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 1

 

Samantha Wahrenberger of Mooroolbark, asked: 

 

Can you please update the community on the status of the Kilsyth Centenary Pool. Since its closure at 3.00pm on March 1st there has been no communication on your websites in regards to whether this will be repaired and reopened.

I understand that there is an aquatics strategy being completed for the next 10 years but the community desperately need this pool back.

Can you please tell me the status of the pool as it stands today and if there are any measures in place to look at repairs?

 

Hjalmar Philipp, Director Built Environment and Infrastructure:

 

Thank you for your question Samantha

The Kilsyth Centenary Pool was closed 1 March 2023 as a result of an asset condition report that indicated the dome structure was at risk of failure and will remain closed until the completion of the Aquatics Strategy.  A further update occurred on 24 March 2023  through our social media channels.

The dome and the aging plant equipment means repair costs are significant. The development of the strategy will allow Council to consider the future investment in aquatics infrastructure. The draft strategy is planned to be released for public consultation later this year, for Council to consider toward the end of the year.

 

QUESTION 2

 

Brent Grogan of Warburton, asked: 

 

Could the council please advise the cost of the tree removal in the car park in Warburton…… Seeking complete cost that should include the removal, security and any other cost.

 

Hjalmar Philipp, Director Built Environment and Infrastructure:

 

Thank you for your question Brent.

The total costs, including costs arising from Council being obstructed in undertaking the safety work is in the order of $400,000.  This includes independent arboricultural advice, legal advice, contractor costs, traffic management, fencing and security. 

QUESTION 3

 

Belinda Bernardini of Chirnside Park, asked

 

This council is facilitating and promoting events relating to the The Voice. How is it that council can promote The Voice when the specifics are unknown.. Where is the community Engagement policy regarding The Voice?

Can council please advise where in the LGA it states that Councils role is to promote referendum changes at Local level?

Will council be facilitating events that provide for both sides of the argument to ensure residents are not being unduly influenced by council biases?

 

Jane Price, Director Communities:

 

Belinda, thank you for your questions.

Community engagement is a legislative requirement under the Local Government Act 2020 and Council’s Community Engagement Policy includes a wide range of activities such as informing and engaging the community about Council’s initiatives.

Referendums are not specifically considered under Council’s Engagement Policy.

The Local Government Act 2020 makes no specific reference to national referendums and no future events have been planned at this stage.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

QUESTION 4

 

Anonymous asked:

 

Council will "better understand the views and priorities of our community" & declares a commitment to be truthful, represent the community’s needs, "be positive & responsive & always strive to do better".

How is community engagement of .001% (257 of 165,000 residents) representative of our views & priorities? Increasing [number]# of residents been trying to engage with council for months, are shut down & belittled.

Are you upholding the above commitments when you close down discussion & shut residents out?

 

Andrew Hilson, Director Corporate Services:

 

Thank you for your question, which we believe is in relation to the draft budget 2023-24.

Council sought input from community members through a number of channels and events to help inform the development of the budget. This resulted in contributions from 687 people made online via Shaping Yarra Ranges and 209 people at six roadshow events. 

We are confident that community members were provided with ample opportunities to share their views, whether online or in person, and that the feedback received has been used to help shape this year’s draft budget.

Council does not share the view that it has closed down discussions and shut out its residents. 

 

 

QUESTION 5

 

Martin Dieleman of Chirnside Park, asked

 

What is councils policy on responding to written enquiries and concerns made to councillors of the Yarra Ranges, on council schemes and their meetings that concern the community and do they uphold these policy?

Is there a legislative requirement for council to work directly with the public to ensure that public concerns and aspirations are met?

 

Andrew Hilson, Director Corporate Services:

 

Thank you for your question, Martin.

Councillors are guided by the Councillor Code of Conduct and Council’s Complaints Policy when responding to written enquires and concerns. Council believes all Councillors uphold the requirements of these Policies.

Section 28 of the Local Government Act 2020 outlines the role of a Councillor, including “to represent the interests of the municipal community in decision making” and “to consider the diversity of interests and needs of the municipal community.”

The Local Government Act 2020 also includes principles around Community Engagement, which we meet through Council’s Community Engagement Policy.

All of the Policy and Codes referenced tonight can be found on the Council’s website.

 

 

 

 

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