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

 

Cr Child left the meeting at 7.09pm before Question 1 and response were read and returned to the meeting at 7.11pm after Question 1 and response were read, and prior to Question 2 being read.

 

QUESTION 1

 

Peter Preuss of Woori Yallock asked;

 

Council has been requested to advocate for the exclusion of Yarra Ranges from the Gippsland Kangaroo Harvest Zone. At the Feb 11 meeting, Councillors spoke about due diligence and need for more information from Minister Dimopoulos, and/or the Department of Environment prior to a decision being made at the April 8 Council meeting.
My question is, since the meeting of February 11 - 2025, has Council followed up with the Minister and/or Department and what further information has been received

 

Director Planning & Sustainable Futures, Kath McClusky

 

Thank you for your question,

Since the Council meeting of 11 February, additional information was sought from the Conservation Regulator and DEECA.

Council Officers actually met with DEECA representatives, to try and gain an insight into the exclusion of other peri-urban and suburban Council’s from the Kangaroo Harvesting Program. In our discussions they clarified that the exclusion of the ‘Dandenong’s’ specifically pertains to sections that are within the Knox and Cardinia municipalities only, rather than Yarra Ranges.

The item is scheduled to be revisited at the Council meeting on April 8, 2025.

 

QUESTION 2

 

Belinda Bernardini of Lilydale asked;

 

What land and fire management works did council undertake in the last 6 months at Ken Leversham Reserve including but not limited to fuel management works and maintenance of fire breaks and access routes. Please provide evidence of works undertaken and by whom.

 

 

 

Director Planning & Sustainable Futures, Kath McClusky

 

Thank you for your question, Belinda.

Council prepares an Annual Fire Readiness Program in the lead up to bushfire season each year. This Program is a supporting plan of the Municipal Fire Management Plan, and as such, it is reviewed and approved by the Municipal Fire Management Planning Committee (MFMPC). This Committee is made up of Fire Agencies, Emergency Services and Council.

In the 2024 - 2025 Annual Fire Readiness Program was approved by the MFMPC on 13 November 2024.

Bushfire mitigation works of the Bushland Reserves are included within the Program and undertaken in consultation and collaboration with the Country Fire Authority (CFA).

In the last six months, Council has worked with the CFA to review and agree upon required works. As a result, Council has undertaken the following bushfire management works at Dr Ken Leversham Reserve:

• Vegetation fuel breaks have been maintained around the reserve to protect nearby homes.
• Larger fuel breaks have been created on the northern side of the reserve due to higher fire risk.
• Fallen trees have been cleared after storms.
• Ensured the emergency access routes in the south of the reserve is maintained for CFA use.
• Focused on keeping defendable space near assets and maintaining access routes.
• Council also agreed with the CFA to support reducing fuel on nearby private properties.

 

Over the last twelve months Council has also undertaken routine maintenance in line with our management of conservation reserve including weed control, track maintenance, general rubbish removal, clearing falling debris or branches and general entry amenity works. 

 

 

QUESTION 3

 

Ivor Wolstencroft of Warburton asked;

 

In referring to Dr Wolstencroft’s 2023 submission and considering the commitments outlined in the DAP, the Advocacy Agenda, and the Council’s strategic objectives—Before the anticipated conclusion of the planned community budget submission process,  Would the Council be open to our invitation for say three directors and three councillors to participate in a ‘lived experience’ exercise/excursion? This would involve using wheelchairs to navigate two key locations in Warburton: in and around Thomas Avenue and the riverside tracks and river boardwalk, and the section from Ottrey’s Carpark to the track leading to Redwood Bridge. Our goal is to provide firsthand insight into the barriers faced by wheelchair users, both residents and visitors alike and will provide the wheelchairs and facilitate the experience.

 

Before the Director Built Environment & Infrastructure read the response, the Mayor indicated that himself and some other Councillors would be interested in accepting the lived experience exercise.

 

Director Built Environment & Infrastructure, Hjalmar Philipp

 

Thank you for your question, Ivor and David,

Just want to acknowledge the barriers that people in wheelchairs face and acknowledge there is significant scope for accessibility improvements across the municipality, and obviously our commitments outlined in the Disability Action Plan, our Advocacy Agenda, and Council’s strategic objectives acknowledge the need for this work.

Specifically with respect to budget allocation for improvements in wheelchair accessibility along the Yarra River, we have noted this as feedback for consideration as part of the Draft 25/26 Budget.

More broadly some provision for accessibility improvements across the municipality are included in the current Draft 25/26 budget, including for example within the scope of:

-       New projects and capital works

-       Under township improvements there is a dedicated capital allocation

-       Infrastructure and open space renewals and maintenance, more broadly

 

With respect to your invitation for a lived experience we are happy to continue a dialogue about this offer. Council Officers will liaise with Councillors and provide a response.

 

 

QUESTION 4

 

Ray Lister of Kallista asked;

 

On page 75 of the YRC Draft Budget 2025 – 2026 there is an entry for a proposed new footpath for Monbulk Road, Kallista, can you advise the location of that footpath, please?

 

Director Built Environment & Infrastructure, Hjalmar Philipp

 

Thank you for your question, Ray.

The proposed new footpath link on Monbulk Road, Kallista, is planned between Rivington Avenue and Perrins Creek Road.

Concurrently the Department of Transport and Planning has a drainage upgrade project for this section that is currently in design stage. Officers are actively engaging with Department of Transport and Planning to incorporate the footpath into the broader project scope, ensuring a well-coordinated and high-value outcome for the community.

 

QUESTION 5

 

Wendy Wright of Wandin North asked;

 

In their response to my question regarding the ESVF (Emergency Services Volunteer Fund) Levy, the governance team said that they have undertaken modelling to understand the impact of the new levy on both the community and the council organisation. Can you please provide an outcome of that modelling.

 

Director Corporate Services, Vincenzo Lombardi

 

Thank you for your follow-on question here, Wendy.

 

Council has undertaken high level modelling which is based on several assumptions. Under this modelling the main assumption of this model is an average property valuation increase of 5% this results in an estimated average increase of $80 for residential properties through to $1100 for primary producers per annum to the Emergency Services Volunteer Fund Levy. Please note this is an estimate and will be reviewed as more information is released.

 

SUBMISSIONS TO COUNCIL

 

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