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.

The Mayor read the following statements;

­­­­­­Daniel Sanders 

I would like to congratulate Yarra Ranges, Three Bridges, Daniel ‘Chucky’ Sanders on winning the 2025 Dakar Rally in Saudi Ariba. Claiming his first Dakar victory, Daniel secured five stage victories and led the gruelling 13-stage two-week event from start to finish to win by close on nine minutes. Congratulations ‘Chucky’ Sanders.

Ms Fiona Burns

I would also like to congratulate Ms Fiona Burns Group Officer for the Yarra Valley Group of CFA Brigades on receiving the Australia Day Award of the Australian Fire Service Medal. Congratulations, Fiona.

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

Dean Hurlston asked;

What is the approximate cost per public Council Meeting for Councillor and Staff Meals, Refreshments and Beverages? (If applicable).

Vincenzo Lombardi, Director Corporate Services

Thank you for your question, Dean.

When Council Meetings are scheduled at times that extend through normal meal periods, it is standard practice to provide Councillors and Officers with suitable meals served on the premises. This ensures they can remain focused and productive throughout the duration of the meeting and assists those working full time to be able to attend the meeting.

The approximate cost per meeting for these provisions varies depending on the number of attendees and the specific catering arrangements required. On average, the cost per Council meeting is $720.00 which is approximately $34 per head. This includes all meals, refreshments, and non-alcoholic beverages provided.

QUESTION 2

In accordance with Governance Rule 59.10, Sharyn Manning read their submitted Question to Council.

Sharyn Manning of Mooroolbark asked;

What revenue was generated from parking infringements in Lilydale in 2023?
What revenue was generated from parking infringements in Lilydale in 2024?
How many infringements in Lilydale in 2024 were multiple within a 4-week period?

Leanne Hurst, Director Communities

Thank you for your question, Sharyn

Council can confirm that in the Lilydale area in 2023, 143 parking infringements were issued, in 2024, 1608 parking infringements were issued.

Council systems do not identify a location-based record of revenue at this stage, this is being considered in future system upgrades.

Whilst Council can’t provide a Lilydale specific breakdown, in total Council received approximately $27,600 in parking revenue across the whole municipality in 2022/23 financial year and approximately $501,200 in 2023/24 financial year.

In 2024, 284 infringements were multiple within a 4-week period.

Your question highlights the increased parking enforcement activity in 2024 which is a result of numerous factors including the Lilydale train station upgrade project completion, an increased in town centre activity post covid and increased visitation within the area. 

Finally, I want to thank you for your question, throughout 2024 Council has received community commentary relating to parking enforcement and management and is taking this feedback on board in relation to Council operations.

QUESTION 3

Anonymous asked;

Referring to Councils pre-immunisation checklist, and Councils offer to answer any questions, can Council advise what the chance is of a baby dying (or suffering injury) if vaccinated compared to one not vaccinated by providing "truthful" evidence about injury/death rates in vaccinated compared to unvaccinated children? Given informed consent requires definitive information, could Council also provide vaccine specific data for each scheduled vaccine?

Leanne Hurst, Director Communities

Thank you for your question.

It isn’t possible, nor appropriate for Council to provide advice regarding the chance of an individual baby dying or suffering injury if vaccinated compared to one not vaccinated. However, all Victorian families are provided  ...  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.

SUMMARY

The following petition be received:

General Petition

1.         Yarra Ranges Council to prioritize the sealing of Walker Road, Seville and include this Petition in as part of the next Yarra Ranges Council community roads review.

24 valid signatures.

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

In accordance with Governance Rule 29.1, Cr Ward and Cr Heenan 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 Mayor requested the Acting Director of Built Environment and Infrastructure provide further detail regarding Walker Road, Seville to Councillors.

SUMMARY

To ensure the heritage values of 131 Mangans Road Lilydale are preserved, an amendment to the Yarra Ranges planning scheme to introduce a heritage overly is required. The property at 131 Mangans Road Lilydale was first identified in the Stage 1a Lilydale Main Street Heritage Review Gap Study (Trevor Westmore Urban Design and Heritage Conservation, 2019) that was undertaken to assess historic properties in and surrounding Main Street Lilydale.

Further assessment of this property was deferred until the property could be accessed.

The property, known as ‘Coldstream Hill’, is identified as an uncommon example of an interwar era dwelling designed in the Spanish Mission style. Originally the dwelling was constructed at the beginning of the last century in the Edwardian style and associated with locally prominent persons. The later Spanish Mission revival design by the influential architect Marcus Martin is a rare architectural style in Yarra Ranges. In addition, the house is also significant for its association with renowned opera singer Dame Nellie Melba, a prominent resident of Coldstream among others.

Council has sought an assessment from a qualified heritage consultant, that has determined that the property is of local heritage significance and recommended it for inclusion in the Heritage Overlay of the Yarra Ranges Planning Scheme.

It is proposed through Amendment C226 to apply the Heritage Overlay to 131 Mangans Road, Lilydale to ensure the heritage values of the place are protected (Attachment 4).

In order to commence the amendment process, Council must seek authorisation from the Minister for Planning to prepare and exhibit an amendment.

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

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

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

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

Against:       Cr Higgins

SUMMARY

The purpose of this report is to approve a loan of $18.912 million in the current financial year 2024-2025 which was initially endorsed in the previous financial year budget 2023-2024 however has not yet been drawn down. The purpose of the loan was to form part of the funding for the capital works program for the 2023-2024 year.

As the period closed for the 2023-2024 financial year at 30 June 2024, a separate resolution is now required to formally approve the loan of $18.912 million to be drawn down as part of the 2024-2025 Revised Budget.

It is important to note the approval of the loan is not a new item and in no way materially alters or impacts the current budget for the 2024-2025 financial year.  It is a correction of timing of borrowings between two financial years This approval will enable the realignment of overall cashflow and the funding assumptions to reflect the prior and current year budgets.

The proposed loan will be accessed through the funding vehicle offered by the Treasury Corporation Victoria (TCV). TCV provides funding options specifically for the Local Government sector to access.

This proposed revision aligns with both the Council’s approved budget funding assumptions for 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 collectively, and its Long-Term Financial Plan to utilise borrowings to support the capital works program.

This report fulfils financial governance obligations transparently and accurately by ensuring the current 2024-2025 Annual Budget is revised to appropriately reflect these borrowings as carried forward from prior year in accordance with section 96 of the Local Government Act 2020.

Cr Heenan left the meeting at 8.16pm and returned to the meeting at 8.18pm prior to any debate and a vote being taken.

In accordance with Governance Rule 29.1, Cr McAllister, Cr Mcilwain and
Cr Heenan 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

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.

12.1                Citizenship Ceremony and Community Awards

Cr Child thanked Councillor’s and Officers for the work during his recent illness, particularly during the Citizenship Ceremony and Community Awards held on 26 January 2025. Cr Child was grateful he was able to watch the Community Awards ceremony and thanked Kelly Delaney and the Governance team for their work to make the event so successful.

12.2                Hard Waste Collection

Cr McAllister queried the timing of hard rubbish collection in Healesville and requested that timing of future hard rubbish collection be reviewed, and alternate dates be investigated.

12.3                Hard Waste Collection

Cr Heenan noted that in 2006, when Melbourne hosted the Commonwealth Games, alternate dates for hard rubbish pickups were able to be arranged. Cr Heenan also raised concerns regarding the amount of illegally dumped hard rubbish being added to residents legitimate hard rubbish.

12.4                Citizenship Ceremony and Community Awards

Cr Heenan thanked the Deputy Mayor Cr Higgins and Cr McAllister for their efforts and reflected on the wonderful Citizenship Ceremony and Community Awards. Cr Heenan congratulated Sue Thompson, Harry Moyle, Holy Fools and all the worthy recipients of awards on the day.

12.5                Birthday Wishes

Cr Mazzarella wished Cr Cox and Cr Child a happy birthday.

12.6                Citizenship Ceremony and Community Awards

Cr Cox thanked the Deputy Mayor Cr Higgins and Cr McAllister for their work at the Citizenship Ceremony and Community Awards. Cr Cox commended the community members who received awards this year, and the wonderful work they all undertake in the community.

12.7                Changing Places Facility - Kilsyth Sporting Stadium

Cr Child attended the opening of the new Changing Places accessible toilet and change room facility at Pinks Reserve Sporting Stadium in Kilsyth. Cr Child noted the project was funded through the Federal Government’s Preparing Australian Communities Program and thanked the Yarra Ranges Disability Advisory Committee for the input provided for the new facility. Cr Child noted the positive impact of the project to meet the needs of persons with disabilities. Cr Cox and Cr Mazzarella also attended the event.

Cr Mazzarella

-           Attended the Your Library Annual General Meeting and Board Meeting on 16 December 2025 held at the Your Library Administration Building in Scoresby. Cr Linda Hancock, Maroondah City Council, was elected Your Library Board Chair. Cr Child also attended the 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 is requested that the following document be signed and sealed:

a)   Letter Under Seal – Anne Monichon

A letter under seal has been prepared in recognition of Anne Monichon who is retiring after 20 years of service with Yarra Ranges Council, working most recently as a Child Safety Business Partner.

During this time Anne has led, supported and enhanced the safety of children and young people in the Yarra Ranges.

In accordance with Governance Rule 29.1, Cr Child, Cr McAllister and
Cr Heenan 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

In Favour:   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.