General News
28 July, 2023
Footpath move fizzles at first move
MOVES to grant a 12-month fee waiver on footpath permit fees quickly fizzled around a depleted Loddon Shire Council table on Tuesday. Cr Wendy Murphy failed to gain a seconder for her notice of motion lodged after backlash from traders to...
MOVES to grant a 12-month fee waiver on footpath permit fees quickly fizzled around a depleted Loddon Shire Council table on Tuesday.
Cr Wendy Murphy failed to gain a seconder for her notice of motion lodged after backlash from traders to council’s letter a fortnight ago on compliance to display shop signs and goods and new fees.
With councillors Neil Beattie and Gavan Holt out of the council chamber - both declared a conflict of interest in the motion - the council table was left with a bare-minimum quorum.
And with governance rules not allowing Mayor Dan Straub to second the motion, it was left to Cr Linda Jungwirth who told the meeting she would not support the motion.
Cr Straub then declared the motion had lapsed after failing to obtain a seconder.
When Cr Jungwirth wanted to later explain her reasons for opposing the move, Cr Straub said the opportunity for debate has passed.
Under new fees, some traders are facing a 200 per cent hike to continue with footpath displays.
Cr Murphy said her motion was to have allowed traders time to budget for the expense and comply with regulations.
Council’s operations director Steven Phillips and local laws and planning compliance officer David Price met with Inglewood Development and Tourism Committee on Thursday.
“All shop owners or interested parties are invited to attend to ask questions or listen to the background of the recent letter from council regarding displays and furniture positioning on footpaths, the Disability Discrimination Act and permits and fees,” said secretary Pauline Wellman.
FULL REPORT IN NEXT WEEK'S LODDON HERALD