Agenda item

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

Ivor Wolstencroft of Warburton asked;

Residents are concerned about carparking provision and maintenance at Woolworths Yarra Junction. Is the council concerned? This is our "mini Chirnside Park". If the developer was to put forward a proposal for such a development today would council insist that underground parking be provided as allocated car parking appears inadequate for current use?

Supporting information and context

On a busy Saturday morning the car park is full and dangerous to negotiate. Overflow parking is provided outside the title of the owner e.g. behind McMaths, in council provided car parking at the library and along Yarra St.

Acting Director Planning and Sustainable Futures, Amanda Kern

Thank you for your question, Ivor.

During the development of the Council adopted Yarra Junction Place Plan, opportunities were identified to further develop a public parking strategy specifically for Yarra Junction. 

Any potential Yarra Junction parking strategy would be subject to future budget consideration of Council and doesn't currently have a set start date. If prioritised by Council the Yarra Junction parking strategy would provide an opportunity for community input and feedback. The strategy would also aim to provide parking solutions to address accessible and short-term parking solutions in the area, including the Woolworths parking area.

For completeness, I would like to note that at the privately owned Woolworths Yarra Junction site, there is a current planning application, YR-2025/110 which proposes alterations and additions to an existing commercial building, including a reduction in the car parking provision.

As this is not a new development, rather it is the renovation of an existing building, Council can't retrospectively apply the current planning scheme to established buildings or developments like this, and such comparisons are fraught. 

Community members with specific concerns or feedback about the proposal development are currently able to lodge an objection, which will then be considered as officers assess the proposal against the Yarra Ranges Planning Scheme.

 QUESTION 2

Anonymous asked;

One of the key recommendations in the 2009 Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission was to underground powerlines in high-risk areas. I am subsequently enquiring as to whether there are still plans to underground the powerlines in Warburton.

Given council's emphasis on luring tourists to Warburton, undergrounding would also aesthetically enhance the area, cleaning up what are currently obstructed views from almost every roadside vantage point.

Director Built Environment and Infrastructure, Hjalmar Philipp

Thank you for your question.

Powerlines are the responsibility of Ausnet Services.

While significant work was undertaken by Ausnet in response to the Royal Commission recommendations, Council is not aware of any current plans by Ausnet to underground powerlines in Warburton.

Council have previously advocated to Ausnet about the importance of underground powerline for our many communities and were appropriate will continue to do so. Your query has also been forwarded to Ausnet and we will share any response received.  

QUESTION 3

In accordance with Governance Rule 59.10, Evrin Sen read their Question to Council

Evrim Sen of Belgrave South asked;

How close are the councillors to deciding on creating a temporary permit for temporary dwellings in the Yarra Ranges? As a follow up to my petition on tiny houses on wheels policy development. What issues have arisen as part of creating a temporary permit process similar to those of Cardinia Shire?

Not moving on this decision and working out the kinks as we go will result in homelessness and young families leaving the shire who cannot afford to buy here.

Director Communities, Leanne Hurst

Thank you for your question Evrim

Since your petition, officers have been exploring how best to address the matters that you have raised, including reviewing what other Councils have been doing and how or if this could be applied in Yarra Ranges.  While one option is to consider the adoption of a specific policy, another alternative to be explored is the provide for this in the Local Law.

Yarra Ranges Local Law currently does not prohibit or control the use of caravans on Council land, however legislative Planning and Building requirements still must be met.

We are aware that some Councils have used Local Laws as an enabler to support residents occupying temporary accommodation on private property, either with or without a permit.

While the Neighbourhood Amenity Local Law still has five years to run, Council is proposing to review the Local Law within the next 12 months and will be engaging with the community to determine what, if any, changes are needed to the Local Law, including with respect to temporary accommodation.

We would encourage everyone to stay engaged with Council’s engagement platform found via Council's website for this project.

SUBMISSIONS TO COUNCIL

Access to Mountain Bike Tracks

Ivor Wolstencroft presented a proposal to allow Walker and Wheelchair Access to Mountain Bike tracks for 12 days of the year.

White Dog Hotel Heritage Facade

Robert Hall presented regarding the history and current condition of the heritage facade of the White Dog Hotel, Lilydale.