Jim Child - Council Watch

Congratulations MRAG - Australia Day Gong!

2012-02-01T19:18:00.006+11:00

THE Millgrove Residents Action Group (MRAG)has been named Community Group of the Year in Yarra Ranges Council's Australia Day Awards.

Congratulations to all the members of MRAG.

Upper Yarra Community e-Forum - Have Your Say

2012-02-01T08:38:00.009+11:00

Welcome to our e-Forum!

Click on Image

In order to better understand the needs of the Upper Yarra area, we would like to hear your thoughts. What are your concerns? What would you like to see taking place in the area? How do you think we 'Upper Yarra Community Enterprise Ltd' can assist towards making this community the best it can be? Please visit the Upper Yarra e-Forum and have your say.

Beginning in February, we have launched a brief survey of questions about local concerns and issues - this is available in PAPER FORM and alsoONLINE.

Councillor fears cost to dump rubbish will rise under contractor

2012-01-31T14:45:00.005+11:00

by Kimberley Seedy

"COUNCIL-OPERATED rubbish tips at Coldstream and Wesburn are to be run by a private contractor in a bid to improve services and efficiency." - Leader.

As usual these tender arrangements are Commercial in Confidence, council would have accepted a tender price for the 10 year operating term for the transfer stations, these funds must be returned to ratepayers in the way of tip passes or like to off set any increase in charges.

HAVE YOUR SAY: Councillor fears cost to dump rubbish will rise under contractor

Yarra Ranges Rate Payers Inc. - Up And Running For 2012 Election.

2012-01-29T21:19:00.019+11:00

"Yarra Ranges Rate Payers Inc is committed to making Yarra Ranges Council accountable. The attached press release shows how residents and ratepayers of Yarra Ranges have been charged rate increases at over three times the rate of CPI from 2008. When this Council was elected." - Yarra Ranges Rate Payers Inc.

For more information regarding Yarra Ranges Rate Payers Inc email: yrratepayers@gmail.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/YarraRangesRatepayers

Yarra Ranges Rate Payers Press Release

"YRR has released the following table of YR Council Income, Rates and Expenses for the period 2008 to 2011(YRC Annual Reports). Over this three year period household rates increase by a massive 24.7%. Compared to the Melbourne CPI for the three years of 8.4%. (ABS) Expenditure has risen an incredible 40.7% or almost 45 million dollars.

Yarra Ranges Council expenditure is out of control. They are following the dogma promoted by Municipal Association of Victoria with no regard to the financial stress they creating for Yarra Ranges Residents and Ratepayers.

See story from Herald-Sun:

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/more-news/council-rates-pain-getting-worse/story-fn7x8me2-1226255730813

Yarra Ranges Rate Payers will be running Candidates at the forthcoming elections and will be accountable for Council expenditure.

Yarra Ranges Council Income & Rates

The following is the response from Yarra Ranges Council when confronted with the information on Rates and expenditure. We would reply by saying increases are over three years not four, 2008 is the base and increases in 2009, 2010 and 2011. Herald Sun quotes 5 year CPI as 15.2%.

The rest of the response highlights what is wrong. To paraphrase “We don’t care what impact rate rises have. We will steam ahead with a bloated workforce and spend as much money as we want to because we can” - Yarra Ranges Rate Payers Inc.

"The Table.

The CPI increase quoted here looks a little out. The team had a quick review and found that the Australian CPI went from a base of 157.5 at 1/7/07 to 178.3 at 30/6/11 (i.e 4 years) which would be 13.2%. In our assessment, Melbourne CPI would closely mirror this.

The MAV prepares a Local Government Cost Index which tries to show a clearer picture of how the cost of local government is shifting, as it’s not really practical to compare LG costs (which are predominantly made up of salaries and construction costs) with price movements for common household goods and services. The most recently published MAV LG cost index data shows cumulative increases totalling 15.0% over 4 years, but would be higher than 15% if you applied it to the same period that is in your table.

To compare figures in the table as pure $ & % differences over a 4 year period is very simplistic and does not reveal the fuller picture to what has happened and what council are using funds for. Over the last 4 years Council has not only had the financial impact of the bushfires, state imposed waste levies, and a net reduction in aged care funding when compared to demand, but has also made a conscious decision to substantially increase investment in community based capital infrastructure, with an enhanced Capital Works program which is currently forecast to spend over $55million in this year alone, and has nearly doubled since 2007/8.

The salaries and wages comparison is particularly misleading when shown in this way as there are a host of figures that are included within the definition of salaries and wages, including enterprise agreement increases, organisational growth, new initiatives, resourcing of our capital works program, and a conscious shift away from consultants andcontractors to salaried staff to achieve net efficiencies and get better organisational and community outcomes.

General Comments

There is no doubt that the cost of providing local government services is increasing (in all municipalities) but those increases are impacted by much more than CPI including :

• Declining levels of state and national funding for programs;

• Growth in demand for services, including targeted services for the most vulnerable in our communities;

• Increased levels of regulatory burden;

• Increasing number of state levies which are collected through the rate base and then passed on to other levels of government;

• Shortfalls in the Local Government Superannuation and Pension Scheme due to fluctuations in the stock market following the GFC (unlike the Federal and State Government, the Local Government Pension scheme must have all liabilities fully funded at all times) ;

• The need to address the significant Asset Renewal Gap through further investment in both asset maintenance and replacement;

• Council’s commitment to deliver an accelerated Capital Works program which has seen new community facilities such as (and not limited to) Burrinja, Yarra Ranges Regional Museum, Monbulk Hub, Healesville Hub, Healesville Memorial Hall, Sherbrook Family and Children’s Centre, Monbulk Regional Soccer Facility all either delivered already or well advanced;

• The increased cost of emergency management and fire preparedness works in a municipality of our size and topography, particularly since 2009 and in response to the findings of the Royal Bushfire Commission and now the Victorian Floods Review." - Rebecca McKenzie.

Wesburn Park Looks A Picture - Not a NO MOW Sign In Sight!

2012-01-27T07:54:00.020+11:00

Yesterday I attended the Australia Day Official Dressage Jackpot competition at our wonderful Wesburn Park. With over 80 riders and horses competing and many onlookers taking in the sights, it was truly a well attended Australia Day event.

With competitors and spectators coming from afar The Yarra Ranges Council and user groups must be congratulated for the way the facility was presented especially on our National Day, a far cry from last year's event when there was much community concern in regards to no mow zones and general fuel reduction works at the Park. I like many others are pleased that the Council has had a rethink on fuel reduction at the Wesburn Park especially at this time of the year.

Previous Post Wesburn Park (last year) 26/01/2011:

Human safety at odds with Flora and Fauna - You Judge.

Dandenong Ranges residents warned

2012-01-26T00:42:00.005+11:00

"CFA Sassafras-Ferny Creek Captain John Schauble says 75 per cent of Dandenong Ranges residents haven't done enough to prepare their homes for bushfire.

He made the comments in an interview for Channel Ten News that found dead branches on roofs, leaves clogging up gutters, and wood stored dangerously close to homes." - CFA Media Wednesday, 25 January 2012

Women of Interest

2012-01-25T15:18:00.005+11:00

You are invited to a series of discussions with ...

Dagmar Limp moved to Warburton18 years ago. Upon retiring she became involved in voluntary activities.
Tuesday 7th February 10.30 Tea & Coffee, 11am start at the Good Food Room, Warburton

Sally Brennan is ceo of Upper Yarra community House in Yarra Junction. she is passionate about education, particularly for young teenagers and those who have difficulty fitting into mainstream education.
Saturday 3rd March 1.30pm Tea & Coffee, 2pm start Yarra Junction Library

Women of Interest is a community building initiative supported by
• Upper Yara Community Enterprise
• Upper Yarra Community House
• Upper Yarra U3A

Clearing reduces risk of bushfire threat: study

2012-01-24T13:13:00.004+11:00

Anna Salleh ABC.

Clearing trees within 40 metres of a house is the most effective way to reduce the probability of it being destroyed in a bushfire, according to new research.

Bushfire scientist, Dr Geoff Cary of the Australian National University, and colleagues, report their findings today in the journal PLoS ONE.

New Sporting Facilities at Warburton.

2012-01-23T11:03:00.009+11:00

Works are well underway providing new netball courts and cricket nets at the Warburton Recreation Reserve.

"This Yarra Ranges Council & Warburton Millgrove Football Netball Club joint project will provide a much needed state of the art facility to our community for years to come" said Rodney Woods President of the Warburton Millgrove Football Netball Club.

This project forms an important part of the overall Warburton Recreationn Reserve Master Plan.

"Our Club and our community are grateful for Council's support and in particular Council's Paul Mainey for his ongoing assistance with the project" said Rodney.

Comment on Council’s new local law

2012-01-23T10:15:00.005+11:00

There is still time to comment on the Council's proposed new Local Law.

The proposed new Local Law will include:

-the use of Council facilities
-behavior in public places
-street parties
-festivals
-circuses and events
-placement of and removal of bulk or hard rubbish and rubbish dumping
-feeding of cockatoos
-damage to trees and vegetation in public places
-abandoned shopping trolleys
-electoral signage on public land
-heavy vehicles on private property
-dilapidated buildings and dangerous land
-interfering with Council drainage, tappings, stormwater pits
-interfering with watercourses
-gates and openings from private property onto Council land
-cigarette butt receptacles
-interfering with road barriers and signage on roads and bridges
-sale of vehicles on roadsides or Council land
-noise and nuisances
-collection and disposal of trade waste and other amenity issues.

Please take the time to read the Proposed General Provisions Local Law 2012 and make your submission to Council as soon as possible.

For the full details of how to make a submission follow this link
or call 1800 368 333.

How to nominate: council elections

2012-01-19T17:14:00.005+11:00

Questions you might have...

"Local council elections happen every four years on the fourth Saturday in October.

The next local council elections are scheduled for Saturday, 27 October 2012.

Candidates thinking of nominating are encouraged to read the most recent Candidate Handbook to familiarise themselves with the key requirements and responsibilities of nomination for local council elections.

A returning officer is appointed prior to the election period and will be available to discuss specific election arrangements. The returning officer will also provide a kit containing the latest handbooks and forms for the election and answer any questions a potential candidate may have.

The VEC will also conduct information sessions about the election process approximately one week before the close of nominations." - VEC.

Links:

VEC

Yarra Ranges Council- Council Elections October 2012

YOUR SAY: Search for candidates in the Yarra Ranges

2012-01-18T20:27:00.008+11:00

by Emily Webb

The newly formed Yarra Ranges Ratepayers group wants to promote quality economic development to give people a future.

A NEW Yarra Ranges lobby group is seeking candidates to run in this year’s local council elections.

Yarra Ranges Ratepayers Inc was set up last month and already has almost 40 members.

>> YOUR SAY: What issue would you like the ratepayers group to address? Tell us below.

1 comment:

Anonymous - Jan 19, 2012 03:35 AM

My wish list:
1. Moderate the excessive green influence in SOYR, especially in Lyster and Ryrie Wards.(Please, someone reasonable, stand against the incumbents!!!)
2. Lobby for changes to the planning laws to allow development of smaller more manageable properties suitable for an ageing population in areas outside the present so-called "consolidation areas"
3. Reduce the power of the entrenched unelected bureaucracy so that the Council is more accountable to the ratepayers.
4. Stop the waste of our money on environmental fluff and spend it instead on better basic services such as roads, rubbish and drains.

Jim, I hope you stand in O'Shannassy ward. This blogger will be right behind you.

If you know something. Say something

2012-01-18T14:42:00.003+11:00

Bushfire arson is a major threat to the Australian community. Up to 50 per cent of bushfires in Australia are deliberately lit or start in suspicious circumstances. Bushfire arson causes death and injury, loss of property and damage to the environment including wildlife and habitat losses. We all need to play our part to stop bushfire arson.

If you see something that looks out of place, this may be what the police are looking for.

Every piece of information you can provide is important. It could help the police to prevent bushfire arson or apprehend an arsonist.

If you know something. Say something.
Call Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000
Dial 000 in emergencies

Upper Yarra U3A? Be a part of a learning experience.

2012-01-14T14:42:00.033+11:00

What is U3A?

U3A stands for University of the Third Age. There are U3As all over the world.

U3A is a voluntary learning cooperative of older people that encourages members to share educational, creative and leisure activities. Membership is open to anyone in the 'third age' (retirement) and activities are organised by members by drawing on the skills of each other. Each U3A's program is specific to the group and is developed from the interests of its members and the resources of its community.

Upper Yarra U3A Inc. started in March 2010.

It offers a variety of courses for its increasing membership.

We are now also member of the "Combined U3A's of the Yarra Ranges Shire". That way even more courses are available for our members throughout the U3As in Healesville, Mt. Dandenong, Sherbrook and Yarra Ranges . (more info)

For more information please contact the Upper Yarra U3A :

Vernon Denford 03 5966 6038

Previous Post: Upper Yarra - U3A - The University Of The Third Age 05/03/2010.

'Rats In The Ranks' - Worth a watch.

2012-01-14T12:04:00.006+11:00

Rats In The Ranks - "Every September Sydney's Leichhardt Council elects its mayor. Incumbent Larry Hand is popular with the citizenry but they don't vote for mayor – the 12 councillors do – and after three years of Larry, some of them are after his job." - ABC TV.

"Ambition, courage, envy, betrayal, disaster, triumph... In other words, a classic study of politics.

Politics is a bruising business. The best policies in the world mean nothing unless you've got the numbers. Rats In The Ranks takes a behind-locked-doors look at how politicians get the numbers.

Rats In The Ranks screened at many film festivals and has won numerous awards, including the Silver Plaque for Social/Political Documentary at the Chicago International Film Festival in 1996, the Critic's Choice Award for Documentary at the Sydney Film Festival that same year and the Logie Award for most outstanding documentary in 1998." - ABC TV.

ABC2 - Sunday, 15 January 2012 at 8.30pm

Community Sponsorships - Applications Closing Soon

2012-01-13T20:51:00.009+11:00

A cornerstone of the Community Bank® model is the distribution of profit to the community. Since opening the Warburton branch in February 2000, Upper Yarra Community Enterprise Limited (UYCEL) has invested more than $1.3 million in community organisations and projects.

UYCEL which operates the Warburton and Yarra Junction Community Bank® branches, invests its profits in the community through sponsorships and donations.

UYCEL offers sponsorship to organisations with the view to supporting an event, activity or organisation by providing money or other resources that is of value to the sponsored event, activity or organisation. Sponsorship for UYCEL is a way of increasing brand awareness, communicating key messages and increasing its customer base.

Sponsorships are assessed on their capacity to benefit the community and to promote UYCEL and or its Warburton and Yarra Junction Community Bank® branches.

Applications close on the the 14th Feburary for the first round of this year's Community Sponsorships.

Please follow this link for more information and an application form.

The Lambassador does it again for Australia Day!

2012-01-12T21:24:00.006+11:00

Sorry folks, just couldn't help it!

Hail Netting Policy Must Change - When?

2012-01-10T13:47:00.019+11:00

So what is the problem?

Should be no problem, Council and the State Government have both agreed in previous recommendations and submissions that changes to the Planning Scheme are needed in regards to these structures.

From the Yarra Ranges Council Submission to the Victorian Planning System Review Ministerial Advisory Committee:

"Horticultural structures
There is a need to review the permit requirements associated with horticultural structures. Many horticultural enterprises now employ hail netting to provide protection for stone fruits. These structures currently require planning permits and while there may be cases when a permit should be required there is an opportunity to investigate reducing the need for permits when specified requirements can be met."

From the recommendations of the State Government Inquiry into Sustainable Development of Agribusiness in outer suburban Melbourne:

"39. That the Victorian Government, in consultation with local government, remove the requirement for primary producers to obtain a planning permit to install netting, providing that applicable building safety standards are met.
The Victorian Government recognises the potential benefits of crop netting and supports the removal of unnecessary limitations on the ability of farmers to conduct their farming operations. Where unreasonable restrictions exist the government will work with local governments to remove those restrictions.

40. That the Department of Planning and Community Development, in consultation with local government and the horticulture sector, remove restrictions on the proportion of land able to be covered with netting.
The Victorian Government agrees with the need for consultation with local governments to review restrictions on the proportion of land able to be covered with netting."

This State Government Inquiry would have cost the taxpayer hundreds of thousands of dollars with politicians and staff traveling the World and Australia on study tours etc. Lets get some results.

I believe there is ample scope for the State Government and Council to work together to implement a Planning Scheme amendment to resolve this issue. Just do it!

2 Comments:

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Hail Netting Policy Must Change - When?":

Jim that is too simple for the State.

Sue said...: Bureaucracy. Grrrrrrr!!!!; 10 January 2012 7:31 PM

C97 Panel Scathing of Council - 2009 Housing Strategy out the door!

2012-01-06T07:56:00.025+11:00

The C97 Planning Amendment Panel has handed down a report scathing of the Yarra Ranges Council. Link to Panel report.

"The Panel concludes that Amendment C97 fails the elementary test of any planning scheme amendment which is a strong strategic justification."

"The 2009 Housing Strategy has been strongly influenced by community consultation that has distracted Council from applying sound and logical planning principles to its assessment."

"The diversification of housing stock is the key to increasing housing choice but this must be provided in a variety of locations and not just be limited to the ‘consolidation areas’ as is the outcome of the 2009 Housing Strategy.
As repeatedly noted in the submissions, people want to be able ‘to age in place’ and remain living in their local communities. This is a central tenet of Council’s Ageing Policy and it is not assisted at all by the likely outcomes of Amendment C97."

"The Panel considers that the 2009 adopted Housing Strategy is a compromised version of the original that will not deliver on many of its key objectives. It seems to the Panel that while the implementation of the 2009 Housing Strategy has been strongly influenced by some elements of community consultation, it has not taken into account the interview survey results of a representative sample of residents who expressed the need for a range of housing options in their local area. As a result, the 2009 Strategy appears to lack balance and has been distracted from applying sound and logical planning principles to its assessment." - From the Panel Report.

“We will be preparing a report for Council to consider their preferred way forward.

In developing the housing strategy significant research and consultation was undertaken and the 2009 strategy was once again tested to ensure that it would enable Yarra Ranges to meet or exceed the expected housing targets.

The Yarra Ranges community and Council values the role of consultation in local democracy. Consultation is an important part of planning scheme amendments, as they can and will have significant impacts upon the area into the future. It is also a legitimate and accepted element of local government practice.” said Andrew Paxton, Director Planning Building Health Yarra Ranges Council.

It appears to me that Council for some reason known only to the present Councillors has failed the basic consultation process. And also has failed to make the hard decisions in the face of minority opposition. This whole Housing Strategy/C97 saga has cost 'US' the ratepayer a fortune and it is likely to cost us even more. - Time for a change!

1 comment:

Mario "Coldstream" Galteri said...: Time for a change or back to the drawing board.
Regards

Mario Galteri; This is from the report:
Overall, it seemed to the Panel that Coldstream had many of the suburban settlement and built form attributes of Mooroolbark and Chirnside Park, albeit in more of a ‘village’ setting. To effectively limit any further development in this town to more of the same seems to the Panel to be a lost opportunity.; 6 January 2012 1:06 PM

RULES FOR VEGETATION CLEARANCE AROUND EXISTING HOUSES

2012-01-05T21:38:00.005+11:00

click on image, takes a while to download

RULES FOR VEGETATION CLEARANCE AROUND EXISTING HOUSES - '10/50' & '10/30' Page 9.

YOUR SAY: Clearing rule widens

2012-01-05T08:49:00.006+11:00

by Kimberley Seedy - click on image.

"In high bushfire risk areas properties may need a greater amount of defendable space. Clearance over the distances stipulated in the 10/30 and 10/50 rules require a planning permit." - CFA Landscaping for Bushfire Document.

There is no doubt that the cost of providing local government services is increasing

2011-12-31T22:47:00.029+11:00

Recently I received a copy of the table below, and my immediate reaction was to verify the data and seek comment from senior Council Officers. That comment is below. Thank you to Rebecca McKenzie, Yarra Ranges Council - Director, Corporate Services.

Yarra Ranges Council Income & Rates

"The Table

The salaries and wages comparison is particularly misleading when shown in this way as there are a host of figures that are included within the definition of salaries and wages, including enterprise agreement increases, organisational growth, new initiatives, resourcing of our capital works program, and a conscious shift away from consultants and contractors to salaried staff to achieve net efficiencies and get better organisational and community outcomes.

General Comments

There is no doubt that the cost of providing local government services is increasing (in all municipalities) but those increases are impacted by much more than CPI including :

· Declining levels of state and national funding for programs;

· Growth in demand for services, including targeted services for the most vulnerable in our communities;

· Increased levels of regulatory burden;

· Increasing number of state levies which are collected through the rate base and then passed on to other levels of government;

· Shortfalls in the Local Government Superannuation and Pension Scheme due to fluctuations in the stock market following the GFC (unlike the Federal and Sate Government, the Local Government Pension scheme must have all liabilities fully funded at all times) ;

· The need to address the significant Asset Renewal Gap through further investment in both asset maintenance and replacement;

· Council’s commitment to deliver an accelerated Capital Works program which has seen new community facilities such as (and not limited to) Burrinja, Yarra Ranges Regional Museum, Monbulk Hub, Healesville Hub, Healesville Memorial Hall, Sherbrook Family and Children’s Centre, Monbulk Regional Soccer Facility all either delivered already or well advanced;

· The increased cost of emergency management and fire preparedness works in a municipality of our size and topography, particularly since 2009 and in response to the findings of the Royal Bushfire Commission and now the Victorian Floods Review."

- Rebecca McKenzie.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

All the more reason why the Council should not be wasting its (our) money on feel-good-achieve-nothing environmental fluff.

1 January 2012 2:50 PM

Forest Industry has welcomed the fulfilment of a key Coalition election promise

2011-12-20T10:59:00.011+11:00

The Victorian Association of Forest Industries (VAFI) has welcomed the fulfilment of a key Coalition election promise, with the release of the Timber Industry Action Plan (TIAP) by the Victorian Government.

VAFI CEO Lisa Marty said the Plan would help ensure a sustainable future for productive forestry in Victoria by providing the Victorian forest and wood products industry with better regulation and greater levels of resource security.

“The Plan builds on the 2009 Timber Industry Strategy and provides a commitment for more ambitious actions to ensure the forest and wood products industry in Victoria has access to wood from well‐managed State and privately‐owned forests,” Ms Marty said.

“Longer‐term wood supply contracts, more flexible sales arrangements and mechanisms to compensate VicForests' customers for impacts on their contracts from changes in State Government policy will provide a basis for improved business confidence, investment and innovation.”

Ms Marty said a clear and effective regulatory framework for responsible forest management and wood supply was essential to ensuring the industry could continue to provide economically and environmentally sustainable jobs in rural and regional Victoria.

“This Plan supports skills development, training and research which are crucial to the future competitiveness, productivity and development of the industry,” she said.

The Timber Industry Action Plan also recognises plantations as an as‐of‐right crop and supports farm forestry; helping to diversify Victoria’s timber and forest products supply. Ms Marty said the TIAP actions were essential if Australia — the seventh most forested nation in the world — were to reduce its $1.9 billion trade deficit in wood and paper products.

“We look forward to working with the Victorian Government to implement the Plan,” she said.

“We hope it will provide the right environment for the industry to invest in our businesses, markets and people; to develop market opportunities, improve productivity and sustainability, and innovate in ways that will benefit the industry and the communities it supports.

The Victorian forest and wood products industry includes a vibrant manufacturing sector in the suburbs of Melbourne and many regional communities. It directly employs approximately 24,000 people and produces products made from wood — a natural, renewable material that stores carbon and uses less energy to produce than many alternatives — that serve an integral part of our built environment as furniture, flooring and structural building materials."

Coldstream 2020 Want Answers From Cr McRae!

2011-12-19T07:24:00.004+11:00

Cr Jeanette McRae please explain!

Over the past year the Coldstream 2020 group have suggested it was time for Coldstream to expand its UGB.

We conducted a survey, Christine Fyffe MP conducted a survey but more importantly you, through the Shire conducted an extensive survey.

All three surveys, including yours, showed that it was time for Coldstream to EXPAND.

At the last Council meeting a motion by Cr Cox was put forward,

1. Supports the retention of the Urban Growth Boundary without amendment.

2. Authorises officers to write to the Minister for Planning and all submitters advising them of this position.

Given that the residents of Coldstream wanted an expansion why did you vote for this motion? Why did you not add an amendment to exclude Coldstream?

Given that thousands of ratepayer dollars has been spent on getting an external report, which was just about finished, why did you not wait for the details of this report?

When will the people who paid for this report (ratepayers) actually see it?

Mario Galteri

Coldstream 2020

1 comment:

Jim Child Jan 11, 2012 09:54 PM

From the C97 Pannel Repor t:

"Overall, it seemed to the Panel that Coldstream had many of the suburban settlement and built form attributes of Mooroolbark and Chirnside Park, albeit in more of a ‘village’ setting. To effectively limit any further development in this town to more of the same seems to the Panel to be a lost opportunity." - C97 Pannel Report.

Council has got it wrong again!

Councils gone crazy - Embarrassed Yet Again By Council

2011-12-16T12:52:00.011+11:00

ACA reports - Councils gone crazy -By ninemsn staff - Air date: Thursday, December 15, 2011

Councillor Noel Cliff says it all when asked is Council going too far with it's new draft by-laws? "Miles too far" said Cr Cliff.

"Owning too many unusual pets could land you in hot water with Yarra Ranges Council thanks to a raft of unusual new by-laws. But surprisingly, they're not the most unusual of council laws that we've uncovered."

Make a submission to Council

Endorsement Subject To - Council Still Fighting 10/30 & 10/50 rule.

2011-12-14T23:11:00.016+11:00

It is an absolute disgrace that our Council can argue against introducing the new bushfire provisions when they are the State Government's direct response to implementing the recommendations of the 2009 Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission.

At last Tuesday night's Council meeting Council endorsed, through an alternate motion, the Minister for Planning undertaking an amendment to the Yarra Ranges Planning Scheme and changes to the Upper Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges Regional Strategy Plan, to implement the new bushfire planning provisions (10/30 & 10/50) recently introduced State wide through Amendment VC83 subject to the Minister for Planning:

Undertaking full public consultation through the amendment process.
Providing the evidence & science behind the proposed changes to Council and the community.

It must be remembered that the DPCD is seeking Council's views on whether Council wishes to support an amendment to the Yarra Ranges Planning Scheme to introduce the new vegetation removal exemption for areas subject to the new Bushfire Management Overlay, (the '10/50 rule') and the exemptions for a community fire refuge now contained in Clause 52.48.

Those views have now been sought and I urge the Minister for Planning to accept Council's endorsement and reject points 1 & 2, and undertake the amendments as soon as possible without any further consultation with Council.

The present State Government has a mandate from the majority of Victorians to implement the recommendations of the 2009 Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission. We never want to see again a loss of 173 souls!

3 comments:

Jim Child said...: We've had a Royal Commission and State Government Consultation on a local basis, enough is enough, the Victorian Planning Provisions relating to bushfire must be made available to the residents of the Yarra Ranges.

WHY should the most fire prone municipality in Victoria be excluded?

We never want to see again a loss of 173 souls!; 15 December 2011 11:27 AM

Posted by Anonymous to Jim Child - Council Watch at 15 December 2011 5:18 PM

Sadly this council is proving time and time again that they are out of touch with the residents they are empowered to serve.Why would any council spend ratepayers money trying to go against a State Government and also recommendations of Royal commission

Andrew Jones


Anonymous said...: This wretched Council seems determined to make it as difficult as possible for residents to manage their own vegetation on their own properties. Not only by dragging their feet about implementing the new 10/50 rules (why do we need further public consultation on the issue, for heaven's sake??), but also by the prohibition, in the Draft Local Law 2012, of ANY burning in the open air without a permit! So even if we have the right to clear vegetation around our houses, we can't get rid of it easily. October 2012 just can't come soon enough. The sooner we are rid of these green idiots the better; 15 December 2011 8:38 PM

Cr Cox's UGB Motion Gets Up - Council Divided!

2011-12-13T23:27:00.008+11:00

That Council:

1. Supports the retention of the Urban Growth Boundary without amendment.

2. Authorises officers to write to the Minister for Planning and all submitters advising them of this position.

Division Called:

For the motion: Crs Cox, Cliff, McRae, Dunn & Heenan.

Against the Motion: Crs Templer, Avery, Higgins & Warren.

My Comment:

What surprised me tonight was that not one person from the gallery spoke for or against the motion. In particular there was no representation from Coldstream 2020, in the past an outspoken group in support of extending the UGB.

From the division called it can clearly be seen that the Council is divided on this issue.

I don't believe this issue is settled, the Minister can ask Council again to submit to change the UGB in the future. A change in the 'Green' composition of Council at the next election (Oct' 2012) could see the UGB issue revisited.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

We can but hope...........Isn't it amazing how many important issues are raised just before Christmas?; 14 December 2011 10:19 AM
Mario "Coldstream" Galteri said...: Jim, the Coldstream 2020 group emailed every councilor and spoke to a few on the phone asking to vote against this motion.
As you said we have been very vocal but I guess not vocal enough.
It was upsetting to see Cr Jeanette McRae vote with Cox as she was "instructed" by her own survey of all the residents of Coldstream that they wanted expansion.
Regards
Mario Galteri; 14 December 2011 6:36 PM

Councillor Motion - No Change to Urban Growth Boundary

2011-12-07T22:54:00.011+11:00

At next Tuesday night's council meeting Cr Len Cox will attempt to move that Council:

1. Supports the retention of the Urban Growth Boundary without amendment.

2. Authorises officers to write to the Minister for Planning and all submitters advising them of this position.

My Comment:

Members of the public can make submissions to this item, and also make a request to be heard.

I would like to hear from the Officers outlining what the costly analysis has found so far in regards to extending the UGB. Why no Officer report in regards to this motion?

This item is another example of Council's new meeting procedure which forewarns the public of pending Councillor motions and gives the public and the Council Officers an opportunity to comment.

2 comments:

Jim Child said...: Jim
Can you add this response on your blog.

Regards

Mario Galteri
Coldstream 2020

"Hi Mario,

Yes I know about this and I am disappointed because there is a genuine need for more housing so that local young people and those who wish to move of rural properties can continue to live in the area they love.

As you are well aware I am not in favour of sprawling suburbia on fertile rural land and neither am I in favour of development for developments sake where there is no existing infrastructure.

However we are a democracy and the councillors were elected by the residents of the shire to administer council operations and services including the planning scheme.

Kind regards,

Christine Fyffe MP

Deputy Speaker Legislative Assembly,
Member for Evelyn
143 Main Street,
Lilydale,
3140
Tel. 9735 3208, Fax 9735 3697, e-mail christine.fyffe@parliament.vic.gov.au"; 8 December 2011 11:07 AM

Anonymous said...: Letter to the editor

Next Tuesday night Cr Cox plans on presenting the following motion.

That Council:
1. Supports the retention of the Urban Growth Boundary without amendment.
2. Authorises officers to write to the Minister for Planning and all submitters advising them of this position.
The reasons he states are:

For Council to form an informed position on this important policy position, additional time was required. Council resolved on 22 November 2011 to write to the Minister seeking an extension of time to enable this consultation and analysis to occur. The Minister declined Councils request.

It is proposed that, in light of the Minister‟s decision, further investment of time and resources should be stopped and Council resolve to maintain the status quo of a fixed urban growth boundary in order to continue to protect the green wedge. This will also provide certainty within the community.

Well Cr Cox, firstly the Shire was late in getting its submission in and Mr Guy had every right in saying this path is closed. I too was disappointed at his response but that does not mean that he will not accept another type of application. He did not say that the UGB is off the agenda, all he said was that this avenue had now been closed.

Cr Cox, the people of Coldstream have “voted” to have the UGB expanded around Coldstream. The last official survey was held by Cr McRae. Wether you like it or not, we are a democracy and the councillors were elected by the residents of the shire to administer council operations and services including the planning scheme.

Cr Cox, the shire has engaged an external company to look at the UGB in the whole of the shire. The report is almost finished. Do you suggest that we just pay for the work done and tear up the report? More waste of time and money!

I suggest we wait, look at the report and listen to the people!

Regards

Mario Galteri; 8 December 2011 5:42 PM

MEMBER FOR EVELYN CALLS FOR 10/50 RULE TO BE INTRODUCED AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE IN YARRA RANGES

2011-12-07T19:05:00.015+11:00

Christine Fyffe MP is calling on the Minister for Planning, the Hon Matthew Guy MLC, to extend the 10/50 rule to landowners in the Yarra Ranges to make it consistent with state-wide bushfire planning provisions.

“I supported the introduction of the 10/30 rule and I support the introduction of the 10/50 rule,” Mrs Fyffe said.

“The best firefighting tool we have is planning and reduction of fuel loads,” Mrs Fyffe said.

“I ask the Minister for Planning to amend the existing planning provisions and extend the new 10/50 rule to the Yarra Ranges,” Mrs Fyffe said.

The new 10/50 rule is an extension of the 10/30 rule, which allows landowners with areas covered by the new Bushfire Management Overlay to remove all vegetation within 10m and all undergrowth within 50m of a dwelling.

Currently, the 10/30 rule applies to landowners in 58 cities and shires across Victoria, including the Yarra Ranges. The 10/50 rule only applies to properties covered by the new Bushfire Management Overlay.

All information about landowners’ planning rights for bushfire prevention can be found at the Department of Planning and Community Development’s website www.dpcd.vic.gov.au.

2 comments:

Jim Child said...: An administrative process must be gone through to implement 10/30 and 10/50 to the Yarra Ranges Planning Scheme. This involves an amendment to the Schedule of Clause 53.01 of the Planning Scheme and to the Upper Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges Regional Strategy Plan.

This process will start at next Tuesday night's Council meeting (13/12), with council to resolve to endorse the Minister for Planning undertaking an amendment to the Yarra Ranges Planning Scheme and changes to the Upper Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges Regional Strategy Plan, to implement the new bushfire planning provisions recently introduced through Amendment VC83.

I urge our Council & MP's to support this amendment and advocate to the Minister to implement the necessary changes to the Yarra Ranges Planning Scheme as soon as possible.

Not to support this amendment would be a decision not to support the recommendations of the 2009 Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission.; 7 December 2011 7:49 PM

Anonymous said...: Let me remind your readers that under the Draft Local Law 2012, it will be forbidden (14.11.1)to light any fire in the open air without a permit (under special circumstances and subject to any conditions the council deems necessary), thus making it very difficult to dispose of the cleared vegetation without delays and expense.; 8 December 2011 6:24 PM

Council Director Responds to Leader News

2011-12-06T22:49:00.008+11:00

by ELAINE PHELAN

YOUR SAY: Raised eyebrows over new bylaws for Yarra Ranges

"Evelyn state Liberal MP Christine Fyffe said it was hard to comprehend some councillors believed the unregulated sale of raffle tickets and owning more than two guinea pigs would have a devastating impact on the lives of residents.

“Anyone reading the document could be forgiven for thinking the council were wanting to run a nanny-state shire,” Mrs Fyffe said."

Comment from:

Andrew Paxton, Director Planning Building Health, Yarra Ranges Council

"I just wanted to clarify a few points about the General Provision Local Law.

Council is calling for input on the local law to find out what residents think are the important elements to include. At this stage, Council has just included a variety of options, based on other council’s experiences and on its own customer’s requests, for further discussion.

Once the Council receives community input, it will redraft the local law and put it out for community consultation next year. There will be ample time to comment at this stage too.

Contrary to this article, I can confirm no decisions will be made this year.

The community is invited to contribute to help shape the law as it is their local law. Submissions can be made to www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au.

We encourage people to provide comment on both the elements that are important to them as well as the areas they don’t want to see Council have controls over. It is important to hear what the community values.

The aim of the local law is to protect the health and wellbeing of the community and to address and manage potential nuisances. It will give council the tools to responds when issues arise."

No 'Green' Mayor for Yarra Ranges

2011-12-06T21:17:00.010+11:00

New Mayor of Yarra Ranges Council Elected

At tonight's Council meeting popular Councillor, Cr Graham Warren was elected Mayor for the next twelve months. Cr Warren was duly elected on the result of a three way contest vote with Crs Dunn & Cliff.

Cr Jeanette McRae was elected Deputy Mayor.

A point of interest was that Cr Tim Heenan nominated himself for the position of Deputy Mayor, when put to the vote Cr Hennan received one vote and that was from himself!

1 comment:

Anonymous said...: Aah! I hope this is good news.; 7 December 2011 12:21 AM

Our Ugly Shire is Getting Worse! - Graham Taylor

2011-12-05T06:57:00.008+11:00

"You simply can't help the hopeless! And the Yarra Ranges Council falls right in to that category! Like many others in this Shire, I am stunned, gobsmacked, shocked and horrified by the new council "by-laws" currently out for public comment.

Is this council really serious!

Maybe I've been hiding under a rock, or walking around with my eyes shut, but has this Council actually been in 'charge' of this Shire?

"Nanny Ranges" (Mail 22/11) would be funny, if it wasn't so disturbingly accurate!

What are the hard earned "council rates", paid by ratepayers, going towards? And aren't Councillors there because they are supposed to represent the citizens of the Shire? Apparently not!

The local council 'level' of Government will disappear forever, if ratepayers don't start taking an interest "urgently!" The State Government would be well within its rights to dismiss the Council now, and appoint an administrator.

The citizens of this Shire need to stand up now and say "Enough is Enough". Driving around this Shire right now, you would be forgiven for thinking there is no "Council in Charge." Trees fall down and get left by the side of the road, nature strips controlled by Council are unkempt and out of control, footpaths and roads are a disgrace, shopping centre rubbish bins are overflowing, street gutters are constantly blocked (whatever happened to the (streetsweepers!), it is indeed the "Ugly Shire."

Everywhere you go things look unkempt, untidy and basically out of control. And yet this Shire can waste ratepayers money on an extraordinary list of so-called "proposed by laws". Even Dr Phil would be saying, "What Were They Thinking!". Thank goodness the State Government has had the common sense to "fly in the face' of local council decisions, like the clearing of household boundaries to 50 metres. Council has become a self-gratuitous, pompous,arrogant institution pandering to a so called "green agenda", which simply wants to flaunt ratepayers money on idiotic concepts like these draconian "proposed By-laws".

We have only till December 16th to voice our disgust at this "nonsense".

And we have almost a year to wait to voice our disgust at the voting booths! Our Yarra Ranges Council is now recognised as being "deceptive" (the Reflex debacle), and completely dominated by the "whims and fancies" of self-centred councillors, who preside over appalling waste of ratepayers funds on "rubbish" like these proposed by-laws! How about we just get back to worrying about "rubbish on the streets, and cracks in the footpaths!"

Graham Taylor, Yarra Junction.

1 comment:

Anne said...: ... and potholes on the roads.
Have had two frightening "near misses" in the last week.
Oncoming drivers on wrong side of the road trying to avoid potholes.
We complain to the council about the state of our road - eventually a team appear to fill the holes.
Next time it rains we have potholes again.
If a decent amount of time & effort went into doing the repairs properly we would save a fortune of ratepayers money in the long run.
Will it take a nasty head on collision and a death before anything is done?; 5 December 2011 9:48 AM

HAVE YOUR SAY: Debate over new tree-chopping rules

2011-12-04T17:36:00.005+11:00

by Kimberley Seedy

OPINIONS are divided on the introduction of the State Government’s new planning rules allowing hills residents to clear even more extra native vegetation from their blocks.

The new planning controls implemented on November 18 include a new 10/50 rule to enable landowners in areas of high bushfire risk to create more defendable space around their homes without needing a permit.

Residents could now clear shrubs and other low-lying vegetation up to 50 metres from their house, an extra 20 metres from the previous 10/30 rule.

Link To Full Story & Have Your Say.

Nanny Ranges!

2011-12-02T23:06:00.007+11:00

Nanny Ranges Part 2a

STAY TUNED????????????????

Coldstream 3770 or Ranges Trader Mail, please tell us more!

"YARRA Ranges residents would need a permit to hold a public gathering, sell raffle tickets or collect money, busk, keep a cockatoo or galah in an urban area… or a goat or sheep under a draft raft of by-laws now out for consultation.

Under the General Provision Local Laws, they would need a permit also to fly a model aeroplane, conduct or celebrate a wedding or have an alcoholic drink on council land." - Ranges Trader Mail

Who will be our next Mayor?

2011-11-30T22:17:00.002+11:00

At the Statutory Meeting of Council next Tuesday night council will vote on who will become our next Mayor.

My prediction, Streeton Ward - Cr Noel Cliff.

Yarra Ranges Council in today's Melbourne Press - Politicians must slash the waste

2011-11-30T11:41:00.015+11:00

Neil Mitchell. Herald Sun.

"HERE'S one reason why Australia has money trouble: There are 178,000 people in this country whose job it is to do things like measure the grass on your nature strip, make sure you don't have a goose in the backyard, and track you down if you're silly enough to ride a skateboard inside a public building.

And there are a further 6600 councillors you have elected to direct them on which grass to check while they spend about $20 billion doing it.

That's local government in your country. And apart from the garbos it's a complete waste of money.

This week alone there's been news of a scheme to punish people who don't vaccinate their children, there's the bribe to parents to encourage kids who don't want to stay at school to sit there pretending to learn, and there's been a step towards forcing a traffic light labelling system on food which will provide the startling news that something high in fat is hardly healthy. All these things can be argued as beneficial, but they're expensive to implement and each one is interfering in an area that should be personal choice. Now this style of intrusive government has become a template for those at lower levels of administration. Such fiddling seems to have become second nature to some councils, and that returns us to the beginning, and those who check your grass.

The Yarra Ranges Shire has released for public comment a massive document of draft provisions for local laws. But don't worry about the waste, look at the fiddling. Propositions seriously put forward include bans on owning a goose or a pea fowl, growing nature strip grass higher than 20cm, feeding birds, playing games on council land, throwing stones into lakes, filming in a public street, smoking on council land and riding a skateboard within a municipal building. Terrific, isn't it? Now all they have to do is hire an army of goose-checking, grass-measuring, bird-tracking council officers who can snatch a speeding skateboard and smell smoke at 50m. Then, the rest of us have to give the council the money to pay them. At all levels, that's how it works." - says Neil Mitchell. Herald Sun.

WE MUST STOP THIS RUBBISH - Kersten Gentle

2011-11-30T10:56:00.014+11:00

WE MUST STOP THIS RUBBISH
YARRA RANGES COUNCIL DRAFT GENERAL PROVISIONS LOCAL LAWS 2012

"The Shire of Yarra Ranges has released the Draft General Provisions Local Laws 2012 for public comment and some of the bylaws in this document are outrageous and the community must step forward, make comment and stop this rubbish.

Below I have highlighted only a few of the ridiculous recommended laws but I do encourage you to read the document and either make comment on line by visiting www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au - go to public notices & consultation and click on proposed general provision local laws 2012.

Submissions must be made by the 16th December, 2012 and need to be either emailed to mail@yarraranges.vic.gov.au or addressed to:

The Chief Executive Officer
Yarra Ranges Council
PO Box 105, Lilydale 3140

OUTRAGEOUS PROPOSED LAWS

3.10 Heavy Vehicles
(a) Except where allowed under the Yarra Ranges Planning Scheme, a person must not without a permit, park, keep, store, repair, or allow to remain on any residential property a heavy vehicle which is greater than 7.5 metres in length or has a Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) of 4.5 tonnes or greater.

"Now I am sure the planning scheme would not include rural land but there are plenty of people who park their truck or machinery on their own private property that would fall in to this category. This is only a small tipper and who the hell are they to say you can or can’t park a truck on your property."

4.4 Requirement to number premises

"This next law must be so the pizza delivery man can find you easier. This won’t hurt anyone but it again highlights the arrogance that they want to control everything."

(a) The owner or occupier of premises must clearly mark the premises with the numbers allotted by the Council and must renew the numbers as often as may be necessary.
(b) The number must be marked in such that it can, at any reasonable time be clearly seen by any person using the carriageway that abuts such premises.
(c) Where an owner or occupier of premises fails to comply with this sub-clause an Authorised Officer may issue a Notice to Comply.

9.5 Prohibition on water activities

A person must not in or on a public place:
(a) bathe, paddle, swim or wade in any body of water, or allow an animal to do so, unless the body of water has been prescribed for that purpose; or

"Does this cover rivers? I didn’t think the Shire controlled the rivers but when I asked them to define a ‘body of water’ they couldn’t or wouldn’t be specific which makes me wonder if they even know"

14.11 Matters prohibited on private premises

14.11.1 An owner or occupier of premises must not cause, allow or suffer any of the following:
(d) any incinerator or fire in the open air to be lit or remain a light on the premises;

"I rang the Shire regarding this to seek a definition on what is a ‘fire in the open air’ and again they could not provide a definition and said that is why it is open to public comment. I read this as you cannot have an incinerator or a fire at all which means we cannot burn off, have a camp fire or bonfire on your own property without a permit."

15.2 Number of animals

15.2.1 Except as otherwise provided in this Local Law, a person must not, without a permit, keep on any land:
(a) any more in number of each type of animal or groups of animals than is set out in Table 1, or
(b) any animal not referred to in Table 1 (other than fish or any animal prescribed by Council under sub-clause 15.2.2).
15.2.2 Council may prescribe animals, other than those referred to in Table 1 that may be kept without a permit.

Type of Animal

Land other than flats or units

Flats or Units

Rural Area

Dogs

Cats

Chickens / Poultry

Domestic Birds

Non Breeding Pigeons

Domestic mice & rats

Guinea Pigs

Ferrets

Domestic Rabbits

Domestic turtles or tortoises & reptiles

15.2.3 Notwithstanding clause 15.2.2, a person must not, without a permit, keep on any land any more than four (4) animals in total referred to in Table 1.

"Many rural properties have more than 2 dogs and definitely more than 4 animals in total – this law is simply a pure money spinner for the Shire."

21.3 Smoking on Council Land

A person must not smoke:
(a) Inside a building on Council Land;
(b) Within 10 metres of the entrance to a building on Council Land;
(c) Within 10 metres of a building on a reserve located on Council Land; (d) On Council Land.

"In the definitions they say Council Land means any land either vested in or under the control of Council, and includes a reserve, watercourse and reservation, parking area and the like, together with any improvements erected thereon. So if you go by their definition that means you cannot smoke on your nature strip (shire controls that), the main street (shire controls that), the parking lot (shire controls that), seniors footy game (shire controls that). I’m not a smoker but smoking is not against the law. The shire also can stop smoking at any event they are involved in or are sponsoring – no matter where it is held."
"In summary There are plenty of other ridiculous laws in the 78 pages such:

As not being able to fly toy aeroplane without a permit

The number of unregistered vehicles you are allowed to have on your own land

Requirement to number your premises

Not being allowed to film your wedding on public land without a permit (no more photos etc in River Street without paying for it!)

Restrictions on amplifying equipment in your vehicle whilst parked on council land

Not allowing grass on nature strip to exceed 20 centimetres (pity they don’t do the same)

Please read this, distribute this and make a comment to stop these controlling shires that are micro-managing our lives. Cheers and please help stick it up them!!!" – Kersten Gentle 0418 226 242

7 comments:

Jim Child said...: The Yarra Ranges Shire has released for public comment a massive document of draft provisions for local laws. But don't worry about the waste, look at the fiddling. Propositions seriously put forward include bans on owning a goose or a pea fowl, growing nature strip grass higher than 20cm, feeding birds, playing games on council land, throwing stones into lakes, filming in a public street, smoking on council land and riding a skateboard within a municipal building. Terrific, isn't it? Now all they have to do is hire an army of goose-checking, grass-measuring, bird-tracking council officers who can snatch a speeding skateboard and smell smoke at 50m. Then, the rest of us have to give the council the money to pay them. At all levels, that's how it works." - says Neil Mitchell. Herald Sun.; 30 November 2011 11:57 AM
Anonymous said...: I've been warning for years that these guys are tyrannical despots but have been ignored. Our Council is mostly run by the United Nations - Vision 2020 is the United Nations document Agenda 21. You have remained ignorant at your own peril.
There is no provision I can find in the Local Government Act that gives The People the right to throw the bums out. Waiting for elections is not only ridiculous but gives the council the chance to totally decimate whatever few freedoms the people enjoy.
What we need is a clear set of laws determining what the government on any level CANNOT do to us, such as infringe upon our personal property rights.
Most immportantly, we need to ensure legislation that will secure our individual sovereignty and our right to be left alone.
Maybe the wake-up call has been heard, but I have my doubts. Too many remain sleeping.
PS Council land belongs to The People since it is OUR rates that pay for its upkeep. Think about that one for awhile.
Cait Hoogenbosch; 30 November 2011 12:55 PM
Anonymous said...: Oh, I so agree with Neil Mitchell! he has identified just what's wrong with our nannying, meddling, obstructionist local council. And while they're busy measuring your grass, stopping your street parties and checking your geese, they're failing to provide adequately for the most basic of services: grading your roads, clearing drains, repairing storm damage, lopping trees. What's even worse, we, the hapless ratepayers, must fork out ever-increasing amounts of money to pay for all the "services" that we DO NOT WANT. Please, can anyone suggest how we cn stop this madness?; 30 November 2011 3:43 PM
Anonymous said...: Reading this on a day when I have had to report AGAIN on the dangerous state of a flooded school crossing makes me so angry!

Do we not need laws preventing the Shire spraying weeds on grass verges when children are walking to school?

Lets forget the geese & peafowl for a moment please, and concentrate on keeping our children safe.

Not too much to ask is it?????????; 30 November 2011 4:40 PM
Sue said...: It's just insane - or should I say our Council has gone insane.
The only one of the above that I can see any merit in is the requirement to clearly number your property (4.4). Any CFA volunteer, or ambo will tell you that the time wasted trying to find your property could mean life or death. As for so many of the other ridiculous proposed rules - I know what I'd be doing with this document, but I'd need matches and I don't smoke.; 30 November 2011 5:50 PM
Ocky said...: Is it really worth commenting on anything our shire does,these supposed educated people are nothing but self absorbed half whits who are more interested in their own personal agendas and publicity than the good of the shire and the majority of the people in it. They constantly pander for the minority at the expense of the majority,they are a law unto themselves and unless you are Friend or relation you may expect they will bite you at some stage.Oh for the days of unseen workers voted into office for the people by the people quietly getting the job done to all our benefit, value for your rates you might say!
I once questioned a couple of shire plebs who had set up a stand in the Wandin car park (when it was big enough to set a stand up in)i asked them what they were up to? To my astonishment they told me they were there to consult with the locals about shires proposal to alter the car park and remove the danger of two entrances onto Warburton Highway (the car park and Union rd a favorite local speed strip) which was quite dangerous in their eyes.I perused their grand plans for all of two seconds before commenting to the pleb that they must be joking,why? he gasped. Well let me see, i began,how is what you have here will be any safer? You are removing one entrance to create another ten meters away, all be it off the highway but now in Union rd (where you now need radar,sonar and eyes in your ass to deal with this intersection in peak hour traffic). You now struggle to spin a milk bottle in the car park that was once spacious and you have bloody trees in the footpath, hooray the greenies cry.Wankers!!! How much will this cost i asked? by memory he replied roughly only a quarter mill at the time,but ended up another seventy five thousand or so more for new trees and guards after the first lot were a big hit with the local vandals.A total of around three hundred and fifty thousand dollars,i told these fellas i could fix the whole problem for about a thousand dollars give or take, ha! how they asked? Well go get some environmentally friendly recycled bollards and block Union rd off,what about all the through traffic they squealed? A couple of speed humps in the car park should persuade all the tossers who cut through Union rd from Clegg rd to use the roundabout you morons put at the intersection of Clegg and Warburton Highway for just that reason several years before, and alls well! You would think anyway!!But all i got was well we are not exactly here to take suggestions, more to tell you folk how its going to be, to which i had to reply you arrogant wankers and left in disgust with the realization at hand that our shire does not give a stuff about the people in the towns who vote them in and pay their wages and super etc, but more so whom they give their contracts too,what perks they get and by a quick squiz of the local rags if they can get their picture in the paper!!Oh bye the way dont get me started on our pools or lack of them these days, or the ridiculous sets of lights on the bloody rail trail, what a bonus they are for all of us, i often see the whole of the Yarra valley out walking on it obviously incapable of looking left or right lol ,how about turning it back into a railway line you wankers and we might not have the road problems we do,Oh yes and two sets of lights fifty meters apart is all Seville needed to fix its woes,how many of our Councillors drive through them in peak hour?These are some of my gripes without even starting on their attempts at community dominance by legislation,we may well be told we must goose step around town or risk being fined next. At least i got some satisfaction before they move on our freedom of speech cheers all Ocky; 30 November 2011 9:11 PM
Anonymous said...: Why do I feel so uncomfortable when I spy

20.7 Prohibited Activities in Municipal Buildings

Tucked away amongst acts such as taking in a firearm or p***ing on the carpet

(c) organize, hold or attend any rally, procession, demonstration or other public gathering

So we can't quietly gather with a few like-minded folk to hand over a petition or exercise our right make a silent protest????; 2 December 2011 8:54 PM

Section of Warburton River Walk Closed

2011-11-28T17:01:00.009+11:00

The Upper Yarra River Reserve Committee of Management has regretfully closed the River Walk between the Oval near the cricket practice nets and the Redwood bridge.

There is a public safety issue in that a section of boardwalk and path has collapsed into a hole that has occurred during the recent rain.

Access is prohibited other than authorised persons for remedial works.

Safe viewing is available from the north side of the river at the car park a little upstream from Bramich bridge.

The extent of the damage most likely will mean this section may be closed until after the new year.

Gordon Buller
Chairman - Upper Yarra River Reserve Committee of Management
Ph: 03 5966 9999

1 comment:

Sue said...: I doubt it can be fixed in time for Warburton Up and Running on Feb 26th. I imagine that section of the event will have to be re-routed. The damage which occurred at this point before last year's event (which led to a temporary track being put further back from the river) was not fixed, and this is obviously even more major. A pity, but that's the nature of rivers - they carve their own course.; 28 November 2011 8:53 PM

Melbourne councils spurn rezoning changes to green wedges

2011-11-27T13:54:00.006+11:00

Anna Whitelaw - November 26, 2011
"MELBOURNE’S green wedge councils have snubbed the Baillieu government’s calls for open space to be rezoned for development under a review of the urban growth boundary.

Eight of 11 councils asked to nominate land for potential inclusion within a revised boundary have rejected any changes to Melbourne’s long-standing green wedges or failed to make submissions by the deadline.

Read more: http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/melbourne-councils-spurn-rezoning-changes-to-green-wedges-20111126-1o0nb.html#ixzz1ewENhZEM"

Yarra Ranges Council has asked for an extension of time to respond.

Previous Post

Auction Cancelled For Sunday

2011-11-25T11:46:00.005+11:00

The Warburton - Millgrove Sports Club 30th Annual Auction has been cancelled for Sunday due to the weather forcast for the weekend.

What's in this report? Mayor Cr Terry Avery uses a 2nd Vote to resolve deadlock

2011-11-23T19:43:00.008+11:00

At Tuesday night's council meeting the Mayor exercised his right to vote a second time to resolve a motion deadlocked on a equality of votes caused by the absence of Cr Tim Heenan.

The motion, a council officer recommendation to write to the Minister for Planning informing him that Council will not be making a submission to the Advisory Committee seeking a review of the Urban Growth Boundary by the 28 November 2011 but request the Minister allows Council till the end of February 2012 to decide on whether Council wishes to pursue any changes to the Urban Growth Boundary (UGB).

"Council has directed officers to investigate the implications of expanding the UGB. This work will be completed shortly and the findings of the report will be prepared for Council’s consideration. At this stage it would be premature to make a submission to an Advisory Committee regarding specific locations until Council has formed a view on whether it intends to pursue any changes to the UGB." - Officer's report.

I have serious concerns when consultants (SGS Economics & Planning) have been appointed by council to perform the necessary analysis for the report which is nearing completion and we now have half the Council wanting no more work to be done on the report and the Minister to be advised that Council does not wish to make a submission. My first thought was, what's in this report?
To be open and transparent is council's call of the day. Irrespective of the recommendations of the report, the report will be completed and made public.

How Councillors voted:

For the Motion: Crs Avery, Templer, Higgins, Warren & Avery (2nd Vote).
Against the Motion: Crs Cox, Cliff, McRae & Dunn.

From the Local Government Act: "if there is an equality of votes the Chairperson has a second vote."

Senator Colbeck’s Petition Supports Forest Industries

2011-11-22T14:17:00.010+11:00

Federal Opposition spokesman for Forestry, Senator Richard Colbeck, is to be congratulated for initiating an on-line petition supporting Australia’s forest industries.

"There has never been a more important time for us to stand up and demonstrate support for Australia's forestry industries.

A catalyst for this petition has been the ongoing saga in Tasmania, where campaigns of misinformation and industrial vandalism continue to unfairly slander a viable and respectable industry in this state." Said Senator Colbeck.

The Petition is signed via an online method and can be done by anybody with an email address.

You can read and sign the petition HERE and leave your comments as well.

New planning controls to protect Victorians from bushfire - '10/30' & '10/50' Rule

2011-11-18T19:45:00.021+11:00

The new planning provisions come into force Friday 18 November 2011. TODAY!

"A fantastic decision, to place choice back with the resident, instead of the bureaucracy." - Reader says.

The Victorian Coalition Government today announced the introduction of new controls in the Victorian Planning Provisions to increase the protection of Victorians from bushfires.

“The new planning provisions give priority to the protection of human life and the safety of Victoria’s communities. This has been central to every response we have delivered, in line with the Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission recommendations,” Minister for Planning Matthew Guy said.

The bushfire protection measures provide clarity for development in bushfire areas including:

Introducing new standards for siting a house to achieve better bushfire resilience.

Replacing the Wildfire Management Overlay with a Bushfire Management Overlay ensuring bushfire protection measures for new development are better considered.

Continuing the application of the 10/30 vegetation with the exception of the 21 metropolitan municipalities (not affected by bushfire controls) and in the areas of highest bushfire hazard.

Areas with the highest bushfire hazard will have a new 10/50 vegetation rule introduced that enables landowners to create more defendable space without the need for a permit.

Enabling a single bushfire site assessment for new buildings at the building or planning stage.

Ensuring all newly created lots in bushfire areas are capable of being built upon.

Mr Guy also announced a time extension on permit exemptions for people living in temporary accommodation in bushfire affected communities until 30 April 2013. This will give those individuals and families extra time to resolve longer term building plans.

The government has allocated $2 million to support councils to deliver the new bushfire planning provisions and is conducting an ongoing training and education program for council officers which commenced this week.
“These new bushfire planning provisions will improve the preparedness of Victorian communities for the impacts of bushfire,” Mr Guy said.

The areas covered by the new Bushfire Management Overlay remain unchanged, and their integrity maintained through a verification process that will be completed at the local level after discussion with councils and the Country Fire Authority about local circumstances.

The new planning provisions come into force Friday 18 November 2011. TODAY!

Home bush clearing laws changed- The Age

Clay Lucas November 18, 2011

"Council urges property owners, especially those living in areas prone to landslip, to seek expert advice before removing vegetation. It is important to be aware that tree roots play a crucial role in helping stabilise the soil. The removal of vegetation–especially trees can also affect ground moisture levels, which may lead to significant landslip and erosion risks and could potentially leave residents legally liable for any damages." - Yarra Ranges Council.

5 comments:

Jim Child said...: "The government has allocated $2 million to support councils to deliver the new bushfire planning provisions and is conducting an ongoing training and education program for council officers which commenced this week."
Council and Council Officers must now change their previous attitude in regards to this issue. The new VPP's must be implemented and followed to the letter.; 18 November 2011 10:05 PM
Sue said...: A fantastic decision, to place choice back with the resident, instead of the bureaucracy.; 18 November 2011 10:11 PM
Jim Child said...: It is very important that residents appreciate how each of the rules ('10/30' or '10/50') will affect the clearing of native vegetation on their properties. Please consult the Planning Scheme (Bushfire Protection Exemptions ) or better still the Council's Planning Dept.; 20 November 2011 9:25 PM
Jo Tenner said...: only applies to land within a bushfire management overlay (BMO) or (WMO - previously); 3 December 2011 8:09 PM
Jim Child said...: Correct 10/50 for BMO & 10/30 with no overlay.................; 3 December 2011 10:44 PM

Review of Urban Growth Boundary

2011-11-18T10:51:00.000+11:00

From the Officer's report for next Tuesday night's meeting.

The Minister for Planning is providing an opportunity for Council to review the current location of the Urban Growth Boundary (UGB).

To participate in the process Council is required to submit a detailed submission that would be considered by an independent Advisory Committee appointed by the Minister.

Submissions are required to be submitted to the Minister by 28 November 2011.

The Urban Growth Boundary forms part of the Yarra Ranges Planning Scheme and establishes the urban and rural interface identifying urban and green wedge land. The UGB has been in place since 2002 when it was introduced by the former State Government to protect Melbourne’s Green Wedges.

The current location of the UGB is identified in the Yarra Ranges Planning Scheme and reflects the urban and township boundaries established by the Upper Yarra and Dandenong Ranges Regional Strategy Plan 1996.

Council has directed officers to investigate the implications of expanding the UGB. This work will be completed shortly and the findings of the report will be prepared for Council’s consideration. At this stage it would be premature to make a submission to an Advisory Committee regarding specific locations until Council has formed a view on whether it intends to pursue any changes to the UGB.

In making comment I would like to quote from the Victorian Farmers Federation submission to the Advisory Panel.

"Any planning decision, whether by state government in making changes to planning provisions or legislation or by local councils in application of zoning or zoning rules, will create winners and losers. This can create a temptation to leave things as they are, simply because it is easier than facing those would be losers. By nature planning decisions will attract the most interest from those with something to gain, e.g. developers or land owners on the urban growth boundary, and those with something to lose, e.g. those who own land subject to new zoning rules. However, those who are less directly affected, often the majority of people, will remain disengaged.

The position of green wedges on the outskirts of the metropolitan Melbourne mean they are subject to pressures from residential development, and bordering land uses. It is clear that the green wedges have been put in place because the community values having open space and the aesthetic appeal of farm land on the outskirts of the city. However, if these values are to be supported it is critical that the Green Wedge Zone is enabling of commercial agriculture.

Green Wedge Zones often pose barriers to standard agricultural practices, and in doing so make commercial operation difficult for farmers. For example, a horticulture business in the Shire of Yarra Ranges Green Wedge needed permits to erect support structures for trees. The council required a building permit, a building surveyor to certify the existing structures, and a building surveyor to provide a permit for future structures." - VFF.

I agree with the Officer's recommendation to hold off on any submission to the Minister.

But I do hope council will consider all the applications for inclusion in the UGB on their individual merits and as per the Decision Criteria. Council must be very careful in supporting inclusion of any land into the UGB, any inclusion must be supported by appropriate infrastructure to support such growth.

I urge council to support the Victorian Farmers Federation submission in regards to Standard agricultural use of horticultural structures such as tree supports and netting, scare guns, and crop spraying that should all be permitted activities and be considered ancillary to a permitted land use in a Green Wedge Zone.

Nothing is too big - Luke Whiteside.

2011-11-17T17:15:00.004+11:00

Bendigo Advertiser
– ROSA ELLEN 16 Nov, 2011
"Luke Whiteside says small communities can achieve big things when it comes to energy.

Warburton micro-hydro project leader Luke Whiteside told an audience in Bendigo this week how the Upper Yarra Community Enterprise Limited had provided the project with a major shareholder and would hopefully see enough clean energy to power 50 houses.

The story of the Warburton micro-hydro station has been attracting attention to the small renewable energy project on the Ythan Creek."

Proposed General Provisions Local Law Consultation 2012

2011-11-16T21:51:00.008+11:00

Yarra Ranges Council wants to help residents achieve a quality of life in an environment free from health hazards.
The council has drafted a proposed General Provisions Local Law 2012 to help achieve this.
The local law will bring together some existing provisions and introduce some new measures.

The proposed new local law will include:

the use of Council facilities
behaviour in public places
street parties
festivals
circuses and events
placement of and removal of bulk or hard rubbish and rubbish dumping
feeding of cockatoos
damage to trees and vegetation in public places
abandoned shopping trolleys
electoral signage on public land
heavy vehicles on private property
dilapidated buildings and dangerous land
interfering with Council drainage, tappings, stormwater pits
interfering with watercourses
gates and openings from private property onto Council land
cigarette butt receptacles
interfering with road barriers and signage on roads and bridges
sale of vehicles on roadsides or Council land
noise and nuisances
collection and disposal of trade waste and other amenity issues.

How Can I Comment?

Share your comments or feedback on the proposed local law in writing by Friday 16 December 2011.

Submissions can be addressed to:
The Chief Executive Officer
Yarra Ranges Council
PO Box 105 Lilydale, 3140
or email mail@yarraranges.vic.gov.au
Draft General Provisions Local Law 2012 (No 1 of 2012)

Warburton Micro-Hydro Project Leader Luke Whiteside talks to ABC Rural

2011-11-16T06:56:00.007+11:00

Country towns go it alone in power generation
By Greg Muller Monday, 14 November 2011

Electricity prices are going up as the cost of production and the cost of polluting both increase.

People in some country areas are in a unique position to take steps to lower their electricity costs.

Community owned projects such as wind turbines and micro hydros can offer discounted electricity as well as an annual dividend to shareholders.

Professor John Martin, Director, Centre for Sustainable Regional Communities (CSRC) at LaTrobe University, Luke Whiteside, Warburton Micro Hydro; Adam Blakester, Starfish Enterprises Network

Link to interview:
http://mpegmedia.abc.net.au/rural/telegraph/201111/r854571_8119943.mp3

Premier urges families to finalise fire plans

2011-11-14T20:35:00.014+11:00

Premier Ted Baillieu and Deputy Premier and Minister for Bushfire Response Peter Ryan warned that all Victorians should start preparing now to minimise risk during the upcoming fire season.

Mr Baillieu and Mr Ryan were speaking at the State Control Centre with the state’s emergency services chiefs at the start of Fire Action Week, imploring Victorians to do the most to minimise their risk and maximise their survival this fire season.

“On a Code Red day, leaving early is the safest option,” Mr Baillieu said.

“Your fire safety is your responsibility – the only person who can guarantee your safety is you. “Ask yourself seriously – are you ready to act if there was a fire today?

“There are tools and information available to help you and your family stay safe, but it’s up to you to use them.”

Mr Baillieu said this year’s focus was for all Victorians to prepare themselves and their families in the event of a bushfire.

“People who live in a high-risk area will need comprehensive advice for their plan and should call the Victorian Bushfire Information Line on 1800 240 667 to request a Bushfire Survival Plan contained in the Fire Ready Kit,” Mr Baillieu said.

“But all Victorians should know, now is the time to gather all the advice you need to develop your fire plan, practise it and be ready before the start of the fire season.”

Fire Action Week includes the release of tools for personal fire planning, including a FireReady smartphone application, a Facebook page and the online version of My Plan, hosted on the Country Fire Association (CFA) website.

“I urge all Victorians to make planning and preparation the number one safety priority. If you live in a bushfire-prone area on the city fringe or in regional Victoria, then having a plan to follow is essential,” Mr Baillieu said.

“The My Plan tools and Traveller’s Checklist are new social media resources to organise personal and family fire plans. They can be completed at your own pace and updated with current warnings in your local area.

“Discussing and writing down your fire plan is the most effective way to ensure your safety. Talking to family and neighbours, regularly revising your plan to take into account any changes to your circumstances and having a backup plan will ensure you are ready to act whatever the conditions,” Mr Baillieu said.

Mr Ryan said the Victorian Coalition Government was delivering on its commitment to improving bushfire safety across the state and had recently completed eight regional training exercises across Victoria.

“The integrated training program addressed one of the main recommendations of the 2009 Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission to enhance co-ordination of emergency services management,” Mr Ryan said.

“The eight exercises, called Project Belenus, were part of a new government-funded three year training program designed to improve capacity and capability in our fire services.”

Mr Ryan said Victoria was one of the most fire-prone areas in the world and the regional exercises addressed this through co-ordinated work with agencies, government departments, the community and emergency broadcasters, through an emergency management scenario. “Each region will undergo a locally-based fire scenario that takes communities, government
departments and the fire services through the emergency management arrangements in place leading up to and during a large-scale fire,” Mr Ryan said.

The first regional exercise was conducted in the Gippsland region on Sunday. Other exercises are being conducted in the Loddon Mallee, Hume, Grampians and the Eastern, Western, Southern and North West metropolitan regions as part of pre-season preparation.

“The Victorian Coalition Government is investing more than $900 million to implement all of the Royal Commission’s recommendations to make Victorian communities safer and to make Victoria the leading emergency services management state,” Mr Ryan said.

Fire Action Week runs from 13 to 20 November and concludes with CFA Sunday when more than 400 brigades across the state will open their doors to the community.

“CFA Sunday is a great opportunity to get to know the men and women at your local brigade and ask questions about bushfire preparation, planning and volunteering,” Mr Ryan said.
For more information: www.cfa.vic.gov.au

Warburton hydro-energy model in the spotlight at national power conference

2011-11-12T21:43:00.022+11:00

Warburton’s proposed micro-hydro energy project will be featured at a national power conference in Bendigo on Monday.

The Warburton Micro-Hydro Project is one of many community-owned clean energy generation projects to be showcased at the two-day national Community Power Conference.

The Upper Yarra Community Enterprise, a Community Bank® franchisee of the Bendigo Bank, is providing $50,000, to fund an environmental investigation into the viability of hydro generation on the Ythan Creek at Warburton, 75km east of Melbourne.

The project, which could become a model for energy income generation in other Community Bank®-serviced towns across Australia, is expected to generate enough electricity to power 50 homes.

The two-day, national Community Power Conference is showcasing community-owned energy projects.

Included are projects that tackle energy reduction, energy efficiency and clean energy generation. Many are run by volunteer community groups and co-operatives.

Upper Yarra Community Enterprise Executive Officer Geoff Vickers said the Warburton project was an exciting prospect for the Community Bank®.

“We have an abundance of running water which flows out of the hills around Mt Donna Buang and we are very aware of the need to generate electricity by clean means,” Mr Vickers said.

“The project is now at the stage of studying the environmental impact of taking water from the creek and running it through the hydro-generator before returning the water to the creek. We don’t want to jeopardise the creek or its environmental flows.

“The amount of power we can generate will be determined by the amount of water we can put through the turbine, but we think it offers great potential to generate another income stream for our community. Community banks are all about returning a share of their profits to their communities.”

Project leader Luke Whiteside will outline the business model for the project when he addresses the Community Power Conference in Bendigo on Monday.

Federal Parliamentary Secretary for Climate Change and Energy Efficiency Mark Dreyfus will deliver the conference keynote address, also on Monday.

Conference Convenor Prof John Martin, of the Centre for Sustainable Regional Communities at La Trobe University, said the conference would highlight models like these which were invaluable for community groups looking to generate clean energy.

Media contacts:

Prof John Martin, Director, Centre for Sustainable Regional Communities, La Trobe University 0421 584 313

Upper Yarra Community Enterprise Executive Office Geoff Vickers 0400 079 207

Warburton Micro-Hydro Project Leader Luke Whiteside 0423 652 388

http://www.centralvictoriasolarcity.com.au/special-projects/communitypower/program/

Power Flows

By Mara Pattison-Sowden

5th July 2011
"Organisers want the project to create renewable energy and have the benefits flow back to the community by selling electricity into the grid to fund community developments."

1 comment:

Sue said...: Fantastic news.; 13 November 2011 5:00 PM

Think women for local government elections in 2012

2011-11-12T08:26:00.013+11:00

Gender equity goals for Local Government were reaffirmed at a popular State-wide event at Melbourne Town Hall on Wednesday evening, November 9, 2011.

Mayors, councillors, partners in the Women’s Participation in Local Government Coalition, representatives of government agencies and community groups, and citizens from across Victoria celebrated the endorsement by over 60 Victorian Councils of the Local Government Women’s Charter and its principles of gender equity, diversity and active citizenship.

The occasion, attended by 100 guests and hosted by the Deputy Lord Mayor, also launched:

successful Council models for implementing the Charter’s principles,
the fourth edition of the highly successful candidate’s kit, A Gender Agenda, and
a new campaign to boost women candidates in the 2012 elections.

The elections to be held on 27 October 2012 are the focus for a campaign to attract more women to become candidates for local government. Councillor, Samantha Dunn is President of the Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA) which is leading the State funded Think women for local government 2012 Project.

Cr Dunn, elected in 2005, said she encouraged more women to take part. "Some women I've spoken to think they don't have the skills to do it, but many come from a kinder or a school committee and those are the things that give you the skills you need. I say if you can handle a household you can handle this."

To tackle the challenge of increasing the number of women councillors, the VLGA with funding support and backing from the State Government, has set a target of women candidates in 90% of wards for the 2012 Council elections (this compares with only 75% standing in the last elections).

Victorian women will have the opportunity to attend forums, receive specially designed information packages, forge mentoring and support links, and develop their knowledge and skills.

Also for the first time social media initiatives will be utilized to link candidates and provide them with up to date information.

New Council Meeting Procedure - Councillor Motions. Does It Work?

2011-11-10T21:06:00.019+11:00

Councillors at the April 27 Council meeting resolved to sign the Wilderness Society's 'Ethical Paper Pledge'. That move sparked a controversy resulting in the State Government's disapproval and the cessation of all discussions in relation to the relocation of the VicForests head office to Yarra Glen.

One good thing that did come out of this whole mess was that the loose cannon within the Council Agenda known as 'Items Raised Through The Chair' was reined in.

Previously as with the 'Ethical Paper Pledge' motion on April 27, Councillors could move motions without notice and without any input from Council Officers but more importantly without any input from the Public.

A councillor must now give notice of motion, this allows time for other councillors to receive advice on matters from Officers, and ensure transparency to the public.

At last Tuesday night's Council meeting Councillors and Officers gave me the impression of being unprepared in regards to at least one of the Councillor Motions. I must be from the old school as I would be more than interested to hear a recommendation from an Officer, instead of the toing and throwing between Councillors and Directors in public as to whether a report can be compiled or not.

Having said that I do believe the new procedure works. I complement the Mayor and Councillors for implementing a procedure that gives notice and allows Councillor, Officer & Public input, ensuring transparency.

CFA - Township Protection Plans

2011-11-10T19:24:00.009+11:00

Township Protection Plans are a key source of information for the community and an important tool to emphasise the shared responsibility between the community, fire services and local government.

Plans have been developed for a number of communities statewide that are deemed to be at risk of bushfire.

Your Township Protection Plan provides important direction and information for communities to assist with planning before, during and after a fire. CFA advises that everyone should have a written Bushfire Survival Plan. For more information and to develop your plan, attend a community meeting in your area or online, or see the FireReady Kit.

Wesburn Township Protection Plan
Warburton Township Protection Plan
Reefton & McMahons Creek Township Protection Plan
Powelltown, Three Bridges & Gilderoy Township Protection Plan
Millgrove Township Protection Plan
East Warburton & Big Pats Creek Township Protection Plan

Bushfire buy-back draws Yarra Valley flak

2011-11-09T19:01:00.004+11:00

BY MELISSA CUNNINGHAM

08 Nov, 2011 04:00 AM

"YARRA Valley residents remain torn over whether the state government's land buy-back scheme is the answer to preventing another Black Saturday.

From Thursday, landowners whose main place of residence was destroyed in the 2009 bushfires will have the chance to have their say on the scheme at community meetings.

Community consultation sessions are likely to be held in Chum Creek, Yarra Glen, Cockatoo, Kinglake, Wandong and Whittlesea.

Eligible properties will include owners whose primary place of residence was destroyed by the fires and who have not started rebuilding.

Don Valley resident Rick Houlihan, whose home came under ember attack on Black Saturday, said the buy-back scheme was not the solution.

He said one of the major flaws of the government buying individual blocks was the issue of maintenance.

"Once the government buys a property, it has to keep it fire-safe to protect the people still living nearby. Who is going to continue looking after the land?"

He argued that once the government began buying land, the value of the surrounding properties would decrease.

Mr Houlihan said he wasn't aware of any residents considering selling land to the government.

Emergency Services Minister Peter Ryan said the scheme was entirely voluntary.

Yarra Ranges councillor Samantha Dunn agreed it was a useful option for victims of the fire. "This is an option for people who really don't feel like they can live on that piece of land any longer," she said.

But she predicted that many residents would not take the offer. "Most residents live in the Ranges knowing that it is a high-risk fire area but they are drawn to the natural environment and community spirit."

The state government has allocated $50 million to fund the scheme."

Council Divided - Council Officers Must Prepare Report!!!!!!!!!!

2011-11-09T09:27:00.013+11:00

At last night's Council meeting, Council resolved:

"That a report be prepared for Council in February 2012, providing an update on the implementation of the State Native Vegetation Framework within Yarra Ranges, including the number, the habitat hectares involved, number of properties that have maintenance regimes in place in lieu of replanting, the audit process that is in place, and analysis of the effectiveness of the offsets program to achieve the principles of Net Gain and the State Native Vegetation Framework within Yarra Ranges."

I still stand by my previous Post that this report is a wast of rate revenue and Council resources.

I spoke to the item at the meeting pointing out that the DSE has a responsibility to produce and deliver a Net Gain Accounting Report in regards to the State Native Vegetation Framework. I further added it would be appropriate for Council to reject this motion and approach the Minister to have the DSE prepare a current Net Gain Accounting Report as soon as possible.

The DSE Net Gain Accounting Report provides the majority of information asked for by the motion including the complex Habitat Hectares measure at no cost to the ratepayer. The report also includes valuable input form Catchment Management Authorities and other Agencies to give a far better overall report document.

On the result of a division called for, it can be seen that Council was divided on the issue.

For the Motion: Crs Cox, Cliff, McRae, Dunn & Heenan.

Against the Motion: Crs Avery, Templer, Higgins & Warren.

Vale - Bert Barker

2011-11-07T20:34:00.026+11:00

Bert passed away in the early hours of today after having battled illness for some time.

He is portrayed here with his 1936 Auburn in a stand of Mountain ash gums interlaced with Wattle and Blackwood, by the banks of the Yarra River. (henrythornton.com).

I, like many others will miss him greatly.

A veteran of WW2, forestry/transport worker and local businessman, Bert was born in Yarra Junction. Bert with his brothers Ben and Eddy for many years operated the well known Barker Bros Garage & Transport at Wesburn.

A pic of his beloved Auburn.

Councillor Motion for a report - An absolute wast of money & resources..

2011-11-07T14:06:00.010+11:00

State Native Vegetation Framework - Report

To report what? That we are continuing to contribute to a bushfire trap within the municipality?

At tomorrow night's council meeting a Councillor (I wonder who?) will move the following motion.

"That a report be prepared for Council in February 2012, providing an update on the implementation of the State Native Vegetation Framework within Yarra Ranges, including the number, the habitat hectares involved, number of properties that have maintenance regimes in place in lieu of replanting, the audit process that is in place, and analysis of the effectiveness of the offsets program to achieve the principles of Net Gain and the State Native Vegetation Framework within Yarra Ranges."

The Native Vegetation Framework is in place and was put in-place by the State Government, if a Councillor wants the process audited and reported on, council must request the State Government to do same.

Our valuable Officer resources should not be wasted on the preparation of this report.

Contact your Councillor

1 comment:

Anonymous said...: I agree, if it was a policy developed by the (former?)State Govt then it should be audited by the State Govt. Indeed, one would expect that such policies are not developed in the first place without some accompanying proposal for monitoring their effectiveness (although Green-Labor governments are making a name for themselves as being pretty stupid, so maybe not). I can just imagine all the environmental consultants salivating at the thought of preparing such a report - and believe me, it will be expensive. What an appalling waste of OUR money. How much will it cost? Exactly how would Council use it? What sort of effects will be investigated? Have any of these replanting/offset schemes been in place for long enough to see any measurable effects? I do hope someone will be at the meeting to ask these questions.; 7 November 2011 5:23 PM

Residents won't be able to pick up their neighbours' unwanted furniture or household items from hard rubbish collections - $1220 fine

2011-11-01T08:23:00.016+11:00

BY NATALIE KOTSIOS

01 Nov, 2011

"taking hard rubbish from nature strips will be banned under new local bylaws proposed for the Yarra Ranges." - Yarra Ranges Weekly.

This suite of new proposed additional local law provisions will affect us all. The period of public consultation is the ONLY opportunity the public will have to voice their concerns.

Please take the time to read the DRAFT and express your concerns.

Link to Officer's report & Draft Yarra Ranges General Provisions Local Law

Previous Post - Council proposes additional local law provisions

3 comments:

Sue said...: Local Government totally out of control.; 1 November 2011 10:56 AM
Sue said...: Another good reason for people to become part of 'freecycle'. Check out http://au.groups.yahoo.com/group/Lilydale_Freecycle/ or http://groups.yahoo.com/group/UpperYarraValleyFreecycle/
A great way to ensure that things don't go to landfill which can have a further use.; 1 November 2011 11:02 AM
Anonymous said...: There are lots of objectionable proposals in this draft legislation. I'm working on my comments. Smart move by the council to roll so many little local laws into one great big law - makes it much more difficult and tedious to comment. They are getting more and more control over the minutest details of our everyday lives. They rely on our apathy to push this legislation through. Please everyone, read the draft carefully and post your comments to the Council. We mustn't let them get away with this without a fight!!; 1 November 2011 3:49 PM

New directors bring forestry expertise to VicForests

2011-10-31T22:11:00.002+11:00

Minister for Agriculture and Food Security Peter Walsh today announced the appointment of four new directors, including a new chair to the board of VicForests.

The appointments increase the level of practical expertise on the VicForests board, with three of the four new directors experienced in forestry-related industries.

“I am very pleased today to announce that Gordon Davis has been appointed to chair VicForests,” Mr Walsh said.

“Mr Davis has an outstanding track record in senior management at companies including Orica Mining Services and at AWB Limited, where he was appointed managing director in the wake of the Royal Commission’s investigation into the practices of the organisation.

“He was also employed as a forester with the Forestry Commission in Tasmania for about 10 years and has been the recipient of both the Commonwealth Forestry Prize and the Victorian Sawmillers Association Award,” Mr Walsh said.

Mr Walsh also welcomed Australian Foundation Investment Company board member Catherine Walter to VicForests.

“Mrs Walter has been on the audit committee of many other boards in the past, including National Australia Bank, Orica, James Hardie and WorkCover,” Mr Walsh said.

“She brings strong skills in the areas of law, remuneration, audit and business development, having practised law for 20 years in major city law firms, including as managing partner of Clayton Utz Melbourne.”

Mr Davis and Mrs Walter have already commenced in their roles, with two other new directors, Alison Posa and Graeme Stoney, to begin on November 19.

“From 2002 to 2010, Mrs Posa was employed by Kraft Foods, Australia and New Zealand, working as finance director and a member of the executive team from 2005,” Mr Walsh said.

“Between 1995 and 2000, Mrs Posa worked in finance and risk management roles for Fletcher Challenge Paper, which has pulp and paper operations in Australia, New Zealand, Asia and South America.”

Mr Stoney joins the VicForests board having served as the State Member of Parliament for Central Highlands for 14 years, including four years as the shadow spokesperson for forestry.

He is currently honorary secretary of Farm Forest Growers Victoria, Mountain Cattlemen’s Association executive officer and Mansfield Cultural and Arts Centre chair.

Between 2007 and 2009, Mr Stoney was also general manager of FFORNE Hardwood Co-operative which comprised 70 landowners growing 1700 hectares of native trees in north-east and central Victoria for high quality sawlog production.

Mr Walsh extended his thanks to the former VicForests chair Warren Hodgson and other departing board members Fiona McNabb, Susan Walpole and Monica Gould for their contributions and wished them well for the future.

Be Inspired - Jacqueline Pascarl & Upper Yarra's own Suyin Chan

2011-10-31T17:17:00.007+11:00

Don’t miss this exciting event featuring guest speaker Jacqueline Pascarl – Australian author, TV personality, parents’ rights advocate and humanitarian aid worker.
You may well remember Jacqueline’s plight back in 1992, when her children were covertly removed from Australia, illegally under Australian law, by their Malaysian father.
Join us as Jacqueline share’s her amazing journey, since her former husband, a Malaysian prince, abducted her children. Be inspired by her courage as she channelled her grief and worked as an aid worker in war-torn countries for CARE until she was reunited with her long-lost children after 14 years.
Jacqueline will be joined by a panel of inspiring local women including Yarra Ranges Councillor Samantha Dunn, 2010 Young Citizen of the Year Award recipient Fiona Bilton and Koha Community Café Coordinator Suyin Chan.
The panelists will be on-hand to share their own experiences and advice on overcoming challenges to achieve your goals.

Wednesday, 16 November, 2011
Swinburne University – Lilydale
LC Building, Room LC226
50 Melba Avenue, Lilydale
Time: 5.30pm arrival for drinks and canapés.
Formalities start at 6.10pm

Places for this free event are limited and bookings are
essential. To confirm a place contact Kelly Delaney.
T: 9294 6106
k.delaney@yarraranges.vic.gov.au

Victoria's Native Timber Industry 2011 - Department of Primary Industries

2011-10-31T13:57:00.006+11:00

Click on Image to view full profile.

This native timber industry profile provides an overview of the location, structure and markets of Victoria’s native forest timber industry.
Timber production in Victoria operates within world-standard forestry management practices that are subject to continuous improvement and are robust, enforceable and scientifically based to ensure forest values and uses are recognised and conserved.
In addition to strict, legislated operating procedures, VicForests adheres to forest management practices certified under the Australian Forestry Standard, which audits performance against economic, environmental, social and cultural criteria.
The gross value of log production of the Victorian native timber industry in 2008-09 was $131 million, accounting for around 23 per cent of Australia’s native timber industry.
Victoria’s native timber industry is focused in the east of the state, where VicForests, a state owned enterprise, sustainably harvests around 1.86 million m³ of eucalypt logs per year for domestic and export markets ¹.
The gross area of State forest available for timber production is approximately 1.54 million hectares². Much of this area, however, is unavailable or unsuitable for harvest due to environmental and operational constraints.
Consequently, VicForests harvest approximately 5,500 hectares a year, less than 0.1 per cent of Victoria’s native forest.
The native forest timber industry in Victoria employed almost 11,000 people in 2009.
Victoria is the only state in Australia that has adopted a fully market-based system for the competitive allocation and pricing of native forest logs.

Notes

1 VicForests Sustainability Report, 2009-10

2 Department of Sustainability and Environment, VicForests allocation of state forests fact sheet, September 2010.

Council proposes additional local law provisions

2011-10-29T14:56:00.010+11:00

At last Tuesday night's Council meeting, Council endorsed the Draft Yarra Ranges General Provisions Local Law. Whilst I agree with the Officer's report re the consolidation of existing Local Laws, it is the inclusion of additional Local Law provisions that is of concern to me. It is of utmost importance that the general public familiarise themselves with the additional provisions and use the consultative process to make submissions if required.

Council proposes to consolidate existing Local Laws:

"It is proposed to consolidate the Scare Gun Control Local Law 2002, Streets & Roads Local Law 2005, Animal Control Local Law 2007 and Consumption of Liquor in Public Place Local Law 2007 into the General Provisions Local Law 2010.
The purpose of consolidating local laws is to reduce the administrative burden of undertaking separate review processes at the time each local law sunsets, whilst also increasing the transparency of the local laws. Reviewing all three local laws before the end of their sunset date allows the opportunity for the improvement of existing controls and the addition of new controls. In addition to the consolidation of the existing controls in the local laws, it is proposed additional local law provisions be enacted to control:

Use of parks and reserves and Council buildings;

Street parties, festivals, circuses and events;

Placement and removal of hard rubbish;

Collection of monies;

Spruiking and busking;

Feeding of cockatoos;

Damage to trees and vegetation in public places;

Abandoned shopping trolleys;

Electoral signage on public land;

Behaviours of persons in public places;

Interfering with road barriers and signage on roads and bridges;

Sale of vehicles on Road or Council land;

Placement of bulk rubbish or shipping containers;

Entry without paying fee;

Smoking in children‟s playgrounds or other prescribed places;

Noise from burglar alarms and amplified sound equipment;

Rubbish dumping;

Interfering with Council drainage tappings and stormwater pits;

Interfering with watercourses;

Gates and openings from private property onto Council land;

Cigarette butt receptacles;

Heavy vehicles on private property;

Dilapidated buildings and dangerous land;

Noise and nuisances caused by building works; and

Collection and disposal of trade waste."

Council will give public notice in The Age, all local newspapers circulating within the Shire and on Council's Website, of its intention to further consolidate the General Provisions Local Law 2010 and invite public submissions regarding the proposal for a period of at least twenty eight days.
Link to Officer's report & Draft Yarra Ranges General Provisions Local Law

2 comments:

Sue said...: I'm surprised not to see a law about what day you can hang your washing out!; 29 October 2011 6:35 PM
Andrew Jones said...: Interesting that it is published in the Age newspaper and not the Herald sun is council worried the the larger circulation will increase the amount of objections/comments they might receive; 29 October 2011 7:09 PM

Warburton Primary Spring Fest - Sunday October 30, 2011

2011-10-29T10:59:00.003+11:00

Click on image for Program

Len Rayner vows to fight on!

2011-10-26T19:44:00.022+11:00

At last night's council meeting, council refused to support the preparation of a planning scheme site specific amendment for the use of Len and Heather Rayner's Woori Yallock orchard for a cafe. Link to the Application.

Click on image

With a growing decline in the viability of small acreage agribusiness Len and Heather's orchard business has diversified into a well patronised Yarra Valley tourist icon providing tours of their orchard and door sales of their wonderful products. I was surprised that after Len Rayner's presentation to council Cr Chris Templer, O'Shannassy Ward Councillor, moved not to support the preparation of the planning scheme amendment. It is my honest opinion, had Cr Templer supported the preparation of the amendment it would have got up.

Click on image

The absolute ludicrous situation that exists with the Planning Scheme and the Regional Strategy Plan is that Len & Heather Rayner's orchard business is prevented from creating an ancillary restaurant/cafe business purely because of the type of fruit that they grow i.e. 8000 stone fruit trees. Yes that is right, had Len & Heather Rayner been growing grapes and had a winery, all would be fine.

Our Planning Scheme specifically provides for site specific sites.

To me this site specific amendment preparation should have been granted on the basis that there is special and exceptional circumstances, being that the Rayner's are penalised by the Planning Scheme and just want be treated fair and equally in line with the grape and winery agribusiness of the Yarra Valley.

For the life of me I can't understand why Cr Templer couldn't support and argue the site specific amendment.

I commend Crs Cox, Cliff, Heenan and Warren for their support to the Rayners.

So off to VCAT again at the ratepayers expense, or maybe the Minister which ever I'm sure with Len's determination he will succeed.

Federal politics – voting intention

2011-10-24T23:33:00.003+11:00

Click on image

Victorian Ombudmans Report 2011 - Complaints about local councils have increased

2011-10-23T20:24:00.015+11:00

G E Brouwer OMBUDSMAN.

Two sections of the report that caught my interest.

(1) Local government
"In 2010-11 my office received 3,048 complaints regarding local government, an increase of 3.9 per cent over the previous financial year.
Complaints regarding local government accounted for nearly a quarter of all matters referred to my office in 2010-11.

Common themes among these complaints included:
• unreasonable or excessive enforcement action.
• failure to act on complaints.
• poor procurement and contract management practices.
• failure to maintain infrastructure, in particular, roads.
• poor decision making and delays in planning matters.

In February 2011 I tabled two reports in Parliament in which I examined some of the functions of Local Government, its officers and councillors:
• Whistleblowers Protection Act (2001) – Investigation into allegations of improper conduct by a councillor at the Hume City Council, February 2011
• Ombudsman Investigation into the probity of The Hotel Windsor redevelopment, February 2011." - G E Brouwer OMBUDSMAN.

(2) Freedom of Information
"The purpose of the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (the Act) is to enable greater transparency in the dealings of government agencies, by providing a means for the appropriate release of information held by government agencies.
Unfortunately, I continue to see departments and agencies applying the Act as an information protection system.
I regularly identify:
• significant delays in processing requests
• restrictive interpretations of the Act
• administrative actions that are contrary to or simply disregard the Attorney-General’s guidelines and the administrative recommendations from my 2006 review.
In my view, the object and purpose of the legislation is not being followed consistently by departments and agencies and this is undermining the effectiveness of the Act.
Some clear trends are emerging:
• complaints about local councils have increased.
• many agencies do not comply with the requirements of the Public Records Act 1973
• agencies, particularly departments, are failing to meet statutory timelines and appear intent on restricting access to information on often misguided grounds.
In response to my concerns, some departments have signalled their intention to implement systemic and structural reforms to improve service delivery in this area. Unfortunately, such intentions have lapsed in the past and I revisit and report on this same issue each year." - G E Brouwer OMBUDSMAN.

Ombudsman Report Part 1 & 2.

Minister Walsh is committed to guaranteeing long-term access to native timber resources

2011-10-23T13:31:00.013+11:00

Peter Walsh MLA Minister for Agriculture and Food Security responds to a local Upper Yarra resident's concerns regarding the adequacy of the Safety on Public Land Act 2004 and associated declarations of public safety zones for timber harvesting operations.

"The Coalition Government is committed to guaranteeing long-term access to native timber resources by the Victorian timber industry, which includes reducing unnecessary disruptions to legitimate timber harvesting operations.

The Government is undertaking a suite of actions to strengthen the governance and administrative arrangements of public native forests available for timber harvesting. We will ensure that future arrangements provide the level of security industry needs to attract investment and continue to support the people and towns that depend on the forestry industry.

In keeping with the Government's election commitments, I am now the Minister responsible for the commercial harvest of native timber on public land. I have asked the Department of Primary Industries to examine the matter you have raised regarding current public safety zone declarations."
- Peter Walsh MLA Minister for Agriculture and Food Security.

Run, Walk, Ride - Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail Celebration

2011-10-19T17:00:00.004+11:00

‘Run Walk Ride’ is a free community event which celebrates the completed projects on the iconic Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail including the construction of the bridge over the Maroondah Hwy and other trail links.

Beginning in Lilydale, the event will be held across the whole 39km trail, ending in Warburton. Take a journey and visit one, two or many of the historical railway stations along the trail whilst enjoying a wide variety of activities presented by local community groups.

Is 39km too far for you to ride? Why not run or walk any section of the trail to suit your fitness level.

Join on us on Saturday 22nd October and Run, Walk or Ride any section of the trail, the choice is yours! Collect your passport and be in the running to win prizes and giveaways. No matter what your age or ability, Run Walk Ride has a place for you!

Registration

Registration to this event is FREE - All participants must register to participate in the event

Pre register to collect your event pack* at your selected starting point. You can register online using the form on this page or print the form and mail, fax or deliver it in person. The return details can be found on the brochure.

You can also register on the day at Lilydale Railway Station between 8.30am and 9.15am or at Woori Yallock and Warburton Station.

All registered participants receive a Trail Passport to enable them to collect 'Station Stamps' to be in the running to win prizes.

All the info you need.

AUCTION 30

2011-10-17T20:49:00.002+11:00

"I am offering this view anonymously for the obvious reason: fear of retribution."

2011-10-13T19:09:00.006+11:00

I received this anonymous comment today. I do appreciate the concerns expressed and whilst I don't normally publish anonymous comment without identification, I am not concerned about any retribution to myself. After all this is fair comment, honest opinion on a subject of public interest.

With reference to this previous POST:

Developers Be Aware!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Comment:

"Amateur hour. Again! When are Councils going to be held fully accountable for what seems to me to be misleading and deceptive conduct? Council has develop strategies, policies and procedures and the applicant spends real money to develop a project that complies with them. The compliance is acknowledged by Council's professional staff who recommend approval of the application. Councillors then put aside all their guidelines and advice from their planners (this is where 'misleading' and 'deceptive' cuts in) and throw out the application. Either the planning staff who recommended the application or the Councillors who voted down the application should be sacked and the costs incurred by the developer refunded by Council (this is the accountability). I am offering this view anonymously for the obvious reason: fear of retribution."

Local government should be recognised in the Australian Constitution.

2011-10-10T10:45:00.009+11:00

"All Australians are invited to have their say on whether local government should be recognised in the Australian Constitution.

Australia’s Constitution, the basis for our laws and political system, does not include any mention of local government."

Click on image

"Australia has changed much since 1901 when the Constitution came into effect. At that time, local government was less prominent in the daily life of our nation and had fewer responsibilities than today. Nowadays, local government, or local councils, play an important role in delivering services to Australian communities. So an independent Expert Panel is now looking at the level of support in Australia for changing the Constitution to include local government.

Australians can choose to change the Constitution by voting in a national referendum, which is why widespread consultation on this issue is such an important step.

You can access information from the Panel and other sources to help you decide and participate in the consultation process. So make sure that you consider the question of Constitutional recognition of local government and Have Your Say." - Panel on Constitutional Recognition of Local Government.

“My place, Upper Yarra Valley” - Calendar photo competition & exhibition.

2011-10-09T19:42:00.023+11:00

At Warburton and Yarra Junction Community Bank® branches we’re looking for 12 winning photographs, which capture the Upper Yarra Valley, that will be used to create one winning calendar for 2013.

Three prizes:

Judge’s Choice - $500 will be front cover as well as one calendar month
Board’s Choice - $200
People’s Choice - $200 – voting online via www.upperyarra.net.au

9 other entries selected to be in the calendar will receive $100 each

How to Enter:

Entries must reflect the theme “My place, Upper Yarra Valley”
Entrants must live or work in the Upper Yarra
Entries are to be submitted in jpeg format (minimum of 300dpi) on a disc. Photographs must also be in landscape format.
Entries must not include any business as the subject or prominently feature commercial interests.
Entries featuring people must obtain a signed talent release form (form available from Branches).
Upper Yarra Community Enterprise Limited reserves the right to not accept entries that it deems offensive.
You may enter a maximum of three entries.
A separate entry form needs to accompany each entry.
Only fully completed and signed entries will be accepted.
Entries can be submitted in person or posted to the Warburton Community Bank® Branch or Yarra Junction & District Community Bank® Branch

Entry Form

Council Officer's Report Supports Proposed McDonalds Restaurant. - Tecoma. BUT?

2011-10-08T13:38:00.031+11:00

Concept photo montage from eastern side of Burwood Hwy

A large gallery is expected at next Tuesdays night's Council meeting to be held at the York on Lilydale, York Road, Mt Evelyn.

Council will resolve on Planning Application No: YR-2011/647 - Tecoma – Buildings and Works Associated with a Convenience Restaurant (McDonalds).

This development will give a much needed boost to the growth and prosperity of our Shire.

BUT???????????

I sincerely hope I'm wrong, but my prediction is that Council will ignore the Officer's recommendation and throw it's Planning Scheme responsibility to the wind and refuse this application because of minority objection to a fast food chain. That decision will commence a VCAT appeal process, at a cost to us the ratepayers, resulting in an approval of the application based on the appropriate built form, traffic impact and noise impact issues etc etc.

Lets hope our councillors prove me wrong and resolve to approve this application.

From the Officer's report:

"A permit is not required for the use of the land for a food and drink premises (convenience restaurant) under the provisions of the Business 1 Zone, however a permit is required for any buildings and works associated with a convenience restaurant.

Under the zone provisions, the proposal was not exempt from notice and review rights provisions of the Act as the buildings and works are located within 30 metres of residential land.

More than 1000 objections have been received. The issues raised relate to the need for a convenience restaurant within the locality and the various social impacts such as litter, crime, obesity, traffic congestion, noise, the impact on surrounding businesses. Objections also related to the lack of integration of the built form with the neighbourhood character of the Dandenong Ranges.

The proposal has been specifically designed to respond to the built form character of the Tecoma Township and the proposal is a "custom designed" McDonald's restaurant to respond to the character of this area. The design of the building moves away from the typical built form usually associated with a McDonalds restaurant and the proposal is considered to satisfy the purpose and decision guidelines of the Business 1 Zone and the applicable policies in the state policies and Municipal Strategic Statement (MSS). The assessment of the proposal has balanced the matters to be considered under the planning scheme, which notably include the built form, traffic impacts, access/egress,car parking and signage.

It is considered that the built form is of an acceptable scale within this area of the Tecoma Township and will add to the commercial character of the area.

CONCLUSION
The primary considerations of this application relate to the buildings and works of a convenience restaurant.
The information submitted by the applicant has sought to recognise and address the potential concerns that were anticipated to arise through this application. In doing so, the application has been thoroughly conceived and supported by multiple reports from varying consultants. The proposal appropriately responds to the built form character of the area and the design of the McDonalds premises has deliberately moved away from the typical convenience restaurant style development in order to respond to the site and its context.
The building and associated works have been designed to respond sensitively and appropriately to the established environmental character and built form of the locality by providing a built form that is modest, low scale modern but with substantial setbacks to the site boundaries.
The built form will not have any unreasonable visual impact on the amenity of the adjoining residential development and will be in keeping with the neighbourhood character of the commercial centre.

With regards to amenity concerns, it is considered that the proposal has been appropriately designed so as not to cause a detrimental impact on the surrounding locality with regards to built form, traffic impacts and noise impacts and will be a visually compatible development within this commercial centre.

Given this assessment undertaken, the proposal responds to the relevant sections of the Yarra Ranges Planning Scheme and should be supported."

HARC Presents

2011-10-01T09:16:00.004+10:00

Click on Image

FIRE SERVICES LEVY

2011-09-29T22:20:00.005+10:00

PUBLIC CONSULTATION MEETING

The Victorian Government is seeking public comment on a move to a fairer and more equitable property-based fire services levy model.
These changes were an election promise of the Government and a recommendation of the Bushfire Royal Commission.
All members of the community are invited to attend this meeting and discuss the fire services levy with local MPs and Government staff and advisers.

6:00pm, Monday 17 October 2011 Lilydale Bowling Club, 7 Hardy Street, Lilydale VIC (Melway: Map 38, E5)
Any queries, please contact Mitch on 03 9735 3208 or mitch.tanner@parliament.vic.gov.au

Christine Fyffe - MP Member for Evelyn
Brad Battin - MP Member for Gembrook
Edward O’Donohue - MLC Member for Eastern Victoria

2 comments:

Sue said...: Sounds like a delaying tactic to me! This change should have taken place years ago. What's so hard about the principle that every property owner shares the cost of the fire service? Every property owner pays rates - how hard can it be to collect them together?
Just another excuse to waste time and not get on with necessary change from the L for Luddite party.; 1 October 2011 10:27 AM
Jim Child said...: Sue I totally agree with you, but this whole process is made more difficult when our council and the MAV to their credit supporting the Fire Services Levy(FSL) becoming a property based levy but then state that Local Government is not the responsible agency for the collection of such levies. Who is then???????????????; 1 October 2011 9:25 PM

Developers Be Aware!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2011-09-28T08:36:00.009+10:00

After last night's council meeting, property developers considering investing in the Yarra Ranges must be having second thoughts.

What appeared to me to be a straight forward application, report and Council Officer recommendation to approve a Kilsyth planning application for building and works to construct three double storey dwellings was refused.

Yes, the Yarra Ranges Councillors saw fit to refuse the application on the grounds of neighbourhood character, potential for traffic congestion, increased noise, overlooking, building bulk and over-development etc, etc.

Some points I noted from the Officer's report and at the meeting.

Not one of the six objectors spoke to the application.
Council Officer recommendation was to approve the application.
The developer's representative spoke to all the relevant concerns of the application and certainly satisfied me.
The proposal is consistent with the relevant clauses of the Yarra Ranges Planning Scheme.
The proposal is also consistent with the proposed amendment C97 to the Planning Scheme as it balances increased density in a Consolidation Area in the Housing Strategy, while maintaining the key characteristics of the streetscape and neighbourhood character.
Cr Warren & Cr Templer supported the application.

Council some time ago agreed to the proposed amendment C97 to the Planning Scheme. Developers must not now be given an impression that they should follow all due process, tick all the boxes and gain Council Officer support only to have their Planning Application refused by Council.

Developers Be Aware!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Community Update: Warburton Caravan Park and Pool Master Plan Riverfront Revegetation

2011-09-26T17:11:00.008+10:00

When: Saturday 15th October 2011
At: 9:30 am – 12:00 noon
Venue: Warburton Mechanics Institute Hall
3411 Warburton Highway, Warburton
Attendees: Marilyn Howley, and Councillor Chris Templer of Yarra Ranges Council ,
Dan Robertson, Melbourne Water and Kate Maddock of SGL Consultants.

"Please join us at the Warburton Mechanics Institute Hall to view an update of the Warburton Caravan Park and Pool Master Plan showing the updated riverfront revegetation plan. The changes have resulted in the retention of 56 camping sites.

Your attendance is valuable to the community engagement process and will provide another opportunity to view the completed Master Plan.

The update will be an informal program, so feel welcome to arrive any time during 9:30am and 12:00noon to see us. Morning tea and coffee will be provided and we look forward to seeing you there." - Yarra Ranges Council.

For more information,
please contact:
Marilyn Howley on
Phone 1300 368 333
Email: mail@yarraranges.vic.gov.au

Sally Brennan has been nominated for the Leader Sports Star Service to Sport award.

2011-09-25T19:45:00.005+10:00

Gladysdale's Sally Brennan is passionate about her community, and her role as secretary of the Yarra Junction Football-Netball Club. photo STEVE TANNER.
From Lilydale & Yarra Valley Leader by ELAINE PHELAN.
Please click and read full story.

Investing in our best and brightest youth

2011-09-24T08:29:00.014+10:00

Ian De La Rue

From the Upper Yarra Community Enterprise Ltd
Franchisee of Warburton and Yarra Junction Community Bank® Branches

"Community banking helps ‘keep prosperity local’ by contributing to stronger regional economies, of course, but – in supporting a diverse range of initiatives – it serves an equally vital purpose in helping many individuals in those communities to achieve their very best.

The founding Chairman of our company, Ian De La Rue, was not only a passionate champion for individual effort and excellence: he lived by these highest of standards himself.

As owner–manager of Millgrove Licensed Grocers over many years and working very long hours, the former bank manager always made time for others and for his community.

Although many people ‘knew’ Ian, – particularly as the high-profile businessman and president of the local Chamber of Commerce and a zealous public advocate for our region – only a small number were fully aware of his personal investment in his community, from sponsoring several schools and sports clubs to donating food parcels to needy families via St Vincent de Paul.

One of Ian’s greatest gifts was as a mentor: not only recognising talent and encouraging people to ‘have a go’ in business or community initiatives, but gently supporting and advising them along the journey.

This strength was demonstrated repeatedly over the early years of Warburton Community Bank®, as he helped to transform the original steering committee – a group of dedicated but largely inexperienced volunteers – into a welldrilled Board of Directors.

Perhaps more importantly, Ian had a soft spot for children and youth, fostering – and, yes, often pushing! – younger people to strive for their best, whether they were working in his shop, playing footy or netball, or studying at any level of education.

Ian’s influence on our company reflected this passion from the days of our very first sponsorships, which included a series of small scholarships for excellence in maths at Upper Yarra Secondary College.

As further evidence that age need not be a barrier to achievement, Ian also encouraged former employee Catherine Fitzpatrick (now Catherine Aulich) to join our Board at the tender age of 21 – at the time, the youngest director on any Community Bank® board.

Catherine not only proved her value to the company but served for a full seven years – making her one of the longest-serving directors as well.

Recognising a limitation in our sponsorships policy that requires us to support community ‘groups’ as opposed to ‘individuals’, several years ago Ian instigated our annual Youth Initiative Award.

This award recognises young people of the district, aged 15 to 25 years, who have displayed initiative, innovation, leadership and a commitment to themselves and their community.

After Ian’s death in 2005, the board resloved to rename the award in his honour.

Nominations for the 2011 Award close on Monday, 17 October – more information and an application form are available on our website."

Upper Yarra Secondary College is turning 50

2011-09-20T11:08:00.004+10:00

Our Yarra Junction High School known as Upper Yarra Secondary College (UYSC) is celebrating 50 years since opening on its current site.

They have invited all past & present principals, teachers, staff, students, committee members, parents & members of the local community to a reunion dinner to be held at York on Lilydale, Corner York and Swansea Roads, Mt Evelyn on Thursday 13th October at 6:30pm.

Tickets to the 3 course dinner are $60 per head with drinks available at the bar.

Bookings are essential and need to be finalised 1 week prior to the dinner.

The evening events include: Guest speakers such as former principals, former teachers and students. Entertainment from the Upper Yarra Secondary College School Band, past & present memorabilia and lots more!!

You may be surprised who you meet!!

If you would like to book tickets or have further queries please dont hesitate to contact Patricia Broom or broom.patricia.r@edumail.vic.gov.au or Carley French at the school on 5967 1877.

Also on Sunday 23rd October UYSC will be holding a back to school day! From 12pm to 4pm (with the official welcome at 2pm), anyone can tour the school, see photographs and be entertained by the school band. Food will be available or bring along a picnic. All past & present teachers & students please bring along any memorabilia to share.

Court extends Sylvia Creek logging injunction.

2011-09-19T14:18:00.005+10:00

ABC NEWS Updated September 19, 2011 12:41:55

"The Victorian Supreme Court has extended a ban on logging at a contentious site north-east of Melbourne until next year.

Environmentalists took the government's forestry arm, VicForests, to court last month over its timber operations at Sylvia Creek, near Toolangi.

They argue the site is home to the threatened Leadbeaters possum.

The court this morning extended an injunction blocking logging until next February, when it will revisit the matter."