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.

There were no disclosures of conflicts of interest made for this meeting.

SUMMARY

The Local Government Act 2020 (the Act) requires Council to determine by resolution whether the Mayor is to be elected for a one year or two year term. This must be done before the election of the Mayor takes place.

The term of office of the Mayor also applies to the election of the Deputy Mayor, whose office has been established by Council under section 20A of the Act.

This report is submitted for Council’s consideration by the Chief Executive Officer in accordance with the requirements of sub-Rule 6.1 of Council’s Governance Rules.

In accordance with Governance Rule 29.1, Cr Child and Cr McAllister 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 Chief Executive Officer called for nominations for the position of Mayor of Yarra Ranges Council.

Cr Mazzarella nominated Cr Child to be elected as Mayor.

Cr Ward seconded the nomination.

Cr Child advised the Chief Executive Officerthat they accepted the nomination.

There being no further nominations, the Chief Executive Officer declared Cr Child elected as Mayor for a term of one year.

The Mayor thanked Cr Mazzarella and Cr Ward for their nominations and read the following statement:

I wish to sincerely thank my fellow Councillors for their unanimous support in electing me for a fourth term as Mayor of the Yarra Ranges Council. I’m extremely honoured and proud to once again be able to lead a Council that will be passionate in their collaborative approach to represent their constituents but also to protect and enhance this amazing place that we call home, Yarra Ranges.

I wish to acknowledge Sophie Todorov for her exceptional role as Mayor for the past twelve months, I also extend our sincere thanks to David Eastham as Deputy Mayor for the past 12 months and of course to my fellow Councillors who have represented our Yarra Ranges communities over the past Council Term of four years.

Now we have a new Council, and I extend an extremely warm welcome to Councillor Jeff Marriot (Streeton Ward), Councillor Mitch Mazzarella (Melba Ward), Councillor Peter Mcilwain (Lyster Ward) & Councillor Gareth Ward (Chandler Ward). I am sure you will have no regrets on the decision you’ve made to represent the residents of Yarra Ranges.

Together in the coming year we will be delivering more than 120 services to our community and delivering them with passion and a keen eye on how we’re able to keep costs down while still meeting the needs of more than 150,000 residents, thousands of businesses, and countless visitors. I’m proud to say that we’ll be able to do this while navigating the challenges of the past pandemic, while assisting and facilitating storm and flood recovery of our communities, and while facing a dual impact of inflation and rate capping.

Visitors to the Yarra Ranges region are expected to double to over 9 million per annum in the next decade. We will be advocating for Federal & State Government to support vital services and projects that strengthen our communities, provide quality infrastructure, and create local jobs for local people. That’s why we’re asking for the continued support of our Ridges and Rivers projects - consisting of the Yarra Valley Trail, RidgeWalk, and Warburton Mountain Bike Destination. These projects, on completion will deliver 500 jobs & $80M per year into the local economy. That’s a boost our businesses need.

We as Council will be shortly finalising the development of the 2025-2029 Council Plan and the longer-term Asset and Finance Plans. These plans outline the high-level priorities for Council, including how we manage our finances and assets. The goal of these key plans is to advance Yarra Ranges towards the future outlined in the Community Vision. We as Council and community are building this Council Plan and together we can deliver it.

I’d also like to thank our Chief Executive Officer Ms Tammi Rose and the staff of the Yarra Ranges Council who have contributed so much to our communities through the challenging periods of post pandemic, and ongoing storm & flood recovery.

In closing there is one other person I  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8.

The Mayor called for nominations for the position of Deputy Mayor of Yarra Ranges Council.

Cr Heenan nominated Cr Higgins to be elected as Deputy Mayor.

Cr Cox seconded the nomination.

Cr Higgins advised the Mayorthat they accepted the nomination.

There being no further nominations, the Mayor declared Cr Higgins elected as Deputy Mayor for a term of one year.

Cr Higgins thanked Councillors for their support and confidence in being elected to the Deputy Mayor role and acknowledged the importance of collaboration between the Mayor, Deputy Mayor and all Councillors, and welcomed new thoughts and ideas.

Cr Higgins acknowledged the challenges ahead with both Federal and State elections in the coming years. Cr Higgins welcomed continued community contribution to Council.

In accordance with Governance Rule 29.1, 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

QUESTIONS TO COUNCIL

QUESTION 1

Ray Lister of Kallista asked;

At the previous meeting of Council the Storm Water Management Plan was passed, I support a Plan but have reservations about various details. I am particularly concerned about the timeliness of specific actions.

At that meeting Mr. Philipp referenced several times that while the Plan was being developed “it would be BAU”. Business As Usual has not achieved much in the past so can Mr. Philipp clarify how YRC intend to support communities in flooding hot spots now.

Hjalmar Phillip, Director Built Environment & Infrastructure

Thank-you for your question Ray.

The recently adopted Stormwater Management Plan provides strategic direction for managing stormwater and drainage challenges with clear objectives and actions.

The comment ‘Business as Usual’ referred to the existing services and budget allocation to manage Council’s vast drainage network, which includes almost $3.5M of capital budget to upgrade and renew drainage assets and approximately $21M of operating budget to maintain roads and drainage infrastructure.

Specific to drainage these budgets are spread across a vast drainage network over 790 km in total, containing over 29,000 pit structures, over 20 km of minor culverts and a significant interface with the Melbourne Water management waterways, open channels and underground drainage. 

This maintenance and response work specifically for these assets includes works such as proactively inspecting and clearing pits and drains, maintaining table drains, responding to community service requests, there were over 3400 last year, as well as associated engineering and planning.

Thanks again for your question Ray

QUESTION 2

Eric Burgess of Upwey asked;

In order to reduce traffic around Upwey South Primary School, what has the council done to promote and improve active transport options (walk/bike/scooter) for students to get to school?

QUESTION 3

Eric Burgess of Upwey asked;

In the proposed Morris Road parking study prepared by council, it is suggested to remove the school bus parking area. Where does the council propose buses park when required by the school for excursions?

Hjalmar Phillip, Director Built Environment & Infrastructure

Thank you for your questions regarding active travel, traffic and parking around Upwey South Primary School.

A Draft Parking Plan for the Upwey South Primary School is being developed to address traffic concerns raised by the community. It has been shared with the school to gather initial feedback. However, wider community consultation has not yet commenced.

Council Officers are currently incorporating initial feedback, which includes issues such as active transport and the school bus parking requirements. Once finalised, we will share the updated plan with the wider school community and nearby residents as part of a public consultation process, which is planned to begin in the coming weeks.

Council recognises the importance of traffic safety especially around school sites and we appreciate your patience and input as we work to develop a plan that addresses the needs and concerns of all stakeholders.

A council officer will be in touch with you to answer any further questions.

QUESTION 4

Michelle de Lima  ...  view the full minutes text for item 12.