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.

There were no disclosures of conflicts of interest made for this meeting.

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 2

QUESTION 1

Kelvin Granger & Dean Hurlstonasked;

Can council please advise the dollar ($) amount of "cost shifting from State Government" they estimate they incurred in 2022/23 Financial Year?

Andrew Hilson, Director Corporate Services:

Thank you for your question.

Over recent year Council has experienced a range of cost pressure in delivering essential Council services in partnership, or on behalf of State Government.

In many instances the ability to delivery these services has been dependant on Council absorbing additional operational and service improvement costs.

Services that Council has consistently experienced rising cost pressure without equitable State Government funding support include, but aren’t limited to;

·                School crossing supervisors

·                Maternal Child Health Services

·                Early years infrastructure planning

·                Public, environmental, and preventative health services

·                Libraries

·                Meeting the circular economy and

·                Sustainability targets.   

The full cost pressures associated with addressing these rising cost pressures without equitable State Government funding support aren’t fully known and would be difficult to measure accurately.

QUESTION 2

Peter Preuss, of Woori Yallock asked;

Yarra Ranges is well known as an area which showcases a wonderful natural environment. People come to the area for the beauty of the region and wealth of flora and fauna that locals enjoy every day.

Council has a proven record of environmental leadership in caring for flora and fauna. Will Yarra Ranges Council

1. reject the commercial exploitation of kangaroos within the municipality?

AND

2. commit to developing a Municipal Kangaroo Management Plan that reflects that position?

Nathan Islip, Director Planning and Sustainable Futures:

Thank you for your question, Peter.

Council appreciates your concern for the kangaroos, given their inherent status as integral to the landscape and as a protected native species. Council supports the protection of kangaroos in line with State Government legislation, the Wildlife Act 1975. Council values all our native species and is concerned for the available habitat for our native species, including kangaroos. Council are keenly aware of the pressures kangaroos face, including urban development, competition for habitat and feed sources from pest species such as deer. 

Council is currently developing a Nature Plan focussed on protecting our biodiversity which includes programs for the protection of our native species, such as kangaroos. Given the imminent publication of the Nature Plan, which includes protection programs for native species, there are no current plans to develop a Municipal Kangaroo Management Plan. However we will update our website with education content to ensure our community are aware of how to live with native wildlife and protection measures for kangaroos.  

The Mayor requested Officers to prepare a briefing for Councillors on the matter.

QUESTION 3

Jeanette McRae of Healesville asked;

The annual Victorian Community Satisfaction Survey (CSS) creates a vital interface between councils and their community providing community views on Council’s overall performance; value for money in services and infrastructure; community consultation and engagement; decisions made  ...  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.

In accordance with Governance Rule 58, Spiro Skiadopoulos spoke in support to the recommendation included in the officer report.

SUMMARY

The Wandin North Town Centre Masterplan project is a priority centre for planning, having no adopted Council-led plan/s, and no Community Plan. There are known existing risk factors in the centre due to unmanaged pedestrian movements across Warburton Highway at both the main activity centre as well as the Warburton Rail Trail. There has also been community advocacy, which has aligned with Council’s efforts, to see town centres impacted by COVID become thriving hubs, providing further support for local businesses.

A Draft Masterplan was exhibited between November and December 2022, and feedback was sought on the proposed actions through extensive community and trader engagement on the Draft Masterplan. This feedback has been reviewed (see Attachment 3) and proposed updates are documented in a ‘marked up’ version of the original Draft Masterplan (see Attachment 2) which has formed the basis of the proposed final Wandin North Town Centre Masterplan (see Attachment 1). If adopted, the Masterplan will guide Council's decision-making for public realm (including streetscape) improvements and support advocacy with government agencies, helping us maximise opportunities that reflect our community's values.

The Masterplan is now ready for Council to consider for adoption.

SUMMARY

This report seeks to provide an update on the draft Morrison Reserve Master Plan (the draft Master Plan) that has been developed following consultation with the community, user groups and broadly through Council departments. The intention is to seek broader community feedback on the draft Master Plan.

The draft Master Plan provides a 15-year strategic approach to improving community, sport and recreation facilities at Morrison Reserve, Mount Evelyn in response to identified community needs, opportunities and projected population demographics.

Improvements recommended for community consideration include an upgrade to soccer, athletics and court facilities, the path network and park furniture on Council land. The draft Master Plan also recommends an upgrade of the school oval, currently used by community clubs as a secondary ground, and advocacy for a future sports stadium at the Yarra Hills Secondary College.

The proposed upgrade of the playspace and inclusion of a bike park and social spaces recently received external and Council funding.

SUMMARY

On 11 April 2023, Council commenced a community engagement process in line with the provisions of section 115 of the Local Government Act 2020, regarding its intention to offer a new 20 year lease over its property at 26 Winyard Drive, Mooroolbark to Jim Fuller Community House Incorporated.

Under the lease, Jim Fuller Community House Incorporated (Jim Fuller House) will be permitted use of the premises for a rooming house providing secure and affordable rental accommodation for 5-6 low-income independent older persons. The lease would follow the current nine year term which expired on 31 May 2023, and would extend Jim Fuller Community House Incorporated’s tenure at the site until June 2043.

The proposed lease will allow the group continued occupation of the premises, which it has held since the late 1990s when the facility was first established using Council land, with the building funded through contributions from the Office of Housing, Council, and the Mooroolbark Lions Club.

No submissions in relation to the proposed lease were received during the community engagement period, which closed 9 May 2023.

The Mayor acknowledged the members of the Warburton Advancement League in the Gallery, and spoke about the upcoming Cerini Walk to raise funds and awareness for homelessness in the Warburton area.

SUMMARY

Council has a request to remove a tree outside 8 Kingswood Drive, Chirnside Park. The resident’s main concern is that the tree is dangerous as it drops leaves and debris and has allegedly caused an injury when a person slipped. The tree is assessed as low risk from a structural and health perspective. While the resident has said that the tree caused injury, Council has no recorded Public Liability claims for this property.

The tree is native to Australia (Casuarina cunninghamiana). The details of the tree are in the attached Arborist Assessment Report. The roadside reserve is in a Neighbourhood Residential Zone (NRZ1) and is also subject to Significant Landscape Overlay 22 (SLO23). The tree will require a planning permit if removal is recommended.

In accordance with Governance Rule 58, Byron Stewart spoke in objection to the recommendation included in the officer report.

Cr Higgins moved a motion alternate to that printed in the agenda.

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   The Rotary Overseas Relocated Playgrounds Project

Cr Heenan spoke about the Rotary Overseas Relocated Playgrounds project that sources surplus playground equipment in Victoria and works with local councils and private industry to ensure it can be carefully decommissioned, audited, and sent to communities across the world that do not have access to playground equipment. Cr Heenan encouraged Council to consider more involvement in the program.

12.2    Tracy Varley - Executive Officer Communications

Cr Child thanked Tracy Varley, Executive Officer Communications, for her service to Yarra Ranges Council and wished her well in her new role.

12.3    Holy Fools Freeze Out!

Cr Heenan spoke about the Holy Fools Freeze Out!, and encouraged others to follow the motto of this year’s event “Go ahead… get uncomfortable” and raise money by sleeping rough for a night during National Homelessness Week,
7-13 August 2023.

Cr Fullagar

-           Attended the Eastern Transport Coalition meeting held on Thursday 20 July 2023 via Videoconference.

Cr Skelton

-           Attended the Biodiversity Sub Committee (Sustainable Environment Advisory Committee) meetingheld on Thursday 20 July 2023 at the Yarra Ranges Council Civic Centre.

Cr Eastham

-           Attended the Rural Advisory Committee meetingheld on Tuesday 18 July 2023 at the Yarra Ranges Council Civic Centre.

Cr Higgins

-           Attended the Metropolitan Education Traffic Centre Board meeting held on Wednesday 19 July 2023.

Cr Child

-           Attended ameeting with Phuong Tram, Acting Deputy Secretary Forestry Transition, held on Monday 24 July 2023 at the Yarra Ranges Council Civic Centre. Tammi Rose, Chief Executive Officer, was also in attendance.

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.</AI24><AI25>

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.