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.

Tammi Rose, Chief Executive Officer, declared a material interest in respect of Item 10.2 - CEO Employment & Remuneration Policy 2025 and Item 17.1 - Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Employment Matters - Review.

­­­­­­­­There were no Mayoral Announcements for this meeting.

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

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.

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

The application proposes a staged twenty-five (25) lot subdivision, vegetation removal, creation and removal of easements.

The subdivision is to be undertaken in two stages, with development of the site confined to the western half of the site where all lots will range between 500 and 21,614 m2 (2.1 hectares conservation lot). The development will also incorporate a new road off Hoddle Street that will provide access to all allotments. The eastern end of the site includes a conservation zone that will protect and conserve existing flora and fauna in the area. The subdivision design is site response and responds to the constraints of the site and surrounds, including environmental features and hazards.

The application has been advertised and at the time of this report seventeen (17) objections have been received. Objector concerns primarily relate to traffic and user safety of Hoddle Street, impacts to flora and fauna and the character of subdivision pattern.

Overall, the subdivision responds to the Yarra Ranges Planning Scheme when assessed against the relevant policies including the Municipal Planning Strategy, Planning Policy Framework, Zone, Overlay and particular provisions of the Scheme.

It is recommended the application be approved and a Notice of Decision to Grant a Planning Permit, subject to conditions contained in Attachment 1, be issued.

In accordance with Governance Rule 58, Russel Bondarenko-Edwards spoke in objection to the recommendation included in the officer report.

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

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

Against:       Cr Cox

SUMMARY

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Employment & Remuneration Policy 2021 (the policy) is due for review this year. Having undertaken a review of the Policy, it is attached for endorsement.

Tammi Rose, Chief Executive Officer, left the meeting at 7:35pm prior to consideration of the item, having declared a conflict of interest in this item.

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

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

Against:       Nil

Tammi Rose, Chief Executive Officer, returned to the meeting at 7:39pm following a Vote being taken.

SUMMARY

Updates have been made to the Instrument of Delegation to members of Council staff (the Instrument) to reflect several legislative and administrative changes. The S5 delegation under the Local Government Act 2020 (the Act) enables a Council to delegate its powers, duties, and functions to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), except for certain responsibilities that must remain with the Council as prescribed by legislation. This delegation allows the CEO to make decisions and carry out functions on behalf of the Council, ensuring efficient administration and operational effectiveness. By granting this authority, the Council can focus on strategic decision-making while the CEO oversees day-to-day governance and service delivery. 

The S6 Instrument of Delegation to members of Council staff covers delegations from a range of legislative instruments. These Acts and Regulations contain a specific power of delegation. The instrument delegates these powers from Council directly to staff, as opposed to many other pieces of legislation and regulations where Council may delegate powers, duties and functions to the CEO, who may them subdelegate to Council staff. The proposed changes in this report ensure that the CEO and appropriate members of Council staff holding, acting in, or performing, the duties of the positions described in the Instrument are nominated to act as delegates.

The Mayor requested the note under provision s46AAA regarding the Yarra Strategic Plan be removed prior to the common seal of Council being affixed to the Instrument, as it was no longer relevant.

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

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

Against:       Nil

SUMMARY

Council has allocated $185,000 in the adopted 2025/2026 Capital Works Budget to the Capital Development Grants Program. Capital development grants offer financial assistance to not-for-profit organisations to improve sport and active recreation infrastructure. Funding is provided as a one-off grant with the goal of benefiting sporting and recreation groups as well as the general community.

Fifteen applications were received in the 2025/26 funding round and eleven projects are recommended to be funded, totalling $181,040 of Council grant contributions toward a combined project value of $402,128.07. Funding agreements will be established with each recipient for the delivery of their initiative following formal consideration by Council.

Of the four applications not recommended to be funded, some related to works Council will already be delivering as part of its property and building maintenance services, while on others, Council will work with the unsuccessful applicants to support the outcomes being sought, including over following grant rounds.

In accordance with Governance Rule 29.1, Cr Heenan, Cr Cox, Cr Mcilwain and Cr Marriott spoke to the Motion.

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

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.

Cr Marriott

-           Attended the Stormwater Plan Community Reference Panel Meeting held on 1 September 2025 at the Yarra Ranges Council Civic Centre. The meeting was also attended by Cr Heenan, Cr Marriott, Cr Mazzarella and Cr Mcilwain.

Cr Marriott

-           Attended the Sustainable Environment Advisory Committee held on 28 August 2025 at the Yarra Ranges Council Civic Centre. The meeting was also attended by Cr Ward and Cr Mcilwain.

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 Governance Rule 29.1, Cr Mazzarella spoke to the Motion.

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

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

Against:       Nil

Tammi Rose, Chief Executive Officer, left the meeting at 7.55pm prior to consideration of the item, having declared a conflict of interest in this item.

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

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

Against:       Nil

Tammi Rose, Chief Executive Officer, returned to the meeting at 8:02pm following a Vote being taken.