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 TO COUNCIL

QUESTION 1

Dean Hurlston asked;

What is the approximate cost per public Council Meeting for Councillor and Staff Meals, Refreshments and Beverages? (If applicable).

Vincenzo Lombardi, Director Corporate Services

Thank you for your question, Dean.

When Council Meetings are scheduled at times that extend through normal meal periods, it is standard practice to provide Councillors and Officers with suitable meals served on the premises. This ensures they can remain focused and productive throughout the duration of the meeting and assists those working full time to be able to attend the meeting.

The approximate cost per meeting for these provisions varies depending on the number of attendees and the specific catering arrangements required. On average, the cost per Council meeting is $720.00 which is approximately $34 per head. This includes all meals, refreshments, and non-alcoholic beverages provided.

QUESTION 2

In accordance with Governance Rule 59.10, Sharyn Manning read their submitted Question to Council.

Sharyn Manning of Mooroolbark asked;

What revenue was generated from parking infringements in Lilydale in 2023?
What revenue was generated from parking infringements in Lilydale in 2024?
How many infringements in Lilydale in 2024 were multiple within a 4-week period?

Leanne Hurst, Director Communities

Thank you for your question, Sharyn

Council can confirm that in the Lilydale area in 2023, 143 parking infringements were issued, in 2024, 1608 parking infringements were issued.

Council systems do not identify a location-based record of revenue at this stage, this is being considered in future system upgrades.

Whilst Council can’t provide a Lilydale specific breakdown, in total Council received approximately $27,600 in parking revenue across the whole municipality in 2022/23 financial year and approximately $501,200 in 2023/24 financial year.

In 2024, 284 infringements were multiple within a 4-week period.

Your question highlights the increased parking enforcement activity in 2024 which is a result of numerous factors including the Lilydale train station upgrade project completion, an increased in town centre activity post covid and increased visitation within the area. 

Finally, I want to thank you for your question, throughout 2024 Council has received community commentary relating to parking enforcement and management and is taking this feedback on board in relation to Council operations.

QUESTION 3

Anonymous asked;

Referring to Councils pre-immunisation checklist, and Councils offer to answer any questions, can Council advise what the chance is of a baby dying (or suffering injury) if vaccinated compared to one not vaccinated by providing "truthful" evidence about injury/death rates in vaccinated compared to unvaccinated children? Given informed consent requires definitive information, could Council also provide vaccine specific data for each scheduled vaccine?

Leanne Hurst, Director Communities

Thank you for your question.

It isn’t possible, nor appropriate for Council to provide advice regarding the chance of an individual baby dying or suffering injury if vaccinated compared to one not vaccinated. However, all Victorian families are provided with immunisation advice at birth of a child. It is the parents or carers responsibility to make an informed decision regarding immunisation preferences.

Council can confirm that public health evidence indicates that vaccines prevent diseases, such as measles, pertussis (whooping cough), or meningitis, and there are significantly higher morbidity and mortality rates in unvaccinated populations.

Public health authorities, such as the World Health Organization, Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, Department of Health and, provide extensive research on vaccine safety and effectiveness. 

Furthermore, detailed vaccine data is available from Immunisation Handbook: Australia’s Immunisation Handbook: https://immunisationhandbook.health.gov.au or
www.health.vic.gov.au/public-health/immunisation/

If you have further inquiries regarding a specific vaccination, Council Officers are available to provide further information.

QUESTION 4

In accordance with Governance Rule 59.10, Rosemary Mosley read their submitted Question to Council.

Rosemary Mosley of Lilydale asked;

Have Clarke Street gutters, crossover culverts and pit grills from Jones Street to Chapel Street corner been placed on a regular clearing/maintenance schedule? Debris from Council deciduous street trees constantly blocks drainage infrastructure which results in flooding into 26 & 28 Chapel Street properties in heavy rainfall events in all seasons - not just Autumn and winter.

We desperately need a regular clearing and maintenance schedule.

Jonathon Makaay, Acting Director Built Environment and Infrastructure

Thank you for your question, Rosemary.

Yes, Clarke Street is on a regular maintenance schedule with the Council’s maintenance crew checking the drain on a monthly schedule until further improvement works are completed. I can also confirm, Clarke Street received four recorded proactive visits in addition to the regular sweeping schedule throughout 2024.

Upgrade works were undertaken in 2024 to enlarge two pits at the corner of Chapel and Clarke Streets. There are also further works planned at Chapel Street to add a kerb and channel to help carry stormwater past property numbers 26 and 28.

Again, thank you for your question and please remember all residents can report any blockage at any time via 1300 368 333.

SUBMISSION TO COUNCIL

Enforcement of Parking Restrictions in Lilydale

Sharyn Manning raised concerns regarding enforcement of parking restrictions in Lilydale and the impact on businesses.

Cr Higgins left the meeting at 7.27pm and returned to the meeting at 7.27pm.

Cr Marriott joined the meeting at 7.32pm.

Cr McAllister requested an update on enforcement of parking restrictions within the municipality, including revenue figures, distribution of revenue, communication and consultation undertaken with the community, alignment with Council policy, timing in relation to the Lilydale Precinct Plan and a community feedback update come to Forum  ideally by the end of February 2025.

Cr Higgins requested that investigation options for community members who have received multiple infringement be included in the update.

Cr Heenan requested that the Lilydale Precinct Plan be put on hold until an update has been received by Councillors.