Media Releases

The achievements of Cairns Regional Council in the arts and cultural sector have been highlighted at a Special Meeting to discuss the future of the performing arts in Cairns.

A review of the outcomes of Council's 2009-2014 Cultural Plan shows that more than three-quarters of the 55 identified strategic actions have been completed, with a further 15 per cent currently under way.

The Plan was based on six areas of strategic focus: Arts Industry Development, Festivals and Events, Cultural Facilities, Cultural Tourism, Cultural Development and Urban Vitality and Suburban Improvement.

Vacancy rate falls in Bendigo CBD

The vacancy rate in Bendigo’s CBD has fallen to 3.5 per cent over the past six months, according to data released today by the City of Greater Bendigo.

City Place Manager, Philip DeAraugo, said that six months ago the commercial floor space vacancy rate was 4.5 per cent. The average vacancy rate across other regional cities is around eight per cent.

“Our falling vacancy rate highlights a significant level of confidence in the CBD as a place to shop, work, eat and enjoy a great coffee,” Mr DeAraugo said.

Whitehorse Manningham Libraries wins Best Annual Report

Whitehorse Manningham Regional Library Corporation has won the award for the ‘Best Library Corporation Annual Report’ at the Municipal Association of Victoria’s (MAV) 2015 Annual Report Awards. 

Whitehorse Councillor Helen Harris OAM said the library team had worked hard on producing an outstanding Annual Report and was well deserving of the MAV award. 

“The quality of Whitehorse Manningham Libraries’ Annual Report and the subsequent award are testimony to the organisation’s passion, pride and professionalism,” Cr Harris said.

Council endorses plan for open space contributions

Melbourne City Council last night endorsed Planning Scheme Amendment C209 which would require developers to pay fixed public open space contributions of either land or cash for new projects.

Lord Mayor Robert Doyle said Council will now submit Planning Scheme Amendment C209 to the Minister for Planning for approval.

“This amendment will help Council to deliver on our Open Space Strategy by securing funding and land for parks, recreation areas and open spaces across the municipality,” the Lord Mayor said.

“With more people choosing to live in apartments, the provision of high-quality public open space is more important now than ever.”