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 FROM THE PUBLIC

Question from Anita Prowse of Woori Yallock:

Regarding the Wesburn Park masterplan how do you propose to run a shared trail on the equestrian leased area safely, where is the risk management analysis and plan, how are you going to manage cyclist riding in very close proximity to the club rooms and holding yards for the horses without any injuries and Why have none of the pony clubs safety concerns and association risk management policies being implemented in this plan?

Response from Phil Murton, Acting Director Environment & Infrastructure:

Thank you for your question Ms Prowse.

In reference to shared trails within the equestrian licence area, Council are not proposing any upgrades to alter the existing use of this trail and we expect it to be used as it currently is, which is largely by the Equestrian users. The master plan does include the proposed Little Yarra River Trail, however, this project will be designed and delivered by Melbourne Water.

Safety risks have been considered through the development of the master plan and hazards will continue to be managed operationally throughout Council’s existing practices.  An Emergency Management Plan will be developed for the Warburton Mountain Bike Destination that will include safety risks associated with the trail head function of Wesburn Park. As projects move from the masterplan to delivery phase, they will be individually assessed and designed using Council’s integrated risk management profile to ensure risks are mitigated.

The master plan has identified that Wesburn Park is home to a variety of different user groups. To combat this we are proposing to extend the existing metal post and rail fence along the boundary of the Equestrian licence area. The extension of the post and rail fence will alleviate concerns with increased traffic and help prevent inappropriate behaviour within the licence area.  Council believe it is not feasible or desirable to fence all different areas of usage in the space.

The masterplan has considered all feedback from user groups and the general community. Priorities identified through direct consultation with the equestrian groups include storage security, safety lighting and improvements to the circuit track, arena and other sports specific infrastructure. These requests have been reflected in the masterplan implementation program.

Question from Anita Prowse of Woori Yallock:

When will the equestrian strategy be released and are you taking so long so that you can implement all the mountain biking infrastructure and pretend you don't know what a massive detrimental impact that infrastructure will have on our enormous equestrian community?

Response from Phil Murton, Acting Director Environment & Infrastructure:

Thank you for your question Ms Prowse.

Council undertook some background work in 2020 on the Equestrian Industry across Yarra Ranges. The work completed by a consultant on behalf of Council was in fact a Report not a Strategy. The focus of the report was to provide an understanding of the depth and breadth of the equestrian industry within Yarra Ranges.

When this work was commissioned, Council’s knowledge of the equestrian industry was limited. We did not really know how many members each club had, how many people attended/ participated in the many events that are held throughout the year, or how many other people are connected to the industry.

What the report helped demonstrate and quantify was the equestrian industry in Yarra Ranges is large and provides many jobs and businesses, as well as having thousands of participants, not all of whom belong to Pony Clubs or Adult Riding Clubs. This report has provided a much clearer picture for Council of the size of the equestrian industry across Yarra Ranges Council.

Council is not commissioning strategies for individual sports in the foreseeable future, however, we are in the process of updating the Recreation and Open Space Strategy as an overarching strategic document.

We believe the consultation and subsequent work in the Wesburn Masterplan indicates that equestrian, mountain biking and other users can co-exist in the site.

Question from Robyn Thomas of Yarra Junction:

As the Wesburn Park bike pump track compliments and is being partially funded via the Warburton Mountain Bike Destination project, will council now commit to use funds from the same project to erect a fit for purpose fence on the licensed equestrian area as one of the council's mitigation measure's identified and reiterated as a safety concern to the equestrians previously to council staff before any of the Warburton Mountain Bike infrastructure is shovel ready.

Response from Phil Murton, Acting Director Environment & Infrastructure:

Thank you for your question Ms Thomas.

The safety and amenity of all users of Wesburn Park has been an important consideration in the development of the Draft Wesburn Park Master Plan.  The Wesburn Pump Track is funded independently of the Warburton Mountain Bike Destination (WMBD), however the WMBD project is funding some of the actions identified in the plan where they relate to the establishment of the mountain bike trail head.  These works are expected to commence in the first half of 2023. 

Council will ensure that appropriate signage, screening and fencing is installed prior to the operation of the pump track or WMBD.  The approved Wesburn Park Master Plan will guide these works.

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