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;

After Tuesday night's [24 October 2023] decision to permanently close Kilsyth Centenary Pool, why wasn't there, in the amended proposed resolution that was passed (yes I was there at the meeting) a section included for the councillors to request that the executive team begin the process of Business Panning for the new Integrated Aquatics and Leisure Centre immediately? Does council have the authority to demand this process begin now, and if so why haven't they?

Hjalmar Philip, Director Built Environment and Infrastructure:

Thank you for your question, Samantha,

The draft Aquatic and Leisure Strategy, currently out for consultation, has a recommendation to commence a detailed business case for a new Aquatics and Leisure facility. 

Once consultation feedback occurs, the draft strategy will be updated and presented to Council for consideration. This is anticipated to occur in early 2024. 

Please visit shaping.yarraranges.vic.gov.au to provide any feedback on the draft Aquatic and Leisure Strategy.

QUESTION 2

Anonymous asked;

Yarra Ranges, and in particular, the neighbourhoods less "regional," are growing in cultural and ethnic diversity. However, being a person of non Anglo-saxon/European complexion, I struggle to build a sense of belonging in my neighbourhood. I have had racist comments directed at me and often feel isolated, sometimes unsafe. What is Council going to do to foster community inclusion and eradicate racism? Do you have diversity and experience within your staff to drive this work?

Jane Price, Director Communities:

Thank you for your question.

Council is committed to creating an inclusive community, valuing cultural diversity, and addressing and preventing any discriminatory or exclusionary practices.  

To guide this commitment Council has a Cultural Diversity Policy. This policy sets out Council’s commitment that people from all cultural backgrounds are valued, included and have the freedom to express their cultural, linguistic and faith traditions without fear or discrimination. This policy is also further guided by Council’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee, and Access, Equity and Inclusion Reference Group

Council remains committed to attracting and retaining a culturally diverse and inclusive workforce. We are working with local providers to promote an inclusive workforce, have strategies to remove unconscious bias and support cultural diversity in our workforce.

Council officers will be in contact to recommend local groups and networks to help you feel more connected and less isolated in community.

QUESTION 3

Wendy Wright of Wandin North asked;

In the motion (Oct 24 meeting) to permanently close the Kilsyth Centenary Pool, it is mentioned that there were discussions with pool users during the temporary closure.

What was the nature of these discussions, were they documented?

Did those users understand that these discussions would form part of the decision process to permanently close the pool?

Please provide documented details of these discussions (suitably de-identified).

Hjalmar Philip, Director Built Environment and Infrastructure:

During the temporary facility closure, a survey of Yarra Ranges residents regarding aquatic facility usage was undertaken which attracted 2040 responses.  Of these respondents, 79% indicated they were users of the Kilsyth Centenary Pool.

In addition to this survey Belgravia Leisure have directly communicated to members during the temporary closure period.  Furthermore, ongoing discussions are being held with the Lilydale Swim Club relating to how Council can best support the Lilydale Swim Club through the now permanent closure of the facility.

During the development of the draft Aquatic and Leisure Strategy, a members focus group was undertaken to assist in the early development of the strategy.  These results are available on our Shaping Yarra Ranges website. These community engagement processes, and associated findings have been managed in line with Council’s data management obligations.

Whilst noting the request Council will not be providing detailed documentations of these discussions. The process to permanently close the Kilsyth Pool considered community feedback, including a desire to retain the facility. It is fully acknowledged the members and regular users of the Kilsyth Pool have been impacted by this decision. As such, Council is continuing discussion with neighbouring Councils and private pool providers to accommodate users in alternative programs; and remains in community with members through Belgravia Leisure.