Council meeting pieces - 16 November 2022

Published on 17 November 2022

Echuca Moama Torrumbarry Flood Study

Campaspe Shire Council has deferred consideration of the Echuca Moama Torrumbarry Flood Study given the current flood emergency situation.

The item was listed for consideration at the October meeting, which was postponed due to the flood emergency, with the item postponed to this month’s meeting.

The Flood Study project started in November 2017 and is headed by representatives from Murray River Council, NSW Office of Environment and Heritage, North Central Catchment Management Authority and Campaspe Shire Council. A community reference group was also set up, to secure local knowledge to feed into the study.

Given the flood emergency, Councillors acknowledged the need to review and update information from the current flood situation, as well as continue to work with the community in progressing the project.

Financial Assistance

Council also endorsed the waiving of interest on any rates and charges debt for the period of 1 July 2022 to 30 June 2023. Council approved the facilitation of payment plan arrangements, at the request of the ratepayer, to respond to individual needs and circumstances.

Council endorsed many support measures for individuals, businesses, and community groups, including refunds, extensions, waivers, and other financial supports relating to Council services, facilities and regular payments that had been impacted by the flood.

For example, Council endorsed refunding of all fees paid in advance to hire Council facilities, including the Wharf, Pop Up Park, recreation reserves, if an event has been cancelled because of the flood. Refunds for business registrations and permits were also endorsed.

Council encouraged individuals, businesses, and community groups to contact Council should they feel that the measures do not support their specific circumstances.

Road Management Plan

Due to ongoing wet conditions, Campaspe Shire Council has suspended response times in the Road Management Plan related to maintenance grading for the period 10 October through to 11 December 2022.

The Road Management Plan details the standards and response times for the maintenance and upgrade of roads, footpaths, drains and other road-related assets.

The suspension of response times for maintenance grading has been advertised locally. Any further extensions that may be required, will again be advertised locally.

Echuca CBD & Historic Port Precinct Parking Strategy

Following review, Campaspe Shire Council has approved changes to on-street parking in Echuca to align with the recommendations in the Echuca CBD & Historic Port Precinct Parking Strategy adopted in 2018.

The majority of recommendations from the strategy were implemented in May 2021. Council has now approved implementing the remaining recommendations as well as replacing the 2-hour restriction signs placed in Murray Esplanade, with 3-hour restriction signs, in line with the strategy.

Council also agreed to review the price of parking permits for off-street carparks in High Street and Nish Street when developing the 2023/24 Budget.

The Parking Strategy will become available on Council’s website.