<h2>Key Decisions &amp; Outcomes</h2> <ul> <li><strong>Delay in Brown Hill Splash Park Project</strong>: The project is behind schedule due to foundational redesigns and power supply upgrades, now expected to complete after March 2025.</li> <li><strong>Review of Waste Collection Decision</strong>: Council deferred the switch to weekly food organics and garden organics (FOGO) collection and requested a report on alternative waste management options and their financial implications.</li> <li><strong>Adoption of 2025 Meeting Schedule</strong>: Council approved the schedule for 2025 Council meetings, ensuring public accessibility through publication on the City of Ballarat website.</li> <li><strong>Councillor Representation Adjustments</strong>: Changes were made to committee assignments, affecting key positions on disability and contracts-related committees.</li> <li><strong>Community Engagement Policy Review</strong>: The policy will be reviewed in 2025, following concerns about survey methodologies and their potential impact on decision-making.</li> </ul> <h2>Detailed Descriptions</h2> <h3><strong>Delay in Brown Hill Splash Park Project</strong></h3> <p>The completion of the Brown Hill Splash Park has been postponed due to unforeseen issues. The foundational slab required additional design modifications to prevent site movement, and an upgrade to the power supply by Powercor is pending, scheduled for late March 2025. All components are ready for installation once these issues are resolved. The delay has been acknowledged with apologies to the community.</p> <h3><strong>Review of Waste Collection Decision</strong></h3> <p>Council decided to defer changes to the waste collection system, specifically the transition to a weekly FOGO service. This decision was prompted by concerns over cost and efficiency. A comprehensive report is to be prepared, presenting various options for waste management, with a focus on minimizing landfill costs. This decision reflects the council's commitment to financially and environmentally responsible waste management.</p> <h3><strong>Adoption of 2025 Meeting Schedule</strong></h3> <p>The Council confirmed its meeting schedule for 2025, with regular sessions planned to ensure consistent and transparent governance. Meetings will be held primarily in the Council Chambers, Ballarat Town Hall, with dates publicly available on the City's website, promoting civic engagement and accessibility.</p> <h3><strong>Councillor Representation Adjustments</strong></h3> <p>Adjustments to councillor assignments on committees were approved, notably replacing Cr Rinaldi with Cr Lapkin on the Contracts Delegated Committee and Cr Morgan with Cr Saunders on the Disability Advisory Committee. These changes are effective immediately, reflecting a strategic realignment of skills and responsibilities within the council.</p> <h3><strong>Community Engagement Policy Review</strong></h3> <p>Following public feedback concerning the structure of community surveys, the Council agreed to review its Community Engagement Policy in 2025. This review aims to ensure that public input methods accurately capture community sentiments and inform decision-making processes on significant projects.</p> <h2>Community Impact</h2> <ul> <li><strong>Splash Park Delay</strong>: Families and local residents looking forward to the new recreational facility will experience a delay, impacting community leisure activities planned for the upcoming summer.</li> <li><strong>Waste Management Review</strong>: Potential changes in waste collection practices could affect household routines and financial planning for residents, with the aim of more efficient and environmentally friendly waste disposal.</li> <li><strong>Public Meeting Schedule</strong>: The publication of the meeting schedule enhances transparency and engagement, allowing residents to participate actively in local governance.</li> </ul> <h2>Other Notable Items</h2> <ul> <li><strong>Heritage Station Concerns</strong>: Public feedback highlighted the need for improved maintenance at the Ballarat Railway Station, with Council advocating for V/Line to address these issues.</li> <li><strong>Her Majesty’s Theatre</strong>: The recent reopening of the restored theatre was celebrated, reflecting successful heritage preservation efforts and enhancing cultural offerings in Ballarat.</li> <li><strong>Walk Against Gender-based Violence</strong>: Scheduled for November 29, this event underscores community commitment to addressing critical social issues.</li> </ul> <h2>Tech &amp; Innovation Notes</h2> <ul> <li><strong>Snap-Send-Solve Initiative</strong>: Discussions on integrating community-driven solutions for city issues such as infrastructure and service feedback through technology platforms like Snap-Send-Solve are ongoing, indicating a move towards more innovative civic engagement tools.</li> </ul>