Monday 31st August, I'll be at the Cire Community Hubs, 39-43 Little Yarra Rd, Yarra Junction.
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 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:
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
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.
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/
SOUTHERN NETWORK COMPLETION: UNANIMOUS COUNCIL SUPPORT! Huge news for the Warburton Bike Park tonight! 
Before You Visit a Justice of the Peace JP - Check this video:
At last night's Yarra Ranges Council meeting, Councillors unanimously supported my motion to retain the toilet block at Dee Road, Millgrove.
Many thanks to Millgrove Residents Action Group President, Maureen Halit, for her passionate presentation to Council on behalf of the Millgrove community, to retain the Dee Rd toilet block.
*** Warburton Advancement League COMMUNITY BUS FOR HIRE ***
Do you need to hire a small bus for an outing?
Funded by the Community Bank Warburton and Yarra Junction, the Warburton Advancement League (WAL) have a 24-seater, turbo diesel bus available at very good rates.
Available for your community group, school or private functions.
All you need is a “Light Rigid (LR)” endorsed licence or alternatively a driver can be arranged.
For information and bookings contact the WAL Booking Coordinator – Mobile 0437 095 327
Early booking is essential so you and your group are not disappointed!
Monday 23rd March, 9am - 12noon @ Yarra Ranges Council Yarra Junction Community Link, Cnr Warburton Hwy & Hoddle Street.
Yarra Ranges Council Warburton Bike Park
Shuttle Tickets Go Live Tomorrow 5 March, on sale @ 10am.
Go to www.warburtonbikepark.com.au
https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1CF1TCxuzN/
#RideWarby #ItsWarbyTime #WarburtonBikePark
Passionate public service recognised with OAM
O’Shannassy Ward Councillor and four-time Yarra Ranges Mayor, Cr Jim Child, has been recognised for his work in local government, receiving an OAM in the 2026 Australia Day Honours.
Cr Child was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) on Monday as part of the annual honours, where people are recommended to the Governor-General for recognition.
Serving as the Shire President for the Shire of Upper Yarra in 1985, Cr Child was elected to Yarra Ranges Council in 2012, becoming Mayor for the first time in the same year.
Yarra Ranges Mayor, Cr Richard Higgins, said that Cr Child had continually served his community with integrity, purpose and care.
“We’ve been truly privileged at Yarra Ranges to have a Councillor as committed and dedicated to the community as Cr Child,” Cr Higgins said.
“From driving major initiatives across the municipality, to providing calm, consistent leadership during times of crisis such as COVID or natural disasters, Cr Child has been a passionate and unwavering advocate for his community.
“From championing the ongoing delivery of local services and projects to responsible financial management and engaging directly with residents to understand their needs, Cr Child always brings a thoughtful and community-minded approach to his role as Councillor.
“When we recently welcomed four new Councillors to Yarra Ranges following the 2024 elections, Cr Child set a clear example of what it means to serve in elected office for the benefit of the community.
“While our Councillor group naturally brings a diversity of views, it is undeniable that Cr Child is someone we all respect. The community has truly benefited from his steady leadership and passion for Yarra Ranges.
Cr Higgins said that projects such as the Warburton Bike Park (formerly Warburton Mountain Bike Destination) wouldn’t have progressed without Cr Child.
“The community may not always know, but the role of Mayor requires a lot of advocacy to the State and Federal Governments – representing the views of the community and projects across our region, to try and help put the Yarra Ranges on the map,” Cr Higgins said.
“The Warburton Bike Park has been more than a decade in the making, and Cr Child has championed not just the project, but the many side conversations about community infrastructure, support for local business and the local environment.
“We’ve been very successful in receiving State and Federal funding for this project, thanks to tireless work from our project staff alongside advocacy from Cr Child.
“Congratulations, Jim, on a very well-deserved award.”
Cr Child joins Cr Len Cox OAM as the second serving Yarra Ranges Councillor to be awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia.
