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 2020.

QUESTION 1

Martin Dieleman of Lilydale, asked: 

The council has closed the public gallery for an extended period. Whilst legislation may support a once only closure, can the council please provide details of the legislation used to support the council's decision to close the public gallery for an extended period?

Andrew Hilson, Director Corporate Services:

Thank you for your question, Martin.

For clarification, while the physical gallery at Council meetings has been closed, members of the public are still able to view and participate in Yarra Ranges Council meetings virtually.

In accordance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 the Chief Executive Officer has the ability to close the public gallery to ensure the health and safety of Yarra Ranges employees, contractors, councillors and community members. Furthermore, the Local Government Act 2020, by way of Council’s Governance Rules allow the Chief Executive Officer, in consultation with Councillors, to change the ‘place’ or location of any Council meeting including in-person or virtual arrangements.

Council is committed to reopening to in-person Council meetings provided there is confidence that they can be conducted in a safe and orderly manner.  

QUESTION 2

Anonymous asked: 

The Warburton Tree is extremely important to the Warburton community, wildlife, streetscape and Warburton's very identity. Why was it's imminent destruction advertised to the community on an undated A4 piece of paper referring to 'a tree in the vicinity'? Showing no respect for the tree itself or the community's relationship to it.

Hjalmar Philipp, Director Built Environment & Infrastructure:

Thank you for your question.

The original notification of the tree works was provided to inform the community of planned works.

Following feedback on the planned work, further information and communications have been provided on Council’s website, alongside engagement with community members.  Information relating to the Warburton Tree is available on Council’s website under Latest News.

QUESTION 3

Cadi-Lee Beach of Mount Evelyn, asked: 

Why is the story of the Warburton tree, which is clearly gaining momentum daily around the world, respected not as, “Probable Risk”, but more optimistically as, “Probable gain”, through professional nurturing, maintenance & a forward focused mentality of Sustainable outcomes?

Q2: How can YRC, prevent an potential Interim Injunction action, to ensure correct decision making & actions are taken for the Warburton tree in accordance with their business excellence framework?

Hjalmar Philipp, Director Built Environment & Infrastructure:

Thank you for your question Cadi-Lee.

Council’s policy is to avoid tree removal where possible. We have independent expert reports alongside advice from internal specialists that outline significant risks with the tree that require action.

Public safety is a priority and the expert reports referred to above support actions to reduce risk to public safety.

There were no Submissions listed on the Agenda for this meeting.

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 be holding its State Council Meeting on Friday 19 May 2023. State Council is the MAV’s governing body and comprises representatives from each member council, with one of its roles being to determine the strategic direction for the MAV.

Member councils are invited to put forward motions for consideration at the State Council Meeting in accordance with the criteria set by the MAV.

Council is asked to consider the motion included in the recommendation of this report and, if supportive of it, endorse the motion for submission.

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

SUMMARY

The storm event of June 2021 resulted in the damage and destruction of many dwellings in Yarra Ranges. Many of the affected properties are in the Dandenong Ranges and hills areas of the Shire, which are also susceptible to other natural hazards including bushfire and landslip.

Following the storm event, Council received grant funding of $300,000 under the National Recovery and Resilience Agency’s Preparing Australian Communities Program – Local, to undertake a review of the current Erosion Management Overlay (EMO) planning scheme provisions in the Yarra Ranges Planning Scheme. In response Council engaged an expert geotechnical consultant to undertake the review.

As a result of the review and in line with other Council's, it is proposed to amend the current EMO schedule to make it more streamlined and user friendly. The amendments will also ensure the risk provisions in the schedule are consistent with the guidance provided in the AGS 2007 (Australian Geomechanics Society Practice Note Guidelines for Landslide Risk Management). In addition, amending the existing EMO schedule will simplify its structure, include new exemptions, and accept ‘moderate’ property risks in particular circumstances.

To commence the amendment process, Council must seek authorisation from the Minister for Planning to prepare and exhibit an amendment (Amendment C217).

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

SUMMARY

This report and attachments inform Council on the Tender Process for the CT7093 Receival of Recyclable Material tender, which closed on 3 February 2023 and seeks approval to award the preferred tenderer as per the recommendations within the confidential evaluation report.

The timing of the report relates to ensuring the transition of services can be appropriately managed which relies on delivery of the Letter of Offer by 23 June 2023. This will ensure all recycling receival capacity is secured at the receiving facility in time for new contract commencement.

SUMMARY

The attached quarterly finance report has been prepared as at 31 March 2023.  The report includes financial year-to-date data up to quarter three of the 2022-23 financial year and is compared to the adopted budget and the forecast projections for the full year to 30 June 2023.

SUMMARY

Council is committed to partnering with the community through grant funding to encourage, support, and sustain an array of community-led initiatives. Grants support the delivery of Council’s strategic objective of “Connected and Healthy Communities.” These funding opportunities help communities to thrive, build social connections and facilitate stronger, more resilient communities.

The Grants for Community program has three streams that focus on community development, arts and heritage, and festivals and events to bring community together. The grants encourage an asset-based community development (ABCD) approach, harnessing the strengths, experience and ideas of communities. They can also support ongoing community recovery from the pandemic, storms and other recent natural disasters.

This report outlines the 2024 Grants for Community Program, due to open on 1 June 2023 and includes the program guidelines, selection criteria and proposed assessment panel members. It also presents the budget allocation of $500,000.

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 Vale Bill Ford

Cr Eastham noted the passing of Bill Ford, Monbulk RSL sub-branch President. Cr Eastham spoke of Mr Fords service in the Army from 1969 to 1975 and noted his dedication later in life to the CFA and the Monbulk RSL.

The Mayor supported the sentiment of Cr Eastham and requested a letter of condolence be sent to his family on behalf of the Council.

Cr Fullagar:

-           Attended the Eastern Regional Library Audit and Risk Meeting held on Wednesday 19 April 2023 at Realm - Maroondah City Council. Cr Child also attended the meeting.

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

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 was requested that the following late document be signed and sealed:

Letter Under Seal - Donna Fairweather

A letter under seal has been prepared in recognition of Donna Fairweather, Business Recovery & Development Officer, who has resigned after 20 years of service with Yarra Ranges Council.

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.