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.

QUESTIONS TO COUNCIL

In accordance with Governance Rule 59.10, Anne Whelan read their Question to Council

Anne Whelan of Lilydale asked;

In recent times many drivers have been avoiding Main Street by using John and Hardy Streets. With more development planned on Hardy Street this traffic will increase. It is quite difficult to cross Hardy Street now.

People using the parking on the south side of Hardy Street need a safer, more convenient means to cross the road safely.

The existing median strip crossing is dangerous. What are council's plans to make this area safe for our community?

Director Built Environment & Infrastructure, Hjalmar Philipp

Thank you for your question, Anne,  

The Lilydale Major Activity Centre Structure Plan provides a strategic framework to manage growth and guide infrastructure delivery in Lilydale over the next 20 years.  

The plan acknowledges that John and Hardy Streets are experiencing increased traffic as drivers avoid Main Street, creating safety and accessibility concerns for pedestrians, as you noted.  

To address these challenges and enhance pedestrian safety, the Plan includes the following:

Firstly, upgrading John and Hardy Streets into active, lower-speed environments, prioritising pedestrian movement and returning them to their intended function as local roads. 

Secondly, enhanced pedestrian connectivity through new pedestrian links between Main Street and Hardy Street, improving accessibility and safety. 

And thirdly, intersection and traffic management upgrades to include a new signalised intersection at Hutchinson Street and Main Street. This will alleviate pressure on Hardy Street as well. And, in the long term, Council is advocating for the Lilydale Bypass to divert high-speed traffic away from Main Street and surrounding local streets, creating a safer and more pedestrian-friendly environment. However, this project requires State Government investment to proceed.  

Belinda Bernardini of Lilydale asked;

Residents are fed up with council rules, regulations and bylaws that aim to control personal property use by claiming it is for "public safety, order and environmental protection". Does the Shire of Yarra Ranges enforce any Private Land Use Permits (or similar) as seen at the City of Casey? If so under what legislation are such regulations derived and what avenues exist for residents to challenge or appeal permit requirements in order to regain control of their properties.

Leanne Hurst, Director Communities

Thank you for your question, Belinda 

I can confirm that Yarra Ranges Council does not require local law permits for the types of activities that have been identified recently at the City of Casey. Specifically, using recreational vehicles, storing large or unregistered vehicles, and the use of temporary dwellings.  

However, for completeness, Yarra Ranges Council does utilise Local law permits for certain activities on private land. The Local Law 2020 requires permits for activities such as accommodating large numbers of animals or burning off in specific areas. Additionally, residents may need to obtain permits for activities related to storm and wastewater,  ...  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 Australian Government’s delivery of its annual Budget is currently scheduled for 25 March 2025. Before or shortly after that date a federal election will be called by the Prime Minister, with the election required to be held before the end of May 2025.

A submission has been prepared to present to local candidates for election in the Federal seat of Casey and to send to relevant Australian Government Ministers and shadow Ministers seeking to influence decision-making. The suggested projects and programs are drawn from existing Council strategies and plans. The submission is provided in the attachment to this report.

In accordance with Governance Rule 29.1, Cr Higgins, Cr Marriott, Cr Heenan, Cr McAllister 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

Yarra Ranges Council Advisory Committees play a key role in demonstrating local leadership and working directly with community on important matters for Council.

The Sustainable Environment Advisory Committee (SEAC) is comprised of community representatives, Councillors, and staff with an interest and/or expertise in sustainability and environmental matters. The Committee provides local insight and advice to support Council decision making.

This report provides Council with an updated Terms of Reference to guide SEAC over the next four-year term, along with a recommendation to formally appoint twelve community representatives to SEAC following an extensive recruitment process.

In accordance with Governance Rule 29.1, Cr Mcilwain, Cr Heenan and Cr Marriott 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

The attached December 2024 Finance Report has been prepared as of 31 December 2024.

The report includes financial year-to-date data up to the end of December for the 2024-2025 financial year and is compared to adopted budget for the financial year 2024-2025.

In accordance with Governance Rule 29.1, Cr Higgins and Cr Mcilwain 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

Council’s Equity, Access, and Inclusion Strategy 2013-2023 (The Strategy) meets Council’s legislative obligations under the Victorian Disability Act (2006) and stipulates the requirements for a Disability Action Plan (DAP). The most recent DAP expired in 2023, with the next iteration for Council (Attachment One) building upon the learning and success of the previous Strategy.         

The proposed DAP (2025-2029) outlines Council’s approach to meeting legislative requirements, ensuring we work towards a common vision, advancing disability inclusion across all aspects of Council. The DAP works towards a long-term vision through the structure of four goals and is written to ensure Council has strategic foresight to additional legislative obligations pending the passing of the Disability Inclusion Bill.

A first phase (four weeks) of community engagement, in addition to Councils Disability Advisory Committee and Access and Equity Reference Group supported the development of the DAP to date, identifying both the key themes and desired outcomes of the Plan. This is attached to this report as Attachment Two: Disability Action Plan Community Engagement Report. A further four weeks of stakeholder and community engagement is required before finalising the DAP. This is planned to commence in March 2025.

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

Cr McAllister left the meeting at 7:51pm and returned to the meeting at 7:51pm prior to debate and a vote being taken. 

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

Against:         Nil

SUMMARY

That the new Neighbourhood House in Mooroolbark, commence with Council funding of $20,000 until incorporated status is achieved and then increase to the same level as the other Neighbourhood Houses.

The Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (DFFH) is the lead funder of Neighbourhood Houses (Community Houses) in Victoria.  The Houses connect and support local communities.

Yarra Ranges Council also funds Neighbourhood / Community Houses through its Neighbourhood House Partnership program.  The program is run on a four-year cycle and the current cycle was endorsed by Council in 2022. Council funding is for community development and has a focus on community participation, inclusion, connection and capacity building. 

After the closure of the Kallista Community House in December 2022 an opportunity was identified to support a new Neighbourhood House in Mooroolbark.

Mooroolbark is one of the most populous areas of Yarra Ranges and growing. It has strong community volunteering and commitment to strengthening and connecting the local community.

In 2024, the Mooroolbark Umbrella Group (MUG) led an engagement process to develop an application for Neighbourhood House funding from the DFFH with support from the regional DFFHand Council. In June 2024, DFFH announced that the Mooroolbark Umbrella Group was successful in achieving Neighbourhood House funding to commence the work of establishing a new Community House in Mooroolbark.

This report proposes that, with core DFFH funding now secured, funds from Council’s current Neighbourhood House Partnership program be allocated to the new Mooroolbark Community House. Council funding will assist with developing a sustainable operating model with strong community-led governance to further strengthen the Mooroolbark community.

In accordance with Governance Rule 58, Randall Bourchier spoke in support of the recommendation included in the report.

In accordance with Governance Rule 29.1, Cr Mazzarella, Cr Marriott 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

With visitor numbers in the Yarra Ranges expected to double, effective parking management is essential to support accessibility and local businesses. The Warburton Paid Parking Pilot aims to ease congestion and improve parking availability in high-demand areas by introducing a targeted, location-specific fee system.

Yarra Ranges residents and eligible Warburton traders (including non-residents) will be exempt from paying parking fees.

Following extensive research, engagement with local businesses, and benchmarking against other Victorian municipalities, Council proposes a variable fee structure that balances affordability with effective parking management. Paid parking will apply only during peak times (weekends and public holidays, 9 am–5 pm) at key locations, including Thomas Avenue, Warburton Highway, Water World, and Station Street. Fees range from $3.50 to $6.00 per hour (excluding the providers’ transaction costs) with the first hour free along Warburton Highway to encourage customer turnover and support local businesses. A digital permit system will allow Yarra Ranges residents and traders to park for free. Additionally, a $99 penalty under Road Rule 207(2) will apply for failure to pay parking fees or comply with signage.

Noting that the primary objective of the pilot is to improve traffic and parking safety and amenity, the financial impact of the pilot remains uncertain, given fees apply only to non-residents, making revenue projections variable. However, initial estimates suggest that the cost of implementing paid parking infrastructure and technology should be recovered within two years. The performance of the pilot will be reviewed after 12 months to assess its viability as a long-term solution.

More information on the paid parking pilot, including Frequently Asked Questions, is available on the Council’s website.  Please refer to:

Paid Parking in Warburton Yarra Ranges Council

Cr Child moved an Alternate Motion.

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

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

Cr McAllister, Cr Marriott and Cr Cox

Against:          Cr Mazzarella

SUMMARY

This report summarises the evaluation process taken and seeks Council approval for the construction of a new 1.5 km long shared path trail along the alignment of the former Healesville Railway Line, starting at the end of the existing path 1.2 kilometres north of MacIntyre Lane, Yering and finishing at the end of the existing earth railway viaduct 50 metres from the Yarra River, Yering.  This construction constitutes stage 1B.2 of the Yarra Valley Trail project.

An advertisement calling for tenders was placed in The Age newspaper on Saturday 2 November 2024. Tenders closed on Wednesday 4 December 2024 and two (2) tenders were received.

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

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

In accordance with Governance Rule 29.1, Cr McAllister, Cr Heenan 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

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        ITEMS THROUGH THE CHAIR

12.1     Crossing Safety – Hardy Street Lilydale

Cr Heenan reiterated the request earlier in the evening from the public question to Council for a safe crossing area to be created on Hardy Street Lilydale. Cr Heenan also cited the impact from the flooding of Olinda Creek and the impact the flooding has on the current traffic lights and area.  The Mayor requested that the Director Built Environment & Infrastructure brief Councillors further on this matter at a future Forum.

12.2    Chin National Day

Cr Mazzarella congratulated the local Chin Community on their 77^th Chin National Day on 20^th February 2025. He noted, the Chin National Day is a significant occasion that honours the rich cultural heritage, history and unity of the Chin people. Cr Mazzarella also thanked the Chin Community for the contribution they make to the Mooroolbark Community and the wider Yarra Ranges.

Cr Marriott

-       Attended the Municipal Fire Management Planning Committee on 12 February 2025. The meeting was also attended by Cr Child.

-       Attended the Indigenous Advisory Committee on 18 February 2025. The meeting was also attended by Cr McAllister.

-       Attended the Municipal Emergency Management Planning Committee on 19 February 2025. The meeting was also attended by Cr Child.

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

In Favour:     Cr Child, 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.