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.

Cr Child declared a general interest in respect of Item 11.1. A written notice was supplied to the Chief Executive Officer under Governance Rules Chapter 7 Sub-Rule 3.1b.

The Mayor acknowledged former Yarra Ranges Council Mayor, Terry Avery, in the Gallery.

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

QUESTION 1

Sharyn Manning of Mooroolbark asked;

In 2024, 268 people had multiple infringements within a 4 week timeframe. How many of these were rescinded?

In 2024 revenue from car parking infringements was approximately $501,000. What was the cost of implementing the system including wages, training, equipment, vehicles, mail and any other direct or indirect cost including any bonus or incentive scheme?

Acting Director Communities, Jane Sinnamon

Thank you for your questions, Sharyn.

In relation to your first question, I can confirm that in the timeframe referred, there were 73 appeals for multiple parking infringements received by Council with 40 being withdrawn.

In relation to your second question, unfortunately, a detailed financial analysis that accurately answers your question isn’t possible within the available timeframe for public questions of Council.

We will however provide a written respond within five business days and are happy to have this question publicly answered at the next Council meeting if it is your preference.

QUESTION 2

Anonymous asked;

I’m writing to raise concerns about Alsops Rd, Launching Place. There appears to be only one speed limit sign—why is signage so limited in a residential area? Also, trucks, cars, and motorcycles frequently use the road as a cut-through, often speeding and creating safety issues. What is the council doing to address the volume and speed of traffic through this residential street?

Acting Director Built Environment and Infrastructure, Kim O’Connor

Thank you for your question,

Alsops Road is classified as a Rural Sealed Collector, connecting Healesville–Koo Wee Rup Road and the Warburton Highway. The road spans approximately 2.8 kilometres, and carries a posted speed limit of 60 km/h.

The Traffic and Transport Team has conducted traffic volume and speed counts in 2018 (near property no. 17) and most recently in 2024 (near property no. 59). Both sets of data have shown consistent vehicle volumes, with the 2024 count recording an average of 761 vehicles per day, which is within the acceptable tolerance for this classification of road. The daily peak hour volume was found to be within acceptable limits and consistent with similar roads within the Municipality.

Speed data from the recent count indicates that a number of vehicles are travelling above the posted 60 km/h limit, suggesting a potential speeding concern. Our records indicate that speed limit signage is installed at both ends of Alsops Road, along with a repeater sign positioned midway. However, the sign at the Warburton Highway end has been removed. Council will arrange for this signage to be reinstated.

Council Officers will also notify Victoria Police of the speeding concerns to support targeted enforcement in the area. In addition, we encourage residents to report any instances of hoon driving directly to the Hoon Hotline on 1800 333 000 or via the Crime Stoppers website at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

SUBMISSIONS TO COUNCIL

There were  ...  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.

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

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

Against:            Nil

SUMMARY

The Australian Government recently announced an additional 50 Urgent Care Clinics – including twelve in Victoria, with one to be located in Lilydale. These are intended to be opened in 2025-2026 and have been funded in the Federal Budget 2025-2026. At this stage, it is unclear how far the federal Opposition would support this program if they were to form Government after the likely May 2025 election.

As this is at the announcement stage, there is potentially an opportunity for Council to contribute to the decision-making process and ensure there is due consideration to the best location to improve healthcare access across Yarra Ranges. 

This paper compares community health outcomes of an Urgent Care Clinic location in Lilydale and Healesville.  It notes that while both locations have positive impacts on health outcomes, Healesville is the recommended location to provide the most improvement to equity of healthcare access.

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

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

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

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

Against:            Cr Heenan and Cr Higgins

SUMMARY

The application proposes buildings and works associated with the construction of a childcare centre, shops, offices and medical centre, reduction in car parking requirements, alteration of access to a road in a Transport Zone 2 (major arterial road managed by Department of Transport) and creation of easement.

The development is a three (3) storey building that incorporates a mixture of commercial, office spaces and a childcare centre. The proposal is of a contemporary design that integrates and enhances the Lilydale major activity centre. 

The application has been advertised and at the time of this report five (5) objections have been received. Objector concerns relate primarily to insufficient car parking provision and traffic impacts to Hardy Street.

Overall, the proposed development responds to the Yarra Ranges Planning Scheme when assessed against the relevant policies including the Municipal Planning Strategy, Planning Policy Framework, Zone, Overlay and provisions of the Scheme.

It is recommended the application be approved and a Notice of Decision to Grant a Planning Permit, subject to conditions, be issued.

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

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

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

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

Against:            Cr Mazzarella and Cr Cox

DIVISION

Cr Mazzarella called for a division.

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

Against:         Cr Mazzarella and Cr Cox.

Absent:          Nil

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

Against:              Nil

SUMMARY

The Local Government Act 2020 requires Council to review the Council Action Plan on an annual basis to ensure the strategic direction is aligned to the long-term Community Vision 2036 and current community needs.

This mid-year progress report finalises Council’s achievements from July 1, 2024, to 31 December 2024. This will be the last mid-year report for the current Council Plan, as Council is approaching its final months for delivery of the 2021-2025 Council Plan and associated actions. Extensive reporting against the actions, major initiatives and indicators in the 2012-2025 Council Plan will be provided to Council post June 30, 2025.

·                All eight Major Initiatives are progressing and set to be closed out in the plan’s final year.

·                Of the 35 Council actions outlined in the plan, five are complete, 29 are on track for completion and one was ceased.

Due to this being the last progress report on the current Council plan no new actions or significant changes are proposed in this update. Therefore, extensive community engagement has already commenced to develop the 2025- 2029 Council Plan.

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

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

Against:            Nil

SUMMARY

A review of Yarra Ranges Council’s (Council) Councillor Code of Conduct (Councillor Code) took place following the introduction of the Model Councillor Code of Conduct (Model Code) outlined in Local Government Amendment (Governance and Integrity) Act 2024.

The review also considered the implications of Operation Sandon and Operation Leo, which highlighted the need for stronger integrity measures. The Model Code sets out the minimum standards of conduct expected of elected representatives. Prior to this amendment, the Local Government Act 2020 required all Council’s to have their own individual Councillor Code of Conduct. The new Model Code is now a statutory and sworn oath requirement for all Councillors. However, Councils can choose to also maintain their own Councillor Code of Conduct.  

Officers recommend Council maintains its own Councillor Code to build upon and complement the Model Code, strengthening good governance by providing clear behavioural boundaries and expectations that are tailored to the local context. A robust, specific Code ensures transparency, accountability, and public confidence in council operations, complementing the broader principles of the Model Code. The review of the current Councillor Code proposes several changes to ensure alignment with the Model Code.

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

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

Against:            Nil

SUMMARY

The Victorian Government released the Visitor Economy Recovery and Reform Plan in April 2021, outlining its intention to transition Regional Tourism Boards into a network of Visitor Economy Partnerships (VEP). This framework ensures that VEPs will become the peak bodies for all visitor economy related matters within the regions of Victoria.

This report details the proposed establishment of a Visitor Economy Partnership, named Tourism East, for the local government areas of Yarra Ranges Council, Nillumbik Shire Council, and a new partner council, Cardinia Shire Council.

The three partner councils, along with representatives from State Government and the Chair of Yarra Ranges Tourism, have participated in a co-design process to create the proposed VEP entity and legal structures.

This report seeks in principle support for Yarra Ranges Council (YRC) to join Tourism East, subject to endorsement from the other two partner councils. This includes the associated ongoing financial commitment of $300,000 to the partnership. Tourism East will strengthen and grow the visitor economy of the region and provide an increase in opportunities to our region.

Membership of the new VEP entity has the potential to unlock significant opportunities for Council in realising the economic benefits of the visitor economy, ensuring it has an official voice into the Victoria tourism framework through Visit Victoria and unique access to greater State Government funding opportunities.

There are strong linkages between the proposed VEP model and Council’s strategic priorities, including the Council Plan, Economic Development Strategy, and the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges Destination Management Plan. Each of these strategic documents identify the contribution of tourism and the visitor economy in achieving a strong and thriving local economy.

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

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

Against:              Nil

The Mayor called for the meeting to be adjourned at 10.15pm.

The meeting resumed at 10.30pm with all Councillors present.

Cr McAllister moved a motion alternate to that printed in the agenda.

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

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.

SUMMARY

Yarra Ranges is home to significant biodiversity, with the region’s landscapes and iconic species, including the Eastern Grey Kangaroo, attracting over four million tourists per year.

Local community members and groups have raised concerns with Councillors about animal welfare and the impact of commercial harvesting on local kangaroo populations.  Kangaroo control is managed entirely by the State Government. through the Authority to Control Wildlife (ATCW) process and the 2024-2028 Kangaroo Harvesting Program (KHP).

This matter was presented to a Councillor Forum in October 2023. Since this time, several peri-urban Councils, including Nillumbik, Mornington Peninsula and Mount Alexander Shire Councils, have advocated for their removal from the commercial harvesting program.

Recently State Government’s 2024-2028 Kangaroo Harvest Management Plan has redrawn the harvest zones removing other peri-urban areas from commercial harvesting. Yarra Ranges Council has not been excluded, instead shifting into the Gippsland Harvest Zone, with the implications of this change unclear, especially relating to Yarra Ranges Dandenong’s region which is stated as excluded from the harvesting zone.

Locally evidence received by Council suggests that there has been limited uptake of the harvesting program to date.

The protection of kangaroos and their habitat locally is guided by endorsed Council strategies, including the Environment Strategy 2015-2025 and the Nature Plan 2024-2034.

Cr Child left the meeting at 7:12pm. prior to consideration of the item, having declared a conflict of interest in this item.

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

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

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

Against:            Nil

The Deputy Mayor called for the meeting to be adjourned at 8.00pm.

Cr Child returned to the meeting at 8:00pm following a vote had been taken.

The meeting resumed at 8.04pm with all Councillors present.

11.1                Parking Dispensations in Planning Reports

Cr McAllister requested that all future Planning Reports that dispense with parking requirements for larger developments, include figures on previous parking dispensations. Cr McAllister would like the parking dispensations to be standard inclusion in Planning Reports.

There were no Reports from Delegates received for this 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.

SUMMARY

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

a) Letter Under Seal – Andrew Fullagar

b) Letter Under Seal – David Eastham

c) Letter Under Seal – Johanna Skelton

d) Letter Under Seal – Sophie Todorov

A letter under seal has been prepared for Andrew Fullagar, David Eastham, Johanna Skelton and Sophie Todorov to acknowledge the contribution to the Yarra Ranges community through their role as Councillors with the Yarra Ranges Council.

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

Against:            Nil

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