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 TO COUNCIL

Michelle de Lima of Lilydale asked;

Did Council Officers conduct both a Privacy Impact Assessment & Gender Impact Assessment on the 2024-2025 Yarra Ranges Council budget? If yes, where can I find a copy of the PIA and GIA? If no, why not?

Andrew Hilson, Director Corporate Services.

Thank you for your question, Michelle.

No, Yarra Ranges Council did not undertake a formal Privacy Impact Assessment (PIA) or Gender Impact Assessment (GIA) in the development of the Annual Council Budget; however the principles of both privacy and gender impacts are considered as part of all Council activities.

Privacy and Gender Impact Assessments are required to be undertaken in accordance with the Privacy Act and the Gender Equality Act, respectively, in circumstances where, in the case of Privacy, personal and private data is collected or involved or (in the case of Gender) where the impact of Council strategies and services on different genders should be considered, and as appropriate in alignment with local government best practice guidelines.

Our Council Budget is an overarching strategic financial roadmap that provides a financial framework for all of the services and strategies to be delivered by Council in the coming year. As each separate strategy or service considered in the Budget is developed throughout the year, Privacy and Gender Impact Assessments are carried out at a strategy or program level where relevant.

Michelle de Lima of Lilydale asked;

Did Council Officers conduct both a Privacy Impact Assessment & Gender Impact Assessment on the Yarra Ranges Council Housing Strategy & Planning Scheme Amendments on the Draft & final submission to State Government? If yes, where can I get a copy of the PIA and GIA? If no, why not?

Kath McClusky, Director Planning & Sustainable Futures.

Thank you for your question, Michelle.

I refer to the response to the previous question in relation to Privacy and Gender Impact Assessments.

However, Council has prepared a Gender Impact Assessment as part of preparing the Housing Strategy.  A summary of the assessment’s findings were included in the 11 June 2024 Council report, and the consultation and engagement reports. Council’s practice is not to release the full details from these internal assessments.

A project-specific Privacy Impact Assessment was not undertaken. The Housing Strategy was developed using the processes documented in the Community Engagement Policy which has been informed by contemporary Privacy principles.  

The associated Planning Scheme Amendment has not yet commenced with no submissions made to the State Government to date. 

SUBMISSIONS TO COUNCIL

Youth Voice in Emergency Management

Year 8 Students, Olivia, Jack, and Eleonore, from Upwey High School presented to Council the collaboration of students and Emergency Service Agencies to improve the awareness of the School’s Bush Fire Plan.

Cr Child left the meeting at 7.27pm and returned to the meeting at 7.28pm.

Badger Creek Community Group

Rachael Davidson, from the Badger Creek Community Group presented their new community plan to Council and informed Councillors of the projects the community will be undertaking over the next 4 years.

Ottrey Car Park Tree, Warburton

Cadi-Lee Beach present to Council regarding the condition of the Ottrey Car Park tree in Warburton.

QUESTION TO COUNCIL

Cadi-Lee Beach of Wonga Park asked;

Will Yarra Ranges Council send representatives, somebody, to the smoking ceremony to be held at the Warburton tree at 5pm Thursday 25 July 2024?

Are Councillors aware that the Royal Botanic Gardens has offered to give specialist assistance to preserve the Warburton tree.  Why has this offer not been taken up? The current state of the tree shows that urgent assistance is recommended.

Why has the Birrarung Council been silent about the Warburton Tree given that the tree sits on the Birrarung River corridor.

Hjalmar Philipp, Director Build Environment and infrastructure.

Council has been made aware, through yourself yesterday of the proposed smoking ceremony and Council acknowledges and respects that some trees and locations have special significance to members of the community and support the different ways in which members of community may recognise or connect with these spaces.

At this stage, Officers won't be in attendance on the 25th of July, but what we would like to do is connect you in with our Indigenous Development Coordinator and have a discussion about our engagement approach with the Wurundjeri Registered Aboriginal Party.

With respect to your question on Royal Botanical Gardens. Just noting that no offer has actually been received by council from the gardens on the tree and to close off your other question, Council actions last year were undertaken for public safety, That has been well communicated, and the commitment at the time above and beyond reducing the risk of the tree, was to investigate the habitat potential of the tree and this has been achieved through current arrangements at the site and through expert advice on how best to support the tree.

The focus has been on supporting soil health, and again, with the current arrangements in place. The expert advice supports that, and the tree is currently subject to monitoring program, as all trees in public spaces are.

Finally, the Birrarung Council and Melbourne Water are aware of the actions taken to reduce the risk to public of that tree.

Thank you Cadi-Lee.