Agenda and minutes

Melba Support Service Opening

The Mayor proudly spoke to a video showcasing a collaborative project between Melba Support Services and Community Housing Limited which supports specialist disability accommodation in Lilydale. The Mayor attended the opening of the facility mentioned in the video and remarked on what a wonderful outcome this project is for the community.

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 FROM THE PUBLIC

Thomas Hobley, of North Croydon, asked:

What are council doing to fight the closure of the Melba Ave/Cave Hill road level crossing?

Amanda Kern, Acting Director Planning Design & Development responded:

Thank you Mr Hobley for your question.

As Yarra Ranges Council is a key stakeholder in this project, it has always advocated to the Level Crossing Removal Project (LXRP) that all project proposals are to be founded on sound, evidence based studies, outlining the need, whilst noting that the project also has an opportunity to provide improved function, safety and amenity to the local area.

Following consultation with local residents and businesses in 2019, Yarra Ranges Council advised the LXRP that it is Council’s position that the Cave Hill Rd / Melba Ave level crossing should remain open.

Council responded to the State Governments 2021 project announcement by issuing a formal letter to the Victorian Government raising significant concerns regarding the proposed removal of this crossing. As part of this letter Yarra Ranges Council requested a comprehensive traffic and pedestrian study to be undertaken to demonstrate the need, improvements and provide the basis for a functional solution. LXRP undertook the study and continued to progress the project with the most recent project designs released this month.

This latest design proposal from LXRP aims to improve the local amenity, pedestrian links and work in with the existing heritage trees, local high school, adjacent subdivision development and the future Lilydale bypass. Council will continue engaging with LXRP on the proposed design released on 5th October and have escalated the outstanding issues for further discussion.

Residents of Yarra Ranges Council concerned with this proposal should also write to the Level Crossing Removal Project directly or the relevant State Government Ministers, being Minister for Transport Infrastructure and Minister for Planning.

Additionally, I can confirm that Council is currently undertaking continued advocacy for the duplication of the Lilydale line as a priority.

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.

SUMMARY

The following petition was been received:

PART A – General Petition

1.         Request for the installation of traffic lights at the intersection of Francis Crescent and Birmingham Road, Mt Evelyn. Residents have concerns regarding the dangerous traffic conditions that confront students, parents, staff and local residents at the Francis Crescent and Birmingham Road intersection, with the primary concern being the safety of all community members. 88 signatures.

In accordance with Governance Rule 58, Bosa Carter spoke in support of the Petition.

SUMMARY

Amendment C210 proposes to apply the Heritage Overlay (HO430) to 1 Montrose Road, Montrose.

The amendment was placed on public exhibition from 7 July 2022 to 8 August 2022 and six submissions were received.  Of those, one submission makes reference to matters unrelated to the proposed Heritage Overlay, one submission supports retention of the existing building, two submissions support the amendment and also request changes and one submission opposing the application of the HO has been received from the land owner. 

In response to submissions, this report recommends that Council refer the Amendment and submissions to an independent Planning Panel appointed by the Minister for Planning.

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

SUMMARY

Council is committed to partnering with the community through grants to encourage, support and sustain a range of cultural, social and community initiatives.

The 2023 Grants for Community round has sought to prioritise projects which build mental and physical health and wellbeing, support strong and sustainable community connections and nurture thriving local places.

This report presents projects recommended for funding for the 2023 calendar year. Council opened the grant round 1 June 2022 and closed 15 July 2022 receiving 91 applications for the round, across three program streams:

·           42 Community Development;

·           29 Arts and Heritage; and

·           20 Festivals and Events.

Two independent panels recommend 63 applications be funded, totalling $480,138.12. These recommendations conclude a robust and transparent assessment process.

The grants celebration event, which acknowledges successful grant recipients and showcases 2022 Grants for Community projects, is scheduled for Thursday 8 December 2022.

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

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

SUMMARY

The Yering Billabongs Project aims to re-create a natural floodplain as a shallow meadow for our community and importantly support the deepening of knowledge of this area for the Traditional Owners the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung.

A Committee of Management will ensure long-term care of the site and support the biodiversity outcomes. Melbourne Water and Council propose to partner in the management of the site through the Committee of Management model. Melbourne Water and Council are well positioned to balance the expectations of the community and conservation initiatives while supporting Indigenous connection to country.

A Committee of Management through partnership for Yering Billabongs is proposed via Chief Executive Officer delegated authority.

SUMMARY

This report summarises the quotation evaluation process for the School and Valley Road Seville - Road Improvement Works Special Charge Scheme and seeks Council approval to award the contract for construction to Foley Services Pty Ltd.

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. 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.

School Road and Valley Road, Seville were included on this list of roads and in accordance with Council’s Special Charge Scheme Policy, landowner support has been sought and obtained for construction of the road. The project has been listed in Council’s 2022/23 Capital Expenditure Program.

The Special Charge Scheme Statutory Process has been successfully completed and the project is ready for construction.

SUMMARY

Ridges and Rivers encompass three main projects funded by all Government tiers and takes a strategic approach to expand the Yarra Ranges network of cultural and recreational experiences. These are the Warburton Mountain Bike Destination, RidgeWalk and Yarra Valley Trail. Together, when combined with the existing Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail, the trails provide a unified and unique cultural, recreational and educational experience in multiple locations servicing various audiences.

It is anticipated that the projects will deliver 910,000 visitors per annum, create 597 jobs and inject $103 million in economic spend to the region.

Yarra Ranges has developed and achieved funding for the projects to a value of $29.6 million, with $22.4 million coming from external funding sources.

The Warburton Mountain Bike Destination has recently been through an Environmental Effects Statement (EES). Once completed, along with the adoption of a Warburton Master Plan by Council, the project is ready to proceed pending the required EES outcomes.

The RidgeWalk Master Plan was endorsed by Council in September 2020. Varying sections are now undergoing detailed design, with construction having commenced on some sections. The creative arts component of the project is also progressing well.

Yarra Valley Trail has completed Stage 1A Lilydale to Yering and is preparing further construction of Stage 1B Yering to Yarra Glen. A Planning Permit has recently been received for this stage, however, an objection has been lodged with VCAT by an adjacent landowner, with a hearing scheduled for February 2023.

Funding for Stage 2A, Yarra Glen to Tarrawarra, was received through a Labor Party Federal election commitment while the Northern Tourist Loop around Yarra Glen was funded through a previous State Government commitment.

Planning for unfunded Stages 2B and 3, Yarra Glen to Healesville and Healesville to Woori Yallock respectively, continues.

The intent of this paper is to provide an update on the progress of all three projects.

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

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

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.

Cr McAllister:

-        Provided an update on the Services for Healesville Hospital Action Group and the increasing community need for an Urgent Care Facility located at the Healesville Hospital. Cr McAllister requested the Mayor write, on behalf of Yarra Ranges Council, to the State Minister for Health advocating for the Urgent Care Facility in Healesville. Cr Heenan spoke in support of the request. Cr Child agreed to the request and thanked Cr McAllister for the work undertaken regarding the Urgent Care Facility.

Cr Todorov:

-        Attended a Youth Mental Health Forum held on 9 October 2022 at the Yarra Ranges Council Civic Centre.  Cr Todorov expressed her disappointment at the cut in funding for the Lilydale Youth Hub and encourage everyone to voice their concern. She then acknowledged a Rural Rainbows Pride event to be held on 15 October 2022.

Cr Heenan:

-           Attended Save the Dandenongs League 70th Anniversary Celebration held on 9 October 2022 at the Karwarra Gardens, Kalorama. The event was also attended by Cr Eastham, Cr Cox and Cr Fullagar, former Councillors Samantha Dunn, Noel Cliff, Professor Michael Buxton (Shire of Sherbrooke), Betty Marsden (Shire of Sherbrooke) and Louis Delacretaz (Shire of Sherbrooke and Yarra Ranges Council).

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.

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 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.