --> 01:51:01.655
important. And I I actually am really

01:51:01.679 --> 01:51:04.296
pleased to see that so many members have

01:51:04.320 --> 01:51:07.320
come back to to join us for another

01:51:07.840 --> 01:51:10.776
another year. So, I just want to thank

01:51:10.800 --> 01:51:13.800
um everybody who's been appointed and

01:51:14.719 --> 01:51:16.695
councelor Baker for chairing the

01:51:16.719 --> 01:51:19.496
committee. I've really enjoyed spending

01:51:19.520 --> 01:51:22.135
time listening to what you have to say

01:51:22.159 --> 01:51:24.456
and how you chair the meeting. Thank you

01:51:24.480 --> 01:51:27.175
very much. Thank you, Councelor Pearce.

01:51:27.199 --> 01:51:28.936
Would any other counselor like to speak

01:51:28.960 --> 01:51:31.960
to the motion?

01:51:32.400 --> 01:51:34.215
No. I'll now put the motion. All those

01:51:34.239 --> 01:51:37.175
in favor? The motion is carried. Thank

01:51:37.199 --> 01:51:40.199
you.

01:51:41.679 --> 01:51:44.679
Okay, we're now moving on to

01:51:45.360 --> 01:51:48.360
sorry lost my page.

01:51:49.440 --> 01:51:52.440
Item 8.8 Knox homelessness and rough

01:51:53.040 --> 01:51:55.416
sleeping policy. Would a counselor like

01:51:55.440 --> 01:51:57.496
to move a motion?

01:51:57.520 --> 01:51:58.936
You're going to move. Yes. Thank you,

01:51:58.960 --> 01:52:00.376
councelor Lockwood moving the

01:52:00.400 --> 01:52:03.256
recommendation. Second for Thank you,

01:52:03.280 --> 01:52:05.655
councelor Williams. Councelor Lockwood,

01:52:05.679 --> 01:52:07.016
would you like to speak to the motion?

01:52:07.040 --> 01:52:09.016
Yeah, thank you. Like mental health, um,

01:52:09.040 --> 01:52:11.175
homelessness has increased fairly

01:52:11.199 --> 01:52:14.199
steeply postco. Um, a lot of people lost

01:52:14.320 --> 01:52:15.496
their jobs. They're in casual

01:52:15.520 --> 01:52:18.135
employment. Rents have gone up steeply

01:52:18.159 --> 01:52:20.376
and people who never were never in this

01:52:20.400 --> 01:52:21.736
situation before suddenly find

01:52:21.760 --> 01:52:23.416
themselves homeless and struggle to cope

01:52:23.440 --> 01:52:25.736
with it. Um, of course, we have the

01:52:25.760 --> 01:52:27.416
dedicated rough sleepers as a community

01:52:27.440 --> 01:52:30.440
of people who like being homeless. um

01:52:30.719 --> 01:52:32.376
they are unlikely to be convinced

01:52:32.400 --> 01:52:34.695
otherwise. But we did have quite a

01:52:34.719 --> 01:52:36.856
significant increase in people who who

01:52:36.880 --> 01:52:38.936
couldn't cope and  who had nowhere to

01:52:38.960 --> 01:52:40.776
sleep. So it's good that we have a

01:52:40.800 --> 01:52:43.800
policy to to manage that and  not a

01:52:44.000 --> 01:52:45.736
confrontational policy but a helpful

01:52:45.760 --> 01:52:48.760
policy. I know it um the local relief

01:52:49.599 --> 01:52:51.816
relief agency in Bonia when people who

01:52:51.840 --> 01:52:53.736
were homeless came in the best that

01:52:53.760 --> 01:52:55.175
could be done. Initially, of course,

01:52:55.199 --> 01:52:56.456
they were referred to homelessness

01:52:56.480 --> 01:52:59.416
agencies, but  as time went by, um

01:52:59.440 --> 01:53:02.215
there was nothing for for short-term

01:53:02.239 --> 01:53:03.336
accommodation, for emergency

01:53:03.360 --> 01:53:06.360
accommodation. They had huge cues. So,

01:53:06.639 --> 01:53:09.639
um in the end being given waterproof

01:53:10.000 --> 01:53:12.215
sleeping bags and if they wanted a

01:53:12.239 --> 01:53:14.856
waterproof tent, although a tent has its

01:53:14.880 --> 01:53:16.936
own dangers um because they can't see

01:53:16.960 --> 01:53:19.960
people coming. Um it's important there

01:53:20.320 --> 01:53:22.615
that we that we have a way to manage

01:53:22.639 --> 01:53:25.639
this. Um, some homeless people have

01:53:25.920 --> 01:53:28.695
their pets too. , I think we perhaps

01:53:28.719 --> 01:53:30.776
need to consider homeless people and

01:53:30.800 --> 01:53:33.800
pets  in the consultation for the dam

01:53:33.840 --> 01:53:36.056
because  I know there's I know come

01:53:36.080 --> 01:53:37.655
across a homeless person who lost their

01:53:37.679 --> 01:53:39.736
pet and they absolutely distraught

01:53:39.760 --> 01:53:42.296
because pets can be a reassurance and a

01:53:42.320 --> 01:53:44.456
friend to somebody who's doing it really

01:53:44.480 --> 01:53:46.776
tough. Of course, the best solution is

01:53:46.800 --> 01:53:49.800
to help people and get them out of that

01:53:50.159 --> 01:53:52.296
 get them into into housing. But 

01:53:52.320 --> 01:53:54.615
when that's not available, we end up

01:53:54.639 --> 01:53:56.695
with people on the sle streets or you

01:53:56.719 --> 01:53:58.376
know in our ovals, in our schoolboards,

01:53:58.400 --> 01:54:00.135
in our

01:54:00.159 --> 01:54:02.536
all sorts of places. And  some people

01:54:02.560 --> 01:54:04.376
don't don't appreciate it and complain,

01:54:04.400 --> 01:54:07.016
but we need to respond in a thoughtful

01:54:07.040 --> 01:54:08.776
and sympathetic way to a lot of these

01:54:08.800 --> 01:54:10.296
problems

01:54:10.320 --> 01:54:12.376
and can't just be confrontational. So,

01:54:12.400 --> 01:54:14.776
it's good to have a policy and  good

01:54:14.800 --> 01:54:16.776
to have a way to manage the problems.

01:54:16.800 --> 01:54:17.816
Thank you.

01:54:17.840 --> 01:54:20.376
Thank you, Councelor Williams.

01:54:20.400 --> 01:54:23.095
Thank you through you, Mayor. Um

01:54:23.119 --> 01:54:24.856
like my colleagues just mentioned, it's

01:54:24.880 --> 01:54:26.215
very important to have this policy. I

01:54:26.239 --> 01:54:28.056
think having a guide book um and

01:54:28.080 --> 01:54:30.376
procedures, but also um the ability to

01:54:30.400 --> 01:54:32.936
have all the staff and officers um with

01:54:32.960 --> 01:54:35.575
contacts and referral systems is um

01:54:35.599 --> 01:54:38.215
vitally important. As someone who is an

01:54:38.239 --> 01:54:40.296
emergency responder in Knox, um I've

01:54:40.320 --> 01:54:43.320
probably been to four or five um 

01:54:44.960 --> 01:54:47.095
rough sleepers  along the bike track

01:54:47.119 --> 01:54:49.816
of recent times in the last month. Um

01:54:49.840 --> 01:54:51.496
unfortunately lighting campfires and

01:54:51.520 --> 01:54:53.416
things like that to keep their warmth.

01:54:53.440 --> 01:54:55.976
Um and

01:54:56.000 --> 01:54:57.336
they're very friendly people when you

01:54:57.360 --> 01:54:58.536
actually have a talk to them. And I

01:54:58.560 --> 01:55:01.256
think um understanding the circumstances

01:55:01.280 --> 01:55:03.095
and what's gone on and then providing

01:55:03.119 --> 01:55:04.776
them with a bit of guidance is what

01:55:04.800 --> 01:55:07.655
we're all here for. So um we've noted in

01:55:07.679 --> 01:55:09.816
here the Knox emergency relief network

01:55:09.840 --> 01:55:12.056
which is quite important. I've referred

01:55:12.080 --> 01:55:13.736
plenty of people on to info link and

01:55:13.760 --> 01:55:16.215
champion and various other  causes. I

01:55:16.239 --> 01:55:17.976
think it's important that we provide

01:55:18.000 --> 01:55:20.936
those services. It is however sort of

01:55:20.960 --> 01:55:23.960
stressing to see that um  in in

01:55:24.719 --> 01:55:27.175
Australia the the increase has been 5.2%

01:55:27.199 --> 01:55:30.199
since 2016 but in Knox it's um more than

01:55:30.239 --> 01:55:33.095
20%. So um quite a large number. We've

01:55:33.119 --> 01:55:35.736
gone from reports of rough sleeping 

01:55:35.760 --> 01:55:37.976
in the last 3 years 2023 end of

01:55:38.000 --> 01:55:41.000
financial years 54 2024 is 88 and 2025

01:55:42.239 --> 01:55:44.936
is 112. So the numbers are increasing

01:55:44.960 --> 01:55:46.776
unfortunately with um you know the

01:55:46.800 --> 01:55:49.800
census data saying 427 people in Knox um

01:55:50.880 --> 01:55:52.776
it's quite quite a large demand now on

01:55:52.800 --> 01:55:54.296
our services and I think through the

01:55:54.320 --> 01:55:56.536
emergency relief fund that we all um

01:55:56.560 --> 01:55:59.016
accepted as a council um moving forward

01:55:59.040 --> 01:56:01.496
is a great step forward to show that we

01:56:01.520 --> 01:56:04.135
do care. Um I would also like to make

01:56:04.159 --> 01:56:05.816
mention through the emergency relief

01:56:05.840 --> 01:56:07.655
network um some of the representatives

01:56:07.679 --> 01:56:09.976
each info link Salvation Army and the

01:56:10.000 --> 01:56:11.256
local churches and also the council

01:56:11.280 --> 01:56:13.416
staff. I think it's very important and I

01:56:13.440 --> 01:56:15.976
know myself I've connected um with Judy

01:56:16.000 --> 01:56:17.575
on a couple of those rough sleepers that

01:56:17.599 --> 01:56:18.936
have been at some of these fires that

01:56:18.960 --> 01:56:21.816
I've been at and um I know we've been

01:56:21.840 --> 01:56:23.976
able to sort of recommend them to other

01:56:24.000 --> 01:56:25.896
services. I think one of the big biggest

01:56:25.920 --> 01:56:28.536
things through um the report also is for

01:56:28.560 --> 01:56:31.336
our staff and um  officers to have

01:56:31.360 --> 01:56:32.856
safety while delivering those services.

01:56:32.880 --> 01:56:34.695
I think the importance is making sure

01:56:34.719 --> 01:56:37.016
that um you know one thing that we're

01:56:37.040 --> 01:56:38.536
taught in emergency services is always

01:56:38.560 --> 01:56:41.095
protect yourself first cuz if we can't

01:56:41.119 --> 01:56:42.615
if we're not up for the job we're not

01:56:42.639 --> 01:56:43.575
going to be able to do the job and I

01:56:43.599 --> 01:56:45.416
think that's important through this. So

01:56:45.440 --> 01:56:47.896
I highly commend this report. It's um

01:56:47.920 --> 01:56:50.776
sad that it's getting worse. Um but I

01:56:50.800 --> 01:56:53.016
know um councelor K myself and councelor

01:56:53.040 --> 01:56:56.040
Lockwood have all been um to other

01:56:56.400 --> 01:56:57.976
events and and looking into other things

01:56:58.000 --> 01:56:59.896
that we can do as well. we might present

01:56:59.920 --> 01:57:01.976
those at um future council meetings, but

01:57:02.000 --> 01:57:03.496
it's important that we do recognize it

01:57:03.520 --> 01:57:06.376
and we do our best to support our local

01:57:06.400 --> 01:57:07.736
community. So, highly commend this

01:57:07.760 --> 01:57:08.695
report.

01:57:08.719 --> 01:57:10.536
Thank you, councelor Williams. Would any

01:57:10.560 --> 01:57:12.215
other counselor like to speak to the

01:57:12.239 --> 01:57:13.816
motion?

01:57:13.840 --> 01:57:16.135
Council Pearce.

01:57:16.159 --> 01:57:17.496
Thank you, Madame May. I'll be really

01:57:17.520 --> 01:57:20.520
brief. This was one area that of council

01:57:20.560 --> 01:57:22.936
that I wasn't aware of but thankfully

01:57:22.960 --> 01:57:25.575
through the guidance of counselor

01:57:25.599 --> 01:57:28.599
Lockwood who infor not only educated me

01:57:29.920 --> 01:57:32.920
but informed me of when he brought me

01:57:33.119 --> 01:57:35.575
down to the breakfast club at infolink

01:57:35.599 --> 01:57:38.599
how many of them are rough sleepers and

01:57:38.719 --> 01:57:41.336
how many of them have have dogs and what

01:57:41.360 --> 01:57:43.256
we could do to help them

01:57:43.280 --> 01:57:46.280
was really inspiring. Um, I'm very lucky

01:57:46.560 --> 01:57:48.296
that with that guidance I got to find

01:57:48.320 --> 01:57:51.320
out just how wide this problem is and

01:57:53.199 --> 01:57:56.199
how having this policy is so important.

01:57:56.800 --> 01:57:58.536
So, I just want to thank Council

01:57:58.560 --> 01:58:01.496
Lockwood for his his guidance and help

01:58:01.520 --> 01:58:04.376
and in helping me to be educated on

01:58:04.400 --> 01:58:05.976
something that I didn't know a lot about

01:58:06.000 --> 01:58:09.000
before I got onto council. Thank you.

01:58:10.159 --> 01:58:11.736
Thank you. Would any other counselor

01:58:11.760 --> 01:58:14.760
like to speak to the motion?

01:58:15.760 --> 01:58:17.896
Thank you, Councelor Duncan.

01:58:17.920 --> 01:58:19.655
Um, I'd like to thank Councelor Lockwood

01:58:19.679 --> 01:58:21.816
for so enthusiastically moving this

01:58:21.840 --> 01:58:24.456
motion. Um, I'm actually really

01:58:24.480 --> 01:58:26.056
impressed that this new policy, I've

01:58:26.080 --> 01:58:28.296
spoken many times before, um, to my

01:58:28.320 --> 01:58:30.296
fellow councilors. Our job is to set

01:58:30.320 --> 01:58:32.456
policy and then stick to that policy

01:58:32.480 --> 01:58:34.695
when we're making decisions. Um, I note

01:58:34.719 --> 01:58:36.215
the policy that we're rescending was

01:58:36.239 --> 01:58:38.215
more of a if if you're confronted with

01:58:38.239 --> 01:58:41.095
this, do this. If this happens, do this.

01:58:41.119 --> 01:58:43.175
Um whereas the new policy actually has

01:58:43.199 --> 01:58:45.416
some really clear actions that we as a

01:58:45.440 --> 01:58:48.376
council will  will fight for and some

01:58:48.400 --> 01:58:50.215
advocacy points that we'll be will be

01:58:50.239 --> 01:58:52.135
pushing irrespective of whether we're

01:58:52.159 --> 01:58:54.296
interacting directly with homeless or

01:58:54.320 --> 01:58:56.536
rough sleepers. So I think it's a really

01:58:56.560 --> 01:58:58.135
really good policy that sets some really

01:58:58.159 --> 01:58:59.736
good direction in line with our council

01:58:59.760 --> 01:59:01.896
and health and well-being plan. So thank

01:59:01.920 --> 01:59:03.655
you very much officers um very

01:59:03.679 --> 01:59:06.376
supportive of this policy and well done.

01:59:06.400 --> 01:59:08.536
Thank you councelor Dunc. Would any

01:59:08.560 --> 01:59:09.976
other council like to speak to the

01:59:10.000 --> 01:59:11.736
motion?

01:59:11.760 --> 01:59:13.256
Council Lockwood, would you like to

01:59:13.280 --> 01:59:15.016
exercise your right of reply?

01:59:15.040 --> 01:59:17.016
Thank you. Um, councelor Williams just

01:59:17.040 --> 01:59:19.256
reminded me in quoting some numbers that

01:59:19.280 --> 01:59:21.655
on census not I think there were before

01:59:21.679 --> 01:59:24.679
co 122,000 people um were was found to

01:59:26.639 --> 01:59:28.936
be homeless not having a residence that

01:59:28.960 --> 01:59:31.960
night. Um, however, that's inadequate

01:59:32.400 --> 01:59:34.536
because there are 380,000 people

01:59:34.560 --> 01:59:37.560
registered with homeless services. um

01:59:37.840 --> 01:59:40.536
more recently and they turn thousands

01:59:40.560 --> 01:59:42.695
away as well across all the services. So

01:59:42.719 --> 01:59:44.456
there are many more thousands who can't

01:59:44.480 --> 01:59:46.695
even get  registered with homeless

01:59:46.719 --> 01:59:49.095
services because they're overwhelmed. Um

01:59:49.119 --> 01:59:51.175
so we looking at somewhere around half a

01:59:51.199 --> 01:59:54.199
million people in Australia um who are

01:59:54.800 --> 01:59:56.615
um homeless in one way or another which

01:59:56.639 --> 01:59:58.936
may be couch surfing some cases or

01:59:58.960 --> 02:00:00.856
living in their cars or sleeping rough.

02:00:00.880 --> 02:00:02.695
It's not all sleeping rough. sleeping

02:00:02.719 --> 02:00:04.296
rough is a relatively small percentage

02:00:04.320 --> 02:00:07.175
of the total homeless, but it is um

02:00:07.199 --> 02:00:09.816
somebody who's desperate.  so yeah,

02:00:09.840 --> 02:00:12.840
I'll leave it at that. Thank you. I'll

02:00:12.960 --> 02:00:15.095
now put the motion. All those in favor,

02:00:15.119 --> 02:00:18.056
the motion is carried. Thank you. Moving

02:00:18.080 --> 02:00:20.936
on to item 8.9,

02:00:20.960 --> 02:00:23.960
the 2025 26 amended budget. Would a

02:00:25.119 --> 02:00:28.119
counselor like to move a motion?

02:00:30.400 --> 02:00:32.936
Thank you, councelor Atwell.

02:00:32.960 --> 02:00:35.575
Moving the recommendation. Yeah. Do we

02:00:35.599 --> 02:00:37.736
have a second for the motion? Thank you,

02:00:37.760 --> 02:00:40.760
councelor Bart.

02:00:40.800 --> 02:00:42.056
Councelor Atwell, would you like to

02:00:42.080 --> 02:00:43.575
speak to the motion?

02:00:43.599 --> 02:00:46.376
, thank you, Mayor. Um,

02:00:46.400 --> 02:00:48.536
u amend amendments to the budget such as

02:00:48.560 --> 02:00:51.560
this are normal practice um about this

02:00:51.760 --> 02:00:54.536
time of year. Um, of course, each each

02:00:54.560 --> 02:00:56.456
adjustment deserves um scrutiny, and

02:00:56.480 --> 02:00:59.480
this report sets out um where those 

02:00:59.599 --> 02:01:02.599
ups and downs um have occurred  since

02:01:02.639 --> 02:01:05.639
the adoption of the 202526 budget. Um

02:01:07.280 --> 02:01:08.776
um I thought yeah, some of the

02:01:08.800 --> 02:01:10.615
amendments reflect both the the the

02:01:10.639 --> 02:01:12.456
challenges and and opportunities. At the

02:01:12.480 --> 02:01:14.296
moment, we're seeing cost escalations in

02:01:14.320 --> 02:01:16.536
terms of  construction of materials

02:01:16.560 --> 02:01:18.135
impacting on the capital program while

02:01:18.159 --> 02:01:21.159
at the same time um there's been some 

02:01:21.840 --> 02:01:23.416
efficiency and improvements and some

02:01:23.440 --> 02:01:25.336
operational savings identified as well.

02:01:25.360 --> 02:01:28.296
So um it's laid out into the report. I

02:01:28.320 --> 02:01:30.456
might um might round back on any any

02:01:30.480 --> 02:01:32.215
conversation that  that occurs, but

02:01:32.239 --> 02:01:34.296
happy to support  this amendment to

02:01:34.320 --> 02:01:36.296
our recently adopted budget.

02:01:36.320 --> 02:01:38.056
Thank you, Councelor Atwell. Councelor

02:01:38.080 --> 02:01:39.816
Baker, thank you. I've got nothing

02:01:39.840 --> 02:01:41.496
further to add but supportive of the

02:01:41.520 --> 02:01:43.416
amended budget as councelor Atwell

02:01:43.440 --> 02:01:45.416
outlined this does occur from time to

02:01:45.440 --> 02:01:48.440
time um and it's very clear as to where

02:01:48.480 --> 02:01:51.416
and what and discrepancies or you know

02:01:51.440 --> 02:01:54.440
revenue etc expenditure differences um

02:01:54.480 --> 02:01:57.016
and I'll be supportive of it. Thank you.

02:01:57.040 --> 02:01:59.575
Thank you. Would any other council like

02:01:59.599 --> 02:02:01.976
councelor Duncan then councelor Peters?

02:02:02.000 --> 02:02:04.456
Um thank you. Now while I'm supportive

02:02:04.480 --> 02:02:06.536
that we need to adopt amendments to

02:02:06.560 --> 02:02:08.376
budgets. I won't be supporting this

02:02:08.400 --> 02:02:10.936
amendment.  in particularly, it's

02:02:10.960 --> 02:02:12.936
point 2 where we're asked to allocate

02:02:12.960 --> 02:02:15.095
the funding that's been identified for

02:02:15.119 --> 02:02:16.936
pavilion upgrades within our capital

02:02:16.960 --> 02:02:19.736
works program  to put all of these

02:02:19.760 --> 02:02:21.416
funds towards a detailed design of the

02:02:21.440 --> 02:02:24.056
Lewis Park pavilion. Um I spoke to it

02:02:24.080 --> 02:02:25.976
earlier with the response we got from

02:02:26.000 --> 02:02:27.816
Andrew from the soccer club about

02:02:27.840 --> 02:02:30.135
promises that were made  and other

02:02:30.159 --> 02:02:31.655
promises that have been made to other

02:02:31.679 --> 02:02:34.215
clubs. Um, so I'm I'm not happy to

02:02:34.239 --> 02:02:36.296
support option two and for that reason I

02:02:36.320 --> 02:02:39.256
won't be supporting this  as it as

02:02:39.280 --> 02:02:41.655
it's been recommended to us.

02:02:41.679 --> 02:02:44.679
Okay. Councelor Pearce. Madam through

02:02:45.280 --> 02:02:47.575
you, Madam Mayor, I have concerns in

02:02:47.599 --> 02:02:50.536
sporting the amended budget. Considering

02:02:50.560 --> 02:02:52.536
that the budget was adopted in June, I

02:02:52.560 --> 02:02:54.135
have concerns with supporting an

02:02:54.159 --> 02:02:57.159
amendment to the budget in September.

02:02:58.080 --> 02:02:59.896
Considering that the process and the

02:02:59.920 --> 02:03:02.615
fact that the decision have been made on

02:03:02.639 --> 02:03:04.615
the basis that the budget was final and

02:03:04.639 --> 02:03:07.256
adopted, I think it's unrealistic for an

02:03:07.280 --> 02:03:08.695
amendment to happen so quickly

02:03:08.719 --> 02:03:10.536
afterwards.

02:03:10.560 --> 02:03:13.256
I understand that this is a process

02:03:13.280 --> 02:03:16.280
since 2022 23 budget and I think but I

02:03:17.679 --> 02:03:19.736
don't think it's good governance. I'm

02:03:19.760 --> 02:03:22.760
sorry. um amending the budget that goes

02:03:23.440 --> 02:03:26.440
through months after you've adopted an a

02:03:26.560 --> 02:03:29.560
and worked on another budget for I don't

02:03:29.599 --> 02:03:31.496
know how many nine months we spent on

02:03:31.520 --> 02:03:34.296
the on the current budget.

02:03:34.320 --> 02:03:37.320
I I'm just not overly happy with it. I

02:03:37.360 --> 02:03:38.536
acknowledge the reasons for the

02:03:38.560 --> 02:03:41.095
amendments is timing and adjustment to

02:03:41.119 --> 02:03:43.175
the complete the projects but I believe

02:03:43.199 --> 02:03:46.135
the amendment is due to one some of the

02:03:46.159 --> 02:03:48.776
amendment is due to the depreciation

02:03:48.800 --> 02:03:50.615
which I understand there's been a change

02:03:50.639 --> 02:03:52.776
in the accounting standards but I think

02:03:52.800 --> 02:03:54.135
that we could have been calculated

02:03:54.159 --> 02:03:56.296
beforehand

02:03:56.320 --> 02:03:58.215
the decrease in the underlying surplus

02:03:58.239 --> 02:04:01.239
of 7,676,000

02:04:02.639 --> 02:04:05.639
I have concerns with it equates to 39.3%

02:04:06.000 --> 02:04:08.456
of the decrease increase. Capital works

02:04:08.480 --> 02:04:11.416
has increased by another 2 million.

02:04:11.440 --> 02:04:14.215
These amounts are not small movements

02:04:14.239 --> 02:04:15.896
and the decisions have been made based

02:04:15.920 --> 02:04:18.456
on the adopted budget. We all sat around

02:04:18.480 --> 02:04:20.376
and made those decisions based on that

02:04:20.400 --> 02:04:23.400
budget. Things were were not carried

02:04:23.760 --> 02:04:26.456
forward. Some things were stopped, some

02:04:26.480 --> 02:04:28.056
things weren't. And now we're going

02:04:28.080 --> 02:04:31.016
ahead with an adopted budget without the

02:04:31.040 --> 02:04:32.695
same

02:04:32.719 --> 02:04:35.719
um how would you put it? the same

02:04:36.880 --> 02:04:39.880
due diligence as what we did with the

02:04:39.920 --> 02:04:42.615
previous budget.

02:04:42.639 --> 02:04:44.456
I'm concerned most that our residents

02:04:44.480 --> 02:04:45.896
and road payers are looking at the

02:04:45.920 --> 02:04:48.920
adopted budget for information and are

02:04:49.360 --> 02:04:51.016
using the wrong information because

02:04:51.040 --> 02:04:53.976
there's amended budget. I agree with

02:04:54.000 --> 02:04:56.215
councelor Duncan

02:04:56.239 --> 02:04:59.016
that I'm not happy with the amount going

02:04:59.040 --> 02:05:02.040
to the pavilion at Lewis Park

02:05:02.080 --> 02:05:04.296
because

02:05:04.320 --> 02:05:06.056
basically we have other pavilions that

02:05:06.080 --> 02:05:09.080
need help too like Cbeck Reserve which

02:05:11.280 --> 02:05:13.496
needs lighting so they can use the

02:05:13.520 --> 02:05:16.520
second field for um for the women's

02:05:17.360 --> 02:05:20.360
women's sport and the use of other pe

02:05:21.199 --> 02:05:22.695
other teams.

02:05:22.719 --> 02:05:24.695
by having lighting there so they can use

02:05:24.719 --> 02:05:26.536
it at night.

02:05:26.560 --> 02:05:29.416
Anyway, um that's all I have to say.

02:05:29.440 --> 02:05:31.256
Thank you very much, Madame May. Thank

02:05:31.280 --> 02:05:33.016
you. I just want to ask a question

02:05:33.040 --> 02:05:34.936
before the conversation continues

02:05:34.960 --> 02:05:37.095
because I'm not sure I'm on the same

02:05:37.119 --> 02:05:40.119
page of understanding as what I'm

02:05:40.159 --> 02:05:43.016
hearing. So, I'm not sure who I asked

02:05:43.040 --> 02:05:45.175
this question to whether it would be

02:05:45.199 --> 02:05:48.199
maybe NVC or perhaps yeah, NVC. Um

02:05:50.239 --> 02:05:52.615
my understanding is that the purpose of

02:05:52.639 --> 02:05:54.936
this report is basically from a

02:05:54.960 --> 02:05:56.615
transparency perspective. We're being

02:05:56.639 --> 02:05:58.615
very transparent and it's about

02:05:58.639 --> 02:06:00.695
understanding where we are at this point

02:06:00.719 --> 02:06:03.336
in time in terms of timing, carry

02:06:03.360 --> 02:06:05.336
forwards, current financial position,

02:06:05.360 --> 02:06:07.655
that sort of thing. It's not not

02:06:07.679 --> 02:06:10.679
amending plans that have been set in the

02:06:11.199 --> 02:06:14.199
previous budget, is it?

02:06:15.920 --> 02:06:18.215
 so it's not I mean this is overall

02:06:18.239 --> 02:06:20.296
just reflecting timing changes which

02:06:20.320 --> 02:06:23.320
have occurred post 30 June primarily. So

02:06:24.239 --> 02:06:26.215
um you know essentially in relation to

02:06:26.239 --> 02:06:29.095
the the grants and the like we we don't

02:06:29.119 --> 02:06:31.575
know the overall implications of the

02:06:31.599 --> 02:06:33.896
grants and what the funds are remaining

02:06:33.920 --> 02:06:36.695
on some of those grants until after 30

02:06:36.719 --> 02:06:39.719
June  in relation to the depreciation

02:06:40.159 --> 02:06:42.856
which is the the major movement in the

02:06:42.880 --> 02:06:45.175
adjusted or the underlying surplus

02:06:45.199 --> 02:06:48.055
position that is a a non-cash movement

02:06:48.079 --> 02:06:50.296
and it really was not possible for us to

02:06:50.320 --> 02:06:53.320
calculate that prior to to 30th. of June

02:06:53.520 --> 02:06:55.336
until all the revaluations were

02:06:55.360 --> 02:06:57.976
undertaken under the new standard and we

02:06:58.000 --> 02:06:59.816
had them signed off through the the

02:06:59.840 --> 02:07:02.695
audit and in relation to the capital

02:07:02.719 --> 02:07:05.719
program um the amount which is being

02:07:05.920 --> 02:07:08.376
requested to be carried forward the the

02:07:08.400 --> 02:07:11.400
$3.18 million is what was underspent

02:07:12.400 --> 02:07:15.175
from last year between what we forecast

02:07:15.199 --> 02:07:17.256
we would spend versus what we actually

02:07:17.280 --> 02:07:19.256
spent at year end. So, it's not

02:07:19.280 --> 02:07:21.496
additional money. It's just trying to

02:07:21.520 --> 02:07:23.736
reflect that to complete some of those

02:07:23.760 --> 02:07:25.896
projects that we didn't complete last

02:07:25.920 --> 02:07:28.776
year, that money is requested to be

02:07:28.800 --> 02:07:31.175
continued, I suppose. Carried forward.

02:07:31.199 --> 02:07:34.199
Yeah. Carried forward. Yeah. Thank you.

02:07:34.400 --> 02:07:36.695
Yeah. Thank you.  I'm not going to

02:07:36.719 --> 02:07:38.776
speak to the motion just yet. Is there

02:07:38.800 --> 02:07:40.376
any other counselor who would like to

02:07:40.400 --> 02:07:42.856
speak to the motion?

02:07:42.880 --> 02:07:44.456
Councelor Williams.

02:07:44.480 --> 02:07:47.480
Thank you. Through you, May. Um,

02:07:48.960 --> 02:07:51.496
I do understand point one and and the

02:07:51.520 --> 02:07:54.520
reasoning behind that. Um,

02:07:54.560 --> 02:07:55.816
in regards to point two, I'm listening

02:07:55.840 --> 02:07:57.575
to my colleagues and Lewis Park's

02:07:57.599 --> 02:08:00.599
obviously in my ward. Um, but I wonder

02:08:01.440 --> 02:08:04.440
if we could perhaps present an alternate

02:08:04.960 --> 02:08:06.776
to take that out of this particular

02:08:06.800 --> 02:08:09.336
report. Um, and

02:08:09.360 --> 02:08:09.976
split them.

02:08:10.000 --> 02:08:11.496
Yeah. And split them and do that as a

02:08:11.520 --> 02:08:13.175
further discussion perhaps at a further

02:08:13.199 --> 02:08:16.199
time. Um I'm I'm just remiss of when we

02:08:17.440 --> 02:08:18.936
went through this budget process in the

02:08:18.960 --> 02:08:21.095
first place

02:08:21.119 --> 02:08:24.055
that we were we were told we can't add

02:08:24.079 --> 02:08:26.215
additional things once things have been

02:08:26.239 --> 02:08:28.695
sort of set in motion.

02:08:28.719 --> 02:08:31.095
And I'm concerned that although trust me

02:08:31.119 --> 02:08:33.016
I really do want to see Lewis Park

02:08:33.040 --> 02:08:35.256
Pavilion and I see the benefits 100% out

02:08:35.280 --> 02:08:37.655
of Lewis Park Pavilion being done. Um

02:08:37.679 --> 02:08:39.256
and I think it's for a benefit for all

02:08:39.280 --> 02:08:42.280
of us here um and for all our wards. Um,

02:08:42.400 --> 02:08:44.615
I'm just mindful the concern of my

02:08:44.639 --> 02:08:47.496
fellow colleagues that we're throwing

02:08:47.520 --> 02:08:49.095
something in there that perhaps we

02:08:49.119 --> 02:08:51.736
weren't ready for and and I'm asking for

02:08:51.760 --> 02:08:54.760
a bit of a an alternate to perhaps

02:08:54.880 --> 02:08:56.695
separate that and decide on those two

02:08:56.719 --> 02:08:59.719
decisions separately if that's possible.

02:08:59.760 --> 02:09:02.760
Okay. Um

02:09:04.000 --> 02:09:05.416
All right. I'm just going to get some

02:09:05.440 --> 02:09:07.736
advice in terms of how we can split it

02:09:07.760 --> 02:09:10.055
and um

02:09:10.079 --> 02:09:13.079
Yeah, just one moment.

02:12:55.040 --> 02:12:57.016
Okay. So, we've just had a discussion on

02:12:57.040 --> 02:12:59.095
the technicalities of the like the

02:12:59.119 --> 02:13:00.936
governance really in terms of splitting

02:13:00.960 --> 02:13:02.856
the motion. I'm going to actually let

02:13:02.880 --> 02:13:05.416
Andrew explain it. Um I think he'll be

02:13:05.440 --> 02:13:07.655
more concise with with his words than

02:13:07.679 --> 02:13:09.496
me. So, I'll hand over to yourself

02:13:09.520 --> 02:13:11.095
Andrew.

02:13:11.119 --> 02:13:13.095
Thank you through you, Mayor. Um so

02:13:13.119 --> 02:13:15.816
councilors, we have a a motion before us

02:13:15.840 --> 02:13:18.055
with two resolutions. So that motion is

02:13:18.079 --> 02:13:21.079
on the table. Um and um an amendment to

02:13:23.199 --> 02:13:26.199
the second motion to um say defer that

02:13:27.280 --> 02:13:30.280
decision. We would generally the advice

02:13:30.639 --> 02:13:33.095
would probably be that um that change

02:13:33.119 --> 02:13:35.256
would be too significant to go through

02:13:35.280 --> 02:13:37.256
as an amendment because it's completely

02:13:37.280 --> 02:13:38.936
different to the the motion that's on

02:13:38.960 --> 02:13:41.416
the table. The option before council is

02:13:41.440 --> 02:13:44.440
then to split the decision. Um the Mayor

02:13:44.480 --> 02:13:46.856
has the power to do that. Um and that

02:13:46.880 --> 02:13:49.880
would see council vote in two parts on

02:13:50.000 --> 02:13:53.000
this motion. Um so if both were

02:13:53.679 --> 02:13:55.016
successful, that would be council's

02:13:55.040 --> 02:13:58.040
decision. Um if the first part was

02:13:58.159 --> 02:14:01.159
successful and the second part wasn't um

02:14:01.520 --> 02:14:04.520
then there's um capacity for officers to

02:14:04.960 --> 02:14:07.016
bring that aspect back without a report

02:14:07.040 --> 02:14:10.040
or if council were of a mind to to want

02:14:10.320 --> 02:14:13.095
a specific resolution for that purpose.

02:14:13.119 --> 02:14:16.119
Um I believe the rules would allow us um

02:14:16.239 --> 02:14:18.376
to have a subsequent motion to provide

02:14:18.400 --> 02:14:20.215
clarity to officers regarding the

02:14:20.239 --> 02:14:22.135
expectations regarding that aspect of

02:14:22.159 --> 02:14:25.159
the report.

02:14:25.440 --> 02:14:26.856
So I'm going to put that on the screen

02:14:26.880 --> 02:14:29.880
now. Thank you.

02:14:33.199 --> 02:14:36.055
Um so we can continue obviously with the

02:14:36.079 --> 02:14:38.856
debate and then we'll go when I call um

02:14:38.880 --> 02:14:41.880
the um sorry

02:14:43.280 --> 02:14:44.936
through you sorry I didn't didn't

02:14:44.960 --> 02:14:47.960
mention um we have in the past had um

02:14:48.239 --> 02:14:50.695
split motions from the outset and two

02:14:50.719 --> 02:14:53.016
debates and followed by different

02:14:53.040 --> 02:14:54.936
motions. In this instance, you can have

02:14:54.960 --> 02:14:57.336
a singular debate and then just simply

02:14:57.360 --> 02:14:59.736
put the motions in separate parts, one

02:14:59.760 --> 02:15:02.760
followed immediately by the other.

02:15:05.040 --> 02:15:08.040
Okay. In saying that, um, is there a

02:15:08.239 --> 02:15:10.055
counselor who hasn't already spoken to

02:15:10.079 --> 02:15:11.496
the motion who would like to speak to

02:15:11.520 --> 02:15:14.520
the motion?

02:15:20.719 --> 02:15:22.376
No.

02:15:22.400 --> 02:15:25.400
Well, I think that I will then I'm

02:15:25.520 --> 02:15:27.976
actually comfortable with both and I

02:15:28.000 --> 02:15:31.000
have been um throughout I think the

02:15:31.119 --> 02:15:33.736
whole budget process comfortable with

02:15:33.760 --> 02:15:35.736
the report that's been put forward this

02:15:35.760 --> 02:15:37.976
evening and and what it's asking of

02:15:38.000 --> 02:15:41.000
council and what it's um

02:15:41.760 --> 02:15:44.760
what what its intentions are. So for me,

02:15:44.800 --> 02:15:47.800
I'm going to be likely to support both.

02:15:48.079 --> 02:15:50.856
Um and and

02:15:50.880 --> 02:15:52.936
I think there's been enough commentary

02:15:52.960 --> 02:15:55.960
around the table to express why. Um

02:15:58.719 --> 02:16:01.575
councelor Atwell, you moved you moved

02:16:01.599 --> 02:16:03.256
the motion. Would you like to exercise

02:16:03.280 --> 02:16:04.776
your right of reply?

02:16:04.800 --> 02:16:07.416
 thank you, Mayor. Um

02:16:07.440 --> 02:16:10.440
and yes, very spirited debate. Um but it

02:16:10.560 --> 02:16:13.560
seems like we do have suggestion

02:16:13.679 --> 02:16:16.679
potentially. Um I'm not sure about that.

02:16:17.280 --> 02:16:20.280
I'm I mean the Lewis Park master plan 

02:16:20.880 --> 02:16:23.880
is a significant project. Um this design

02:16:24.719 --> 02:16:27.719
work is crucial in terms of the 

02:16:28.400 --> 02:16:29.896
planning for the redevelopment of the

02:16:29.920 --> 02:16:32.056
pavilion. I'm I'm hearing that the ward

02:16:32.080 --> 02:16:34.776
counselor um is is minded to delay and

02:16:34.800 --> 02:16:37.176
and shove that design work. I think that

02:16:37.200 --> 02:16:38.936
will come as a as a significant surprise

02:16:38.960 --> 02:16:41.096
to the sporting club tenants and and and

02:16:41.120 --> 02:16:43.655
the communities that  invested in this

02:16:43.679 --> 02:16:45.415
project in the master plan development.

02:16:45.439 --> 02:16:48.439
Um, it's not my ward, but um, I'm I'm I

02:16:49.519 --> 02:16:51.016
I'll take my steer from the ward

02:16:51.040 --> 02:16:52.776
counselor. If if councelor Williams

02:16:52.800 --> 02:16:55.256
thinks that now's the time to to put

02:16:55.280 --> 02:16:58.136
this to the side and and shel it for the

02:16:58.160 --> 02:17:00.455
moment, I'd be very I'd be very guided

02:17:00.479 --> 02:17:03.479
by the ward counselor's um view on this.

02:17:03.519 --> 02:17:06.519
Um, but I would just be hesitant about

02:17:06.800 --> 02:17:09.096
um about the surprise that that might

02:17:09.120 --> 02:17:11.575
bring to the the the sporting club

02:17:11.599 --> 02:17:14.056
tenants particularly um that have

02:17:14.080 --> 02:17:16.136
invested a lot of time and energy um in

02:17:16.160 --> 02:17:19.160
this process to date. Um so I will I

02:17:20.880 --> 02:17:23.655
will vote for what we have here um

02:17:23.679 --> 02:17:26.679
because I'm not sure um it's a wise move

02:17:27.200 --> 02:17:29.816
to make that make that pivot  as we

02:17:29.840 --> 02:17:32.056
go. that should my colleagues not

02:17:32.080 --> 02:17:33.976
support and we split this out then I'll

02:17:34.000 --> 02:17:35.816
be very interested to hear more from

02:17:35.840 --> 02:17:37.575
from the ward counselor relating to that

02:17:37.599 --> 02:17:39.495
that design work for for Lewis Park

02:17:39.519 --> 02:17:41.335
Pavilion.

02:17:41.359 --> 02:17:44.056
Thank you. Okay. So, now that I'm put

02:17:44.080 --> 02:17:45.816
the motion and I'm going to put the

02:17:45.840 --> 02:17:48.840
motion in two parts. So, I'm calling for

02:17:48.880 --> 02:17:51.880
councilors now to vote on um number one

02:17:52.719 --> 02:17:55.719
only. All those in favor?

02:17:58.160 --> 02:18:00.535
All those against.

02:18:00.559 --> 02:18:02.295
The motion is carried. I'd like to call

02:18:02.319 --> 02:18:04.295
a division, please. So, I'll set that

02:18:04.319 --> 02:18:07.319
motion aside. All those in favor?

02:18:07.439 --> 02:18:10.136
Councelor Baker, Kennet, Atwell,

02:18:10.160 --> 02:18:13.096
Considine, Cooper, Duncan, Williams, and

02:18:13.120 --> 02:18:16.120
Lockwood against. Councelor Pearce. That

02:18:16.319 --> 02:18:19.176
motion is carried.

02:18:19.200 --> 02:18:20.615
Just give you a couple of minutes to

02:18:20.639 --> 02:18:23.256
catch up.

02:18:23.280 --> 02:18:26.280
I'm now going to go to item two.

02:18:27.760 --> 02:18:30.760
All those in favor?

02:18:31.920 --> 02:18:34.920
All those against.

02:18:37.760 --> 02:18:40.375
So the motion is lost and councelor

02:18:40.399 --> 02:18:43.176
Duncan has called the division. I now

02:18:43.200 --> 02:18:45.335
set that aside and call for the

02:18:45.359 --> 02:18:48.359
division. All those in favor.

02:18:49.120 --> 02:18:51.176
Sorry, me too. Councelor Baker,

02:18:51.200 --> 02:18:54.200
councelor Considine, councelor Cooper.

02:18:54.479 --> 02:18:57.256
All those against. Councelor Kennet,

02:18:57.280 --> 02:18:59.896
Councelor Atwell, Councelor Duncan,

02:18:59.920 --> 02:19:02.776
Councelor Williams, Councelor Lockwood,

02:19:02.800 --> 02:19:05.016
and Councelor Pearce.

02:19:05.040 --> 02:19:07.816
The motion is lost.

02:19:07.840 --> 02:19:10.840
Thank you.

02:19:11.280 --> 02:19:14.280
That's it.

02:19:20.719 --> 02:19:23.719
Three three just to clarify where we got

02:19:23.760 --> 02:19:26.760
to on that. So um currently the funding

02:19:27.840 --> 02:19:30.056
that's in the pavilion upgrade generic

02:19:30.080 --> 02:19:32.136
description  will remain unallocated.

02:19:32.160 --> 02:19:33.896
What we'll do is is bring a conversation

02:19:33.920 --> 02:19:35.976
back to councilors and then look to

02:19:36.000 --> 02:19:37.896
bring a report a subsequent report to

02:19:37.920 --> 02:19:39.415
the council chamber for a decision

02:19:39.439 --> 02:19:41.016
around the allocation of that funding in

02:19:41.040 --> 02:19:43.176
due course. Um obviously there's

02:19:43.200 --> 02:19:44.615
implications around the timing of that

02:19:44.639 --> 02:19:46.375
work. We can't commence the time the

02:19:46.399 --> 02:19:48.375
design work until such time as we have a

02:19:48.399 --> 02:19:51.096
council decision in relation to it. Um

02:19:51.120 --> 02:19:52.455
but we'll we'll seek to bring that

02:19:52.479 --> 02:19:53.816
conversation back as soon as we're able

02:19:53.840 --> 02:19:55.976
to um based on the the for what the

02:19:56.000 --> 02:19:59.000
forward agenda is looking like.

02:19:59.920 --> 02:20:02.776
Thank you. Okay. So we'll now move on to

02:20:02.800 --> 02:20:05.800
item  810

02:20:06.000 --> 02:20:08.136
infrastructure capital works program

02:20:08.160 --> 02:20:11.160
annual report 2024 to 2025.

02:20:12.240 --> 02:20:15.240
Would a counselor like to move a motion?

02:20:15.680 --> 02:20:18.136
Thank you councelor Baker. That's the

02:20:18.160 --> 02:20:20.295
officer's recommendation. Do we have a

02:20:20.319 --> 02:20:22.056
seconder for the motion? Councelor

02:20:22.080 --> 02:20:24.536
Lockwood. Thank you. Councelor Baker,

02:20:24.560 --> 02:20:25.816
would you like to speak to the motion?

02:20:25.840 --> 02:20:27.896
Thank you, Mayor Cooper.  this is a

02:20:27.920 --> 02:20:30.920
fairly detailed  report um and

02:20:32.080 --> 02:20:34.295
describes where the rate pays funds are

02:20:34.319 --> 02:20:37.319
spent across Knox.  for the 2024 25 in

02:20:38.479 --> 02:20:40.776
infrastructure capital works program,

02:20:40.800 --> 02:20:43.335
there was a total of 157 projects and

02:20:43.359 --> 02:20:45.096
renewal programs that was scheduled for

02:20:45.120 --> 02:20:48.120
delivery. of these 133 projects or 85%

02:20:48.880 --> 02:20:50.856
of those have been completed or remain

02:20:50.880 --> 02:20:53.256
on schedule. While there are some 

02:20:53.280 --> 02:20:55.415
that are running behind schedule um

02:20:55.439 --> 02:20:57.896
that's a fairly significant amount of 

02:20:57.920 --> 02:21:00.136
works that have been done across Knox. Um

02:21:00.160 --> 02:21:02.216
it is one of the largest service council

02:21:02.240 --> 02:21:05.016
delivers um in the Knox community 

02:21:05.040 --> 02:21:06.856
where there's more than $55 million

02:21:06.880 --> 02:21:08.136
invested into the community

02:21:08.160 --> 02:21:09.896
infrastructure improvements um during

02:21:09.920 --> 02:21:12.696
the last financial year. Um and also

02:21:12.720 --> 02:21:14.295
note that there was also some of these

02:21:14.319 --> 02:21:16.216
projects were supported by grant funding

02:21:16.240 --> 02:21:17.736
from either the state or federal

02:21:17.760 --> 02:21:20.760
government um or third parties. Um when

02:21:21.439 --> 02:21:23.896
you go through the report um it does

02:21:23.920 --> 02:21:26.920
give a summary of highlights  419

02:21:27.600 --> 02:21:30.056
community building renewal projects. 

02:21:30.080 --> 02:21:32.616
9.1 invested 9.1 million invested into

02:21:32.640 --> 02:21:35.640
council's network of local roads. 5.4

02:21:35.760 --> 02:21:37.415
million invested into a major upgrade at

02:21:37.439 --> 02:21:40.216
Knox athletic track. 4.1 invested into

02:21:40.240 --> 02:21:42.616
footpath and shared path improvements,

02:21:42.640 --> 02:21:44.696
new wetlands created at Gilbert Park and

02:21:44.720 --> 02:21:47.720
Egan Lee reserves, and also 1,657

02:21:47.840 --> 02:21:50.375
major roads, street lights converted to

02:21:50.399 --> 02:21:53.399
energy efficient LEDs. Um, so quite a

02:21:53.520 --> 02:21:54.936
significant amount of work has been

02:21:54.960 --> 02:21:57.335
undertaken. Um, and I'm really pleased

02:21:57.359 --> 02:21:59.335
to see this report and I'm supportive of

02:21:59.359 --> 02:22:02.359
the  um the report tonight. So, thank

02:22:02.399 --> 02:22:03.415
you.

02:22:03.439 --> 02:22:05.016
Thank you, Councelor Baker. Councelor

02:22:05.040 --> 02:22:05.736
Loquid.

02:22:05.760 --> 02:22:07.496
Thank you. Um, this is our bread and

02:22:07.520 --> 02:22:08.616
butter really, isn't it? um

02:22:08.640 --> 02:22:11.256
infrastructure, looking after our um

02:22:11.280 --> 02:22:12.776
sporting fields, pavilions, and other

02:22:12.800 --> 02:22:14.455
properties. Um I'll be a little bit

02:22:14.479 --> 02:22:17.016
parochial now. Um the de demolition of

02:22:17.040 --> 02:22:18.536
the basketball stadiums in a little

02:22:18.560 --> 02:22:19.816
while, but it's good to see it fenced

02:22:19.840 --> 02:22:21.496
now because I know the local police had

02:22:21.520 --> 02:22:23.736
some concerns there. Um the ramp at the

02:22:23.760 --> 02:22:26.056
Bronia Progress Hall is is fully

02:22:26.080 --> 02:22:27.736
functioning and a great addition to the

02:22:27.760 --> 02:22:29.576
progress hall. Certainly helps out the

02:22:29.600 --> 02:22:31.896
breakfast program a great deal. Going to

02:22:31.920 --> 02:22:33.576
wait a while for the retarding basin to

02:22:33.600 --> 02:22:36.375
be improved, no doubt. um leisure works.

02:22:36.399 --> 02:22:38.295
We're into the strategic review. So,

02:22:38.319 --> 02:22:40.216
we're looking to see what happens in the

02:22:40.240 --> 02:22:41.976
future. Great to see the green spine

02:22:42.000 --> 02:22:44.696
work  through Baronia being done,

02:22:44.720 --> 02:22:47.720
although a little late. Um and the

02:22:47.840 --> 02:22:50.136
Bronia station redevelopment.  not

02:22:50.160 --> 02:22:51.335
ours, of course, but the state

02:22:51.359 --> 02:22:53.736
governments. Um we've had some input on

02:22:53.760 --> 02:22:56.136
that. I was still getting various

02:22:56.160 --> 02:22:58.375
complaints from people about about um

02:22:58.399 --> 02:23:00.136
things happening or not happening at the

02:23:00.160 --> 02:23:03.160
station that they didn't like. But um I

02:23:03.200 --> 02:23:05.896
guess we can  at the stage now waiting

02:23:05.920 --> 02:23:08.056
to see what happens cuz it's when it

02:23:08.080 --> 02:23:11.016
starts. Um some shade sales of fair

02:23:11.040 --> 02:23:12.856
parks work in Lton Wave which is great.

02:23:12.880 --> 02:23:14.295
Lton Way is looking pretty good these

02:23:14.319 --> 02:23:16.216
days. Of course the new pavilion at

02:23:16.240 --> 02:23:18.375
Tormall which we're all looking forward

02:23:18.399 --> 02:23:20.536
to when the club's an anxiously hoping

02:23:20.560 --> 02:23:22.936
it's all ready for next season. I

02:23:22.960 --> 02:23:24.455
suspect I might be a little late but

02:23:24.479 --> 02:23:26.216
anyway thank you.

02:23:26.240 --> 02:23:27.816
Thank you councelor Lockwood. Would any

02:23:27.840 --> 02:23:29.576
other counselor like to speak to the

02:23:29.600 --> 02:23:32.600
motion?

02:23:33.520 --> 02:23:35.816
Okay there being no further debate I can

02:23:35.840 --> 02:23:37.415
actually put the motion. All those in

02:23:37.439 --> 02:23:39.176
favor

02:23:39.200 --> 02:23:42.200
motion is carried. Thank you. Item 8.11

02:23:43.439 --> 02:23:45.576
Knox gambling harm prevention policy

02:23:45.600 --> 02:23:47.496
review. Would a counselor like to move a

02:23:47.520 --> 02:23:49.576
motion? Councelor Williams. Is that the

02:23:49.600 --> 02:23:52.295
office's recommendation? Thanks. Is

02:23:52.319 --> 02:23:53.896
there a second for the motion? Thank

02:23:53.920 --> 02:23:56.295
you, councelor Baker.

02:23:56.319 --> 02:23:57.896
Councelor Williams, would you like to

02:23:57.920 --> 02:23:59.415
speak to the motion?

02:23:59.439 --> 02:24:00.776
Thank you through you, May. Just a very

02:24:00.800 --> 02:24:02.616
short one on this one. Um once again,

02:24:02.640 --> 02:24:05.335
very well um written reports. We know

02:24:05.359 --> 02:24:06.776
current status of what's going on in

02:24:06.800 --> 02:24:09.800
Knox and um it is concerning to sit here

02:24:09.840 --> 02:24:12.375
and say that we've got you know the

02:24:12.399 --> 02:24:14.936
greatest or greater financial losses in

02:24:14.960 --> 02:24:17.960
um  metropolitan Melbourne. So 58624

02:24:19.520 --> 02:24:22.520
per um adult which is um quite a bit. Um

02:24:23.040 --> 02:24:25.335
sure someone's taken my 586 cuz I don't

02:24:25.359 --> 02:24:28.359
gamble but um it's um it's not a good

02:24:28.560 --> 02:24:29.976
thing that's for sure. And this sort of

02:24:30.000 --> 02:24:33.000
all leads on to um the um I guess mental

02:24:34.560 --> 02:24:35.816
health and various other things we've

02:24:35.840 --> 02:24:37.256
just talked about tonight. And the

02:24:37.280 --> 02:24:39.496
impacts that this can have on local

02:24:39.520 --> 02:24:42.520
communities is quite large. So, I'm

02:24:43.520 --> 02:24:44.856
glad that council is taking

02:24:44.880 --> 02:24:47.576
responsibility in this and and taking um

02:24:47.600 --> 02:24:49.736
some concern around it and writing the

02:24:49.760 --> 02:24:52.760
um review, but um again like um a couple

02:24:54.319 --> 02:24:55.976
of other reports and that we have to do

02:24:56.000 --> 02:24:57.976
it. But understand why we are and I

02:24:58.000 --> 02:24:59.335
think we're we're above the trend on

02:24:59.359 --> 02:25:00.776
that making sure that we're protecting

02:25:00.800 --> 02:25:02.136
our community and I think that's pretty

02:25:02.160 --> 02:25:04.295
important. So, that's probably all for

02:25:04.319 --> 02:25:04.856
me.

02:25:04.880 --> 02:25:07.016
Thank you, Councelor Baker.

02:25:07.040 --> 02:25:09.335
Thank you, Mayor Cooper. Um, I'm just

02:25:09.359 --> 02:25:11.576
noting that this is a report that will

02:25:11.600 --> 02:25:13.816
go out for community consultation. So,

02:25:13.840 --> 02:25:16.136
it's the draft gambling harm prevention

02:25:16.160 --> 02:25:18.136
policy for the purpose of community

02:25:18.160 --> 02:25:21.096
consultation. Um, and this will  be

02:25:21.120 --> 02:25:23.896
available for the committee  from the

02:25:23.920 --> 02:25:26.920
30th September for a 3-we period. Um, so

02:25:27.439 --> 02:25:29.016
welcome community members to have a look

02:25:29.040 --> 02:25:31.736
at this and submit your your feedback.

02:25:31.760 --> 02:25:34.760
Um the report quite  outlines um you

02:25:35.120 --> 02:25:37.816
know that with the amount of electronic

02:25:37.840 --> 02:25:40.696
gaming machines we have across Knox um

02:25:40.720 --> 02:25:43.720
and averaging $270,000 a day um that the

02:25:45.520 --> 02:25:48.520
community are losing through EGMs um as

02:25:48.720 --> 02:25:51.096
outlined in the report. Um but yeah, as

02:25:51.120 --> 02:25:52.776
I mentioned, it's going out to community

02:25:52.800 --> 02:25:54.536
consultation and welcome the feedback

02:25:54.560 --> 02:25:57.256
from the community um from that. Thank

02:25:57.280 --> 02:25:57.736
you.

02:25:57.760 --> 02:25:59.256
Thank you. Would any other counselor

02:25:59.280 --> 02:26:01.335
Thank you, councelor Alab.  thank you

02:26:01.359 --> 02:26:04.359
Mayor. I just um had a question um  to

02:26:04.800 --> 02:26:07.736
begin on page 416. The report says that

02:26:07.760 --> 02:26:10.760
the municipality is currently 451

02:26:11.359 --> 02:26:13.415
 electronic gaming machines below the

02:26:13.439 --> 02:26:16.216
municipal cap of 1222.

02:26:16.240 --> 02:26:17.736
Talks about a municipal cap being a

02:26:17.760 --> 02:26:19.096
maximum and not a benchmark. I just

02:26:19.120 --> 02:26:21.176
wonder do we set are we responsible for

02:26:21.200 --> 02:26:23.256
setting our municipal cap? At the moment

02:26:23.280 --> 02:26:25.736
we're operating at 63% of the legal EGM

02:26:25.760 --> 02:26:27.976
limit. Do we have a any say in what that

02:26:28.000 --> 02:26:31.000
cap is? I might refer that to Director

02:26:31.040 --> 02:26:34.040
Chley. Thank you.

02:26:40.319 --> 02:26:41.736
Thank you through you, Madam May. Um,

02:26:41.760 --> 02:26:43.896
no, we don't have any say in the cap.

02:26:43.920 --> 02:26:46.920
Um, that's set by the state. Um, but we

02:26:48.240 --> 02:26:50.696
are looking at advocating to actually

02:26:50.720 --> 02:26:52.696
reduce it, but we'll see how successful

02:26:52.720 --> 02:26:55.720
we are.

02:26:56.160 --> 02:26:58.136
, thank you for the response. Yes. I

02:26:58.160 --> 02:27:00.536
mean, he is hoping we never get anywhere

02:27:00.560 --> 02:27:02.616
near um that cap if we're only operating

02:27:02.640 --> 02:27:05.640
at 63%. Um yeah, this was um quite a

02:27:05.760 --> 02:27:08.696
sobering report. I mean, the gambling

02:27:08.720 --> 02:27:10.616
harm devastates families and

02:27:10.640 --> 02:27:12.856
communities. We've known that for a long

02:27:12.880 --> 02:27:14.696
time, but um this couldn't be more

02:27:14.720 --> 02:27:16.295
timely given the cost of living

02:27:16.319 --> 02:27:19.319
pressures. Um and we know that um as as

02:27:20.240 --> 02:27:21.896
cost of living pressures mount 

02:27:21.920 --> 02:27:23.736
vulnerable people increasingly turn to

02:27:23.760 --> 02:27:26.696
to gambling um as a as a desperate

02:27:26.720 --> 02:27:28.375
solution more often than not. And that

02:27:28.399 --> 02:27:30.056
usually only serves to compound their

02:27:30.080 --> 02:27:32.455
problem. So, um, and and what was

02:27:32.479 --> 02:27:35.016
particularly, um, , sobering about

02:27:35.040 --> 02:27:36.856
this report was that we're only talking

02:27:36.880 --> 02:27:39.176
about, um, EGMs, about poking machines

02:27:39.200 --> 02:27:41.096
in this and not, you know, sports

02:27:41.120 --> 02:27:43.256
betting, not online wagering, not any of

02:27:43.280 --> 02:27:44.856
the other forms of gambling that are

02:27:44.880 --> 02:27:47.096
becoming more and more um, more and more

02:27:47.120 --> 02:27:49.896
prevalent. Um, and even from an economic

02:27:49.920 --> 02:27:51.576
perspective, I mean, every dollar that's

02:27:51.600 --> 02:27:53.415
um, lost to a poker machine in Knox is

02:27:53.439 --> 02:27:56.056
potentially a dollar that's not spent in

02:27:56.080 --> 02:27:58.056
um, in our local community, at our local

02:27:58.080 --> 02:28:00.375
businesses. So um and the other

02:28:00.399 --> 02:28:01.816
statistics that stood out for me that

02:28:01.840 --> 02:28:03.176
for every problem gambler there are

02:28:03.200 --> 02:28:04.776
approximately six other people that are

02:28:04.800 --> 02:28:06.776
negative ne negatively affected are

02:28:06.800 --> 02:28:08.856
usually partners, children's  children

02:28:08.880 --> 02:28:11.256
and employers. So that um that ripple

02:28:11.280 --> 02:28:13.656
effect I think demands um the sort of

02:28:13.680 --> 02:28:15.176
positioning and the sort of proactive

02:28:15.200 --> 02:28:17.415
response that this report  outlines

02:28:17.439 --> 02:28:20.439
and I'm um really pleased to see that um

02:28:21.120 --> 02:28:24.120
that preventative um  u measures and

02:28:25.760 --> 02:28:27.656
and ideas put forward in the in the

02:28:27.680 --> 02:28:29.976
draft report and interested to hear the

02:28:30.000 --> 02:28:32.536
 the community  response. I mean, I

02:28:32.560 --> 02:28:33.976
do note that, you know, we have

02:28:34.000 --> 02:28:35.896
significant venues that provide 

02:28:35.920 --> 02:28:38.056
gambling and they they do provide

02:28:38.080 --> 02:28:39.816
employment um and they make some

02:28:39.840 --> 02:28:42.840
community contribution, but um I can't

02:28:43.040 --> 02:28:44.696
ignore the social costs when I look to

02:28:44.720 --> 02:28:47.096
those benefits and I'm minded to it and

02:28:47.120 --> 02:28:50.120
I'm I'm particularly pleased that um the

02:28:50.319 --> 02:28:52.056
the report looks at, you know, what

02:28:52.080 --> 02:28:55.080
council could do in terms of um the

02:28:55.120 --> 02:28:57.816
planning um aspect to look at minimizing

02:28:57.840 --> 02:29:00.056
and addressing that harm wherever we

02:29:00.080 --> 02:29:03.080
can. So, um, yes, support this revised

02:29:03.840 --> 02:29:05.496
policy for community consultation and

02:29:05.520 --> 02:29:07.176
and it's another one that I would urge

02:29:07.200 --> 02:29:09.816
the community to, um, to engage with and

02:29:09.840 --> 02:29:11.656
tell us what their thoughts are, , in

02:29:11.680 --> 02:29:13.656
terms of the number of venues we have

02:29:13.680 --> 02:29:15.576
and the sorts of numbers that we see in

02:29:15.600 --> 02:29:18.136
terms of, um, losses, , across Knox.

02:29:18.160 --> 02:29:18.936
Thank you.

02:29:18.960 --> 02:29:21.415
Thank you, Councelor. Would any other

02:29:21.439 --> 02:29:24.375
councelor like to speak to the motion?

02:29:24.399 --> 02:29:26.136
Councelor Lockwood,

02:29:26.160 --> 02:29:27.656
I just want to say how much I hate

02:29:27.680 --> 02:29:29.176
burger machines.

02:29:29.200 --> 02:29:31.896
They're evil. They kill people. I've

02:29:31.920 --> 02:29:33.896
seen people play the machines rather

02:29:33.920 --> 02:29:36.920
than eat. Um, they're terrible things.

02:29:39.200 --> 02:29:41.096
Thank you. Would any other council like

02:29:41.120 --> 02:29:44.120
to speak to the motion?

02:29:44.800 --> 02:29:46.295
Councelor Williams, would you like to

02:29:46.319 --> 02:29:48.776
exercise your right of reply? No.

02:29:48.800 --> 02:29:50.616
Yeah. Okay. On with the motion. All

02:29:50.640 --> 02:29:53.576
those in favor? The motion is carried.

02:29:53.600 --> 02:29:55.496
Thank you.

02:29:55.520 --> 02:29:58.295
We move on to our next item. 8.12 the

02:29:58.319 --> 02:30:00.536
bianual report of the audit and risk

02:30:00.560 --> 02:30:03.560
committee before  I call for a a mover

02:30:04.560 --> 02:30:07.560
of a motion um the chairperson of the

02:30:07.680 --> 02:30:09.896
Knox audit and risk committee meeting

02:30:09.920 --> 02:30:12.856
has reluctantly decided to resign from

02:30:12.880 --> 02:30:14.616
the committee earlier than the end of

02:30:14.640 --> 02:30:17.256
their appointed term which was due to

02:30:17.280 --> 02:30:19.736
conclude at the end of next year. So

02:30:19.760 --> 02:30:21.736
council just wants to acknowledge their

02:30:21.760 --> 02:30:23.736
valuable contribution as a member and

02:30:23.760 --> 02:30:26.056
chairperson of the committee and thank

02:30:26.080 --> 02:30:28.455
them for their service. Would a

02:30:28.479 --> 02:30:31.016
counselor like to move a motion? Thank

02:30:31.040 --> 02:30:33.896
you councelor Pearce. I'm happy to

02:30:33.920 --> 02:30:35.976
second that. I'm on on the committee as

02:30:36.000 --> 02:30:39.000
well. So seconded by councelor Cooper.

02:30:39.120 --> 02:30:40.536
Councelor Pearce, would you like to

02:30:40.560 --> 02:30:42.856
speak to the motion? Just briefly,

02:30:42.880 --> 02:30:45.016
madame may.

02:30:45.040 --> 02:30:47.736
The audit and risk committee is a

02:30:47.760 --> 02:30:50.760
vitally important part of council. It's

02:30:50.800 --> 02:30:52.856
one of the committees that we are

02:30:52.880 --> 02:30:55.880
required to have and is important as a

02:30:56.560 --> 02:30:59.560
overseer and provides guidance to

02:31:00.560 --> 02:31:03.560
council and counselors over through our

02:31:04.240 --> 02:31:07.096
internal audit process.

02:31:07.120 --> 02:31:09.656
I'm really sorry to hear about Jeff no

02:31:09.680 --> 02:31:11.816
longer

02:31:11.840 --> 02:31:13.816
being on the committee because he was an

02:31:13.840 --> 02:31:16.840
exceptionally smart and insightful man.

02:31:18.399 --> 02:31:20.295
Um, just to let you know that we have

02:31:20.319 --> 02:31:23.319
new one new member I said before. I am

02:31:23.760 --> 02:31:25.816
not going to repeat it because I said it

02:31:25.840 --> 02:31:27.736
incorrectly the first time. I'm not

02:31:27.760 --> 02:31:29.176
going to say it incorrectly the second

02:31:29.200 --> 02:31:32.200
time. But she is a fantastic addition to

02:31:32.399 --> 02:31:35.399
our our audit committee.

02:31:35.439 --> 02:31:37.896
And I just want to say that the audit

02:31:37.920 --> 02:31:40.056
committee has been active in assisting

02:31:40.080 --> 02:31:42.616
council and counselors and providing

02:31:42.640 --> 02:31:45.640
guidance through their reports and

02:31:46.399 --> 02:31:49.399
advice. And the number on this committee

02:31:49.760 --> 02:31:52.760
who of accountants with experience,

02:31:53.200 --> 02:31:55.576
believe me, we're looking over 120 years

02:31:55.600 --> 02:31:58.136
of experience. Some of these guys are

02:31:58.160 --> 02:32:00.776
extraordinary. and they all should be

02:32:00.800 --> 02:32:03.800
commended. Thank you.

02:32:03.920 --> 02:32:05.496
Thank you, Council Pearce. I actually

02:32:05.520 --> 02:32:07.896
don't have much more to add because I

02:32:07.920 --> 02:32:10.920
think you you put that perfectly. Um I

02:32:11.680 --> 02:32:13.496
would only just say that this is a check

02:32:13.520 --> 02:32:15.176
 checkpoint. We do this every 6

02:32:15.200 --> 02:32:17.656
months. Um and it will show in the

02:32:17.680 --> 02:32:19.656
report everything that the committee has

02:32:19.680 --> 02:32:22.455
examined over that six-month period. So

02:32:22.479 --> 02:32:24.616
if this sort of thing is of interest to

02:32:24.640 --> 02:32:27.335
you, jump in and have a read. Um other

02:32:27.359 --> 02:32:29.256
than that, that that's all I would add.

02:32:29.280 --> 02:32:31.496
Thank you. Would any other counselor

02:32:31.520 --> 02:32:34.520
like to speak to the motion?

02:32:36.800 --> 02:32:38.536
I'll now put the motion. All those in

02:32:38.560 --> 02:32:41.560
favor? The motion is carried. Thank you.

02:32:43.200 --> 02:32:46.200
Okay. We're now moving on to item 8.13

02:32:48.240 --> 02:32:51.240
climate response plan annual report 2024

02:32:51.840 --> 02:32:53.816
to 2025.

02:32:53.840 --> 02:32:55.415
Would a councelor like to move the

02:32:55.439 --> 02:32:57.176
motion? Councelor Williams, the

02:32:57.200 --> 02:32:59.576
officer's recommendation.

02:32:59.600 --> 02:33:01.256
Yes. Do we have a second? Councelor

02:33:01.280 --> 02:33:03.576
Atwell. Thank you.

02:33:03.600 --> 02:33:05.736
Councelor Williams, would you like to

02:33:05.760 --> 02:33:07.335
speak to the motion?

02:33:07.359 --> 02:33:08.776
, I would. Thank you through you,

02:33:08.800 --> 02:33:10.936
Mayor. Um,

02:33:10.960 --> 02:33:13.960
it's it's Sorry.

02:33:17.359 --> 02:33:20.359
Sorry. Apologies. Thank you. Um

02:33:21.600 --> 02:33:23.736
I I would like to once again thank you

02:33:23.760 --> 02:33:25.096
for the officers for their

02:33:25.120 --> 02:33:27.576
recommendations around the um

02:33:27.600 --> 02:33:29.896
recommendation here. Um I note it is for

02:33:29.920 --> 02:33:32.375
noting but um there's some good points

02:33:32.399 --> 02:33:35.399
um of concern  sorry of of where we're

02:33:36.160 --> 02:33:37.816
at I should say in this particular

02:33:37.840 --> 02:33:40.295
report. Um pretty excited that we have

02:33:40.319 --> 02:33:41.896
completed quite a few. We've got a few

02:33:41.920 --> 02:33:44.776
still to come. We've got um some that

02:33:44.800 --> 02:33:46.136
have been deferred and I did sort of

02:33:46.160 --> 02:33:48.375
query those deferrals but um the report

02:33:48.399 --> 02:33:49.976
sort of explains those deferrals quite

02:33:50.000 --> 02:33:52.536
well. Um so it's probably all I've

02:33:52.560 --> 02:33:53.736
really got to say on this particular

02:33:53.760 --> 02:33:56.760
report but to recommend it as um noted.

02:33:57.120 --> 02:33:58.696
Thank you councelor Williams. Councelor

02:33:58.720 --> 02:33:59.656
Atwell.

02:33:59.680 --> 02:34:01.415
 thank you Mayor and welcome councelor

02:34:01.439 --> 02:34:02.936
Williams  investment in the climate

02:34:02.960 --> 02:34:05.896
response   of the Knox City Council.

02:34:05.920 --> 02:34:07.736
Um I've only got a few things to add. I

02:34:07.760 --> 02:34:09.576
mean I think this this remains one of

02:34:09.600 --> 02:34:11.496
our most important  responsibility to

02:34:11.520 --> 02:34:14.295
the  responsibilities to  future

02:34:14.319 --> 02:34:17.319
generations. Um I think you know I think

02:34:17.760 --> 02:34:20.295
the the easy the easy wins have been

02:34:20.319 --> 02:34:22.696
banked so to speak I think in terms of

02:34:22.720 --> 02:34:25.720
um reaching that um net zero  2030

02:34:26.640 --> 02:34:29.640
target. Um so the path forward becomes

02:34:29.680 --> 02:34:30.936
um a little bit more difficult and

02:34:30.960 --> 02:34:33.335
complex in terms of what is council's

02:34:33.359 --> 02:34:35.496
appetite to look at  particularly

02:34:35.520 --> 02:34:37.335
beyond scope one and two emissions which

02:34:37.359 --> 02:34:39.176
are the bits that are quite you know

02:34:39.200 --> 02:34:41.016
quite easily accounted for to some

02:34:41.040 --> 02:34:43.576
extent. Scope 3 is is where the

02:34:43.600 --> 02:34:46.216
conversation is moving. And um when you

02:34:46.240 --> 02:34:49.240
think about um  you know this moves um

02:34:49.920 --> 02:34:52.136
you know to things like  the you know

02:34:52.160 --> 02:34:53.736
emissions generated by people doing

02:34:53.760 --> 02:34:56.760
contract work for us. Um  the you know

02:34:57.120 --> 02:35:00.120
landfill um emissions and u you know

02:35:00.399 --> 02:35:02.696
people transporting to and from work um

02:35:02.720 --> 02:35:05.720
lots lots of other really complicated um

02:35:06.560 --> 02:35:08.455
um measures of of emission come into

02:35:08.479 --> 02:35:10.216
scope when you look at look at number

02:35:10.240 --> 02:35:13.096
three. So, um, climate change is is

02:35:13.120 --> 02:35:14.936
here. It's already affecting, you know,

02:35:14.960 --> 02:35:16.776
every aspect of council's operation. Our

02:35:16.800 --> 02:35:19.335
infrastructure, community health, um,

02:35:19.359 --> 02:35:22.359
everything we do, um, um, has has has

02:35:22.560 --> 02:35:24.136
the climate touch on it. So, every

02:35:24.160 --> 02:35:26.776
decision, , we make needs to have a a

02:35:26.800 --> 02:35:29.256
climate consideration put over it. So,

02:35:29.280 --> 02:35:30.696
, but importantly, we've got to bring

02:35:30.720 --> 02:35:32.136
the community with us on this journey.

02:35:32.160 --> 02:35:34.455
And I think that is we are approaching a

02:35:34.479 --> 02:35:37.096
crossroad and we need to um bring the

02:35:37.120 --> 02:35:39.816
community with us in terms of um yeah do

02:35:39.840 --> 02:35:41.656
we want to double down and and and be

02:35:41.680 --> 02:35:43.896
more ambitious and go further as part of

02:35:43.920 --> 02:35:46.920
our next  plan and next targets um 

02:35:47.680 --> 02:35:50.375
do we want to um you know get to that

02:35:50.399 --> 02:35:53.335
net zero 2030 target and then  you

02:35:53.359 --> 02:35:54.856
know really keep pace. So I think that's

02:35:54.880 --> 02:35:56.375
a it's a that's a decision that's going

02:35:56.399 --> 02:35:58.616
to sit with this council and it's a

02:35:58.640 --> 02:36:00.056
significant one particularly when we

02:36:00.080 --> 02:36:02.455
consider the budget ramifications um

02:36:02.479 --> 02:36:05.479
that would come um with pursuing um um

02:36:06.240 --> 02:36:08.136
you know something that is  more out

02:36:08.160 --> 02:36:10.776
there in terms of future targets. So um

02:36:10.800 --> 02:36:12.136
you know we're on track at the moment

02:36:12.160 --> 02:36:13.976
and whether we whether we sort of ease

02:36:14.000 --> 02:36:15.415
off the accelerator or whether we put

02:36:15.439 --> 02:36:17.096
the foot to the floor is is the next big

02:36:17.120 --> 02:36:19.096
decision um and it's a decision we'll

02:36:19.120 --> 02:36:22.120
make on behalf of um future generations.

02:36:22.160 --> 02:36:25.160
So um um thank you for the  report and

02:36:25.280 --> 02:36:27.816
 very happy to note it.

02:36:27.840 --> 02:36:29.576
Thank you councelor Atwell. Would any

02:36:29.600 --> 02:36:31.176
other councelor like to speak to the

02:36:31.200 --> 02:36:33.176
motion? Councelor Lockwid.

02:36:33.200 --> 02:36:35.415
Thank you. Yeah well we had a discussion

02:36:35.439 --> 02:36:37.976
about this at the EAC via advisory

02:36:38.000 --> 02:36:40.295
committee. Councelor Kenna was also at

02:36:40.319 --> 02:36:42.696
quite an active discussion. Um we we've

02:36:42.720 --> 02:36:45.256
achieved quite a bit. 90% of all our

02:36:45.280 --> 02:36:47.335
lights now street lights and highway

02:36:47.359 --> 02:36:50.056
lights are LED. Um we've added more

02:36:50.080 --> 02:36:52.936
solar power. Um we've electrified

02:36:52.960 --> 02:36:55.415
council facilities like for example heat

02:36:55.439 --> 02:36:58.439
heat pump hot water. Um checking that

02:36:58.560 --> 02:37:01.256
out myself for home. Um informing

02:37:01.280 --> 02:37:02.856
seniors and vulnerable residents about

02:37:02.880 --> 02:37:04.295
measures to prepare for heat waves in

02:37:04.319 --> 02:37:05.656
summer which is could be crucially

02:37:05.680 --> 02:37:08.056
important in in hot summers. We hosted

02:37:08.080 --> 02:37:10.616
the energy savers program identification

02:37:10.640 --> 02:37:12.616
of flood hazards. Now some actions that

02:37:12.640 --> 02:37:15.415
are delaying our transitioning to

02:37:15.439 --> 02:37:18.295
electric vehicles for the fleet. um

02:37:18.319 --> 02:37:21.176
that's not getting quite what we want.

02:37:21.200 --> 02:37:23.256
 planning controls national

02:37:23.280 --> 02:37:26.280
construction code impacts that and the

02:37:26.399 --> 02:37:29.176
new elevating ESD to environmentally

02:37:29.200 --> 02:37:31.896
environmentally sensitive design targets

02:37:31.920 --> 02:37:34.856
waiting a ministerial decision. Um ESD

02:37:34.880 --> 02:37:37.736
is a particular favorite of mine because

02:37:37.760 --> 02:37:40.760
um it started here back in Knox around

02:37:41.439 --> 02:37:43.976
2000 2001

02:37:44.000 --> 02:37:46.856
and I know council's work on that won

02:37:46.880 --> 02:37:49.880
them a prize for the best new ESD

02:37:49.920 --> 02:37:51.896
program or best ESD program and I got to

02:37:51.920 --> 02:37:54.375
go and collect the award. So that was

02:37:54.399 --> 02:37:57.399
pretty good at the old Melbourne jail.

02:37:57.439 --> 02:37:59.656
Shades of Ned Kelly but it wasn't a

02:37:59.680 --> 02:38:02.680
bandit. Um, so we're making progress on

02:38:03.359 --> 02:38:05.576
the emissions mitigation and we're we're

02:38:05.600 --> 02:38:07.176
heading towards net zero. We're not

02:38:07.200 --> 02:38:09.736
going to quite make it. Um, there's a

02:38:09.760 --> 02:38:12.760
suggestion that we might by um purchase

02:38:12.800 --> 02:38:14.295
renewable

02:38:14.319 --> 02:38:16.375
electricity certificates. Um, personally

02:38:16.399 --> 02:38:18.776
I'm not a fan of that. I think we should

02:38:18.800 --> 02:38:21.415
be um either extending the target or

02:38:21.439 --> 02:38:23.576
working harder. Um although as my

02:38:23.600 --> 02:38:25.576
colleague across there casual says um

02:38:25.600 --> 02:38:27.415
there are some challenging bits up

02:38:27.439 --> 02:38:29.256
ahead. I notice the graph takes a steep

02:38:29.280 --> 02:38:31.816
dive down. But um with the dotted red

02:38:31.840 --> 02:38:34.840
line, let's hope. But as I said, I'm not

02:38:35.520 --> 02:38:38.056
a not a big fan. So our emissions are

02:38:38.080 --> 02:38:39.816
trending down. They're doing very well.

02:38:39.840 --> 02:38:42.136
Um

02:38:42.160 --> 02:38:43.976
but of course, it's only at our local

02:38:44.000 --> 02:38:45.576
level. We can't impact the national

02:38:45.600 --> 02:38:46.776
emissions or the international

02:38:46.800 --> 02:38:48.216
emissions, which is a shame because

02:38:48.240 --> 02:38:50.295
that's still still what's affecting us,

02:38:50.319 --> 02:38:51.736
still what's going to give us super hot

02:38:51.760 --> 02:38:54.760
summers, stronger storms, um bush fires,

02:38:55.040 --> 02:38:57.415
um storms, those things that are all in

02:38:57.439 --> 02:39:00.136
the offing. Now you know climate change

02:39:00.160 --> 02:39:02.616
is a thing because Lloyds of London said

02:39:02.640 --> 02:39:05.640
so about 15 years ago when the actuary

02:39:05.760 --> 02:39:07.736
said this is happening because of

02:39:07.760 --> 02:39:10.216
climate change then they instantly said

02:39:10.240 --> 02:39:12.056
there is climate change so you don't

02:39:12.080 --> 02:39:15.080
have to be greeny just need to be an

02:39:15.120 --> 02:39:17.816
actuary looking at the numbers to tell

02:39:17.840 --> 02:39:20.136
you that claims are ramping upward and

02:39:20.160 --> 02:39:22.856
we've seen those since 2020 we've had a

02:39:22.880 --> 02:39:25.096
huge increase in natural disasters in

02:39:25.120 --> 02:39:28.120
Australia over 5 years way more than the

02:39:29.600 --> 02:39:32.455
10 or 20 years before that. So, um,

02:39:32.479 --> 02:39:34.375
we're seeing we're seeing the effects as

02:39:34.399 --> 02:39:36.616
we sit here.

02:39:36.640 --> 02:39:38.616
Thank you. Councelor Lockwood, would any

02:39:38.640 --> 02:39:40.375
other counselor like to speak to the

02:39:40.399 --> 02:39:42.455
motion?

02:39:42.479 --> 02:39:43.976
Councelor Williams, would you like to

02:39:44.000 --> 02:39:46.696
exercise your right or reply? I'll now

02:39:46.720 --> 02:39:49.720
put the motion on those in favor. The

02:39:49.760 --> 02:39:52.295
motion is carried. Thank you.

02:39:52.319 --> 02:39:55.319
Move on to item 8.14, school focused

02:39:56.240 --> 02:39:58.696
youth service advocacy. Would a

02:39:58.720 --> 02:40:00.375
counselor like to move a motion?

02:40:00.399 --> 02:40:03.176
Councelor Baker and councelor Duncan.

02:40:03.200 --> 02:40:05.335
Thank you. Offic's recommendation.

02:40:05.359 --> 02:40:06.455
Correct.

02:40:06.479 --> 02:40:08.056
Thank you. Would you like to speak to

02:40:08.080 --> 02:40:10.856
the motion? Thank you, Mayor Cooper. 

02:40:10.880 --> 02:40:13.736
this is a report um outlining the school

02:40:13.760 --> 02:40:16.375
focused youth service advocacy. On the

02:40:16.399 --> 02:40:18.375
5th of September of this year, Knox

02:40:18.399 --> 02:40:20.136
Council was formally notified by the

02:40:20.160 --> 02:40:22.216
Department of Education that the school

02:40:22.240 --> 02:40:24.375
focused youth service program will not

02:40:24.399 --> 02:40:26.295
be renewed beyond its current contract

02:40:26.319 --> 02:40:28.455
period, which ends on the 31st of

02:40:28.479 --> 02:40:31.415
January next year.  the program has

02:40:31.439 --> 02:40:33.976
operated for over 25 years and currently

02:40:34.000 --> 02:40:35.976
allocates approximately $12 million

02:40:36.000 --> 02:40:38.856
statewide with Knox receiving just over

02:40:38.880 --> 02:40:40.696
$413,000

02:40:40.720 --> 02:40:42.776
um in the 2425

02:40:42.800 --> 02:40:45.335
year. This funding enables targeting 

02:40:45.359 --> 02:40:46.936
targeted support for young people from

02:40:46.960 --> 02:40:49.496
grades 5 to year 12 who are at risk of

02:40:49.520 --> 02:40:52.216
disengaging from education

02:40:52.240 --> 02:40:53.736
during the current two-year funding

02:40:53.760 --> 02:40:56.760
period.  the service or the yeah the

02:40:57.760 --> 02:40:59.656
service has supported 16 local schools

02:40:59.680 --> 02:41:02.216
across Knox including eight primary,

02:41:02.240 --> 02:41:05.240
seven secondary and one K12 um college.

02:41:05.760 --> 02:41:07.816
A total of 20 separate interventions

02:41:07.840 --> 02:41:09.736
have been delivered directly supporting

02:41:09.760 --> 02:41:12.760
418 students.  this program has also

02:41:12.880 --> 02:41:15.576
helped build the capacity of 135 staff,

02:41:15.600 --> 02:41:17.736
parents and carers strengthening the

02:41:17.760 --> 02:41:20.455
wider support for these students.  the

02:41:20.479 --> 02:41:22.696
service is unique and that it fills a

02:41:22.720 --> 02:41:24.696
critical service gap. Many of these

02:41:24.720 --> 02:41:27.256
students  it supports are not engaged

02:41:27.280 --> 02:41:29.256
enough to be benefit from the whole

02:41:29.280 --> 02:41:31.335
school programs yet they're not eligible

02:41:31.359 --> 02:41:34.056
for intensive one-on-one case work. 

02:41:34.080 --> 02:41:35.736
the program enables schools to work with

02:41:35.760 --> 02:41:37.656
local agencies to deliver bespoke

02:41:37.680 --> 02:41:39.976
targeted interventions. Um other

02:41:40.000 --> 02:41:41.736
education funding streams such as the

02:41:41.760 --> 02:41:43.576
mental health fund typically do not

02:41:43.600 --> 02:41:44.936
reach these students due to their

02:41:44.960 --> 02:41:47.896
broader  schoolwide focus. So the

02:41:47.920 --> 02:41:50.295
cease of this service  will have

02:41:50.319 --> 02:41:51.976
direct and farreaching impacts of

02:41:52.000 --> 02:41:53.576
students both locally and across the

02:41:53.600 --> 02:41:55.576
state. Um it threatens to leave a

02:41:55.600 --> 02:41:57.256
vulnerable cohort of students without

02:41:57.280 --> 02:41:59.816
support, disrupt disrupts established

02:41:59.840 --> 02:42:01.656
partnerships between schools and service

02:42:01.680 --> 02:42:03.576
providers and creates risk for

02:42:03.600 --> 02:42:06.056
educational and social social outcomes

02:42:06.080 --> 02:42:08.536
for Knox City Council urges  or no city

02:42:08.560 --> 02:42:10.056
council. I would like to see urge the

02:42:10.080 --> 02:42:11.576
state government to review and reverse

02:42:11.600 --> 02:42:13.736
this decision in recognition of the

02:42:13.760 --> 02:42:15.335
critical role the service plays in

02:42:15.359 --> 02:42:17.016
preventing youth disengagement,

02:42:17.040 --> 02:42:18.776
promoting long-term community well-being

02:42:18.800 --> 02:42:20.856
while supporting students. I am

02:42:20.880 --> 02:42:23.016
supportive of the recommendation of

02:42:23.040 --> 02:42:26.040
having a a letter drafted  and  for

02:42:26.479 --> 02:42:29.479
the local or the the MP um and

02:42:29.840 --> 02:42:32.840
supportive of the the report. Thank you.

02:42:33.280 --> 02:42:35.016
Thank you, Councelor Baker. Well said.

02:42:35.040 --> 02:42:37.576
Councelor Duncan,

02:42:37.600 --> 02:42:39.576
just before I speak to this, could I

02:42:39.600 --> 02:42:41.496
actually allow councelor Williams to

02:42:41.520 --> 02:42:42.776
second this because he was actually

02:42:42.800 --> 02:42:44.295
going to move this one and I was going

02:42:44.319 --> 02:42:45.656
to second it because we're both members

02:42:45.680 --> 02:42:47.496
of the youth advisory, but he mucked it

02:42:47.520 --> 02:42:49.816
up with the one prior. So, is there a

02:42:49.840 --> 02:42:51.335
procedural motion that would allow me to

02:42:51.359 --> 02:42:52.776
step down as the second to give

02:42:52.800 --> 02:42:54.455
councelor Williams the opportunity to

02:42:54.479 --> 02:42:55.335
speak to this?

02:42:55.359 --> 02:42:56.375
Um, well,

02:42:56.399 --> 02:42:57.256
as the second,

02:42:57.280 --> 02:42:59.656
not not really, but you have you both

02:42:59.680 --> 02:43:01.496
have an equal amount of time to speak to

02:43:01.520 --> 02:43:03.176
it as second or

02:43:03.200 --> 02:43:04.936
or a speaker, so I don't see the

02:43:04.960 --> 02:43:06.136
advantage. Yeah.

02:43:06.160 --> 02:43:07.576
No, I just wanted to give him that

02:43:07.600 --> 02:43:08.856
option. Sorry.

02:43:08.880 --> 02:43:10.856
Um, I will reserve my right then.

02:43:10.880 --> 02:43:12.536
Okay.

02:43:12.560 --> 02:43:14.056
Councelor Williams.

02:43:14.080 --> 02:43:16.375
Thank you, Councelor Duncan. Um yeah, to

02:43:16.399 --> 02:43:18.056
reiterate um what councelor Baker has

02:43:18.080 --> 02:43:20.616
mentioned, it looked very disappointing.

02:43:20.640 --> 02:43:22.536
Um being on the youth advisory committee

02:43:22.560 --> 02:43:24.056
with councelor Duncan, I think we're

02:43:24.080 --> 02:43:26.216
both quite concerned that we would even

02:43:26.240 --> 02:43:27.896
read a report that says that it's been

02:43:27.920 --> 02:43:30.295
cancelled. 25 years the program has been

02:43:30.319 --> 02:43:33.319
running and  it supports, you know,

02:43:33.359 --> 02:43:35.656
vulnerable people who attend our local

02:43:35.680 --> 02:43:37.736
schools in Knox. Um for those who have

02:43:37.760 --> 02:43:40.760
kids in schools, um schools are hard as

02:43:41.040 --> 02:43:43.736
as it is. So, , I've got a daughter

02:43:43.760 --> 02:43:45.415
who's doing year 12 at the moment, and I

02:43:45.439 --> 02:43:47.255
can't say that's been the easiest. So,

02:43:47.279 --> 02:43:50.279
um, fully understand that, um, we need

02:43:50.479 --> 02:43:53.479
the support for our kids. Um, the most

02:43:54.240 --> 02:43:55.896
disappointing thing is in number seven,

02:43:55.920 --> 02:43:58.536
the risk. Um, schools have not yet

02:43:58.560 --> 02:44:01.560
received any formal communication. Um,

02:44:02.000 --> 02:44:03.496
pretty pathetic on behalf of the state

02:44:03.520 --> 02:44:06.136
government on that one. Um so I do hope

02:44:06.160 --> 02:44:08.536
that on behalf of council we do um all

02:44:08.560 --> 02:44:10.616
support this that we do resolve um and

02:44:10.640 --> 02:44:11.816
draft a letter to the minister of

02:44:11.840 --> 02:44:14.216
education the honour honourable Ben Carol

02:44:14.240 --> 02:44:16.375
and express our deep concern on this and

02:44:16.399 --> 02:44:18.056
hopefully through our channels with

02:44:18.080 --> 02:44:20.136
other councils in the area we can also

02:44:20.160 --> 02:44:23.160
perhaps write to them um and request the

02:44:23.600 --> 02:44:24.856
similar support cuz we're all going

02:44:24.880 --> 02:44:27.880
through this. Um, we're seeing, as it's

02:44:28.319 --> 02:44:30.856
noted here, a rise in youth crime and

02:44:30.880 --> 02:44:32.455
without any of this sort of support,

02:44:32.479 --> 02:44:33.976
it's only going to get worse. But let

02:44:34.000 --> 02:44:35.496
alone not crime, but the mental health,

02:44:35.520 --> 02:44:36.936
which we've just stressed so much

02:44:36.960 --> 02:44:39.960
tonight on, , is so concerning. So,

02:44:41.680 --> 02:44:43.656
point three probably, you know, brings

02:44:43.680 --> 02:44:45.976
that up. It's it's going to cause a

02:44:46.000 --> 02:44:48.216
concern. co during the co years caused

02:44:48.240 --> 02:44:50.696
concern for those who had kids in school

02:44:50.720 --> 02:44:53.255
and this is just going to further 

02:44:53.279 --> 02:44:55.576
make that hard for a measly amount of

02:44:55.600 --> 02:44:57.016
money that the state government needs to

02:44:57.040 --> 02:45:00.040
fund to keep this program alive.

02:45:00.640 --> 02:45:02.455
Yeah, it's it's very disappointing. So,

02:45:02.479 --> 02:45:04.216
we've we've brought up several different

02:45:04.240 --> 02:45:06.295
areas of concern through cancel tonight

02:45:06.319 --> 02:45:07.656
and I think this just tops it off

02:45:07.680 --> 02:45:10.680
unfortunately. So, um I would hope my

02:45:10.800 --> 02:45:13.176
fellow colleagues also support this. um

02:45:13.200 --> 02:45:14.536
if you got kids in school or you don't

02:45:14.560 --> 02:45:16.295
have kids in school, this is going to

02:45:16.319 --> 02:45:18.856
have a quite a severe effect moving

02:45:18.880 --> 02:45:20.455
forward. And I think we need to

02:45:20.479 --> 02:45:22.136
understand, note that and also realize

02:45:22.160 --> 02:45:24.216
that and and stress as much as we can

02:45:24.240 --> 02:45:26.696
through  the honourable Ben Carroll and

02:45:26.720 --> 02:45:29.720
also um perhaps through our um eastern

02:45:29.760 --> 02:45:31.736
network of councils.

02:45:31.760 --> 02:45:33.255
Absolutely. Thank you, Councelor

02:45:33.279 --> 02:45:34.856
Williams. Councelor Duncan, would you

02:45:34.880 --> 02:45:37.016
like to speak next?

02:45:37.040 --> 02:45:38.136
No.

02:45:38.160 --> 02:45:39.976
Okay. Would any other counselor like to

02:45:40.000 --> 02:45:41.576
speak to the motion? Thank you,

02:45:41.600 --> 02:45:43.016
councelor Atlaw.

02:45:43.040 --> 02:45:44.455
, thank you, Mayor, and yes, certainly

02:45:44.479 --> 02:45:47.016
support um the words of councelor Baker

02:45:47.040 --> 02:45:49.576
and councelor  Williams. U this was a

02:45:49.600 --> 02:45:51.656
a surprise, I think. Yeah, for me, what

02:45:51.680 --> 02:45:53.736
I mentioned in my  ward report earlier

02:45:53.760 --> 02:45:56.056
being at Rowville Secondary  for the

02:45:56.080 --> 02:45:57.896
opening of of a new yarning circle at

02:45:57.920 --> 02:46:00.375
the at the West Campus and and funding

02:46:00.399 --> 02:46:02.455
from this program um directly

02:46:02.479 --> 02:46:05.016
contributed to  some bits and pieces.

02:46:05.040 --> 02:46:07.496
So the students um you know um came up

02:46:07.520 --> 02:46:09.656
with the idea um they they build it

02:46:09.680 --> 02:46:11.496
themselves and council through this sort

02:46:11.520 --> 02:46:14.295
of direct you know at the point of need

02:46:14.319 --> 02:46:17.016
support was able to provide some bits

02:46:17.040 --> 02:46:18.696
and pieces to bring it to life. It might

02:46:18.720 --> 02:46:20.375
have been some some badging. It might

02:46:20.399 --> 02:46:22.295
have been some of the physical u

02:46:22.319 --> 02:46:25.319
material but um   this was a really

02:46:26.479 --> 02:46:29.479
um good example for me of seeing um what

02:46:29.600 --> 02:46:31.896
this funding does in our local schools.

02:46:31.920 --> 02:46:34.375
Um and I think in in the correspondence

02:46:34.399 --> 02:46:36.056
with the minister perhaps we draw out

02:46:36.080 --> 02:46:38.696
some specific examples of of where this

02:46:38.720 --> 02:46:41.096
program makes a difference in Knox and

02:46:41.120 --> 02:46:42.455
yeah to the points that have been made

02:46:42.479 --> 02:46:45.255
our young people are facing a a crisis

02:46:45.279 --> 02:46:47.976
of challenges um from social media from

02:46:48.000 --> 02:46:51.000
academic stress from um all of those

02:46:51.840 --> 02:46:54.840
things u mental health um as well is

02:46:54.960 --> 02:46:57.496
there so um I couldn't think of of

02:46:57.520 --> 02:46:59.816
something that um you know um you

02:46:59.840 --> 02:47:02.696
wouldn't touch um So, it's um it is

02:47:02.720 --> 02:47:05.720
disconcerting and disappointing and um u

02:47:06.479 --> 02:47:08.136
again I think it's the state government

02:47:08.160 --> 02:47:10.136
looking to exit and and wanting council

02:47:10.160 --> 02:47:13.096
to to lean in and fill the gap. Um so we

02:47:13.120 --> 02:47:14.696
need to be um very strong in our

02:47:14.720 --> 02:47:16.776
advocacy. We want this to stay and we've

02:47:16.800 --> 02:47:19.496
seen some amazing um examples in our

02:47:19.520 --> 02:47:21.176
community of schools using this funding

02:47:21.200 --> 02:47:24.200
and keeping at risk kids engaged.

02:47:24.479 --> 02:47:27.096
Thank you councelor loves that. Would

02:47:27.120 --> 02:47:30.120
any other council Yep. Councelor Duncan.

02:47:30.240 --> 02:47:33.016
, thank you, Mayor Cooper. Um, yes,

02:47:33.040 --> 02:47:34.536
councelor. Well, I think you're right.

02:47:34.560 --> 02:47:35.896
Again, it's the state government getting

02:47:35.920 --> 02:47:37.255
out of a service and pushing it back

02:47:37.279 --> 02:47:38.776
onto council. I think at the moment,

02:47:38.800 --> 02:47:40.375
though, I did some numbers quickly

02:47:40.399 --> 02:47:43.016
before. $12 million worth of funding.

02:47:43.040 --> 02:47:44.936
There's approximately 20% of all of

02:47:44.960 --> 02:47:46.856
Victoria's residents are currently at

02:47:46.880 --> 02:47:49.880
school. That represents nearly 20% of of

02:47:50.080 --> 02:47:51.816
the whole of Victoria. And it's $12

02:47:51.840 --> 02:47:54.840
million. Um, I I think we should

02:47:54.880 --> 02:47:56.616
actually go further and write letters to

02:47:56.640 --> 02:47:58.136
a whole bunch of other people than just

02:47:58.160 --> 02:48:00.056
the the the minister. Um, but I've

02:48:00.080 --> 02:48:01.335
missed the opportunity to put an

02:48:01.359 --> 02:48:02.696
alternate in, but it's maybe something

02:48:02.720 --> 02:48:05.255
that we could consider. um being

02:48:05.279 --> 02:48:07.976
involved in the in the um youth advisory

02:48:08.000 --> 02:48:09.896
committee. Um this is really

02:48:09.920 --> 02:48:11.576
disappointing for me because the work

02:48:11.600 --> 02:48:13.976
that is done by that committee and with

02:48:14.000 --> 02:48:17.000
within schools um getting to students at

02:48:17.760 --> 02:48:20.455
that very early level  early

02:48:20.479 --> 02:48:21.976
intervention point when they're starting

02:48:22.000 --> 02:48:24.455
to disengage like we're already spending

02:48:24.479 --> 02:48:27.016
$100,000 on emergency relief. We've just

02:48:27.040 --> 02:48:28.776
spoken about homelessness. We're talking

02:48:28.800 --> 02:48:30.536
about antisocial behaviors at train

02:48:30.560 --> 02:48:32.375
stations, gambling arm, and and the

02:48:32.399 --> 02:48:35.176
abuse of alcohol and so forth. Th this

02:48:35.200 --> 02:48:36.776
program

02:48:36.800 --> 02:48:39.800
could it it it contributes to limiting

02:48:40.479 --> 02:48:42.375
the the need for the funding at these

02:48:42.399 --> 02:48:43.976
further points down there. And it's $12

02:48:44.000 --> 02:48:46.936
million. So, I'm I'm extremely

02:48:46.960 --> 02:48:49.176
disappointed that that this has come

02:48:49.200 --> 02:48:52.200
about. And as Councelor Williams said,

02:48:52.399 --> 02:48:54.455
removing it and not notifying the

02:48:54.479 --> 02:48:57.096
schools to me is is a bit of a slap in

02:48:57.120 --> 02:48:59.656
the face. So, I'm absolutely supportive

02:48:59.680 --> 02:49:02.056
of the recommendation that we authorize

02:49:02.080 --> 02:49:03.816
the officers to draft a letter to the

02:49:03.840 --> 02:49:05.335
minister. I would actually like to see

02:49:05.359 --> 02:49:08.216
that go even further than that and and

02:49:08.240 --> 02:49:10.295
possibly straight up to the premier 

02:49:10.319 --> 02:49:12.936
as well. Um cuz I think this is

02:49:12.960 --> 02:49:15.896
absolutely essential funding. Um and the

02:49:15.920 --> 02:49:18.920
$12 million saves a whole bunch of costs

02:49:19.200 --> 02:49:21.016
further down the track. So, definitely

02:49:21.040 --> 02:49:22.536
happy to support this one.

02:49:22.560 --> 02:49:25.415
Thank you, Councelor Duncan. Um question

02:49:25.439 --> 02:49:28.439
perhaps to the CEO. Um based on what

02:49:29.040 --> 02:49:31.096
councelor Duncan has just suggested in

02:49:31.120 --> 02:49:34.120
terms of writing um to all local members

02:49:35.600 --> 02:49:38.600
and potentially the premier, can we can

02:49:38.640 --> 02:49:40.696
we just do that or do we need to put in

02:49:40.720 --> 02:49:43.335
an amendment?

02:49:43.359 --> 02:49:44.936
Oh, I'm certainly happy to do that

02:49:44.960 --> 02:49:47.335
through um through our staff and we

02:49:47.359 --> 02:49:49.415
we'll write to the premier and local

02:49:49.439 --> 02:49:51.335
members as well. We ordinarily would

02:49:51.359 --> 02:49:53.255
include our local members within that

02:49:53.279 --> 02:49:54.776
communication. so that they're aware of

02:49:54.800 --> 02:49:57.016
council's advocacy. Um, so we would do

02:49:57.040 --> 02:49:58.536
that as a matter of course and very

02:49:58.560 --> 02:49:59.976
happy that we write to the premier as

02:50:00.000 --> 02:50:01.176
well. I don't think we need a specific

02:50:01.200 --> 02:50:03.176
council resolution for us to for us to

02:50:03.200 --> 02:50:03.816
do that.

02:50:03.840 --> 02:50:06.056
That's great. Terrific. Good. Good

02:50:06.080 --> 02:50:08.056
suggestion. Thank you. Would any other

02:50:08.080 --> 02:50:11.080
counselor like to speak to the motion?

02:50:13.040 --> 02:50:15.096
Council Low,

02:50:15.120 --> 02:50:16.936
thank you. the risk of making myself

02:50:16.960 --> 02:50:19.960
unpopular. Um we we canned the um youth

02:50:21.840 --> 02:50:24.295
counseling service last year as well. So

02:50:24.319 --> 02:50:27.319
we've made a contribution to  perhaps

02:50:27.920 --> 02:50:29.976
not support fully supporting youth

02:50:30.000 --> 02:50:32.136
mental health as much as we could have.

02:50:32.160 --> 02:50:35.160
Yeah.

02:50:35.520 --> 02:50:37.415
Would any other counselor like to speak

02:50:37.439 --> 02:50:39.656
to the motion

02:50:39.680 --> 02:50:42.680
who hasn't already spoken?

02:50:44.640 --> 02:50:46.136
Councelor Baker, would you like to

02:50:46.160 --> 02:50:48.216
exercise your right of reply? Thank you.

02:50:48.240 --> 02:50:50.536
Just very  very briefly, I'm just

02:50:50.560 --> 02:50:52.056
acknowledging the comments from my

02:50:52.080 --> 02:50:53.896
colleagues. Um and this is obviously

02:50:53.920 --> 02:50:56.056
funding that many schools have relied on

02:50:56.080 --> 02:50:58.696
over the last 25 years. Um so I think

02:50:58.720 --> 02:51:01.496
it's imperative that we advocate for

02:51:01.520 --> 02:51:04.520
students um in our municipality

02:51:04.960 --> 02:51:07.960
um and that we are working towards 

02:51:09.439 --> 02:51:10.936
supporting our families and their and

02:51:10.960 --> 02:51:13.016
their children um moving forward. Thank

02:51:13.040 --> 02:51:14.455
you.

02:51:14.479 --> 02:51:16.136
Thank you, councelor Baker. I'll now put

02:51:16.160 --> 02:51:19.160
the motion. All those in favor?

02:51:19.279 --> 02:51:21.415
The motion is carried unanimously. Thank

02:51:21.439 --> 02:51:24.439
you.

02:51:25.200 --> 02:51:26.616
Councilors, can I just test your

02:51:26.640 --> 02:51:28.295
appetite? Would you like to have a break

02:51:28.319 --> 02:51:30.856
for 10 minutes or would you like to keep

02:51:30.880 --> 02:51:33.880
going?

02:51:34.800 --> 02:51:37.800
Yeah. Can I propose a 10m minute break?

02:51:38.720 --> 02:51:41.720
Um, we're almost 5, so quart 10. I'll

02:51:42.160 --> 02:51:44.776
I'll move that moved by  seconded,

02:51:44.800 --> 02:51:47.255
sorry, by councelor Williams. All those

02:51:47.279 --> 02:51:49.096
in favor, thank you. The motion is

02:51:49.120 --> 02:51:51.415
carried. We'll meet back here at 10:15.

02:51:51.439 --> 02:51:54.375
Thank you.

02:51:54.399 --> 02:51:56.375
Okay. Thank you. Welcome back everybody.

02:51:56.399 --> 02:51:59.399
Before we get started, um we do have a

02:52:00.160 --> 02:52:02.136
time limit for our meetings, which is

02:52:02.160 --> 02:52:05.016
10:30. So, I would like to propose that

02:52:05.040 --> 02:52:06.936
we move a motion that extends the

02:52:06.960 --> 02:52:09.415
council meeting to 11:00 p.m. So,

02:52:09.439 --> 02:52:11.255
councelor Duncan is going to move that.

02:52:11.279 --> 02:52:13.176
Councelor Williams is going to second

02:52:13.200 --> 02:52:16.136
that. All those in favor, it's supported

02:52:16.160 --> 02:52:18.856
by all counselors. Thank you. Okay. So,

02:52:18.880 --> 02:52:21.880
we're going to now move on to item nine,

02:52:22.720 --> 02:52:24.936
supplementary items, which there are

02:52:24.960 --> 02:52:27.960
none. Item 10, notices of motion. We

02:52:28.560 --> 02:52:31.335
have notice of motion. Oh, sorry. Item

02:52:31.359 --> 02:52:34.359
10.1 is notice of motion 187, domestic

02:52:35.520 --> 02:52:38.520
animal management plan. Councelor

02:52:39.120 --> 02:52:40.616
Lockwood,

02:52:40.640 --> 02:52:42.856
you have a motion that you would like to

02:52:42.880 --> 02:52:45.335
move. Yes. So, Council Lockit is going

02:52:45.359 --> 02:52:47.016
to move that. We're going to pop that on

02:52:47.040 --> 02:52:48.936
the screen.

02:52:48.960 --> 02:52:51.960
Do we have a second for the motion?

02:52:54.560 --> 02:52:56.856
Councelor um Pearce is going to second

02:52:56.880 --> 02:52:59.880
that.

02:53:05.359 --> 02:53:06.936
Yeah.

02:53:06.960 --> 02:53:09.960
Um,

02:53:10.399 --> 02:53:12.455
we have been reading them because people

02:53:12.479 --> 02:53:15.176
have been saying that they can't see the

02:53:15.200 --> 02:53:17.335
text on the screen. So, if you want to

02:53:17.359 --> 02:53:18.375
read it, that would be great.

02:53:18.399 --> 02:53:20.536
I will. I will. So I'm moving the

02:53:20.560 --> 02:53:22.696
council resolve a to note that council

02:53:22.720 --> 02:53:25.656
resolved to endorse the Knox draft Knox

02:53:25.680 --> 02:53:27.176
domestic animal management plan the

02:53:27.200 --> 02:53:29.496
draft damp for phase two of community

02:53:29.520 --> 02:53:31.016
engagement at the Knox council meeting

02:53:31.040 --> 02:53:33.976
on 8th September 2025 and the phase 2

02:53:34.000 --> 02:53:37.000
commenced on 15th September 2025 and one

02:53:37.359 --> 02:53:39.016
note that verbatim community feedback

02:53:39.040 --> 02:53:41.656
from f phase one of community engagement

02:53:41.680 --> 02:53:43.976
conducted February to April 2025 was not

02:53:44.000 --> 02:53:45.896
included in the report to council

02:53:45.920 --> 02:53:48.776
considered on 8th September two to

02:53:48.800 --> 02:53:50.536
increase transparency and subject to the

02:53:50.560 --> 02:53:52.136
removal of personal information to

02:53:52.160 --> 02:53:54.295
protect privacy. The request that copies

02:53:54.319 --> 02:53:56.136
of a batum community feedback from phase

02:53:56.160 --> 02:53:57.976
one of community engagement be made

02:53:58.000 --> 02:53:59.576
available to the community as part of

02:53:59.600 --> 02:54:01.576
phase two of community engagement. And

02:54:01.600 --> 02:54:03.656
three request officers extend phase two

02:54:03.680 --> 02:54:05.335
of community engagement by at least two

02:54:05.359 --> 02:54:08.359
weeks recognizing delay in releasing

02:54:08.479 --> 02:54:10.375
verbatim cumulative feedback from phase

02:54:10.399 --> 02:54:13.016
one. And in B in relation to the draft

02:54:13.040 --> 02:54:14.856
damp to notice that the draft damp

02:54:14.880 --> 02:54:16.616
includes programs to address

02:54:16.640 --> 02:54:18.216
overpopulation rates and any high

02:54:18.240 --> 02:54:20.776
euthanasia rates

02:54:20.800 --> 02:54:23.800
youth at Asia rates and dog attacks as

02:54:23.920 --> 02:54:26.216
two of the nine areas of focus which is

02:54:26.240 --> 02:54:28.776
legislated. Two to amend the draft damp

02:54:28.800 --> 02:54:31.415
to include an action to investigate how

02:54:31.439 --> 02:54:33.896
a community cat program or cat dissexing

02:54:33.920 --> 02:54:36.616
program could be implemented at Knox. A

02:54:36.640 --> 02:54:38.616
using evidence provided by the

02:54:38.640 --> 02:54:40.536
Australian Pet Welfare Foundation and

02:54:40.560 --> 02:54:42.616
other available peer-reviewed evidence

02:54:42.640 --> 02:54:44.216
relating to cat containment and the

02:54:44.240 --> 02:54:47.176
welfare of cats in B including proactive

02:54:47.200 --> 02:54:49.816
microtargeted desexing initiatives as

02:54:49.840 --> 02:54:52.455
demonstrated in the city of Banule and C

02:54:52.479 --> 02:54:54.216
considering any animal management cost

02:54:54.240 --> 02:54:56.856
savings generated by such a program and

02:54:56.880 --> 02:54:58.856
D with a target completion date of

02:54:58.880 --> 02:55:01.255
December 2026.

02:55:01.279 --> 02:55:02.936
Three, to amend the draft damp to

02:55:02.960 --> 02:55:05.576
include an action toiate proactive dog

02:55:05.600 --> 02:55:07.816
programs. A, as described in the

02:55:07.840 --> 02:55:09.415
Australian Pet Welfare Foundation's

02:55:09.439 --> 02:55:11.656
phase one submission, which require

02:55:11.680 --> 02:55:13.016
which would require an increase in

02:55:13.040 --> 02:55:15.496
community education and engagement. B,

02:55:15.520 --> 02:55:17.176
considering any animal management cost

02:55:17.200 --> 02:55:19.656
savings generated by such a program. C,

02:55:19.680 --> 02:55:21.415
with a target completion date of

02:55:21.439 --> 02:55:24.439
December 2027.

02:55:24.479 --> 02:55:26.616
Um four to note that the objectives of

02:55:26.640 --> 02:55:28.776
programs detailed in resolutions B2 and

02:55:28.800 --> 02:55:31.800
B3 above R2. A reduce attacks on local

02:55:31.840 --> 02:55:34.136
wildlife, CC increase compliance with

02:55:34.160 --> 02:55:36.375
registration responsible pet ownership

02:55:36.399 --> 02:55:38.375
and CC increase compliance relating to

02:55:38.399 --> 02:55:40.936
dogs. Five, note that the extension of

02:55:40.960 --> 02:55:43.255
phase 2 community engagement will also

02:55:43.279 --> 02:55:44.776
allow community engagement on the

02:55:44.800 --> 02:55:46.776
proposed amendments to the damp in

02:55:46.800 --> 02:55:49.576
resolutions B2 and B3 above and to

02:55:49.600 --> 02:55:51.496
request officers to contact all existing

02:55:51.520 --> 02:55:53.816
phase 2 submitters to advise them of the

02:55:53.840 --> 02:55:55.415
amendments once released and invite

02:55:55.439 --> 02:55:57.976
further comment.

02:55:58.000 --> 02:55:58.776
Completed.

02:55:58.800 --> 02:56:00.856
Thank you, Councelor Lockwick. Would you

02:56:00.880 --> 02:56:02.536
like to speak to your motion?

02:56:02.560 --> 02:56:05.560
I would. Um, I was attracted to this by

02:56:05.680 --> 02:56:08.455
the cost savings. essentially there are

02:56:08.479 --> 02:56:10.056
some serious cost savings although it

02:56:10.080 --> 02:56:13.080
does depend on how much we spend now um

02:56:14.640 --> 02:56:16.776
we seem to have the issue that's ongoing

02:56:16.800 --> 02:56:19.800
um the same every year so if we

02:56:20.640 --> 02:56:22.375
um and I hope you've you've been able to

02:56:22.399 --> 02:56:24.455
read the policy paper now there's the

02:56:24.479 --> 02:56:26.536
other one sorry the pet welfare

02:56:26.560 --> 02:56:28.616
foundation's paper that I attached to it

02:56:28.640 --> 02:56:31.255
know was a bit lengthy but um it had

02:56:31.279 --> 02:56:34.279
some good information in that  and I

02:56:34.640 --> 02:56:37.640
thank um acting director Jonathan um

02:56:38.720 --> 02:56:40.536
McNal for his assistance here in putting

02:56:40.560 --> 02:56:42.616
this together and helping me with the

02:56:42.640 --> 02:56:45.640
dates. I had much tighter dates, but

02:56:46.399 --> 02:56:47.816
um I think the dates are much better

02:56:47.840 --> 02:56:50.840
now, much more achievable. So um as I

02:56:51.520 --> 02:56:53.096
say, I was attracted by the cost savings

02:56:53.120 --> 02:56:55.415
as well as course we get cats that are

02:56:55.439 --> 02:56:57.496
semi-owned. Owned cats are not really a

02:56:57.520 --> 02:57:00.136
problem. It's a semi-owned and unowned

02:57:00.160 --> 02:57:01.496
cats that wander around and they're not

02:57:01.520 --> 02:57:03.816
desexed and they breed. So you catch

02:57:03.840 --> 02:57:05.896
one, impound it, but the rest of the

02:57:05.920 --> 02:57:08.216
litter is still out there. So what we

02:57:08.240 --> 02:57:11.240
need to do is desex the cats um and stop

02:57:12.720 --> 02:57:14.936
them from breeding. Leave them back out

02:57:14.960 --> 02:57:17.176
there so they don't breed. And gradually

02:57:17.200 --> 02:57:20.056
you reduce the population by desexing

02:57:20.080 --> 02:57:21.816
the population of cats in the area,

02:57:21.840 --> 02:57:23.656
thereby reduce the problem. So you then

02:57:23.680 --> 02:57:24.936
don't have to go out chasing them all

02:57:24.960 --> 02:57:27.896
the time. you get fewer fewer complaints

02:57:27.920 --> 02:57:30.920
and fewer complaints about um wildlife

02:57:31.600 --> 02:57:33.976
because cats in the wild tend to go for

02:57:34.000 --> 02:57:35.656
low hanging fruit anyway. So they it's

02:57:35.680 --> 02:57:38.680
more of the insects um praying mantises

02:57:38.880 --> 02:57:41.880
that get get gobbled up um for cats that

02:57:42.160 --> 02:57:45.160
are in the wild. But um now there are no

02:57:45.920 --> 02:57:47.176
there are no feral having said that

02:57:47.200 --> 02:57:48.616
there are no feral cats in Knox cuz

02:57:48.640 --> 02:57:50.696
fereral cats don't hang about within 3

02:57:50.720 --> 02:57:53.415
kilometers of people where people live.

02:57:53.439 --> 02:57:55.656
Um, so what we have is the three basic

02:57:55.680 --> 02:57:57.816
cateies, owned cats, semi-owned, and

02:57:57.840 --> 02:58:00.455
unowned. People can semi-own a cat if

02:58:00.479 --> 02:58:03.016
they feed it occasionally. Um, Knox, I

02:58:03.040 --> 02:58:04.295
don't know if we still do. They used to

02:58:04.319 --> 02:58:05.576
always say, "Well, you own it if you

02:58:05.600 --> 02:58:08.295
feed it," which people then they won't

02:58:08.319 --> 02:58:10.455
stop feeding it. But what we want is

02:58:10.479 --> 02:58:13.176
those cats to stop breeding and stop

02:58:13.200 --> 02:58:14.936
being a nuisance cuz they're not allowed

02:58:14.960 --> 02:58:17.960
in at night generally. So um and the dog

02:58:18.720 --> 02:58:21.720
program if we um do do a a job as

02:58:22.720 --> 02:58:24.375
described by the pet welfare foundation

02:58:24.399 --> 02:58:26.776
in better engaging with with dog owners

02:58:26.800 --> 02:58:28.216
to to convince them of their

02:58:28.240 --> 02:58:30.375
responsibilities. Now we we have a lot

02:58:30.399 --> 02:58:31.896
of go at that over the years. There's

02:58:31.920 --> 02:58:34.295
been a lot of emphasis on dogs but they

02:58:34.319 --> 02:58:36.776
argue there too that we can save money

02:58:36.800 --> 02:58:39.800
in management in managing dog problems

02:58:40.160 --> 02:58:41.896
and convince people to pick up for their

02:58:41.920 --> 02:58:44.375
dogs um reduce the amount of attacks

02:58:44.399 --> 02:58:47.176
that kind of thing. So it's um it's

02:58:47.200 --> 02:58:49.576
about I guess solving both ends of the

02:58:49.600 --> 02:58:51.335
problem that is the the constant

02:58:51.359 --> 02:58:54.359
complaints about dogs and cats and in

02:58:54.399 --> 02:58:56.696
the cost what that costs us and cost the

02:58:56.720 --> 02:58:59.415
community by implication. So um I'm

02:58:59.439 --> 02:59:00.856
hoping you'll support this to give it a

02:59:00.880 --> 02:59:03.880
go. It's a trial. It's not permanent. So

02:59:04.160 --> 02:59:06.136
um and to go out there in the damp and

02:59:06.160 --> 02:59:07.976
see what people think of it. It's out

02:59:08.000 --> 02:59:09.736
for consultation.

02:59:09.760 --> 02:59:12.056
So um and to see what people what what

02:59:12.080 --> 02:59:14.536
what the feedback is and  give it a

02:59:14.560 --> 02:59:17.560
trial. The um I'm I'm hopeful that  it

02:59:18.000 --> 02:59:19.496
can support this to give it a trial. If

02:59:19.520 --> 02:59:20.856
it doesn't work, it doesn't work. Then

02:59:20.880 --> 02:59:23.880
we and after the trial we don't do it.

02:59:23.920 --> 02:59:26.616
So it's um it's all about trying

02:59:26.640 --> 02:59:28.455
something new.  another way to save

02:59:28.479 --> 02:59:30.936
money. We we need to keep saving money.

02:59:30.960 --> 02:59:32.936
Um and we're going to go on trying to

02:59:32.960 --> 02:59:35.960
save money, I dare say. So this is um my

02:59:36.800 --> 02:59:39.176
go here for the night of saving some

02:59:39.200 --> 02:59:40.616
money. Thank you.

02:59:40.640 --> 02:59:42.455
Thank you, Councelor Lockwood. Councelor

02:59:42.479 --> 02:59:43.816
Pearce.

02:59:43.840 --> 02:59:46.136
Thank you, Madame Mayor.

02:59:46.160 --> 02:59:48.536
I'm supporting this motion because I

02:59:48.560 --> 02:59:49.896
think it's a really good idea to get

02:59:49.920 --> 02:59:52.295
more information out there. I'm a dog

02:59:52.319 --> 02:59:55.319
owner. I love my dog, but I I must admit

02:59:56.800 --> 02:59:59.800
it annoys me when dogs are off the dogs

02:59:59.840 --> 03:00:02.840
are uncontrollable out there.

03:00:02.880 --> 03:00:05.176
that that causes problems especially

03:00:05.200 --> 03:00:07.656
when you're trying to walk a dog.

03:00:07.680 --> 03:00:09.496
I'm not a cat person myself, but I've

03:00:09.520 --> 03:00:12.056
had numerous um people ring me regarding

03:00:12.080 --> 03:00:15.080
cats and explain to me that how the cast

03:00:15.520 --> 03:00:18.520
how the cat containment is causing

03:00:18.640 --> 03:00:20.616
problems. And I'd really would like to

03:00:20.640 --> 03:00:23.640
see the evidence and the peer review on

03:00:23.920 --> 03:00:26.136
this issue to to actually just educate

03:00:26.160 --> 03:00:29.160
myself on what is actually going on and

03:00:29.600 --> 03:00:31.576
if there's an alternative that we can

03:00:31.600 --> 03:00:34.600
do. you do for the cats so they don't

03:00:34.800 --> 03:00:37.415
have to be so contained.

03:00:37.439 --> 03:00:40.136
Um, I think microchipping and desexing

03:00:40.160 --> 03:00:42.536
of cats is a really good idea because it

03:00:42.560 --> 03:00:45.255
cuts down on the number of litters out

03:00:45.279 --> 03:00:48.279
there and the number of um, well,

03:00:49.120 --> 03:00:51.736
councelor Lockwood says non-feral not

03:00:51.760 --> 03:00:53.496
there's no feral cats. I'll use the

03:00:53.520 --> 03:00:56.216
correct terminology nonowned am I

03:00:56.240 --> 03:00:59.240
correct? nonowned cats

03:00:59.840 --> 03:01:02.455
um reduces those I think is a really

03:01:02.479 --> 03:01:05.479
good idea. Um animals are a fantastic um

03:01:06.800 --> 03:01:09.656
reason a fantastic for your mental

03:01:09.680 --> 03:01:12.375
health for your exercise and I strongly

03:01:12.399 --> 03:01:15.016
suggest a cat or a dog is like your best

03:01:15.040 --> 03:01:17.736
friend. So I think this motion is a

03:01:17.760 --> 03:01:20.616
really good idea and it's just providing

03:01:20.640 --> 03:01:23.640
us more information which is really what

03:01:23.680 --> 03:01:26.680
we need. Thank you.

03:01:27.359 --> 03:01:29.096
Thank you. Would any other counselor

03:01:29.120 --> 03:01:32.120
like to speak to the motion?

03:01:40.800 --> 03:01:43.800
No.

03:01:44.880 --> 03:01:46.375
Council Lockwood, would you like to

03:01:46.399 --> 03:01:49.335
exercise your right of reply?

03:01:49.359 --> 03:01:50.856
Thank you.

03:01:50.880 --> 03:01:52.455
Pop your microphone on.

03:01:52.479 --> 03:01:55.335
Yep. Silence was a stern reply. All

03:01:55.359 --> 03:01:58.359
right. Um, no bites.

03:01:58.720 --> 03:02:01.720
, I'm looking to make cats and dogs

03:02:02.560 --> 03:02:05.560
into more of an asset than a problem.

03:02:05.680 --> 03:02:07.415
Um, people look at pets and often see

03:02:07.439 --> 03:02:10.056
them as problems. Um, some people need

03:02:10.080 --> 03:02:12.936
to learn how to manage their pet. Um, I

03:02:12.960 --> 03:02:15.496
had a dog with a large dog, beautiful,

03:02:15.520 --> 03:02:17.816
friendly dog come charging at us on the

03:02:17.840 --> 03:02:19.736
bike path when I had my grand small

03:02:19.760 --> 03:02:21.496
grandchildren with me and they were

03:02:21.520 --> 03:02:23.656
terrified. when the owners running along

03:02:23.680 --> 03:02:25.255
with signs, okay, he won't hurt you. He

03:02:25.279 --> 03:02:26.616
won't hurt you. But of course, the kids

03:02:26.640 --> 03:02:29.576
didn't know that. So, it it was a was a

03:02:29.600 --> 03:02:32.536
horrible experience for them. Um, didn't

03:02:32.560 --> 03:02:34.616
worry me. I just hold the dog back. But,

03:02:34.640 --> 03:02:36.295
um,

03:02:36.319 --> 03:02:38.455
and and I do think we need we if we can

03:02:38.479 --> 03:02:41.335
take do something proactive to make pets

03:02:41.359 --> 03:02:44.056
into more more of an asset, more of a

03:02:44.080 --> 03:02:47.080
friend to all of us rather than a

03:02:47.120 --> 03:02:50.120
problem. And I think this will help the

03:02:50.319 --> 03:02:52.056
um homeless community as well because

03:02:52.080 --> 03:02:53.576
one of the problems homeless people have

03:02:53.600 --> 03:02:55.576
is they can't afford registration. They

03:02:55.600 --> 03:02:58.136
can't afford desexing um and they end up

03:02:58.160 --> 03:02:59.736
having problems sometimes with their

03:02:59.760 --> 03:03:02.760
pets and we could we could take more of

03:03:02.800 --> 03:03:05.800
a proactive stance there too. So um I'm

03:03:05.920 --> 03:03:08.536
just asking for support here to trial

03:03:08.560 --> 03:03:11.255
this over the next couple of years. 12

03:03:11.279 --> 03:03:14.279
months for cats, two years for dogs.

03:03:14.800 --> 03:03:16.856
Um yes, I'll leave it in your hands.

03:03:16.880 --> 03:03:18.056
Thank you.

03:03:18.080 --> 03:03:20.616
Thank you. I'll now put the motion. All

03:03:20.640 --> 03:03:23.640
those in favor,

03:03:24.399 --> 03:03:27.399
all those against.

03:03:27.520 --> 03:03:30.136
The motions carried.

03:03:30.160 --> 03:03:33.160
Yep. There was a division called.

03:03:33.680 --> 03:03:35.176
There's been a division called. So, I'm

03:03:35.200 --> 03:03:38.200
going to set that um outcome aside. I'm

03:03:38.240 --> 03:03:40.295
now going to call again all those in

03:03:40.319 --> 03:03:43.176
favor. Councelor Pearce, Councelor

03:03:43.200 --> 03:03:45.096
Lockwood, Councelor Williams, Councelor

03:03:45.120 --> 03:03:47.736
Duncan, and Councelor Kennet. All those

03:03:47.760 --> 03:03:50.056
against, Councelor Baker, Councelor

03:03:50.080 --> 03:03:52.136
Atwell, Councelor Considine, and

03:03:52.160 --> 03:03:55.160
Councelor Cooper.

03:03:55.439 --> 03:03:58.295
Okay, thank you. We'll now move on to

03:03:58.319 --> 03:04:01.319
the next notice of motion number 188.

03:04:02.640 --> 03:04:04.776
Um, Councelor Lockwood, would you like

03:04:04.800 --> 03:04:06.616
to move a motion?

03:04:06.640 --> 03:04:09.415
Yes. Um, may I would move notice of

03:04:09.439 --> 03:04:11.976
motion number 88. Okay, we're going to

03:04:12.000 --> 03:04:15.000
pop that on the screen.

03:04:15.040 --> 03:04:15.816
A second.

03:04:15.840 --> 03:04:18.536
Do we have a seconder for the motion?

03:04:18.560 --> 03:04:21.560
188 Knox News. Councelor Williams, I

03:04:21.600 --> 03:04:24.056
think, popped his hand up. Thank you,

03:04:24.080 --> 03:04:25.096
Council Lwood.

03:04:25.120 --> 03:04:27.736
Um, well, I'll read it. I'll give note I

03:04:27.760 --> 03:04:29.496
c I move the council resolve that a

03:04:29.520 --> 03:04:30.856
report be provided to the council

03:04:30.880 --> 03:04:33.880
meeting on 24th November 2025

03:04:34.479 --> 03:04:35.976
that explores cessation of the

03:04:36.000 --> 03:04:38.455
publication Knox news including detail of

03:04:38.479 --> 03:04:40.295
the funds that would be saved and as

03:04:40.319 --> 03:04:41.656
some of those funds say could be

03:04:41.680 --> 03:04:43.576
redirected to utilizing the four local

03:04:43.600 --> 03:04:45.736
community newspapers for council and

03:04:45.760 --> 03:04:48.056
councelor information to refer the

03:04:48.080 --> 03:04:49.656
content of this report to a subsequent

03:04:49.680 --> 03:04:52.680
budget discussion.

03:04:53.359 --> 03:04:54.936
Thank you. So that's been seconded by

03:04:54.960 --> 03:04:56.776
councelor Williams. Councelor Lockwood,

03:04:56.800 --> 03:04:58.295
would you like to speak to the motion?

03:04:58.319 --> 03:04:59.976
Yes, thanks. Again, in in the spirit of

03:05:00.000 --> 03:05:03.000
costsaving, um talking to um the people

03:05:03.359 --> 03:05:06.359
running the BBCN over at Bonia, um we we

03:05:07.760 --> 03:05:09.656
reprint some of their articles. So, why

03:05:09.680 --> 03:05:11.576
don't you just use our newspaper was the

03:05:11.600 --> 03:05:13.096
question.

03:05:13.120 --> 03:05:15.335
Um there are actually they are more

03:05:15.359 --> 03:05:17.255
frequent than ours. They cover the whole

03:05:17.279 --> 03:05:19.736
of Knox, BBCN's Brain of the Basin.

03:05:19.760 --> 03:05:22.295
Obviously there's Stunfield news which

03:05:22.319 --> 03:05:23.816
covers

03:05:23.840 --> 03:05:25.976
Baze Bazewater

03:05:26.000 --> 03:05:29.000
South um Skoolsby and Stubfield

03:05:30.319 --> 03:05:31.816
and then there's the Rowville

03:05:31.840 --> 03:05:33.576
Lististerfield community news and the

03:05:33.600 --> 03:05:35.976
Fernry Gully community news. So we're

03:05:36.000 --> 03:05:38.856
covered across the city. So it occurs to

03:05:38.880 --> 03:05:40.375
me that we could make better use of

03:05:40.399 --> 03:05:42.375
that. We provide some of the money to we

03:05:42.399 --> 03:05:44.056
already support these newspapers with

03:05:44.080 --> 03:05:47.080
advertising. Um, so it wouldn't be much

03:05:47.439 --> 03:05:50.439
more of a step up to provide  more

03:05:50.560 --> 03:05:52.295
council information, more council news

03:05:52.319 --> 03:05:55.319
in there and even news relevant to the

03:05:55.520 --> 03:05:58.520
ward counselor in those areas and well

03:05:59.120 --> 03:06:02.120
um hopefully saving some money now when

03:06:02.240 --> 03:06:03.976
it comes back. Maybe we won't, but um

03:06:04.000 --> 03:06:06.216
I'm I'm hopeful we can look at saving

03:06:06.240 --> 03:06:07.976
some money and look at being more

03:06:08.000 --> 03:06:10.056
effective. I know some older people like

03:06:10.080 --> 03:06:12.616
to see stuff in print. The community

03:06:12.640 --> 03:06:14.056
newspapers have a have a great

03:06:14.080 --> 03:06:16.536
penetration. Even those that are not

03:06:16.560 --> 03:06:18.136
delivered to every letter box, when they

03:06:18.160 --> 03:06:19.496
appear in shopping centers, they

03:06:19.520 --> 03:06:21.255
disappear very quickly. So, they're

03:06:21.279 --> 03:06:22.616
replenishing them every week over

03:06:22.640 --> 03:06:24.616
several weeks and thousands of them go

03:06:24.640 --> 03:06:27.096
out. And the BBC is delivered to every

03:06:27.120 --> 03:06:29.415
letter box. Um I'm not sure about the

03:06:29.439 --> 03:06:30.856
furniture galley and rover ones, but

03:06:30.880 --> 03:06:32.136
they um

03:06:32.160 --> 03:06:33.816
they are yes, they are delivered

03:06:33.840 --> 03:06:35.736
everywhere. So, these are very effective

03:06:35.760 --> 03:06:38.455
means of communications, and I think we

03:06:38.479 --> 03:06:41.176
could um we could hitch a ride on them.

03:06:41.200 --> 03:06:43.255
we can help them and help ourselves at

03:06:43.279 --> 03:06:46.136
the same time. So, um I put that up for

03:06:46.160 --> 03:06:48.936
your consideration again. Thank you.

03:06:48.960 --> 03:06:50.536
Thank you, Council Lockwood. Councelor

03:06:50.560 --> 03:06:51.816
Williams.

03:06:51.840 --> 03:06:53.656
Thank you through you, Mayor. Um yeah,

03:06:53.680 --> 03:06:55.736
reiterate what councelor Lockwood's just

03:06:55.760 --> 03:06:57.415
mentioned. I think it's it's good just

03:06:57.439 --> 03:06:59.496
to come back with a report and find out

03:06:59.520 --> 03:07:01.016
how much we will save and what other

03:07:01.040 --> 03:07:04.040
option opportunities there might be. Um

03:07:04.080 --> 03:07:06.455
being responsible with our spend is is

03:07:06.479 --> 03:07:08.776
probably key to what we're doing at the

03:07:08.800 --> 03:07:10.696
moment. I know limited people do read

03:07:10.720 --> 03:07:13.720
the um current Knox news. Um I know

03:07:14.160 --> 03:07:16.216
talking through my community I think my

03:07:16.240 --> 03:07:17.976
mom and dad read mine and keep them for

03:07:18.000 --> 03:07:19.736
my articles in there. But that's you

03:07:19.760 --> 03:07:21.896
know most of the others um tend to say

03:07:21.920 --> 03:07:23.656
they haven't seen it. So I think it's

03:07:23.680 --> 03:07:25.496
good that we utilize our funds wisely

03:07:25.520 --> 03:07:28.295
and investigate this um if it is a

03:07:28.319 --> 03:07:31.096
project that we can go forward with. Um

03:07:31.120 --> 03:07:33.335
obviously being a ward counselor um and

03:07:33.359 --> 03:07:34.856
being able to use a local paper to be

03:07:34.880 --> 03:07:36.295
able to communicate better is probably a

03:07:36.319 --> 03:07:38.776
stronger point of view. Um, as all the

03:07:38.800 --> 03:07:40.455
councilors will know, we're limited to a

03:07:40.479 --> 03:07:43.176
60word limit with our current um, report

03:07:43.200 --> 03:07:45.816
in the , Knox news and I don't know

03:07:45.840 --> 03:07:47.656
about the others, but I struggle to fit

03:07:47.680 --> 03:07:49.096
everything in 60 words and in fact

03:07:49.120 --> 03:07:50.696
probably don't even get what I want to

03:07:50.720 --> 03:07:53.176
get as my message put out there um,

03:07:53.200 --> 03:07:55.255
through the 60 words. I tend to have to

03:07:55.279 --> 03:07:57.415
reduce it and possibly not even say what

03:07:57.439 --> 03:08:00.439
I really want to say. Um, so I think

03:08:00.960 --> 03:08:03.576
reviewing the options that we can um, do

03:08:03.600 --> 03:08:05.096
that through our local papers is quite

03:08:05.120 --> 03:08:06.776
important as councelor Lockwood

03:08:06.800 --> 03:08:08.455
mentioned. a bit more direct with your

03:08:08.479 --> 03:08:09.976
ward counselor and perhaps interviews

03:08:10.000 --> 03:08:11.255
with your ward counselor through those

03:08:11.279 --> 03:08:13.176
papers might be a bit more beneficial.

03:08:13.200 --> 03:08:14.455
And we're also supporting local

03:08:14.479 --> 03:08:16.295
community papers and helping them stay

03:08:16.319 --> 03:08:18.696
in existence and they do spread quite a

03:08:18.720 --> 03:08:20.856
good message throughout our community.

03:08:20.880 --> 03:08:23.880
So, I'm supportive of finding out um a

03:08:24.560 --> 03:08:26.295
report coming back to council in

03:08:26.319 --> 03:08:28.936
November to um further investigate this

03:08:28.960 --> 03:08:30.616
and see if there is a saving and what

03:08:30.640 --> 03:08:32.776
benefits there might be.

03:08:32.800 --> 03:08:34.375
Thank you, councelor Williams. Would any

03:08:34.399 --> 03:08:35.976
other councelor like to speak to the

03:08:36.000 --> 03:08:39.000
motion? Councilman Pearce. Thank you.

03:08:40.080 --> 03:08:42.216
Thank you, Madame May. I strongly

03:08:42.240 --> 03:08:44.856
support this. Um I already advertise in

03:08:44.880 --> 03:08:47.880
our local paper and I distribute um my

03:08:49.760 --> 03:08:51.816
daughter actually distributes the paper

03:08:51.840 --> 03:08:54.840
to our area. 70 70 um households she

03:08:55.680 --> 03:08:57.656
delivers to.

03:08:57.680 --> 03:08:59.335
Getting involved with our local paper is

03:08:59.359 --> 03:09:01.656
a brilliant idea. If you've ever sat

03:09:01.680 --> 03:09:03.896
down and actually read them, they're

03:09:03.920 --> 03:09:06.375
very informative. Apart from the council

03:09:06.399 --> 03:09:08.536
information there's about the red hat

03:09:08.560 --> 03:09:11.496
group and about what schools are doing

03:09:11.520 --> 03:09:14.520
and if we can support them to build

03:09:15.200 --> 03:09:18.200
um in build their like article and

03:09:19.600 --> 03:09:22.136
assist them and support them it's a

03:09:22.160 --> 03:09:25.016
fantastic idea. I know the road to build

03:09:25.040 --> 03:09:27.736
news flies out of um Wellington village

03:09:27.760 --> 03:09:29.976
because I've every time I want to get a

03:09:30.000 --> 03:09:33.000
second copy it's always gone. I think

03:09:33.279 --> 03:09:35.816
it's a great idea. We're just helping

03:09:35.840 --> 03:09:38.455
our community and putting our money

03:09:38.479 --> 03:09:40.856
where our mouth is and I'm all in

03:09:40.880 --> 03:09:43.016
support for that. Thank you.

03:09:43.040 --> 03:09:45.335
Thank you, councelor Pearce. Would any

03:09:45.359 --> 03:09:46.936
other counselor like to speak to the

03:09:46.960 --> 03:09:49.960
motion?

03:09:50.479 --> 03:09:52.616
Thank you, councelor Duncan.

03:09:52.640 --> 03:09:54.616
Um, I'm actually quite conflicted on

03:09:54.640 --> 03:09:57.640
this one. Um although I will support

03:09:57.760 --> 03:09:59.496
this council Lockwood. This is for a

03:09:59.520 --> 03:10:01.576
report to come back that only explores

03:10:01.600 --> 03:10:03.656
the option of ceasing the the the Knox

03:10:03.680 --> 03:10:05.415
news. I think the Knox News is a very

03:10:05.439 --> 03:10:07.976
valuable publication. I do agree we

03:10:08.000 --> 03:10:09.656
could redirect some of those funds into

03:10:09.680 --> 03:10:12.680
the community papers.  I know of you

03:10:13.680 --> 03:10:15.176
know quite a few people that don't get

03:10:15.200 --> 03:10:18.200
that delivered. So um having the local

03:10:18.720 --> 03:10:20.295
paper or what we used to know as a local

03:10:20.319 --> 03:10:22.056
paper which I used to deliver as a kid

03:10:22.080 --> 03:10:24.936
is is gone. Um, none of the publications

03:10:24.960 --> 03:10:26.136
that you mentioned are actually

03:10:26.160 --> 03:10:28.056
delivered to my letter box. Um, but

03:10:28.080 --> 03:10:29.496
maybe that's something that the funds

03:10:29.520 --> 03:10:31.496
could assist with is is bringing that

03:10:31.520 --> 03:10:34.375
back on. Um, what I would like to have

03:10:34.399 --> 03:10:36.776
included in the report would be the

03:10:36.800 --> 03:10:38.776
ability for one counselors to have more

03:10:38.800 --> 03:10:41.800
than 60 words. Um, but also not target

03:10:41.920 --> 03:10:43.976
it to the the local counselor that all

03:10:44.000 --> 03:10:45.736
counselors have the opportunity to

03:10:45.760 --> 03:10:47.496
submit to all four papers, which is the

03:10:47.520 --> 03:10:49.016
penetration that we get with the Knox

03:10:49.040 --> 03:10:52.040
News. Um, I'd also like to see the the

03:10:52.080 --> 03:10:54.295
offices that we currently utilize to put

03:10:54.319 --> 03:10:56.616
that together to maybe be able to assist

03:10:56.640 --> 03:10:59.640
those community papers as well. Um, so

03:10:59.920 --> 03:11:01.896
I'm I'm conflicted on whether we

03:11:01.920 --> 03:11:04.136
actually get rid of Knox News. Like the

03:11:04.160 --> 03:11:06.856
youth advisory committee are absolutely

03:11:06.880 --> 03:11:08.295
happy happy with it and would actually

03:11:08.319 --> 03:11:09.896
like publications to be dropped at

03:11:09.920 --> 03:11:12.455
schools and extra ones around around the

03:11:12.479 --> 03:11:15.096
libraries and so forth. Um, but I think

03:11:15.120 --> 03:11:16.936
I will support a report coming back to

03:11:16.960 --> 03:11:18.696
see what cost savings could be put in

03:11:18.720 --> 03:11:20.616
there and and how we could assist those

03:11:20.640 --> 03:11:22.936
papers and like with a lot of government

03:11:22.960 --> 03:11:24.776
things, private enterprise can do things

03:11:24.800 --> 03:11:26.455
better and cheaper than we can. So, this

03:11:26.479 --> 03:11:27.896
is definitely something that I think we

03:11:27.920 --> 03:11:29.576
should explore and see if there are cost

03:11:29.600 --> 03:11:31.496
savings that can be made there. So, I

03:11:31.520 --> 03:11:34.520
will support the um motion to bring

03:11:34.640 --> 03:11:36.295
forward the report, but as I said, sort

03:11:36.319 --> 03:11:37.896
of on the fence as to which way I would

03:11:37.920 --> 03:11:39.496
go depending on when that report comes

03:11:39.520 --> 03:11:41.896
back and what details it has in it.

03:11:41.920 --> 03:11:44.216
Thank you. Thank you, councelor Duncan.

03:11:44.240 --> 03:11:45.976
Would any other counselor like to speak

03:11:46.000 --> 03:11:47.896
to the motion?

03:11:47.920 --> 03:11:49.415
Councelor Atwell.

03:11:49.439 --> 03:11:51.976
, thank you, Mayor. Um, I think parts

03:11:52.000 --> 03:11:53.576
of the community be horrified to hear us

03:11:53.600 --> 03:11:55.176
sitting around talking about axing 

03:11:55.200 --> 03:11:57.976
Knox News. Um, it does well in our

03:11:58.000 --> 03:12:00.295
sentiment community sentiment surveys.

03:12:00.319 --> 03:12:02.455
It's trusted. It's it's respected. It

03:12:02.479 --> 03:12:05.479
lingers on the kitchen bench um  in

03:12:06.479 --> 03:12:08.375
our household and I know others in my

03:12:08.399 --> 03:12:10.936
community value it. I don't know why we

03:12:10.960 --> 03:12:13.656
are conflating supporting our four local

03:12:13.680 --> 03:12:15.576
community newspapers with axing and

03:12:15.600 --> 03:12:18.536
ceasing Knox news. I don't understand why

03:12:18.560 --> 03:12:21.016
the knee-jerk is to cut instead of doing

03:12:21.040 --> 03:12:24.040
more. Um  I think our community will

03:12:24.319 --> 03:12:26.536
be will be surprised and I think the

03:12:26.560 --> 03:12:28.856
popularity of this publication  will

03:12:28.880 --> 03:12:30.616
come to the four when people realize

03:12:30.640 --> 03:12:33.576
that there's a report  being compiled

03:12:33.600 --> 03:12:36.056
to explore  the axing of the Knox

03:12:36.080 --> 03:12:38.056
news. Um

03:12:38.080 --> 03:12:39.656
 I love our local community

03:12:39.680 --> 03:12:42.056
newspapers. Um

03:12:42.080 --> 03:12:45.080
um I know council already, um sponsors,

03:12:45.279 --> 03:12:47.576
um has pages, sponsors, spends. We could

03:12:47.600 --> 03:12:50.600
up that. Um  yeah, to to hear the

03:12:50.960 --> 03:12:53.576
words get rid of Knox News um tonight

03:12:53.600 --> 03:12:55.496
was was not a conversation I was

03:12:55.520 --> 03:12:57.736
expecting to have. Um and it's not one

03:12:57.760 --> 03:13:00.760
that that I support at all. um at a time

03:13:01.279 --> 03:13:03.016
when it is difficult for council to

03:13:03.040 --> 03:13:05.736
connect with its community and make sure

03:13:05.760 --> 03:13:08.760
something is in the letter box um and

03:13:08.800 --> 03:13:10.936
share the the good work that that we do

03:13:10.960 --> 03:13:13.576
and invite people to participate in

03:13:13.600 --> 03:13:15.816
community surveys and and our engagement

03:13:15.840 --> 03:13:18.455
processes. They it's re it's really I

03:13:18.479 --> 03:13:19.736
think there's never been a more

03:13:19.760 --> 03:13:22.696
important time to invest in Knox News.

03:13:22.720 --> 03:13:24.856
Um, if there are editorial concerns

03:13:24.880 --> 03:13:26.616
about how many words we get, there are

03:13:26.640 --> 03:13:28.295
different ways to address those as

03:13:28.319 --> 03:13:31.016
counselors than than than asking for a

03:13:31.040 --> 03:13:32.136
report that's going to put an axe

03:13:32.160 --> 03:13:35.160
through the whole thing. Um, if if 150

03:13:35.439 --> 03:13:37.816
or 200 words would be better than 60, I

03:13:37.840 --> 03:13:39.656
mean um, why don't we make that

03:13:39.680 --> 03:13:42.056
suggestion rather than sort of try and

03:13:42.080 --> 03:13:44.295
find a way around um, getting rid of it

03:13:44.319 --> 03:13:47.176
all together. Um, , love our community

03:13:47.200 --> 03:13:49.415
newspapers. They also sit on our kitchen

03:13:49.439 --> 03:13:51.576
bench. Um the Rowville Community News

03:13:51.600 --> 03:13:54.136
does a a wonderful job.  the primary

03:13:54.160 --> 03:13:55.896
school pages are a highlight in our

03:13:55.920 --> 03:13:58.776
area. They give space to  those groups

03:13:58.800 --> 03:14:01.335
and organizations that need it, but um

03:14:01.359 --> 03:14:03.176
not at the expense of Knox News. It's not

03:14:03.200 --> 03:14:04.776
something I'd support. It's it's loved.

03:14:04.800 --> 03:14:07.656
It's shared widely. It has a great great

03:14:07.680 --> 03:14:09.096
mix of news and information. I think

03:14:09.120 --> 03:14:11.176
it's really important to  residents

03:14:11.200 --> 03:14:14.056
and rate payers.

03:14:14.080 --> 03:14:16.295
Thank you, councelor Atwell. Would any

03:14:16.319 --> 03:14:18.056
other council like to speak to the

03:14:18.080 --> 03:14:21.080
motion? Councelor

03:14:21.439 --> 03:14:24.136
Kennet, then councelor Baker, please.

03:14:24.160 --> 03:14:26.536
I have a question. May I ask through

03:14:26.560 --> 03:14:27.415
through the chair?

03:14:27.439 --> 03:14:29.736
Yes. Um, what is the current cost of

03:14:29.760 --> 03:14:32.696
producing Knox News annually?

03:14:32.720 --> 03:14:35.720
I'm not too sure who I

03:14:36.319 --> 03:14:39.319
pass that question to

03:14:44.880 --> 03:14:46.215
you, Madam May. I think we'll take that

03:14:46.239 --> 03:14:47.896
question on notice. I'm just into the

03:14:47.920 --> 03:14:48.936
role today.

03:14:48.960 --> 03:14:49.255
Yeah.

03:14:49.279 --> 03:14:52.215
Um and we'll advise councils in due

03:14:52.239 --> 03:14:54.776
course. Um I know there's definitely six

03:14:54.800 --> 03:14:56.375
issues a year and there's quite an

03:14:56.399 --> 03:14:58.136
extensive um distribution of it

03:14:58.160 --> 03:15:00.616
obviously to all residential households.

03:15:00.640 --> 03:15:02.536
Um so we'll come back to councils with

03:15:02.560 --> 03:15:04.375
more information probably before we come

03:15:04.399 --> 03:15:05.896
back with a report if this notice of

03:15:05.920 --> 03:15:07.096
motion proceeds.

03:15:07.120 --> 03:15:09.335
Okay. Thank you.

03:15:09.359 --> 03:15:12.215
Did you want to speak to the motion? No.

03:15:12.239 --> 03:15:15.239
Okay. Thank you councelor Bal.

03:15:15.600 --> 03:15:18.600
Um, I'm just It's one of those ones

03:15:18.800 --> 03:15:21.800
where the Knox News  where it's a paper

03:15:22.479 --> 03:15:25.479
that council can manage and control and

03:15:25.760 --> 03:15:28.760
regulate the content. Um I sit here with

03:15:30.239 --> 03:15:32.056
caution with the potential that if this

03:15:32.080 --> 03:15:35.080
report comes back um and the decision is

03:15:35.120 --> 03:15:37.896
made to go to local newspapers

03:15:37.920 --> 03:15:40.920
um there how they would manage our

03:15:41.520 --> 03:15:43.415
content if we were to go there how much

03:15:43.439 --> 03:15:46.439
that would cost I suspect um you know

03:15:46.560 --> 03:15:48.375
that potentially you know it's going to

03:15:48.399 --> 03:15:50.776
be um you know concerns about there

03:15:50.800 --> 03:15:53.656
could be a financial um implication for

03:15:53.680 --> 03:15:55.016
us going to our local community

03:15:55.040 --> 03:15:57.255
newspapers um and what they would

03:15:57.279 --> 03:16:00.279
potentially accept or edit or um allow l

03:16:01.520 --> 03:16:04.520
for a better word. Um so I guess in this

03:16:05.040 --> 03:16:08.040
notice of motion it does not cover um

03:16:08.479 --> 03:16:11.176
you know what information and what the

03:16:11.200 --> 03:16:14.136
local community newspapers will regulate

03:16:14.160 --> 03:16:16.936
and the cost for approximately you know

03:16:16.960 --> 03:16:18.856
could be five pages for what are we

03:16:18.880 --> 03:16:21.736
looking at not sure so I sit here a bit

03:16:21.760 --> 03:16:23.976
uncomfortable knowing that it is

03:16:24.000 --> 03:16:25.736
something that our municipality can

03:16:25.760 --> 03:16:27.576
control with the content we know it goes

03:16:27.600 --> 03:16:30.455
out to our community um and we can

03:16:30.479 --> 03:16:33.479
regulate it to our own um needs and

03:16:34.319 --> 03:16:37.096
benefits for our community to read. um

03:16:37.120 --> 03:16:38.856
you know for people who are not on have

03:16:38.880 --> 03:16:40.936
your say or internet whatever this is

03:16:40.960 --> 03:16:43.816
our closest way of reaching out to our

03:16:43.840 --> 03:16:45.736
local community members who are not on

03:16:45.760 --> 03:16:47.576
the internet so our aging population

03:16:47.600 --> 03:16:50.600
whatever it is um for me um I think this

03:16:51.120 --> 03:16:53.096
is a vital piece of communication for

03:16:53.120 --> 03:16:56.120
those who are not on social media so I

03:16:56.800 --> 03:16:58.776
it's I'm sitting very uncomfortable with

03:16:58.800 --> 03:17:01.800
the I'm not only asking for a report um

03:17:02.080 --> 03:17:03.896
but it's triggering off a lot of

03:17:03.920 --> 03:17:05.176
questions that are not sitting

03:17:05.200 --> 03:17:07.496
comfortably with

03:17:07.520 --> 03:17:10.215
Thank you, councelor Baker. Would any

03:17:10.239 --> 03:17:11.896
other counselor like to speak to the

03:17:11.920 --> 03:17:14.920
motion?

03:17:15.760 --> 03:17:17.335
Councelor Lockwood, would you like to

03:17:17.359 --> 03:17:18.455
exercise your right?

03:17:18.479 --> 03:17:21.415
I would. Um I don't think the papers

03:17:21.439 --> 03:17:23.335
they don't manage our content now. Why

03:17:23.359 --> 03:17:25.016
would they seek to manage in the future?

03:17:25.040 --> 03:17:28.040
I I think that's a complete fury. Um

03:17:28.560 --> 03:17:30.215
they wouldn't be managing our content.

03:17:30.239 --> 03:17:33.239
That's not the purpose. Um the dollars

03:17:33.359 --> 03:17:34.936
is what we're looking at. What would it

03:17:34.960 --> 03:17:36.056
cost us? Well, that's not what I'm

03:17:36.080 --> 03:17:38.136
asking. I'm asking the report to tell us

03:17:38.160 --> 03:17:40.295
that. Um, what you're basically asking

03:17:40.319 --> 03:17:42.295
there is to for me to have provided the

03:17:42.319 --> 03:17:44.455
report for you in advance. Um, that's

03:17:44.479 --> 03:17:47.016
not my job. It's the officer's job. Um,

03:17:47.040 --> 03:17:48.776
so I'm asking for a report to give us

03:17:48.800 --> 03:17:50.936
this information. If that information

03:17:50.960 --> 03:17:52.375
says it's not viable, then it's not

03:17:52.399 --> 03:17:55.399
viable. , simple as that. Um, now I'm

03:17:56.319 --> 03:17:58.776
not sure what um whether you think this

03:17:58.800 --> 03:18:01.096
is a knee-jerk reaction. , I don't see

03:18:01.120 --> 03:18:03.096
it as a knee-jerk reaction. I see it as

03:18:03.120 --> 03:18:04.856
as a question. We should be questioning

03:18:04.880 --> 03:18:06.776
every service in this place. Question

03:18:06.800 --> 03:18:09.016
everything we do. Can we do it better?

03:18:09.040 --> 03:18:12.040
Um if not, we stick with it. If we can,

03:18:12.319 --> 03:18:14.776
let's try it out. Um what what I'm

03:18:14.800 --> 03:18:16.536
really asking for um you're talking

03:18:16.560 --> 03:18:17.816
about the sessation, perhaps I should

03:18:17.840 --> 03:18:19.496
have used a better word. It's more like

03:18:19.520 --> 03:18:21.976
relocating the Knox news into the

03:18:22.000 --> 03:18:24.536
community newspapers. So, we're looking

03:18:24.560 --> 03:18:26.536
at still spreading information in some

03:18:26.560 --> 03:18:28.936
cases more often than we do it. And with

03:18:28.960 --> 03:18:31.960
a more reliable distribution network, 

03:18:32.080 --> 03:18:34.375
we're paying people to distribute the

03:18:34.399 --> 03:18:37.335
Knox news.  the alternatives are

03:18:37.359 --> 03:18:39.096
delivered by volunteers who love what

03:18:39.120 --> 03:18:41.335
they're doing. Um and that that's why

03:18:41.359 --> 03:18:44.215
the penetration is much better.  I

03:18:44.239 --> 03:18:45.736
actually get the Knox news at home, but I

03:18:45.760 --> 03:18:47.736
get plenty of my neighbors don't. Um

03:18:47.760 --> 03:18:49.016
they've never heard of it. I show them,

03:18:49.040 --> 03:18:50.616
"Do you get this?" I said, "No, what's

03:18:50.640 --> 03:18:53.576
that?" Um and I wouldn't say everybody

03:18:53.600 --> 03:18:55.335
loves it. Some people, the older people

03:18:55.359 --> 03:18:58.215
like it. Um, some younger people don't

03:18:58.239 --> 03:19:00.455
care. They don't want things on paper.

03:19:00.479 --> 03:19:02.776
Um, and it's not at just our alternative

03:19:02.800 --> 03:19:04.136
to social media. That's what community

03:19:04.160 --> 03:19:06.056
newspapers do. They are not social

03:19:06.080 --> 03:19:08.616
media. They are physical newspapers and

03:19:08.640 --> 03:19:11.576
they go into letter boxes. So, I don't

03:19:11.600 --> 03:19:14.056
see where our our newsletter is an

03:19:14.080 --> 03:19:16.215
alternative to that. Um,

03:19:16.239 --> 03:19:17.656
council, you're out of time.

03:19:17.680 --> 03:19:19.656
Thank you. All right. I'll perhaps leave

03:19:19.680 --> 03:19:21.415
it at that. Thank you. Okay.

03:19:21.439 --> 03:19:24.439
Thank you. So, I now put the motion. All

03:19:24.720 --> 03:19:27.720
those in favor,

03:19:28.239 --> 03:19:31.016
all those against.

03:19:31.040 --> 03:19:34.040
Motion is carried.

03:19:40.880 --> 03:19:43.176
Okay, moving on to the next item on our

03:19:43.200 --> 03:19:46.200
agenda is notice of motion

03:19:46.399 --> 03:19:48.455
189.

03:19:48.479 --> 03:19:50.936
Um, councelor Lockwood, would you like

03:19:50.960 --> 03:19:52.856
to Actually, I'll call for a second. Do

03:19:52.880 --> 03:19:54.856
we have a second for notice of motion

03:19:54.880 --> 03:19:57.096
189? Councelor Pearce.

03:19:57.120 --> 03:19:58.215
No. Council Williams.

03:19:58.239 --> 03:19:59.816
Okay. Councelor Williams. Okay.

03:19:59.840 --> 03:20:01.255
Councelor Lockwood, you want to read out

03:20:01.279 --> 03:20:02.056
your notice of

03:20:02.080 --> 03:20:04.295
I will. I um I move the council resolve

03:20:04.319 --> 03:20:06.375
to note Victoria Police's Eastern Region

03:20:06.399 --> 03:20:08.856
Division 2 is establishing a new local

03:20:08.880 --> 03:20:10.776
safety committee and council support for

03:20:10.800 --> 03:20:13.016
this committee. To note the policy brief

03:20:13.040 --> 03:20:15.335
included as appendix one to this motion.

03:20:15.359 --> 03:20:17.096
to note that safety issues occurring

03:20:17.120 --> 03:20:18.375
nationally are not restricted to

03:20:18.399 --> 03:20:20.856
Victoria and require local solutions and

03:20:20.880 --> 03:20:23.415
actions. Four, to note that young people

03:20:23.439 --> 03:20:25.976
are featuring strongly in crime reports.

03:20:26.000 --> 03:20:27.576
Five, in support of this new local

03:20:27.600 --> 03:20:29.736
safety committee to receive a report to

03:20:29.760 --> 03:20:32.536
the council meeting on 15 December 2025

03:20:32.560 --> 03:20:34.856
with a proposal that no city council

03:20:34.880 --> 03:20:37.736
hold a keeping no safer roundt to

03:20:37.760 --> 03:20:39.415
properly understand the safety issues

03:20:39.439 --> 03:20:41.576
being experienced by the Knox community,

03:20:41.600 --> 03:20:44.136
residents and businesses alike. one led

03:20:44.160 --> 03:20:46.056
by an independent facilitator. Two, the

03:20:46.080 --> 03:20:48.056
independent facilitator produced a

03:20:48.080 --> 03:20:49.255
report of the proceedings or

03:20:49.279 --> 03:20:50.936
recommendations follow flowing there

03:20:50.960 --> 03:20:53.960
from three that this forum consists of

03:20:54.720 --> 03:20:56.455
council Victoria Police including

03:20:56.479 --> 03:20:59.255
Oxaroni arrival and transit police

03:20:59.279 --> 03:21:01.576
emergency relief organizations

03:21:01.600 --> 03:21:03.255
relevant council departments like

03:21:03.279 --> 03:21:06.215
community laws youth services teams

03:21:06.239 --> 03:21:08.856
 and schools there's a record missing

03:21:08.880 --> 03:21:10.696
there schools and community

03:21:10.720 --> 03:21:12.616
strengthening. Okay. The state

03:21:12.640 --> 03:21:14.056
government, especially the department of

03:21:14.080 --> 03:21:16.215
fairness, families and housing, any

03:21:16.239 --> 03:21:18.056
local support agency with an interest

03:21:18.080 --> 03:21:20.295
and representatives from the community.

03:21:20.319 --> 03:21:22.375
Six at this forum focus on identifying

03:21:22.399 --> 03:21:24.696
issues and exploring possible solutions

03:21:24.720 --> 03:21:26.375
relating to youth counseling, family

03:21:26.399 --> 03:21:28.455
violence, substance abuse, provision of

03:21:28.479 --> 03:21:31.176
rough sleeping, safe spaces, safe

03:21:31.200 --> 03:21:32.856
showers, and safe food. You should also

03:21:32.880 --> 03:21:34.776
consider the experiences of affected

03:21:34.800 --> 03:21:36.295
individuals as well as the concerns

03:21:36.319 --> 03:21:38.536
raised by individuals and local trailers

03:21:38.560 --> 03:21:40.056
who have made many complaints. Seven,

03:21:40.080 --> 03:21:41.896
that the structure of this event should

03:21:41.920 --> 03:21:44.136
be decided with consultation that

03:21:44.160 --> 03:21:46.295
includes counselors informally. Eight,

03:21:46.319 --> 03:21:47.576
to note that the information gathered

03:21:47.600 --> 03:21:50.136
and reported to council will all also be

03:21:50.160 --> 03:21:53.160
provided to all participants.

03:21:53.520 --> 03:21:55.496
Thank you.

03:21:55.520 --> 03:21:56.776
Would you now want to speak to the

03:21:56.800 --> 03:21:57.335
motion?

03:21:57.359 --> 03:21:59.176
I would. Thank you. I mean, I hope

03:21:59.200 --> 03:22:02.200
you've read the policy brief. Um, I

03:22:02.399 --> 03:22:03.816
started thinking about this when we went

03:22:03.840 --> 03:22:06.295
to Bronia. Councelor Duncan, councelor

03:22:06.319 --> 03:22:08.056
Kennet, and myself, you know, what can

03:22:08.080 --> 03:22:09.656
we do? And I heard about the police

03:22:09.680 --> 03:22:12.056
safety committee. Um, which is a good

03:22:12.080 --> 03:22:13.816
idea. We had a safety committee once

03:22:13.840 --> 03:22:15.096
before actually when I was first

03:22:15.120 --> 03:22:18.120
elected. Um, that was a a fairly

03:22:18.720 --> 03:22:21.335
selective committee and  it it

03:22:21.359 --> 03:22:23.176
operated for some time, but it it I

03:22:23.200 --> 03:22:24.856
think it stopped when commissioners took

03:22:24.880 --> 03:22:26.936
over the council. I remember the one big

03:22:26.960 --> 03:22:29.255
achievement of that committee was no

03:22:29.279 --> 03:22:32.279
city council buying the local police a

03:22:32.560 --> 03:22:34.375
police car.

03:22:34.399 --> 03:22:36.696
um because they were short of vehicles.

03:22:36.720 --> 03:22:39.720
But anyway, now now the safety committee

03:22:39.760 --> 03:22:41.496
will obviously take on concerns in the

03:22:41.520 --> 03:22:44.520
local community and  that's a great

03:22:44.960 --> 03:22:47.415
initiative and I want to see it succeed.

03:22:47.439 --> 03:22:49.816
What we can do, we always have to ask

03:22:49.840 --> 03:22:51.656
what can we do to make this situation

03:22:51.680 --> 03:22:53.976
better. Okay, we can we can gather

03:22:54.000 --> 03:22:56.056
information. That's what we do. It's

03:22:56.080 --> 03:22:58.455
what councils do. We can put it together

03:22:58.479 --> 03:23:01.479
in a way that can be used by police and

03:23:02.160 --> 03:23:04.696
transit police, community laws. I mean,

03:23:04.720 --> 03:23:05.896
there's one of these being done at the

03:23:05.920 --> 03:23:08.056
city of Port Phillip and they now have

03:23:08.080 --> 03:23:09.896
the community laws people working with

03:23:09.920 --> 03:23:11.976
the local police when they go approach

03:23:12.000 --> 03:23:14.616
rough sleepers because they both have

03:23:14.640 --> 03:23:16.136
options they can use. They have

03:23:16.160 --> 03:23:18.536
different parts of the law and they use

03:23:18.560 --> 03:23:21.096
this together to assist people to get

03:23:21.120 --> 03:23:23.016
them out of rough sleeping perhaps to to

03:23:23.040 --> 03:23:25.736
assist them. Um

03:23:25.760 --> 03:23:27.736
and  yeah, what it's all about and we

03:23:27.760 --> 03:23:30.536
all know um the complaints we've heard

03:23:30.560 --> 03:23:32.936
about safety. We see it on the news. Um

03:23:32.960 --> 03:23:34.696
see it on the news again that the same

03:23:34.720 --> 03:23:36.375
young people seem to be attacking the

03:23:36.399 --> 03:23:38.295
same businesses, robbing them over and

03:23:38.319 --> 03:23:40.056
over again. And we're getting that right

03:23:40.080 --> 03:23:42.136
here in Stubfield as my colleague next

03:23:42.160 --> 03:23:44.455
to me has has pointed out and other

03:23:44.479 --> 03:23:46.696
shops in the basin. We don't that these

03:23:46.720 --> 03:23:48.936
things are happening over an hour with

03:23:48.960 --> 03:23:50.776
much over and over with much the same

03:23:50.800 --> 03:23:52.776
people. That's what the police at Bronia

03:23:52.800 --> 03:23:54.936
have told us that we get the guys walk

03:23:54.960 --> 03:23:56.696
into a bottle shop. They pick up the

03:23:56.720 --> 03:23:59.576
grog and just walk out with it. Who? See

03:23:59.600 --> 03:24:01.016
you later. What are they? What's going

03:24:01.040 --> 03:24:02.696
to happen? And they come they do it.

03:24:02.720 --> 03:24:04.215
They get picked up. They get arrested.

03:24:04.239 --> 03:24:06.215
They go to the system because they're

03:24:06.239 --> 03:24:08.295
young. They come back. They just do it

03:24:08.319 --> 03:24:09.496
again knowing that they're virtually

03:24:09.520 --> 03:24:10.936
untouchable. Well, thinking they're

03:24:10.960 --> 03:24:12.776
virtually untouchable.

03:24:12.800 --> 03:24:15.255
Hopefully, it all changes there. So,

03:24:15.279 --> 03:24:16.616
well, I'm hoping we can come up with

03:24:16.640 --> 03:24:19.335
some good ideas. Um, be aware of all the

03:24:19.359 --> 03:24:22.056
problems we've got. um make some

03:24:22.080 --> 03:24:24.375
suggestions that that the police can use

03:24:24.399 --> 03:24:27.399
that we can use that emergency relief

03:24:27.520 --> 03:24:29.176
organizations can use that all these

03:24:29.200 --> 03:24:32.200
agencies can use to make our society

03:24:32.399 --> 03:24:34.936
better to give to have people so people

03:24:34.960 --> 03:24:36.536
have confidence in what we do and

03:24:36.560 --> 03:24:38.696
confidence in what law enforcement does

03:24:38.720 --> 03:24:40.776
as well of course I've emphasized

03:24:40.800 --> 03:24:42.856
enforcement but I don't mean it to be to

03:24:42.880 --> 03:24:45.415
overemphasize people have problems and

03:24:45.439 --> 03:24:46.936
we need to solve those problems we have

03:24:46.960 --> 03:24:49.960
disaffected youth disengaged youth um a

03:24:50.319 --> 03:24:51.896
A lot of that's come out of co in my

03:24:51.920 --> 03:24:54.375
view. We need to check that out. Is that

03:24:54.399 --> 03:24:57.016
is that right or not? So um what I'm

03:24:57.040 --> 03:24:58.936
asking obviously in first place is a

03:24:58.960 --> 03:25:01.960
report but um yeah I'm hoping we can do

03:25:02.640 --> 03:25:04.295
something positive to make our our

03:25:04.319 --> 03:25:06.936
community safer for the future.

03:25:06.960 --> 03:25:08.536
Thank you councelor Lockwood. And just

03:25:08.560 --> 03:25:10.455
to note the correction the spelling

03:25:10.479 --> 03:25:13.415
correction on the on the screen the word

03:25:13.439 --> 03:25:15.335
schools.

03:25:15.359 --> 03:25:16.776
I'm assuming you're okay with that. You

03:25:16.800 --> 03:25:19.096
did mention it. Okay. Um, councelor

03:25:19.120 --> 03:25:20.455
Williams, would you like to speak to the

03:25:20.479 --> 03:25:21.656
motion?

03:25:21.680 --> 03:25:22.936
Yeah, thank thank you through you,

03:25:22.960 --> 03:25:25.656
Mayor. Um, fully support this. I think

03:25:25.680 --> 03:25:27.415
it's it's very important. We've spoken

03:25:27.439 --> 03:25:29.816
tonight on various topics around um

03:25:29.840 --> 03:25:31.335
issues that are occurring in the area

03:25:31.359 --> 03:25:33.816
and and as mentioned in my ward report.

03:25:33.840 --> 03:25:36.215
 I can only talk from my ward, but

03:25:36.239 --> 03:25:38.375
definitely some um serious crime issues

03:25:38.399 --> 03:25:41.399
where um at 3:30 in an afternoon, um

03:25:43.200 --> 03:25:44.776
people feel that it's it's right to go

03:25:44.800 --> 03:25:47.800
and um hold up a bakery for some cash.

03:25:48.479 --> 03:25:49.976
So I think it's definitely important

03:25:50.000 --> 03:25:51.176
that we do address this. I know

03:25:51.200 --> 03:25:53.335
councelor Kennet and councelor Lockwood

03:25:53.359 --> 03:25:56.295
and myself um um and I know more so

03:25:56.319 --> 03:25:58.056
councelor Kennet and councelor Lockwood

03:25:58.080 --> 03:25:59.736
have spent a fair bit of time with the

03:25:59.760 --> 03:26:02.375
police of late and um definitely some

03:26:02.399 --> 03:26:04.056
concerns around the area. I know a

03:26:04.080 --> 03:26:05.896
friend who's a sergeant at Ponia Police

03:26:05.920 --> 03:26:08.920
Station and um he's saying the same. um

03:26:09.200 --> 03:26:10.776
just the the constant issues that they

03:26:10.800 --> 03:26:13.800
go out to um stem from all all sorts of

03:26:14.479 --> 03:26:17.479
crime. But definitely um any input I

03:26:18.479 --> 03:26:21.479
think that we can have as a council to

03:26:21.600 --> 03:26:24.600
changing perhaps the perceptions or or

03:26:25.040 --> 03:26:27.415
views and and also the way we conduct

03:26:27.439 --> 03:26:29.096
business and how we do things and

03:26:29.120 --> 03:26:31.016
potentially protect retailers and and

03:26:31.040 --> 03:26:33.176
various others um and provide guidance

03:26:33.200 --> 03:26:35.176
along that I think is important and I

03:26:35.200 --> 03:26:36.776
think it's it's a good step forward to

03:26:36.800 --> 03:26:38.936
show that once again us as counselors

03:26:38.960 --> 03:26:40.455
are listening to our local community and

03:26:40.479 --> 03:26:41.896
understanding the concerns that are

03:26:41.920 --> 03:26:44.536
going on in our areas. Um I think it's

03:26:44.560 --> 03:26:46.295
important that we do identify these

03:26:46.319 --> 03:26:48.536
issues and through these forums it will

03:26:48.560 --> 03:26:51.096
provide a good um opportunity and

03:26:51.120 --> 03:26:53.736
through teams like Judy's team um then

03:26:53.760 --> 03:26:56.056
we can possibly explore other 

03:26:56.080 --> 03:26:58.136
solutions regarding um whatever the

03:26:58.160 --> 03:26:59.415
outcomes of those meetings are. But I

03:26:59.439 --> 03:27:00.696
think it's I think it's an important

03:27:00.720 --> 03:27:01.736
step forward and something that we

03:27:01.760 --> 03:27:03.016
brought up at various council meetings

03:27:03.040 --> 03:27:06.040
now um around um crime and it tends to

03:27:06.080 --> 03:27:07.576
be getting worse and worse. So I think

03:27:07.600 --> 03:27:09.255
it's important that we do address that.

03:27:09.279 --> 03:27:10.856
So thank you councelor Lockwood for

03:27:10.880 --> 03:27:12.215
bringing that up. It's probably about it

03:27:12.239 --> 03:27:15.239
for me. Thanks councils. Um if if it's

03:27:15.600 --> 03:27:17.576
okay I might take the opportunity I'd

03:27:17.600 --> 03:27:19.255
like to ask the mover a couple of

03:27:19.279 --> 03:27:20.856
questions just for clarity if that's

03:27:20.880 --> 03:27:23.880
okay. So the first question that I have

03:27:24.399 --> 03:27:27.399
is are you proposing this to be a once

03:27:27.439 --> 03:27:30.439
off round table? So not like a committee

03:27:31.279 --> 03:27:33.656
per se that continues and is constantly

03:27:33.680 --> 03:27:36.680
resourced just a once off pop on pop

03:27:38.319 --> 03:27:39.976
once off to allow that to feed

03:27:40.000 --> 03:27:41.415
information to the police safety

03:27:41.439 --> 03:27:43.016
committee and other agencies.

03:27:43.040 --> 03:27:43.335
Yeah.

03:27:43.359 --> 03:27:45.335
So we we gather the information and then

03:27:45.359 --> 03:27:46.215
provide it.

03:27:46.239 --> 03:27:49.239
Yeah. And then the second question um

03:27:49.359 --> 03:27:51.176
which I'm needing a bit of clarity on

03:27:51.200 --> 03:27:53.736
because um we are going to be on the

03:27:53.760 --> 03:27:55.656
local safety committee with the police

03:27:55.680 --> 03:27:57.976
right so what I'm trying to understand

03:27:58.000 --> 03:28:01.000
is what can this round table achieve or

03:28:01.760 --> 03:28:04.760
how will this round table complement

03:28:05.200 --> 03:28:07.976
um the the interaction that we're going

03:28:08.000 --> 03:28:10.936
to already have with that local safety

03:28:10.960 --> 03:28:13.736
committee with what I assume would be a

03:28:13.760 --> 03:28:16.136
lot of the same representations on that

03:28:16.160 --> 03:28:18.136
committee.

03:28:18.160 --> 03:28:19.976
Um I'm not sure there will be the same

03:28:20.000 --> 03:28:21.976
representation on the committee. Um it's

03:28:22.000 --> 03:28:23.736
it's it's an information gathering

03:28:23.760 --> 03:28:26.056
exercise. I'm sure the police safety

03:28:26.080 --> 03:28:27.816
committee safety bit as an ongoing

03:28:27.840 --> 03:28:30.776
entity will have obviously an agenda and

03:28:30.800 --> 03:28:32.776
we'll be receiving complaints and

03:28:32.800 --> 03:28:35.335
reacting in that way. Um what I'm

03:28:35.359 --> 03:28:37.016
looking at is more of an investigation

03:28:37.040 --> 03:28:38.776
into the problems, what the solutions

03:28:38.800 --> 03:28:40.776
might be. They might not all be with the

03:28:40.800 --> 03:28:42.455
police. They might be with other

03:28:42.479 --> 03:28:45.479
agencies.  they might be with us. So

03:28:45.680 --> 03:28:47.656
it's not a matter necessarily of the

03:28:47.680 --> 03:28:49.415
police safety committee acting on all of

03:28:49.439 --> 03:28:51.896
them. Um perhaps a percentage of them.

03:28:51.920 --> 03:28:54.215
Um I'm sure there are broader community

03:28:54.239 --> 03:28:55.976
problems that we can address without

03:28:56.000 --> 03:28:58.056
having to involve the police.

03:28:58.080 --> 03:29:00.136
And just sorry now I've got a third

03:29:00.160 --> 03:29:01.896
question. So with the conversations that

03:29:01.920 --> 03:29:03.096
you've had to date because you've

03:29:03.120 --> 03:29:04.375
mentioned that you've been in touch with

03:29:04.399 --> 03:29:07.335
some of the police. Um, was there

03:29:07.359 --> 03:29:08.696
anything intimated in those

03:29:08.720 --> 03:29:10.776
conversations that led you to believe

03:29:10.800 --> 03:29:12.616
that there might be something that's not

03:29:12.640 --> 03:29:14.295
going to be covered that we should know

03:29:14.319 --> 03:29:16.295
about as a collective or is this just an

03:29:16.319 --> 03:29:17.816
initiative that through your

03:29:17.840 --> 03:29:20.696
conversations you've seen a gap?

03:29:20.720 --> 03:29:22.776
Oh, I've seen the gap. Um, the transit

03:29:22.800 --> 03:29:25.335
basically is is the biggest gap I think.

03:29:25.359 --> 03:29:26.936
Um, and the transit police are a

03:29:26.960 --> 03:29:28.936
separate entity to Knox Police. They're

03:29:28.960 --> 03:29:31.960
based in Boxville. So, we were that were

03:29:32.080 --> 03:29:34.215
their problems we looked at. We also

03:29:34.239 --> 03:29:36.136
with my other colleagues talked to

03:29:36.160 --> 03:29:37.896
Bronia police which had a different set

03:29:37.920 --> 03:29:40.536
of issues. So it seems to me that we

03:29:40.560 --> 03:29:43.016
need to bring these together more more

03:29:43.040 --> 03:29:46.040
than the safety committee could do. Um

03:29:46.160 --> 03:29:47.976
I'm not sure exactly what the safety

03:29:48.000 --> 03:29:49.335
committee's powers going to be or what

03:29:49.359 --> 03:29:52.359
it's intending to do. Um it's a good

03:29:52.560 --> 03:29:55.496
look.  I'm hoping it will achieve

03:29:55.520 --> 03:29:58.520
quite a bit, but I'm I'm I believe we

03:29:58.720 --> 03:30:00.856
can feed it with information to help it

03:30:00.880 --> 03:30:02.375
do its job better. Okay,

03:30:02.399 --> 03:30:04.375
that's that's what I'm looking at.

03:30:04.399 --> 03:30:06.536
Okay, thank you. Would any other

03:30:06.560 --> 03:30:09.560
counselor like to speak to the motion?

03:30:15.200 --> 03:30:17.016
You would like to ask a question.

03:30:17.040 --> 03:30:18.696
Councelor Duncan. Yeah,

03:30:18.720 --> 03:30:20.136
I just want to make sure I've got my

03:30:20.160 --> 03:30:22.936
clarity right. So, notice of motion 184

03:30:22.960 --> 03:30:24.616
that councelor Atwell brought up about

03:30:24.640 --> 03:30:27.415
supporting the the police safety

03:30:27.439 --> 03:30:29.415
committee. this would complement that

03:30:29.439 --> 03:30:31.016
council lockwood and we're basically

03:30:31.040 --> 03:30:32.375
getting on the front foot putting a

03:30:32.399 --> 03:30:33.976
whole bunch of information in front of

03:30:34.000 --> 03:30:36.455
them to get the best out of what that

03:30:36.479 --> 03:30:39.479
committee is. So if if if it is in

03:30:40.000 --> 03:30:41.976
conjunction with the notice of motion

03:30:42.000 --> 03:30:43.976
that councelor brought forward I I think

03:30:44.000 --> 03:30:45.896
it's it's a good step forward and I

03:30:45.920 --> 03:30:47.176
would support it.

03:30:47.200 --> 03:30:49.096
Thank you. Um I'm just going to propose

03:30:49.120 --> 03:30:51.816
that we move a motion to extend the

03:30:51.840 --> 03:30:54.840
meeting um from 11:00 to 11:30. If I can

03:30:56.080 --> 03:30:57.816
move that seconded by councelor

03:30:57.840 --> 03:31:00.776
Williams. All in favor.

03:31:00.800 --> 03:31:02.536
Thank you. That motion has been

03:31:02.560 --> 03:31:05.255
supported. Um okay. So would any other

03:31:05.279 --> 03:31:07.176
counselor like to speak to notice of

03:31:07.200 --> 03:31:10.200
motion 189? Question from councelor

03:31:10.479 --> 03:31:11.415
Baker. Thank you.

03:31:11.439 --> 03:31:13.335
Thank you. I'm just trying to understand

03:31:13.359 --> 03:31:16.359
with the the local safety committee when

03:31:17.040 --> 03:31:19.976
are they due to meet um and is this

03:31:20.000 --> 03:31:21.496
something that they've specifically

03:31:21.520 --> 03:31:23.255
asked for or is this something that

03:31:23.279 --> 03:31:26.279
we're just providing to them?

03:31:28.239 --> 03:31:29.816
I don't I don't know when it's scheduled

03:31:29.840 --> 03:31:31.816
to meet, but no, they haven't asked for

03:31:31.840 --> 03:31:34.215
it. But it's a it's a response to the

03:31:34.239 --> 03:31:35.976
conversations we've had with Transit

03:31:36.000 --> 03:31:38.375
Police and the local police, listening

03:31:38.399 --> 03:31:40.056
to their needs and what they what they

03:31:40.080 --> 03:31:43.080
want and sort of things we can provide.

03:31:45.200 --> 03:31:47.736
Yeah. Um Judy, is there anything that

03:31:47.760 --> 03:31:49.976
you might like to extend in terms of

03:31:50.000 --> 03:31:53.000
answering that question? Yeah.

03:31:53.680 --> 03:31:56.680
Um so the um committee is due to um

03:31:57.520 --> 03:31:59.656
convene at the end of November. I think

03:31:59.680 --> 03:32:02.680
it's the 20th or the 21st. Um and there

03:32:03.200 --> 03:32:06.200
is an extensive list of um providers

03:32:06.800 --> 03:32:08.616
stakeholders that they will engage with

03:32:08.640 --> 03:32:11.016
and some of them are what um councelor

03:32:11.040 --> 03:32:13.896
Lockwood has already indicated um in the

03:32:13.920 --> 03:32:16.215
in his nom as well.

03:32:16.239 --> 03:32:18.696
Yep.

03:32:18.720 --> 03:32:20.375
Can I ask a follow on question in terms

03:32:20.399 --> 03:32:23.176
of timing then to yourself um director

03:32:23.200 --> 03:32:26.200
Chalkley um because our this report if

03:32:26.560 --> 03:32:28.295
we support this tonight it the report

03:32:28.319 --> 03:32:31.319
will come back to council in December um

03:32:31.920 --> 03:32:33.736
obviously we wouldn't get anything

03:32:33.760 --> 03:32:36.760
happening um until next year but from my

03:32:37.359 --> 03:32:39.176
understanding the local safety committee

03:32:39.200 --> 03:32:41.656
is going to be continual

03:32:41.680 --> 03:32:43.736
so from a timing perspective it

03:32:43.760 --> 03:32:45.656
shouldn't be too heavily impacted we can

03:32:45.680 --> 03:32:47.496
contribute at any point in time moving

03:32:47.520 --> 03:32:50.520
forward. Would that be correct?

03:32:50.880 --> 03:32:52.455
Yes, that would be correct. Okay,

03:32:52.479 --> 03:32:54.616
terrific. Thank you. Would any other

03:32:54.640 --> 03:32:57.640
counselor like to speak to the motion?

03:32:58.080 --> 03:32:58.936
Question.

03:32:58.960 --> 03:33:00.616
Yes, you can. Yes.

03:33:00.640 --> 03:33:03.640
Um the community group that we're

03:33:04.960 --> 03:33:07.335
talking about meeting in November, etc.

03:33:07.359 --> 03:33:08.776
Is that something that counselors would

03:33:08.800 --> 03:33:10.856
be invited to or the expectation is that

03:33:10.880 --> 03:33:12.455
the council officers would do that on

03:33:12.479 --> 03:33:14.696
what our behalf? because I know some of

03:33:14.720 --> 03:33:16.136
my fellow councilors would be very

03:33:16.160 --> 03:33:17.656
interested in knowing that and haven't

03:33:17.680 --> 03:33:20.680
seen it in our fourth diary as yet.

03:33:21.680 --> 03:33:24.455
So there will be um councils invited. Um

03:33:24.479 --> 03:33:26.136
I guess that's up to councilors how many

03:33:26.160 --> 03:33:28.856
they anticipate. They have indicated

03:33:28.880 --> 03:33:30.776
generally when they've run them in other

03:33:30.800 --> 03:33:33.656
um LGAs that it's usually two sometimes

03:33:33.680 --> 03:33:36.680
three depending on um the demand in the

03:33:36.960 --> 03:33:39.816
particular wards. So, um, it's gone into

03:33:39.840 --> 03:33:41.496
my diary, um, and they're just working

03:33:41.520 --> 03:33:43.816
on the invites more broadly to everyone

03:33:43.840 --> 03:33:44.536
else.

03:33:44.560 --> 03:33:47.560
Okay. Thank you. Good to know,

03:33:48.800 --> 03:33:49.816
councelor Atwell.

03:33:49.840 --> 03:33:51.896
, thank you, Mayor. And, yeah, happy

03:33:51.920 --> 03:33:53.496
to support, , this notice of motion. I

03:33:53.520 --> 03:33:55.576
think it will complement the work of the

03:33:55.600 --> 03:33:57.976
local safety committee. But um unless

03:33:58.000 --> 03:33:59.656
I'm missing it further down, there's

03:33:59.680 --> 03:34:01.255
been a lot of talk of cost tonight, but

03:34:01.279 --> 03:34:03.176
this year the report that we're due to

03:34:03.200 --> 03:34:04.936
receive on the 15th of December doesn't

03:34:04.960 --> 03:34:07.960
include the cost of um of what this 

03:34:08.080 --> 03:34:11.080
round table  would would need to get

03:34:11.279 --> 03:34:13.415
up and running or to to host. So I might

03:34:13.439 --> 03:34:14.776
make a suggestion that as part of that

03:34:14.800 --> 03:34:16.936
that report  there's an item in there

03:34:16.960 --> 03:34:19.656
that speaks to the cost of um convening

03:34:19.680 --> 03:34:21.736
this and and and holding that

03:34:21.760 --> 03:34:24.375
conversation.

03:34:24.399 --> 03:34:26.776
I I have made the assumption that it

03:34:26.800 --> 03:34:28.536
would actually be in the report. Do we

03:34:28.560 --> 03:34:31.335
need to be explicit around that? Yeah,

03:34:31.359 --> 03:34:34.359
Judy. Um, so the report will highlight

03:34:34.479 --> 03:34:36.616
the cost of it because it's currently

03:34:36.640 --> 03:34:39.415
not sitting within our current um our

03:34:39.439 --> 03:34:41.096
current work plan. So it will be an

03:34:41.120 --> 03:34:43.335
additional cost to council but all that

03:34:43.359 --> 03:34:44.616
information will be provided because

03:34:44.640 --> 03:34:45.656
we'll have to go out to some

03:34:45.680 --> 03:34:48.680
facilitators and understand um the cost

03:34:48.800 --> 03:34:50.776
of them coming in to facilitate it and

03:34:50.800 --> 03:34:53.096
also to do the report as requested under

03:34:53.120 --> 03:34:55.576
the NOM and then the time it would take

03:34:55.600 --> 03:34:58.295
to plan the forum as well.

03:34:58.319 --> 03:35:00.455
Thank you.

03:35:00.479 --> 03:35:02.536
Okay. Any any further thoughts or

03:35:02.560 --> 03:35:05.560
feedback from councilors?

03:35:05.920 --> 03:35:08.375
Council Kennet,

03:35:08.399 --> 03:35:11.016
I'd probably like to share with my

03:35:11.040 --> 03:35:13.096
fellow counselors that I went to Bonia

03:35:13.120 --> 03:35:16.120
Police today um together with acting

03:35:16.399 --> 03:35:19.399
director city livability and the police

03:35:20.080 --> 03:35:23.080
are very welcoming of any support um or

03:35:24.800 --> 03:35:27.800
working with council in in ways of

03:35:28.800 --> 03:35:31.800
tackling our crime issues in our in our

03:35:32.720 --> 03:35:35.720
city. And the discussion today with

03:35:36.000 --> 03:35:38.295
Bonia police was around how can we do

03:35:38.319 --> 03:35:40.295
that and specifically it was around

03:35:40.319 --> 03:35:43.319
antisocial behavior and alcohol um

03:35:44.239 --> 03:35:47.096
within the base and Bonia area but I

03:35:47.120 --> 03:35:50.120
would suggest that um they would be very

03:35:51.040 --> 03:35:54.040
open to working closer with us because I

03:35:54.640 --> 03:35:57.176
think as councelor Lockwood said there

03:35:57.200 --> 03:36:00.200
is situations where council has powers

03:36:01.520 --> 03:36:04.295
but Victoria police don't and Victoria

03:36:04.319 --> 03:36:07.319
Police require councils  to be working

03:36:07.760 --> 03:36:10.760
with them in order to be able to um

03:36:10.880 --> 03:36:13.880
enforce our local law um and vice versa.

03:36:14.720 --> 03:36:16.696
We're wanting Victoria Police to step up

03:36:16.720 --> 03:36:18.455
and protect our communities. So, we

03:36:18.479 --> 03:36:20.776
should be supporting them in whichever

03:36:20.800 --> 03:36:23.800
manner is required. So um but from that

03:36:25.840 --> 03:36:27.576
discussion today which I think is

03:36:27.600 --> 03:36:30.455
probably useful to note. I certainly

03:36:30.479 --> 03:36:33.255
support this notice of motion.

03:36:33.279 --> 03:36:36.279
Thank you.

03:36:36.319 --> 03:36:38.295
Um okay. Would any other councelor like

03:36:38.319 --> 03:36:41.319
to speak to the motion?

03:36:41.600 --> 03:36:43.415
I'll now um ask would you like to

03:36:43.439 --> 03:36:45.016
exercise your right of reply? Councelor

03:36:45.040 --> 03:36:45.656
Lowid.

03:36:45.680 --> 03:36:47.896
Just to say thank you for director Judy

03:36:47.920 --> 03:36:49.415
for the assistance putting this motion

03:36:49.439 --> 03:36:52.439
together. um was a bit of an effort.

03:36:52.640 --> 03:36:55.176
They all are by the time I get it right.

03:36:55.200 --> 03:36:58.200
But yeah, thank you. Um look, in time of

03:36:58.399 --> 03:37:00.455
in time of crisis or whatever, we stop

03:37:00.479 --> 03:37:02.295
and ask yourself, what can I do to make

03:37:02.319 --> 03:37:04.056
this situation better? It may be

03:37:04.080 --> 03:37:05.736
nothing. However, if there's something

03:37:05.760 --> 03:37:08.455
we can do, I think we should do it.

03:37:08.479 --> 03:37:10.056
Okay. I'll now call the motion. All

03:37:10.080 --> 03:37:12.936
those in favor,

03:37:12.960 --> 03:37:15.960
the motion is carried unanimously. I'd

03:37:16.080 --> 03:37:18.215
like to call a division.

03:37:18.239 --> 03:37:21.239
set that aside and I'll call it again

03:37:22.000 --> 03:37:25.000
Adam correct but it doesn't get noted as

03:37:25.200 --> 03:37:26.936
unanimous

03:37:26.960 --> 03:37:29.960
so um I'm calling a division so all

03:37:30.720 --> 03:37:33.176
those in favor councelor Baker councelor

03:37:33.200 --> 03:37:35.976
Kennet councelor Atwell councelor Conine

03:37:36.000 --> 03:37:37.576
councelor Cooper councelor Duncan

03:37:37.600 --> 03:37:39.896
councelor Williams councelor Lockwood

03:37:39.920 --> 03:37:42.920
and councelor Petus thank you

03:37:44.479 --> 03:37:46.776
okay so we'll now move on to the next

03:37:46.800 --> 03:37:49.800
item on our agenda which is um item

03:37:50.960 --> 03:37:53.016
11 urgent business. Does any councelor

03:37:53.040 --> 03:37:54.696
wish to raise a matter of urgent

03:37:54.720 --> 03:37:57.335
business?

03:37:57.359 --> 03:37:59.415
Right. There being no urgent business,

03:37:59.439 --> 03:38:01.736
I'll now move to questions through the

03:38:01.760 --> 03:38:04.375
chair. Does any councelor wish to raise

03:38:04.399 --> 03:38:06.375
a question through the chair? Councelor

03:38:06.399 --> 03:38:08.616
Atwell, I understand you actually have a

03:38:08.640 --> 03:38:09.255
few questions.

03:38:09.279 --> 03:38:10.536
Thank you. I do. I do.

03:38:10.560 --> 03:38:12.136
Um would you like to start with your

03:38:12.160 --> 03:38:12.936
first question?

03:38:12.960 --> 03:38:15.576
 yes. So, , I've recently had

03:38:15.600 --> 03:38:17.976
several concerns, um, raised with me by

03:38:18.000 --> 03:38:19.816
local families regarding our kinder

03:38:19.840 --> 03:38:22.215
registration process and especially how

03:38:22.239 --> 03:38:23.976
the priority of access criteria are

03:38:24.000 --> 03:38:25.736
applied in the use of a randomized

03:38:25.760 --> 03:38:28.760
ballot system. Um, families are telling

03:38:29.040 --> 03:38:30.375
me that even when they believe they've

03:38:30.399 --> 03:38:31.896
met every stated priority, they are

03:38:31.920 --> 03:38:33.496
often surprised and at times distressed

03:38:33.520 --> 03:38:34.856
to find children without a place at

03:38:34.880 --> 03:38:36.936
their current kinder , the following

03:38:36.960 --> 03:38:39.415
year. , so with that in mind, I have a

03:38:39.439 --> 03:38:41.415
few questions for , director Chalkley.

03:38:41.439 --> 03:38:42.936
 have we received questions or

03:38:42.960 --> 03:38:44.536
concerns from families in the community

03:38:44.560 --> 03:38:46.536
about the kinder registration process

03:38:46.560 --> 03:38:48.136
particularly regarding how places are

03:38:48.160 --> 03:38:49.255
allocated?

03:38:49.279 --> 03:38:51.176
So yeah, we'll do one question at a time

03:38:51.200 --> 03:38:52.776
if that's okay and then I'll shoot

03:38:52.800 --> 03:38:55.800
across to yourself director Chalkley.

03:38:56.640 --> 03:38:58.936
Thank you to you Madame May. Yes, we

03:38:58.960 --> 03:39:01.335
have received um a few questions this

03:39:01.359 --> 03:39:04.359
year in regards to um allocation and our

03:39:04.960 --> 03:39:07.096
registration process. We do we do

03:39:07.120 --> 03:39:10.120
receive them quite frequently each year

03:39:10.319 --> 03:39:11.896
um especially from those families that

03:39:11.920 --> 03:39:13.496
are just first time and they don't

03:39:13.520 --> 03:39:15.736
understand the process but we do respond

03:39:15.760 --> 03:39:18.536
to each of those queries um individually

03:39:18.560 --> 03:39:21.176
and we work through them um as we get

03:39:21.200 --> 03:39:23.255
them.

03:39:23.279 --> 03:39:25.415
 how do we ensure that children

03:39:25.439 --> 03:39:27.576
currently in attending a kinder or with

03:39:27.600 --> 03:39:29.415
siblings already enrolled are not

03:39:29.439 --> 03:39:31.576
disadvantaged in the  allocation

03:39:31.600 --> 03:39:33.896
process?

03:39:33.920 --> 03:39:35.656
Thank you three madame Mayor. Um our

03:39:35.680 --> 03:39:37.335
current process meets the state

03:39:37.359 --> 03:39:39.656
government kindergarten guidelines.

03:39:39.680 --> 03:39:42.616
However um we are looking at reviewing

03:39:42.640 --> 03:39:44.536
the process as the kindergarten service

03:39:44.560 --> 03:39:46.536
delivery is changing as you are all

03:39:46.560 --> 03:39:48.696
aware um with the move for the state

03:39:48.720 --> 03:39:51.415
government reforms. Um per the state

03:39:51.439 --> 03:39:54.439
government guidelines um kindergarten

03:39:54.560 --> 03:39:56.455
places must first be allocated to

03:39:56.479 --> 03:39:59.096
children who meet the prior priority one

03:39:59.120 --> 03:40:02.120
criteria. Now this criteria is set by

03:40:02.640 --> 03:40:05.640
the state government. Um and if they

03:40:06.239 --> 03:40:08.616
meet that priority priority of access

03:40:08.640 --> 03:40:10.616
they get their first preferences at

03:40:10.640 --> 03:40:12.136
kindergarten regardless of where they

03:40:12.160 --> 03:40:14.295
live or where they have previously

03:40:14.319 --> 03:40:15.896
attended.

03:40:15.920 --> 03:40:18.375
Priority two is where we can set it

03:40:18.399 --> 03:40:20.856
that's more locally set. Um and this

03:40:20.880 --> 03:40:23.415
does cover children who um live within

03:40:23.439 --> 03:40:25.976
the local community. um they have an

03:40:26.000 --> 03:40:29.000
elder sibling that might attend um and

03:40:29.279 --> 03:40:32.279
they also um or they're attending a

03:40:32.560 --> 03:40:33.896
three-year-old program at the service

03:40:33.920 --> 03:40:36.295
and they're moving on to four-year-old.

03:40:36.319 --> 03:40:38.536
However, should a kindergarten and

03:40:38.560 --> 03:40:40.215
particularly a group because we get a

03:40:40.239 --> 03:40:41.816
lot of requests for a particular group

03:40:41.840 --> 03:40:44.295
in a kindergarten receive a high number

03:40:44.319 --> 03:40:47.319
of priority one registrations then these

03:40:47.359 --> 03:40:49.656
children are offered the place first. um

03:40:49.680 --> 03:40:51.576
including those children who require an

03:40:51.600 --> 03:40:53.576
additional year of kindergarten before

03:40:53.600 --> 03:40:56.136
going to school and that's approved by

03:40:56.160 --> 03:40:58.776
the department. This reduces the number

03:40:58.800 --> 03:41:01.415
of places available to children who

03:41:01.439 --> 03:41:04.056
attend the 3-year-old program and the

03:41:04.080 --> 03:41:06.215
4-year-old program and families moving

03:41:06.239 --> 03:41:09.239
into the area would also sit into this

03:41:09.279 --> 03:41:12.279
into this priority. So it it does become

03:41:12.319 --> 03:41:15.319
quite difficult but we we sometimes the

03:41:15.439 --> 03:41:17.656
because of the number of one priorities

03:41:17.680 --> 03:41:20.056
um allocated there's less priorities for

03:41:20.080 --> 03:41:23.080
those um that come in at a level two.

03:41:24.880 --> 03:41:26.536
Thank you. Third question.

03:41:26.560 --> 03:41:29.255
Um could council explore alternative

03:41:29.279 --> 03:41:31.896
models that reduce reliance on a

03:41:31.920 --> 03:41:33.816
randomized ballot where multiple

03:41:33.840 --> 03:41:36.840
criteria are met?

03:41:37.520 --> 03:41:39.335
As I've indicated earlier, because of

03:41:39.359 --> 03:41:42.359
the way we look at the priority, um um

03:41:42.960 --> 03:41:45.960
we do at times need randomized ballots

03:41:46.000 --> 03:41:48.616
and that's because um we have a a low

03:41:48.640 --> 03:41:50.295
number, you know, in the end, we only

03:41:50.319 --> 03:41:52.936
have a few places available. But that

03:41:52.960 --> 03:41:55.335
being said, we have um as you're aware,

03:41:55.359 --> 03:41:58.056
we we did exit kindergarten services and

03:41:58.080 --> 03:42:00.136
we have been working with the new

03:42:00.160 --> 03:42:03.160
providers um and developed a network um

03:42:03.600 --> 03:42:06.136
and we are working with them on changes

03:42:06.160 --> 03:42:08.696
to council's kindergarten policy and

03:42:08.720 --> 03:42:11.656
procedures um and that's in inclusive of

03:42:11.680 --> 03:42:14.056
the central  registration process. So

03:42:14.080 --> 03:42:15.496
we're looking at how we can better

03:42:15.520 --> 03:42:18.520
improve it um over the time.

03:42:19.120 --> 03:42:21.176
 thank you. I'm glad to hear we're

03:42:21.200 --> 03:42:23.976
taking  this matter seriously. Um when

03:42:24.000 --> 03:42:26.375
do you think council um might expect an

03:42:26.399 --> 03:42:28.215
update on recommendations or potential

03:42:28.239 --> 03:42:31.016
refinements to the policy?

03:42:31.040 --> 03:42:33.016
Thank you. Three, Madame May. The um

03:42:33.040 --> 03:42:34.856
we're looking to bring that later this

03:42:34.880 --> 03:42:36.936
year. So, we'll bring it to councilors

03:42:36.960 --> 03:42:39.960
to discuss and then um refine that um

03:42:40.399 --> 03:42:42.056
and then we'll be bringing it to council

03:42:42.080 --> 03:42:45.080
for a decision.

03:42:45.520 --> 03:42:47.736
Thank you. and councelor Kennet, I

03:42:47.760 --> 03:42:49.255
understand that you also have a few

03:42:49.279 --> 03:42:52.136
questions.

03:42:52.160 --> 03:42:55.160
Thank you for you, Madame Mayor. Um, I'd

03:42:56.000 --> 03:42:57.576
probably like to provide just a little

03:42:57.600 --> 03:42:59.335
bit of context before I ask the

03:42:59.359 --> 03:43:01.976
question. , as councelor Atwell has

03:43:02.000 --> 03:43:03.576
mentioned, we've been contacted by a

03:43:03.600 --> 03:43:06.215
number of families, , parents of

03:43:06.239 --> 03:43:08.375
three-year-old kindergarteners that have

03:43:08.399 --> 03:43:10.616
raised concerns and explain the impact

03:43:10.640 --> 03:43:12.136
of not receiving a place in the

03:43:12.160 --> 03:43:15.160
4-year-old program. We've heard that

03:43:15.600 --> 03:43:17.175
children who attend a three-year-old

03:43:17.199 --> 03:43:19.335
program at sessional providers have

03:43:19.359 --> 03:43:22.359
settled their children as at a specific

03:43:22.800 --> 03:43:25.255
service. In some cases, the children

03:43:25.279 --> 03:43:26.936
having not been separated from their

03:43:26.960 --> 03:43:28.856
primary career before. So, this is a

03:43:28.880 --> 03:43:31.096
substantial change in a child's life and

03:43:31.120 --> 03:43:33.496
we acknowledge that. Parents have told

03:43:33.520 --> 03:43:34.696
us that during the year of

03:43:34.720 --> 03:43:36.295
three-year-old kinder, children have

03:43:36.319 --> 03:43:38.776
made friends. A new environment has

03:43:38.800 --> 03:43:41.335
become safe. Educators have become

03:43:41.359 --> 03:43:44.136
familiar and safe faces

03:43:44.160 --> 03:43:46.455
and families have created a network that

03:43:46.479 --> 03:43:48.696
usually follows onto primary school.

03:43:48.720 --> 03:43:50.536
Families have noted the importance of

03:43:50.560 --> 03:43:52.696
continuity between three-year-old and

03:43:52.720 --> 03:43:54.455
four-year-old kinder programs for all of

03:43:54.479 --> 03:43:57.479
these reasons. But

03:43:58.319 --> 03:44:00.776
two, because in many cases the kinder is

03:44:00.800 --> 03:44:03.335
near to the family's home, the offers

03:44:03.359 --> 03:44:05.335
opportunities to walk to kinder and stay

03:44:05.359 --> 03:44:07.255
within their local area with local

03:44:07.279 --> 03:44:09.656
families. And then this transcends into

03:44:09.680 --> 03:44:12.616
primary years. Knox Council is a signary

03:44:12.640 --> 03:44:14.295
to the Victorian charter for

03:44:14.319 --> 03:44:16.215
child-friendly cities and communities

03:44:16.239 --> 03:44:18.455
which reflects and aligns with the

03:44:18.479 --> 03:44:21.016
objectives of council's

03:44:21.040 --> 03:44:23.576
what we've just passed the child youth

03:44:23.600 --> 03:44:26.375
and seniors plan focuses on three key

03:44:26.399 --> 03:44:28.616
principles. One is act in the best

03:44:28.640 --> 03:44:31.096
interests of the child. Two is freedom

03:44:31.120 --> 03:44:33.096
for children to express their individual

03:44:33.120 --> 03:44:35.175
opinion and their right to have their

03:44:35.199 --> 03:44:36.936
these considered in decisions that

03:44:36.960 --> 03:44:39.496
affect them. And three, create equity

03:44:39.520 --> 03:44:41.656
for all children based on their needs.

03:44:41.680 --> 03:44:43.576
On this note, I've spoken with a family

03:44:43.600 --> 03:44:45.976
who asked their child about their

03:44:46.000 --> 03:44:47.496
three-year-old kinder year and what

03:44:47.520 --> 03:44:49.016
four-year-old kinder would look like for

03:44:49.040 --> 03:44:50.536
their daughter. And I think that this is

03:44:50.560 --> 03:44:53.560
important context to note um as the

03:44:53.760 --> 03:44:56.136
voice of the child.

03:44:56.160 --> 03:44:58.056
She told her mom she feels safe at

03:44:58.080 --> 03:45:00.856
kinder. Her mom asked her how she would

03:45:00.880 --> 03:45:02.375
feel if she couldn't go to four-year-old

03:45:02.399 --> 03:45:05.016
kinder or if her friends could not be

03:45:05.040 --> 03:45:07.656
there. She said I'd feel very sad

03:45:07.680 --> 03:45:09.175
because she wants to be with her

03:45:09.199 --> 03:45:11.415
friends. This is currently the case for

03:45:11.439 --> 03:45:14.295
some families. The four-year-old child

03:45:14.319 --> 03:45:16.536
told her mom the thing she liked most

03:45:16.560 --> 03:45:18.455
about 3-year-old Kinder was her friends,

03:45:18.479 --> 03:45:20.696
the toys, the big yard, the small yard,

03:45:20.720 --> 03:45:23.656
and her two teachers.

03:45:23.680 --> 03:45:26.056
The families I've spoken to understand

03:45:26.080 --> 03:45:28.215
the state criteria and that's not of

03:45:28.239 --> 03:45:30.776
concern. It's the local criteria that

03:45:30.800 --> 03:45:33.255
Knox has full control over and that is

03:45:33.279 --> 03:45:35.576
causing the concern. The randomized

03:45:35.600 --> 03:45:38.295
ballot system is also causing concern

03:45:38.319 --> 03:45:41.319
where a service is overs subscribed.

03:45:42.640 --> 03:45:45.335
 these rules were explained to the

03:45:45.359 --> 03:45:48.359
four-year-old  who felt sad by them.

03:45:49.760 --> 03:45:51.175
connection is important to our children

03:45:51.199 --> 03:45:52.696
and should be considered within the

03:45:52.720 --> 03:45:55.175
local criteria. So on that note, I'd

03:45:55.199 --> 03:45:57.736
like to ask director Chalkley um a

03:45:57.760 --> 03:45:59.896
number of questions  regarding

03:45:59.920 --> 03:46:01.736
kindergarten capacity based on the

03:46:01.760 --> 03:46:03.656
feedback from families received by

03:46:03.680 --> 03:46:05.496
counselors to date and assuming there

03:46:05.520 --> 03:46:07.415
could be more. I wonder about no

03:46:07.439 --> 03:46:09.656
sessional kindergarten capacity. Are

03:46:09.680 --> 03:46:12.136
there geographic disparities in capacity

03:46:12.160 --> 03:46:14.856
across Knox predominantly the basin

03:46:14.880 --> 03:46:17.016
Rowville and Knoxfield and how does

03:46:17.040 --> 03:46:19.255
council plan to manage these? i.e.

03:46:19.279 --> 03:46:20.696
working with providers to offer

03:46:20.720 --> 03:46:22.536
additional sessions, adjusting local

03:46:22.560 --> 03:46:24.616
criteria for priority access to smooth

03:46:24.640 --> 03:46:27.640
out demand. Thank you.

03:46:29.680 --> 03:46:32.680
Through you, Madame Mayor. Um, as um we

03:46:33.680 --> 03:46:36.680
have recently um reviewed our um no city

03:46:38.720 --> 03:46:40.215
council's kindergarten infrastructure

03:46:40.239 --> 03:46:41.896
service plan and that was presented to

03:46:41.920 --> 03:46:44.920
council on the 6th of September. um and

03:46:45.520 --> 03:46:47.415
council supported access to kindergarten

03:46:47.439 --> 03:46:49.576
places across local community areas

03:46:49.600 --> 03:46:52.295
which reflected local um patterns of

03:46:52.319 --> 03:46:54.936
service use. Demand for kindergarten

03:46:54.960 --> 03:46:57.816
places um in small geographical areas

03:46:57.840 --> 03:47:00.215
changes over time and with the changing

03:47:00.239 --> 03:47:02.295
demographics of the community local

03:47:02.319 --> 03:47:04.616
community areas that span suburb

03:47:04.640 --> 03:47:06.776
boundaries balance families ability to

03:47:06.800 --> 03:47:09.016
access local services while supporting

03:47:09.040 --> 03:47:11.175
the viability of services in nearby

03:47:11.199 --> 03:47:14.199
services in nearby areas. In practice,

03:47:14.479 --> 03:47:16.696
many families in Knox access kindergarten

03:47:16.720 --> 03:47:18.776
outside their immediate suburb are

03:47:18.800 --> 03:47:20.616
reflecting established patterns across

03:47:20.640 --> 03:47:23.640
suburb enrollment and mobility.

03:47:27.199 --> 03:47:28.536
Would you like to ask your next

03:47:28.560 --> 03:47:30.936
question? Thank you.

03:47:30.960 --> 03:47:33.960
, regarding future demand, Director

03:47:34.160 --> 03:47:36.136
Chalkley, if I could um direct that

03:47:36.160 --> 03:47:38.215
question to you through the chair. Given

03:47:38.239 --> 03:47:40.056
the capacity issues being currently

03:47:40.080 --> 03:47:41.976
experienced at a number of centers, has

03:47:42.000 --> 03:47:44.295
council completed future demand analysis

03:47:44.319 --> 03:47:46.136
considering state government 2-year-old

03:47:46.160 --> 03:47:48.936
kinder reforms and what does that show?

03:47:48.960 --> 03:47:50.776
How will council ensure sufficient

03:47:50.800 --> 03:47:52.936
places in kindergarten for all eligible

03:47:52.960 --> 03:47:55.896
children by 2028?

03:47:55.920 --> 03:47:57.896
Thank you, Madame May. As I said, we

03:47:57.920 --> 03:47:59.736
have got the kindergarten instructor

03:47:59.760 --> 03:48:01.976
service plan, instructor service plan

03:48:02.000 --> 03:48:03.736
and that will provide information around

03:48:03.760 --> 03:48:05.736
where our demand where our needs are

03:48:05.760 --> 03:48:07.255
across the organ across the

03:48:07.279 --> 03:48:09.576
municipality. Some groups we do

03:48:09.600 --> 03:48:11.415
experience high number of registrations

03:48:11.439 --> 03:48:13.656
for. However, this does not necessarily

03:48:13.680 --> 03:48:16.536
mean that the kindergarten is over o

03:48:16.560 --> 03:48:19.496
overs subscribed. Um it may be just the

03:48:19.520 --> 03:48:22.375
group. Um, as of today, there are

03:48:22.399 --> 03:48:24.936
currently 85 more kindergarten places

03:48:24.960 --> 03:48:26.856
available across the municipality than

03:48:26.880 --> 03:48:29.656
those registered. Um, there also remains

03:48:29.680 --> 03:48:31.896
some further capacity in group sizes as

03:48:31.920 --> 03:48:34.920
some kindergartens that could be enacted

03:48:35.120 --> 03:48:37.255
um, should the demand for those places

03:48:37.279 --> 03:48:39.896
present. Based on current participation

03:48:39.920 --> 03:48:41.736
rates, population projections, and

03:48:41.760 --> 03:48:43.576
existing service availability,

03:48:43.600 --> 03:48:45.816
kindergarten provision is expected to

03:48:45.840 --> 03:48:48.840
meet projected demand up to 2029 when

03:48:49.359 --> 03:48:51.016
taking into account kindergarten

03:48:51.040 --> 03:48:54.040
availability across the community areas.

03:48:56.800 --> 03:48:58.295
Do you have another question?

03:48:58.319 --> 03:49:01.096
Yep. Go ahead.

03:49:01.120 --> 03:49:03.335
Thank you again through you, Madame

03:49:03.359 --> 03:49:06.359
Mayor. um the review of local criteria

03:49:07.680 --> 03:49:09.816
and not the state-based criteria. Will

03:49:09.840 --> 03:49:11.656
the review of local criteria for

03:49:11.680 --> 03:49:14.680
priority of access by council consider

03:49:15.040 --> 03:49:17.496
waiting of local criteria specifically

03:49:17.520 --> 03:49:18.776
children already enrolled in

03:49:18.800 --> 03:49:20.536
three-year-old kinder that wish to

03:49:20.560 --> 03:49:23.560
continue at the same facility?

03:49:25.840 --> 03:49:27.896
Thank you, Madame May. As I previously

03:49:27.920 --> 03:49:30.375
mentioned um to councelor Atwell's

03:49:30.399 --> 03:49:32.696
questions um we are currently doing a

03:49:32.720 --> 03:49:34.616
review of the funded kindergarten policy

03:49:34.640 --> 03:49:36.136
and the kindergarten registration

03:49:36.160 --> 03:49:38.936
procedure. Um the review of the

03:49:38.960 --> 03:49:41.415
registration and allocation process is

03:49:41.439 --> 03:49:43.415
focused to ensure that priority two

03:49:43.439 --> 03:49:45.016
criteria

03:49:45.040 --> 03:49:48.040
um and accumulation of meeting multiple

03:49:48.080 --> 03:49:50.136
criteria whilst also balancing the need

03:49:50.160 --> 03:49:52.375
to ensure families move moving into Knox

03:49:52.399 --> 03:49:54.696
or those who choose not to attend three

03:49:54.720 --> 03:49:57.720
kinder um are not unduly penalized. So

03:49:58.239 --> 03:49:59.816
we will be looking at all areas and

03:49:59.840 --> 03:50:02.840
we'll bring that back to council.

03:50:05.760 --> 03:50:08.215
Um I have one more question and then one

03:50:08.239 --> 03:50:09.816
more question on behalf of councelor

03:50:09.840 --> 03:50:11.335
Considine who's just left.

03:50:11.359 --> 03:50:11.816
Oh sure.

03:50:11.840 --> 03:50:12.936
Is that okay?

03:50:12.960 --> 03:50:15.656
Thank you. Um what feedback and

03:50:15.680 --> 03:50:17.415
information is being considered through

03:50:17.439 --> 03:50:19.335
the review that council are completing

03:50:19.359 --> 03:50:20.856
on the kindergarten process that you

03:50:20.880 --> 03:50:23.880
just referred to please. Director Chley.

03:50:24.800 --> 03:50:26.616
Thank you madame Mayor. All feedback

03:50:26.640 --> 03:50:28.536
received from the community members this

03:50:28.560 --> 03:50:30.616
year and in previous years is being

03:50:30.640 --> 03:50:32.936
considered as part of part as part of

03:50:32.960 --> 03:50:35.736
this process. Um as part of review we

03:50:35.760 --> 03:50:37.576
have also undertaken benchmarking with

03:50:37.600 --> 03:50:40.136
other councils that um have central

03:50:40.160 --> 03:50:42.455
registration systems

03:50:42.479 --> 03:50:45.335
um and reviewed the timing of our

03:50:45.359 --> 03:50:47.175
registration process with input from

03:50:47.199 --> 03:50:50.199
both our early years advisory committee

03:50:50.239 --> 03:50:52.936
and also um the kindergarten providers

03:50:52.960 --> 03:50:55.816
themselves. Um, and they will also be

03:50:55.840 --> 03:50:57.896
reviewing the local priority of access

03:50:57.920 --> 03:51:00.696
criteria as well.

03:51:00.720 --> 03:51:02.616
Thank you. Could you please ask

03:51:02.640 --> 03:51:04.455
councelor Considine's question? Thank

03:51:04.479 --> 03:51:05.656
you.

03:51:05.680 --> 03:51:07.335
Thank you. Through you, madame Mayor.

03:51:07.359 --> 03:51:09.816
Um, together with councelor Considine,

03:51:09.840 --> 03:51:11.656
I'd like to direct my question to

03:51:11.680 --> 03:51:14.215
Director Chocolley again. Thank you. ,

03:51:14.239 --> 03:51:17.096
regarding multi-age kindergartens,

03:51:17.120 --> 03:51:19.016
, noting feedback received from one

03:51:19.040 --> 03:51:20.536
family and questions relating to

03:51:20.560 --> 03:51:23.560
composite kindergarten classes. Um, I

03:51:23.600 --> 03:51:25.255
would also like to add the Victorian

03:51:25.279 --> 03:51:27.415
state government your guide to multi-age

03:51:27.439 --> 03:51:30.215
groups document states that intentional

03:51:30.239 --> 03:51:32.616
planning, differentiation, and staffing

03:51:32.640 --> 03:51:34.616
must be in place to manage composite

03:51:34.640 --> 03:51:37.175
kindergarten cohorts to ensure all

03:51:37.199 --> 03:51:39.976
children thrive. Noting that current

03:51:40.000 --> 03:51:42.776
research suggests success of composite

03:51:42.800 --> 03:51:44.696
classes depends heavily on the quality

03:51:44.720 --> 03:51:46.776
of the program delivered and the skill

03:51:46.800 --> 03:51:49.016
and resources of educators. How does

03:51:49.040 --> 03:51:50.776
Knox Council currently manage and

03:51:50.800 --> 03:51:52.776
supervise this? and has this been

03:51:52.800 --> 03:51:54.776
considered for future years particularly

03:51:54.800 --> 03:51:57.496
with state reforms coming on board and

03:51:57.520 --> 03:51:59.335
I'd also like to know what is the view

03:51:59.359 --> 03:52:01.415
of the kindergarten service providers on

03:52:01.439 --> 03:52:04.439
composite kindergarten classes thank you

03:52:06.720 --> 03:52:08.455
thank you madame Mayor as you have

03:52:08.479 --> 03:52:10.776
indicated the state government um is the

03:52:10.800 --> 03:52:13.656
funding body for um kindergarten they

03:52:13.680 --> 03:52:15.576
manage the licensing requirements for

03:52:15.600 --> 03:52:18.056
these services and specify the maximum

03:52:18.080 --> 03:52:19.576
number of children who are able to

03:52:19.600 --> 03:52:22.600
attend a service at any one time. Um the

03:52:22.720 --> 03:52:24.375
kindergarten providers are the ones that

03:52:24.399 --> 03:52:26.375
actually determine what groups will be

03:52:26.399 --> 03:52:28.776
offered in their service. Um whether

03:52:28.800 --> 03:52:30.936
they be single or multi-age and they

03:52:30.960 --> 03:52:33.415
provide and it is their responsibility

03:52:33.439 --> 03:52:35.496
also to provide a high quality

03:52:35.520 --> 03:52:38.136
kindergarten program as per the state

03:52:38.160 --> 03:52:40.295
government's requirements.

03:52:40.319 --> 03:52:43.319
um we make available our population data

03:52:43.359 --> 03:52:45.096
in relation to the overall numbers of

03:52:45.120 --> 03:52:46.936
children in the community areas and when

03:52:46.960 --> 03:52:49.576
we're setting um and they are setting

03:52:49.600 --> 03:52:51.656
their proposed groups for the year. So

03:52:51.680 --> 03:52:54.295
really it is up to um the service

03:52:54.319 --> 03:52:55.896
providers to manage whether they're

03:52:55.920 --> 03:52:57.496
looking at a composite group or straight

03:52:57.520 --> 03:52:59.656
groups um and that can be in discussion

03:52:59.680 --> 03:53:01.496
with the state government. We cannot set

03:53:01.520 --> 03:53:03.576
that. We can look at it for our two

03:53:03.600 --> 03:53:06.056
service um kind sessional kindergartens

03:53:06.080 --> 03:53:08.856
that we run but we can't do that for um

03:53:08.880 --> 03:53:10.856
the providers themselves. Although we

03:53:10.880 --> 03:53:12.455
can provide them with some information

03:53:12.479 --> 03:53:14.136
on the population data and what that

03:53:14.160 --> 03:53:15.976
might look like and then they can plan

03:53:16.000 --> 03:53:18.856
that moving forward.

03:53:18.880 --> 03:53:21.880
Thank you. Terrific. Okay. So we'll now

03:53:21.920 --> 03:53:24.616
move on to item 13 which is confidential

03:53:24.640 --> 03:53:27.335
items and there are no confidential

03:53:27.359 --> 03:53:29.896
items this evening. So I would now like

03:53:29.920 --> 03:53:31.736
to close the meeting and thank everyone

03:53:31.760 --> 03:53:33.896
in the gallery and online for joining us

03:53:33.920 --> 03:53:35.736
this evening.

03:53:35.760 --> 03:53:38.760
Good night everyone.