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.

 

QUESTION TO COUNCIL

QUESTION 1

Ivor Wolstencroft of Warburton asked;

Does the Shire of Yarra Ranges have to abide by State Government legislation enshrined in the Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities 2006 (Act 43/2006)? If so, what are the implications for the day to day running of council?

 

Director Corporate Services, Vincenzo Lombardi

Thank you for your question, Ivor.

Yes, Yarra Ranges Council, as a local government authority in Victoria, is required to abide by the Victorian Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006. This legislation applies to all public authorities in Victoria, including all local councils.

The operational implications arising for Council from the Charter are broad and include considerations such as, Council decision making, service delivery, complaints management, staff conduct, training and development.

For further information, the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission has detailed and easily accessible information on their website.

Thank you.

 

QUESTION 2

Ivor Wolstencroft of Warburton asked;

Ringwood Lake Homewood Bound Walk Tuesday 5th August 2025 (as organised by the Eastern Homelessness Network).

I understand The Shire of Yarra Ranges attended this event.

Would the council be able to update us on any new information or new approaches that would help the homeless or those living on the margin in our Shire in 2025.

That is, new knowledge obtained either by listening to official speeches or informal conversations?

 

Director Communities, Leanne Hurst

Thank you for your question, Ivor.

In 2025, Victorian State Government is continuing to implement new and existing initiatives to address homelessness and hardship. These include a focus on building more social and affordable housing, providing emergency accommodation and support services, and increasing funding for programs that are aimed at preventing homelessness and assisting those experiencing hardship.

At a local level, Council works with partners and all levels of government to improve homelessness services and to increase social and affordable housing. We do this through proving grants, advocating for funding and building partnerships.

Council officers were in attendance at the Eastern Homelessness Network event and Council also partnered with Eastern Affordable Housing Alliance and the Regional Charter Group for Homelessness and Housing to host an online webinar during Homelessness Week. This webinar explored innovative supports for people experiencing homeless.

Council’s role in homelessness is to provide information about where to get help and make referrals into these agencies. While often the convener of networks and bringing partners together, Council does not provide specific service response or case management to people experiencing homelessness.

If you would like to learn more about any of these initiatives, we will happily connect you with the Health and Wellbeing team to discuss.

 

QUESTION 3

Rob Jackson of Mooroolbark asked;

I urge Council to reconsider its decision to reject the permit for the continuation of community motorbike events at the Sanders Apple Farm in Three Bridges. For more than 40 years, this property has hosted a wide range of community activities including motorbike races, junior coaching clinics, charity fundraisers, trail rides, and recreational ride days.

Generations of local families have participated, and the track has provided a safe and controlled environment for riders of all ages.

 

 

 

 

Tammi Rose, Chief Executive Officer

Thank you for your question, Rob.

We understand and acknowledge the community’s concern in relation to the planning matter at the property in Three Bridges where motorcycle events have been taking place for many years.

Over the past two years Council officers have been liaising with the Sanders' family after they submitted a planning request in October 2023 for a Certificate of Compliance under Existing Use Rights.

The request was to enable the continued use of their property for motorcycle racetrack and commercial activities which have been taking place over several years.

The standard requirement to meet a planning request for 'existing use rights' is very high and requires documented evidence of continuous use of the activity on the land for a period of 15 years and is determined by the Planning and Environment Act. This is because once existing use rights have been established, there can be no further consideration on how the site operates or the offsite impacts.

Council is meeting with the family in coming weeks to continue open discussions with them and ensure they are clear on the required documentary evidence looks like.  In the meantime, however, we would like to make it clear that domestic use of motorcycles on this property is not impacted or restricted by this process.

In acknowledging community concerns on the matter, we have seen several deeply offensive and threatening messages, emails, and social media posts.

While we understand that this issue has sparked strong views, we urge the community to remain respectful when expressing views and opinions. 

Council’s role is to represent and support all members of our community, and we ask the community to pause and reflect before posting, and to treat everyone with respect.  Comments personally attacking, threatening or defaming staff, councillors or community are harmful and not acceptable.

Council and our staff are here to serve and support all members of our community.

 

QUESTION 4

Jeanie Wait of Croydon asked;

Are there are any plans to address the increased traffic that travels north & south along Anderson St, between Maroondah Hwy & The Eyrie?

My son, who lives in a unit at Melba, is finding it more dangerous to cross the road safely.

Drivers are speeding and also turning into George St., to make a U-turn back onto Anderson St. There is also increased traffic flow to & from Coles Village & Chapel St. Has this area been considered for a safer alternative eg. pedestrian crossing or traffic lights?

 

Hjalmar Philipp, Director Built Environment and Infrastructure

Thank you for your question, Jeanie.

The Traffic team has identified two possible pedestrian crossings options on Anderson Street, Lilydale

First Option - Pedestrian Refuge

Second Option - Pedestrian operated signals, This is the more expensive option and are typically $500k and subject to DTP approval. 

While this work is not budgeted in Council’s current 25/26 budget, these options have been added to Council’s pipeline projects for future budget consideration and Council will continue to explore and advocate for funding opportunities.

Additionally, Council has adopted the Lilydale Structure Plan, which outlines how we will manage growth, facilitate change, and guide infrastructure delivery within the Lilydale Major Activity Centre over the next 20 years. The structure plan identifies the Lilydale Village precinct as a key development site, and inclusion of this project in Council’s pipeline allows for advocacy to developers and potential state government grant opportunities. Thanks

 

 

QUESTION 5

Will Ashburner of Menzies Creek asked;

On Friday morning on the 22nd August 2025, 3 council workers removed the Horse Drinking Trough from Hermon’s Corner Saddle Reserve, Menzies Creek/Selby. The workers who removed the trough had no knowledge of its significance and that it was heritage listed and included in a heritage overlay.

What steps is the council going to make to ensure that council employees (and their subsequent actions) are aware of heritage and other overlays so that this this debacle doesn’t happen again?

 

 

Hjalmar Philipp, Director Built Environment and Infrastructure

Thank you for your question, Will.

We confirm a heritage listed trough was removed from the site for repair. 

We acknowledge this as a regrettable oversight; however the process has been reaffirmed with our teams, and the trough will be reinstated as soon as practicable.

For completeness, our process is to refer to our asset and geospacial mapping system which identifies relevant planning overlays and other significant information. Working across the Shire’s 2500km2 the team have a good track record with this approach, including working with history groups on special projects, we are happy to keep you updated as we work to reinstate the trough.

 

 

 

 

SUBMISSION TO COUNCIL

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