Agenda and draft minutes

There were no Mayoral Announcements for this meeting.

In Favour:   Cr Heenan, Cr Eastham, Cr Higgins, Cr Skelton, Cr Todorov,
Cr Child, Cr McAllister, Cr Fullagar and Cr Cox.

Against:       Nil

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.

QUESTIONS TO COUNCIL

Question 1

Anonymous of Warburton asked;

What does it cost to run, create access to and maintain the Warburton Waterworld per year including any other incidentals?

Hjalmar Phillip, Director Built Environment and Infrastructure.

Thank you for your question:

In total, the annual operating costs for the ongoing management of the Warburton Water World is approximately $91,500.

The operating costs including water supply, water testing and treatment, chemical supply and electricity are approximately $75,000 per year.

The Water Worlds play space is maintained by Council’s Parks team in line with all other Council play spaces. Other operating costs include $7,500 per year to lease the overflow car parking area and $6000 to operate the gates at the Redwood Centre.

At peak times, there can be other costs where additional support such as traffic management and increased litter collection and toilet cleaning is required. These are dependent on weather and visitation, so the costs vary year to year.

Where these are all required on the same day the cost is approximately $3,000

Question 2

Mike Hulks of Healesville asked;

Clause 4.3 Regulation of Trading, of The Yarra Ranges Shire Council’s Neighbourhood Amenity Local Law 2020 is in breach of the Federal Competition and Consumer Act 2010.

When will Clause 4.3 Regulation of Trading, of The Yarra Ranges Shire Council’s Neighbourhood Amenity Local Law 2020 be repealed.

Leanne Hurst, Director Communities.

Thank you for your question, Mike.

Thank you for bringing to the Council’s attention your concerns regarding legalities of the Neighbourhood Amenities Local Laws. We do not agree with your assertion that the Local Law contravenes the Federal Competition and Consumer Act. The Neighbourhood Amenity Local Laws are produced under the authority of the Local Government Act and as such are held to overarching governance principals that include the promotion of economic, social and environmental sustainability in the municipality.

In your submitted supportive information you raised a number of issues relating to your specific circumstances, A formal response is also being prepared that addresses your concerns in detail, including your avenues for appeal should you wish to formally dispute compliance actions.

Due to your interest, we would also welcome your participation in the Footpath and Roadside Trading Policy Review that is currently occurring. Your inputs in community meetings and focus groups will help shape the policy and future direction of associated local laws

QUESTION 3

Ray Lister of Kallista asked;

Could you please confirm what percentage of YRC local roads are unsealed, I have seen differing figures from 60% to 65%.

What is the total number of unsealed roads, including those under construction now, completed under the Roads for Community Funding, noting not one road in Kallista was sealed under that funding.

Thank you

Hjalmar Phillip, Director Built Environment and Infrastructure.

Thank you for your question, Ray

Council’s road network is 1,772  ...  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 proposed 2024-2025 to 2027-2028 Budget, including the 2024-2025 to 2033-2034 Capital Expenditure Program and 2024-2025 Fees and Charges Schedule, has now been updated and finalised following the public Hearing of Submissions Committee meeting on 28 May 2024. 

A summary of the changes to the Draft Budget are:

·                A reallocation of funding in the Capital Expenditure program from ‘general drainage improvements’ to Chapel St, Lilydale works – $50k for investigation and design work in 2024-25, and a further $250k for construction works in 2025-26. This change is a reallocation from general works only, there is no overall budget impact. 

·                Fees and charges 2024-2025 – amendments were made to a small number of statutory fees that are subject to annual changes via State Government gazettes released during May 2024. 

·                The Financial Statements have been amended for Landfill Levy increases, in accordance with the announcement in the 2024-2025 State Government budget, to take effect in from year 2 (2025-2026). This increases Materials and Services expenditure, but is offset by increased waste charge income.

·                Minor administrative changes have been made to page 211 from the Council Agenda for this item.

In accordance with Governance Rule 29.1, Cr Todorov, Cr Eastham, Cr McAllister, Cr Skelton, and Cr Heenan spoke to the Motion.

In Favour:   Cr Eastham, Cr Higgins, Cr Skelton, Cr Todorov,
Cr Child, Cr McAllister, and Cr Cox.

Against:       Cr Heenan

Cr Child called for a division.

In Favour: Cr Child, Cr Cox, Cr Eastham, Cr Higgins, Cr McAllister, Cr Skelton and Cr Todorov

Against: Cr Heenan

Absent: Cr Fullagar

SUMMARY

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

The Council is approaching its final year for delivery of the 2021-2025 Council Plan and its associated actions. No new actions or significant changes are proposed for the final year (2024-2025) of the Council Action Plan.

Community engagement has already commenced to develop the 2025-2029 Council Plan. Minor revisions to the wording of the current Council Plan Actions are proposed to better reflect the stage of each action that will be delivered in 2024-2025 in the final year of the 2021-2025 Council Plan.

In accordance with Governance Rule 29.1, Cr Todorov and Cr Skelton spoke to the Motion.

In Favour:   Cr Heenan, Cr Eastham, Cr Higgins, Cr Skelton, Cr Todorov,
Cr Child, Cr McAllister, and Cr Cox.

Against:       Nil

SUMMARY

The Victorian State Government is inviting submissions to its Inquiry into Local Government Sustainability. Council’s state peak bodies – the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) and Local Government Finance Professionals (FinPro) – are both preparing submissions on behalf of the sector. To complement submissions being made by MAV and FinPro, a submission on behalf of Yarra Ranges Council has been prepared to highlight the unique issues and challenges faced by our organisation and community.

In accordance with Governance Rule 29.1, Cr Skelton and Cr McAllister spoke to the Motion.

Cr Skelton moved an amendment to the Officers Recommendation to change the motion as follows:

In Favour:   Cr Heenan, Cr Eastham, Cr Higgins, Cr Skelton, Cr Todorov,
Cr Child, Cr McAllister, and Cr Cox.

Against:       Nil

SUMMARY

The planning application seeks approval to construct eleven (11) dwellings at 443 Maroondah Highway (9 Janson Place), Lilydale.

The development includes eleven (11) dwellings, and the design response integrates and responds to the constraints of the site and surrounds, including environmental features and hazards. The design respects the existing and developing neighbourhood character, and provides a variety of two-, three- and four-bedroom dwellings in close proximity to Lilydale Activity Centre. 

The application was advertised, and a total of three (3) objections have been received. The main grounds of objection are related to car parking, both on the site and within the surrounding street network, safety accessing the site from Maroondah Highway, potential flooding of properties to the north, and removal of trees along the northern boundary.

An assessment of the application against the requirements of the Residential Growth Zone, Design and Development Overlay (DDO7), Land Subject to Inundation Overlay, Clause 55 Rescode and the planning policies has found that the application meets the required standards and is a suitable planning outcome. It is therefore recommended that the application be approved, and a Notice of Decision to Grant a Permit be issued subject to conditions.

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

In Favour:   Cr Heenan, Cr Eastham, Cr Higgins, Cr Skelton, Cr Todorov,
Cr Child, Cr McAllister,and Cr Cox.

Against:       Nil

SUMMARY

It is a requirement under Section 108 of the Local Government Act 2020 (The Act), that Council must review its Procurement Policy at least once during each four-year term of the Council.

A review of the current Procurement Policy has been conducted by the Strategic Procurement team, along with key stakeholders across Council. This review process has resulted in some recommended changes to current policy.

These changes mainly relate to procurement purchasing threshold levels and the process for managing project variations, plus a few other minor changes have been proposed.

This report outlines the proposed changes to the policy. Please see Attachment 1 for the draft revised Policy.

In accordance with Governance Rule 29.1, Cr McAllister, Cr Skelton and Cr Eastham spoke to the Motion.

In Favour:   Cr Heenan, Cr Eastham, Cr Higgins, Cr Skelton, Cr Todorov,
Cr Child, Cr McAllister,and Cr Cox.

Against:       Nil

SUMMARY

This report recommends the appointment of Mr David Ashmore as an Independent Member of Yarra Ranges Council’s Audit and Risk Management Committee (the Committee) for a three-year period commencing 2 August 2024.

Mr Ashmore is a highly experienced private sector and local government Audit and Risk Management Committee member. Mr Ashmore would bring a wealth of experience and advice to the Committee across a range of domains including, but not limited to risk, financial, fraud, cyber security and auditing management practices.

The recommendation for Mr Ashmore’s appointment has the full support of the other members of the Committee, including Councillor representatives.

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

In Favour:   Cr Heenan, Cr Eastham, Cr Higgins, Cr Skelton, Cr Todorov,
Cr Child, Cr McAllister, 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.

There were no Items Through the Chair received for this meeting.

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 Favour:   Cr Heenan, Cr Eastham, Cr Higgins, Cr Skelton, Cr Todorov,
Cr Child, Cr McAllister, 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.