Community Feedback Sought on Two Council Policies

Coorong District Council is seeking community feedback on Coorong District Council’s Draft Flag Flying Policy and revised Community Grants, Sponsorship & Funding Policy.

At the ordinary Council meeting held on 21 November 2023, Council considered a new draft policy which aims to establish a consistent approach to the flying of flags on flag poles under Council’s care and control. Flags are flown as a symbol of the pride Council and its citizens have in their country, diversity and community.

The key points of the draft Flag flying policy:

• Identifies the number and location of flag poles under Council’s care and control.
• Sets a standard protocol for flying flags at each location.
• Sets protocols for when flags may be flown at half mast.
• Sets protocols for decision making when requests are received to fly alternative flags or for the flags to be flown at half mast.

At the ordinary Council meeting held on 19 December 2023, Council considered a revision of the Community Grants, Sponsorship & Funding Policy.

The revised policy accommodates changes to the Community Grants Program:

• One round per financial year for the Community Grants Program
• Introduction of weighting to the assessment of Community Grants Program applications
• Introducing new simplified forms with refined questions and the ability to complete online
• An increase in the CEO’s delegation to approve sponsorship requests from $100 to $500

In addition to the Community Grants Program, the revised policy proposes to include the addition of provisions for water at sporting ovals and access to public toilet facilities across the district.

Introduction of provisions for water at sporting ovals

The introduction of water provisions in the policy will ensure an equitable level of service for sporting ovals across the district by removing financial disadvantages incurred due to the payment of water. The policy additions include:

• An annual water provision of no greater than 6,500kl will be provided to eligible sporting ovals at no charge.
• The provisions will not affect those already receiving a level of water provisions from Council.
• Applications will be open all year and reviewed annually.

Introduction of provisions for public amenities

Public amenities not owned or managed by Council will now be able to seek the benefit of financial, consumable or in-kind contributions from Council.

• Public facilities owned by incorporated community groups or organisation will be able to seek no greater than $1,000 contribution towards cleaning requirements and one annual pump out at no cost.
• Currently leased, Council owned or managed land and associated public facilities will be able to receive provisions of no greater than $2,000 and one annual pump out at no cost.
• Multi year (up to 3) applications for the provision of public amenities will be accepted.

Feedback is now invited from the community, and consultation will remain open until 9am on Monday, 26 February 2024. Further reports will be presented to Council in March 2024 summarising community feedback and enabling a final endorsement of the policies.

Feedback is welcomed through the following methods:

• Completing an online feedback form at www.coorong.sa.gov.au
• Providing feedback in person at one of Council’s Customer Service Centres
• By email: council@coorong.sa.gov.au
• By post: PO Box 399, Tailem Bend, SA 5260

Interested parties wishing to find out more can visit Coorong District Council’s website to view the policies, or contact the Council by phoning 1300 785 277 or email council@coorong.sa.gov.au.

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Contact:

Bridget Mather
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER | COORONG DISTRICT COUNCIL
Phone: 1300 785 277 | E: bmather@coorong.sa.gov.au