Agenda and minutes

Recent spike in Covid-19 case numbers

The Mayor announced that, to help slow the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19) within our workforce and the community, Council Meetings will be held by
video-conference until further notice and to continue our commitment to transparency and public participation he noted that Council Meetings will be live streamed.

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.

There were no Questions or Submissions from the Public 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

Through early work on preparing a new Lilydale Structure Plan, it was identified that there are a number of properties in Lilydale with potential heritage significance that are not protected by a Heritage Overlay (HO) in the Planning Scheme.

Council engaged qualified heritage consultants to identify gaps in heritage protection in Lilydale’s Main Street and surrounding areas and to assess which places meet the threshold for local heritage protection in the planning scheme. This work has recommended the protection of 13 new sites and updates to the existing heritage statements of significance or mapping for 7 places that are already protected by the HO.

It is proposed that the schedule to the HO in the Planning Scheme be amended to include the 13 new places through a planning scheme amendment that will be publicly exhibited.

Concurrently, it is proposed that the HO be applied to the new places on an interim basis, to ensure the heritage values of the places are protected while the planning scheme amendment for permanent heritage protection is exhibited.

In order to apply interim controls, Council must request the Minister for Planning to use his powers of intervention under section 20(4) of the Planning and Environment Act 1987 to prepare, adopt and approve an amendment to the Yarra Ranges Planning Scheme (Amendment C206).

In order to commence the amendment process for a permanent control, Council must seek authorisation from the Minister for Planning to prepare and exhibit an amendment (Amendment C207).

SUMMARY

A review and changes by the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (DFFH) in 2019 to the Victorian Child Wellbeing and Safety Act (2005), come into effect during the 6-months from 1 July 2022 to 1 January 2023. New changes to Council’s existing Child Safety and Wellbeing Policy are now required to ensure alignment with what is now, the eleven Victorian Child Safe Standards.

The legislation amendments introduce additional standards, compliance requirements and enforcement related to Child Safe Organisations, that will ensure national harmonisation with the National Child Safe Framework and a stronger legislative and compliance platform for safeguarding children across Victoria.

Numerous factors reinforce the ongoing, essential need for Council’s child safety efforts for children, young people, as well as families, carers, and the general community. Child abuse and neglect is not a historic issue. Organisations and the community continue to fail in their responsibility to protect children and young people. Evidence on the significant increase in child safe incidents during the covid pandemic, particularly the increased reports of on-line abuse, peer on peer abuse, family violence and mental health, as well as reduced access to service supports highlights this need. Awareness and practice related to child safety and embedding a culture of “Child Safety is Everyone’s Business” requires ongoing work to minimize risks within the organisation and community.

SUMMARY

Council’s Health and Wellbeing Plan sets out the strategic direction for improving health and wellbeing for all residents across the municipality. It reflects Council’s commitment to promoting health and wellbeing and creating inclusive, healthy and connected communities.

To ensure the community voice is at the forefront of the development, implementation, and evaluation of the current and future Health and Wellbeing Plans, it is proposed a revised Health & Wellbeing Advisory Committee is established with diverse community representation, ensuring community is engaged in all stages of health and wellbeing planning and implementation

A Terms of Reference for this Committee is attached to the report which outlines the governance arrangements for the new Health & Wellbeing Advisory Committee and recruitment process.

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

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

Cr Heenan left the meeting at 8.13pm and returned to the meeting at 8.15pm prior to a vote being taken.

SUMMARY

The Yarra Ranges Disability Advisory Committee (DAC) is Council’s advisory group representing people with disabilities, their carers and families.

There is an opportunity for new members to apply to be a part of the Disability Advisory Committee for the 2022-2026 term. The recruitment intention and process are presented to Council in accordance with the requirements of the Terms of Reference.

SUMMARY

On 29 March 2022, and again on 24 May 2022, Council gave notice of its intention to extend the lease of 840 Wellington Road, Lysterfield (Lysterfield Transfer Station), to Baxter Business Pty Ltd (trading as Cleanaway) by a period of two (2) years for continued use as a waste transfer station.

At the submission closing date on 22 June 2022, one community comment had been received seeking clarification regarding future land rehabilitation, though this did not constitute an objection to the proposal at hand.

The proposed lease extension, which would be in the form of an additional further term of two (2) years, would commence at the expiry of the current term on 1 June 2025 thus extending Cleanaway’s current 20-year lease until 31 May 2027, and aligning its expiry date to that of two other transfer station leases within the municipality. If granted, the additional term would be added by Deed of Variation to the current lease, which would also include a reduction in the lease area and various other provisions designed to facilitate a Biochar production facility on part of the site, proposed to be leased and operated by an alternative tenant.

SUMMARY

This Intent to Levy a Special Charge Report involves the below road improvement projects, with each project being treated as an individual special charge scheme:

·                Alfred Street and John Street, Wandin North;

·                Tainton Street and Railway Parade, Wandin North; and

·                Cedar Court, Burns Way, Loch Avenue, Harvest Close and Mayview Drive, Monbulk.

When referred to collectively, they are known in this report as “The Subject Roads”.

As part of its 2019 budgetary process, the Federal Government announced a nine year, $150 Million funding initiative for Yarra Ranges Council to seal roads within the Dandenong Ranges and surrounding areas. This funding program has been named the Roads for the Community Initiative.

At its meeting on 24 September 2019 Council endorsed a list of roads to be constructed using this funding to be facilitated by means of Special Charge Schemes. The Subject Roads were included on this list of roads.

This report recommends affected landowners be notified of Council’s Intent to Levy a Special Charge for the construction of The Subject Roads.

SUMMARY

Following an extensive consultation process with landowners, Council at its meeting of 24 May 2022 considered a report on road improvement works for Old Coach Road (from no.12 to no.37), Montrose. Council resolved to advise of its intention to declare a special charge in accordance with the provisions of Section 163 of the Local Government Act 1989 (version 159).

This report advises that two submissions have been received regarding the Special Charge and recommends that Council declare the Special Charge without modification.

SUMMARY

Following an extensive consultation process with landowners, Council at its meeting of 24 May 2022 considered a report on road improvement works for Sylvia Road, Hoddles Creek. Council resolved to advise of its intention to declare a special charge in accordance with the provisions of Section 163 of the Local Government Act 1989 (version 159).

This report advises that no submissions have been received regarding the Special Charge and recommends that Council declare the Special Charge without modification.

SUMMARY

Following an extensive consultation process with landowners, Council at its meeting of 24 May 2022 considered a report on road improvement works for Harberts Road (from no.30 to no.100), Don Valley. Council resolved to advise of its intention to declare a special charge in accordance with the provisions of Section 163 of the Local Government Act 1989 (version 159).

This report advises that no submissions have been received regarding the Special Charge and recommends that Council declare the Special Charge without modification.

SUMMARY

Following an extensive consultation process with landowners, Council at its meeting of 24 May 2022 considered a report on road improvement works for Kirkham Road (between Retreat Road and Courtneys Road), Belgrave South. Council resolved to advise of its intention to declare a special charge in accordance with the provisions of Section 163 of the Local Government Act 1989 (version 159).

This report advises that no submissions have been received regarding the Special Charge and recommends that Council declare the Special Charge without modification.

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.

The Mayor attended the First Nations Indigenous round of the Warburton-Millgrove Football Netball Club against Powelltown Football Netball Club held on Saturday 23 July 2022 at A.T Mac Sparke Oval in Warburton. He also noted it was unfortunate that Aunty Joy Wandin was unable to attend due to illness. The Mayor thanked Nelson Aldridge, from the Yarra Ranges Council’s Indigenous Development team, for the work he had done in organising the event.

Cr Fullagar attended the opening of the Old School track section of the RidgeWalk trail between Sassafras and Olinda. Cr Fullagar reported of the two new art installations, Tawny Frogmouth by artist Renate Crow and the Pathmarker Birds by artist Peter McIlwain and encouraged the community get along to see the installations.

Cr Fullagar also attended an educational event hosted by the Sustainable Environment Advisory Committee, with strong community engagement and
in-depth questions regarding the environment.

Cr Fullagar along with Cr Skelton attended the Dark Arts exhibition at the Selby Community House on 22 July 2022. The exhibition showcased Monbulk College students’ music, photography and fine artwork.  Cr Skelton encouraged the community to attend the exhibition in support of the students.

Cr Skelton:

-           Reported that the Hills Community Recovery Committee will be hosting an information session to be held on 28 July 2022 at 6.00pm to discuss the final direction for the Hills Community Grant funding.

Cr Child:

-            Along with Cr Skelton and the Chief Executive Officer attended the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) Interface Briefing. Cr Child reported that the meeting was informative and a good opportunity to highlight current Yarra Ranges Council issues.

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 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.

There being no further business the meeting was declared closed at: 8.37pm.

Confirmed this day, Tuesday 9 August 2022, via videoconference

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Councillor Jim Child (Mayor)