Catch up on the news from Monday night’s Council Meeting.
DRAFT VICTORY PARK PRECINCT MASTER PLAN
Latrobe City Council unanimously endorsed the Draft Victory Park Master Plan for community engagement. The draft Plan outlines the future development of the precinct, including Eric Taylor Reserve, Doorty Park, Newman Park, Victory Park and Bert Thompson Reserve.
Officers worked closely with Victory Park Precinct Advisory Committee and 1st Traralgon Scout Group incorporating their feedback into the draft Plan.
Community members can provide input during a six-week consultation period via Council’s Have Your Say platform. The draft Plan can also be viewed at Council Headquarters, Libraries and Service Centres and Council’s website.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL
Latrobe City Council unanimously endorsed the renewal, removal, replacement and uptake of the Economic Development memberships for 2025-2026.
A strategic review assessed each membership’s cost, relevance and benefit, considering the past six to 12 months of each organisation’s activities impacting Latrobe City, and the specific projects they will support in the coming year.
Seven memberships were renewed, one replaced and one discontinued. A new membership was taken up with the Australian Japan Business Council of Victoria. Total cost of Council’s Economic Development memberships is $21,233 across eight organisations.
ESTABLISHMENT OF ROAD, FACILITY AND PLACE NAMING DELEGATED COMMITTEE
Council endorsed the establishment of the Road, Facility and Place Name Delegated Committee and its Terms of Reference.
Council, as the naming authority, has a key role in naming roads, facilities, features and localities within the municipality.
The role is carried out in accordance with the Geographic Names Act 1998 and Naming Rule for Places in Victoria.
The new committee replaces the former one and will review, provide guidance and make delegated decision on naming proposals referred to Council. This follows the September 2024 adoption of a new Road, Facility and Place Name Policy.
TERMS OF REFERENCE – ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Council endorsed the revised Terms of Reference for the Economic Development Advisory Committee.
Last reviewed in June 2023, the previous terms focused on implementing the Economic Development Strategy and were more operational. With a new strategy in development, the committee will take on a more strategic role, advising on opportunities to drive economic growth and diversification in Latrobe City.
Membership will be determined through a public expression of interest, and include an independent chair, eight external members and Council representatives. A further report will be presented to Council.
EMERGENCY SERVICES AND VOLUNTEERS FUND LEVY – COLLECTION OBLIGATIONS
Council noted a report outlining its obligations to collect the Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund Levy on behalf of the State Government. In June 2025, Council resolved to investigate the implications of this requirement and sought legal advice, which confirmed Council’s obligation under the new Act.
Council endorsed receiving the report, advocating to the State Government to reverse its decision and working with other interested councils to explore alternative approaches that deliver better outcomes for the community.