Policy & Resources Committee 14 April 2015
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Policy & Resources Committee 14 April 2015 - Item 2 MINUTES OF THE SOUTH EAST AUSTRALIAN TRANSPORT STRATEGY INC EXECUTIVE MEETING HELD AT PORT WELSHPOOL, VICTORIA HOSTED BY SOUTH GIPPSLAND SHIRE COUNCIL ON THURSDAY 19 FEBRUARY 2015 COMMENCING AT 10.45 AM _________________________________________________________________________ 1. WELCOME AND ATTENDANCE The Chair welcomed members to the Executive Meeting. The Chair noted the importance of the occasion with the retirement of the outgoing Executive Officer, Chris Vardon, and the appointment of the incoming Executive Officer, John Duscher. MEMBERS POSITION Cr Jeanette Harding Mayor, South Gippsland Shire Council and SEATS Chair Cr Sue Whelan Queanbeyan City Council and SEATS Deputy Chair Chris Vardon OAM Outgoing Executive Officer John Duscher Incoming Executive Officer Gordon Charles East Gippsland Shire Council and SEATS Treasurer Mark Burnett East Gippsland Shire Council Greg Pullen Shoalhaven City Council Cr Debbie Brown Baw Baw Shire Council Cr Marianne Peltz East Gippsland Shire Council Cr Neil Burnside Eurobodalla Shire Cr Bob Wenger Wellington Shire Council MINUTES POSITION Cavell Ferrier South Gippsland Shire Council 2. APOLOGIES: Cr Bob Stewart Bombala Shire Council 3. MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING MOTION: The Minutes of the meeting held on 6 November 2014 were accepted as a true and accurate record. Moved: Greg Pullen Seconded: Cr Marianne Peltz Carried. 3. BUSINESS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES Nil. 4. EXECUTIVE OFFICER’S REPORT Chris Vardon addressed the group and reported the following:- o November to February has not been the most productive time, with holiday periods and SEATS Meeting Minutes – 19/20 February 2015 Page 1 of 12 Policy & Resources Committee 14 April 2015 - Item 2 pending elections. Directorates of all political parties in NSW have been written to, outlining the goals of SEATS and seeking support for our projects. He noted the importance of targeting political persons who have influence in decision making. o He is completing his duties as Executive Officer on 5 March 2015. John Duscher will take up the role. o The SEATS website is now online. There have been significant changes with the site which includes information about meetings, presentations, reports, etc. An interactive feature is also available where questions may be posed to the Executive Officer with responses via email. o Jindabyne Shire is enthusiastic about joining SEATS and will be a welcome addition to the SEATS group. o Priority projects are important and need to be tracked accordingly. o The Notice of Motion re Main Road 2 Beyond Nerriga Report is to be discussed tomorrow. The Chair added the following comments:- o The Labor Party representative had been invited to the meeting, however was unable to attend. Further invitations will be made in advance of SEATS gatherings. o Danny O’Brien MLC will be attending the dinner this evening and will briefly address delegates. Cr Debbie Brown reported that the next meeting is in Victoria, hosted by Baw Baw Shire Council and her office has invited several ministers to the meeting. 5. FINANCIAL REPORT Gordon Charles talked to the Treasurer’s report, which had been circulated, was received. He noted that vigorous pursuit of outstanding fees from the last financial year had been recouped. Funds have been allowed for the transition from outgoing to incoming Executive Officer. A resolution will be taken tomorrow to determine the use of the income line item of $19,170.00. It was noted that there will be not be any refund to respective governments and the funds may be used for additional studies. 6. INTRODUCTORY REMARKS BY NEWLY APPOINTED EO JOHN DUSCHER John Duscher addressed the group. He reported that the transition has commenced and he has had helpful discussions with Chris Vardon. John reported that he is pleased to have the opportunity to take up the role and will embrace the challenges with enthusiasm. He added that he is familiar with SEATS members and affiliated organizations; having been a member from the first days. He believes that SEATS is meeting its mission and vision very well, with much work still to be done. Chair responded that it was a unanimous decision to appoint John Duscher from a group of exceptionally fine applicants. John’s passion for SEATS will give him the chance of filling the considerable shoes of the outgoing EO, Chris Vardon. SEATS Meeting Minutes – 19/20 February 2015 Page 2 of 12 Policy & Resources Committee 14 April 2015 - Item 2 7. OTHER BUSINESS Cr Debbie Brown queried the term of Chairperson with a maximum of two years in the role before a change. Chris Vardon responded that for this to occur, a change to the Constitution is required. This requires 28 days notice to all members before the Annual General Meeting in August. MOTION: That the draft notice of motion to be submitted to the AGM regarding term of Chairperson (Chair and Deputy Chair) be tabled at the Executive Meeting in May for consideration. Moved: Greg Pullen Seconded: Cr Sue Whelan Carried. There being no further business, the meeting closed at 11.45 am. SEATS Meeting Minutes – 19/20 February 2015 Page 3 of 12 Policy & Resources Committee 14 April 2015 - Item 2 MINUTES OF THE SOUTH EAST AUSTRALIAN TRANSPORT STRATEGY INC GENERAL MEETING HELD AT PORT WELSHPOOL, VICTORIA HOSTED BY SOUTH GIPPSLAND SHIRE COUNCIL ON THURSDAY 19 AND FRIDAY 20 FEBRUARY 2015 COMMENCING AT 1.00 PM _________________________________________________________________________ 1. WELCOME: The Chair, Cr Jeanette Harding, welcomed members to the General Meeting. 2. ATTENDANCE: MEMBERS POSITION Cr Jeanette Harding Mayor, South Gippsland Shire Council and SEATS Chair Cr Sue Whelan Queanbeyan City Council and SEATS Deputy Chair Chris Vardon OAM Outgoing Executive Officer John Duscher Incoming Executive Officer Gordon Charles East Gippsland Shire Council and SEATS Treasurer Mark Burnett East Gippsland Shire Council Greg Pullen Shoalhaven City Council Cr Debbie Brown Baw Baw Shire Council Cr Marianne Peltz East Gippsland Shire Council Cr Neil Burnside Eurobodalla Shire Cr Bob Wenger Wellington Shire Council Bill Ellison Palerang Council Cr Paul Cockram Palerang Council John Ernst South Gippsland Shire Council Paul Stampton South Gippsland Shire Council Ken Fraser South Gippsland Shire Council Tim Tamlin CEO, South Gippsland Shire Council Phil Cantillon Baw Baw Shire Council Mike Hyde Wollongong City Council Harvey Dinelli DEDJTR Greg Hatt Gippsland Ports Cr Clare Le Serve Bass Coast Shire Council Warren Sharpe Eurobodalla Shire Cr Rob Pollock RDA – FSC Cr Patricia White Shoalhaven City Council Cr John Murray Shellharbour City Council Stuart Clark GHD Graham Brisbane GHD Cr Bill Taylor Bega Valley Shire Council Mayor Michael Britten Bega Valley Shire Council Wayne Sartori Bega Valley Shire Council Chris Hastie Wellington Shire Council Cr Denzil Sturgiss Goulburn Mulwaree Council Cr Graeme Middlemiss Latrobe City Council Phil Stone Latrobe City Council Mark Williams Sanmar Consulting Sandy Williams Sanmar Consulting Peter Francis Bass Coast Shire Council SEATS Meeting Minutes – 19/20 February 2015 Page 4 of 12 Policy & Resources Committee 14 April 2015 - Item 2 Cr James Wheelwright Upper Lachlan Shire Council Phil Newham Upper Lachlan Shire Council Kenn Beer Safe System Solutions Pty Ltd Brad Close Victorian Transport Association Stuart Clark GHD Graham Brisbane GHD GUEST SPEAKER POSITION Brad Close Victorian Transport Association A/Prof Robert Faggian Deakin University MINUTES POSITION Cavell Ferrier South Gippsland Shire Council 3. APOLOGIES: Felicity Sist Bass Coast Shire Council Michael Lamperd Bega Cheese Nola Bansgrove OAM Bransgrove Freight Fiona Hatcher RDAFSC Andy Beldom GHD Cr Bob Kirk Goulburn Mulwaree Council Noel McCann Canberra Airport Kathryn Scarano Canberra Airport Phil Hansen Queanbeyan City Council Cr Marianne Saliba Shoalhaven City Council Lesley Scarlett Southern Councils Group Mark Williams Sanmar Consulting Sandy Williams Sanmar Consulting David Wilson RMS Dom Figliomeni NSW Ports Cr Judy Hannan Wollondilly Council 4. MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING MOTION: The Minutes of the meeting held on 6 and 7 November 2014 were accepted as a true and accurate record with the following amendments:- Add Greg Pullen and Cr Marianne Saliba to the attendance list. Typographical error on p.20, section 11 – Minister for Roads is Duncan Gay. Moved: Greg Pullen Seconded: Cr Debbie Brown Carried. SEATS Meeting Minutes – 19/20 February 2015 Page 5 of 12 Policy & Resources Committee 14 April 2015 - Item 2 5. BUSINESS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES EXECUTIVE OFFICER – RETIREMENT OF CHRIS VARDON OAM The Chair expressed sadness at the retirement of the outgoing EO, Chris Vardon but was pleased to announce the appointment of John Duscher as new EO. The Chair invited Warren Sharpe to say a few words. Warren stated that Chris has been a personal mentor to him and a dear and respected friend. Chris has an OAM for his services to local government and had been Mayor of Warren’s council for several years. His leadership and ability to build relationships and strategic expertise has been invaluable in his role as EO of SEATS. Warren shared some anecdotes of his association with Chris which brought a smile to delegate’s faces. Warren acknowledged the support of Chris’ wife, Judy, behind the scenes and wished Chris and Judy all the best for the future. A copy of a press release issued by Eurobodalla Shire will be available on the SEATS website. Deputy Chair, Sue Whelan, then addressed the group. Sue has known Chris since his Eurobodalla days. Chris leaves a great legacy in NSW in local government and in the community. Sue also thanked Judy for her unwavering support of Chris. Sue stated she would treasure her friendship with Chris and Judy. The Deputy Chair presented a Certificate of Appreciation to Chris Vardon in recognition of his dedicated service to SEATS and its membership in the south east Australian region. The Treasurer, Gordon Charles reiterated the sentiments of Warren and the Deputy Chair and presented Chris with a gift.