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

In accordance with Governance Rule 59.10, Anne Whelan read their Question to Council

Anne Whelan of Lilydale asked;

In recent times many drivers have been avoiding Main Street by using John and Hardy Streets. With more development planned on Hardy Street this traffic will increase. It is quite difficult to cross Hardy Street now.

People using the parking on the south side of Hardy Street need a safer, more convenient means to cross the road safely.

The existing median strip crossing is dangerous. What are council's plans to make this area safe for our community?

Director Built Environment & Infrastructure, Hjalmar Philipp

Thank you for your question, Anne,  

The Lilydale Major Activity Centre Structure Plan provides a strategic framework to manage growth and guide infrastructure delivery in Lilydale over the next 20 years.  

The plan acknowledges that John and Hardy Streets are experiencing increased traffic as drivers avoid Main Street, creating safety and accessibility concerns for pedestrians, as you noted.  

To address these challenges and enhance pedestrian safety, the Plan includes the following:

Firstly, upgrading John and Hardy Streets into active, lower-speed environments, prioritising pedestrian movement and returning them to their intended function as local roads. 

Secondly, enhanced pedestrian connectivity through new pedestrian links between Main Street and Hardy Street, improving accessibility and safety. 

And thirdly, intersection and traffic management upgrades to include a new signalised intersection at Hutchinson Street and Main Street. This will alleviate pressure on Hardy Street as well. And, in the long term, Council is advocating for the Lilydale Bypass to divert high-speed traffic away from Main Street and surrounding local streets, creating a safer and more pedestrian-friendly environment. However, this project requires State Government investment to proceed.  

Belinda Bernardini of Lilydale asked;

Residents are fed up with council rules, regulations and bylaws that aim to control personal property use by claiming it is for "public safety, order and environmental protection". Does the Shire of Yarra Ranges enforce any Private Land Use Permits (or similar) as seen at the City of Casey? If so under what legislation are such regulations derived and what avenues exist for residents to challenge or appeal permit requirements in order to regain control of their properties.

Leanne Hurst, Director Communities

Thank you for your question, Belinda 

I can confirm that Yarra Ranges Council does not require local law permits for the types of activities that have been identified recently at the City of Casey. Specifically, using recreational vehicles, storing large or unregistered vehicles, and the use of temporary dwellings.  

However, for completeness, Yarra Ranges Council does utilise Local law permits for certain activities on private land. The Local Law 2020 requires permits for activities such as accommodating large numbers of animals or burning off in specific areas. Additionally, residents may need to obtain permits for activities related to storm and wastewater, building, planning, events and vegetation management. 

There are a range of legislative frameworks that guide Council’s strategic direction, compliance and operations. These include but are not limited to, the Victorian Local Government Act, 2020, Planning and Environment Act, 1987, Building Act, 1993 and the Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008.  

If you would like a Council officer to give you a call and provider further details about Council’s powers under any of these specific legislations, please let us know.  

Thanks, again for your question

SUBMISSIONS TO COUNCIL

Playground Facilities at Stuart Reserve Lilydale

Ewan Hay discussed a proposed upgrade to the playground facilities at Stuart Reserve in Lilydale. Ewan noted the equipment is dated and inadequate and lacking shade in the summer months.

The Mayor referred the matter to the Director Built Environment & Infrastructure for further investigation.

Cr Heenan left the meeting at 7:51pm and returned to the meeting at 7:53pm.