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 2

QUESTION 1

Kelvin Granger & Dean Hurlstonasked;

Can council please advise the dollar ($) amount of "cost shifting from State Government" they estimate they incurred in 2022/23 Financial Year?

Andrew Hilson, Director Corporate Services:

Thank you for your question.

Over recent year Council has experienced a range of cost pressure in delivering essential Council services in partnership, or on behalf of State Government.

In many instances the ability to delivery these services has been dependant on Council absorbing additional operational and service improvement costs.

Services that Council has consistently experienced rising cost pressure without equitable State Government funding support include, but aren’t limited to;

·                School crossing supervisors

·                Maternal Child Health Services

·                Early years infrastructure planning

·                Public, environmental, and preventative health services

·                Libraries

·                Meeting the circular economy and

·                Sustainability targets.   

The full cost pressures associated with addressing these rising cost pressures without equitable State Government funding support aren’t fully known and would be difficult to measure accurately.

QUESTION 2

Peter Preuss, of Woori Yallock asked;

Yarra Ranges is well known as an area which showcases a wonderful natural environment. People come to the area for the beauty of the region and wealth of flora and fauna that locals enjoy every day.

Council has a proven record of environmental leadership in caring for flora and fauna. Will Yarra Ranges Council

1. reject the commercial exploitation of kangaroos within the municipality?

AND

2. commit to developing a Municipal Kangaroo Management Plan that reflects that position?

Nathan Islip, Director Planning and Sustainable Futures:

Thank you for your question, Peter.

Council appreciates your concern for the kangaroos, given their inherent status as integral to the landscape and as a protected native species. Council supports the protection of kangaroos in line with State Government legislation, the Wildlife Act 1975. Council values all our native species and is concerned for the available habitat for our native species, including kangaroos. Council are keenly aware of the pressures kangaroos face, including urban development, competition for habitat and feed sources from pest species such as deer. 

Council is currently developing a Nature Plan focussed on protecting our biodiversity which includes programs for the protection of our native species, such as kangaroos. Given the imminent publication of the Nature Plan, which includes protection programs for native species, there are no current plans to develop a Municipal Kangaroo Management Plan. However we will update our website with education content to ensure our community are aware of how to live with native wildlife and protection measures for kangaroos.  

The Mayor requested Officers to prepare a briefing for Councillors on the matter.

QUESTION 3

Jeanette McRae of Healesville asked;

The annual Victorian Community Satisfaction Survey (CSS) creates a vital interface between councils and their community providing community views on Council’s overall performance; value for money in services and infrastructure; community consultation and engagement; decisions made in the interest of the community; customer service, local infrastructure, facilities, services and overall council direction.

When will the Yarra Ranges 2022 and 2023 Community Survey reports be released to community?

Kath McClusky, Acting Chief Executive Officer:

Thank you for your question, Jeanette.

Council has just received the 2023 results and is reviewing them to understand perceptions and trends of Council. Council will provide that publicly in the near future.

This information is also supplied in the Annual Report and Council have been providing our results to the Know your Council Website, which contains high level summary information (www.vic.gov.au/know-your-council).

This typically occurs around October on the release of Council's annual report. You can also find prior year's results on the Know Your Council website and in our 2021-22 Annual Report.

The State Government has just released the state-wide report which you can find on the State Government website. We will provide a link to these resources in the meeting minutes.

Links:

https://www.vic.gov.au/know-your-council-comparison-dashboard#council-comparison-groups

https://www.localgovernment.vic.gov.au/our-programs/council-community-satisfaction-survey

https://www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au/Council/Corporate-documents/Policies-strategies/Annual-report

The Mayor acknowledged the attendance at the meeting of Jeanette McRae, former Yarra Ranges Council Councillor.

QUESTION 4 - Food Organics and Green Organics

Kath McClusky, Acting Chief Executive Officer:

We have received a Question to Council regarding Food Organics Garden Organics and Green waste bins, this question was answered at the Council Meeting on 13 June 2023, Minutes of that meeting are available on the Council website.

QUESTION 5 - Personal Interest Returns

Kath McClusky, Acting Chief Executive Officer:

We have also received several questions from the public, either directly to Councillors or through Public Questions, regarding Initial and Biannual Personal Interests Returns for Councillors and Staff.

Council can confirm that all Councillors and required Staff have completed their Biannual Personal Interests Returns for the March 2023 period, and the summary report is published and available on Council's website.