Councillor David Carter has posed a series of questions to Council for their first meeting of the year on Tuesday, asking for updates for the community on various projects.
The questions and responses are as follows:
When will the give way sign be erected at the intersection of Brabins and Eurongilly Roads?
Response: a reviewed intersection layout will go back to the Traffic Committee prior to them being erected. While Transport accepted the recommendation at the Traffic Committee meeting, they also indicated the risk is on Council. Given this, and the “wideness of the intersection” the Engineering Team is reviewing the line marking design at the intersection for further consideration by the Traffic Committee.
When will the donations/suggestions boxes be erected at the Bethungra Dam and Sandy Beach Reserve?
Response: this work has been scheduled to be completed along with other works in the area. The walking trail project will be delivered early in the next financial year and it is most cost effective to add the donation box while the team is working locally. Has a weed management plan be implemented for the Bethungra Dam?
Response: yes, large numbers of blackberry have been sprayed around the main reserve area. Addi-tional spraying is scheduled for below the dam wall to coincide with the project work scheduled for next financial year. What is happening with the Junee Shire Advisory Committee?
Response: The Junee Shire Advisory Committee has been operating with a structure that, unfortunately, has not fully addressed the broader objectives outlined in its terms of reference. Over time, there have been challenges with member attendance, with meetings often just meeting the quorum requirements. This has occasionally impacted the effectiveness of the discussions held.
Additionally, there have been instances where members have brought personal matters to the table, which, while important, may not align with the core focus of the committee’s work intended by its formation. To ensure that the Advisory Committee can best meet its terms of reference, it is crucial that we take some additional time to reassess the committee’s structure. This process will help determine how best to refine its operations, enhance member engagement, and ensure that the committee’s activities are aligned with the key objectives of the Council and the community. We look forward to engaging with all members in a constructive manner as we work toward improving the overall effectiveness of the Advisory Committee. Additionally, Councillor Andrew Clinton also asked: “could you please inform me if the Junee Shire has a buy local policy? If so, where can I obtain a copy of the policy? If there is no such policy, could you please explain why not?”
Response: Council has a Purchase of Goods and Services Policy which describes the way in which we select who we purchase from for procurement of goods and services. This is an internal policy not a public policy. This includes a focus area on the enhancement of the capabilities of local business and industry. This feeds into two specific clauses: establishing and using a register of pre-qualified suppliers: This includes a requirement to encourage the ability of local business to supply the goods or services needed by the local Government. [And] Local Content Weighting for all tender assessments: A local content weighting of 10 percent minimum is used for all tender evaluation. In reality, given the type of composite Council/Contractor work we do, we primarily use local contractors.
-Jack Murray
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