Catch up on the news from Monday night’s Council Meeting.

ADVOCACY PROJECTS - FEDERAL BUDGET SUBMISSION & PARLIAMENT DELEGATION

Council endorsed an interim advocacy list to meet Federal Budget and 2026 Canberra Delegation timelines. Twenty project submissions were assessed, the interim list includes key projects Advanced Air Mobility, Economic Support Package, Enabling Infrastructure Fund, Traralgon Flood Recovery (Glenview Park Pavilion), Inter-Township Trail Network, Moe Revitalisation, and the Traralgon Bypass. Officers will prepare the Federal Budget Submission, plan stakeholder engagement, and finalise a full advocacy platform in early 2026.

COMMUNITY CONSULTATION UPDATE - OLD METHODIST CHURCH (41 PRINCES STREET, TRARALGON)

Council unanimously endorsed the preferred future direction for the Old Methodist Church in Traralgon after reviewing 10 public submissions. The building requires about $840,000 plus GST in structural and compliance works, and Council has no identified service need for it. Of the proposals received, Submission 5—the Traralgon Historical Society’s plan to preserve the church as a museum—was identified as preferred. Council will negotiate a sale “as is” and reallocate $86,000 to support the project, contingent on the Society securing a VicTrack lease by 30 June 2026. Should a lease not be secured a further report will be brought back to Council by 30 September 2026 identifying further options for the building informed by the public submissions received during recent community consultation.

RED & GREEN TAPE FEE REVIEW AND BUSINESS FRIENDLY COUNCIL

Council received an update on the Red & Green Tape Review, fee review, and outcomes from participation in the Business-Friendly Council Program. The Review found no single Council fee acts as a barrier; instead, challenges stem from complex processes and fragmented communication. Both initiatives highlighted opportunities to improve transparency, coordination, and business engagement. A consolidated Action Plan has been developed to guide these improvements and support Council’s objectives for local business. Officers recommend establishing an expanded Project Control Group to oversee implementation.

OLD GIPPSTOWN HERITAGE PARK

Council unanimously endorsed allocating $50,000 to support urgent maintenance works at Old Gippstown, a major heritage attraction managed by a volunteer Committee on Crown Land. The site includes 23 heritage-listed buildings valued at over $26 million and attracts about 7,000 visitors annually. Funding will address critical repairs, with Old Gippstown contributing $33,000. Future funding will be considered through the annual budget process, and a report on outcomes will be provided to Council in December 2026.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Council endorsed revised Terms of Reference and a new appointment process for the Economic Development Advisory Committee, recognising its importance in guiding Council through the region’s economic transition as coal-fired power stations close. Following concerns about the lack of female candidates for Chair, officers recommended requiring all interested parties to submit Expressions of Interest for both membership and the Chair role, with candidates assessed against clear criteria. A further report will return to Council recommending appointments to support economic diversification and resilience.