Agenda item

In accordance with Chapter 3, Rule 60, of the Governance Rules developed by Council in accordance with section 60 of the Local Government Act 2020.

In accordance with Chapter 3, Rule 60, of the Governance Rules developed by Council in accordance with section 60 of the Local Government Act 2020.

SUMMARY

The following petition be received:

General Petitions

1.         Request for the naming of park area between the Adventcare Aged Home, 5 Woods Point Rd, Warburton and the Yarra River, Warburton.
34 valid signatures.

2.         Request the removal of traffic side posts on lower sealed section of Gleghorn Road, Kallista. 20 valid signatures.

3.         Request additional consultation before commencing any work at the Country Fire Authority site located at 79 Edward Rd, Churnside Park. This pertains specifically to the construction of a Fire Hose Drying Tower or a similar structure. 126 valid signatures.

In accordance with Governance Rule 58, Clayton Hugo, spoke in support of the recommendation included in the officer report.

Tammi Rose, Chief Executive Officer read the following statement in relation to the petition regarding 79 Edward Rd Chirnside Park Country Fire Authority site:

Before we proceed, I would like to provide context in relation to this petition.

There are currently no decisions for Council to make on the upgrading works currently underway at the CFA station at 79 Edward Road, Chirnside Park. 

I can confirm there have been two separate processes lodged with Council, both of which have been finalised, and which both included statutory consultation periods. 

The first was a public planning application process to view the plans and submit any concerns or suggestions to Council.  The matter underwent full advertising with one objection received.  No appeal was lodged with VCAT and the planning permit was issued, with current works underway. Permission for the 19m high hose drying tower was granted however also required permission under the building regulations. 

The second process is known as a “report and consent” request. The CFA required specific consent under the building regulations involving adjoining land owners not the broader community. 

The landowners concerns raised during this process were relayed to the CFA, who withdrew their request for the hose drying tower.

I appreciate that the fact having two processes, planning then building, one after the other, can cause confusion. In summary, the planning process is for the broader community to participate. The recent Report and Consent request under the Building Act is only for the immediately abutting neighbours.

I am confident the correct consultation, at the right time, in the two separate processes has occurred.

Now that the Report and Consent process under the Building regulation has been withdrawn, the hose drying tower will not be constructed, unless the CFA come back to Council for another report and consent application in the future.  The remaining approved building works are permitted to continue.

Whilst I have outlined the statutory process that guide Council role. I note the petition submitted has high public interest and as such it has been included in tonight’s Council papers for you to speak to.

In accordance with Governance Rule 58, David Krietemeyer, spoke in support of the recommendation included in the officer report.