September 2025 Council Meeting wrap

Last updated on 25 September 2025

Some of the key items considered and endorsed at the September 2025 Council Meeting included:

Draft Open Space Strategy for consultation: Council endorsed the release of the Draft Open Space Strategy for community consultation for 4 weeks, launching in early October 2025. This strategy outlines how Council plans to manage and improve parks, reserves, sporting grounds and other public spaces over the next 10 years. The strategy looks at how open spaces can support population growth, protect the environment and provide opportunities for health and wellbeing. Residents will be invited to provide feedback to ensure the strategy, and our open spaces reflect local needs and priorities.

Kyneton Airfield hangar sites: Council approved authorising the CEO to enter into a lease with hangar owners at Kyneton Airfield (ground lease – land only). This decision will support aviation users while creating opportunities for economic development linked to the airfield. Leasing these sites will also contribute to the ongoing operation and maintenance of the facility, ensuring it remains an asset for both the aviation community and the wider region. Community engagement was undertaken in consideration of the proposal, with 56 submissions being received, and 37 respondents agreeing with the key terms outlined in the Notice of Intention to Lease. A key outcome following the consultation process, in acknowledgement of significant feedback from hangar owners relating to the proposed market rental, was to reduce this rental from $6 down to $5 per square metre plus GST. This income supports Council to maintain ongoing Airfield operations.

Small Project Grant Recommendations: Council endorsed funding for two projects under the Small Project Grants Program, which provide a yearly pool of up to $30,000 of which not-for-profit groups can apply for a maximum of $3,000 per application. Council awarded $1,120 to Kyneton Women’s Sports Club for their Growing Safe and Accessible Sport Locally project, as well as $2,880 to Baynton Sidonia Landcare Group for their Taungurung Cultural Heritage workshop project.

Australia Day Grant Guidelines: The Australia Day Grant Guidelines have been revised to provide a clear framework for assessing applications for Australia Day (26 January) events and acknowledgement ceremonies. The updated guidelines allow for flexibility around grant round dates, allow for alignment with the Small Project Grants and Community Funding Schemes, and incorporate the requirements of the Gambling Harm Minimisation Policy. They also clarify legal obligations for events. These revisions will help Council continue to support the community in a consistent, transparent and effective manner.

Community Directorate Integrated Annual Report: Councillors noted and approved the final report on the Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan, Disability Action Plan, Participate – Positive Ageing Plan, and Create – Municipal Early Years Plan on their conclusion, and noted that future actions relating to these areas and cohorts have been integrated into the draft Shaping the Ranges 2025–2035 plan. This approach is designed to strengthen outcomes and ensure they remain central to Council’s long-term planning.

Council also endorsed the following:

• Scheduling of an additional meeting to be held on 8 October to consider the audited performance and financial statements as part of Council’s Annual Report, commencing from 5pm and to be held online.
• An updated Fraud and Corruption Control Policy which, alongside the Fraud and Corruption Control Framework, guide how fraud and corruption risks are managed through a structured approach to prevention, detection, reporting and response.
• Deferring an item surrounding Instruments of Delegation to the November 2025 Council Meeting, to provide additional time for Council officers to provide further information on outstanding queries to Councillors for their consideration.
• Receiving the Quarterly Financial report as at 30 June 2025 and also adopting the carrying forward of budgets for projects from the 2024-25 financial year to the 2025-26 financial year.
• Receiving the annual CEO Employment and Remuneration Committee Report, which ensures transparent governance and accountability in line with the Local Government Act 2020. This process ensures the CEO’s performance and remuneration are regularly reviewed in a fair, transparent and accountable way.

For more on these and other key matters considered, you can view a recording of the meeting or reference the meeting agenda and minutes (generally available within five working days of each meeting).