Agenda of Ordinary Council Meeting - Monday, 17 April 2023


acting director Chief Financial Officer – jim herron
Council Advisory Committees - Report on 2022 activities	Item 4

Purpose

The purpose of this report is to provide an update to Council on the activities of its advisory committees during the 2022 calendar year.

Strategic / policy issues

The following directions contained in Maroondah 2040: Our Future Together and the Council Plan 2021-2025 (Year 2: 2022-2023) 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 actively engaged in local decision making, led by an innovative community inspired Council that collaborates regionally and proactively champions local needs.

Key Directions 2021 – 2025:

8.1 Provide community inspired governance that is transparent, accessible, inclusive and accountable

8.4 Work in partnership to deliver innovative, accessible and evidence informed services that are people focused, proactive, integrated and responsive

8.9 Undertake inclusive engagement and consultation using accessible and tailored approaches to consider the needs and aspirations of people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds

8.12 Foster local and regional partnerships with individuals, community groups, businesses, service providers, agencies and all levels of government

Background

Council has a number of committees that provide advice and recommendations to Maroondah City Council on matters relating to the delivery of strategies, services and activities.

In 2022, there were seven Advisory Committees of Council who provided advice and input on priority issues and supported the work of Council in working towards the community vision outlined in Maroondah 2040: Our future together. The committees comprise:

· Maroondah Access, Inclusion and Equity Advisory Committee

· Maroondah Arts Advisory Committee

· Maroondah Business Advisory Committee

· Maroondah Community Health and Wellbeing Committee

· Maroondah Disability Advisory Committee

· Maroondah Environment Advisory Committee

· Maroondah Liveability, Safety and Amenity Committee

These seven committees collectively inform the policy agenda of Council, are linked to regional networks and provide authoritative advice on Council services and initiatives.

The committees consist of a mix of Councillors, relevant service providers, community groups, and community members. The chair of the Committee is a Councillor as appointed by Council. Council officers provide administrative support and technical advice.

Meetings are held three or four times a year and are conducted in accordance with Council’s meeting procedures. In 2022, some of the scheduled Advisory Committee meetings continued to be affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and associated public health restrictions. This resulted in several meetings being held online.

Issue / discussion

Maroondah Access, Inclusion and Equity Advisory Committee

The Maroondah Access, Inclusion and Equity Advisory Committee was established in 2020 to holistically consider the accessibility, social inclusion and equity needs of all population groups in the municipality.

The role of the Maroondah Access, Inclusion and Equity Advisory Committee is to provide advice to Council and inform service delivery, advocacy and partnerships on a range of social policy matters relating to community access, inclusion and equity. Areas of focus may include: emergency relief, homelessness, cultural and linguistic diverse communities, indigenous and reconciliation matters, LBGTIQ+ community, gender equity, hoarding and squalor, social inclusion, affordable housing and interfaith matters.

The Committee consists of up to 17 members. This comprises of a maximum of eight agency representatives from local community service agency partners, a maximum of four representatives from not-for-profit community groups or those with lived experience/or representing identified population groups, three Councillors and two Council Officers. The Committee chairperson for 2022 was Cr Suzy Stojanovic. The other delegated Council representatives during 2022 were Cr Marijke Graham and Cr Linda Hancock.

During 2022, the Maroondah Access, Inclusion and Equity Advisory Committee met four times to provide valuable input and perspectives on access, inclusion and equity considerations relating to a broad range of Council strategic work, COVID-19 relief and recovery initiatives, program development and delivery, and capital works projects as highlighted below:

Input on Council strategic work

During 2022, the Committee was consulted and provided input on the following Council strategies and plans:

· Health and Wellbeing Action Plan

· Gender Equality Action Plan

· Stadium Sports Strategy consultation

· Maroondah Children Youth and Families 2022 Consultation Program

Input on Council programs

Presentations on the following Council programs were provided with opportunities for Committee input:

· Regional Local Government Homelessness and Social Housing Charter

· Walk and Talk initiative

· Positive Ageing Elder Abuse initiatives

· Sons of the West Project

Agency presentations

The committee also received presentations from agency representatives relating to initiatives being undertaken:

· Eastern Volunteers - Volunteer Management Activity Eastern Metropolitan Region

· Orange Door Outer East

· Wellways - Pathways to Home Program

· Eastern Community Legal Service - Amplifying Community Voices in the East Project

· Communities of Wellbeing Inc - Certificate in Creating Wellbeing

Maroondah Arts Advisory Committee

The Maroondah Arts Advisory Committee was established in 2018 to provide advice and expertise to assist Council in realising the community’s vision for a creative and culturally vibrant Maroondah.

The role of the committee is to provide advice and support for the development of key strategic directions for arts and cultural development in Maroondah, advocate for arts in Maroondah, provide advice on key cultural policy and planning considerations and provide input on approvals such as public art commissions.

The committee consists of up to 10 members. This comprises of a maximum of seven local community and creative industry representatives, three Councillors and two Council Officers. The committee chairperson for 2022 was Cr Mike Symon. The other delegated Council representatives for 2022 were Cr Paul Macdonald and Cr Suzy Stojanovic.

During 2022, the committee met three times to inform Council’s vison for the arts in Maroondah as highlighted below:

Input on Council strategic work

During 2022, the Committee was consulted and provided input on the following Council strategies and plans:

· Maroondah City Council Public Art Policy

· COVID Recovery Plan implementation

Input on Council programs

Presentations on the following Council programs were provided with opportunities for Committee input:

· Maroondah Arts Collective

· R & M McGivern Art Prize

· Re-opening of Arts & Cultural Facilities and Programs

Input on Council projects

The Committee provided input on a range of key Council projects either being planned or already underway:

· Public Art Commissions - Melview Reserve and Maroondah Hwy Mural partnership

· Maroondah City Council Art Collection Acquisitions

Maroondah Business Advisory Committee

The Maroondah Business Advisory Committee (MBAC) was established in 2017 to provide a vehicle for the collaborative sharing of local business intelligence, sector specific opportunities and challenges to enhance the role of Council’s positive impact on local businesses.

The role of MBAC includes providing a formal link between business leaders and Council, provide an opportunity for creative ideas, contributions and solutions to local business issues, provide feedback and direction on local economy and challenges, act as sounding board for future Council funded proposals / projects.

The Committee consists of up to 19 members comprising three Councillors; five Council officers including Chief Executive Officer, Director People & Precincts, Manager Business & Precincts; President of the Maroondah Business Group; and eight Maroondah Business Leaders.

The Committee chairperson for 2022 was Cr Kylie Spears. The other delegated Council representatives during 2022 were Cr Rob Steane and Cr Tasa Damante.

The committee meets four times in a year.

Input on Council strategic work

During 2022, the Committee was consulted and provided input on the following Council strategies and plans:

· COVID Recovery Plan implementation

· Business Development Strategy

· Bayswater Business Precinct Transformation Strategy

Input on Council programs

Presentations on the following Council programs were provided with opportunities for Committee input:

· BizWeek

· Maroondah Business Excellence Awards

· Woman on the Go

· Shopping Centre Capital Works

· BizHub CRM

· Maroondah Economy

Input on Council projects

The committee provided input on a range of key Council projects either being planned or already underway:

· BBP Transformation

· COVID recovery

· Maroondah Business Excellence Awards

· BizWeek

· Mentoring and Networking

· BizHub Cowork

· Neighbourhood planning and activation

· Small Business Friendly Council

· BizHub Concierge

· Placemaking and outdoor activations

· Level Crossing Removal Projects

· Investment Attraction

Agency presentations

The Committee also received presentations from agency representatives relating to initiatives being undertaken:

· Member businesses provided presentations on their sectors

· Key partner - REMPLAN provided a detailed COVID19 economic impact and forecast

Maroondah Community Health and Wellbeing Advisory Committee

The Maroondah Community Health and Wellbeing Advisory Committee has been established for over 20 years to inform a broad range of community health and wellbeing matters within the municipality, along with supporting Council’s obligations under the Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008.

The role of the committee is to provide advice to Council and inform service delivery, advocacy and partnerships on a range of community health and wellbeing matters. Areas of focus may include: physical activity, healthy eating, obesity, gambling, mental health, emergency management and community recovery, impacts of climate change, and drugs and alcohol.

The committee consists of up to 17 members. This comprises of a maximum of eight agency representatives from local community service agency partners, a maximum of four representatives from not for profit community groups, three Councillors and two Council Officers. The committee chairperson for 2022 was Cr Tasa Damante. The other delegated Council representatives during 2022 were Cr Tony Dib and Cr Suzy Stojanovic.

During 2022, the committee met four times to inform Council’s social policy, community service delivery, and health and wellbeing partnership work as highlighted below:

Input on Council strategic work

During 2022, the Committee was consulted and provided input on the following Council strategies and plans:

· Maroondah Sustainability Strategy Consultation

· Bedford Road and McAdam Square Walkability Consultation

· Health and Wellbeing Plan 2021-2023 - Year One Implementation Report

· Health and Wellbeing Plan 2021-2023 - Consultation on emerging issues and input sought on implementation.

Input on Council programs

Presentations on the following Council programs were provided with opportunities for Committee input:

· Council Mental Health Initiatives

Input on Council projects

The committee provided input on a range of key Council projects either being planned or already underway:

· Maroondah COVID-19 Recovery Secondary Impact Assessment

· Greening the Greyfields

· Sons of the West project

Agency presentations

The committee also received presentations from agency representatives relating to initiatives being undertaken:

· Communities of Wellbeing Inc - Certificate in Creating Wellbeing

· EACH - Gambling Harm Awareness Week Presentation

· NEPHU - Introduction to the new North Eastern Public Health Unit

· NEPHU - Communities together COVIDSAFE Program

· Orange Door Croydon

· QIC Eastland - Eastland Community Partnership Projects

Maroondah Disability Advisory Committee

The Maroondah Disability Advisory Committee was established in 2010 to promote social inclusion and participation of people with a disability in the community.

The role of the committee is to provide advice to Council and inform service delivery, advocacy and partnerships on a range of matters relating to people with a disability, their carers and families. Areas of focus may include: disability policy, accessible and inclusive programs and services, community access and inclusion needs relating to the built environment, and strategies for effective Council engagement, consultation and collaboration.

The committee consists of up to 15 members. This comprises of a maximum of six positions for people with a disability, two positions for carers of people with a disability (including one carer of a child), a minimum of three service providers, three Councillors and at least one Council Officer. The committee chairperson for 2022 was Cr Kylie Spears. The other delegated Council representatives during 2022 were Cr Tony Dib and Cr Rob Steane.

During 2022, the committee met four times to provide valuable input and perspectives on behalf of people with a disability, their carers and families relating to a broad range of Council strategic work, initiatives, program development and delivery, and capital works projects as highlighted below:

Input on Council strategic work

During 2022, the Committee was consulted and provided input on the following Council strategies and plans:

· Disability Action Plan 2022-2024

· Celebration for International Day of People with Disability

· Consultation on Council’s Physical Activity Strategy

· Consultation on Children, Youth and Families Action plans

· Review of Jubilee Park Precinct

· Croydon and Ringwood East Level Crossing removal projects

· Woodland Park and Norwood Reserve draft enhancement plans

Input on Council programs

Presentations on the following Council programs were provided with opportunities for Committee input:

· General Local Law 11 Review

· Review of Disability Discrimination Act Program for 2021/22 and 2022/23

· Discussion on Emergency Planning in Maroondah

· Information shared on Council’s all abilities sports programs

Input on Council projects

The committee provided input on a range of key Council projects either being planned or already underway:

· Upgrade of Karralyka Theatre

· Review of Cheong Park Pavilion accessibility improvements

· Discussion on ‘Porn is Not The Norm’ project

Other opportunities

The committee were also provided with the opportunity to have input in a range of other activities during the year such as:

· Opportunity to apply to join the Victorian Disability Advisory Committee - March 2022

· Victorian Disability Awards nomination opportunities

· Opportunity to apply to join the governance board of the Victorian Collaborative Centre for Mental Health and Wellbeing

· Invitation to the ‘How to Thrive’ film preview

· Option to participate in the consultation for the Victorian Government’s Proposed Disability Inclusion Bill

· Invitation to Council’s volunteer recognition function

· Opportunity to participate in the PTV ‘Try Before You Ride’ event for 2022

Maroondah Environment Advisory Committee

The Maroondah Environment Advisory Committee (MEAC) has been holding meetings since 2014. Its purpose is to establish a collaborative partnership between Council and key community stakeholders so as to inform and advise Council on environmental sustainability issues. In particular the goals of the Committee are to:

1. To advance the environmental sustainability ‘Key Directions’ of Maroondah 2040.

2. To advise Council on the implementation and review of the Maroondah Sustainability Strategy and related strategies and actions.

3. To involve others in sustainability initiatives

The business of MEAC has a focus upon matters of a strategic interest. This is supplemented at the end of each meeting by providing opportunity for the community members to bring to the attention of Council any ideas, issues or concerns regarding environmental matters.

The formal meetings are held quarterly and community members also participate in out of cycle sessions to workshop draft strategies with Council officers.

In 2022, the committee consisted of 14 members. This comprises of three Councillors and 11 community representatives. The committee chairperson for 2022 was Cr Marijke Graham. The other delegated Council representatives during 2022 were Cr Paul Macdonald and Cr Suzy Stojanovic.

Input on Council strategic work

During 2022, the Committee was consulted and provided input on the following Council strategies and plans:

· Draft Sustainability Strategy

· Waste, Litter & Resource Recovery Strategy 2020 - 2030 and FOGO Update

Input on ongoing Council programs

Presentations on the following Council programs were provided with opportunities for Committee input:

· Improving biodiversity resilience to climate change in Maroondah

· Maroondah Business Excellence Awards

· The tree canopy cover of Maroondah

· Tree protection and removal permits on private property

Input on Council projects

The committee provided input on a range of key Council projects either being planned or already underway:

· Mullum Mullum Biolink Action Plan

· Stormwater Offset Scheme Feasibility Study

· Sustainability Strategy

In addition, at each meeting the committee receives a written report that provides a briefing on the projects and programs being undertaken across Council that are contributing to the focus areas of the Sustainability Strategy. These reports have advised the Committee on the following:

· Environmentally Sustainable Design Planning Scheme Amendment

· Learning for Sustainability Conference

· National Ride2 School Day

· Croydon South Place Activation Project

· Maroondah Vegetation Strategy 2020-2030

· City Nature Challenge 2022

· Eastern Alliance on Greenhouse Action (EAGA)

· Re-imagining Tarralla Creek

· Croydon Town Park Stormwater Harvesting

· Climate Change Risk and Adaptation Strategy Activities Report

· Carbon Neutral Strategy and Action Plan Activities Report

· Environmentally Sustainable Development targets for new development

· Bike Education program

· My Energy and Water Saver Kits

· Maroondah Heritage Action Plan, and

· The Great Southern Bioblitz 2022.

Maroondah Liveability, Safety and Amenity Advisory Committee

The Maroondah Liveability, Safety and Amenity Advisory Committee was reshaped and broadened in 2020 to inform a range of community safety issues, promote livable neighbourhoods across the municipality and enhance local amenity.

The role of the committee is to provide advice to Council and inform service delivery, advocacy and partnerships on a range of community livability, safety and amenity matters. Areas of focus may include community safety, local amenity and access to services, place based planning, community facilities and infrastructure, development of local neighbourhoods, precinct planning, management of anti-social behaviour, and the periodic review of local laws.

The committee consists of up to 17 members. This comprises of a maximum of eight agency representatives from local community service agency partners, a maximum of four representatives from not-for-profit community groups, three Councillors and two Council Officers. The committee chairperson for 2022 was Cr Rob Steane. The other delegated Council representatives during 2022 were Cr Tasa Damante and Cr Linda Hancock.

During 2022, the committee met four times to inform Council’s response to community safety issues, enhancement of local amenity and promotion of liveability as highlighted below:

Input on Council strategic work

During 2022, the Committee was consulted and provided input on the following Council strategies and plans:

· Playspace Planning - Inclusive Places in Open Spaces

· Woodland Park Enhancement Plan

· Local Law 11 Review

· Maroondah Extreme Sports Strategy 2022

· Draft Disability Action Plan 2022-2026

Input on Council programs

Presentations on the following Council programs were provided with opportunities for Committee input:

· Greening the Greyfields

· Healthy Street Assessments

Input on Council projects

The committee provided input on a range of key Council projects either being planned or already underway:

· Canopy vegetation investment along walk to school routes

· Level Crossing Removal Project

· Bicycle Strategy update

Agency presentations

The committee also received presentations from agency representatives relating to initiatives being undertaken:

· Department of Transport - New headquarters and licence testing premises in Ringwood

· Women’s Health East - Women’s Safety Walks

· Eastern Affordable Housing Alliance - Current projects

· Victoria Police - Neighbourhood Policing Framework and Perceptions of Crime

· Melbourne Water - Habitat corridor study along Mullum Mullum Creek

· Homelessness and affordable housing initiatives

Financial / economic issues

As noted under the Issue / Discussion section

Environmental / amenity issues

As noted under the Issue / Discussion section

Social / community issues

As noted under the Issue / Discussion section

Community consultation

Council is committed to engaging with the Maroondah community in a meaningful, accountable, responsive and equitable way. Our community and stakeholders play a vital role in shaping the City of Maroondah. Council’s seven advisory committees form a key role in how Council seeks to effectively engage with the Maroondah community. Committees comprise members from community service agencies, local businesses, community organisations, people with lived experience and local residents.

Conclusion

Over the past twelve months, Council’s Advisory Committees have provided invaluable information and advice to Council and the community on a range of strategic, service delivery, policy and capital works matters. The Committees have contributed to the Maroondah community being a more liveable, healthy, safe, prosperous, vibrant, accessible and inclusive place for people of all ages and abilities.

Attachments

Not Applicable

CONFIDENTIALITY

Not Applicable

RECOMMENDATION

That COUNCIL

1. ACKNOWLEDGE THE significant contributionS MADE BY COUNCIL’S ADVISORY COMMITTEES DURING THE 2022 CALENDAR YEAR

2. recognise the contributions made by all the external committee members during the 2022 calendar year


acting director Chief Financial Officer – jim herron
Road Discontinuance - Palmerston Road West Ringwood	Item 5

Purpose

For Council to consider whether the land shown as Lot 1 and Lot 2 on TP 965746, attached as Schedule 1 (Road) known as Palmerston Road West Ringwood, being part of the land contained in the certificate of title volume 10474 folio 742 and Crown Grant 49849/1858, should be discontinued pursuant to the Local Government Act 1989 (Vic) (Act) and retained by Council.

Strategic / policy issues

The following directions contained in Maroondah 2040: Our Future Together and the Council Plan 2021-2025 (Year 2: 2022-2023) provide the strategic framework that underpins the purpose of this report.

Outcome Area: A well governed and empowered community

Key Directions 2021 – 2025:

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

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

Priority Action 2022-2023:

Not Applicable

Background

The Road comprises part of Palmerston Road West, and forms part of the land contained in:

· Crown Grant 49849/1858, part of Crown Portion 3, Parish of Ringwood, as attached as Schedule 2 which is known to title as a ‘road’ with the last registered owner in the name of Samuel George Isaacs dated May 1858; and

· Certificate of title volume 10474 folio 742, being R1 on PS 413267 and registered to Maroondah City Council attached as Schedule 3.

Palmerston Road was divided into ‘West’ and ‘East’ with the construction of Eastlink, as part of the Eastlink Project Act 2004.

The eastern section of Palmerston Road West is fenced off to the public and has been mostly inaccessible to the public for at least 20 years.

The Road is not fully constructed as a road and has in part fallen into disrepair and will in the coming years require significant upgrade to comply with safety road standards and to provide adequate vehicle access.

The Road falls steeply towards the Eastlink reservation and the narrow width of the road does not allow for adequate usage of the road in its current state.

If the Road is discontinued, the Road will be retained by Council for future consideration of usage of the land.

Council will bear the costs associated with the proposal to discontinue the Road.

Public Authorities

The following statutory authorities have been advised of the proposed discontinuance of the Road and have been asked to respond to the question of whether they have any existing assets in the Road, which should be saved under section 207C of the Act:

· Yarra Valley Water

· Ausnet

· Multinet Gas

· Telstra

· NBN

Ausnet has advised that it has overhead, and underground cables located on the Road and requires an easement along the length of its assets.

Multinet Gas has advised that it has a gas main located within the Road and requires an easement to be recorded in its favour over the asset.

Council proposes to retain all current easements by the Public Authorities.

issue / discussion

Internal Consultation

Council’s Traffic Engineer provided an analysis of the status and current traffic condition of the concreted section of Palmerston Road West between 3/81-85 Heatherdale Road and 24 Palmerston Road West and the points are noted as follows;

· The temporary fence across the Road is held together by zip ties and fixed with chains to the terminal post and neighbouring fence. It is considered that this does not indicate regular or irregular vehicle access

· The previous weighbridge has been ‘cut out’ of the concrete road and as a consequence there is an abrupt level change between the top of the ramp leading into the weighbridge and the actual level of the road. This therefore makes this section of road untraversable for trucks.

· The gate towards the rear of 3/81-85 Heatherdale Road allows direct access onto Palmerston Road West however:

- Vegetation growth suggests that the access is not being used

- There is a channel at the interface of the gate, making the road access not easily traversable

· There is an existing access, including weighbridge, within the property of 3/81-85 Heatherdale Road, allowing for vehicles to use the internal driveways to leave the property and therefore no reliance to use the portion of Palmerston Road West being considered for discontinuance

· The site of 24 Palmerston Road West has two additional accesses to Palmerston Road West, however with the vegetation overgrowth and general disrepair of the accesses, it is considered that they have not been used for vehicle access for some time

· The end of the Road does not have a court bowl or turning facility and has a steep drop off unsuitable for heavy vehicles

Refer to Schedule 4 for images of the Road.

Road Status

The Road is a ‘road’ for the purposes of the Act. Council has the statutory power to consider discontinuing the Road.

If the Road is discontinued, the Road will vest in Council.

At its meeting on 12 December 2022, Council resolved:

· For the Road to be removed from Council’s Register of Public Roads; and

· To commence the statutory procedures and give notice pursuant to section 207A of the Act of its intention to discontinue the Road and retain the land.

Financial / economic issues

The legal and disbursement costs associated with the discontinuance and Council’s administration in dealing with property matters is contained within the current budget.

Environmental / amenity issues

Not Applicable

Social / community issues

Not Applicable

Community consultation

Council has notified the community of the proposal to discontinue the Road, through a public notice, inviting submissions to be received in accordance with the statutory procedures pursuant to section 223 of the Act.

The Act provides that a person may, within 28 days of the date of the public notice, lodge a written submission regarding the proposed discontinuance of part of the Road.

Public Notice

The required Public Notice was placed in:

· The ‘Age’ newspaper on 16 December 2022

· On Council’s website from 16 December 2022 to 20 January 2023

The public notice was available:

· to any persons requesting a copy to be emailed or mailed to them via Council’s Customer Service team.

· upon request at Council’s customer service counter at both Ringwood and Croydon.

Notification of Council’s part road discontinuance proposal was provided to the 2 adjoining property owners at 3/81-85 Heatherdale Road and 24 Palmerston Road West, with a copy of the public notice enclosed.

One submission was received by Council in response to the public notice by the closing date, from the owner at 3/81-85 Heatherdale Road Ringwood.

The written submission included:

· a brief history of both properties at 3/81-85 Heatherdale Road and 24 Palmerston Road West from the submitter’s perspective including mediation that took place in 2015 and financial outlay to instal a sliding side gate for access to the Road by the submitter;

· The opinion that if the Road is discontinued, 24 Palmerston Road West will only have one access point, causing congestion with the numerous trucks entering their property; and

· the request for the Road to remain under Council control or to be able to purchase the Road to use as access.

Where a person has made a written submission to Council requesting that they be heard in support of the written submission, Council must permit that person to be heard before a Committee of Council which has delegated authority to hear those submissions, giving reasonable notice of day, time, and place of meeting.

Submission Hearing

In line with Council’s statutory obligations, the submissions hearing was held on Monday 27 March 2023 at 6.30pm in the Council Chamber. The hearing was chaired by Councillor Mike Symons, with the attendance of Councillors Spears and Hancock to hear the submission.

Issues raised by the submitter:

· Reiterated the history of the Road usage and the mediation that took place, including monies spent to allow for a safer access to the roadway from the sliding side gate which had been installed

· Access via the property’s rear sliding gate would be lost with the discontinuance proposal

· As part of the agreement of the mediation, concrete works and the removal of the weighbridge for truck usage was undertaken

Following the Submission Hearing and having regard to the submission made, the Committee of Council was in agreement that the recommendation to proceed with road discontinuance was still acceptable on the following points:

· Traffic Engineer’s inspection and analysis of the Road, clearly identifies that the Road is in disrepair for vehicular access in its current state and cannot be used as through traffic based on safety and liability issues

· The Road was not reinstated to a safe manner after the mediation

· Council would need to invest capital to upgrade and reinstate the Road to an operational standard

· Both 3/81-85 Heatherdale Road and 24 Palmerston Road West have one usable access point to their respective properties and Council is not obliged to provide dual access to properties

· The recommendation to discontinue and retain the land for future consideration, would be in the community’s best interest

Conclusion

It is proposed that given all Council’s statutory and policy processes have been undertaken, Council should discontinue the Road pursuant to the Act, as the Road is no longer reasonably required for general public use as:

· The Road is not open for public access and not available for through traffic

· The Road is in disrepair posing safety and liability issues

Council is now in a position to complete the statutory procedures and make a final decision to proceed with the discontinuance of the Road and retain the land for future consideration, being in the best interests of the community.

Attachments

1.	Road Discontinuance - Palmerston Road West - Schedule 1 - Title Plan with easements
2.	Road Discontinuance - Palmerston Road West - Schedule 2 - Historical Title
3.	Road Discontinuance - Palmerston Road West - Schedule 3 - Council title R1 PS 413267
4.	Road Discontinuance - Palmerston Road West - Schedule 4 - Images from Traffic Analysis

CONFIDENTIALITY

Not Applicable

RECOMMENDATION

That council

1. resolves that, having followed all the required statutory procedures pursuant to sections 207a and 223 of the local government act 1989 (vic) (act), pursuant to its powers under clause 3 schedule 10 of the act, and having considered the submission received in response to the public notice regarding Council’s proposal to discontinue part of the road known as Palmerston Road West, as shown marked lot 1 and lot 2 on title plan attached as schedule 1 to this report (road), to discontinue the road

2. is of the opinion that the road is not reasonably required for public access as:

i. the road is not available for public use

ii. there is no evidence that the road is used for public access purposes

3. directs that a notice pursuant to the provisions of clause 3(a) of schedule 10 of the act, is published in the victoria government gazette

4. directs that, once discontinued, the road be retained by council

5. directs that the chief executive officer, or any person with the necessary delegation, sign any transfer or transfers of the road and any other documents required to be signed in connection with the discontinuance of the road and its subsequent transfer to council, and

6. directs that any easements, rights or interests required to be created or saved over the road by any authority be done so and not affected by the discontinuance and transfer of the discontinued road to council


Director Assets & Leisure – Adam Todorov
JUBILEE INDOOR CRICKET TRAINING CENTRE PROPOSED NAME	Item 1

Purpose

The purpose of this report is to seek Council endorsement to name the Jubilee Indoor Cricket Training Centre the Maroondah Edge.

Strategic / policy issues

The following directions contained in Maroondah 2040: Our Future Together and the Council Plan 2021-2025 (Year 2: 2022-2023) provide the strategic framework that underpins the purpose of this report.

Outcome Area: A Safe Healthy and Active Community

Our Vision: In 2040, Maroondah will be a safe, healthy and active community where all people have the opportunity to experience enhanced levels of social, emotional and physical wellbeing.

Key Directions 2021 – 2025:

1.13. Promote physical activity by supporting education initiatives and providing a diverse range of accessible active and passive open spaces, state of the art sporting precincts and integrated recreation facilities

1.14. Work in partnership to increase opportunities and create welcoming, supportive and accessible environments for all community members to undertake physical activity

Background

The five-lane indoor cricket training centre in Jubilee Park is scheduled to be completed by May/June 2023.

Overlooking the Premier Grade Russell Lucas Oval in the Jubilee Park sporting precinct, the centre will be one of four indoor cricket training hubs in the Melbourne metropolitan area, and a one of a kind in the Eastern Region. This project has been funded by Maroondah City Council in partnership with the Victorian Government.

The facility will boast five lanes for indoor cricket training and will become a regional women’s centre of excellence for cricket, as well as being used by the premier grade Ringwood Cricket Club, Cricket Victoria and Ringwood District Cricket Association. The state-of-the-art facility will continue to raise the profile of women’s cricket in Victoria, and the outer eastern suburbs of Maroondah.

As part of the process required by the Office of Geographical Place Names, the community must be informed of the proposed name.

Issue / discussion

The building is proposed to be named ‘Maroondah Edge’ as a reference to cricket and training (to gain an edge) and to complement the existing brands for Council’s other stadiums: Maroondah Nets and The Rings

The name should be short, memorable, support the main activities of the centre and work well in digital and social media particularly as more and more content is consumed on smaller, mobile device screens.

‘Edge’ is a cricketing term meaning - deflection of a ball off the outside edge of a bat, often to the slips or wicket keeper for a catch.

‘Edge’ is short and sharp and will be easily marketable and a recognisable brand; ie Get the competitive ‘edge’ or gain an ‘edge’.

Financial / economic issues

The recommended name is likely to support the objective of maintaining the financial sustainability of the centre. Apart from that, there are no financial or resource implications arising from the recommendation contained in this report.

Environmental / amenity issues

The proposed sign will be illuminated using LED lighting to meet Council’s sustainability commitments.

Social / community issues

The new centre will provide a place for community gatherings and interactions and will be primarily used by the Ringwood Cricket Club, Ringwood District Cricket Association and Cricket Victoria.

Community consultation

Community and stakeholder input throughout the inception and development of the project was actively taken into consideration. Views of proposed users of the centre were actively sought to test the proposed name. This input contributed to consideration from internal marketing expertise.

The proposed name was promoted to the wider Maroondah community through:

· User and key stakeholder groups

· Public notice published 1 March

· Social media post on 17 March

· Maroondah News print April edition

· Maroondah News EDM on 10 March

· Website article published on 22 February

· Update project webpage with link to web article

The Website article on Maroondah City Council and Maroondah Leisure websites attracted 199 and 15 views respectively. Social media posts reached 3,296 people with 145 post interactions and 48 link clicks to the web article.

The Maroondah News EDM article on 10 March was sent to over 11,400 subscribers with 49 link clicks to the web article and the article was included in the March Maroondah LeisureActive eNews sent to 44,300 subscribers with 127 link clicks to the web article.

Letters in support of the new name have been received from, Ringwood Cricket Club, Ringwood Football and Netball Club, Ringwood Spiders All-Abilities Sports Club Ringwood District Cricket Association and Cricket Victoria.

Conclusion

Ahead of the opening of the new indoor cricket training centre in 2023, Council needs to adopt a name. It should align with the brand identity, strategy and goals for the centre and Council. Maroondah Edge has been proposed and meets all Council requirements.

Attachments

Not Applicable

CONFIDENTIALITY

Not Applicable

RECOMMENDATION

That council adopts THE NAME ‘MAROONDAH EDGE’ FOR THE JUBILEE INDOOR CRICKET TRAINING CENTRE


Director Assets & Leisure – Adam Todorov
Petition - Aquanation Child Care and Occasional Care program	Item 2

Purpose

To receive and respond to a petition with 181 signatures in relation to the decision to close the child care and occasional care service at Aquanation.

Strategic / policy issues

The following directions contained in Maroondah 2040: Our Future Together and the Council Plan 2021-2025 (Year 2: 2022-2023) provide the strategic framework that underpins the purpose of this report.

Outcome Area: A Safe Healthy and Active Community

Our Vision: In 2040, Maroondah will be a safe, healthy and active community where all people have the opportunity to experience enhanced levels of social, emotional and physical wellbeing.

Key Directions 2021 – 2025:

1.14. Work in partnership to increase opportunities and create welcoming, supportive and accessible environments for all community members to undertake physical activity

Background

Childcare and occasional care is currently offered Monday to Friday at Aquanation. The service operates for two sessions daily: 9.00am – 10.25am and 10.30am – 11.55am, is registered with the Victorian Department of Education and is licensed for a maximum of 25 participants per session.

Aquanation childcare returned to full service in 2022, after large service interruptions in 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic. Prior to the pandemic, Aquanation childcare had seen a decrease in attendance and numbers in 2022 were significantly lower than in 2019.

A petition has been received by Council on 12^th April 2023. The request for action of the petition submitted was as follows:

“We, the undersigned, oppose the decision to close Aquanation Child Care and Occasional Care (‘the service’) and we petition Maroondah City Council to:

1. Overturn the decision to close the service; and

2. Fully consult with users of the service regarding any future proposals to close the service.

In support of this petition we submit the following:

The decision to close the service does not facilitate the needs and expectations of the community. Ceasing the service would limit parents' participation in Aquanation programs and facilities, the workforce, the local community, and many aspects of everyday and civic life more broadly.

Council's efforts to increase attendance were poorly conceived and executed, and thus are not fair or reasonable grounds on which to claim the service is underutilised.

The service is a valuable asset for the Maroondah community. It offers:

· Essential, casual childcare that is not otherwise available or accessible in the local area

· Affordable childcare for families trying to maintain their quality of life in this challenging economic climate

· A team of outstanding childcare educators

· A short-care option that is rapidly becoming a rarity in an industry dominated by long day care providers.

Council should support the service nominally and materially, irrespective of fluctuations in levels of attendance, as a vital community asset for the benefit of Maroondah's children and families.

Issue / discussion

In the 2022/2023 financial year, there were 97 families with 143 children enrolled to access the childcare program. This is approximately 1% of the Maroondah Leisure member base (8351 total Maroondah members as at the end of Dec 22).

In response to declining numbers Council has invested significant time and effort over the last 18 months in particular, following the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns, with the objective of increasing attendance.

The following key growth initiatives in 2021 and 2022 were undertaken:

· Online paid promotion of the service through social media channels such as Facebook;

· The creation of a promotional video, detailing the benefits of the service, which was circulated through various communication channels and campaigns;

· Regular promotion of the service by the Childcare Coordinator, and the team members, including contacting many families, specifically those that had cancelled, to try to re-enrol them;

· An acquisition campaign following the closure of Goodlife/Fernwood childcare (including actively targeting their members) looking to highlight the service within Aquanation;

· A survey to patrons to understand the current and future needs of the community, including understanding the importance of Childcare;

· Establishing a relationship with the Maternal Child Health Centres and working with their nurses to promote the service; and

· Upgrade of the Maroondah Leisure childcare website;

Despite the above, the attendance numbers have continued to decline. In 2022, the number of families that used the service, at some stage throughout the year, was 97, with the majority of children attending less than two (2) sessions per month. In 2023, the number of families that have enrolled in the service, has decreased to 79 with only 63 families using the service in 2023.

The average occupancy of the sessions has been around 20%, with some days having more staff than children. In some weeks, the average attendance was around 5-6 children, in a space that has capacity for 25 children. Over the past 18 months, taking account of the low attendance and the actual costs of running the service, the average subsidy per child per session is approximately $45 (i.e. this is the additional cost of the service to the community, per child per session, above and beyond the fees charged).

Financial / economic issues

Since Aquanation opened in 2015, Council has subsidised the provision of childcare by $702,000.

Environmental / amenity issues

Not applicable

Social / community issues

Council has invested significant funding in the childcare service at Aquanation for the past eight years in recognition of the service it provides, however with this cannot be sustained with such low attendance numbers.

Community consultation

All current users of the service have been notified of the closure and staff will work with the families to discuss options.

Conclusion

The petition calls for Council to overturn the decision to close the service. Council has subsidised the Aquanation childcare since opening in 2015. Even with an influx of new members in 2022 and the first full year of operation without any lockdowns and the development and implementation of a comprehensive strategy to grow the program, the demand for childcare continues to decline.

Attachments

Not Applicable

CONFIDENTIALITY

Not Applicable

RECOMMENDATION

That COUNCIL

1. NOTES THE PETITION RECEIVED ON 12 APRIL 2023 IN REGARD TO THE CLOSURE OF THE AQUANATION CHILD CARE AND OCCASIONAL CARE SERVICE

2. CONFIRMS THAT THE AQUANATION CHILDCARE WILL CLOSE AT THE END OF JUNE 2023

3. WORKS WITH THE USERS OF THE SERVICE TO DISCUSS OPTIONS

4. ADVISES THE LEAD PETITIONER ACCORDINGLY


Director Strategy & Development – Andrew Fuaux
VAGO Report - Swimming Pool Register	Item 1

Purpose

To provide a report to Council on the outcome of a survey by the Victorian Auditor General Office (VAGO) on Council’s performance in the regulation of private swimming pool and spa barrier safety.

Strategic / policy issues

The following directions contained in Maroondah 2040: Our Future Together and the Council Plan 2021-2025 (Year 2: 2022-2023) provide the strategic framework that underpins the purpose of this report.

Outcome Area: A Safe Healthy and Active Community

Our Vision: In 2040, Maroondah will be a safe, healthy and active community where all people have the opportunity to experience enhanced levels of social, emotional and physical wellbeing.

Key Directions 2021 – 2025:

A Safe Community

1.1 Work in partnership to address community safety and implement initiatives aimed at improving the actual and perceived safety of the community.

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

Background

On the 1 December 2019 amendments were introduced to the Building Act 1993 for Council’s to establish and maintain a register of private swimming pool and spas in their Municipality and be the “gatekeeper” for compliance of safety barriers (pool and spa fences). The amendment to the Building Regulations 2018 established the regulation parameters for the registration of swimming pools and spas and certification of safety barrier.

The regulations required that owners swimming pools and spas provide a barrier compliance certificate to Council in a timeframe dependent on the installation date the of the swimming pool or spa. The timeframes were as follows:

1. Swimming pools and Spas installed prior to 1994 - 1 November 2022 (the original 1 June 2022 compliance date was extended by the State Government to 1 November 2022 due on the impact on the community of Covid and issues with obtaining inspection and contractors to complete identified barrier works)

2. Swimming Pools and Spas installed between 1994 and 2010 - 1 June 2023

3. Swimming Pools and Spas installed after 2010 - 1 June 2024

In 2019 and 2020 Building Services extensively searched and identified all known swimming pools and spas within the City of Maroondah. All properties identified through this process were sent information on the new building legislation with a request to register their pool or spa with Council. When registered, the age of the pool or spa was determined through aerial imagery, GIS systems, property file information, building enforcement records, historical building permits, planning permits and other resources and methods including visual inspections, to determine the applicable barrier Australian Standard to be used for the barrier compliance inspection and the date due for the barrier compliance certificate (known as Form 23 under the building regulations).

While the community was learning about these changes, the Building Services Team worked to interpret the regulations to create the Register of Swimming Pool and Spas. An IT system was developed to manage and maintain the register while creating policy and procedures to assist with its implementation.

In 2021 the State Government introduced a program Working for Victoria, and two staff members were employed for three months. The additional work contacting our community by phone to remind them about registering their pool or spa was effective in reducing the numbers of outstanding registrations. Once this work was completed, the Building Services team continued to search for any pools and spas on aerial imagery that had not previously been identified. In parallel to this process policies were developed managing compliance and enforcement including non-compliance certificates, inspections, infringements, and decommissioning of swimming pools and spas.

In October 2022, Maroondah City Council also carried out an internal audit of the Swimming Pool and Spa Safety program. The audit found Council has well established swimming pool and spa register and are advanced in policy and procedures, proactiveness and monitoring and reporting.

Issue / discussion

In September 2022 the Victorian Auditor General Office (VAGO) surveyed 79 councils, and in February 2023 delivered an independent report for Parliament on “Regulating Private Pool and Spa Safety”. The survey also examined five Council’s in detail, and it was found that not all councils were effectively implementing the regulations with differing approaches.

The VAGO survey asked councils about the following:

1. the number of estimated and registered pools and spas;

2. compliance and noncompliance certificates they have received;

3. the costs of implementing a pool and spa registration system;

4. the information recorded in their registration systems; and

5. staff resourcing.

Question - Number of estimated and registered pools and spas

At the time of the VAGO survey in September 2022 Maroondah Council had identified 4713 swimming pools/spas with 4,426 registered, which placed Council in the high category across local government municipalities as noted below in Figure 1.

The groups are:

· low (councils with less than registered 250 pools and spas)

· medium (councils that have between 250 and 4,000 registered pools and spas)

· high (councils with more than 4,000 registered pools and spas).

Figure 1. VAGO Survey - Council Grouping based on Registrations

As noted previously, Building Services worked extensively with the community to register swimming pools and spas and reported only 6% of known swimming pools and spas were unregistered at the time, whereas the high group had an average of 11% of swimming pools and spas unregistered.

Noting the extensive processes implemented to identify swimming pools and spas, Maroondah Council responded to the survey that it is considered there was a high degree of certainty around the number of swimming pools identified. There were 35 Council’s reported to have a high degree of certainty as noted below in Figure 2.

Figure 2. VAGO Survey - Council’s Degree of Certainty of Registrations

The result of 6% unregistered swimming pools for Maroondah Council also compared favourably against the sector with 13% of pools and spas unregistered. The result is a vindication of the extensive identification and information processes implemented by the Building Services team for the barrier compliance program.

Figure 3. VAGO Survey - Sector Registrations

As of April 2023 the number of swimming pools / spas registered within Maroondah Council is now recorded at 4204. It should be noted that since the September 2022 survey there have been over 550 swimming pools and spas decommissioned i.e., removed from the property that are now excluded from the compliance program with others recently identified through the continuation of rigorous checking and identification processes.

Question - Compliance and noncompliance certificates they have received

The Maroondah community has generally responded well to the barrier compliance program with 69% of the compliance certificates provided to Council as of the September 2022 survey date for pools and spas in the 1 June 2022 group, compared to an overall result of 51% for the high group.

Figure 4. Compliance Certificates received as of 1 June 2022

Building Services worked diligently to advise the first group of registered pool and spa owners (pre 1994 installation) of the upcoming due date for lodgement of a pool or spa Barrier Compliance Certificate by sending three reminder letters at different intervals and updates on Council’s web site. Council offered the community different customer service options to lodge these certificates either electronically through the web site and over the counter.

As of April 2023, the level of compliance certificates received for compliance certificates due by 1 June 2022 is now at 93%. Building Services is continuing to work with the remaining property owners to achieve compliance.

The survey also identified that 14% of non-compliance certificates provided to Maroondah Council as of the September 2022 survey date had not been addressed by the property owner. This compared to the high group average of 39% that have not been addressed.

Figure 5. Non-compliance certificates not addressed

Question - Resources and Cost Implications

The remaining questions identified the challenges around staff resourcing and costs for the barrier compliance program. The results of the survey identified that the sector has experienced significant resource and cost pressure arising from the State Government program.

The results from the sector as detailed below in Figure 6 were as follows:

Figure 6. Resource Implications for the Sector

The sector information showed that the majority of Council’s (63 Council’s) have experienced some or significant pressure arising from the program.

While the Maroondah Building Services team has experienced these pressures and reported in the survey that its staff were under some pressure, the importance of the program in ensuring public safety through the prevention of drowning, particularly for young children, is acknowledged and has been paramount to the team’s approach to implementing the programs registration and compliance requirements.

The resources required for Maroondah were reported as 50 FTE hours on administrative tasks and 50 FTE hours on technical tasks for implementing the safety regulations per week as detailed below in Figure 7. The majority of these tasks, with the exception of a small period of time utilising the Working for Victoria program, were undertaken by existing staff.

Figure 7. Maroondah Council Resource Implications

Financial / economic issues

Council has experienced cost implications associated with the swimming pool and spa barrier compliance program through the additional resources and realignment of existing resource allocations required to implement the program. The resources required have primarily been funded from existing staff budgets.

Environmental / amenity issues

Not Applicable

Social / community issues

The swimming pool and spa barrier compliance program is critical in ensuring the safety of the Maroondah community. The program in particular address an important social / community issue / impact through the protection, and associated reduction in drownings, of young children in private swimming pools and spas.

Community consultation

Council has provided extensive community information for the program to ensure registration and compliance with the Building Regulations.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the VAGO survey highlights the success for Maroondah Council Building Services team in implementing and managing this important pool and spa safety program for the community.

Attachments

1.	VAGO - Swimming Pool and Spa Register Report
2.	VAGO - Swimming Pool and Spa Register - Maroondah City Council

CONFIDENTIALITY

Not Applicable

RECOMMENDATION

That council receives and notes the VAGO Swimming pool register reports


Director Strategy & Development – Andrew Fuaux
Petition - Flooding risk concerns from Residents of Inglewood Close, Croydon	Item 2

Purpose

To receive and respond to a petition with fourteen (14) signatures in relation to flooding concerns from residents of Inglewood Close and 16 Bennison Street, Croydon, submitted to Council on 3 April 2023.

The request for action of the petition is detailed below and seeks Maroondah Council’s assistance to address flooding issues experienced by the residents resulting from the adjoining Melbourne Water pipe track.

Strategic / policy issues

The following directions contained in Maroondah 2040: Our Future Together and the Council Plan 2021-2025 (Year 2: 2022-2023) 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, sustainable and well-built community with thriving activity centres and a network of neighbourhoods where everyone has the opportunity to live, work and play locally.

Key Directions 2021 – 2025:

6.11 Work in partnership with other catchment authorities to ensure effective stormwater management and flood mitigation across Maroondah

Priority Action 2022-2023:

Not Applicable

Background

The properties located on the north side of Inglewood Close, Croydon directly abut the Melbourne Water owned pipe track. The topography of the Melbourne Water pipe track slopes to the south towards the Inglewood Close properties with the low point located at the rear of 4 Inglewood Close. Prior to 2011, there was no stormwater drainage infrastructure to collect stormwater surface runoff from the Melbourne Water owned land.

In 2011, the property at 4 Inglewood Close experienced flooding of their backyard and garden as a result of stormwater runoff from the pipe track during a significant storm event. In response to this issue, Council advocated to Melbourne Water to provide drainage infrastructure to capture surface water runoff from the pipe track. As a result, a single stormwater pit was installed at the rear of 4 Inglewood Close, with a pipe drain connecting to Council’s stormwater network located 43 metres to the east in Bennison Street. These works were completed by Council with funding from Melbourne Water. An earthen spoon drain was also constructed along the rear of all the properties in Inglewood Close to capture and direct stormwater surface runoff into the stormwater pit.

It is noted that this drainage infrastructure collects and discharges stormwater that emanates solely from the Melbourne Water land.

On 25 October 2022, properties in the Croydon area experienced a significant storm event, during which multiple residents of Inglewood Close and 16 Bennison Street experienced localised flooding. The residents at 4 Inglewood Close experienced severe flooding with flood water entering their house, causing significant property damage.

Issue / discussion

Petition

The petition submitted to Council was as follows:

“We the residents of Inglewood Close, Croydon would like to lodge a petition with you to address the flooding concerns experienced by the residents resulting from the adjoining Melbourne water (MW) Pipe Track.

The properties located on the north side of Inglewood Close, Croydon directly abut the MW Pipe track. Currently there is no drainage infrastructure within the pipe track between Gordon Street and Bennison Street. In 2011 the residents at 4 Inglewood Close, whose property is located at the lowest point of the pipe track, experienced flooding of their back yard and garden. At the time they had negotiated with MW to address the problem with lack of drainage within the pipe track and as a result a solitary stormwater pit was installed at the rear of their property. The water collected within this pit is then directed into the stormwater pit located within Bennison Street. MW had also dug up a spoon drain that runs along the rear of all the properties in Inglewood Close and feeds into the pit.

Since the installation of the drainage pit, the residents of 4 Inglewood Close, did not experience any flooding, however the backyards of properties backing onto the pipe track have always been quite wet due to the excess amount of water entering the properties via the MW pipe track throughout the year.

On 25th of October when Croydon along with Yarra Ranges experienced a storm event, the residents of Inglewood Close experienced localised flooding. The residents at 4 Inglewood Close experienced severe flooding (refer to attached photos) with the water entering their house. As a result, they are now having to replace all their carpets, furniture and a lot of other household content was lost. Their garden, retaining wall and Agi drainpipe were also damaged as a result of the flood.

The residents of the two adjoining properties at 16 Bennison Street and 6 Inglewood Close also experienced flooding of their garages. Additionally, a number of residents within Inglewood Close also experienced flooding of their backyards.

The owners of 4 Inglewood Close have approached Melbourne Water to address the issue. Since the flooding, Melbourne Water has re-graded the spoon drain at the rear of 16 Bennison and 4 Inglewood Close to allow the water to flow freely to the stormwater pit. Re-grading the spoon drain is but a temporary fix given it is not sealed or concreted and eventually the soil will erode leading to the same problem as before. A solitary small pit is not enough to capture the flood water coming from the Melbourne Water land and the spoon drain. The current design, slope of the spoon drain and the location of the single pit will lead to further flooding of properties in future.

Though Melbourne Water owns the pipe track, Melbourne Water has confirmed in writing (letter attached) which quotes: "The contours of the land on which your property is built is sloped lower than the reserve, which inevitably becomes a natural course for water flow. While Melbourne Water can assist in controlling water runoff of this type (e.g., by the upgrade works), they are unable to guarantee that water flow to your property will not reoccur in periods of heavy rain.

The pit and drain, which you have identified as the cause of the flooding incident, was built by Melbourne Water in conjunction with Maroondah Council. This asset which runs into the Maroondah Council's pit is understood to be owned by Maroondah Council. Melbourne Water believes that maintenance of the asset is the responsibility of Council, as well as the pit which the drain connects to".

In discussions with Council's engineer, it is understood that the physical works on the site were perhaps undertaken by Council however the works were undertaken on behalf of Melbourne Water and paid for by Melbourne Water. Even Council does not have this pit registered in their asset mapping.

As a result, there has been no maintenance carried out on this pit or the spoon drain for past 11 years since it was built, resulting in the residents of Inglewood Close experiencing ongoing flooding effects from the pipe track.

We the residents request Council to look into this as a matter of urgency to work upon and deliver a more robust solution to this problem which has diminished the residential amenity and life of the residents.

Recently Melbourne Water has commenced works on the replacement of the old water mains located within the pipe track. Engineering Services believe this is the right opportunity to include the more robust solution as part of the larger project being carried out by Melbourne Water.”

Storm Event information

The storm event on 25 October 2022 was recorded over Croydon as a 1% Annual Exceedance Probability (AEP) event, with rainfall of greater than 40mm recorded within an hour period. Areas of localised flash flooding were noted to occur in multiple areas of the municipality.

Further investigation into the capacity of the drain to cater for the storm event and analysis of the reported flood issues is proposed to be undertaken by Council’s Engineers in consultation with Melbourne Water.

Financial / economic issues

The property owners of 4 Inglewood Close have reported property damage and economic loss as a result of the flood event that occurred on 25 October 2022.

Environmental / amenity issues

Not Applicable

Social / community issues

It is recognised through the submitted petition and supporting documentation that this is an important local issue that affects the residents of Inglewood Close and 16 Bennison Street, Croydon.

Community consultation

Not Applicable

Conclusion

The petition calls for a solution to the flooding issues impacting properties abutting the Melbourne Water pipe track.

It is proposed that Council officers investigate this matter, including consultation with the landowner Melbourne Water, and report these findings back to Council.

Attachments

Not Applicable

CONFIDENTIALITY

Not Applicable

RECOMMENDATION

That COUNCIL

1. NOTES THE PETItiON RECEIVED ON 3 APRIL 2023 IN REGARD TO FLOODING CONCERNS FROM THE MELBOURNE WATER PIPE TRACK ABUTTING INGLEWOOD CLOSE

2. Directs council officers to UNDERTAKE an INVESTIGATION of the flooding issues raised in the petition, including consultation with the landowner Melbourne Water, and report these findings back to Council

3. ADVISES THE LEAD PETITIONER ACCORDINGLY

Realm	179 Maroondah Hwy, 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, Croydon 3136 Realm: 179 Maroondah Hwy, Ringwood 3134


acting director Chief Financial Officer – Jim herron
Attendance Report	Item 1


acting director Chief Financial Officer – jim herron
Reports of Councillor Briefings	Item 2

1.	2023 March 20 - Councillor Briefing Public Record
2.	2023 March 24-26 - Councillor Briefing Public Record
3.	2023 April 03 - Councillor Briefing Public Record


acting director Chief Financial Officer – jim herron
Councillor Representation Reports	Item 3

1.	Maroondah Liveability Safety and Amenity Committee Meeting Minutes - 29 March 2023
2.	Maroondah Arts Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes - 8 March 2023
3.	Maroondah Community Health and Wellbeing Committee Meeting Minutes - 1 March 2023