Agenda and minutes

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.

There were no Mayoral Announcements for this meeting.

In Favour:       Cr Child, Cr Heenan, Cr Higgins, Cr Ward, Cr Mcilwain, Cr Mazzarella,

Cr McAllister, Cr Marriott and Cr Cox

Against:           Nil

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

Anonymous asked; 

Can you please confirm the zoning status of the McDermott Ave Netball courts? If to be used for housing, please confirm what steps are outstanding for the site to be used for housing?

Acting Director Planning & Sustainable Futures, Nathan Islip

The open space at 52 McDermott Avenue, Mooroolbark is currently designated as a Public Park and Recreation Zone. Throughout Covid community use of the site has changed.

Council previously decided to rezone this land. To rezone this land, a Planning Scheme Amendment would be required.

This process needs approval from the Minister for Planning and must follow the public notification and exhibition requirements of the Planning and Environment Act 1987, however this process has not yet begun.

Over the coming months Council will continue to engage with the Mooroolbark community to capture their feedback for the site's future, which will inform the development of a masterplan.

QUESTION 2

Michael Riddle of Montrose asked;

Regarding the Yarra Ranges 15-year Housing Strategy, specifically action 15, can I please get a status update on:

1) Review the application and subdivision provisions of the Low-Density Residential Zone’ (LDRZ).

2) Second dwellings are allowable with a permit, however there is policy needed to assist decision making, which would cover issues such as landscape, built form, proximity to activity centres, and connection to reticulated sewer.

Acting Director Planning & Sustainable Futures, Nathan Islip

Thank you for your question, Michael.

Following the formal adoption of Council’s Housing strategy, council officers have outlined a scope of work required and a formal review is planned. This will include community consultation to assess existing zone provisions and second dwelling requirements. The review may lead to a Planning Scheme Amendment, which would be publicly exhibited before any changes are implemented in the Yarra Ranges Planning Scheme

For completeness Action 15 of Council’s Housing Strategy focuses on reviewing the application and subdivision provisions of the Low-Density Residential Zone (LDRZ) and potentially developing a planning policy to guide decisions on second dwellings. The policy would address key factors such as landscape impact, built form, proximity to activity centres, sewer connection, and environmental risks.

QUESTION 3

Anonymous asked;

Is it a requirement for a Ward Councillor to meet with and represent community groups within their constituency to the Yarra Ranges Council?

Vincenzo Lombardi, Director Corporate Services

Thank you for your question

At Yarra Ranges Council, as in all Victorian local governments, councillors have a responsibility to represent their constituents, including community groups, but there is no legal requirement mandating them to meet with specific groups or individuals.

Under the Local Government Act 2020, councillors are expected to:

•              Represent the interests of their ward and the broader municipality.

•              Engage with community to understand their needs and concerns.

•              Advocate on behalf of residents and community groups to the council.

Community groups  ...  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.

There were no Petitions received for this meeting.

SUMMARY

The Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) will hold the next State Council meeting on Friday 16 May 2025. The MAV has called for councils to submit proposed motions of importance to the local government sector in Victoria, to be considered at the meeting. If supported by the member councils, motions become resolutions, informing advocacy and policy positions of the MAV.

The Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) will hold its National General Assembly from 24-27 June 2025. Motions have been invited from member councils, focusing on issues of national significance to the local government sector. If supported by the member councils, motions become resolutions, informing advocacy and policy positions of the ALGA.

Cr McAllister moved, and Cr Heenan seconded an amendment to the motion.

In accordance with Governance Rule 29.1, Cr McAllister, Cr Heenan, Cr Higgins and Cr Mazzarella spoke to the Motion

In Favour:      Cr Child, Cr Heenan, Cr Higgins, Cr Ward, Cr Mcilwain,

Cr Mazzarella, Cr McAllister, Cr Marriott and Cr Cox

Against:         Nil

SUMMARY

This report provides a final update on the completion of the outstanding components of the Municipal Recovery Plan - Pandemic and Storm Recovery, Version 3 (MRPv3) (Attachment 1).  The Municipal Recovery Plan v3 – Actions to June 2024 (Attachment 2) highlights the actions completed and actions that progress beyond the life of the Municipal Recovery Plan – Pandemic and Storm Recovery.  It is important to note status updates in the Action Plan summary and highlight the integrated transition of recovery actions into council business-as-usual teams, to ensure there is a sustainable, seamless continuity of community connections and support, along with organisationally embedded recovery lessons. 

The MRPv3 covered actions and programs at the local level, to support municipal-wide recovery from the COVID-19 Pandemic and the significant 2021 storm events (June and October). This is an opportunity to acknowledge the investment and work completed and to formally close out the MRPv3.

In accordance with Governance Rule 29.1, Cr McAllister, Cr Ward, Cr Heenan, Cr Higgins, Cr Marriott and Cr Cox spoke to the Motion

In Favour:      Cr Child, Cr Heenan, Cr Higgins, Cr Ward, Cr Mcilwain,

Cr Mazzarella, Cr McAllister, Cr Marriott and Cr Cox

Against:         Nil

SUMMARY

Parking Management is becoming an increasing issue in some areas of the municipality. In the past, the introduction of time limited restrictions has been able to deliver the level of control necessary to meet the needs of the community.  However, with growing population, increased tourist visitation and economic development, a comprehensive Parking Management Framework is required to guide the implementation of parking restrictions and supporting technology to better manage the parking across the municipality.

The Parking Management Framework envisions parking in Yarra Ranges to provide equitable access to community facilities while protecting the natural environment and preserving unique character of its towns and villages.

The framework consolidates and formalises Council’s existing parking management practices into a clear, integrated, and transparent approach, aligning with the strategic objectives outlined in Council’s Integrated Transport Strategy and providing a structured decision-making process for parking-related issues

Key Elements of the Framework include:

·         Hierarchy of Controls: Outlines the types of controls considered for parking management.

·         Hierarchy of Parking Allocation: Prioritises parking allocation when implementing parking restrictions.

·         Parking Investigations: Details the process for conducting investigations and making evidence-based decisions.

·         Digital Parking Solutions and Paid Parking Schemes: Guides the adoption of modern technology to enhance parking efficiency.

·         Parking Zones and Permits: Defines various zones and permits tailored to land use and user needs.

·         Education and Balanced Enforcement: Clarifies the role of enforcement and education in supporting parking management to facilitate safety, access and turnover of vehicles.

When the need for parking is balanced effectively with other transport options, residents, workers and tourists will continue to be able to access the various areas of Yarra Ranges Council and enjoy the variety of townships and environmental elements that makes this area so unique.

The Draft Parking Management Framework was released for community consultation from 14 August 2024 to 8 September 2024 with 99 online and 9 email responses received. This feedback has been reviewed, and the framework has been updated to address relevant community input (Attachment 1). Community Engagement Feedback Report can be found within Attachment 2.

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

In Favour:      Cr Child, Cr Heenan, Cr Higgins, Cr Ward, Cr Mcilwain,

Cr Mazzarella, Cr McAllister, Cr Marriott and Cr Cox

Against:          Nil

SUMMARY

This report summarises the evaluation process taken and seeks Council approval for the award of the contract to construct 17 mountain bike bridges and boardwalks associated with Stage 1B-1D of the Warburton Mountain Bike Destination (WMBD). An advertisement calling for tenders was placed in The Age newspaper on Saturday, 23rd November 2024.

Tenders closed on Wednesday 15th January and five (5) tenders were received. This item has been included in the public agenda to facilitate openness and transparency in Council’s decision-making. Confidential attachments have been included with the report which contain commercially sensitive information that is not to be disclosed while the meeting is open to the public.

This tender is part of the larger Warburton Mountain Bike Destination project which commenced construction in July 2024. The tender price is within cost estimates and the committed project budget, which includes approximately $7.6 million of grant income.

The recommendation in this report has been formally endorsed by the tender evaluation panel.

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

In Favour:      Cr Child, Cr Heenan, Cr Higgins, Cr Ward, Cr Mcilwain,

Cr Mazzarella, Cr McAllister, Cr Marriott 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     International Women’s Day 2025

Cr Child attended two International Women’s Day Events on ** March. The first event at Cire Services had some inspiring women in the business and academia fields speak at the event.

The 2^nd event, ‘March Forward’, was held at the Aunty Dot Peters Auditorium at the Box Hill Tafe campus by Yarra Ranges Council and Inspiro.  Cr Child attended the event with CEO Tammi Rose and acknowledged the inspiring legacy of Aunty Dot Peters and her contribution to the Healesville and broader community.

The event recognised the achievements of women in Yarra Ranges and women in sport

12.2     International Women’s Day 2025

Cr McAllister acknowledged a number of women as part of International Women’s Day 2025. Cr McAllister shared her understanding of the 1^st Female Shire President in Victoria, Gracia Baylor – who was became Shire President of Healesville Shire Council in 1977. Gracia was later elected to the Victorian Legislative Council and also as President of the National Council of Women. In 2003, Gracia was added to the Victorian Women’s Honour Roll. Cr McAllister thanked both Auntie Dot Peters and Gracia Baylor for the legacy they have left for our community.

Cr McAllister also acknowledged a number of inspiring women who supported and encouraged her to run for Council – Dorothy Barber, Cheryl Train, Bev Schmeling and Maureen Bond, who are sadly no longer with us.

12.3     CCTV Maintenance

Cr McAllister noted the importance of Council’s continued advocacy for the maintenance of CCTV Networks and Infrastructure within the municipality. Cr McAllister urged those running for the Federal Election to support communities with funding to maintain this important service, which is currently falling to traders and community groups to manage.

Cr Mcilwain

-       Attended and chaired first Sustainable Environment Advisory Committee Meeting on 6 March. Cr Marriott also attended the meeting.

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 Favour:      Cr Child, Cr Heenan, Cr Higgins, Cr Ward, Cr Mcilwain,

Cr Mazzarella, Cr McAllister, Cr Marriott 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.