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 1

 

Anonymous asked; 

 

Can you please confirm the zoning status of the McDermott Ave Netball courts? If to be used for housing, please confirm what steps are outstanding for the site to be used for housing?

 

Acting Director Planning & Sustainable Futures, Nathan Islip

 

The open space at 52 McDermott Avenue, Mooroolbark is currently designated as a Public Park and Recreation Zone. Throughout Covid community use of the site has changed.

 

Council previously decided to rezone this land. To rezone this land, a Planning Scheme Amendment would be required.

 

This process needs approval from the Minister for Planning and must follow the public notification and exhibition requirements of the Planning and Environment Act 1987, however this process has not yet begun.

 

Over the coming months Council will continue to engage with the Mooroolbark community to capture their feedback for the site's future, which will inform the development of a masterplan.

 

 

QUESTION 2

 

Michael Riddle of Montrose asked;

 

Regarding the Yarra Ranges 15-year Housing Strategy, specifically action 15, can I please get a status update on:

 

1) Review the application and subdivision provisions of the Low-Density Residential Zone’ (LDRZ).

 

2) Second dwellings are allowable with a permit, however there is policy needed to assist decision making, which would cover issues such as landscape, built form, proximity to activity centres, and connection to reticulated sewer.

 

 

 

Acting Director Planning & Sustainable Futures, Nathan Islip

 

Thank you for your question, Michael.

 

Following the formal adoption of Council’s Housing strategy, council officers have outlined a scope of work required and a formal review is planned. This will include community consultation to assess existing zone provisions and second dwelling requirements. The review may lead to a Planning Scheme Amendment, which would be publicly exhibited before any changes are implemented in the Yarra Ranges Planning Scheme

 

For completeness Action 15 of Council’s Housing Strategy focuses on reviewing the application and subdivision provisions of the Low-Density Residential Zone (LDRZ) and potentially developing a planning policy to guide decisions on second dwellings. The policy would address key factors such as landscape impact, built form, proximity to activity centres, sewer connection, and environmental risks.

 

QUESTION 3

 

Anonymous asked;

 

Is it a requirement for a Ward Councillor to meet with and represent community groups within their constituency to the Yarra Ranges Council?

 

Vincenzo Lombardi, Director Corporate Services

 

Thank you for your question

 

At Yarra Ranges Council, as in all Victorian local governments, councillors have a responsibility to represent their constituents, including community groups, but there is no legal requirement mandating them to meet with specific groups or individuals.

 

Under the Local Government Act 2020, councillors are expected to:

 

•              Represent the interests of their ward and the broader municipality.

•              Engage with community to understand their needs and concerns.

•              Advocate on behalf of residents and community groups to the council.

 

Community groups can request meetings with Councillors, and it is up to the individual councillor to decide how they manage their engagements and which meetings they are able to attend.

 

It is common practice for Councillors to seek formal advice or responses from technical experts by deferring inquiries to senior Council officers.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

QUESTION 4

 

 

Belinda Bernadini of Lilydale asked;

 

At the last council meeting Cr McAllister mentioned funding from the federal government. How is this possible when local councils aren’t recognised in the Australian Constitution. On what legal basis is the federal government handing out taxpayer funds to council? Is the council accepting tax money from the federal government without questioning whether it's legally sound?

 

Vincenzo Lombardi, Director Corporate Services

 

Thank you for your question, Belinda.

 

The Local Government Act 2020 provides the framework for operations of councils in Victoria, and it recognises local government as a distinct tier of government. Victorian local governments can legally accept funding from the federal and state governments.

 

A recurring funding stream issued by the Federal Government is the Federal Assistance Grants. This Federal funding is issued to the State Governments across Australia to then be administered to Local Governments. In the case of Victoria this funding is administered by the Victorian Grants Commission to all 79 Local Governments.

 

Other non-recurrent funding provided by the Federal Government directly to Victorian councils is undertaken through specific funding criteria set by the Federal Government.

 

Council also delivers approximately 30% of services on behalf of Federal Government with receiving less than 3% of revenue.

 

 

QUESTION 5

 

 

In accordance with Governance Rule 59.10, Wendy Wright read their Questions to Council

 

Wendy Wright of Wandin North asked;

 

Briefing meetings between staff & councillors at Yarra Ranges Council are closed to the public. This is not consistent with the role of councillors to reflect & represent their community.

As part of their election campaigns some Yarra Ranges councillors committed to advocate to open meetings to the public in some form. Is Yarra Ranges council actively working towards opening briefing meetings to the public?

 

 

Vincenzo Lombardi, Director Corporate Services

 

Thank you for your question, Wendy.

 

To ensure Councillors are fully informed in their decision-making Councillors are regularly briefed on a range of strategic topics and important community issues.

 

Briefing sessions are not decision-making forums and as such not public forums.

 

Yarra Ranges Council are not currently working towards open briefing meetings to the public. All decisions of Council are undertaken at Public Council meetings.

 

QUESTION 6

 

 

Wendy Wright of Wandin North asked;

 

The Emergency Services Volunteer Fund levy being introduced in July will result in an overall increase from what we pay now in the combination of the FSPL and indirect taxes. What steps has Council taken to understand the burden that this increased tax will have on residents and businesses, including the burden, cost and risks to council of implementing the collection of this tax? As a YR resident, I expect my council to advocate against this imposition, both directly to the State Government and indirectly via MAV.

 

 

Vincenzo Lombardi, Director Corporate Services

 

Thank you for your question, Wendy.

 

Council is aware of the change from the existing Fire Services Levy to the Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund will have a financial impact on local residents. This change to the levy was enacted by the Victorian Government in December 2024, with no consultation to Local Government, and imposes implementation by 1 July 2025.

 

Upon awareness of this change Council has modelled community and organisational impact. Council’s advocacy to date has aimed to work towards outcomes that provide emergency services volunteers and services with the funding and support they need, in a way that avoids placing new burdens on community and Council.

Council’s continuing advocacy on the issue, through meetings with our representative Members of Parliament, in addition to collective advocacy through Local Government sector interest groups, including the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV).

 

With the upcoming MAV State Council meeting in May, Council will have the opportunity to support motions and actions proposed to the MAV regarding the Fund and will continue to advocate strongly for our community about this issue.

 

 

QUESTION 7

 

 

Anonymous asked;

 

Can you please look into parking signs on the side roads opposite the park on Dammans road, particularly in Brisbane Hill Road. Perhaps only one side parking to be permitted on the street. The weekend was busy and the entrance to Brisbane Hill Road was hindered.

 

If a large vehicle or emergency vehicle needs to come through it would not have fit. There are no parking limits all along Dammans Road.

 

Hjalmar Philipp, Director Built Environment & Infrastructure

 

Thanks very much for raising your concerns about traffic access along Dammans Road and its side streets.

 

Council acknowledges the increased congestion in this area, particularly on busy weekends, and the potential access issues for vehicles.

 

Following a recent investigation, Council’s Traffic Engineers have identified the need to install ‘No Stopping’ restrictions in designated areas along Dammans Road, as well as at the intersections of Marlino Avenue, Brett Road, and Brisbane Hill Road to improve traffic flow and emergency access.

 

Letters notifying affected residents of these changes will be sent this week, with sign installation expected to be completed within the next fortnight. Thanks Again

 

 

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