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.

Cr Child declared a general interest in respect of Item 11.1. A written notice was supplied to the Chief Executive Officer under Governance Rules Chapter 7 Sub-Rule 3.1b.

The Mayor read the following statement: 

We know that too many of our residents experienced demands waiting for health services. The top service gaps include mental health, GPs, and urgent care shortages.

For years Yarra Ranges Council has been consistently advocating for an Urgent Care facility in Healesville.

We also know that Healesville Hospital Action Group has been advocating for an urgent care facility for over 10 years. Council is very supportive of any action to increase access to urgent care in this area, where health status is often lower than the rest of Yarra Ranges and metropolitan Melbourne. 

Last week we welcomed an announcement for a Medicare Urgent Care Clinic in the Yarra Valley to be located in Lilydale.

Improved access is wonderful news for our municipality.

Now is the time to connect to the health department and local health providers to work together to make sure the location is right.

In the coming weeks Council will work together with Eastern Health to have a clear understanding of all options and develop an agreed position that supports a healthy community.

In Favour:      Cr Child, Cr Heenan, Cr Higgins, Cr Ward, Cr McIlwain, Cr Mazzarella, Cr McAllister, Cr Marriott 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

Cr Child left the meeting at 7.09pm before Question 1 and response were read and returned to the meeting at 7.11pm after Question 1 and response were read, and prior to Question 2 being read.

QUESTION 1

Peter Preuss of Woori Yallock asked;

Council has been requested to advocate for the exclusion of Yarra Ranges from the Gippsland Kangaroo Harvest Zone. At the Feb 11 meeting, Councillors spoke about due diligence and need for more information from Minister Dimopoulos, and/or the Department of Environment prior to a decision being made at the April 8 Council meeting.
My question is, since the meeting of February 11 - 2025, has Council followed up with the Minister and/or Department and what further information has been received

Director Planning & Sustainable Futures, Kath McClusky

Thank you for your question,

Since the Council meeting of 11 February, additional information was sought from the Conservation Regulator and DEECA.

Council Officers actually met with DEECA representatives, to try and gain an insight into the exclusion of other peri-urban and suburban Council’s from the Kangaroo Harvesting Program. In our discussions they clarified that the exclusion of the ‘Dandenong’s’ specifically pertains to sections that are within the Knox and Cardinia municipalities only, rather than Yarra Ranges.

The item is scheduled to be revisited at the Council meeting on April 8, 2025.

QUESTION 2

Belinda Bernardini of Lilydale asked;

What land and fire management works did council undertake in the last 6 months at Ken Leversham Reserve including but not limited to fuel management works and maintenance of fire breaks and access routes. Please provide evidence of works undertaken and by whom.

Director Planning & Sustainable Futures, Kath McClusky

Thank you for your question, Belinda.

Council prepares an Annual Fire Readiness Program in the lead up to bushfire season each year. This Program is a supporting plan of the Municipal Fire Management Plan, and as such, it is reviewed and approved by the Municipal Fire Management Planning Committee (MFMPC). This Committee is made up of Fire Agencies, Emergency Services and Council.

In the 2024 - 2025 Annual Fire Readiness Program was approved by the MFMPC on 13 November 2024.

Bushfire mitigation works of the Bushland Reserves are included within the Program and undertaken in consultation and collaboration with the Country Fire Authority (CFA).

In the last six months, Council has worked with the CFA to review and agree upon required works. As a result, Council has undertaken the following bushfire management works at Dr Ken Leversham Reserve:

• Vegetation fuel breaks have been maintained around the reserve to protect nearby homes.
• Larger fuel breaks have been created on the northern side of the reserve due to higher fire risk.
• Fallen trees have been cleared after storms.
• Ensured the emergency access routes in the south of the reserve is maintained for CFA use.
• Focused  ...  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 create its own Tiny Houses on Wheels/Caravan living policy to meet its residents evolving housing needs and that all building order decisions on existing Tiny Houses on Wheels be stayed until more up to date and relevant procedures can be developed. 

In accordance with Governance Rule 58, Evrim Sen spoke in support (of general petition 1) the recommendation included in the officer report.

10  valid signatures.

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

Cr Mazzarella, Cr McAllister, Cr Marriott and Cr Cox

Against:          Nil

SUMMARY

Amendment C223 proposes to correct minor inaccuracies and anomalies for sites across the municipality that will be either rezoned, partly rezoned, have redundant overlays and provisions updated or deleted to improve the overall operation of the Yarra Ranges Planning Scheme.

The amendment was placed on public exhibition from 7 November to 9 December 2024 and five submissions were received. Of those, two submissions provided support for the amendment and three submissions opposed an item in the amendment (Proserpina Bakehouse at 261 Mount Dandenong Tourist Road, Ferny Creek).

Following discussions with the opposing submitters, changes were made to the amendment documents relating to the Proserpina Bakehouse site that addressed the submitters concerns and were satisfactory to the bakery owners and are now resolved.

A further change is also proposed to the amendment to not delete references to Environmentally Sustainable Design in several Design and Development Overlay schedules in the Planning Scheme, as a result of the introduction of the Town House and Low Rise Code through the State Amendment VC267 on 6 March 2025.

This report discusses the submissions received to the amendment and recommends that Council consider adoption of Amendment C223 including recent changes, and following adoption submit the amendment to the Minister for Planning for approval

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

In accordance with Governance Rule 29.1, Cr Higgins, Cr Mazzarella and

Cr Heenan spoke to the Motion.

In Favour: Cr Child, Cr Heeman, Cr Higgins, Cr Ward, Cr Mcilwain,

      Cr Mazzarella, Cr McAllister, Cr Marriott and Cr Cox

Against: Nil

SUMMARY

Authorises the Chief Executive Officer to undertake any and all administrative procedures to enable Council to carry out its functions under sections 94 and 96 of the Local Government Act 2020 and the Community Engagement Policy.

A draft Budget FY2025-2026 and subsequent three-year outlook to FY2028-2029 (Attachment 1) and Revenue and Rating Plan (Attachment 3) have been prepared following extensive consultation and development. These documents articulate the financial and resource strategies to fund the activities and services planned to support the community through this period.

The draft Budget provides for the ongoing delivery of Council services and allocates significant resources to the development and maintenance of infrastructure across the municipality.

The 2025/26 Budget, Fees and Charges Schedule (Attachment 2), Capital Expenditure Program (Attachment 4) and Revenue and Rating Plan have been prepared in draft form to provide an opportunity for community feedback and submissions as required under the Local Government Act 2020 and Council’s Community Engagement Policy 2024-2028.This report seeks Council’s approval to release these documents for community consultation. 

Submissions received from community members will be considered at a Hearing of Submissions Committee meeting on 6 May 2025.

Following the incorporation of any changes following community consultation, the final Budget pack inclusive of Council’s Fees and Charges, Capital Expenditure and Revenue and Rating plan will be presented at a Council meeting in June 2025 for consideration. 

In accordance with Governance Rule 58, Wendy Wright 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 Ward, Cr McAllister, Cr Mazzarella and Cr Higgins spoke to the Motion.

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

                        Cr Mazzarella, Cr McAllister, Cr Marriott and Cr Cox

Against:         Nil

SUMMARY

The Local Government Act 2020 requires Council to develop and maintain adequate internal control systems, which includes effective fraud prevention strategies.

The existing Yarra Ranges Council's Fraud Control Policy has been reviewed and updated in consultation with key stakeholders to align with the Australian Standards, specifically, AS 8001:2021 Fraud and Corruption Control, therefore ensuring adherence to industry best practices in fraud management and prevention.

The Policy was presented to Council’s Audit and Risk Management Committee  in February 2025 for feedback and approval. The Policy review process involved collaboration with the Victorian Local Government Risk Group.

The proposed updates to the Policy include enhanced sections on fraud risk assessment, prevention, detection, response, and monitoring, and stronger linkage to Council's Risk Management Policy and Framework.

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

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

In Favour: Cr Child, Cr Heeman, Cr Higgins, Cr Ward, Cr Mcilwain,

      Cr Mazzarella, Cr McAllister, Cr Marriott and Cr Cox

Against:  Nil

SUMMARY

.

This report recommends extending Mr. Stephen Schinck's final term as an Independent Member and Chair of Council's Audit and Risk Management Committee (the Committee) from 31 May 2025 to 30 June 2025 due to the rescheduling of the May Committee meeting.

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

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

Cr Mazzarella, Cr Child, Cr McAllister, Cr Marriott and Cr Cox. 

Against:          Nil 

SUMMARY

This report confirms that all Yarra Ranges Councillors have fulfilled the mandatory training requirements as stipulated by the Local Government Act 2020 and Local Government Amendment (Governance and Integrity) Act 2024 within the required four-month timeframe following their oath of office. A signed declaration has been completed by all Yarra Ranges Councillors and witnessed by the Chief Executive Officer. Attachment One provides an unsigned copy of the declaration.

This training aligns with the Model Councillor Code of Conduct and ensures adherence to the highest standards of governance and ethical conduct.

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

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

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

Cr Mazzarella, Cr McAllister, Cr Marriott and Cr Cox

Against:          Nil

SUMMARY

As part of Council daily operations drainage maintenance is undertaken. This includes the use of two vacuum trucks that suction pits and pipes and remove debris that blocks the functionality. This ‘wet waste’ debris is then required to be off loaded from the trucks. This can be accepted at an Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) authorised/ approved site or via the provision of a bin to be located at the council operations depot/s.

Wet waste includes materials from drainage maintenance, pit cleaning and jetting works.  Council currently recycle approximately 930,000 litres per year, reducing landfill.  The wet waste material is separated into sand and rock, which is then processed and turned into concrete.

This report summarises the evaluation process for the Request for Tender for the acceptance and disposal of wet waste material at an an Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) authorised/approved site (‘the Services’). The report seeks to gain Council approval to progress to contract award for the Services.

The tender is to create a panel of suitably qualified and experienced parties to manage and provide the Services. The initial contract term is for three (3) years. Council has the sole discretion of two additional options to extend the contract for up to an additional two (2) years each. Council also has the solo option to terminate for convenience at any time with three (3) months written notice

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

In Favour:      Cr Child, Cr Heenan, Cr Higgins, Cr Ward, Cr McIlwain,

Cr Mazzarella, 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 Request for letter from the Mayor for Nan Francis

Cr McAllister requested a letter from the Mayor to Nan Francis who recently turned 100 years old. Nan has contributed significantly to the arts community and the local community and was part of the Community Advisory Group that worked on the redevelopment of the Memo Hall in Healesville.

12.2 Clarification of Emergency Management Budget Spend

Cr McAllister requested that the Council funding spent on Emergency Management in prevcious budgets compared to the draft 25/26 budget be fact checked and distributed to all Councillors.

Cr Heenan,

-       Attended the Eastern Affordable Housing Alliance meeting at Knox on Thursday 20 March 2025

Cr Child

-       Attended the Eastern Transport Coalition meeting on 20^th March 2025.

-       Attended the Eastern Region Group of Councils Meeting on 21^st March 2025. The Deputy Mayor and Chief Executive Officer also attended.

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

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

Cr Mazzarella, 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.