Reporter Shana Morgan will be tweeting and posting at the council meeting from 6.30pm. Follow her @shana_morgan.

The full agenda is at the bottom of this page. 

9.23pm: After a marathon two hours and 40 minutes, we’re all wrapped up here from the council meeting.

9.07pm: Cr Gaffney wants a firewood policy following revelations in this David Johnston story in Saturday’s The Border Mail. “We’re just looking for equity across the shire for those in need.” The motion was lost.

8.51pm: Cr Teissl has moved the council divest its financial assets which support fossil fuel industries and look into options for how to make it happen. “It’s a pity it’s called a divestment, when it’s really an investment in our future.”

Cr Gaffney wants more information before casting his vote. “Without coal, there wouldn’t be a light to turn out.”

Cr O’Connor: “The impact of burning fossil fuels is causing global warming … it’s actually critical we do everything we can.” Wants the council to send a clear message of support.

Cr Trenery has used his deciding vote to pass an amendment for council officers to prepare a report for how transition of divestment would be implemented, rather than supporting divestment as a principle tonight.

8.36pm: Indigo Council will hold a civic reception for 30 to 40 dignitaries at the Lions District Convention on October 21. About 350 tourists expected in Rutherglen for the event.

Cr Gaffney asks the council not contribute the $500 which was proposed to be used for food and drinks. “They’ve got money in the bank themselves, they haven’t asked for any money.” He says they should get a cup of tea and a lamington rather than a bucket of beer. He doesn’t get any support.

Cr Roberta Horne says there was an expectation of some council contribution for the event. “It’s a worthwhile project.”

Cr Croucher: “This is an opportunity for Indigo to showcase itself … they will go up to Beechworth, they will go up to Yack, they will go all over the place.”

8.33pm: Memorials to the late Don Chambers: A component of the Rutherglen Economic Revitalisation Project be named in his honour and a memorial seat will be placed at the Rutherglen Gold Battery.

Cr Gaffney: “Don had such a love for that Gold Battery and had such a desire to get it up.”

8.32pm: Motion carried to support being a participant in the Local Government Victoria sponsored Timor Leste Fellowship Program by hosting an exchange of Timor Leste officers in 2016-17. Council’s financial contribution to the committee is $3000.

8.30pm: Cr Croucher wants to include more social media in community engagement policy. “It’s certainly the way to spread our message. (No arguments from this live-blogger)

8.23pm: Cr O’Connor has concerns about levels of water diminishing at Cue Springs Water Extraction facility – hydrologist wants to monitor creeks and springs around the site rather than Goulburn Murray Water just looking at bores. Council will write to minister.

8.12pm: Rutherglen Rural Living Strategy discussion – area to the north of Rutherglen will be rezoned from farming to rural activity zone. Carried unanimously. 

8.05pm: Discussion around proposed cartage contractors depot in Indigo Valley. Cr O’Connor queries 14 B-Double trucks being involved in a business not involving agriculture, located in a farming zone.

Cr Emmerick Teissl: “It has caused a fair bit of angst in the community.”

Was main topic at Barnawartha forum. Application has come to the council with stringent conditions to protect residents with concerns after issue went through VCAT process. Passed by council after only Cr O’Connor was against.

8.02pm: The item we’ve (OK “I’ve”) been waiting for – glamping! Recommendation to refuse planning application for Beechworth caravan park has been passed without discussion. Next item...

7.56pm: Beechworth PO Box being relocated from Camp Street around the corner. Cr Gaffney: “It’s probably the most important heritage issue in Beechworth at the moment.”

7.52pm: Council has resolved to abolish the Lake Sambell committee of management. Committee members thanked for their work. 

Cr O’Connor says the area has become too big to be managed outside of the council, but still want their input. “Things have changed since that committee was established.”

7.47pm: Mobile black spot update:

7.28pm: Cr Bernard Gaffney has questioned if councillors associated with the Lions Club can make requests of the council which then benefit the club. Mr Pinkerton says it’s a “grey area” and depends on what level of positions councillors hold in the club.

Cr Trenery says he volunteers for community and sporting groups, including the Lions, and should not be excluded from decisions in all those areas.

7.23pm: Stanley’s roads being used more because of water tankers. Director Ian Elliett: “We’re certainly working with them to establish the pre-existing condition of the roads.”

Request for public toilets being made available at Stanley tourism sites – “Visitors are using the bush around to relieve themselves.” Council will do research.

7.09pm: Question why Beechworth and Yackandandah not part of Tourism North East adverts and initiatives (such as hot air balloons from Milawa in Wangaratta Council area).

Mr Smith says all LGAs contribute money to Tourism NE, visitor Info Centre operated by the council. Director Greg Pinkerton says Rutherglen wineries also received funding through new initiatives scheme. “They’re certainly working with programs through the whole shire.”

Fired up tourism operators still not happy with plan to review the operation of visitor information centres in the shire. Councillors accused of being too scared to answer questions.

The Border Mail’s Anthony Bunn looked at this issue back in March.

7pm: Question on the timeframe for an industrial centre at Barnawartha following a report. CEO Gerry Smith denies the council is ignoring the report: “The work that’s being done will be built upon … these things do take time.”

6.49pm: Allan Davis asks why petition for work on Woolshed Road was knocked back. “Why do you send tourists down our bloody road for?” 

Cr O’Connor agrees the road is “a shocker”. “If we had more money we would fix all of them, we have to prioritise.” Rate capping and freeze on federal grant indexation makes it hard.

6.46pm: Cr Jenny O’Connor says being Greens candidate for Indi will not affect her role on the council. “I won’t be stepping down. I was elected to this position and I have a responsibility, especially during budget week.”

6.44pm: Mayor James Trenery reading a statement for National Reconciliation Week. “I want to acknowledge this week and the sentiment behind it and I want to pay tribute to the late Don Chambers who led the way in council flying the flag.”

6.42pm: Cr Peter Croucher is playing the national anthem on his piano accordion, which means it's time to get underway here at the Indigo Shire meeting.

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Agenda: