Agenda item

QUESTIONS TO COUNCIL

QUESTION 1

Ray Lister of Kallista asked;

At the previous meeting of Council the Storm Water Management Plan was passed, I support a Plan but have reservations about various details. I am particularly concerned about the timeliness of specific actions.

At that meeting Mr. Philipp referenced several times that while the Plan was being developed “it would be BAU”. Business As Usual has not achieved much in the past so can Mr. Philipp clarify how YRC intend to support communities in flooding hot spots now.

Hjalmar Phillip, Director Built Environment & Infrastructure

Thank-you for your question Ray.

The recently adopted Stormwater Management Plan provides strategic direction for managing stormwater and drainage challenges with clear objectives and actions.

The comment ‘Business as Usual’ referred to the existing services and budget allocation to manage Council’s vast drainage network, which includes almost $3.5M of capital budget to upgrade and renew drainage assets and approximately $21M of operating budget to maintain roads and drainage infrastructure.

Specific to drainage these budgets are spread across a vast drainage network over 790 km in total, containing over 29,000 pit structures, over 20 km of minor culverts and a significant interface with the Melbourne Water management waterways, open channels and underground drainage. 

This maintenance and response work specifically for these assets includes works such as proactively inspecting and clearing pits and drains, maintaining table drains, responding to community service requests, there were over 3400 last year, as well as associated engineering and planning.

Thanks again for your question Ray

QUESTION 2

Eric Burgess of Upwey asked;

In order to reduce traffic around Upwey South Primary School, what has the council done to promote and improve active transport options (walk/bike/scooter) for students to get to school?

QUESTION 3

Eric Burgess of Upwey asked;

In the proposed Morris Road parking study prepared by council, it is suggested to remove the school bus parking area. Where does the council propose buses park when required by the school for excursions?

Hjalmar Phillip, Director Built Environment & Infrastructure

Thank you for your questions regarding active travel, traffic and parking around Upwey South Primary School.

A Draft Parking Plan for the Upwey South Primary School is being developed to address traffic concerns raised by the community. It has been shared with the school to gather initial feedback. However, wider community consultation has not yet commenced.

Council Officers are currently incorporating initial feedback, which includes issues such as active transport and the school bus parking requirements. Once finalised, we will share the updated plan with the wider school community and nearby residents as part of a public consultation process, which is planned to begin in the coming weeks.

Council recognises the importance of traffic safety especially around school sites and we appreciate your patience and input as we work to develop a plan that addresses the needs and concerns of all stakeholders.

A council officer will be in touch with you to answer any further questions.

QUESTION 4

Michelle de Lima of Lilydale, asked

How much money have Yarra Ranges Council spent on security guards present at Yarra Ranges Council meetings, such as tonight, for the period of 1.1.24 to 24.9.2024 inclusive of GST? It is of interest to me as a shareholder and current investor in Yarra Rangers Council of the services that you provide to myself and the rate payers to understand how the money is being managed, and where there are opportunities, as you say, Mayor managing and keeping the costs down and looking at opportunities for quality infrastructure spend. Thank you.

Kim O’Connor, Director Corporate Services,

Thank you for your question.

Council takes the health and safety of staff, Councillors and community members with the utmost seriousness. For the period in question Council spent approximately $15,450 engaging security guards to ensure workplace safety is maintained during Council meetings.

QUESTION 5

Michelle de Lima of Lilydale, asked

The context for this is a number of the new Councillors in this room have given a commitment to support the rebuild of the Kilsyth pool. What is planned to be constructed, developed or to be built for the Kilsyth Pool site?

Kath McClusky, Director Planning & Sustainable Futures

Thank-you for your question Michelle.

At the moment there are no immediate plans for the Killsyth Pool site. The next step for the site is to develop a master plan, which will inform any future development of that site.

At this stage the master planning process is anticipated to commence in the next 12 to 18 months. This process will have a number of stages of consultation, so there will be consultation upfront. There will be a draft plan that is prepared, and then that draft plan will go out for community consultation prior to it being adopted, if Council choose to do that. Thank you.

SUBMISSIONS TO COUNCIL

There were no Submissions listed on the Agenda for this meeting.