'OPEN DOOR'

Monday 31st August, I'll be at the Cire Community Hubs, 39-43 Little Yarra Rd, Yarra Junction.

9am - 12noon

Drop In or Call Yarra Ranges Council on 9294 6106 to make an appointment.

If you're calling in for Justice of the Peace JP services - Have a look at this YouTube 'Before You Visit a JP' video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m5B3yPkVpEU&t=164s

RVAHJ Honorary Justices

Warburton Advancement League volunteer River Crew

Great to catch up with the Warburton Advancement League volunteer River Crew - Jeff, Jerry, Kevin, Ted and Ben (the Mountain Tucker Man) at Roxys Kitchen for Coffee and a well earned spell after a busy morning out on The River Reserve 'River Trail'  Thank you, to you all. 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

Visitor paid parking will continue in Warburton

Visitor paid parking will continue in Warburton to ensure the availability of parking and improve traffic flow around the busy township.

This follows Council's endorsement of the recommendation in the evaluation of the Warburton Paid Visitor Parking Pilot Program.

Introduced in May 2025, the pilot saw the introduction of paid parking for non-Yarra Ranges residents in a bid to alleviate parking congestion, improve traffic flow, and vehicle turnover.

Yarra Ranges Mayor, Cr Richard Higgins, said the pilot improved traffic flow and parking turnover in high-demand visitor areas.

"We heard from the Warburton community that parking was a significant issue. With visitation increasing, it was important to find a solution that improved the flow of traffic without impacting Yarra Ranges residents.

"Warburton is a beautiful town, and an extremely popular weekend destination with limited space for parking. The trial gave us the opportunity to make an informed decision about the effectiveness of visitor paid parking before committing to a long-term solution," Cr Higgins said.

The evaluation drew on traffic and economic data as well as business and community feedback. It identified opportunities to reduce parking costs and improve the visitor and trader experience.

"As well as drawing on the traffic and economic data, we engaged with local business through workshops to capture their feedback and. It's clear from the evaluation that parking availability and traffic has improved, however we've also learned some valuable lessons along the way and the recommendations reflect those insights," Cr Higgins said.

Based on the findings, Council will implement the following changes from 1 October 2026:

• Reduce the weekend parking rate on Warburton Highway, Station Street and Thomas Avenue from $3.50 to $2.00 per hour.
• Introduce seasonal pricing for visitor parking at Warburton Water World:
• • March to November: $2.00 per hour on weekends and public holidays.
  • December to February: $6.00 per hour, seven days a week during the peak summer period.
• Importantly, Council will continue to provide free parking for all Yarra Ranges residents who hold a valid resident parking permit, and these permits will remain free.

The pilot generated approximately $136,000 in revenue, which will be reinvested into projects and improvements within the Warburton township.

"We made a commitment that funds generated from paid parking fees would be re-invested back into the Warburton township and we’ll deliver on that commitment. Council will now work through the best process to ensure those funds deliver lasting benefits for the local community,” Cr Higgins said.

Parking for Yarra Ranges residents remains free at all times.  To apply for a permit visit yarraranges.vic.gov.au/paidparking

Significant safety issues currently impacting East Warburton

 At last night's Yarra Ranges Council meeting, I raised two significant safety issues currently impacting East Warburton:

Melbourne Water Pipeline Track Closure (Graham Rd to Surman Ave)
Council officers are actively engaging with Melbourne Water to advocate for a favorable outcome for our community.

East Warburton Bridge Pedestrian Access
Safe pedestrian access across the bridge remains a high priority. Alongside State Member for Eildon Cindy McLeish MP, I will continue to advocate for essential State Government funding for this crucial infrastructure.

 Link to Council meeting: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/192jXsLP7j/

Cerini Centre Social Housing Project.

Once again the Warburton Advancement League puts its case to Council. .... Yarra Ranges Council meeting 28th July 2026.

I sincerely thank WAL for their presentation, strong commitment both in advocacy and financially to the proposed Cerini Centre Social Housing Project.

What the Cerini Centre project has achieved:
The League has been trying to progress their Cerini Centre Project since 2021.
In practical terms, this isn’t just an idea on a whiteboard. The WAL task force has already :
· secured preliminary bushfire and arboricultural assessments;
· undertaken Quantity Surveyed development cost analysis;
· prepared concept designs for over 19 modular homes, ranging from one to four bedrooms;
· negotiated in-principle land sale arrangements with both the Victorian School Building Authority and the Catholic Archdiocese, which involved independent and government valuations; and
· raised $110,000 in community funding commitments towards planning and approval costs.

What WAL is asking of Council:
"The Cerini Centre project is financially viable and represents a responsible reuse of a derelict site.
We also believe it could serve as a model for how other regional communities can help address the housing crisis in their own towns.
Tonight, beyond asking for a renewed priority to address homelessness issues, I am asking Council to do two specific things:
1. Formally acknowledge the Cerini Centre Project as a priority social housing initiative for Warburton and the Upper Yarra in line with the previously documented Council reports.
2. Advocate through your networks with State agencies and registered housing providers for our project, or, at the very least, partner with us to help us by advocating with the one housing provider lead we have who has shown some preliminary interest."
As the O'Shannassy Ward Councillor I wholeheartedly support the the Warburton Advancement League request to Council, and will strive to formalise the request through the Yarra Ranges Council Chamber.
You can view the Warburton Advancement League presentation to Council @
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1wbLnyl_0Vif6IzerSpAVUp33vRzeA48b/view?usp=sharing

Great news for the Warburton Bike Park

Council meeting 14 July 29026 - Agenda Item 10.5
Yarra Ranges Council Warburton Bike Park
​ SOUTHERN NETWORK COMPLETION: UNANIMOUS COUNCIL SUPPORT! ​Huge news for the Warburton Bike Park tonight! ​

A crucial motion was moved by Cr Jim Child, seconded by Cr Fiona McAllister and supported unanimously by all councillors to approve a key $1,622,736.29 contract variation with the legendary trail-building team at World Trail. ​
What does this mean? 
It officially clears the way to complete the Southern Section of the bike park!
​This decision ensures World Trail can maintain their momentum on-site, pushing ahead to deliver the remaining trails across Mt Tugwell and Mt Little Joe, and bringing the fully realised southern trail network to life.
#Warburton #WarburtonBikePark #mttugwell #RideWarby #wesburnpark #itswarbytime

Warburton Bike Park Shuttles

Many have asked about Council's Warburton Bike Park Shuttle Operation. ....

Yarra Ranges Council is the master manager and caretaker of the Warburton Bike Park trails, the physical shuttle operation runs as a single, coordinated framework (under official permits from the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action and Council).

​Rather than allowing a free-for-all of private vehicles or multiple uncoordinated tour vans, having Council oversee a single, authorized shuttle model is driven by four primary reasons:

​1. Reinvesting in Trail Maintenance. 

​Running the park requires significant, ongoing upkeep. Council Shuttle fees don't just pay for the fuel and drivers; the revenue goes directly back into caring for the trails, improving amenities, and funding future stages of the network. This keeps the park financially sustainable without placing the entire maintenance burden on ratepayer funds. 

​2. Environmental Protection and Road Safety. 

​The gravity trails on Mt Tugwell and Mt Bride require moving riders up narrow, unsealed mountain roads. Allowing hundreds of private cars or multiple private operators to constantly "self-shuttle" would create:

*** ​Severe traffic congestion on local roads. ​Accelerated erosion and dust issues in sensitive forest environments. ​Major safety hazards for riders using the climbing trails. 

*** ​By restricting operations to a single, authorised shuttle system with a permanent boom gate installed on key access tracks, vehicle numbers are strictly controlled. 

​3. Emergency Management and Radio Coordination.

​Mountain bike gravity parks carry inherent risks. The Council's authorised shuttle fleet operates on a unified, continuous radio network. In the event of a rider injury or severe weather, the shuttle operators can instantly communicate, clear the roads, and coordinate directly with emergency services and Council trail crews. 

​4. Community and Township Impact.

​Warburton and Wesburn are vibrant residential communities. Centralising the primary day-visitor shuttle hub at Wesburn Park—complete with a pump track, bike wash, and proper facilities—allows Council to manage visitor flow. 

​In short, it’s about balancing a world-class riding experience with community safety, environmental responsibility, and long-term financial viability.

#WarburtonBikePark #RideWarby #wesburnpark #itswarbytime #Warburton #mttugwell