Agenda of Ordinary Council Meeting

ATTACHMENT No: 3 - 2015 December 07 - Assembly of Councillors - Public Record

Item 2

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ASSEMBLY OF COUNCILLORS – PUBLIC RECORD

Assembly Details:

Date: Monday 7 December 2015	Time: 6.00pm	Location: Meeting Room 4, Braeside Avenue, Ringwood

Attendees:

Councillors
Cr Tony Dib, JP	Cr Nora Lamont	Cr Les Willmott, JP
Cr Natalie Thomas	Cr Mary-Anne Lowe	Cr Liam Fitzgerald
		Cr Rob Steane
Council Officers:
Steve Kozlowski	Chief Executive Officer
Marianne Di Giallonardo	Director Corporate Services
Phil Turner	Director Planning & Community
Trevor Welsh	Director Operations, Infrastructure & Leisure
Tim Cocks	Manager Leisure Item 1
Adam Todorov	Manager Assets Item 2
Steve McIntosh	Team Leader Facilities Item 2
Joshua Burt	Team Leader Sports & Recreation Item 3
Andrew Fuaux	Manager Planning, Health & Local Laws Items 4,5 & 6
Corinne Bowen	Team Leader Community Health & Emergency Management Item 4
Grant Meyer	Manager Integrated Planning Items 7 & 8
Phil Medley	Integrated Planning Advisor Item 7
Alan Ellis	Manager Finance & Governance Item 9
Stephen Onans	Team Leader Governance
Others:
Apologies:
Councillors:	Crs. Christina Gleeson & Samantha Marks
Council Officers:

Conflict of Interest Disclosure:
Councillors:	Nil
Council Officers:	Nil

Matters Discussed:		## Confidential Item

1	Indoor Netball Feasibility Study 2015
2	Community Facilities Major Projects Update
3	Bill Wilkins Lodge Bedford Park Ringwood
4	Domestic Wastewater Management Plan
5	Statutory Planning Update
6	Local Law Review
7	Know Your Council Website & LGPRF Reporting
8	Glen Park Community Centre Garden
9	Long Term Financial Strategy
10	Community Assistance Fund
11	Items of a General Nature as Raised by Councillors

Record completed by:

Council Officer	Stephen Onans
Title	Team Leader Governance

ATTACHMENT No: 1 - Minutes - Maroondah Disability Advisory Committee Meeting (MDAC) - 12 November 2015

Item 3

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MAROONDAH DISABILITY

ADVISORY COMMITTEE (MDAC)

MINUTES

Thursday 12 November 2015, 10:00am – 11:30am

Realm, 179 Maroondah Hwy, Ringwood

1. Present: Cr Liam Fitzgerald (MCC), Josephine Craig, Michelle Egan, Briere Kop,

Geoffrey Outhred, Norma Seip, Peter Smith, Jack Mulholland (MCC), Fiona Burridge (MCCV), Deb Benson (MCC - Minutes).

1.1 & 1.2
Welcome: Cr Fitzgerald welcomed all to the meeting

Apologies: Cr Nora Lamont, Rachel Lieske, Liz Ellis, Yvonne Blinks, Kate Blackmore

1.3 Minutes & Conflicts of Interest

The Minutes of the previous meeting were confirmed. Moved: Geoffrey

Seconded: Josephine. There were no conflicts of interested declared.

2. Housing Strategy

Dale Bristow – Team Leader Strategic Planning & Sustainability

Dale Bristow presented on the Housing Strategy and noted that the Plan Melbourne Discussion Paper is now available for public consultation. Further information can be viewed at: http://refresh.planmelbourne.vic.gov.au). The State Government’s Plan Melbourne ‘refresh’ indicates a desire to strengthen the focus on housing affordability, climate change and energy efficiency.

Dale explained the difference between affordable housing and housing affordability and informed the committee about related community consultation being pursued by Council (eg Maroondah Festival, Realm).

An online survey is also available on Council’s website called ‘The Places We Live – Developing a Housing Strategy for Maroondah’. Dale encouraged committee members to participate in the survey and provide comments. The link to Council’s relevant web page is http://www.maroondah.vic.gov.au/FutureHousing.aspx. The online survey will close at the end of November 2015. More community consultation is planned for early 2016 with a Draft Strategy set to be completed by April 2016.

General discussion on residential zones and densities within Maroondah followed.

Briere – consideration should be given to future rental housing that provides for pets. It can be difficult to find rental accommodation that allows pets as they can be important to the aged and socially isolated people.

Liam stressed the importance of supported accommodation and social housing.

Jack mentioned the value of universal design principles and how they can contribute to making homes more adaptable for whole of life requirements.

Michelle spoke on the rollout of NDIS and opportunities that this will present.

Liam thanked Dale for his presentation and the work being undertaken on the Housing Strategy.

3. Update on Disability Travel and Access Project by Geoffrey Outhred

Geoffrey discussed his research project which is looking at the means of transport available to people with a disability focusing on the Maroondah and Melbourne area. This includes the transition from vehicles to public space.

He recently attended the PTV ‘Try Before You Ride’ event which gave people the opportunity to try new public transport vehicles including low floor tram, low floor bus, train and taxis. The event provided a chance to trial the new ramps for both the buses and taxis. Geoff showed a series of photos taken at the event and spoke about the issues and advantages of the new options for accessing these vehicles.

Discussion followed re an issue with Platform 3 at Ringwood Station and the problems associated with the different level and the gap between the platform and the train. Jack advised that he had also had the same issues raised by local disability advocates and that these matters would be raised with Vic Roads and PTV.

Liam thanked Geoff for his presentation and asked him to keep the group informed on new developments.

4. Members Update

Michelle – attended the NDIS community consultation forum. Rollout is currently underway in Banyule and Whittlesea. Fact sheets and transition of HACC services information will be distributed.

Action: Fiona to distribute the NDIS information supplied by Michelle.

Briere – Maroondah Youth have been spending time with senior residents in their homes with the aim of improving their knowledge about online communication, to help them keep more in touch with family and friends.

Peter – spoke of his visit to America where he looked at issues around segregated employment leading to open employment, as well as his visit to New Zealand and the employment of people with a disability where he stayed. Further discussion was held about his current research project, advising that he had accepted a fellowship at Deakin University. There is also a survey available online at the DSS website looking at the Disability Employment Framework – Round Two. The link is https://engage.dss.gov.au/ which will be available until 5pm on 7 December 2015.

Geoffrey – is hoping that he will gain official accreditation for his research project which will allow some funding to be allocated through RMIT.

Jack – spoke of the new ‘Pathways for Carers’ project which has made a solid start. There is a commitment from Centrelink to help promote. There will be some focus by Council on Autism next year which will include the Autism Expo in April 2016 at Karralyka. Jack to provide more information in the lead up.

5. MDAC Terms of Reference – Review of Membership

Fiona thanked everyone for their participation over the last year. She stressed the value of the Committee’s work to Council. She noted the knowledge and experience of the Committee provides Council with invaluable insights into the needs of people with a disability.

Discussion followed about the Terms of Reference in relation to membership which notes that members commit to be involved with the committee for a 2 year period with the option of an extension of a further 2 years after which time a one year break must be taken.

In May 2016 Norma, Josephine, Peter and Liz will all have completed their fourth year and will be due for a one year break. In June 2016 Geoff and Briere will have completed their first two years and will have the option to renewal their membership for a further two year period. Fiona advised that advertisements looking for new volunteers for this Committee will occur early 2016.

The meeting dates for 2016 are 3 March 2016, 5 May 2016, 7 July 2016, 15 Sept 2016 & 10 Nov 2016.

The committee expressed a desire to hold future meetings at Realm as it is more accessible via public transport.

Action: Fiona to investigate moving meetings to Realm in 2016 and report back.

The meeting closed at 11:30am.

DIRECTOR Corporate Services – Marianne Di Giallonardo

Financial Report: Four Months Ending 31 October 2015	Item 4

Purpose

To present the financial statements for the four months ending 31 October 2015.

Strategic / policy issues

The following directions contained in the Maroondah 2040: Our Future Together and the Council Plan 2013-2017 (Year 3: 2015-2016) provide the strategic framework that underpins the purpose of this report.

Outcome Area: A well governed and empowered community.

Vision Statement: In 2040, Maroondah will be an empowered community that is actively engaged in council decision making through processes that consider the needs and aspirations of all ages and population groups. Council will provide strong and responsive leadership, ensuring transparency, while working with the community to advocate for and ‘champion’ local needs.

Key Directions 2015 - 2016:

8.1 Provide enhanced governance that is transparent, accessible, inclusive and accountable.

Background

In accordance with Sections 136, 137 and 138 of the Local Government Act 1989, Council is required each quarter to consider the financial performance of the municipality against budget for the year to date (YTD). Whilst a comprehensive suite of reports is provided to the Audit & Risk Advisory Committee and Council each quarter it is considered financially prudent to provide a brief monthly report to Council in order to track performance to budget between the quarterly reports.

This requirement is not a substitute for the more frequent range of detailed financial reports that continue to be provided to Council management.

The attached financial statements contain an Income Statement (Operating Statement) and a Statement of Capital Works. The Income Statement is presented per accounting standards by nature.

The statements have been prepared on the basis of accrual accounting (i.e. including significant accruals) and non-consolidation (i.e. excludes the results of the Eastern Regional Library Corporation and Section 86 Committees of Management).

The statements provide comparisons between actual results and the YTD forecast budget.

Issue / discussion

The following is a summary of the financial position for the four months ending 31 October 2015. A more detailed report is attached.
1.1 OPERATING PERFORMANCE

	Forecast	YTD	YTD	YTD	Adopted
	Budget	Budget	Actual	Var	Budget
	$’000	$’000	$’000	$’000	$’000
Operating
Income	115,416	88,832	89,562	730	117,792
Expenses	(118,457)	(38,411)	(36,117)	2,294	(117,600)
Underlying Surplus (Deficit)	(3,041)	50,421	53,445	3,024	192

Capital
Grants - Capital (recurrent and non-recurrent)	9,071	1,779	1,744	(35)	3,859
Comprehensive result	6,030	52,200	55,189	2,989	4,051

For the four months ended 31 October 2015 Council has recorded an operating surplus before capital revenue of $53.45 million, which is $3.02 million ahead of the year to date budget (This equates to a 2.62% variance on total budgeted turnover). The major contributing variances are: (See also notes to Income Statement Appendix B)

· The change from the Adopted Budget Underlying Surplus of $192k to the Forecast Budget Underlying Deficit of ($3,041k) is a direct result of the Victorian Grants Commission payment of $2.5m being paid in advance in the previous financial year and carried forward grant expenditure.

· Contributions for Public Open Space are $289k above budget due to the increased number and value of contributions.

· Statutory Fees and Fines are $217k above budget due to improved Traffic and Parking Management $105k and an increased number of Statutory Planning Applications of $24k.

· Interest income is $39k ahead of budget, with cash and investment balances remaining above LTFS predicted cash amounts producing higher income returns.

· Rates and charges are ($31k) below budget with Supplementary Rates ($33k) below expectations.

· User Fees are ($55k) below budget with Aquahab ($48k), Children’s Services ($35k) and Ringwood Golf ($31k) all below expectations. These were partially offset by Aquanation $49k and Community Facilities Occupancy Payments $37k performing above expectations.

· Materials and Services are $1,079k below budget including Electricity $135k, Cleaning $113k, Maintenance Software $76k, Insurances $59k, Maintenance $46k, Communications $42k, Lease Photocopier $40k, Fuel and Oils $40k, Training Group Programs $35k, Running Costs $35k, Fire Equipment Maintenance $33k and Advertising $31k. Legal Fees ($75k) and Agency Staff ($60k) were overspent.

· Contractors are $645k below budget, including payments for Waste Management $280k, Home Care $222k, Operations Management $137k, Learning and Development $58k and Park Maintenance $57k. Contractor payments for Tree Maintenance ($109k), Valuations ($58k), Works ($55k), and Business Support ($43k) were all above budget.

· Employee costs are $564k below budget with Community Services contributing $123k, Operations $112k, Realm $67k, Karralyka $59k, Maroondah Leisure Marketing and Sales $53k, Planning Health and Local Laws $50k, Aquanation $43k and Revenue, Property and Customer Services $41k. Human Resources was ($39k) unfavourable to budget.

The movement between the Capital Grants Adopted Budget of $3.859 million and Forecast of $9.071 million mainly relates to:

· Realm $3 million

· Capital grant income for Oban Road Blackspots of $701k

· Capital projects for which grant income was budgeted 14/15 but had not been received at year end, resulting in forecast variations for 15/16. This includes projects such as Mullum Reserve, Marveloo, Bedford Road Signalisation, RMAC and East Ringwood CCTV, Croydon Main St Connects and the Ringwood Station Art Project.

The movement between the net surplus Adopted Budget of $4.051 million and the Forecast of $6.030 million mainly relates to the following (Refer to detailed reconciliation in Appendix A):

· Carried forward grants net ($678k);

· New and revised grant funding net ($2,936k);

· New and revised capital grant funding $5,208k;

· Revised forecast Public Open Space contributions $400k;

· Revised forecast Developers contributions ($100k).

1.2 CAPITAL PERFORMANCE

	Forecast	YTD	YTD	YTD	Adopted
	Budget ##	Budget	Actual #	Var	Budget
	$’000	$’000	$’000	$’000	$’000
Total capital works	44,033	10,159	9,434	725	37,077

#YTD Actual expenditure includes Carried Forwards ##Forecast Budget expenditure includes Carried Forwards

The Forecast Budget includes carried forward works from 2014/15 of $3.3m, funding for new and revised projects including:

· State government funding from the Department of Transport, Planning & Local Infrastructure for the signalisation of Bedford Road and Great Ryrie Street of $1 million;

· Federal government funding from the Attorney-General’s Department for the installation of CCTV cameras in the Ringwood Metropolitan Activity Centre and East Ringwood of $400k;

· State government funding from the Department of Health and Human Services for the construction of Marveloo 2 $44k;

and future years projects brought into current year including the replacement of existing community buildings at Proclamation Park $500k and Street Lighting Improvements $300k.

For the four months ended 31 October 2015 Council has expended $9.44 million on the capital works program, which is $723k behind the year to date budget. The variance is due to mainly:

· Footpaths and Cycleways behind by $131k;

· Roads behind by $127k;

· Computers and Telecommunications behind by $116k;

· Drainage behind by $111k;

· Parks and Open Space behind by $105k;

· and Buildings behind by $72k.

1.3 FINANCIAL POSITION

		2015-16	2014-15	2014-15
	Adopted	October YTD	October YTD	June YTD
	Budget	Actual	Actual	Actual
	$’000	$’000	$’000	$’000
Cash and investments	23,160	29,748	11,925	39,920

The Financial Position as at 31 October 2015 shows cash and investments balances of $29.75 million which is $17.82m higher than balances at 31 October 2014.

The 31 October 2015 balance of $29.75 million is $11.21 million above the 2015/16 LTFS predicted cash amount of $18.53 million.

Financial / economic issues

As presented in this report and accompanying financial statements.

Environmental / amenity issues

Not Applicable

Social / community issues

Not Applicable

Community consultation

Not Applicable

Conclusion

The YTD results are favourable for this time in the financial year and provide a firm base for the achievement of Council’s 2015/2016 services and advocacy programs.

Attachments

1.⇩	14 December 2015 - Council Meeting Report - Financial report appendix 4 months 31 October 2015

CONFIDENTIALITY

Not Applicable

RECOMMENDATION

THAT COUNCIL RECEIVES AND NOTES THE REPORT ON THE FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE AGAINST BUDGET FOR THE FOUR MONTHS ENDING 31 OCTOBER 2015

DIRECTOR Operations, Infrastructure & Leisure – Trevor Welsh

Petition - The Mall, Croydon South - Request for Additional Parking	Item 1

Purpose

The purpose of this report is for Council to receive the petition, containing 17 signatures, requesting Council to investigate, and if feasible, implement additional car parking spaces on the vacant land to the south of The Mall for the Eastfield Shopping Centre, located at the corner of Bayswater Road and Eastfield Road.

Strategic / policy issues

The following directions contained in Maroondah 2040: Our Future Together and the Council Plan 2013-2017 (Year 3: 2015-2016) provide the strategic framework that underpins the purpose of this report.

Outcome Area: An accessible and connected community.

Our Vision: In 2040, Maroondah is an accessible community for all ages and abilities with walkable neighbourhoods, effective on and off-road transport networks, and access to a range of sustainable transport options.

Key Directions 2013 – 2017:

Work in partnership to provide improved accessibility and safety for transport users across all modes.

Background

Council received a petition on 11 November 2015. The petition dated 10 November 2015 contained 17 signatures from businesses within the Eastfield Shopping Centre.

The prayer of the petition is as follows:

“We, the Traders of The Mall, Croydon South formally request that Maroondah City Council investigates, and if feasible implements, additional car parking spaces for the shops on the Eastern side of Bayswater Road.

The Mall has experienced recent, strong economic growth with several new businesses entering the area. This has created a much greater demand for car spaces in the Mall. At present customers are having to wait for an available space or walk long distances from the only available spaces at the far end of the car park. On multiple occasions during the trading week there are no available car spaces and congestion builds along the road feeding Bayswater Road and Eastfield Road. There are also currently very few Disabled (sic) access spaces which could be rectified if this proposal is implemented.

There is currently vacant land to the South of the Mall (where the old guide hut was located) which we believe could be developed to accommodate additional parking spaces.

We thank the council in advance for their consideration of this request and hope that a suitable position can be found to accommodate the growth of this area.”

Issue / discussion

The Eastfield Shopping Centre is located on the corner of Eastfield Road and Bayswater Road in Croydon South, which includes an internal road, The Mall, separating the shopping strip from the main car park.

There are approximately 17 businesses located within the centre which share the publicly available parking resources in close proximity. The businesses themselves, similar to other strip shopping centres, have limited parking internally and as a result rely heavily on public parking.

The formal car parking facilities in proximity to the shopping centre includes:

The Mall off-street car park – 81 car spaces (inc. 2 disabled parking bays)

The Mall on-street parking –16 car spaces

Bayswater Road off-street car park – 30 car spaces

Bayswater Road on-street parking – 12 car spaces

A total of 139 formal car parking spaces (inc. 2 disabled bays) are available in close proximity to the shopping centre.

An aerial view of the shopping centre is shown in Figure 1 below.

Subject to Council’s endorsement of the recommendations within this report, Council’s Engineers will undertake an investigation into the current parking demand within the parking areas in close proximity to the centre to determine whether additional parking is required. To achieve this parking occupancy surveys during a typical weekday and weekend period will be undertaken.

Council’s Engineers will also determine the current land status of the vacant block and explore other options, such as the installation of parking restrictions (if deemed necessary based on the parking survey results) to ensure appropriate levels of parking are available to visitors to the shopping centre.

A report detailing the findings of the investigation will be presented to Council at a future Council meeting.

Figure 1 – Aerial view of the Eastfield Shopping Centre

Financial / economic issues

Limited available parking resources can impact on the customer generation of a business and adversely impact on trade.

There would be a significant financial cost of constructing a car park on the former guide hall site (currently vacant land). If a car park is to be constructed it would need to be referred to Council’s Car Park Construction Program for a future funding allocation.

Environmental / amenity issues

The loss in parkland / vegetation in order to cater for the potential car park should also be taken into consideration, in terms of environmental and amenity loss.

Social / community issues

Providing and maintaining an appropriate level of available parking within all areas of Maroondah forms part of the 2040 vision, where Maroondah is an accessible community for all ages and abilities.

Community consultation

Following the investigation into the parking demand for the shopping centre, if it is determined that additional parking is required or parking restrictions are recommended, Council’s Engineers will undertake written consultation with the traders within the Eastfield Shopping Centre.

Conclusion

It is recommended that Council receives and notes the petition containing 17 signatures, requesting the investigation, and if feasible, implementation, of additional parking spaces for the Eastfield Shopping Centre. It is proposed that a detailed investigation into the prayer of the petition be completed and a further report detailing the findings will be presented to Council at a future meeting.

Attachments

Not Applicable

CONFIDENTIALITY

Not Applicable

RECOMMENDATION

That Council

1. Receives and notes the petition containing 17 signatures requesting that maroondah city council investigates, and if feasible, implements additional car parking spaces on the vacant land to the south of The Mall for the Eastfield Shopping Centre

2. officers prepare a report on the matters raised in the petition for consideration at a future meeting of council

3. Advise the lead petitioner accordingly

DIRECTOR Planning & Community – Phil Turner

Local Law Review - Proposed Local Law No. 11 - General Local Law	Item 1

Purpose

The purpose of this report is to advise on the outcomes of the public exhibition of proposed Local Law No. 11 – General Local Law and to formally adopt the Local Law.

Strategic / policy issues

The following directions contained in Maroondah 2040: Our Future Together and the Council Plan 2013-2017 (Year 3: 2015-2016) provide the strategic framework that underpins the purpose of this report.

Outcome Area: A Safe, Healthy and Active Community
A Well Governed and Empowered Community

Our Vision: In 2040, Maroondah is a safe, healthy and active community with local opportunities provided for people of all ages and abilities to have high levels of social, emotional and physical wellbeing.

In the year 2040, Maroondah will be an effectively empowered community that is actively engaged in Council decision making through processes that ensure their voice is heard and considered. Council provides strong and responsive leadership, ensures transparent processes and works with the community to advocate and champion their needs.

Key Directions 2013 – 2017:

A SAFE COMMUNITY

1.1 Work in partnership to address community safety issues, with a focus on activity centres, public spaces, roads and public transport

1.2 Plan and advocate for the application of community safety principles that facilitate a safe built environment

A WELL GOVERNED COMMUNITY

8.1 Provide enhanced governance that is transparent, accessible, inclusive and accountable

8.2 Ensure responsible and sustainable management of Maroondah’s resources, assets, infrastructure and natural environment

8.4 Foster a Council culture of innovation, cooperation, commitment, communication and continuous improvement that positions Maroondah as a leader in local government

AN EMPOWERED COMMUNITY

8.7 Ensure that all community members have access to and are informed on matters that affect them, including the provision of tailored information for under-represented and hard-to-reach groups

8.8 Undertake inclusive engagement and consultation using accessible and tailored approaches to consider the needs and aspirations of different age and population groups

8.9 Create opportunities for shared decision making through active community involvement

8.11 Foster a Council culture of collaboration and partnerships with individuals, community groups, businesses, service providers and other levels of government

8.13 Encourage individuals, groups and organisations to proactively connect with and contribute to their local community

8.14 Work in partnership to deliver services that recognise and are responsive to the interests and needs of the Community Plan and advocate for the application of community safety principles that facilitate a safe built environment

Background

Council, at its meeting on 19 October, 2015 (Item 4 Director Planning & Community) considered the draft revised local law and gave notice of its intention to make Local Law No. 11 - General Local Law under section 111 of the Local Government Act 1989 (the Act). Council also resolved to commence the statutory process, by giving public notice in the Victoria Government Gazette, The Age and Maroondah Leader newspaper in accordance with sections 119 and 223 of the Act. This report details the outcomes of the statutory process that has been undertaken with a view to Council now formally resolving to make Local Law No. 11 - General Local Law.

Issue / discussion

Proposed Local Law No. 11 was placed on public exhibition from 23 October to 20 November 2015, to which public submissions were invited. This process was conducted through public notices in the Victoria Government Gazette, the Maroondah Leader newspaper and The Age newspaper. Promotion of the public exhibition period and information on the new local law was also provided on Council’s web site, at Council's service centres and in a separate media release. It is noted that changes to the local law were also independently reported in an article in the Maroondah Leader during this period.

No submissions were received by Council.

Legal Appraisal

Council also engaged two legal firms, Maddocks and Richard Davis & Associates to appraise the proposed Local Law No. 11 - General Local Law. The purpose of this appraisal was to not only ensure the laws were clear and easy to use, but also to ensure all aspects of the law would stand up to legal scrutiny or challenges in a court of law.

Both firms have provided a positive assessment; however have recommended minor wording changes in parts of the document. Both firms are confident that with these minor changes, Council will avoid any procedural legal interference and as such the community can be confident that a smooth operation and application of proposed Local Law No. 11 - General Local Law can be achieved. It is important to note that these minor ‘clerical’ changes, which have been incorporated into the proposed Local Law as attached to this report, do not change the intent or outcome in any aspect of the proposed Local Law No. 11 - General Local Law.

Next Steps

If Council resolves to adopt the proposed Local Law No. 11 - General Local Law then the following actions will take place:

· Notice to formally make Local Law No. 11 - General Local Law will be published in the Victoria Government Gazette and The Age newspaper on 17 December, 2015 and the Maroondah Leader newspaper on the 22 December, 2015

· Local Law No. 11 - General Local Law will come into operation on the 1 January, 2016

· Local Law No. 11 - General Local Law will be placed on council website

· A copy of the adopted Local Law No. 11 - General Local Law will be forwarded to the Minister for Local Government

· Further media releases advising the Maroondah community of the making of General Local Law No.11 to appear in the Maroondah Leader during January 2016

· Early to mid 2016 Local Laws Officers will undertake various initiatives to educate residents and businesses on the provisions within Local Law No. 11 - General Local Law

Financial / economic issues

As detailed in Council Meeting Agenda 19 October, 2015 (Item 4 Director Planning & Community)

Environmental / amenity issues

As detailed in Council Meeting Agenda 19 October, 2015 (Item 4 Director Planning & Community)

Social / community issues

As detailed in Council Meeting Agenda 19 October, 2015 (Item 4 Director Planning & Community)

Community consultation

Extensive community consultation has been undertaken including a public exhibition period from 23 October to 20 November, 2015. The community has been afforded the opportunity to review Council’s proposed changes to the local law and to raise any concerns with the proposed Local Law No. 11 - General Local Law and the Community Impact Statement during the public exhibition of both documents on Council website and all of Council service centres. Legal opinion on the proposed Local Law No. 11 - General Local Law has also been sought from Maddocks and Richard Davis & Associates and recommended minor ‘clerical’ alterations have been incorporated into the proposed Local Law as attached to this report.

Conclusion

That Council having undertaken the required public notice and having given detailed consideration to the advice received from Maddocks and Richard Davis & Associates should now make the proposed Local Law No. 11 - General Local Law.

Attachments

1.⇩	Local Law No 11 - General Local Law
2.⇩	Local Law Community Impact Statement

CONFIDENTIALITY

Not Applicable

RECOMMENDATION

That COUNCIL

1. HAVING completed the statutory process under section 119 of the local government act and there being no submissions following the public exhibition of the proposed local law, hereby resolves to make local law no. 11 – general local law in the form of the proposed local law attached to this report

2. FURTHER RESOLVES THAT NOTICES REGARDING THE MAKING OF LOCAL LAW NO. 11 – GENERAL LOCAL LAW BE PLACED IN THE VICTORIA GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, THE AGE AND THE MAROONDAH LEADER, AND THAT A COPY OF LOCAL LAW NO. 11 – GENERAL LOCAL LAW BE SENT TO THE MINISTER FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT

DIRECTOR Planning & Community – Phil Turner

Plan Melbourne Refresh	Item 2

Purpose

The purpose of this report is to seek endorsement of Council’s submission to the Plan Melbourne Discussion Paper.

Strategic / policy issues

The following directions contained in Maroondah 2040: Our Future Together and the Council Plan 2013-2017 (Year 3: 2015-2016) provide the strategic framework that underpins the purpose of this report.

Outcome Area: An attractive, thriving and well built community

Our Vision: In 2040, Maroondah will be an attractive community with high quality residential and commercial areas incorporating infrastructure that meets the needs and aspirations of all ages and abilities. A diverse range of housing options will be available and thriving activity centres will provide a broad range of facilities and services that meet community needs.

Key Directions 2013 – 2017:

· Encourage high quality urban design that provides for a healthy, attractive and desirable built form

· Facilitate, lead and educate the community in the use of environmentally sustainable design across all forms of infrastructure to limit carbon emissions and reduce resource consumption

· Work in partnership to encourage the use of a water sensitive approach in the development and renewal of the built and natural environment

· Plan and facilitate the development of a community where everyone can live, work and play locally

· Encourage and support the provision of a diverse range of housing across Maroondah, that meets the needs of current and future residents

· Encourage high density development in activity centres where there is access to high quality facilities, services and amenities

· Develop and implement an urban form that enhances the desirable attributes of Maroondah to protect and value ridgelines, vegetation, neighbourhood character, local history and cultural heritage

· Ensure the management of infrastructure and prioritisation of capital works considers demographic change, the impacts of climate change, and accessibility for all ages and abilities

· Coordinate and advocate for the increased utilisation, longevity and availability of fit for purpose public, private and not for profit buildings and spaces that can act as key places for neighbourhood connection

Background

In March 2015 the Victorian Government announced an update to Plan Melbourne, known as the Plan Melbourne refresh. A Discussion Paper has been developed to guide consultation with local government, industry, planning experts and the community. Comments and submissions on the Discussion Paper can be made until 18 December 2015. Community and stakeholder feedback will inform a revised Plan Melbourne 2016.

The State Government has advised that the Plan Melbourne refresh is not intended to be a comprehensive re-write of Plan Melbourne 2014. It builds on the extensive work and consultation underpinning Plan Melbourne 2014. There is bipartisan support for much of Plan Melbourne 2014. Plan Melbourne 2016 will maintain its key priorities but also strengthen the focus on housing affordability, climate change and energy efficiency.

The refresh also provides opportunity to update Plan Melbourne 2014 to reflect government transport commitments and priorities. It will also document progress in implementing Plan Melbourne initiatives and actions and better define how they will be measured, update data and improve the strategy’s clarity and usability.

A further review of Plan Melbourne 2016 and updates to its implementation plan will occur every 5 years – the next being in 2021. Plan Melbourne 2016 will be published in the first half of 2016 following a review of updated data, submissions and advice from a Ministerial Advisory Committee (MAC).

Plan Melbourne 2014 was prepared with input from a Ministerial Advisory Committee (MAC) and extensive public and stakeholder consultation. The MAC was reconvened in March 2015 to advise the Minister for Planning on the Plan Melbourne refresh. The MAC’s Terms of Reference are available at www.planmelbourne.vic.gov.au

The MAC provided a further report in May 2015 to inform the refresh of Plan Melbourne which has been released alongside this discussion paper. The MAC will provide a final report to the Minister on the refreshed Plan Melbourne 2016.

The State Government has advised that Plan Melbourne 2016 will maintain the focus on:

· Providing for employment in an expanded central city, and state significant employment clusters and industrial precincts

· Transforming the transport system to support a more efficient, productive city with improved travel options to increase social and economic participation

· Directing growth and increased development intensity to strategic locations

· Achieving a city of ‘20-minute neighbourhoods’

· Delivering a compact urban form with a fixed urban growth boundary

· Protecting environmental values and agricultural productivity in green wedges and the peri-urban area

· Supporting growth in regional Victoria

The State Government has indicated that the following is changing:

The refresh of Plan Melbourne will strengthen the focus on climate change, energy efficiency and housing affordability.

It also provides the opportunity to update Plan Melbourne 2014 to:

· Achieve an enduring strategy with a focus on longer term rather than short term actions

· Incorporate current transport commitments and priorities, including the Melbourne Metro Rail Project

· Reflect progress in implementation of Plan Melbourne 2014 related policy reviews, such as transport initiatives, the implementation of new residential zones, apartment standards, regional growth plans, updating of Precinct

· Structure Plan Guidelines, Open Space and Boulevards strategies and the Yarra River Strategy

· Better define how implementation and outcomes will be measured

· Update data and projections. Victoria in Future 2015 indicates changes to population and economic growth projections will not be significant and will not affect the challenges to be addressed by the metropolitan strategy

· Reflect significant changes in the form of housing being developed which affects the associated projections in Plan Melbourne 2014

· Recognise new entities and governance changes

· Improve clarity and usability

Issue / discussion

Council’s submission to the Plan Melbourne Refresh Discussion Paper is found at Attachment A. In short, the Discussion Paper has advanced and improved on the initial Plan Melbourne Strategy released in 2014. It is generally consistent with Council’s strategic planning directions, including Maroondah Vision 2040 and work undertaken to date on a new Maroondah Housing Strategy.

Financial / economic issues

Not Applicable

Environmental / amenity issues

Not Applicable

Social / community issues

Not Applicable

Community consultation

Not Applicable

Conclusion

Council is generally supportive of the intent and directions of the Plan Melbourne Refresh Discussion Paper. The heightened emphasis on climate change, housing affordability and support for public transport and active travel are welcomed. A focus on coordinated greyfield renewal in response to a current lack of control over inappropriate adhoc medium density development is also admirable. The emphasis on improved housing diversity, a push for a ‘polycentric’ city and broadening of activity centre policy are also supported.

The City of Maroondah is well placed in a metropolitan context to capitalise on its many attributes and locational advantages. Council looks forward to working with State Government on the implementation of Plan Melbourne objectives in the years ahead.

Attachments

1.⇩	Plan Melbourne 2016 Plan Melbourne Refresh Submission

CONFIDENTIALITY

Not Applicable

RECOMMENDATION

ThaT COUNCIL ENDORSES THE ATTACHED MAROONDAH PLAN MELBOURNE REFRESH DISCUSSION PAPER SUBMISSION AND THAT IT BE SUBMITTED TO THE STATE GOVERNMENT

DIRECTOR Planning & Community – Phil Turner

Development of the Maroondah Housing Strategy	Item 3

Purpose

To update Council on the development of the new Maroondah Housing Strategy including feedback received from the community and stakeholders to date.

Strategic / policy issues

The following directions contained in Maroondah 2040: Our Future Together and the Council Plan 2013-2017 (Year 3: 2015-2016) provide the strategic framework that underpins the purpose of this report.

Outcome Area: An attractive, thriving and well built community

Our Vision: In 2040, Maroondah will be an attractive community with high quality urban form and infrastructure that meets the needs and aspirations of all ages and abilities. A diverse range of housing options are available and thriving activity centres provide a broad range of facilities and services that meet community needs. The character of local neighbourhoods continues to be maintained while also accommodating population growth.

Key Directions 2013 – 2017:

6.1 Encourage high quality urban design that provides for a healthy, attractive and desirable built form

6.7 Plan and facilitate the development of a community where everyone can live, work and play locally

6.9 Encourage high density development in activity centres where there is access to high quality facilities, services and amenities

Priority Action 2015-2016:

Complete development of the Maroondah Housing Strategy.

Background

Council’s current Housing Strategy was adopted in 1997. The Strategy has served Council and the community well in directing the location and appropriate supply of housing to meet local needs.

The decision to proceed with a review of the Strategy has been triggered by a) the Minister of Planning when in supporting Councils reformed residential zones in 2014 did so on condition of Council preparing a revised Housing Strategy and b) the growing population pressures and forecasts as well as the changed physical and policy context since 1997.

To date Council has undertaken a number of tasks towards preparing a revised Housing Strategy including:

· Undertaking research into Housing Supply, Housing Demand, Sustainable Communities, Infrastructure Capacity, Environmental Sensitivities and a review of the 1997 Housing Strategy

· Undertaking Peer Review of our evidence base

· Significant community and stakeholder engagement

This report provides a summary of the key issues for discussion arising from this extensive body of work.

Issue / discussion

It is widely accepted that housing in Melbourne faces numerous challenges. Our metropolis is experiencing significant population growth which unless addressed in a strategic manner will heighten these challenges.

Melbourne’s challenges include: the location of future housing growth, the design and quality of housing, the provision of affordable housing and timely delivery of the associated infrastructure to support liveable neighbourhoods.

The evidence base that has been assembled by Council demonstrates that the City of Maroondah also faces these same challenges as highlighted below:

· Maroondah had a population of 111,223 in 2014 which is forecast to increase to 133,526 by 2036 (+22,303) with a significant increase in single person households of 38.5% between 2011- 2036

· Household size is currently 2.58 falling to 2.5 by 2021, with a trend towards smaller households. 25% of households contained only one person, with the family households representing 34.1% decreasing to 30.9% between 2011- 2036. There is forecast to be a 66% increase in the number of seniors aged 70- 84 years between 2011- 2036

· Housing stock in Maroondah is predominantly characterised by detached homes, 76% of homes are 3 bedroom dwellings. 70% of new 1 and 2 bedroom dwellings are within either Ringwood or Croydon.

· Less than 3% of housing stock is social or community housing; with a median house price in 2014 of $565,000. Housing affordability is precluding low to middle income single person’s households to enter into the market

· For the period 2013 - 2014 11% of development occurred within our Activity Centres

· Landscape and tree protection is afforded to the vast majority of the municipality

· Infrastructure constraints include the capacity of stormwater drainage to accommodate additional residential development.

The provision of housing is a key component in economic, social and environmental policy. Influence through strategic planning mechanisms is important, however to be successful in addressing the challenges an integrated approach across Council is required.

For example, Councils Active and Ageing Health Initiative identified housing as being the least age friendly of its eight domains. Accordingly these issues will be considered in the preparation of the new Housing Strategy.

As well as integrating with Councils own policy goals it is imperative that the revised Maroondah Housing Strategy aligns with State Government objectives. The Plan Melbourne Refresh is most notable in this respect. Its heightened emphasis on housing as a key concept is supported by ideas of 20 minute neighbourhoods, a polycentric city based around a small number of clusters and service centres, creating a sense of place, creating greater housing diversity and focusing upon affordable housing are all matters which align well with Council’s analysis to date.

In addition to collating a body of knowledge on the technical evidence, Council has undertaken a diverse programme of engagement with the community to establish deeper understanding of community and stakeholder views on housing.

This programme has included:

· Three focus groups held at Federation Estate over two days with representatives of the development and real estate sector, community and service organisation and neighbourhood and environmental interests

· Two Open House events held at Café Consult at the Maroondah Festival and Realm over two days

· Meetings with local resident groups

· An online survey via a dedicated website (www.placeswelive.coma.au)

· Presentations to Council Advisory Committee’s

This program generated a wealth of information with key messages summarised as being:

· Liveability and natural attractions of Maroondah are highly valued

· Parks, creeks, bushland and the tree canopy in residential areas will become more valued as population growth leads to higher residential densities

· Ringwood Metropolitan Activity Centre is the opportunity for a greater range of accessible services and for medium or high density housing

· Other centres around railway stations and urban villages are seen as preferred locations for medium density housing, although their environmental sensitivity can be significant

· Development controls can be too restrictive thwarting the pursuit of affordable and accessible housing

· Neighbourhood and environment groups and community service organisations want to work with the development industry to find solutions

The Maroondah community has identified that balancing development and the natural environment, managing population growth, and the lack of affordable and social housing are priority housing issues for Council to consider looking ahead. The preferred locational factors are for walkable neighbourhoods in close proximity to a range of amenities such as transport options, local shopping strips, small parks and shared trails.

Community feedback was very consistent and validates much of the technical evidence findings. To address the technical evidence findings and the community and stakeholder feedback, key directions to be addressed within the Housing Strategy include:

· Continuation with the core planning framework as provided by the 1997 Maroondah Housing Strategy

· Implement the Maroondah 2040 Vision key directions for attractive, thriving and well built and the Active and Healthy Ageing Initiative

· Establish a stronger strategic focus on directing development to be within the Activity Centres. In particular, consider setting a target of 50% of new residential developments to be within Activity Centres of Ringwood, Croydon, Ringwood East and Heathmont by 2040

· Encourage greater development in lower order neighbourhood activity centres and shop top housing in smaller strip shopping areas to accommodate residential growth

· Review the reformed residential zones and any unintended consequences of the new zone

· Work with Department of Environment, Land, Water & Planning (DELWP) and Swinburne University on the ‘Greening the Greyfields’ initiative (as referenced in the Plan Melbourne Refresh Discussion Paper) to deliver better development outcomes than existing subdivisions

· Develop planning concessions to increase community benefits such as affordable or social housing, open space, off street parking or design excellence

· Strengthen the Local Planning Policy Framework to enhance liveable and adaptable houses, stormwater re-use and ESD, affordable and social housing, diverse housing stock and Greening the Greyfields

· Advocate to State and Federal Governments on affordable and social housing

These directions will be further elaborated with options for implementation in an Issues and Options Paper to be presented to Council in early 2016. This will be followed by the preparation of a draft Housing Strategy that is scheduled to feature significant community engagement in April 2016.

Financial / economic issues

Not Applicable

Environmental / amenity issues

Not Applicable

Social / community issues

Not Applicable

Community consultation

Council has undertaken a range of community consultation with the most recent being at the Maroondah Festival held at Croydon Town Park on 8 November 2015 in Council’s Café Consult enclosure, together with consultation sessions held at Realm and the Town Square, Eastland Shopping Centre on the weekend of 13 and 14 November 2015. On line surveys have also contributed to this consultation and the attached feedback sheets summarise the community and stakeholder views on housing issues and local infrastructure and services.

Conclusion

The core planning framework of the 1997 Maroondah Housing Strategy has proven very sound. In recent times, Council has significantly updated its evidence base to enable the future planning of housing. Coupled with this evidence is a substantive body of feedback that has been received from the local community and stakeholders in relation to their priorities and feedback regarding housing development.

Council will continue this dialogue with the community and relevant stakeholders in the months ahead.

In summary, Council is now therefore, well placed to prepare a Draft Housing Strategy.

Attachments

1.⇩	Maroondah Housing Strategy - Factsheet #7 - Stakeholder views on housing issues - November 2015
2.⇩	Maroondah Housing Strategy - Factsheet #8 - Community views on housing issues and how to address them - November 2015
3.⇩	Maroondah Housing Strategy - Factsheet #9 - Community views on local infrastructure and services - November 2015

CONFIDENTIALITY

Not Applicable

RECOMMENDATION

That Council

1. notes the contents of the development of the maroondah housing strategy report

2. prepares a draft housing strategy in line with the key directions contained herein.

DIRECTOR Planning & Community – Phil Turner

The Know Your Council website and the Local Government Performance Reporting Framework	Item 4

Purpose

To provide information on the availability of Local Government Performance Reporting Framework (LGPRF) 2014/15 indicator data that is now publicly available on the Know Your Council website along with a report of Maroondah City Council’s LGPRF service performance information for the first quarter of 2015/16.

Strategic / policy issues

The following directions contained in Maroondah 2040: Our Future Together and the Council Plan 2013-2017 (Year 3: 2015-2016) provide the strategic framework that underpins the purpose of this report.

Outcome Area: A well governed and empowered community

Our Vision: In 2040, Maroondah will be an empowered community that is actively engaged in Council decision making through processes that consider the needs and aspirations of all ages and population groups. Council will provide strong and responsive leadership, ensuring transparency, while working with the community to advocate for and ‘champion’ local needs.

Key Directions 2013 – 2017:

8.1 Provide enhanced governance that is transparent, accessible, inclusive and accountable

8.2 Ensure responsible and sustainable management of Maroondah’s resources, assets, infrastructure and natural environment

8.4 Foster a culture of innovation, cooperation, commitment, communication and continuous improvement that positions Maroondah City Council as a leader in local government

Background

The LGPRF is a new mandatory reporting system developed by Local Government Victoria which was introduced in 2014 to ensure all Victorian Councils are measuring and reporting on their performance in a consistent way.

The LGPRF is a key State Government initiative aimed at improving the transparency and accountability of local government sector performance to ratepayers and to provide a more meaningful set of information to the public.

The framework is made up of 66 measures and a governance and management checklist of 24 items which together build a comprehensive picture of local government performance. Within this framework, four indicator sets have been developed: service performance, financial performance, sustainability, and governance and management.

These measures are reported in Council’s Annual Report each year via the Report of Operations and Performance Statement sections as required by the Local Government (Planning and Reporting) Regulations 2014 and associated elements of the Local Government Act 1989.

The 2014/15 financial year marked the first compulsory annual reporting period for these indicators with data included in the Annual Report 2014/15 and submitted to the Minister for Local Government. A selection of LGPRF indicators were also audited as part of the 2014/15 Performance Statement.

On Thursday 26 November 2015, the State Government publicly released LGPRF 2014/15 results from the local government sector on a new ‘Know Your Council’ website. This website can be accessed at: www.knowyourcouncil.vic.gov.au

Issue / discussion

The ‘Know Your Council’ website aims to provide an opportunity for members of the general public to access consistent information in regard to the performance of local councils across Victoria.

This site enables readers to benchmark and compare similar councils, view detailed profiles of councils, view maps of council areas (local government areas) in Victoria and find out more about local government.

Site visitors are able to view a State Government generated profile of Maroondah that includes a brief description of the municipality, contact information, a list of localities, the names of elected Councillors, forecast population data from Victoria in Future 2015, and financial data as supplied by the Victorian Grants Commission.

Readers are able to view a performance summary of LGPRF results for Maroondah that includes:

· Key Maroondah results for each service performance, financial performance and sustainable capacity indicator

· How these results compare with the average scores for all Councils and similar Councils

· The annual governance and management checklist

Site users are also able to compare specific results for Maroondah City Council for a particular indicator against the specific results achieved by:

· Average for all Councils

· Average for similar Councils (metropolitan Councils with exception of interface LGAs)

· Specific scores for Councils within the ‘similar Councils’ group

Within the site, the State Government has also prepared some contextual information for the site to explain what Councils do, how Councils work, how Councils make decisions, Council elections, finance and planning activities, and consultation and complaints.

Maroondah City Council continues to collect LGPRF indicator information on a quarterly basis for service performance indicators and annually for financial performance and sustainable capacity indicators.

A report that outlines LGPRF service performance indicator results from the first quarter of 2015/16 is attached to this Council Report. It is important to note that much of the quarterly data collected will not necessarily reflect annual performance due to phasing and seasonal influences. Whilst data will be monitored by Council on a quarterly basis, it will only be made publicly available via the ‘Know Your Council’ website on an annual basis.

Maroondah City Council will continue to monitor its performance against LGPRF indicators and report on its performance quarterly to ensure accountability and transparency.

Financial / economic issues

Not Applicable

Environmental / amenity issues

Not Applicable

Social / community issues

Not Applicable

Community consultation

Not Applicable

Conclusion

The new State Government ‘Know Your Council’ website was launched in late November 2015 to provide information on the performance of the local government sector during the 2014/15 financial year. Maroondah City Council will continue to monitor its performance against LGPRF indicators and report on its performance quarterly to ensure accountability and transparency.

Attachments

1.⇩	LGPRF Service Performance Results - Quarter 1, 2015-16

CONFIDENTIALITY

Not Applicable

RECOMMENDATION

That COUNCIL

1. NOTES THE LAUNCH OF THE ‘KNOW YOUR COUNCIL’ WEBSITE CONTAINING INFORMATION ON COUNCIL PERFORMANCE RELATING TO LOCAL GOVERNMENT PERFORMANCE REPORTING FRAMEWORK INDICATORS FOR THE 2014/15 FINANCIAL YEAR.

2. NOTES THE REPORT ON LOCAL GOVERNMENT PERFORMANCE REPORTING FRAMEWORK service performance INDICATORS FOR Quarter 1, 2015/16.

DIRECTOR Planning & Community – Phil Turner

42-58 Nelson Street Ringwood - Objection to Planning Application	Item 5

Purpose

This report:

· Provides Council with information and a preliminary assessment on the proposed development of 42 to 58 Nelson Street, Ringwood for 264 dwellings in three buildings of between 8-10 storeys and use of land for a food and drink premises (café), home offices and gymnasium, along with the removal of 63 protected trees (including native vegetation), and dispensation of 54 car spaces

· Also sets out Council’s planning advice on this application to the Minister for Planning who is proposing to determine the Application, and to describe Council's formal position on the application – that is whether Council supports or objects to the proposal

Strategic / policy issues

The following directions contained in Maroondah 2040: Our Future Together and the Council Plan 2013-2017 (Year 3: 2015-2016) provide the strategic framework that underpins the purpose of this report.

Outcome Area: An attractive, thriving and well built community

Our Vision: In 2040, Maroondah is an attractive community with high quality urban form and infrastructure that meets the needs and aspirations of all ages and abilities. A diverse range of housing options are available and thriving activity centres provide a broad range of facilities and services to meet community needs. The character of local neighbourhoods continues to be maintained while also accommodating population growth.

Outcome Area: An accessible and connected community

Key Directions 2013 – 2017:

A CONNECTED COMMUNITY

5.8 Work in partnership to ensure sustainable transport options and public transport connections are considered in the design of new developments and public spaces

5.9 Promote streetscapes that encourage social interaction, physical activity and connection to the natural environment

AN ATTRACTIVE COMMUNITY

6.1 Encourage high quality urban design that provides for a healthy, attractive and desirable built form

6.2 Work in partnership to ensure development considers urban design principles that enhance the connection between the built environment and the natural environment

6.3 Work in partnership to deliver distinctive and high quality architecture through the use of urban design guidelines and principles

6.5 Work in partnership to encourage the use of a water sensitive approach in the development and renewal of the built and natural environment

A THRIVING AND WELL BUILT COMMUNITY

6.8 Encourage and support the provision of a diverse range of housing across Maroondah, that meets the needs of current and future residents

6.9 Encourage high density development in activity centres where there is access to high quality facilities, services and amenities

6.10 Develop and implement an urban form that enhances the desirable attributes of Maroondah to protect and value ridgelines, vegetation, neighbourhood character, local history and cultural heritage

Background

The site at 42-58 Nelson Street, Ringwood was land surplus to the development of the Ringwood Bypass. At the completion of the bypass the Minister for Planning acquired the land for the purpose of developing a housing demonstration project in the Ringwood Central Activities District.

In 2009 the Minister for Planning became the Responsible Authority for the land under amendment C81 to the Maroondah Planning Scheme. In authorising the scheme amendment the Minister's advisory documentation noted:

The future planning and development of the Ringwood Central Activities District is of State and Regional significance. The amendment is required to enable the Minister for Planning to purchase two packages of contiguous residential land parcels within the Ringwood Central Activities District (approximately 1000m from the Ringwood Railway Station). DPCD has identified the opportunity to undertake an affordable housing demonstration project on these sites. The land is currently owned by VicRoads and is considered surplus land.

The objectives for the Nelson Street Project Area are to:

· demonstrate high quality and environmental sustainable design for a medium density development

· demonstrate a high density housing type or format in Melbourne’s outer east

· provide the opportunity to support or assist affordable housing.

The amendment will allow the Minister for Planning to purchase the land and progress the above objectives under Section 171(2) (b) of the Planning and Environment Act 1987 which enables a responsibility (sic) authority to purchase, hold, lease and dispose of land by public auction, private treaty or otherwise on terms and conditions satisfactory to the authority. As responsible authority, the Minister is better able to facilitate the integrated development of the Nelson Street properties, as this status assists the Minister in:

· entering into agreements

· dealing with land on terms and conditions that advance the objectives of the Ringwood Central Activities District

· consolidating, subdividing, and developing land.

Given that, at the time of this Amendment, this project and planning application was to be compiled and managed by the Department on behalf of the Minister for Planning, Council was supportive of the government initiated planning scheme amendment.

By early 2013 it was apparent that with changing circumstances, the Minister of Planning and the Department were no longer actively working on the proposed housing demonstration project for these sites. By mid-March 2014 the Minister had placed each lot on the market to be sold individually one after another at an auction. One party successfully purchased every lot.

Ordinarily, a change in ownership of such a site, from public to private ownership would trigger a review by the Department representing the Minister for Planning of the relevant planning controls, and Council's expectation in such circumstances would be that the responsible authority land would revert to it. However, this did not occur and, at least on its face, the Minister for Planning remains the Responsible Authority for the land.

It should be noted that there is some doubt as to whether the Minister for Planning is the Responsible Authority for determining applications at 42 to 58 Nelson Street, Ringwood, or whether, because of technical issues in the drafting of the Amendment that made the Minister the Responsible Authority, the Council retains the Responsible Authority status for the land. This will be discussed again later in this report.

Proposed development

On 27 November 2015 Council received notice of Application 201535560 which was submitted by Hantang Taifu Pty Ltd to the Minister for Planning, seeking approval for the ‘construction of a mixed use development comprising residential apartments, cafe and gym and removal of native vegetation' at land know as 42-58 Nelson Street Ringwood. The land comprises nine separate allotments, with a combined site area of 8,047sqm.

The proposal put forward for consideration is to demolish the existing dwellings on all lots (including the removal of all vegetation), to construct three residential buildings (Buildings A, B and C) that range between eight and ten storey in height.

The development will comprise a total of 264 dwellings including 255 apartments, 9 townhouses at the rear of the site fronting the creek, a café, gym, home office, a wellness centre as well as numerous communal areas. Sixteen of the one bedroom units are described by the applicant as affordable. The dwelling mix is:

· 62 x 1 bed apartments

· 184 x 2 bed apartments

· 18x 3 bed apartments

At the time of writing this report, this application is on public notice (advertising) with any submissions to be lodged with the Minister. The results of this public notices will form a later addendum to the report for Council information and consideration.

Issue / discussion

MAROONDAH CITY COUNCIL GROUNDS OF OBJECTION

Council has been provided with copies of the plans as well as supporting documentation pertaining to the proposed application. This information has been reviewed in the time available. When considered against the Maroondah Planning Scheme and relevant legislation, the assessment is that the proposal fails on a number of grounds. These grounds relate to:

1. Is the Minister for Planning the responsible authority for this application or should the application be determined by Council, as the Responsible Authority?

2. Description of the proposal on the public notices are incomplete, incorrect and misleading.

3. The proposal fails to appropriately respond to a number of state and local planning policies relating to achieving high quality design outcomes as well as the objectives of the Ringwood Activity Centre.

4 Insufficient on-site car parking

5. Inadequate tree retention, and poor provision of future on site landscaping opportunities given the relationship of the site to the Mullum Mullum Creek and the adjoining site of biological significance.

Who is the Responsible Authority?

Clause 61.01 of the Maroondah Planning Scheme sets out the arrangements, administration and enforcement of the planning scheme. In most instances, Maroondah City Council is the responsible authority for administering and enforcing the planning scheme, unless otherwise specified in the schedule to this clause. Clause 2.0 of the schedule to clause 61.01 states that the Minister for Planning is the responsible authority:

'for the use and development of land in the area known as the Nelson Street Project Area with the Ringwood Central Activities District as outlined in Figure 1 to this clause.'

The applicant has presumed that the ‘Nelson Street Project Area’ is the same area as land known as 42-58 Nelson Street Ringwood, however the provision does not contain a Figure 1 to illustrate the land to which the provision relates. There is no other reference in the Planning Scheme to the 'Nelson Street Project Area' to which reference might be had to clarify the land to which it refers. This raises the significant issue as to whether the Minister for Planning is the Responsible Authority, or whether Maroondah City Council is, at law, the relevant responsible authority for considering and determining the application. This has a significant bearing as to whether the application has followed the correct process and moreover whether the Minister has the ability to make a decision on this matter.

Council officers have raised this matter with the Department of Environment, Land, Water & Planning, which is reviewing why Figure 1 was not included in the provision, as well as the implications that this has for the Minister as Responsible Authority and whether this renders this provision of the scheme inoperable.

Until DEWLP provides a satisfactory response to this matter it is recommended that Councils formal position be that the application should be lodged with and decided by Council and not the Minister for Planning.

Description of the proposal on the public notice

The Minister for Planning has circulated notice of the application to affected properties, which includes properties within the northwest residential precinct of the Ringwood Activity Centre as well as Maroondah City Council. The public notice describes the proposal as:

‘Construction of a mixed use development comprising residential apartments, cafe and gym and removal of native vegetation’

It is Council’s view that this description is incorrect and misleading in terms of its explanation of the general nature of the proposal, and does not include relevant permit triggers that are not exempt from notice or review requirements.

In Council’s opinion, the general nature of the proposal has not been clearly explained in a manner that would inform the community of the proposal and seek their views on it. Whilst it is acknowledged that the description does not need to identify every aspect of the proposal, Council's standard practice is to include important information in the notice about the height of the building (metres or storeys), number of dwellings, car parking provision and the like. Furthermore the notice fails to identify any third party exemptions which apply (ie the Design and Development Overlay).

The description of the proposal has also omitted three permit triggers that are not exempt from either notice or review rights pursuant to their respective provisions:

1. A reference to a reduction of the car parking requirement pursuant to Clause 52.06 (Car Parking) has not been included. It is evident from the traffic report prepared for the applicant by Traffix Group (June 2015) and Council’s review of the proposal that a reduction of parking would be required. This is important for Council and the community to consider in light of potential local parking and traffic impacts that may occur.

2. The description includes a reference to the ‘removal of native vegetation’ which relates to the permit trigger under Clause 52.17 (Native Vegetation). However the notice should also have referred to ‘removal of vegetation’ which is a trigger of the Significant Landscape Overlay 4 and applies to the removal of all vegetation listed in the schedule, not just native vegetation.

3. The proposal includes a gym, cafe and wellness centre as part of the application. From the documentation provided, it does not indicate whether these uses are ancillary. If they are not ancillary then the uses would require a permit, and are not exempt from the notice or review rights under the zone. Alternatively if the uses are intended to be ancillary, this should have been specified in the description.

Council has also reviewed the Public Notices used by the applicant and note they too are unsatisfactory, and have been prepared based on the old Form 4.2 in the Planning Regulations rather than the correct Form 2. The effect of this is that the new Form 2 contains information pertaining to objector rights and disclosure of their objections that has not been included in the notices.

The absence of crucial detail in the notice to the community has resulted in a defective process. Those properties/persons notified on the application may have been misled as to the nature of the proposal, but also relevant permit triggers and their rights to notice or to seek review of the application.

Design and Built Form

Relevant sections of the state and local planning policy framework, zone and overlays have been reviewed to consider how the proposed development responds to those provisions. Officers have also considered whether the proposal can be suitably integrated into the surrounding context and provide an outcome that appropriately meets the expectations of future development in the Ringwood Metropolitan Activity Centre, as well as providing for housing that contains a high level of internal and external amenity.

From a policy context, the land's location within the Ringwood Activity Centre gives support for increased density, with multi-level multi-occupancy development (ie apartment buildings). State and local policies seek to encourage increased densities within urban consolidation, achieve good design outcomes and provide for affordable housing. The proposal is consistent with these objectives in terms of providing increased housing within an existing urban area, serviced by infrastructure and well located to retail, commercial and public transport services. The land also abuts a sensitive and important local creek, a site of biological significance, and walking trail to its rear and has easy access to EastLink which provides connections to inner Melbourne. By virtue of the size of the land, increased density is considered appropriate provided it is well designed and consistent with policy direction for future development. Whilst an increased density is supported on this site, it should not be to the extent proposed nor should it override the contextual and planning scheme imperatives identified in the Maroondah Planning Scheme.

The proposal has failed to achieve a high quality urban design outcome, or a response that is consistent with the future direction of built form for the Ringwood Activity Centre.

In particular:

· the Ringwood Activity Centre policy at Clause 22.06 applies to all land in the ‘Activity Centre’, the ‘Western Gateway Precinct’ or in a ‘Residential Development Area’ as shown on the Ringwood Activity Centre locality plan that forms part of this policy. This policy supports the Design and Development Overlay Schedule 3 at Clause 43.02 of the scheme, in matters relating to site consolidation, building height, neighbourhood character, setbacks, landscaping and access (vehicle and pedestrian). The proposal fails to meet this policy due to the unanticipated height of a building at up to ten storeys, where the expected height of buildings would be in the vicinity of five storeys. Additionally, the front setback treatment does not provide for a visual transition from the street, given the three storey podium and the low level landscaping proposed by the plans.

· the resulting height and scale of development at ten storeys stretched across the width of nine allotments would be alien to its setting. The separation between the three buildings at a consistent height of nine and ten storeys will present as a continuous mass rising above the predominant tree canopy in a manner that fails to complement the area or reasonably acknowledge or reference the clear five storey height controls specified in the local planning policy framework and the Design and Development Overlay.

· there is no clear strategic justification for a ten storey building in this location where the relevant planning controls anticipates a five storey height. The lack of strategic justification for this departure from the Planning Scheme provisions in this case is further compounded given that Council recently reviewed the planning scheme framework for this residential area in 2013, and the newly refreshed planning controls for this area were noted as being rigorous and sound receiving independent support from Panels Victoria and the Department representing the Minister for Planning.

· the internal layout of the dwellings are compromised for future occupants in terms of usability. The dwelling mix of 1, 2 and 3 bedroom dwellings is designed to be at least 50sqm in area. Notwithstanding the size of the dwellings, the internal arrangement of bedrooms and living rooms leave much to be desired. Many are awkward in shape due to the angled wall locations, door/window openings and room dimension. Together with the narrow widths of living areas these dwellings do not provide a reasonable living space or space for placement of furniture. In some instances, the width of the living rooms is less than 3m wide, and it also appears to be slightly less for some of the affordable housing apartments (which are also south facing).

· battleaxe window formations for some of the second bedrooms would not offer an acceptable level of internal amenity for future residents. This layout applies to the majority of apartments throughout the development and is often built over by the floor above it.

· views of Mullum Mullum Creek from the surrounding areas are likely to be obstructed given the spacing between the built form does not enable passive surveillance of the creek environs.

· the side setbacks of Building C to the east has not been appropriately managed to protect its interface with the low scale residential buildings (multi dwellings) that abut it. The building setbacks range between 2.7m for the first few levels then to 10.17m, which, when combined with a height of nearly 10 storeys, would be dominating and not provide a suitable transition. This transition is particularly critical given that it would, if not ameliorated, result in an abrupt shift to the five storey height expected for future properties adjoining the site and opposite within this precinct.

· the townhouse development at the northeast section of the site provides a good transition to the northern boundary (Mullum Mullum Creek), however these townhouses are setback 2.4m from the northern boundary at the closest point. The remaining setbacks of Building A and B from this boundary are between 4m and 14m, which at a height of nine storeys would have an unexpected overbearing visual impact from the public domain given the location and context. This is critical given these setbacks could not accommodate suitable replacement upper canopy trees planting to assist in replacing the many canopy trees lost and growing to a height exceeding 30 metres to soften the building and transition to the creek.

· the location of the largest and tallest of the buildings at the far end of the site has failed to recognise that this part of the site is the most environmentally sensitive and will result in a development that dominates the adjoining public park and also a rare site of biological significance in Ringwood. The development should have substantially transitioned down in height and scale at this point.

· pedestrian movement through the site could be confusing and way-finding signage should not be relied upon, particularly for Building B where the entry is located to the side of the building and not easily identifiable.

· an element of affordable housing integrated into this development is certainly encouraged. The affordability of these dwellings is based on the sale of these one bedroom apartments at a price below the median price for Ringwood. However, there is no apparent justification as to why all these dwellings are limited to one bedroom (where affordable housing options are required across a range of household sizes). More importantly, it is unclear how the long term management and continued provision of the affordable housing will be maintained (ie will they still be affordable when the apartments are on sold).

Car Parking and Traffic

There appears to be discrepancies between the plans and supporting reports with respect to the number of car spaces and bicycle spaces provided for the development. Based on the written documentation, a dispensation of 54 car spaces appears to be sought from the car parking rates otherwise required pursuant to Clause 52.06 (Car Parking) of the Maroondah Planning Scheme.

Some 298 car spaces have been provided to cater for the 264 dwellings, food and drink premises (café), home offices and gymnasium. In essence, the development is short 27 visitor car spaces as it provides only 26 visitor spaces, it has 8 fewer spaces than the planning scheme requirement for the commercial uses and 19 fewer spaces for residential uses than required by the planning scheme.

The number of on-site car parking spaces is unacceptable and it is not agreed that the development should be able to minimise the on-site provision (and therefore its construction costs) and unacceptably seek to capitalise on and monopolise available public on street car parking in the surrounding area. It is clear that the existing on street spaces will in time also be required to be shared with other uses and developments encouraged by the planning policy framework in this area.

It is also crucial to recognise that this is not a typically well located site in the activity centre where the train stations, buses, shops and amenities are within a few hundred metres. The closest convenience shop is 500 metres or a 1 kilometre round trip. The train station is well over 1 kilometre away. The majority of nearby bus routes are also infrequent.

As such, the site is not so easily accessed by visitors using public transport and the majority of visitors will drive and as such all visitor parking will be required on site. The site only has moderate ease of access to facilities and amenities, and greater resident parking should also be provided.

Vegetation and the Environment

This proposal seeks to remove 63 trees and retain one on site. Insufficient regard has been had to retention and replanting of trees on the site. There are several significant trees on and adjoining the site and there are a number of dead Eucalypts which have relevance to the habitat corridor function of the creek as well as importance to Clause 52.17 Native Vegetation.

There are a number of significant trees on the site that are suitable for retention under the Significant Landscape Overlay 4 (including Tree 4 (Messmate), Tree 52 (Maple), Tree 16 (Swamp Gum Eucalyptus ovata), Tree 17 (Swamp Gum), Tree 52 (Chinese Sweetgum), Tree 60 (Kurrajong) and Tree 64 (Chinese Sweetgum). Trees 16 and 17 have significance given their indigenous origin, ecosystem function and importance to the creek corridor.

With consideration to Clause 52.17 (Native Vegetation) there is other native vegetation which must be considered. This includes several Sweet Bursarias (Bursaria spinosa) observed on site and within close proximity to the creek. The indigenous remnant vegetation that requires consideration under Clause 52.17 includes a number of dead Eucalyptus trees on site which would provide habitat value.

There is no data supporting any fauna investigation of this site. Of these dead Eucalyptus species trees numbered 18, 35 and 44 are worthy of retention for habitat (through habitat pruning). The preservation of their structural root zone would be compromised by the continuous nature of the proposed basement. Multiple basement design and preservation of strategic sections of the soil profile would allow opportunity to preserve such habitat trees. In this regard the application does not specifically respond to Clause 12.01 Environment and Landscape Values, especially as the continuous nature of the basement and development has significant cumulative impacts denying the opportunity to both avoid and minimise impacts upon biodiversity as a result of the total removal of indigenous trees (both alive and dead trees). Also the development conflicts with Clause 52.17 Native Vegetation objectives and specifically where the native vegetation has a role in: "Protecting...waterway and riparian ecosystems, particularly within 30 metres ...".

The Waterways Protection Policy at Clause 22.01 requires consideration for a 20m vegetative buffer along waterways, which has not been provided for in this proposal. The proposal also requires consideration of waterway treatment and water sensitive urban design elements.

The Mullum Mullum Creek corridor is rated as ‘high value’ in the Habitat Corridor Study (Context 2005). The integration of landscaping to compliment this habitat corridor would be best undertaken through a landscape buffer at the interface with the creek. With the townhouse development proposed at a minimum 2.4m from the northern boundary, a meaningful landscape buffer cannot be provided.

The landscape plans show the use of canopy trees throughout the site however it has not been adequately demonstrated how the landscaping can remain viable in the long term. Planter boxes are expected particularly given the majority of the site is covered by basement, and it is questionable how the dedicated garden beds can accommodate a canopy tree that could grow to a reasonable height to provide some softening of the buildings

ADVICE ON APPLICATION

Should the Minister for Planning be confirmed as the responsible authority for this application and on the basis of its understanding that the notice and review rights are exempt for this application under the Design and Development Overlay (Schedule 3), Maroondah City Council provides the following analysis of the way in which the proposal responds to the overlay, to understand the likely impacts of this development and how support for this proposal would undermine the strategic direction for development in this Metropolitan Activity Centre as anticipated by the Council and community.

· The purpose of the overlay is to implement the design controls for future development within the Ringwood Activity Centre. The proposal fails to meet the objectives, design criteria and decision guidelines over this overlay and, in particular the following issues have been identified in the way the proposal fails to response to the overlay: Section 4.0 Scale – which seeks development that facilitates incremental increases of building height and scale from the lower reaches of the Mullum Mullum Creek up toward the Town Centre precinct and which discourages abrupt shifts in scale. Notwithstanding this imperative, the proposal fails to provide the kinds of transitions that are contemplated and fails to avoid abrupt shifts in scale.

· Table 2 to Schedule 3 of the North West Residential Precinct identifies the site in ‘Area J’, where five storey development is anticipated for lots over 3000sqm. The policy has not anticipated development sites greater than this, and if considering whether a ten storey building would provide a suitable transition to the heights anticipated in the adjoining precincts, the proposal would clearly fail.

· The proposal fails to achieve an outcome that will positively contribute to local urban character and enhance the overall public realm, whilst minimising detrimental impact on neighbouring properties and public spaces.

· The proposal does not demonstrate excellence in architectural and building design.

Approval of a building at this height and scale would set a precedent for applications that are a significant departure from the heights expected in the overlay, particularly in circumstances where there is no reasonable strategic justification provided in the application for such a significant departure from the planning control. In such circumstances, the intent of the overlay would be undermined for any future development. No strategic justification has been provided to vary the heights in the overlay.

Financial / economic issues

Not Applicable

Environmental / amenity issues

Discussed above.

Social / community issues

Discussed above.

Community consultation

At the time of writing this report this application is currently on public notice (advertising) at the direction of the Minister for Planning. The results of this public notices will form a later addendum to the report for Council information and consideration

Conclusion

The proposed application for a mixed use development for three residential buildings at a height that significantly exceeds the heights anticipated by the Planning Scheme and would not be an appropriate design response for the site and context within the Ringwood Metropolitan Activity Centre. The application has not adequately justified its departure from the height and built form outcome anticipated for the area. The shortcomings in the building design result in a continuous mass across the site, do not provide an adequate level of amenity for future residents and provides setbacks from boundaries that do not respect its adjoining interface or provide for reasonable landscaping.

Attachments

Not Applicable

CONFIDENTIALITY

Not Applicable

RECOMMENDATION

THAT COUNCIL WRITES TO THE MINISTER FOR PLANNING:

1. PROVIDING A COPY OF THIS REPORT AS MAROONDAH CITY COUNCIL’S ADVICE ON THE APPLICATION AND THE SITE HISTORY

2. REQUESTING A MEETING TO PRESENT COUNCIL’S ADVICE ON THIS MATTER

3. FORMALLY OBJECTING TO THE PLANNING APPLICATION 201535560 ON THE FOLLOWING GROUNDS:

i. The application is misconceived and invalid as the applicable Schedule to Clause 61.01 is inoperable, containing no plan or figure of the “Nelson Street Project area” in the activity centre. As such the application must be lodged with and determined by the Maroondah City Council and not the Minister for Planning.

ii. The form and content of the public notice fails to comply with the application notice requirements of the Planning & Environment Act 1987 and Regulations. In particular the description of the proposal provides inadequate meaningful information about the proposal and moreover the required notice form including the description of the proposal to be used was incomplete, incorrect and misleading.

iii. The proposal is an overdevelopment that fails to respond appropriately to its context nor appropriately respond to a number of state and local planning policies and planning scheme requirements relating to achieving high quality design and built form outcomes in the Ringwood Metropolitan Activity Centre.

iv. Insufficient on-site car parking is provided for visitors and residents. It is contrary to proper and orderly planning for the development to seek minimise the on-site car parking provision (and therefore substantially minimise construction costs) by unreasonably seeking to capitalise on currently available public on street car parking in the surrounding area at the expense of future uses and developments.

v. The development has resulted in an inadequate level of tree retention, provides for poor provision of future on site landscaping opportunities to replace trees lost and complement its relationship to the Mullum Mullum Creek and the adjoining site of biological significance.

City Offices	Braeside Avenue, Ringwood, 3134
Postal	PO Box 156, Ringwood 3134 DX 38068, Ringwood
Telephone	1300 88 22 33
Facsimile Email Web Service Centres	Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS): 131 450 National Relay Service (NRS): 133 677 (03) 9298 4345 maroondah@maroondah.vic.gov.au www.maroondah.vic.gov.au Croydon: Civic Square Ringwood: 1 Civic Place, Ringwood

Matters Discussed:		## Confidential Item

1	Creating a Respectful Culture
2	Councillor Intranet Program Briefing
3	Councillor Diary Management Briefing
4	Plan Melbourne Update
5	Housing Strategy Update
6	Items of a General Nature as Raised by Councillors

DIRECTOR Corporate Services – Marianne Di Giallonardo

Attendance Reports	Item 1

DIRECTOR Corporate Services – Marianne Di Giallonardo

Reports of Assembly of Councillors	Item 2

1.⇩	2015 November 23 - Assembly of Councillors - Public Record
2.⇩	2015 November 30 - Assembly of Councillors - Public Record
3.⇩	2015 December 07 - Assembly of Councillors - Public Record

Assembly Details:

Date: Monday 23 November 2015	Time: 6.00pm	Location: Meeting Room 4, Braeside Avenue, Ringwood

Attendees:

Councillors
Cr Natalie Thomas	Cr Mary-Anne Lowe	Cr Rob Steane
Cr Christina Gleeson	Cr Liam Fitzgerald	Cr Les Willmott, JP
Cr Tony Dib, JP

Council Officers:
Steve Kozlowski	Chief Executive Officer
Marianne Di Giallonardo	Director Corporate Services
Phil Turner	Director Planning & Community
Trevor Welsh	Director Operations, Infrastructure & Leisure
Tim Cocks	Manager Leisure
Stephen Onans	Team Leader Governance

Others:
Rob Gebert	Arts Consultancy & Creative Projects Item 2
Virigina Ross	Williams Ross Architects Item 2
Adam Todorov	Manager Assets Item 2
Amity Patten	Manager Karralyka Centre Item 2
Tim Cocks	Manager Leisure Item 2

Apologies:
Councillors:	Crs Nora Lamont & Samantha Marks
Council Officers:

Conflict of Interest Disclosure:
Councillors:	Nil
Council Officers:	Nil

Matters Discussed:		## Confidential Item

1	Council Meeting Agenda
2	Karralyka Update (Stage 2)
3	2016 Council Meeting Calendar
4	Councillor Representation on Statutory Committees
5	Items of a General Nature as Raised by Councillors

Assembly Details:

Date: Monday 30 November 2015	Time: 6:00pm	Location: Meeting Room 4, Braeside Avenue, Ringwood

Attendees:

Councillors
Cr Tony Dib, JP	Cr Nora Lamont	Cr Liam Fitzgerald (Arrived during Item 3)
Cr Natalie Thomas	Cr Mary-Anne Lowe	Cr Rob Steane

Council Officers:
Steve Kozlowski	Chief Executive Officer
Phil Turner	Director Planning & Community
Dianne Vrahnas	Manager Human Resources Item 1
Sherryn Dunshea	Manager Communicatons & Marketing Items 2 & 3
Gradimir Konstantinovic	Manager Information Technology Item 3
Robert Sampson	IT Infrastructure Officer Item 3
Grant Meyer	Manager Integrated Planning Items 4 & 5
Dale Bristow	Team Leader Strategic Planning & Sustainability Items 4 & 5
Luci Johnston	Senior Strategic Planner Items 4 & 5

Apologies:
Councillors:	Crs. Samantha Marks, Les Willmott & Christina Gleeson
Council Officers:	Marianne Di Giallonardo

Conflict of Interest Disclosure:
Councillors:	Nil
Council Officers:	Nil

DIRECTOR Corporate Services – Marianne Di Giallonardo

Councillor Representation Reports	Item 3

1.⇩	Minutes - Maroondah Disability Advisory Committee Meeting (MDAC) - 12 November 2015
2.⇩	Minutes - Maroondah Environment Advisory Committee Meeting(MEAC) - 24 November 2015