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Publish Date: 17 February 2023
Buloke Shire Council held its first Council Meeting of the new year on Wednesday 8 February with its response to the Electoral Structure Review and an important land development item amongst the key matters.
Council will provide a preliminary submission to the Electoral Representation Advisory Panel put in place by the Victorian Electoral Commission to oversee the Buloke Shire Council Electoral Structure Review.
The Victorian Electoral Commission is assisting the Minister for Local Government in the administration of an Electoral Structure Review Process ahead of the 2024 local government elections. 39 councils, including Buloke Shire Council, have electoral structures that are not in alignment with the new Local Government Act 2020 (the Act) and as such require their electoral structures to be brought in line with identified structures within the Act.
Council will provide a submission that recommends a move to an unsubdivided structure with seven councillors. This would present a substantially changed electoral model to the communities of Buloke Shire Council however voter/councillor ratios would be relatively maintained as per the current structure.
A project to unlock a significant land parcel in Sea Lake for housing development continues with the conclusion of a consultation process relating to the old Sea Lake Primary School site on Sutcliff Street.
Council will now progress to the sale of the land with the available lots to go on the market in coming months.
Having endorsed applications from the Wycheproof Community Resource Centre, Mali Heart Festival Committee and the Buloke Freeza Committee, Council’s Community Grant program has been fully expended for the financial year. The $20,000 annual program has supported 17 local initiatives, whilst Council’s Community Sustainability Program remains open to applications.
Council extended its congratulations to staff for their progress with the Annual Plan, despite the setback caused by the flooding events in October 2022. The Council recognised the hard work and dedication of its staff members, who have continued to work diligently to ensure that the Annual Plan is successfully implemented.
The flooding events in October 2022 had a significant impact on the Buloke Shire community, causing widespread damage and disruption to many aspects of daily life. Despite the challenges caused by these events, Council's staff have demonstrated a commitment to overcoming obstacles and continuing to work towards the goals outlined in the Annual Plan.
Minutes and documents relating to the February Council Meeting will be made available on Council’s website.
Buloke Shire Council Meeting next monthly meeting will be held from om 7:00pm on Wednesday 8 March 2023 in the Wycheproof Supper Room.