Parking, pool, and planning headline council meeting

Mansfield Shire Council met last week for its August ordinary meeting, discussing planning matters, parking infringement penalties, Christmas decorations, and upgrades at the Mansfield Aquatic Centre. Mayor Cr Steve Rabie opened the meeting by raising concerns about the cost of a recent Rural Councils Victoria meeting in Yarrawonga. He told councillors he chose not to attend to save ratepayers’ money, saying Rural Councils Victoria were charging “an excessive fee for the night and for a boat trip and for accommodation.” Gawk Outdoor, an out-of-home media company, appeared before council seeking approval to erect a billboard on Chenery Street. The company had previously sought to erect a billboard on Dead Horse Lane earlier this year, an application that was not approved following community opposition. At the August meeting, a representative of the company said objections to a new 18 square metre billboard were unfounded, arguing the signage would provide a tool for local business to reach consumers. When asked for supporting evidence, the company did not provide any, and councillors declined the application. Crs Treasure and Clark endorsed the work of the planning department, calling the decision the appropriate outcome for the community. A developer then sought an exemption from the Public Open Space Contribution for a nine-building development at 240 Malcolm Street. The developer argued against the five per cent contribution, saying two per cent would be more appropriate. Council upheld the five per cent requirement, ruling the development did not qualify for an exemption. Parking Infringement Notices (PINs) were also discussed. Councillors were told the current penalty of $41 was not seen as sufficient to deter deliberate breaches. CEO Kirsten Alexander said the proposed change would not be a large increase. “We get quite a bit of anecdotal feedback from the community about concerns with people parking,” she said. “Particularly at this time of year when we get high levels of visitation to Mansfield. “While we don't want to discourage visitors from coming, we do need a reasonable disincentive against doing the wrong thing. “The penalty going to $102 (the current penalty is $41) will hopefully discourage people from doing the wrong thing.” General Manager of Investment and Planning Melissa Crane said Mansfield needed to be in line with other municipalities. “By having a penalty that is significantly lower, it looks like we don't take parking enforcement as seriously as other municipalities,” she said. “Which is not a message we want to send.” Council voted to raise PIN penalties. Cr James Tehan said he supported the motion but cautioned against introducing it without adequate notice. “I will support the motion,” he said. “But I can see that there could be a few issues here if these penalties change and all of a sudden people are being whacked with fines. “We should perhaps have a period where these changes are very well advertised for a couple of months before they come into effect.” Council also noted a $1 million grant from the Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions (DJSIR) for upgrades at the Mansfield Aquatic Centre under the Learner Accessible Pool Scheme (LAPS). Council approved the funding agreement and confirmed a co-contribution of $750,741 over three financial years. Cr Tim Berenyi moved the motion to increase the co-contribution, noting his own history of using the facility. “I know the dream of the town is to have a new indoor year-round aquatic center," he said. “But huge building and operational costs will go along with that. “Any works (to the existing pool) will do a significant amount to improve accessibility for existing pool users while hopefully attracting some new users who aren't able to access it at the moment.” Cr Mandy Treasure added that she hoped the increased funding would mean locals do not have to drive to Benalla for children’s swimming lessons over winter. A public question was raised by Ms Greenwood regarding Christmas decorations. “Could more budget be allocated for Christmas decorations in 2025?” she asked, noting she had seen very few decorations in 2024. Cr Mandy Treasure read council's response, thanking Ms Greenwood for her interest and advising that preparations were underway for Christmas 2025.

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