Agenda and draft 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 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

Jonathon Knudsen of Launching Place asked;

In watching the recording of the last Council Meeting held on 8 April, I noted that Councillor Higgins spoke for nearly 14 minutes on Item 10.1.

To uphold transparency, integrity, consistency, and good governance, could the Council please advise.

What steps will be taken to ensure councillor speaking times remain within the limits outlined in the Governance Rules? And how will instances of non-compliance be monitored and addressed?

Mayor, Councillor Jim Child.

Thank you for your question, Jonathon.

I acknowledge that the Councillor speaking times during the Council meeting of 8 April 2025 exceeded the Governance Rules.

To ensure this doesn't reoccur I have remined all Councillors of their obligations under the Governance Rules. To further ensure compliance I have also requested the Governance Team display a timer for Councillors as we do for public submissions.  

Please know I take the role of Mayor with the upmost importance and our goal as a Council is to reinforce compliance, uphold transparency, integrity, and consistency in meeting procedures.

Thanks again for your question.

QUESTION 2

Anonymous asked;

When will Works that were allocated in 2024-2025 budget for works to mitigate flooding at the corner of 20A Nimblefoot Way and Delta Close commence and what are the chances of the said works failing to do the job of decreasing the flooding at that point or the possibility of making it worse as at some of the other rectification works in Lilydale have happened ?

Director Built Environment & Infrastructure, Hjalmar Philipp

Thank you for your question,

Council is currently progressing the design of a drainage solution at the drainage reserve at 20A Nimblefoot Way, aimed at addressing water ponding at the Delta Close/Nimblefoot Way intersection.

Stakeholder engagement on the proposed design has commenced, and the design is being refined based on the feedback received. Broader community notification will occur following these updates.

Construction is expected to be completed by the end of the 2024–2025 financial year.

QUESTION 3

Belinda Bernardini of Lilydale asked;

I refer to the Mayors announcement regarding the requirement to pre-register when speaking to an agenda item. The change is in breach of s60(4) of the LGA and s87 isn't appliable as the proposed change has been made on a whim and without consultation of those who regularly attend council. The amendment must be put to the community for discussion.

Acting Director Corporate Services, Ben Waterhouse

Belinda, thank you for your question.

Section s60(4) of the 2020 Local Government Act refers to amendments to Governance Rules. I can confirm that Yarra Ranges Council has made no changes to its Governance Rules.

The Mayoral announcement was to advise community members that wish to speak to an item listed on the agenda that they are required to register with the Governance Team prior to the Council Meeting. This  ...  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 petitions be received:

General Petition

1.         Request Yarra Ranges Council provide the funding for the auditing, replacement and ongoing maintenance of the existing CCTV cameras in Healesville, to ensure that the Healesville community and traders can feel a stronger sense of security and safety.

140 valid signatures.

2.         Request that Yarra Ranges Council assess whether a speed zone change is required for Bickleigh Vale Road and Edna Walling Lane in Mooroolbark. If a reduction is warranted, ask that the Council follow its standard procedures to implement the change.

20 valid signatures.

3.         Request Yarra Ranges Council make improvements to drainage along Outlook Drive, Ernest Road and connecting Roads, Kalorama, as water runoff is causing significant damage to some properties, driveways and roads.

30 valid signatures.

In accordance with Governance Rule 58, Penelle Munro (via Videoconference), Christopher Baker and Lynne Pharoah-Hamer spoke in support to the recommendation included in the officer report.

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

In Favour:      Cr Child, Cr Higgins, Cr Ward, Cr Mcilwain, Cr Mazzarella, Cr McAllister, Cr Marriott and Cr Cox.

Against:         Nil

SUMMARY

The final Yarra Junction Place Plan has been developed with extensive involvement from the community. The Plan establishes a vision that will help guide decisions about Yarra Junction, lays the foundations for design, captures the values and qualities of the place, and directs future investment for the township.

The draft Place Plan was on public exhibition between 8 August to 8 September 2024. There was high level engagement with 762 visitors to the project’s Shaping Page, 49 face to face interviews and 3 written submissions were received. The Plan has been heavily informed by a collaborative representative community working group that was convened across several sessions and directed feedback on actions and content as it was developed.

The final Yarra Junction Place Plan (Attachment 1) has applied the methodology and model from previous Place Plans and will be used as a mechanism to program and plan future projects.

Feedback received has been incorporated into the final Plan. The refined Action Plan has been internally reviewed to ensure that all actions align with Council strategies, plans and works programs. Actions have also been shared with the Community Reference Group members to ensure the changes have not lost the original intent of the actions.

This report seeks Council to note the findings from community consultation and consider adoption of the final Yarra Junction Place Plan.

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

In Favour:      Cr Child, Cr Higgins, Cr Ward, Cr Mcilwain, Cr Mazzarella, Cr McAllister, Cr Marriott and Cr Cox.

Against:         Nil

SUMMARY

Each year Council offers an Annual Grants program to not for profit community groups and artists. These grants provide funds for community-led projects that build stronger communities. The criteria for success for those applying are linked to the goals of Council’s strategic plans.

The 2026 Annual Grant round is due to open on 2 June 2025, closing mid-July and is for projects happening in 2026. Applications are assessed by independent panels and the recommendations of the community assessment panels are presented to Council for endorsement in October 2025.

The report recommends minor changes to the Monthly Grants, consolidating two separate budgets into one program that supports vibrant and connected communities, with grants for not-for profit traders incorporated into that program.

This report seeks Council endorsement of the 2026 Annual Grant Guidelines, and the draft budget allocation in the 2025-2026 financial year of $575,000 for the Annual Grants and $150,000 for the Monthly Grant program.

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

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

In Favour:      Cr Child, Cr Higgins, Cr Ward, Cr Mcilwain, Cr Mazzarella, Cr McAllister, Cr Marriott and Cr Cox.

Against:         Nil

SUMMARY

This report recommends the appointment of Mr Jonathan Kyvelidis as an Independent Member of Yarra Ranges Audit and Risk Management Committee (the Committee) for a three-year period commencing 1 July 2025 with remuneration of $1,504.93 (excl. GST) per meeting.

This report also reconfirms a previous decision of Council that the remuneration for all existing Independent Audit and Risk Management Committee members is increased in line with the proposed rate cap of 3 per cent, effective 1 July 2025.

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

In Favour:      Cr Child, Cr Higgins, Cr Ward, Cr Mcilwain, Cr Mazzarella, Cr McAllister, Cr Marriott and Cr Cox.

Against:         Nil

SUMMARY

This report outlines Council’s financial performance and financial position for the period ended 31 March 2025.

The Income Statement shows an overall favourable year to date (YTD) variance of $268,000 representing 2.3 per cent of YTD Budget. This reflects the combined result of higher than budgeted operating income of $6.047 million and higher than budgeted operating expenses of $5.924 million.

Council’s overall financial position at the end of this quarter is sound.

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

In Favour:      Cr Child, Cr Higgins, Cr Ward, Cr Mcilwain, Cr Mazzarella, Cr McAllister, Cr Marriott and Cr Cox.

Against:         Nil

SUMMARY

Yarra Ranges Council manages a large road network which is valued at $389M in replacement value.

The extent of the unsealed network, along with community expectations of Council’s service levels and approach to sealing, requires an overarching management plan. 

This report outlines updates to Council’s Special Rate and Charge Scheme Policy based on the following amendments:

·                Seal roads under a proactive program and petition basis.

·                Re - introduction of the landowner ceiling for road construction projects.

The contributions to road construction projects funded by the Special Charge Scheme proactive sealing program initiative are proposed to be considered with a landowner ceiling for projects at $20,000 per development unit.  Petition based programs are proposed to be considered based on landowner’s contributing 80% of the funds and the Council contribution a standard 20% of the funding in accordance with the Policy.

The overall funding and approval of the Special Charge Schemes are to be subject to the annual budget process and Capital Funding allocations based on funding sources such as Roads to Recovery (R2R) program.

The policy document has undergone a review by the Council's legal representatives. It has been modernized and rewritten as a formal policy document, now accompanied by separate guidelines.

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

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

In Favour:      Cr Child, 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.

There were no Items Through the Chair received for this meeting.

Cr McAllister

-       Attended the Jack Hort Memorial Community Pool Management Committee meeting held on 9 May 2025 at the Jack Hort Memorial Community Pool.

-        

Cr Mcilwain

-       Attended the Sustainable Environment Advisory Committee held on 24 April 2025 at the Yarra Ranges Council Civic Centre.

Cr Mazzarella

-       Attended the Your Library Board Meeting held on 1 May 2025 at the Your Library Administration Building, Scoresby. The meeting was also attended by Cr Child. Cr Mazzarella noted the one-year anniversary of the passing of Joseph Cullen, Former Chief Executive Officer of Your Library Limited.

Cr Higgins

-       Attended the Anzac Day Dawn Service held on 25 April 2025 in Lilydale. Cr Higgins acknowledged all the Councillors who attended local Dawn Services and thanked Officers for their work on the events.

Cr Marriott

-       Attended the Dandenong Music Council Showcase held on 11 May 2025 at Burrinja Cultural Centre, Upwey.

-       Attended the inaugural Rotary Club of Belgrave Hills Business Connections Breakfast held on 12 May 2025 at the Belgrave Recreational Reserve.

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 Favour:      Cr Child, 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.