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 FROM THE PUBLIC

Question from Anita Prowse, of Silvan:

Can someone please tell me why the Upper Yarra Pony Club and Adult Riding club are the ONLY community sporting organisations that have to fund facilities and their maintenance themselves for the Public to also use? If facilities are Council Assets how is this appropriate?

Response from Bill Millard, Director Environment & Infrastructure:

Thank you for your question,

The clubs (mentioned above) are under a license agreement.

The licence agreement is consistent across other facilities that are singular in their use. The license agreement includes a building maintenance schedule that lists out the requirements and responsibilities of both parties.  Whilst many of the maintenance responsibilities lie with the tenant, replacement, improvements and/or upgrades can be completed in partnership with Council through a capital expenditure nomination process.  This is providing the nomination is successful.

Question from Anita Prowse, of Silvan:

Ongoing vandalism to Wesburn Park is a continual issue for user groups. Equestrian area's carpark is torn up by hoons every weekend, along with other building damage Constantly reported to both Police and Shire we apparently can't even have any lighting The consistent reply is there is provisional funds in the Wesburn Park masterplan Given the urgency and no current Master Plan funding and the fact the area has constant events until Christmas, can there not be something done?

Response from Bill Millard, Director Environment & Infrastructure:

Thank you for your question,

Ongoing vandalism and hoon activity are  matters for Victoria Police. Council officers have contacted Victoria Police and have been advised that an audit will be undertaken on the site using Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles to determine the best course of action.

This process is in line with managing similar antisocial behaviour across the municipality. Recent experiences with other reserves, such as Mt. Evelyn Recreation Reserve, has shown that fencing is not suitable to manage antisocial issues such as hooning and vandalism. 

Victoria Police have advised that the auditing process is anticipated to commence next week. An officer will be attending the reserve to undertake the audit and identify mitigation methods.

Question from Benson Bannon, of Lilydale:

Why is the Civic Centre Community Opening Day on the same Sunday as the Lilydale & Yarra Valley Show, which has been held on the same weekend each year for the last 50 years, & is one of the top 10 rural shows in Victoria, when most of the Lilydale community groups, & residents are booked in as a stall holder or will be attending the many popular family-friendly events, exhibitions & activities at the Show? Car parking during the 2 days of the Show usually fills up the entirety of the township.

Response from Jane Price, Director Communities:

Thanks for your question, Mr. Bannon,

The Yarra Ranges Civic Centre Opening Day is a day for our community to come in and experience the Civic Centre, take a tour, meet Councillors and Council employees who provide services to the community, and meet with other community groups associated with Council. It is day to both celebrate the Yarra Ranges community and for our community to experience the new Civic Centre. Now that it is open and operational – this is a facility for community as much as it is our Council offices so we want to be able to promote how the Civic Centre can be used.

We were aware that the Open Day falls on the same weekend as the Lilydale & Yarra Valley Show and consulted with the organisers prior to locking in the November 20 date, to see if this raised any concerns.  They assured us they were fine for the two events to run on the same day given the different program of events and experiences offered by both, and the ability to capitalise on the amount of visitors to Lilydale that day by offering a complementary event.  We are liaising with the Lilydale & Yarra Valley Show and will look to promote the event at our Community Open Day so that community members can enjoy both events on the day.

Question from Ellena Biggs, of Millgrove:

The Yarra Ranges Council has funded the Warburton Mountain Bike Destination project since 2013 with their contribution of $20,000 to the 2013 Feasibility Study, how much has the Council spent from 2013 to date on this project?

Response from Bill Millard, Director Environment & Infrastructure:

Thank you for your question,

Since the inception of the Warburton Mountain Biking Destination project in 2015, to date Council has an overall expenditure of $4,718,563.

This includes all works and planning associated with environmental analysis, trail alignments and project design, and current works associated with the Environmental Effects Statement preparation and process.

The project is funded through a combination of State and Federal Government Grants, Community and Council contributions, totalling $11.3million.  In addition to this Council is separately funding staff costs.

Cr McAllister joined the meeting at 7.14pm during Item 8, Questions to Council.

SUBMISSIONS FROM THE PUBLIC

Old Lilydale Court House

Sue Thompson spoke to the history and preservation of the Old Lilydale Court House and the need for Council to address ongoing maintenance issues with the building.

The Mayor referred the matter to the Director Environment & Infrastructure and the Director Communities for further investigation.