Question Time - Council Meeting 8 March 2011

QUESTIONS AND RESPONSES TO QUESTION TIME
TUESDAY, 8 MARCH 2011
The following questions were addressed to the above meeting. Some
questions were adequately responded to at the meeting, however others
required a more detailed response in writing.
This document includes both verbal and written responses. In this instance, no
written responses were provided as issues were adequately addressed at the
meeting.
Graham Gittins asked if Council remembers that last March they voted unanimously
against the C72 Proposal?
The 2500 people who signed the petition, the 400 people who marched from
Serendip, the 650 people who sent in submissions to the panel and 300 who
attended the community meeting in November have not changed their opinion and
their opposition to this proposal.
Is Council going to give the community of Lara the respect it deserves in the planning
for the future of their town?
It would appear that more credence is being given to the developer’s wishes than
those of the township. This is a country town and we want it to remain as such. To
date the issues which have been raised by the community have not been adequately
answered.
The Mayor responded the questions will be addressed during debate when the report
is brought back to Council for further consideration.
Peter Linaker addressed Council in relation to Butadiene:
1) Are Councillors aware of the dangers of Butadiene stored in Geelong Port?
The Mayor replied, ‘yes’.
2) Are Councillors fully aware that the permit of this Council, as directed by VCAT in
2006, requires a community warning system, which has not been done?
Peter Bettess responded that he was aware of that requirement and was still trying to
ascertain the status of the community warning system.
3) Have Councillors noted that I have been addressing this matter for three months
now, and the disabling in October 2010 by Terminals Pty Ltd of the committee
involved, the TGCCC, has not yet been corrected?
The matters outstanding are restoration of a) Independent Chair; b) all TGCCC
records (6 years).

Peter Bettess responded he attended the inaugural meeting of the new Terminals
group on 9 February in the capacity of the interim nominated representative of
Council. Minutes from that meeting are in draft and will be confirmed.
Terminals are looking into having the deleted minutes reinstated on the website.
In relation to issues about accommodation: accommodation for future meetings will
be at the previous location which is the Norlane Library.
I also raised the issue of safety and a community warning system and Terminals said
they would bring to next meeting.
I did not raise the issue of the Independent Chair.
Peter Linaker also asked in relation to Agenda Item 5 – Delegations to Council Staff
– Committee Terms of Reference – Development Hearings Panel, if Council would
consider adding an additional dot point under the Summary – “any matter involving
allegations of misdemeanour by any parties”.
The Mayor responded he would take into consideration during debate of the item.
Shane Haugh submitted questions but was not present at the meeting.