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 1

We have received the same question from Peter Saxby of Warburton and Ellena Briggs of Millgrove. They have both asked.

The Warburton heritage tennis courts have been an integral part of our community for 120 years. Could you provide insight into the reasoning behind the decision to relocate these historic tennis courts, against community wishes? The significance of these courts is substantial, and their removal will impact all Warburton, and forever destroy the village setting of this important community asset. The rationale behind this and exploring potential alternatives would be appreciated by residents.

Nathan Islip, Acting Director Planning and Sustainable Futures:

Peter and Ellena, Thank you for your questions.

We acknowledge the heritage courts have had a long and important role in supporting the community for many generations. The Warburton Urban Design Framework proposes to balance the townships rich history whilst best preparing for future generations. The relocation of the existing tennis courts from their current location at the centre’s entrance to the Recreation Reserve.  This relocation will help facilitate safety and congestion solutions advocated for by community in consultations through an extension of Thomas Avenue while delivering space for an increase in provision from two courts to four new courts. 

These new courts would be developed to competition standard with improved amenities, spectator provisions and shelter. The heritage pavilion and adjacent heritage swing bridge will remain in their current location and be embellished through new community open space while retaining the character.

QUESTION 2

Donna Kollner of Montrose asked;

I was reading about the Urban design framework, and noticed a paragraph stating that you were to "inform the community and stakeholders of what an Urban design framework is.

So if we are the community then who are the stakeholders?

Nathan Islip, Acting Director Planning and Sustainable Futures:

Thank you for your question, Donna,

The term ‘community’ refers generally to residents and traders within Warburton, however there are a vast range of individuals and organisations who also are important during consultation such as land-owners, business owners, community groups and government agencies or authorities.  These are typically referred to as ‘Stakeholders’ as they have an interest but may not be geographically located within the centre.

QUESTION 3

Ellena Biggs of Millgrove asked;

Can the Director of Planning confirm when the Council will undertake a Heritage Study to identify additional sites with heritage significance in Warburton and surrounding areas and include these sites in a Heritage Overlay through a future Council Planning Scheme amendment as was stated to me in a letter from Council on 7th March 2022.

Nathan Islip, Acting Director Planning and Sustainable Futures:

Thank you for your question, Ellena.

Council’s Warburton Place Plan contains a heritage related action to. “Identify all significant Heritage sites within Warburton and surrounding areas and prepare for inclusion in any Heritage controls”. 

It is planned that in early 2024 Council will commence work on a heritage study that will focus on several townships including Warburton and Monbulk and surrounding areas. With an aim to investigate further sites for heritage protection in the Yarra Ranges planning scheme.  This process involves investigation of potential sites (previously nominated places and those identified in previous studies) by a qualified heritage consultant to determine if they meet the threshold criteria set by the State Government for inclusion for local heritage protection. 

Following completion of a publicly exhibited heritage study, a planning scheme amendment can commence.  

QUESTION 4

Nick Clarke of Warburton asked;

Warburton functions well for the 340 days of the year that aren’t hot summer days. So why are the other 25 days of the year weighted with such importance, at the expense of the rest of the year when we -- the locals who are being asked to pay for this diminishing of natural beauty, this fouling of our town's essence -- are already happily catered for here? Do you really believe this skewed ratio of priorities services the majority of locals, or is council's agenda exclusively touristic?

Nathan Islip, Acting Director Planning and Sustainable Futures:

Thank you for your question, Nick,

The Warburton Urban Design Framework or UDF takes a holistic approach to the pressures currently being experienced in Warburton, with tourism being just one of many considerations. The UDF is vital in ensuring that new buildings, parks, bike paths, public areas, and businesses are developed in accordance with set standards for safety, sustainability, accessibility, and environmentally-friendly infrastructure. The UDF seeks to ensure that new developments fit into the existing environment without hindering liveability for those living in the area.

In finalising the UDF a balanced approach is proposed that does not change the existing planning controls such as development height limits, development footprint or change to zoning.  It includes projects that address community needs such as accessibility, amenity, public open space and environment responsive landscape treatments.

SUBMISSIONS FROM THE PUBLIC

Wheelchair Accessible Track Along the Birrarung (Yarra River)

Ivor Wolstencroft spoke regarding current conditions alone the Birrarung (Yarra River) Warburton. He proposed an audit of Warburton by Victoria Walks with a view to the creation of a Wheelchair Accessible Loop around the Birrarung (Yarra River) Warburton.