Agenda and minutes

There were no Mayoral Announcements for this meeting.

In accordance with Chapter 7, Rule 4, of the Governance Rules developed by Council in accordance with section 60 of the Local Government Act 2020.

In accordance with Chapter 7, Rule 4, of the Governance Rules developed by Council in accordance with section 60 of the Local Government Act 2020.

Cr Cox declared a material conflict of interest in Item 10.2, Councillor Expenditure Policy - Reimbursement of Expenses for Cr Cox, as the item refers to

reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses.

In accordance with Chapter 3, Rules 57 and 59, of the Governance Rules developed by Council in accordance with section 60 of the Local Government Act 2020.

In accordance with Chapter 3, Rules 57 and 59, of the Governance Rules developed by Council in accordance with section 60 of the Local Government Act 2020.

QUESTION 1

Tina Dalen, a resident of Lilydale, asked: 

According to the YR Health and Wellbeing Plan 2021-2025, social connection is one of the key determinants of mental well-being. Among other things, this Plan was designed to promote a *sense of belonging and *acceptance of diversity.

However, actions were contrary to the plan, causing isolation and discrimination.

Page 106 of this Plan, is predicting future lockdowns:

How does the council plan to handle such lockdowns?

How will the strategy differ from the historical contradiction of the plan?

Jane Price, Director Communities:

Thank you for your question, Tina,

The determination of any future lockdowns is outside the discretion of local government and as such Council would rely upon the direction of the state government in managing any such situation.

Council is unable to answer the second question as it assumes awareness or knowledge of something that is unknown.

QUESTION 2

Suzanne Siciliano, a resident of Healesville, asked: 

Section 4b Local Government Act 2020 states you're a representative body & accountable, to whom are you accountable?

You must be transparent, collaborative, efficient & engaged with your community. Do you believe you're demonstrating this?

Andrew Hilson, Director Corporate Services

Thank you for your question, Suzanne,

Ultimately Local Governments exists to serve and support all people in their local communities. Councillors are democratically elected representatives who have been chosen by their Ward constituents to represent them.

We believe we are transparent, accountable and communicate clearly and honestly.

You have also asked a question regarding similarities between the 20-minute cities model and the United Nations – this question was answered at the 28 February 2023 Council Meeting, the minutes of which are available via Council’s website.

QUESTION 3

Anita Prowse, a resident of Woori Yallock, asked: 

Why does the Shire continue to blatantly lie about the equestrian clubs at Wesburn Park being in agreeance with the decisions on the Shire's proposals for the Park? I am one of the Clubs and have been VERY vocal about my extreme disagreeance at every possible moment. Yarra Ranges Planning Scheme (open land) land use compatibility says "accommodate community sports facilities in a way that is NOT DETREMENTAL TO OTHER PARK ACTIVITIES" when will you stop speaking untruths about club views?

Hjalmar Philipp, Director Build Environment & Infrastructure

Thank you for your question, Anita,

We do not agree that we have misrepresented the clubs’ view.

During the development of the Wesburn Park Master Plan, consultation occurred with all Wesburn Park user groups, with a variety of views captured. On balance, the plan that was adopted by Council with the proposed additions, encouraged greater community use of this important park acknowledging competing demands for this open space Importantly, any project that arises as a result of the Master Plan will have its own detailed planning and consultation process, where any specific  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8.

In accordance with Chapter 3, Rule 60, of the Governance Rules developed by Council in accordance with section 60 of the Local Government Act 2020.

In accordance with Chapter 3, Rule 60, of the Governance Rules developed by Council in accordance with section 60 of the Local Government Act 2020.

SUMMARY

The following late petition have been received:

General Petitions

1.         That Council reconsider the removal of the ancient gumtree located at 3457a Warburton Highway, Warburton and look at other alternatives to keep a part of history for our town.

In accordance with Governance Rule 58, Raveena Keller spoke in support of the recommendation included in the officer report.

SUMMARY

The Warburton Mountain Bike Destination Project (the Project) will provide a world-class mountain bike trail development that will promote an active and healthy community and an economic boost to the visitor economy.

The draft planning scheme Amendment C198 documentation was advertised as part of the formal exhibition process of the Warburton Mountain Bike Destination Environment Effects Statement (EES). As part of this formal process submissions were invited on both the EES and the planning scheme amendment.

On 28 October 2022, the Minister for Planning completed an assessment of the Project’s effects under the Environment Effects Act 1978, following the release of the report from the Inquiry and Advisory Committee (IAC) that conducted a public hearing from 15 March 2022 to 7 April 2022, to consider the 2707 submissions received on the project following its public exhibition. Of those approximately 2400 were submissions in support of the project.

The next step in the statutory approval process required to facilitate the construction of the project is the finalisation of a planning scheme amendment (Amendment C198).

Amendment C198 proposes to:

·               Apply a Specific Controls Overlay (SCO16) to the Warburton Mountain Bike Destination Project Land to provide a comprehensive statutory planning control to facilitate the construction and operation of the Project.  The SCO is a planning scheme provision that can be used rather than multiple separate planning permits that would be otherwise required under various provisions of the Yarra Ranges Planning Scheme;

·               Amend the schedule to Clause 45.12 (Specific Controls Overlay) to insert a new Schedule 16 and a new Incorporated Document titled “Warburton Mountain Bike Destination Project Incorporated Document, March 2022”, that sets out various conditions and plans that must be provided and met before the construction phase; and

As the amendment is one of Regional significance and has been considered through an exhibition and hearing process, it is proposed to request the Minister for Planning to use their powers of intervention under Section 20(4) of the Planning and Environment Act 1987 to prepare, adopt and approve the amendment to the Yarra Ranges Planning Scheme.

In accordance with Governance Rule 58, Andrew Caspar spoke in support of the recommendation included in the officer report.

SUMMARY

The Local Government Act 2020 (the Act) governs the reimbursement of expenses for Councillors and members of a delegated committee. This requires Council to reimburse reasonable, bona fide out-of-pocket expenses incurred while performing their respective roles.

The Councillor Expenditure Policy (the Policy) requires all claims for the reimbursement of expenses to be made within three months of the date an expense has been incurred.

Claims submitted that fall outside this three-month period must be considered by Council.

In accordance with the Policy, approval is sought to reimburse out-of-pocket expenses relating to travel, to the value of $302.58 incurred by Cr Cox during the period 18 October 2022 to 2 November 2022.

Cr Cox declared a material conflict of interest in Item 10.2, Councillor Expenditure Policy - Reimbursement of Expenses for Cr Cox, as the item refers to reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses.

Cr Cox left the meeting at 7.48pm prior to the vote being taken.

Cr Cox returned to the meeting at 7.50pm following a vote being taken.

SUMMARY

Council invests in community wellbeing through its grant programs. The four-year Partnership Program offers service providers, community groups and cultural organisations the opportunity to secure funding to support delivery of vital community services and activities. This important support for community wellbeing is generally not within Council’s role to directly deliver. The outcomes delivered through the program align with Council’s strategic direction.

This report presents the recommendations for the 2023-2027 Partnership Program for Council endorsement. These are based on the independent panels’ deliberations and assessment and the panels’ endorsement of additional funding for the programs to better match their assessments.

Council received 52 eligible applications in two funding streams:

·                Connected and Healthy Communities (27) and Creative Communities (25)

The recommendations for Year 1, total $558,000.00. After Council endorsement an investment in communities of $2,232,000.00 will be made during the four-years of the program. This includes an additional $59,500 per year above the currently allocated budget of $498,500 to better align with the Panels’ assessments.

Following Council’s decision, the successful applicants will be notified, and the 2023-2027 Partnership Program and payments will commence in July 2023.

SUMMARY

With support from Council, Yarra Ranges Tourism (YRT) was formally established in 2006 following the merger of two organisations, Destination Yarra Valley Dandenong Ranges (former Tourism Board) and the Yarra Valley Brand Inc. Since that time, Council has supported YRT, Yarra Valley Wine Growers Association trading as Wine Yarra Valley (WYV) and the Yarra Valley Regional Food Group (YVRFG) through a Partnering Agreement to enable unified strategic branding and marketing, and to secure the region’s position as a major regional destination in Australia.

Three annual extensions to Council’s existing 4-year Partnership Agreement (1 July 2016 to 30 June 2020) have been endorsed by Council to allow for the Victorian Government to provide clarity regarding the transition from Regional Tourism Boards (RTB) to a Visitor Economy Partnerships (VEP) model. The current Partnering Agreement with YRT and partners concludes on 30 June 2023.

A detailed transition plan or timeframe is not yet available from the Victorian Government and following the review (refer Attachment 1) of the YRT Partnering Agreement it is recommended Council continue to support the YRT partnership, through a new 3-year agreement until 30 June 2026, or until the VEP transition, should that commence sooner.

SUMMARY

This report identifies two proposed projects to be approved by Council for submission to the Sport and Recreation Victoria’s 2022-23 Country Football Netball Program.  These projects are to improve the netball court surface, fencing and lighting at Morrison Reserve, Mount Evelyn and the lighting at Belgrave Recreation Reserve.  Both these projects are identified priorities based on factors such as access, participation, compliance and, safety.

A maximum total of $250,000 is potentially available from this program. It is proposed Council provide a contribution from its Capital Expenditure Program to fund the balance (resulting in a $1:$1 ratio).

SUMMARY

This report presents to Council for approval the final cost of works for the Jellicoe Avenue, Monbulk Road Improvement Works Special Charge Scheme.

SUMMARY

This report presents to Council for approval the final cost of works for the Martin Street (from Merrigum Lane to no.26), Belgrave Road Improvement Works Special Charge Scheme.

In accordance with Chapter 3, Division 4, of the Governance Rules developed by Council in accordance with section 60 of the Local Government Act 2020.

In accordance with Chapter 3, Division 4, of the Governance Rules developed by Council in accordance with section 60 of the Local Government Act 2020.

There were no Councillor motions listed on the agenda for this meeting.

12.1 Australian White Ibis Population

Cr McAllister raised concerns regarding the increase in population of the Australian White Ibis in Healesville, and noted the community impact, on both recreation activities and health. Cr McAllister noted the Healesville Action Group has commenced the development of a wildlife management plan in conjunction with the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action.

Cr Cox:

-       Attended the Environmental Volunteers Event held on 25 March 2023 in Woori Yallock. Cr Cox noted the attendance of former Councillors Noel Cliff and Betty Marsden at the event. The Mayor and Cr Skelton also attended the event.

-       Attended the Lilydale Adventist Church opening held on 25 March 2023 in Lilydale.

Cr Skelton:

-       Attended the Hills Regional Community Recovery Committee (RCRC) meeting and information session held on 16 March 2023.

-       Attended the 100 Year Anniversary of Belgrave Fire Brigade - CFA held on 25 March 2023 in Belgrave.

Cr Higgins:

-       Attended the Celebrate Mooroolbark event held on 19-18 March 2023. Cr Todorov also attended the event.

In accordance with Clause 87 of the Meeting Procedures and Use of Common Seal Local Law 2015, as prescribed by Section 14(2)(c) of the Local Government Act 2020.

In accordance with Clause 87 of the Meeting Procedures and Use of Common Seal Local Law 2015, as prescribed by Section 14(2)(c) of the Local Government Act 2020.

There were no Documents for Signing and Sealing received for this meeting.

In accordance with Chapter 3 Rule 24 of the Governance Rules developed by Council in accordance with section 60 of the Local Government Act 2020.

There was no Urgent Business received for this meeting.

In accordance with section 66(2)(a) of the Local Government Act 2020.

In accordance with section 66(2)(a) of the Local Government Act 2020.

There were no Confidential Items listed on the agenda for this meeting