Urgent activation of traffic signalling – Bank Street intersection
Council discussed safety concerns associated with new traffic lights not being activated at the Bank Street intersection on Princes Highway despite temporary measures put in place by the State Government.
Council will write to the Victorian Minister for Public and Active Transport and the Victorian Minister for Roads and Roads Safety to request urgent prioritisation to turn the traffic lights on.
Advocacy for increased recognition of guide dogs and assistance dogs
Council noted the essential role of guide dogs and assistance dogs in enabling people with a disability to safely and independently live.
Council supports recognising the special status of guide dogs and assistance dogs and will write to the State Government advocating for a review of the Domestic Animals Act 1994 (Vic) to go further by providing for physical and non-physical harm caused to guide dogs and assistance dogs.
Impacts of V/Line train timetable changes on Gippsland commuters
Council discussed changes to the V/Line Gippsland timetable, most recently as part of the State Government’s Big Switch, which has made it more difficult for Gippsland commuters to get to work in Melbourne on time.
Council will write to the Minister for Public and Active Transport outlining Council’s concerns and seek a review of the Gippsland V/Line timetable to better meet the needs of Gippsland commuters.
Community consultation update - Moe Caravan Park
Council approved a 12-month extension of the current operator’s lease for the Moe Gardens Caravan Park (1 Mitchells Road, Moe). The lease will now run from 1 June 2026 to 31 May 2027.
This extension gives Council time to complete an audit of the caravan park to better understand its current state and inform considerations about how it operates in the future.
Economic Development Strategy
Council adopted the Economic Development Strategy 2026-2031. The vision of the Strategy is that Latrobe City will be a nationally significant industrial hub that is diverse, innovative, and highly productive. It will be a vibrant regional destination where people choose to live, visit, work, invest, and do business, creating a strong, inclusive economy where everyone can participate and thrive.
The Strategy will be available on Council’s website soon.
Latrobe Regional Gallery Advisory Committee and Terms of Reference
The Latrobe Regional Gallery (LRG) has one of the largest art collections in Regional Victoria.
Council endorsed a revised Terms of Reference (ToR) for the LRG Advisory Committee and to progress an Expression of Interest (EOI) to seek new committee members.
The revised ToR will free up the Committee so it can focus on advocacy, community and industry engagement while leaving operational matters to LRG staff. An Expression of Interest process to seek new members will commence soon.
Creative Industries Advisory Committee
Creative industries include performing arts, visual arts, film, writing, fashion and photography, to name a few. A large percentage of the Latrobe City community participate in creative practice as well as attend arts and culture events.
To support creative industries thrive in Latrobe City, Council will establish a new Creative Industries Advisory Committee. Expressions of Interest will be advertised on Council’s website and social media channels soon.
2025/26 mid-year Budget review
Council received and noted the mid-year budget review which forecasts a full year surplus position of $586,000.
Council approved the following projects to be funded from the forecast surplus:
$12,000 for Forestree Data Collection at Mathison Park Churchill, required with the opening of the 18-hole disc golf course and increased visitation
$11,000 for a Copyright Agency Agreement to reproduce, distribute works and media without requiring specific permissions from the copyright owner
$100,000 for a review of all leisure and aquatic facilities to inform future development, maintenance and investment in leisure facilities
An alternate motion was also carried to fund $200,000 for Christmas decorations.