Agenda and minutes

Remembering the June 2021 Storm - Third Anniversary

The Major read the following statement:

Council wishes to acknowledge the third anniversary since the June 2021 storm. On 9 and 10 June 2021, almost 200 properties were damaged, 81 were uninhabitable, tens of thousands of trees fell, blocking roads and bringing down telephone and powers lines and left thousands without heating, phone or internet connection for weeks.  

While three years has passed, recovery is a long and complex process, especially when our residents have endured pandemic lockdowns at the time, and multiple other significant weather events since. Although some residents have completed their repairs, others from our community remain displaced across Melbourne until they can return home to the Hills.

Council recognises the tremendous support of our community groups who stood up immediately after the storm, as well as the new groups that formed because of it. Their ongoing support for each other continues to play a crucial role in our recovery efforts. Their collaborative work has not only strengthened but deeply connected our resilient Yarra Ranges community, ensuring that the bonds forged in adversity remain in place long term, in good times as well as those that challenge us. 

To remember the June 2021 Storm, Olinda-based artist Emma Jennings’ Stories of Giants Exhibition is on display at the Yarra Ranges Regional Museum at 35-37 Castella St, Lilydale from Wednesday 5 June to Sunday 8 September 2024. We encourage residents to attend, to quietly reflect on their own experiences.

Emma Jennings’ Stories of Giants pays tribute to the remarkable individuals who rallied behind the Dandenong Ranges community after the storm struck.

Council officers are still able to assist any community members who are going through the rebuild process or need other social support. Contact 1300 368 333 if you need further assistance following this storm event.  

Vale Betty Marsden OAM

The Major read the following statement:

It is with much sadness that we acknowledge the passing of Betty Marsden OAM. Betty was a former Shire of Sherbrooke President, in the region that we now know as Yarra Ranges Council. She served as a Councillor for seven years. The Dandenong Ranges were a significant part of her life – she was the Chair of the Save the Dandenong League for an impressive 37 years before stepping into, as she said, a "less strenuous position".

While at Council she played a pivotal role in the decision to purchase the reserve we now know as Birdsland, in 1981. ln 1984, the reserve was opened to the public. She also worked with Councillors to have an upgraded Sherbrooke Road constructed without losing mature mountain ash trees - and worked with many others to help establish the Dandenong Ranges National Park.

She told the Star News in 2020 that she was proud of the amount that the Shire of Sherbrooke was able to achieve in the 1980s, in terms of protecting the natural environment and setting up planning schemes. Last year, she told  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.

In Favour:   Cr Heenan, Cr Eastham, Cr Higgins, Cr Skelton, Cr Todorov,
Cr Child, Cr McAllister, Cr Fullagar and Cr Cox.

Against:       Nil

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 Fullagar declared an indirect interest in respect of Item 10.3 as it relates to his property.

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.

QUESTIONS TO COUNCIL

There were no Questions from the Public listed on the agenda for this meeting

SUBMISSIONS TO COUNCIL

Disability in the Yarra Ranges Council

Ivor Wolstencroft presented a proposal for more projects in Yarra Ranges to focus on increasing localized connectivity for community members with disabilities.

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 petition be received:

General Petition

1.         Sealing the Eastview Road Group inclusive of Glen Valley Crescent, Wilma Avenue and Eastview Avenue, Seville East.

40 valid signatures.

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

Cr Heenan left the meeting at 7.37pm and returned to the meeting at 7.39pm prior to a vote being taken.

In accordance with Governance Rule 29.1, Cr Eastham and Cr Child spoke to the Motion.

In Favour:   Cr Heenan, Cr Eastham, Cr Higgins, Cr Skelton, Cr Todorov,
Cr Child, Cr McAllister, Cr Fullagar and Cr Cox.

Against:       Nil

SUMMARY

The application is for buildings and works to construct a second dwelling, and carport and shed for existing dwelling at 7 Huntingdale Drive, Chirnside Park. The works will result in the removal of two (2) trees, neither tree requires a planning permit for removal under Clause 42.03.

The second dwelling is proposed to front and provide vehicle access to the site from Simmons Court, located to the north of the subject site which is a public road within Cloverlea Estate. A carport and shed is proposed for the existing dwelling with access via the existing crossover from Huntingdale Road.

The application was advertised and a total of sixteen (16) submissions have been received. The main grounds of objection relate to the site not forming part of the Cloverlea Estate Design Guidelines but attempting to join the estate, potential for increased traffic within Simmons Court, vegetation removal, past subdivision approvals on the subject site, and the proposed design and siting of the dwelling not responding to the existing character of the neighbourhood.

The application has been assessed to be generally in accordance with the Yarra Ranges Planning Scheme, subject to the conditions. Accordingly, it is recommended that the planning permit application be approved and a Notice of Decision to Grant a Planning Permit, subject to conditions, be issued.

In accordance with Governance Rule 58, Mathew Stone, spoke in objection of the recommendation included in the officer report.

In accordance with Governance Rule 58, Hew Gerrard, on behalf of the applicant, spoke in support of the recommendation included in the officer report.

In accordance with Governance Rule 29.1, Cr Higgins, Cr Skelton and
Cr Heenan spoke to the Motion.

In Favour:   Cr Heenan, Cr Eastham, Cr Higgins, Cr Skelton, Cr Todorov,
Cr Child, Cr McAllister, Cr Fullagar and Cr Cox.

Against:       Nil

SUMMARY

Amendment C223 proposes to correct minor inaccuracies and anomalies for sites across the municipality that will be either be rezoned, partly rezoned, have redundant overlays and provisions updated or deleted to improve the overall operation of the Yarra Ranges Planning Scheme.

Regular review and updating of the planning scheme are requirements of the Planning and Environment Act 1987.

In order to commence the amendment process, Council must seek authorisation from the Minister for Planning to prepare and exhibit the amendment.

In accordance with Governance Rule 29.1, Cr Fullagar, Cr Skelton and Cr Cox spoke to the Motion.

In Favour:   Cr Heenan, Cr Eastham, Cr Higgins, Cr Skelton, Cr Todorov,
Cr Child, Cr McAllister, Cr Fullagar and Cr Cox.

Against:       Nil

SUMMARY

Council is preparing a new Housing Strategy to replace the current 2009 Housing Strategy. The new Housing Strategy, once adopted, will guide the location, intensity and design of new residential development in Yarra Ranges for the next 15 years.

The Housing Strategy will also articulate Council’s policy on affordable, social, and sustainable housing and provide a framework for residential planning controls in the Yarra Ranges Planning Scheme.

Council resolved on 24 October 2023 to place the draft Housing Strategy and draft Neighbourhood Character Study on public exhibition between 30 October to 11 December 2023.

The engagement undertaken has resulted in extensive community feedback which has been assessed and documented within this report and used to develop a proposed final version of the Housing Strategy and Neighbourhood Character Study, which are now presented to Council to consider for Adoption.

Cr Fullagar left the meeting prior to consideration of the item, having declared a conflict of interest in this item.

In accordance with Governance Rule 58, Duncan van Rooyen spoke in objection to the recommendation included in the officer report.

In accordance with Governance Rule 58 Maxwell Shifman, via videoconference, spoke in support to the recommendation included in the officer report.

In accordance with Governance Rule 29.1, Cr McAllister, Cr Skelton, Cr Cox,
Cr Heenan, Cr Child and Cr Todorov spoke to the Motion.

In Favour:   Cr Heenan, Cr Eastham, Cr Higgins, Cr Skelton, Cr Todorov,
Cr Child, Cr McAllister and Cr Cox.

Against:       Nil

Cr Fullagar returned to the meeting following a vote being taken.

SUMMARY

Council’s Equity, Access, and Inclusion Strategy 2013-2023 (The Strategy) meets Council’s legislative obligations under the Victorian Disability Act (2006) and requirements for a Disability Action Plan. The Strategy concluded in 2023, with the next iteration currently being developed.

This report highlights the achievements of Council over the past ten years of the outgoing Strategy and to share the achievements of Disability Advisory Committee in 2023. These are included as attachments to this report:

·                Attachment One: Final Report: Yarra Ranges Equity, Access, and Inclusion Strategy 2013 - 2023 (Disability Action Plan).

·                Attachment Two: Summary Report: Yarra Ranges Equity, Access, and Inclusion Strategy 2013 - 2023 (Disability Action Plan).

·                Attachment Three: Disability Advisory Committee Achievements 2023.

Council has completed many projects that contribute to access, equity, and inclusion across the Yarra Ranges. It should be noted that this report does not feature all of them.

The endorsed reports will be shared with community to promote the Strategy’s success and to better align internal and external advisory functions and annual reporting functions for Council.

In accordance with Governance Rule 29.1, Cr Cox, Cr McAllister and
Cr Skelton spoke to the Motion.

In Favour:   Cr Heenan, Cr Eastham, Cr Higgins, Cr Skelton, Cr Todorov,
Cr Child, Cr McAllister, Cr Fullagar and Cr Cox.

Against:       Nil

SUMMARY

The Draft Stormwater Policy and Stormwater Management Plan 2024-2034 have been developed following extensive research and targeted engagement with internal and external stakeholders. These documents aim to strategically manage flood risk and protect and maintain the natural water cycle and health of waterways from urban development impacts. They establish a framework and action plan for the Council to plan for future growth and sustainable stormwater management within the municipality.

The project team is seeking Council endorsement for the release of the draft Stormwater Policy and Stormwater Management Plan for community engagement for six weeks from 12 June 2024 to 24 July 2024.

A dedicated webpage with information on the Stormwater Policy and the Stormwater Management Plan will be promoted using various communication tools.

During the engagement period, the project team will conduct workshop sessions specifically for community members directly impacted by flooding. This session will feature presentations from the Project Consultant, Yarra Ranges Council (YRC) Officers, and representatives from Melbourne Water. Participation in this workshop will be by invitation only for residents and businesses directly affected by flooding. The purpose of this session is to provide a platform for the community to share their experiences of flooding, gain insight into the roles and responsibilities of various agencies, and enhance understanding of Stormwater Management within Yarra Ranges.

In accordance with Governance Rule 29.1, Cr Fullagar, Cr Skelton,
Cr McAllister and Cr Heenan spoke to the Motion.

In Favour:   Cr Heenan, Cr Eastham, Cr Higgins, Cr Skelton, Cr Todorov,
Cr Child, Cr McAllister, Cr Fullagar and Cr Cox.

Against:       Nil

SUMMARY

This report summarises the evaluation process and seeks Council approval for the establishment of a panel of pre-qualified Sports Courts and Associated Infrastructure Specialist Panel to facilitate the efficient delivery of Sporting Infrastructure projects.

This item has been included in the public agenda to facilitate openness and transparency in Council’s decision making. A confidential attachment has been included with the report which contains commercially sensitive information that is not to be disclosed whilst the meeting is open to the public.

Cr McAllister left the meeting at 9.42pm and returned to the meeting at 9.46pm prior to a vote being taken.

In accordance with Governance Rule 29.1, Cr Child, Cr Fullagar and Cr Skelton spoke to the Motion.

In Favour:   Cr Heenan, Cr Eastham, Cr Higgins, Cr Skelton, Cr Todorov, Cr Child, Cr McAllister, Cr Fullagar and Cr Cox.

Against:       Nil

SUMMARY

This report summarises the evaluation process and seeks Council approval for the establishment of a panel of pre-qualified Sports and Open Space Lighting specialists, to facilitate the efficient delivery of lighting projects.

This item has been included in the public agenda to facilitate openness and transparency in Council’s decision making.

A confidential attachment has been included with the report which contains commercially sensitive information that is not to be disclosed whilst the meeting is open to the public.

In accordance with Governance Rule 29.1, Cr Child  and Cr Higgins spoke to the Motion.

In Favour:   Cr Heenan, Cr Eastham, Cr Higgins, Cr Skelton, Cr Todorov, Cr Child, Cr McAllister, Cr Fullagar and Cr Cox.

Against:       Nil

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    Jason Ball OAM

Cr McAllister congratulated Yarra Ranges community members who received awards as part of the Kings Birthday Honours List. Cr McAllister made special mention of Jason Ball, of Yarra Glen, who received the Medal of the Order of Australia for his work on social inclusion initiatives, such as the Pride Cup.

12.2    Vale Betty Marsden OAM

Cr Heenan attended the funeral service of Betty Marsden and recounted a story from the service of Betty being in a singing group that sang at the opening ceremony of the Melbourne Olympic Games in 1956. Cr Skelton, Cr Fullagar, Cr Child and Cr Cox also attended the service.

In Favour:   Cr Heenan, Cr Eastham, Cr Higgins, Cr Skelton, Cr Todorov,
Cr Child, Cr McAllister, Cr Fullagar and Cr Cox.

Against:       Nil

12.3    Chris Hardman – Australian Fire Service Medal

Cr Child congratulated Chris Hardman, who received the Australian Fire Service Medal as part of the Kings Birthday Honours List.

12.4    Nigel Brennan – Australian Fire Service Medal

Cr Child congratulated Nigel Brennan, who received the Australian Fire Service Medal as part of the Kings Birthday Honours List. Cr Child noted that Nigel is the Chair of the Yarra Ranges Municipal Fire Management Planning Committee.

12.5    Yarra Junction Community Group

Cr Child acknowledged and thanked the community members who attended a public community meeting held at the Bulong Estate Winery with the goal to form a community group for Yarra Junction.

12.6    Warburton Planned Power Outage

Cr Child raised concerns that the planned power outage on 27 May 2024 in Warburton by AusNet Services did not occur. Cr Child noted that most businesses in Warburton had planned to close for the duration of the outage and were unable to trade due to the late notice given by AusNet Services that the outage would not be occurring. Cr Child called for greater consideration to local businesses be given by AusNet Services in the future.

12.7    Karen Noonan OAM

Cr Skelton congratulated Karen Noonan, of Monbulk, who received the Medal of the Order of Australia for her service to community music, including Dandenong Ranges Music Council and Sing Australia.

Cr Skelton

-       Attended the Sustainable Environment Advisory Committee on Thursday 6 June 2024 at the Yarra Ranges Council Civic Centre, Lilydale. Cr Fullagar also attended.

Cr Child

-           Attended the Yarra Valley ECOSS Committee of Management meeting and the Annual General meeting held on 29 May 2024 at ECOSS Wesburn.

Cr Fullagar

-           Attended the Health and Wellbeing Advisory Committee held on 30 May 2024 at the Yarra Ranges Council Civic Centre, Lilydale.

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.

SUMMARY

It is requested that the following documents be signed and sealed:

1)        Deed of Release - Yarra Ranges Shire Council and landowners 31 Fernhill Road, Mount Evelyn.

The deed relates to Council acquiring drainage easements (E1, E2 and E3) situated on part of land contained in Certificate of Title - Volume 11382 and Folio 095 and known as 31 Fernhill Road, Mount Evelyn.

The above drainage easements are required as part of a Council Drainage Infrastructure Improvement Project which aims to address surface water runoff impacting property owners between 27-41 Fernhill Road, Mount Evelyn.

For this project there are five properties requiring drainage easement/s and to date this is the fourth deed of release to be listed for signing and sealing.

In accordance with Governance Rule 29.1, Cr Heenan spoke to the Motion.

In Favour:   Cr Heenan, Cr Eastham, Cr Higgins, Cr Skelton, Cr Todorov, Cr Child, Cr McAllister, Cr Fullagar and Cr Cox.

Against:       Nil

In accordance with Governance Rule 29.1, Cr Todorov and Cr McAllister spoke to the Motion.

In Favour:   Cr Heenan, Cr Eastham, Cr Higgins, Cr Skelton, Cr Todorov, Cr Child, Cr McAllister, Cr Fullagar and Cr Cox.

Against:       Nil

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 were no Urgent Business listed on the agenda 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.