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 the Mayor also applies to the term of the Deputy Mayor.

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 Cox spoke to the Motion.

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

Against:       Nil

The Chief Executive Officer called for nominations for the position of Mayor of Yarra Ranges Council.

Cr Child nominated Cr Higgins to be elected as Mayor.

Cr Heenan seconded the nomination.

Cr Higgins advised the Chief Executive Officer that he accepted the nomination.

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

The Mayor expressed gratitude to the Councillors for their nominations and shared the honour he felt in being elected Mayor. He acknowledged the challenges ahead and thanked members of the gallery for their support.

He also extended his appreciation to the outgoing Mayor, Cr Child, for his leadership and significant contributions over the past year, highlighting the exceptional work achieved during that time.

The Mayor further commended Cr Child’s dedication to local issues, his unwavering support to all Councillors and his strong engagement with local groups throughout his term as Mayor.

Cr Child response

Cr Child thanked the Councillors and former Deputy Mayor for the support they had shown over the past 12 months.

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

Cr Mazzarella nominated Cr Ward to be elected as Deputy Mayor.

Cr Marriott seconded the nomination.

Cr Ward advised the Mayor that he accepted the nomination.

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

Cr Ward read the following statement:

Firstly, I wanted to begin by acknowledging and thanking our outgoing Mayor, Cr Jim Child, over the past year, your leadership has guided this Council through some challenging and defining moments.

You have set a high bar in professionalism and commitment to our community, and I wanted to thank you for the example you have set for us all and to our newly elected Mayor, congratulations. I think it is going to be a great year ahead.

I am genuinely looking forward to working alongside you, and I know that we share the same commitment to serving our residents with transparency, respect, and a genuine drive to make our community stronger. You have my full support every step of the way.

And to my fellow Councillors, thank you for placing your trust and confidence in me, and I give you my word that I will tackle this role with humility, hard work, and integrity, and I'll do my very best not to let you down, and to be a Deputy who represents us all fairly and responsibly.

Lastly, I would also like to thank my wife, Rachel, and my kids, who are in attendance tonight. Thank you. You have put up with countless meetings, late nights and weekends, where I have been elsewhere in the community instead of at home. Your patience and encouragement have not gone unnoticed. Thank you very much.

In Favour:    Cr Child, Cr Cox. Cr Heenan, Cr Higgins, 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.

QUESTION TO COUNCIL

Chelsey Cooper of Montrose asked;

As you are aware, Boral has submitted an application to the State Planning Minister to extend the Montrose quarry. The community is undertaking unified efforts to call for an EES, with submissions sent to Minister Kilkenny.

While Council will not have decision making authority in this matter, it does have an opportunity to take a position and communicate this to the Minister. The EES decision is imminent. Will Council request an EES, for the health of our people, our biodiversity and waterways?

Director Planning and Sustainable Futures, Kath McClusky

Thank you for your question.

Council has written to the Minister for Planning. In this correspondence Council expressed its view that the community, in particular surrounding and impacted residents, should be provided with an opportunity to provide comments on the proposed quarry expansion as early as possible through an Environmental Effects Statement (EES) process. 

Please note, Council was only advised of the EES referral after the referral had been made. Council shares community concerns about potential environmental impacts—such as vegetation loss, waterway disruption, bushfire risk, and amenity issues from noise and dust—and supports further assessment through an EES, including technical studies and community input.

Council notes that a decision has not yet been made by the Minister on the EES referral.

SUBMISSION TO COUNCIL

There were no Submissions listed on the Agenda for this meeting.

SUMMARY

The following general petition be received:

General Petition

1.         Object to the proposed construction of a footpath along North Road, Lilydale.

Request that Council reconsiders the necessity and priority of this project and focus on repair and maintenance of existing roads and footpaths (especially on Alexandra Road)

33 valid signatures.

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 Higgins, Cr Marriott, Cr Mazzarella, Cr McAllister, Cr Mcilwain and Cr Ward

Against:       Nil