Agenda of Ordinary Council Meeting


Director Corporate Services – Marianne Di Giallonardo
2019 General Property Valuation Analysis	Item 4

Purpose

The purpose of this report is to advise the outcome of the 2019 General Property Revaluation.

Strategic / policy issues

The following directions contained in Maroondah 2040: Our Future Together and the Council Plan 2017-2021 (Year 3: 2019-2020) provide the strategic framework that underpins the purpose of this report.

Outcome Area: A well governed and empowered community

Our Vision: Maroondah is 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 provides strong and responsive leadership; ensures transparency, while working with the community to advocate for and ‘champion’ local needs.

Key Directions 2019 – 2020:

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

8.3 Provide community inspired leadership in democratic governance

Background

From 1 July 2019, the Valuer General of Victoria is the responsible authority for conducting property valuations for rating and taxing purposes in the State of Victoria. Once completed and certified the valuations are provided to Council to enable the levying of municipal rates and State Government Fire Levy Charges within the municipal district.

Issue / discussion

The following analysis of the 2019 General Property Revaluation has been prepared.

Overall Capital Improved Valuation Movements

Council’s Capital Improved rating base has decreased from $38,393 billion (based on all assessments currently rated and valued as at January 2019) to $35,638 billion. This represents an overall decrease of $2.755 billion or approximately -7.2%. Hence, there has been a significant decrease in values across all property types within Maroondah other than Industrial which has increased since the last revaluation.

Valuation fluctuations have no bearing on the total rate revenue collected by Council. Council determines the amount to be raised by rates as part of its budget considerations. Property valuations merely determine the amount each property is required to pay to generate the total amount determined by Council.

Capital Improved Valuation Movements by Property Type

Analysis of the movement in Capital Improved Value has been separated into five major property types – residential, commercial/retail, industrial, vacant land, and those on the cultural and recreational rate.

The following table depicts the movement in total Capital improved Valuations between January 2018 and January 2019:

Table 1: Movement in Total Capital Improved Valuations by Property/Rate Types

Property Type	Number of Assessments	Total 2018 CIV	Total 2019 CIV	Increase	%
Residential	45,746	$33,497,700,000	$31,042,985,000	-$2,454,715,000	-7.3%
Commercial	2,204	$3,102,207,095	$2,778,958,000	-$323,249,095	-10.4%
Industrial	1,987	$1,550,171,500	$1,589,425,000	$39,253,500	2.5%
Vacant Land	239	$228,885,000	$214,225,000	-$14,660,000	-6.4%
Cult/Rec	3	$14,990,000	$13,220,000	-$1,770,000	-11.8%
Total	50,179	$38,393,953,595	$35,638,813,000	-$2,755,140,595	-7.2%

“Total 2018 CIV” is the total value of current rateable properties as at June 2018, based on the level of value at 1 January 2018.

By comparison the neighbouring Councils experienced the following shifts in valuations between 2018 and 2019:

Yarra Ranges	1.7%
Manningham	-12.1%
Whitehorse	-8.4%
Knox	-8.3%

Shift in the Rating Base

Measuring the shift in the rating base involves weighting each of the property types to determine the relative movement. The following redistributive effects have been derived in this manner.

Table 2: Effective Movement in Rating Liability (all other factors equal)


Property Type	Number of Assessments	Total 2018 CIV	Total 2019 CIV	Redistribution Effect (%)
Residential	45,746	$33,497,700,000	$31,042,985,000	-0.1%
Commercial	2,204	$3,102,207,095	$2,778,958,000	-0.3%
Industrial	1,987	$1,550,171,500	$1,589,425,000	0.4%
Vacant Land	239	$228,885,000	$214,225,000	0.0%
Total	50,176	$38,378,963,595	$35,625,593,000

*Total CIV excludes properties assessed on cultural-recreation rates

The implication of this table is that, if all other factors stayed the same (i.e. there was no rate in the dollar change), the portion of the total rates residential ratepayers would change by

-0.1%, Commercial properties by -0.3%, industrial properties by +0.4%.

The re-distribution effect on the rating burden is a natural outcome of the general revaluation and is the intended consequence of a property valuation-based taxation system.

Shift in the Rating Base by Suburbs

As indicated above, the aggregated total can tend to hide movements between different geographic areas. The following table reveals the extent of movements in total capital improved valuations for each suburb:

Table 3: Total Capital Improved Valuation Movements by Suburb

Suburb	Number of Assessments	Total 2018 CIV	Total 2019 CIV	Increase	%
Bayswater North	4,583	$3,118,973,500	$2,962,881,000	-$156,092,500	-5.0%
Croydon	12,978	$8,620,869,000	$7,969,729,000	-$651,140,000	-7.6%
Croydon Hills	1,699	$1,385,120,000	$1,314,666,000	-$70,454,000	-5.1%
Croydon North	3,110	$2,324,946,095	$2,222,227,000	-$102,719,095	-4.4%
Croydon South	2,061	$1,505,060,000	$1,490,249,000	-$14,811,000	-1.0%
Heathmont	3,927	$3,217,930,000	$2,920,975,000	-$296,955,000	-9.2%
Kilsyth	868	$570,605,000	$533,947,000	-$36,658,000	-6.4%
Kilsyth South	1,198	$966,542,500	$904,412,000	-$62,130,500	-6.4%
Park Orchards	20	$35,235,000	$32,360,000	-$2,875,000	-8.2%
Ringwood	9,671	$8,206,850,500	$7,543,501,000	-$663,349,500	-8.1%
Ringwood East	4,557	$3,512,865,000	$3,150,145,000	-$362,720,000	-10.3%
Ringwood North	3,596	$3,240,430,000	$2,988,369,000	-$252,061,000	-7.8%
Vermont	160	$129,705,000	$122,250,000	-$7,455,000	-5.7%
Warranwood	1,646	$1,466,177,000	$1,394,613,000	-$71,564,000	-4.9%
Wonga Park	105	$92,645,000	$88,489,000	-$4,156,000	-4.5%
Total	50,179	$38,393,953,595	$35,638,813,000	-$2,755,140,595	-7.2%

Capital Improved Valuation Movement by Suburb for each Property Type

A further breakdown of the aggregate totals is provided in the following tables, which identify the movements in value for each property type in each suburb:

Table 4: Residential

Suburb	Number of Assessments	Total 2018 CIV	Total 2019 CIV	Increase	%
Bayswater North	3,631	$2,225,905,000	$2,053,490,000	-$172,415,000	-7.7%
Croydon	12,163	$8,012,970,000	$7,373,895,000	-$639,075,000	-8.0%
Croydon Hills	1,694	$1,382,920,000	$1,312,600,000	-$70,320,000	-5.1%
Croydon North	3,027	$2,268,390,000	$2,166,095,000	-$102,295,000	-4.5%
Croydon South	1,862	$1,293,430,000	$1,268,355,000	-$25,075,000	-1.9%
Heathmont	3,803	$3,120,245,000	$2,826,360,000	-$293,885,000	-9.4%
Kilsyth	763	$469,095,000	$429,300,000	-$39,795,000	-8.5%
Kilsyth South	957	$758,830,000	$695,490,000	-$63,340,000	-8.3%
Park Orchards	20	$35,235,000	$32,360,000	-$2,875,000	-8.2%
Ringwood	8,074	$5,738,870,000	$5,378,430,000	-$360,440,000	-6.3%
Ringwood East	4,388	$3,376,980,000	$3,016,600,000	-$360,380,000	-10.7%
Ringwood North	3,497	$3,147,050,000	$2,904,740,000	-$242,310,000	-7.7%
Vermont	158	$128,510,000	$121,230,000	-$7,280,000	-5.7%
Warranwood	1,605	$1,446,640,000	$1,375,565,000	-$71,075,000	-4.9%
Wonga Park	104	$92,630,000	$88,475,000	-$4,155,000	-4.5%
Total	45,746	$33,497,700,000	$31,042,985,000	-$2,454,715,000	-7.3%

There has been an overall valuation decrease of 7.3% in the residential sector – which comprises residential house, units, rental flats and residential allotments with unit development potential.

The graph below shows the movement in median sale prices for both residential dwellings and units since the start of 2017, demonstrating both residential dwellings and units have tapered since 2017 levels.

Median Sale Price Movement

Table 5: Commercial & Retail

Suburb	Number of Assessments	Total 2018 CIV	Total 2019 CIV	Increase	%
Bayswater North	118	$219,806,000	$218,045,000	-$1,761,000	-0.8%
Croydon	513	$443,329,000	$432,399,000	-$10,930,000	-2.5%
Croydon North	48	$39,666,095	$40,185,000	$518,905	1.3%
Croydon South	57	$26,650,000	$29,170,000	$2,520,000	9.5%
Heathmont	110	$80,390,000	$78,735,000	-$1,655,000	-2.1%
Kilsyth	15	$11,405,000	$11,710,000	$305,000	2.7%
Kilsyth South	61	$59,775,000	$59,980,000	$205,000	0.3%
Ringwood	1,043	$2,010,046,000	$1,706,754,000	-$303,292,000	-15.1%
Ringwood East	151	$124,525,000	$123,350,000	-$1,175,000	-0.9%
Ringwood North	71	$77,545,000	$69,450,000	-$8,095,000	-10.4%
Vermont	1	$935,000	$755,000	-$180,000	-19.3%
Warranwood	16	$8,135,000	$8,425,000	$290,000	3.6%
Total	2,204	$3,102,207,095	$2,778,958,000	-$323,249,095	-10.4%

Commercial and Retail have a wide range of movement from increases in Croydon South (9.5%) to decreases in Vermont (-19.3%) albeit a single property.

Table 6: Industrial

Suburb	Number of Assessments	Total 2018 CIV	Total 2019 CIV	Increase	%
Bayswater North	794	$628,942,500	$647,836,000	$18,893,500	3.0%
Croydon	241	$116,600,000	$120,420,000	$3,820,000	3.3%
Croydon South	131	$171,005,000	$178,884,000	$7,879,000	4.6%
Kilsyth	88	$88,920,000	$92,012,000	$3,092,000	3.5%
Kilsyth South	174	$135,302,500	$137,657,000	$2,354,500	1.7%
Ringwood	519	$401,054,500	$404,302,000	$3,247,500	0.8%
Other Suburbs	40	$8,347,000	$8,314,000	-$33,000	-0.4%
Total	1,987	$1,550,171,500	$1,589,425,000	$39,253,500	2.5%

Industrial, on the other hand ranges from increases in Croydon South (4.6%) to minor decreases in the other suburbs

Table 7: Vacant Land

Suburb	Number of Assessments	Total 2018 CIV	Total 2019 CIV	Increase	%
Bayswater North	39	$43,105,000	$42,465,000	-$640,000	-1.5%
Croydon	61	$47,970,000	$43,015,000	-$4,955,000	-10.3%
Croydon Hills	3	$2,160,000	$2,030,000	-$130,000	-6.0%
Croydon North	23	$13,500,000	$12,570,000	-$930,000	-6.9%
Croydon South	11	$13,975,000	$13,840,000	-$135,000	-1.0%
Heathmont	10	$12,665,000	$11,675,000	-$990,000	-7.8%
Kilsyth	2	$1,185,000	$925,000	-$260,000	-21.9%
Kilsyth South	5	$3,265,000	$3,060,000	-$205,000	-6.3%
Ringwood	35	$56,880,000	$54,015,000	-$2,865,000	-5.0%
Ringwood East	12	$10,300,000	$9,130,000	-$1,170,000	-11.4%
Ringwood North	18	$12,470,000	$10,865,000	-$1,605,000	-12.9%
Vermont	1	$260,000	$265,000	$5,000	1.9%
Warranwood	19	$11,150,000	$10,370,000	-$780,000	-7.0%
Total	239	$228,885,000	$214,225,000	-$14,660,000	-6.4%

Similarly, Vacant Land range from increases in Vermont (1.9%) to decreases in Kilsyth (21.9%).

Table 8: Cultural/Recreational Rate

Suburb	Number of Assessments	Total 2018 CIV	Total 2019 CIV	Increase	%
Bayswater North Tennis Club	1	$1,215,000	$1,045,000	-$170,000	-14.0%
Heathmont Bowls Club	1	$4,405,000	$3,950,000	-$455,000	-10.3%
Eastwood Golf Course	1	$9,370,000	$8,225,000	-$1,145,000	-12.2%
Total	3	$14,990,000	$13,220,000	-$1,770,000	-11.8%

All Cultural Recreational properties have decreased.

Financial / economic issues

Council has been operating under the State Government introduced “Fair Go Rates System” since 1 July 2016.

The rate cap limits the total amount a council can increase its rates each year based on the amount it levied in the previous year.

The rate cap applies to the council’s total rate revenue and not individual properties. In many cases, individual rates bill may increase or decrease by more (or less) than the capped amount. This may happen because:

· The value of the property has increased or decreased in relation to the value of other properties within the council

· Other charges and levies that are not subject to the cap, such as waste charges have risen. The capped increases apply to the general rates and municipal charges only. This council does not have a municipal charge.

· The amount of rates levied on various types of properties may be subject to the application of differential rates.

The property general valuation will impact on the distribution of rating liability across the municipality. However, movements in individual property values do not translate directly into corresponding shifts in rating liability. As Council adjusts the Rate in the Dollar after a revaluation to achieve a given sum of total rate revenue.

The nexus between the Rate in the Dollar and the rate liability is thus broken each time a General Revaluation occurs.

Hence, the impact on individual, rate payments will only be determined once a new rating structure has been settled.

Environmental / amenity issues

Not applicable

Social / community issues

Not applicable

Community consultation

Consultation has occurred, through Council’s budgeting processes, in the application of the new valuations in the context of determining the total revenue to be raised.

Conclusion

The 2019 General valuation was been completed by the Valuer General of Victoria in accordance with relevant legislation and Council has used those valuations for rating purposes, given these are now undertaken on an annual basis in line with State Government directions will more accurately reflect current market movements.

Attachments

Not Applicable

CONFIDENTIALITY

Not Applicable

RECOMMENDATION

That COUNCIL NOTES THE REPORT OF THE 2019 GENERAL VALUATION ANALYSIS

Director Corporate Services – Marianne Di Giallonardo

Local Government Women's Charter 21 - Annual Update	Item 5

Purpose

To provide an update on Maroondah City Council’s participation in the Victorian Local Government Australia (VLGA) Women’s Charter; and to acknowledge activities that have taken place in Maroondah over the past twelve months which support the Charter principles.

Strategic / policy issues

The following directions contained in Maroondah 2040: Our Future Together and the Council Plan 2017-2021 (Year 3: 2019-2020) provide the strategic framework that underpins the purpose of this report.

Outcome Area: A well governed and empowered community

Our Vision: Maroondah is 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 provides strong and responsive leadership, ensures transparency, while working with the community to advocate for and ‘champion’ local needs

Key Directions 2019 – 2020:

The organisation has a significant amount of activity relating to increasing female participation across all its operations.

1.6 Actively promote health and wellbeing principles and initiatives within the community

2.15 Facilitate and encourage the provision of world class life-long learning opportunities in Maroondah, from early learning through to adult and tertiary levels

2.20 Encourage life-long learning opportunities that support mature age and retired people to participate in the workforce, learn new skills and build community connections

2.23 Facilitate connections between education providers, businesses and the broader community to support employment pathways, intergenerational connections and knowledge transfer

7.1 Ensure accessibility and social inclusion principles are considered in the planning, delivery and evaluation of facilities and services

7.4 Support community members to age in place, live in accessible neighbourhoods and remain socially connected

7.8 Supports all ages and population groups to be valued, connected and empowered within their local community through the provision and coordination of accessible services, programming and facilities

7.9 Promote the value, expertise and contribution of mature aged workers and encourage intergenerational mentoring and skill transfer

7.10 Promote and create opportunities for community connectedness, learning, mentoring and social interactions for people from all life-stages and cultural background

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

8.3 Provide community inspired leadership in democratic governance

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

Priority Action 2019-2020:

· Work with partners of Together for Equality and Respect (TFER): A Strategy to Prevent Violence Against Women in Melbourne’s East to prevent violence against women in Maroondah, including participation in the “16 days of activism” campaign.

· Investigate and implement additional female changing facilities at local sporting venues

Background

The Local Government Women’s Charter recognises the need for increased women’s participation in Local Government and promotes the principles of:

· gender equity: advocating the equal right of women and men to be local government representatives;

· diversity of representation: encouraging the inclusion of different experiences and perspectives in local government and community decision making;

· recognising and supporting the active citizenship of women: increasing the numbers and participation of women in decision making so that our community demographics are more accurately reflected in local government.

Council at its meeting in August 2010 endorsed the Victorian Local Government Women’s Charter and, at the time, nominated both Councillors Lamont and Thomas as Charter Champions along with the Director Corporate Services. Council undertook a range of activities in the lead up to the 2012 Council elections to attract greater interest in civic affairs and increase participation in the number of female candidates for the 2012 elections.

In 2018, the VLGA received funding from the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Community Primary Prevention Partnerships program to work with Councils to reactivate the Charter in their local government area, with a 12 month project entitled “WomensCharter21”. In November 2018, Council appointed Councillors Damante, Graham, Lamont, Mazzuchelli and Spears as Women’s Charter Champions in conjunction with the Director Corporate Services and provided a report on activities over the previous 12 months that supported the Charter principles.

Issue / discussion

The Local Government Women’s Charter is in its 22^nd year of existence and is adopted by 72 out of 79 Victorian Councils.

Since endorsing the VLGA Women’s Charter in August 2010, Council has undertaken a range of programs and projects to support the three key principles: gender equity; diversity; and active citizenship. A list of activities over the past 12 months is provided below:

Gender Equity

· Over the past financial year, Council has continued to implement its Gender Equity Policy that was adopted in May 2018. The Policy contains commitments around building leadership and internal capacity; creating organisational cultural change around inclusion; applying a gender lens to Council activities, documents and social media and ensuring equitable employment opportunities for employees along with flexible work options. These commitments were embedded in the latest Maroondah City Council Enterprise Bargaining Agreement 2018-2021 approved by the Fair Work Commission on 26 April 2019.

· Council is one of 30+ partners participating in Together for Equality and Respect, the regional plan for preventing violence against women project. This includes regular attendance at Community of Practice forums; looking at practice in sporting clubs, gender equity in culturally and linguistically diverse communities and women in leadership. A new Regional Action Plan for the 2017-2021 period was launched during 2018/19.

· For the past five years, Council has participated in ‘16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence’. Held annually during November, the 2019 campaign has involved the placement of seven billboards in strategic locations around the municipality with three key messages: “Maroondah says NO to Violence Against Women”; “Maroondah says NO to Family Violence”; and “Maroondah says NO to Violence”.

· The Victorian Government provided an extension to funding of Council’s MABELS (Mothers And Babies Engaging and Living Safely) program. This program continues to support families experiencing family violence.

· Council secured $48,000 in funding from the Department of Health and Human Services Gender Equity in Victorian Sport and Recreation Pilot Program to work with tenant clubs of Jubilee Park Pavilion in Ringwood on a primary prevention project to establish and refine a framework that will test draft design principles for ensuring an inclusive and equitable process when designing sporting infrastructure. As the project progresses these clubs will have input into things such as female-friendly facility design, usage arrangements and training.

· Council worked with neighbouring municipality and other TFER partners to deliver a “Equality is the Game Forum” for sporting clubs in November 2018. Attended by 80 club and community representatives. Workshops were held on club leadership, club culture and membership/engagement. Approximately 80 club and community members joined together to learn and discuss practical ways sport and recreation clubs can create inclusive and safe places for women and girls.

· The Maroondah Liquor Accord implemented the ‘Ask for Angela’ international safety campaign in May 2019 to promote safety in licensed venues. Through this program, if a patron feels unsafe at a licensed venue, they can discretely ask the employee for ‘Angela’. This simple code word alerts venue employees that the person requires assistance. The employees can then follow their own procedures to help the person appropriately and respectfully. Ask for Angela originated in Lincolnshire County Council in the UK in 2016 and has since been adopted by licensed venues across the United Kingdom, United States, Canada and Australia. Discussions and permissions were sought from the UK. Training was delivered to venue operators in May 2019 by Victoria Police, Eastern Domestic Violence Service (EDVOS) and Eastern Centre Against Sexual Assault (ECASA).

Diversity of Representation

Council holds a gender balance at the Councillor level. The 2016 Maroondah election saw 13 women run for Council, resulting in 4 women elected to a 9 seat Council. With the countback in July 2018, Council once again has a majority 5 women in elected positions which is the second time this has occurred at Maroondah (previously the 2012-2016 Council term).

Recognising and Supporting the Active Citizenship of Women

· Council’s 2015 Physical Activity strategy highlighted the need to help improve the physical activity of females within Maroondah. In response to this, Council has developed the Equally Active Policy, which articulates Council’s commitment to advancing gender equity in sport and recreation. It also details initiatives to change the physical, social, and attitudinal environments that support women and girls to be active. The Policy is supported by the Equally Active Strategy which outlines priority actions for the next two years. These actions will address the needs of specific cohorts which have low participation in physical activity. These cohorts are women and girls from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) backgrounds, women with caring responsibilities and young women. Additionally, a fourth outcome area outlines actions Council will undertake to support clubs and associations to increase opportunities for women and girls and advance gender equity both on and off the field of play.

· Council has continued to work in partnership with neighbouring Councils, to refine and promote an assessment tool to support sporting clubs to assess current operations and develop a Gender Equity Action Plan to create a more inclusive environment.

· Council has been leading a State Government funded initiative with the tenant clubs of RO Spencer Pavilion at Jubilee Park. The project was to work with internal stakeholders and tenant clubs to develop an inclusive and equitable governance model for the inclusive redesign of the pavilion. Concurrent to this process, the clubs have undertaken a series of facilitated workshops to create a reference group to represent the diverse needs of their members and to create a safe space to explore gender equity issues, club culture and opportunities for change.

· Council has completed, or is currently undertaking, a number of capital works projects to increase or modify existing change room facilities and sporting pavilions to meet the needs of women and girls. New facilities include the new $16.5 million Maroondah Nets multipurpose stadium and netball complex; the commencement of construction of HE Parker Reserve sporting pavilion; Quambee Reserve pavilion; and Silcock Reserve pavilion. Detailed planning has been undertaken for female friendly facilities at Jubilee Park, Ainslie Park, Eastfield Park, Griff Hunt Reserve, Proclamation Park, JW Manson Reserve and Cheong Park.

· Maroondah Golf is encouraging greater female participation in the game, and has conducted a number of ladies golf clinics along with an agreement in the new Golf Coaching Licence that a minimum of 1 ladies clinic per month are to be held.

· As part of International Women’s Day in March 2019, Council held its annual breakfast event, supporting the theme Balance for Better. Guest speaker Meredith Gaston spoke on the importance of health and wellbeing. Council also hosted its annual Women on the Go business event at Sage. The event was an opportunity for 70 local women to showcase their businesses and provided an opportunity for the businesses to network and build important contacts.

Financial / economic issues

Advocacy and Council programs identified in this report are contained within the current budget.

Environmental / amenity issues

Not Applicable

Social / community issues

This report recognises the positive work undertaken across the municipality by Council and its many partners in ensuring women in Maroondah are able to develop to their full potential and participate equally across all aspects of family, community and business life.

Community consultation

Maroondah 2040 and the Maroondah Health and Wellbeing Plan provided extensive community consultation surrounding female friendly opportunities and was recently adopted by Council.

Conclusion

The WomensCharter21 continues to provide and support opportunities for Council to encourage greater participation of women to enhance diversity and representation for Local Government and the community.

Attachments

Not Applicable

CONFIDENTIALITY

Not Applicable

RECOMMENDATION

That Council notes the OVERVIEW of actions in support of the three women’s charter key principles of gender equity, diversity and active citizenship THAT COUNCIL HAS UNDERTAKEN OVR THE PAST 12 MONTH PERIOD


Director Corporate Services – Marianne Di Giallonardo
Eastern Regional Libraries Corporation July 2019 - September 2019 Report on Provision of Library Services	Item 7

Purpose

To outline the activity of this service for this period, given the significant partnership and service to Maroondah residents, ratepayers and visitors.

Strategic / policy issues

The Council Plan 2017-2021 provides the strategic framework that underpins the purpose of this report which has been developed from the Maroondah 2040 Our Future Together Community Consultation process.

Outcome Areas:

A safe, healthy and active community

A prosperous and learning community

A vibrant and culturally rich community

A clean, green sustainable community

An accessible and connected community

An attractive, thriving and well-built community

An inclusive and diverse community

A well governed and empowered community

Our Vision: Maroondah will be a vibrant and diverse city with a healthy and active community, living in green and leafy neighbourhoods which are connected to thriving and accessible activity centres contributing to a prosperous economy within a safe, inclusive and sustainable environment.

Key Directions 2017-2021:

1.3 Promote and facilitate safer cultures relating to issues of alcohol, drugs, tobacco, gambling, child abuse and family violence.

1.5 Facilitate the provision of affordable, accessible and responsive services, resources and initiatives that support the physical and mental health and wellbeing of the community.

1.6 Actively promote health and wellbeing principles and initiatives within the community.

2.15 Facilitate and encourage the provision of world-class life-long learning opportunities in Maroondah, from early learning through to adult and tertiary levels.

2.17 Facilitate and encourage places, spaces and programming that provide for a third place of community connection beyond home and work.

3.5 Support and celebrate the unique cultures of emerging communities in Maroondah.

Background

Maroondah City Council's library services are provided by the Eastern Regional Libraries Corporation (ERLC). As part of a Regional Library Agreement, ERLC provides library services also to Knox City and Yarra Ranges Councils. The estimated population of its Member Councils (approximately 438,874) makes ERLC the largest public library service in Victoria.

Based on the results of the annual survey of Victorian Public Libraries 2018/19 (of which there are 47) ERLC is number 1 based on:

· Library Visits – 1,984,489

· Turnover Rate (Physical Items) - each item in our collection goes out an average of 9.6 times per year. The average for Victoria is 5.4.

· Loans — 3,659,790 - when you add together the number of loans of physical items (3,062,323) with the number of eLoans of Items (597,467)

The independent biennial Syndicate Survey for 2019 shows that 78% (77% P/S) of users rate ERLC's service as between 8 and 10 (where 10 is very satisfied).

This rating is in line with Council’s Local Government Survey which shows an Index Score of 84 out of 100 for art centres and libraries.

The overall rating was 8.65 (8.5 P/S) out of 10 for the key areas of courtesy, helpfulness, knowledge, reference and information services, up on the 8.5 of the previous survey.

From the results of the annual survey of Victorian Public Libraries, these results were achieved where for ERLC the:

· cost library service per capita is $30.74 (7th lowest in the State) compared to the State average of $44.62;

· cost library service per visit is $6.77 (4th lowest in the Sate) compared to the State average of $9.62; and

· number of Equivalent Full Time (EFT) staff is 0.21 compared to the State average of 0.31.

Issue / discussion

Overall Maroondah library services are experiencing considerable growth. The major reason for this growth is the opening of the new Realm Library in October 2015.

During the temporary relocation of the Ringwood Library to Warrandyte Road, Ringwood Library lost its position at the highest ranked library branch in the Region for almost every service area. Since the opening of Realm, it has resumed its No 1 position in most service areas. Croydon library which gained some 'business' from the relocated library has maintained its very strong position in relation to the Region. Only Knox Library, which is based in a major Westfield Shopping Centre, comes between either Realm and Croydon being the No 1 or 2 library branch for the Region in almost all service areas.

Overall the region has been unexpectedly quiet for the first quarter of 2019/20. Based on discussions with other library services this is not unique to Eastern Regional and Maroondah libraries.

Based on ERLC 2019/20 statistics, Realm and Croydon rank as follows.

Memberships: Realm is ranked No 1 - 46,451, and Croydon No 3 – 28,421

Maroondah memberships have increased by 3.1% compared to 2018/19.

	2019/20	2018/19
Croydon	28,421	27,783
Realm	46,451	44,906
eLibrary	14,049	13,571
Maroondah Total	88,921	86,260

Visits: Realm (No 1) and Croydon (No 3) with visits having decreased by -11.4% compared to the first quarter of 2018/19. The decrease can be attributed to a combination of the increase in eLoans (see Members above and Loans below) and new more accurate ‘cloud-based’ door counters. The number of visits for the entire region was down in the first quarter.

	2019/20	2018/19
Croydon	61,424	68,462
Realm	134,466	152,535
Maroondah Total	195,890	220,997

Loans: Croydon is ranked No 1 – 138,078 and Realm No 3 – 102,171

Loans overall have decreased 1% as compared to the first quarter of 2018/19. However, eLoans have continued to grow by 4,854 or 10.5%.

	2019/20	2018/19
Croydon	138,078	138,763
Realm	102,171	109,193
eLibrary	50,796	45,942
Maroondah Total	291,045	293,898

Public Enquiries: Croydon is ranked No 2 – 9,616 and Realm No 3 – 9,069.

Enquiries overall have decreased by 3.1% compared to the first quarter of 2018/19. This is a reflection of the drop in the number of visits in the first quarter.

	2019/20	2018/19
Croydon	9,616	8,661
Realm	9,069	10,637
Admin	23	27
Maroondah Total	18,708	19,325

Public PCs Sessions: Realm is ranked No 1 — 18,344 and Croydon No 3 — 10,428

Overall PC sessions are up by 67.5% compared to to the first quarter of 2018/19. This would indicate that visits are continuing for PC sessions, but dropping off for borrowing and WiFi sessions (see below).

	2019/20	2018/19
Croydon	10,428	6,355
Realm	18,344	10,814
Admin
Maroondah Total	28,772	17,169

WiFi Sessions: Realm ranks 1 (33,152) and Croydon (8,185) ranks No 4 in the region after Rowville and Knox. Overall sessions are down by 13.6% compared to the first quarter of 2018/19. This is in line with visits having decreased by -11.4% compared to the first quarter of 2018/19.

	2019/20	2018/19
Croydon	8,185	9,106
Realm	33,152	42,789
Admin
Maroondah Total	41,337	51,895

Marketing & Promotions

At ERLC we continue to increase our marketing reach through print and digital formats. Engagement and sharing through Facebook and Instagram continue to grow and the monthly e-newsletter is generating more clicks through to events, online resources and our catalogue.

Facebook

Our two most engaged post were:

Book Week Storytimes
Reach 3.9k Engagement 509

Work at your library

Reach 3.4k Engagement 846

Instagram

Lynley Dodd Exhibition

Reach 340 Likes 35

Lego Masters

Reach 431 Likes 36

eNewsletter
Our eNewsletter continues to be a great marketing tool reaching approximately 95,000 library members and ensures that our events have the best possible opportunity of booking out.

	June 2019	September 2019
Total Recipients	95,201	94,606
Total Opens	17,700	14,755
Total Clicks	3,296	2,177

What’s On – Spring Edition
Our biggest ever What’s On events guide (80 pages – previously 57) was enthusiastically received by our members with 9,000 copies printed (up from 7,000). The feedback from the community has been overwhelmingly positive.

Branch Screens
Our screens are now even more dynamic and eye-catching with the ability to feature video backgrounds and animations. Anecdotally, members are spending more time watching the screens because of the vibrant content now available.

PROGRAMS & EVENTS

Maroondah libraries have proved to be very popular for adult, children's and youth programs and events. Over 2,695 adults have attended 363 events and 9,133 children/parents have attended 190 various activities to date this year. Just some of these programs and events include:

Storytimes

Storytime is popular at Realm and Croydon Library. Weekly Storytimes sessions are as follows:

		Croydon*	Realm**
Tinytots	0 – 12 months	1	1
Toddlers**	1 – 3 years	1	1
Preschoolers	3 – 5 years	1	1
Family	1 - 5 years		1
Family Saturday	1 - 5 years	1	1

* Croydon’s Toddler’s storytime is also presented through Auslan once a month.

** ** Storytimes are so popular at Realm that a booking system has had to be introduced.

Chinese Language Storytime

At the start of Term 3 2018, a Chinese language storytime was introduced at Realm. The storytime is delivered by two experienced storytellers through their company ‘A Little Chinese Adventure’.

The response was fantastic with over 30 families turning up to each session. The audience is predominantly Chinese parents and grandparents with their children. However, some non-Chinese families are bringing their children to experience storytime in another language.

The program was been so successful these storytimes have been continued in 2019. The first Chinese Storytime Sessions of the year at Realm recommenced on 1 February and will run fortnightly thereafter.

Reading is My Superpower - Book Week 2019

Guest storytellers helped us celebrate Book Week. Our visitors had to wrangle kids’ questions, tricky nursery rhymes, complicated dance routines and the art of reading and smiling at the same time. Thankfully, The Hon James Merlino at Belgrave, Major Glenn at Mooroolbark, The Hon. Nick Wakeling at Ferntree Gully, Constables David and Kate at Rowville and Fireman Rob at Croydon were all up to the challenge.

Rainbow Family Storytimes - Realm

Our Rainbow Family storytimes were presented by guest storytellers – performance poet Jax Jacki Brown and cabaret and comedy performer Dolly Diamond. The children loved the selection of books which reflected the reader’s interests – disability for Jax, dressing up for Dolly. Some families came specifically for these storytimes, others were the regular attendees. Both Jax and Dolly were ably assisted by Youth Services Librarian Sarah.

AUTHOR TALKS & ADULT EVENTS 2019/20

John Marsden – Croydon

Well-known children’s author John Marsden spoke about his new book for adults ‘The Art of Growing Up’ to a full house at Croydon.

John brought many of his own books to sell, but a number of audience members brought their dog-eared and well-thumbed copies of ‘Tomorrow When the War Began’ to be signed. They also wanted to share John’s part in their reading journey the signing queue was rather slow-moving.

John spoke passionately and eloquently about education, the role school can play in children’s lives both positively and negatively, and of course, the importance of libraries!

John was the winner of the 2018 Dromkeen medal for services to children’s literature and our own Sue Wootton was the 2018 winner of the Dromkeen medal for children’s librarianship. Sue has used her award to promote the importance of men reading to children, and as part of the program, asked John to present to our community.

We were very proud to have the two 2018 Dromkeen medallists together.

Writing the Rainbow – Realm

During the final two weeks of September, we ran our first ever program aimed at the LGBTIQ+ community.

With a Pride grant secured from the Department of Premier and Cabinet, we put together a series of events designed to celebrate LGBTIQ+ writers and readers.

The headline speaker was Benjamin Law who edited the recently launched ‘Growing up Queer in Australia’. There were also panel discussions on the place of queer literature in Australian published history and the challenge of writing one’s own queer experience.

Feedback from the event has been overwhelmingly positive with many requests to repeat it next year and spread it further around the region.

TECHNOLOGY & INFRASTRUCTURE

Upgrading the Internet Infrastructure

Meeting the demand for the increased Internet bandwidth is critical to our service offering and with the availability of the new fibre technologies we have been able to upgrade our internet services as below with better ongoing costs and increased reliability. Croydon’s bandwidth had recently been increased from 100/100 MB to 1000/1000 MB.

Library Branch	Previous Connection	New Connection	Increase
Croydon	100/100 MB	1000/1000 MB	10 X

Amazon Web Services

All ERL web services will be migrated to the Amazon Web Services (AWS), improving the speed of information delivery and increased reliability thanks to the state-of-the-art hosting infrastructure. This will also deliver considerable cost savings compared to the current model.

Digital Literacy

As well as running STEAM sessions for children during the holidays and after school, the Digital Literacy Officers are busy presenting classes for adults. These are offered in all of the libraries and at various locations in the community.

COLLECTIONS 2019/20

Approximately 76% of our collection is under 5 years old. On average each item year to date has been borrowed 2.42 times.

JULY 2019 TO SEPTEMBER 2019	KNOX	MAROONDAH	YARRA RANGES	REGION

19. Library collection usage.

Numerator - Number of library collection item loans	302,975	240,739	240,219	783,933

Denominator - Number of library collection items	116,622	86,319	121,595	324,536

Loans per Item	2.59	2.78	1.97	2.42

20. Standard of library collection

Numerator - Number of library collection items purchased in the last 5 years	89,474	65,382	93,320	247,176

Denominator - Number of library collection items	116,622	86,319	121,595	324,536

% purchased in last 5 years	76.72%	75.74%	75.92%	76.16%

Digital Library Statistics Major Platforms - Year to Date

Based on the single metric of loans generated, our major digital platforms would make this area our busiest ‘branch’ for the year.

Platform		2019/20 YTD	2018/19
Overdrive	eItems borrowed	124,883	454,105
Borrowbox	eItems borrowed	14,385	50,409
Rbdigital - OneClick	eAudiobooks borrowed	1,244	4,556
Rbdigital - Zinio	eMagazines borrowed	16,035	66,411
		156,547	575,481

Industry Leading Recycling/Re-use Initiative

ERL is working with our main book supplier, James Bennett on an innovative industry first ‘Book Buy Back’ trial scheme aimed at re-utilising some of the books we dispose of due to age, condition, and lack of loans. ERL will receive some content credit to use towards new items with James Bennett and old items will have another life somewhere else.

ADULT PROGRAMS

Bookchats

Croydon and Realm host two and one ‘chats’ respectively every month.

Bookclub Program

ERLC’s Bookclub program provides sets of 10 books for Bookclubs to borrow. Both Croydon and Realm have 37 Bookclubs respectively.

Currently, ERLC has over 400 Bookclub sets. 50-70 new sets are added to the collection each year. Titles include classic and contemporary fiction, memoirs, biographies and general non-fiction. We welcome suggestions for titles from the Bookclubs as well as ERLC staff members.

The Bookclub fee for 2019 is $350 per Bookclub. This entitles the group to receive a Bookclub set, delivered to the branch of their choice, each month with a loan period of six weeks.

Social & Technology Events

Genie Exchanges

Sessions were held at Croydon to provide opportunities to meet fellow genealogists in the local area. Research stories were swapped, genealogists helped each other and in turn, were helped with their own research.

Ask our Experts Sessions

Croydon offers one hour appointments with ERLC specialised staff to receive help with:

· Family History searching

· Newspaper articles

· Library databases

· Research questions

Open Technology Q&A

Informal Q&A with ERLC’s technology team every second Wednesday.

Conversation Cafe

Every Friday at Realm there is an opportunity for our community members for whom English is their second language to meet over a cuppa.

Financial / economic issues

The Maroondah City Council contributes in the order of $2.5m for this service for services at Croydon and Realm per annum.

Environmental / amenity issues

Not Applicable.

Social / community issues

As outlined under the Strategic/Policy Issues heading above, the library service is a very significant universal service for all members of the community. Council seeks to ensure increases in productivity and efficiencies don't impact on the services but continue to enhance the Maroondah residents’ library experience.

Community consultation

Not Applicable.

Conclusion

Council's Library service provided by the Eastern Regional Library Service provides a highly valued universal service to the Maroondah Community at both Realm and Croydon sites as outlined. This highlights report of the first quarter of the 2019/20 year demonstrates high membership, visits, loans, public enquiries, public pc activities, Wi-Fi (albeit some decreases as compared to the first quarter of 2018/19), adult, children and youth program attendance and program events continue to be well received and attended by the Maroondah community. These figures are some of the highest for the region and demonstrates Council's continued investment in this service is reaping significant benefits and rewards for the community.

Attachments

Not Applicable

CONFIDENTIALITY

Not Applicable

RECOMMENDATION

That COUNCIL NOTES THE EASTERN REGIONAL LIBRARIES CORPORATION REPORT july 2019 - september 2019


Director Operations, Assets & Leisure – Adam Todorov
Wyreena Heritage Masterplan	Item 2

Purpose

To present the final Wyreena Heritage Masterplan and the landscape plan for Council’s endorsement.

Strategic / policy issues

The following directions contained in Maroondah 2040: Our Future Together and the Council Plan 2017-2021 (Year 3: 2019-2020) provide the strategic framework that underpins the purpose of this report.

Outcome Area: A clean, green and sustainable community

Our Vision: Maroondah will be a leafy green community with high levels of waste diversion and sustainable approaches to infrastructure development, urban design and management of natural resources. Our community is resilient and has the knowledge, capacity and resources to make sustainable lifestyle choices

Key Directions 2019 – 2020:

4.5 - Enhance Maroondah’s parklands, bushlands, gardens and open spaces

Background

Wyreena Reserve (Wyreena) is located at 13-23 Hull Road, Croydon, and is approximately 1.5 hectares (or 3.5 acres) in size. Wyreena is fully owned and managed by Council. The reserve is surrounded by Hull Road and three local streets; Alwyn Street, Beryl Street, and Worrall Street (which also serve as a buffer to the adjacent residential properties). The aerial image below depicts the site.

The Wyreena Community Arts Centre is set in a classic Chicago School, Prairie style building, with the tranquil setting providing an abundance of artistic, social and cultural interest points.

Wyreena has an interesting historical significance within the Maroondah community, with the main community centre being built in 1923 by the Catomore family, who had purchased the land in the previous year. In 1929, the Catomore family built the Silver Birches facility for their daughter, and in 1942, the community centre was purchased by Elsa Grise and was named “Wyreena.” In 1953 “Wyreena” was purchased by the Catholic church and named “Our Lady of Sacred Heart.”

In 1977, following the purchase of the “Wyreena” and Silver Birches facilities by developers, Croydon City Council and the Victorian State Government subsequently purchased the site for $360k to create a Community Arts Centre. In 1978, “Wyreena” officially opened as a Community Arts Centre, and in subsequent years:

· The Conservatory Café opened – 1998;

· Silver Birches was extensively renovated – 2000;

· “The A’spire” sculpture (located near Hull Road) was created – 2001;

· The radio studios and pottery rooms were constructed – 2002;

· The Silver Birches entrance and the toilet were renovated (with funding from Scope Vic) – 2006;

· The Community Arts Centre entrance and office were renovated to facilitate accessibility – 2007;

· The Conservatory Café and kitchen were renovated – 2008; and

· The Wyreena Playspace was constructed – 2016.

The Melways map attached highlights the location of Wyreena, relative to other significant items/places of interest.

Issue / discussion

Based on the age of the facilities and the age of some of the significant trees and vegetation within Wyreena and taking account of the unique cultural and heritage significance of the site, Council identified a need to develop a Masterplan to establish the future direction for enhancements and the ongoing management of the vegetation.

The Masterplan commenced in early 2017, and has been undertaken in stages, with assistance from Council’s lead consultant, InSynch Consultancy Group, with significant community consultation undertaken throughout.

Masterplan Stages

Prior to the commencement of the Masterplan, extensive investigatory work was undertaken to fully understand the site, and the challenges and opportunities associated, and this work included:

· Site level and feature survey and services detection;

· Condition assessment of the existing facilities and their components;

· Arborist assessment of the existing vegetation;

· Traffic and parking assessment; and the

· Development of a Cultural Heritage Management Plan

Initial community consultation was undertaken in early 2017, whilst the above investigatory work was being undertaken, with the intention of understanding the current and future needs of the community. 310 community responses were received from facility users, general community, program participants and user groups, via on site consultation, on site surveys, and face to face engagement at some Council events.

The feedback from the initial community consultation was subsequently reviewed, and with the outcomes of the investigatory work, was utilised to facilitate the preparation of a draft Wyreena Heritage Masterplan.

Community consultation on the draft Wyreena Heritage Masterplan was undertaken in March 2018, for a period of four (4) weeks, and included a resident information session, online, and face to face engagement at Wyreena. 27 submissions were received from users of the facilities, two (2) submissions were received from the general community, and approximately 20 residents attended the resident information session at Wyreena. All feedback received throughout this consultation phase was very positive, and there was significant community interest in the enhancement of the natural environment within Wyreena. The only concerns raised related to the adjacent roads, specifically traffic speeds and volumes, drainage, and pedestrian connectivity. Accordingly, a review of these specific aspects was undertaken, and targeted discussions occurred with the concerned residents in the subsequent months.

The feedback from the community consultation on the draft Wyreena Heritage Masterplan (Masterplan) was subsequently reviewed in mid 2018, and was utilised to undertake some refinements to the Masterplan and to develop a complementary landscape plan.

Following extensive review and discussion regarding the landscape plan, and further discussions with residents in relation to the adjacent roads, community consultation on the revised Masterplan and landscape plan was undertaken in May 2019, for a period of four (4) weeks. This included a resident information session, online, and face to face engagement at Wyreena, and in response, Council received 17 online responses, and nine (9) comments on social media. In addition, approximately 18 residents attended the information session to provide their feedback directly to Council Officers and to Wyreena Ward Councillors.

The feedback from the community consultation phase for the revised Masterplan and landscape plan was once again very positive, with some minor concerns expressed in relation to the footpath connectivity and accessibility to the site. This feedback was subsequently reviewed in mid 2019, and a final Masterplan and landscape plan was developed.

Final Masterplan and Landscape Plan Elements

The final Masterplan and landscape plans incorporate the following key elements, based on the feedback received throughout the community consultation phases:

· Community Facilities - Proposed redevelopment of the Wyreena Community Centre to facilitate accessibility and improved functionality, including:

- New lift at the rear of the facility to service the first floor;

- A reconstructed conservatory café, with outdoor deck area, improved kitchen and servery, improved functional spaces and a façade that complements the heritage significant façade of the Community Centre;

- Refurbishment of the ground floor toilets;

- Construction of a new accessible ramp at the rear of the facility; and

- Reconfiguration of the first-floor rooms to facilitate improved functionality

· Carpark and Footpaths - Proposed various improvements to the carpark, pathways and the adjacent roadways (details of which are subject to detailed design), including:

- Creation of a formal accessible parking area and drop off/delivery area at the front of the Community Centre;

- New access pathway through the site, connecting the northern portion of carpark with the Silver Birches facility;

- Pathway connections through to the existing footpaths in Alwyn Street and Beryl Street;

- Carpark and pathway lighting upgrade, that is sensitive to the tranquil Wyreena amenity, and takes account of the proximity of adjoining residents;

- Minor carpark extensions, and a formalisation and delineation of existing carparking, to facilitate improved parking and carpark functionality (resulting in a net increase of 6 delineated carparking spaces within the site);

- Creation of five (5) carparking spaces in Worrall Street; and

- Possible intersection/threshold improvements at the Worrall Street and Hull Road intersection and the Beryl Street and Worrall Street intersection, to mitigate traffic speeds and volumes, and to facilitate improved drainage and pedestrian connectivity (note that this is subject to further design work)

· Open Space - Proposed various open space improvements, including:

- Provision of irrigation throughout the site to enable the vegetation to be effectively managed during Summer;

- Additional planting of approx. 30 canopy trees;

- Creation of new garden beds incorporating extensive additional planting (specific numbers are subject to further design work) that is complementary to the facilities and the activities that are undertaken in Wyreena;

- Removal of weed species throughout the site, over time, and the replacement with more suitable plant species;

- Proposed construction of a new rotunda at the rear of the Community Centre;

- Provision of picnic tables within the northern portion of the site;

- Public Art Trail within the northern portion of the site;

- New ornamental fencing along the Hull Road frontage to improve the amenity and provide additional safety; and

- Feature ‘avenue trees’ and low height ornamental fencing in the Hull Road entrance to Wyreena;

Subject to the endorsement of the Masterplan and landscape plan, further design work would be undertaken to determine the specific costs associated with the various proposed works. Based on similar completed works however, Council has an appreciation of the likely magnitude of the costs associated with the works, and these works would be prioritised and allocated funding from existing future capital works budgets over the forthcoming years. It is anticipated that some of the open space works and carpark and accessibility works could be undertaken in the short term (i.e. 1-2 years), and some of the facility works could be undertaken in the short to medium term (i.e. 2-5 years).

Financial / economic issues

The improvement works that are proposed within the Masterplan and the landscape plan would be funded from existing annual capital works program budgets, in future years (as stated above), including from the following specific program budgets:

· Community Facilities Improvement program;

· Open Space Improvement program;

· Open Space Pathway Improvement program;

· Art in Public Places;

· Carpark Improvement program; and the

· Local Area Traffic Management program

Environmental / amenity issues

The Masterplan and landscape plan are focused on facilitating significant improvements to the natural environment within Wyreena, specifically through the additional trees and planting proposed.

Social / community issues

Not Applicable

Community consultation

Extensive community consultation has been undertaken throughout the various phases of the project, as outlined earlier in this report.

Conclusion

The Wyreena Heritage Masterplan and landscape plan proposes some significant improvements to the facilities and the open space areas, that will further promote, protect and enhance the heritage and cultural significance of the Wyreena site.

The Masterplan and the landscape plan incorporate feedback that has been received from extensive community consultation over the past couple of years, and identifies improvement work that can be funded from Council’s existing annual capital works program budgets in the short to medium term (i.e. up to 5 years).

Attachments

1.	Wyreena Melways Map
2.	Wyreena Master Plan
3.	Wyreena Landscape Plan

CONFIDENTIALITY

Not Applicable

RECOMMENDATION

That COUNCIL ENDORSES THE WYREENA HERITAGE MASTERPLAN AND LANDSCAPE PLAN, FOR IMPLEMENTATION IN STAGES OVER THE FORTHCOMING YEARS, BASED ON FURTHER DESIGN WORK, AND using funding from existing ANNUAL capital works program budgets


Director Strategy & Community – Phil Turner
Victorian Government Inquiry Into Homelessness - Council submission	Item 2

Purpose

To present and seek formal endorsement of Council’s submission to the Victorian Government Inquiry into Homelessness.

Strategic / policy issues

The following directions contained in Maroondah 2040: Our Future Together and the Council Plan 2017-2021 (Year 3: 2019-2020) provide the strategic framework that underpins the purpose of this report.

Outcome Area: An inclusive and diverse community

Our Vision: in 2040, Maroondah will be an inclusive community where social connections are strong across generations and diversity is embraced and celebrated

Key Directions 2019 – 2020:

Work in partnership to break cycles of poverty and socio-economic disadvantage, particularly within marginalised communities

Priority Action 2019-2020:

Not Applicable

Background

On 7 June 2019, the Victorian Government Legislative Council agreed that the Legal and Social Issues Committee inquire, consider and report, within twelve months on the state of homelessness in Victoria. The Inquiry is intended to put the spotlight on homelessness in Victoria and to identify ways in which the issue can best addressed.

The terms of reference for the Inquiry identify three key areas of focus:

1. Provide an independent analysis of the changing scale and nature of homelessness across Victoria

2. Investigate the many social, economic and policy factors that impact on homelessness; and

3. Identify policies and practices from all levels of government that have a bearing on delivering services to the homeless.

A submission has been prepared on behalf of Council. All submissions are due to be provided by 31 January 2020.

Issue / discussion

Historically, local government has had limited involvement in the area of homelessness but over time this has changed for many Councils. The increasing emphasis on effective social policy, social inclusion, health and wellbeing and best practice community engagement has seen a shift in emphasis along with the unique relationship that local government has with its local community compared to other levels of government.

Local government authorities are an initial point of contact for many individuals and organisations in the community. This includes people experiencing or at risk of homelessness along with homelessness and other support agencies. Councils play a key role in responding to enquiries including providing direct services and where required, providing initial assessment and referral functions. This variety of functions provide local government authorities with a unique opportunity to respond to homelessness needs in the community.

In recent years, Council has been aware of an increasing trend in the prevalence of homelessness in the municipality, particularly in primary homelessness or people sleeping rough. There has been a shift from people who historically may have slept rough in the Melbourne CBD to seeking shelter in the outer eastern suburbs. This may in part be due to the ability to sleep in secluded locations where they will not draw attention to themselves.

Maroondah City Council has a strong commitment to providing a range of responses to address homelessness and improving the health and wellbeing of people experiencing homelessness. Council has responded to the increased demand through the implementation of a broad range of strategic, operational and community partnership responses which have been outlined in the attached submission to the Inquiry.

Some of the initiatives highlighted in this submission include:

· Maroondah Protocol for Assisting People Sleeping Rough in Public Places;

· Maroondah Emergency Relief Network (MERN)

· Maroondah Partners in Community Health and Wellbeing

· Eastern Affordable Housing Alliance (EAHA)

· Winter Shelter Program

· Communities of Wellbeing Inc

· Council’s Community Grants Program

Financial / economic issues

Not Applicable

Environmental / amenity issues

Not Applicable

Social / community issues

As highlighted in Council’s Affordable and Social Housing Policy 2018, Maroondah has traditionally been a suburban area where people could afford to live. This situation is changing as access to affordable and social housing becomes more difficult.

At the 2016 ABS Census, nearly 4500 low income households (or 10%) of all households in Maroondah were experiencing housing stress with more than half of these defined as being in severe housing stress (paying more than 50% of their income to rent).

Consultation feedback for the Maroondah Affordable and Social Housing Policy 2016 indicated that low income households with children and young single people are finding it increasing difficult to access appropriate and affordable housing. This contributes to a range of issues including homelessness.

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics people experiencing homelessness are unevenly distributed through the Maroondah municipality. The 2016 Census found that Ringwood, Ringwood East and Croydon have the highest numbers of people experiencing homelessness.

As part of this submission to the Inquiry, Council makes three key recommendations:

1. The Victorian Government more actively promote the range of initiatives and key roles that local government authorities can play in responding to the needs of people experiencing homelessness.

2. The Victorian Government should provide resources and guidance to assist Councils in effectively responding to municipal homelessness issues.

3. The Victorian Government promotes the development of a Protocol Sleeping Rough in Public Places to local government authorities, including a better practice guide.

Community consultation

Not Applicable

Conclusion

Maroondah City Council has a strong commitment to providing a range of responses to address homelessness and improving the health and wellbeing of people experiencing homelessness. This Council submission notes the estimated scale of local homelessness, outlines some of the local initiatives aimed at responding to homelessness and presents a number of recommendations for the consideration of the Inquiry.

Attachments

1.	Council submission - Victorian Government Inquiry into Homelessness

CONFIDENTIALITY

Not Applicable

RECOMMENDATION

That COUNCIL FORMALLY ENDORSES THE SUBMISSION TO THE victorian government inquiry into homelessness


Director Strategy & Community – Phil Turner
Draft Arts and Cultural Development Strategy 2020 - 2025	Item 3

Purpose

To seek community feedback on the Draft Arts and Cultural Development Strategy 2020 - 2025

Strategic / policy issues

The following directions contained in Maroondah 2040: Our Future Together and the Council Plan 2017-2021 (Year 3: 2019-2020) provide the strategic framework that underpins the purpose of this report.

Outcome Area: A vibrant and culturally rich community

Our Vision: In 2040, Maroondah will be a creative cosmopolitan community recognised for its celebration and promotion of arts and culture. There will be a broad range of engaging entertainment options, diverse cultural activities and the creation and display of traditional and contemporary forms of art.

Key Directions 2019 – 2020:

3.1 Facilitate the establishment and consolidation of cosmopolitan food, dining and cultural precincts in key activity centres

3.2 Provide a diverse range of engaging entertainment spaces, events and activities

3.3 Support festivals and events that celebrate local arts, diversity and produce

3.4 Promote innovative, contemporary and socially engaged arts practice

3.5 Support and celebrate the unique cultures of emerging communities in Maroondah

3.6 Promote, celebrate and recognise our indigenous arts and culture

3.7 Encourage artistic expression and community participation in the arts

3.8 Promote opportunities and spaces for artists to create and display their work

3.9 Broker partnerships and relationships to better connect local artists and the broader community

3.10 Encourage a range of temporary and permanent public art that celebrates the unique characteristics of Maroondah including our history, cultural diversity, environment and future aspirations

3.11 Advocate for and value the contribution of the arts in supporting thriving neighbourhoods and vibrant activity centres

3.12 Encourage partnerships between community and businesses that support local artists

3.13 Utilise emerging technologies and online mediums to promote emerging and

established artists and arts practice

Priority Action 2019-2020:

Implement a new Arts and Cultural Development Strategy.

Background

Arts and cultural activity is increasingly important to the liveability of Maroondah. Since Council launched the first Arts and Cultural Development Strategy in 2014, there has been unprecedented growth in participation, attendance, profile and support for a wide range of high quality and engaging creative programs, spaces and facilities.

The Draft Arts and Cultural Development Strategy 2020-2025 builds on the achievements of the previous Arts and Cultural Development Strategy 2014 -2018 while also recognising new opportunities over the next five years. It is closely aligned with Maroondah 2040 and in particular the Outcome Area “A vibrant and culturally rich community”. The Draft Strategy has been developed through a twelve-month process of review, research and consultation. It represents a significant commitment by Council to lead, partner and support the arts and culture together with the community, cultural and business partners.

Issue / discussion

The Arts and Cultural Development Strategy 2020 - 2025 is for the benefit of everyone who lives, works or plays in Maroondah. It will be of particular interest for those who actively engage with and recognise the value of our city’s creative and cultural life and to the wide range of partners who will work with Council over the next five years - the many artists and groups, creative practitioners and industries, businesses and community organisations who share the vision for a vibrant and culturally rich Maroondah.

The draft Vision and Key Directions for the Strategy have been developed through consultation with diverse stakeholders and community members:

Vision

Maroondah is a vibrant and connected community recognised for its creativity and innovation, and for its celebration and promotion of arts and cultural excellence. Participation and engagement in contemporary and traditional forms of creative and cultural expression and the experience of the arts as a part of everyday life contributes to individual and community wellbeing, knowledge and quality of life.

Key Directions

A culturally active, engaged and connected community

Vibrant places and spaces

A city which is creative, flourishing, and values the arts.

The proposed public exhibition period for the Draft Strategy is from 13 January to 9 February 2020. The exhibition of the Draft Strategy will be widely promoted to the community and key stakeholders who will be encouraged to provide feedback to be considered for incorporation into the Strategy prior to its finalisation and adoption by Council in early 2020.

Financial / economic issues

The Draft Strategy is achievable within current resources.

Environmental / amenity issues

The Draft Strategy includes the integration of cultural considerations and arts approaches into environmental projects, and infrastructure including Council facilities and urban amenity.

Social / community issues

The Draft Strategy recognises the value of arts approaches to social and community issues, needs and aspirations.

Community consultation

The Draft Strategy incorporates the results of research and consultation undertaken over the past 12 months. This has been undertaken with advice and guidance from the Maroondah Arts Advisory Committee (MAAC) which comprises Councillor, community and industry representatives. The MAAC has provided significant input and advice in relation to:

· Reviewing the achievements of the previous strategy

· Identifying key focus areas for research and consultation

· Feedback and further advice at key stages of strategy development.

Broad community consultation was also undertaken during September, including an online survey and forum on Your Say Maroondah, a community workshop at Wyreena Community Arts Centre, and pop-up consultations in Ringwood, Heathmont and Croydon. Other Committees of Council were also invited to provide input.

Conclusion

The Draft Strategy is consistent with the vision and directions of Maroondah 2040 and builds on the achievements of the Arts and Cultural Development Strategy 2014 - 2018 while also identifying further needs and emerging opportunities within the Maroondah over the next five years.

The Draft Strategy has been developed with significant input and advice from the Maroondah Arts Advisory Committee and is informed by the results of research and community consultation. It sets out a Vision and Key Directions for arts and cultural development over the next five years.

The proposed period of public exhibition from 13 January to 9 February will be widely promoted and will provide an opportunity for community and other key stakeholders to further inform the Strategy prior to its finalisation and adoption by Council in early 2020.

Attachments

1.	DRAFT Arts and Cultural Development Strategy 2020 - 2025

CONFIDENTIALITY

Not Applicable

RECOMMENDATION

That Council approves the Draft Arts and Cultural Development Strategy 2020 - 2025 to be placed on Public Exhibition from 13 January to 9 February 2020

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 REALM: 179 Maroondah Hwy, Ringwood

Director Corporate Services – Marianne Di Giallonardo

Attendance Report	Item 1

Director Corporate Services – Marianne Di Giallonardo

Reports of Assembly of Councillors	Item 2

1.	2019 November 18 - Assembly of Councillors Public Record
2.	2019 December 02 - Assembly of Councillors Public Record

Director Corporate Services – Marianne Di Giallonardo

Councillor Representation Reports	Item 3

1.	Maroondah Community Safety Committee Minutes - 28 October 2019
2.	Maroondah Arts Advisory Committee Minutes - 7 November 2019
3.	Local Government Safe Cities Network Meeting Minutes - 14 November 2019
4.	Maroondah Environment Advisory Committee Minutes - 19 November 2019


Director Corporate Services – Marianne Di Giallonardo
Draft Council Meeting Policy 2019	Item 6

Director Operations, Assets & Leisure – Adam Todorov

Community Facilities Lease Agreement for Croydon Community Garden Inc.	Item 1


Director Strategy & Community – Phil Turner
Local Government Performance Reporting Framework - Service Indicator Progress Report - Quarter 1, 2019/20	Item 1