Council Meeting MINUTES 1 22 September 2025
Minutes of the Council Meeting held in the Council Chamber on Monday 22 September 2025 at 7:30pm.
PRESENT
Cr Kylie Spears (Mayor) Wombolano Ward
Cr Linda Hancock (Deputy Mayor) Wonga Ward
Cr Chris Jones Barngeong Ward
Cr Catherine Gordon Bungalook Ward
Cr Claire Rex Jubilee Ward
Cr Daniella Heatherich Wicklow Ward
Cr Rob Steane OAM Yarrunga Ward
Steve Kozlowski Chief Executive Officer
Tony Rocca Chief Financial Officer
Adam Todorov Director Assets & Leisure
Marianne Di Giallonardo Director People & Places
Andrew Fuaux Director Strategy & Development
Emma Hills Governance Officer
Sophie Doyle Social Media and Digital Officer
The Mayor, Cr Spears welcomed all to the September Council meeting.
The Chief Executive Officer read the following Statement of Recording -
“Please note that this meeting is being recorded and streamed live on the internet. All care is taken to maintain your privacy; however, as a visitor in the public gallery, your presence may be recorded.”
A prayer was read by Pastor Kay Brown from Ringwood Community Church.
The Councillor Pledge was read by the Mayor.
The Acknowledgement of Country was read by the Mayor.
Apologies
Cr Nathaniel Henderson McAlpin Ward
Cr Paul Macdonald Tarralla Ward
Cr Henderson was granted a Leave of Absence at the 25 August 2025 Council Meeting.
Declaration of Interests
Cr Chris Jones In Camera - Director Assets & Leisure
Item 1 - Tender Evaluation Report - Contract 21095 Hughes Park Sporting Pavilion Refurbishment
Reason: I am a sponsor of Croydon North MLOC FC who occupy the facility at Hughes Park which is proposed to be redeveloped.
Confirmation of MinuTes
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Moved Cr Rex, Seconded Cr Heatherich 103/25 That the minutes of the Ordinary Council Meeting held on Monday, 25 August 2025 be confirmed. |
PUBLIC QUESTION TIME
Mandy Maguire
“We ask Council to advise how many and which Councillor(s) attended the 2025 Australian Mayors Summit Against Antisemitism held in the Gold Coast from 3 to 5 September, advise who paid any expenses and provide a date a public report will available including an explanation of the benefit to Maroondah residents if Councillor(s) attended.”
Chief Financial Officer
“There were no Maroondah Councillors who attended the event in question.”
Stephen White
Mundara Drive, Ringwood
“I want to know what Council is doing to encourage an new and varied businesses to open up we have an increasing influx of aged care which I understand is needed as well as a further influx of fast food joints (which i question the value of) meanwhile there are no new bars, cafes or anything that offers variety of service so we risk becoming a one dimensional suburb with older poorer quality businesses and limited dynamism”
Director People & Places
“Council recognises the importance of having a vibrant mix of businesses - including bars, cafes, and other unique offerings, alongside essential services such as aged care. Maroondah is fortunate to have more than 30 local and neighbourhood shopping centres, as well as major activity hubs like the Ringwood Metropolitan Activity Centre (RMAC) and Croydon Major Activity Centre (CMAC). These centres provide a broad base for retail, hospitality, and service businesses catering to residents, workers, and visitors. Overall, Maroondah overall has around 10,000 businesses.
We agree that diversity adds to the character and liveability of our suburbs and supports a dynamic local economy to actively support a varied and thriving business environment, Council undertakes a range of activities which include:
• Investment in Place Activation and Infrastructure
• Long-Term Planning
• Support for Business Owners
• Small Business Friendly Council Charter
• Advocacy and Collaboration
• New Initiatives such as Council IQ and
• Engagement with the Community
Council is continually looking for new ways to encourage business variety and welcome ideas and feedback from the public. If you have specific suggestions, please feel free to reach out to Council’s Business Support team at bizhub@maroondah.vic.gov.au. More information can be found at BizHub Maroondah.”
Resident
Chief Financial Officer
“This was as recently as the 2024/25 financial period."
Resident
Chief Financial Officer
“The external audit did not detect any new audit findings nor any material misstatements, or discrepancies in the financial records, as Council continues to follow robust audit processes”
Resident
Director Assets & Leisure
“Bayswater Road is an Arterial Road and is maintained and managed by the Department of Transport and Planning (or DTP). Council Maintains and manages parts of the roadside areas, and this includes weed spraying using glyphosate in accordance with the guidelines and requirements of Worksafe Victoria and the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA). DTP also undertakes weed spraying in parts of the roadside, and Council Officers are currently liaising with them to facilitate a response to the previous enquiries regarding this matter”
“Are there any Councillors that are related to other active Councillors by marriage or by family connections?”
Chief Financial Officer
“The answer is yes which has been on the public record.”
Mark
Forest Court, Croydon
“When will Council take responsibility for their drain infrastructure running at the back of my property exploding under rain fall and destroying my property”
Director Assets & Leisure
“Council is responsible for the maintenance and management of the stormwater drain in question, and Council Officers are currently undertaking detailed investigations in response to the recent flooding experienced by the resident”
Tim McCure
“Please advise what efforts has the Maroondah Council deployed in pushing back on cost shifting that the state governments has assigned to the Council. Have the efforts been successful or not?”
Chief Financial Officer
“Council continues to advocate strongly regarding the matter of cost shifting, please refer to agenda item six of this council meeting that provides this detail. Whilst this has ensured recognition of this issue, even as part of parliamentary inquiries, it has not led to restored funding. However, it has led to critical decision-making regarding service provisions.”
Officers’ Reports
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Moved Cr Gordon, Seconded Cr Jones 104/25 That COUNCIL RECEIVES AND NOTES THE REPORTS AS PRESENTED BY COUNCILLORS
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Councillors who spoke to their reports - Crs Spears, Hancock, Jones, Gordon, Rex, Heatherich and Steane |
Cr Spears (Mayor)
27/08 National Meals on Wheels Day 2025 Event
27/08 Meeting with Freeman Street Resident
27/08 Maroondah City Council Audit and Risk Advisory Committee meeting
27/08 Australian Local Government Women’s Association Mentoring Meeting
28/08 Municipal Association of Victoria Mayoral Delegation Briefing Meeting
28/08 Australian Local Government Women’s Association Webinar Pre-Meeting
28/08 Meeting with Resident
29/08 Australian Local Government Women’s Association State Conference 2025 "Make your Mark"- Day 1
29/08 Australian Local Government Women’s Association State Conference Victoria Gala Evening Event
30/08 Australian Local Government Women’s Association Sate Conference 2025 "Make your Mark"- Day 2
31/08 Aquanation Family Fun Day - Celebrating 10 Years of Aquanation Event
02/09 Municipal Association of Victoria Mayoral Delegation Canberra
02/09 Meeting with Australian Local Government Association
02/09 Meeting with Michelle Ananda-Rajah, Senator for Victoria
02/09 Meeting with The Hon. Sam Rae MP, Minister for Aged Care and Seniors
02/09 Meeting with Senior Advisor to Minister Dr Jess Walsh, Minister for Early Childhood Education & Youth
02/09 Delegation Dinner with Minister Julian Hill & Greater South East Melbourne (GSEM) Delegation
02/09 Meet Dr Helen Haines MP - Member for Indi
03/09 Meeting with Mary Aldred MP, Member for Monash
03/09 Meeting with Josh Burne MP, Federal Member for Special envoy for Social Housing and Homelessness
03/09 Meeting with the Hon. Julian Hill MP, Assistant Minister for Citizenship, Customs and Multi-Cultural Affairs
03/09 Meeting with Clare O'Neill, Minster for Housing, Minster for Homelessness and Minister for Cities
03/09 Meeting with Senior Advisor to Kristy McBain, Minister for Local Government
03/09 Meeting with The Hon. Daniel Mulino MP, Assistant Treasurer, Minister for Financial Services
03/09 Meeting with Dr Carina Garland MP, Federal Member for Chisholm
03/09 Delegation Evening Event at Parliament House
09/09 Croydon Community Wellbeing Precinct site visit with The Hon. Richard Marles MP, Acting Prime Minister & Matt Gregg, Federal Labor Member for Deakin
09/09 Australian Local Government Women's Association Team Meeting
10/09 Municipal Association of Victoria & Australian National University Roundtable: Addressing Information Manipulation & Harassment of Local Leaders
11/09 Your Library Board Meeting
11/09 Australian Local Government Women’s Association Online Masterclass - Purpose-Driven Thriving in Public
11/09 Australian Local Government Women's Association Meeting with Northern Beaches Council
12/09 Tinternvale Primary School - School Assembly Presentation Event
15/09 Maroondah Freeman of the City Ceremony
16/09 Final Reflection and Graduation Session - Blue Light Program
16/09 National Rural Women's' Coalition Annual General Meeting
16/09 Australian Local Government Women's Association Team Meeting
17/09 The Mayors Institute - State Election Roundtable Meeting
17/09 Maroondah Citizenship Ceremony
18/09 30th Annual Mayoral Art Exhibition Acquisition Selection Event
19/09 2025 Eastern Football Netball League Grand Final Event
20/09 Ringwood Croquet Club Open Day for Season 2025 - 2026 Event
22/09 33rd Annual SALT Brownlow Medal Event
Cr Hancock (Deputy Mayor)
27/08 Dattner Training Session
27/08 Maroondah City Council Audit and Risk Advisory Committee meeting
28/08 Your Library CEO Remuneration Committee Meeting
28/08 Meeting with Resident
29/08 Australian Local Government Women’s Association State Conference 2025 "Make your Mark"- Day 1
29/08 Australian Local Government Women’s Association State Conference Victoria Gala Event
30/08 Australian Local Government Women’s Association Sate Conference 2025 "Make your Mark"- Day 2
31/08 Aquanation Family Fun Day - Celebrating 10 Years of Aquanation Event
02/09 Meeting with Beverley McArthur, Shadow Minister for Local Government
03/09 Summer Sporting Forum Event
04/09 Winter Shelter Volunteers' Thank You Event
09/09 Ministerial visit to Croydon Community Wellbeing Precinct
09/09 Arrabri Community House 2025 Annual General Meeting
10/09 Your Library CEO Remuneration Committee Final Meeting
10/09 Heatherdale Community Action Group Annual General Meeting
11/09 Your Library Board Meeting
11/09 Australian Local Government Women’s Association Online Masterclass - Purpose-Driven Thriving in Public
15/09 Maroondah Freeman of the City Ceremony
16/09 Maroondah Business Group - Swinburne and Business Event
17/09 Maroondah Citizenship Ceremony
Cr Jones
27/08 National Meals on Wheels Day 2025 Event
27/08 Maroondah City Council Audit and Risk Advisory Committee meeting
28/08 Eastern Alliance Greenhouse Action Executive Committee Meeting
29/08 Victorian Local Government Grants Commission Statewide Information Session
29/08 Meeting with Resident - Parking Croydon Central
03/09 Summer Sporting Forum Event
04/09 Winter Shelter Volunteers' Thank You Event
10/09 Eastern Football League Umpires Association End of Season Event
15/09 Maroondah Freeman of the City Ceremony
16/09 Maroondah Business Group - Swinburne and Business Event
17/09 Maroondah Citizenship Ceremony
21/09 Lift the lid - A Rotary Walk to Support Mental Health Research Event
21/09 Maroondah Districts Scout Presentation Day
22/09 33rd Annual SALT Brownlow Medal Event
Cr Gordon
27/08 Maroondah City Council Audit and Risk Advisory Committee meeting
29/08 Australian Local Government Women’s Association State Conference 2025 "Make your Mark"- Day 1
29/08 Australian Local Government Women’s Association State Conference Victoria Gala Evening Event
30/08 Australian Local Government Women’s Association Sate Conference 2025 "Make your Mark"- Day 2
30/08 Tilly Aston Community Awards Event
31/08 Aquanation Family Fun Day - Celebrating 10 Years of Aquanation Event
01/09 Victoria Day Awards Event
03/09 Summer Sporting Forum Event
05/09 Meeting with Maroondah Resident
09/09 Arrabri Community House 2025 Annual General Meeting
10/09 Meeting with Dattner Group
10/09 Meeting with Heatherdale Community Action Group
11/09 Australian Local Government Women’s Association Online Masterclass - Purpose-Driven Thriving in Public
15/09 Maroondah Freeman of the City Ceremony
16/09 Maroondah Business Group - Swinburne and Business Event
17/09 Maroondah Citizenship Ceremony
22/09 33rd Annual SALT Brownlow Medal Event
Cr Rex
29/08 Australian Local Government Women’s Association State Conference 2025 "Make your Mark"- Day 1
30/08 Australian Local Government Women’s Association Sate Conference 2025 "Make your Mark"- Day 2
31/08 Aquanation Family Fun Day - Celebrating 10 Years of Aquanation Event
02/09 Meeting with Beverley McArthur, Shadow Minister for Local Government
04/09 Ringwood Spiders 2025 Trophy Presentation Event
10/09 Heatherdale Community Action Group Annual General Meeting
11/09 Australian Local Government Women’s Association Online Masterclass - Purpose-Driven Thriving in Public
15/09 Maroondah Freeman of the City Ceremony
17/09 Maroondah Citizenship Ceremony
Cr Henderson
31/08 Aquanation Family Fun Day - Celebrating 10 Years of Aquanation Event
03/09 Summer Sporting Forum Event
04/09 Winter Shelter Volunteers' Thank You Event
10/09 Ringwood Men’s Shed Event
15/09 Maroondah Freeman of the City Ceremony
17/09 Maroondah Citizenship Ceremony
Cr Macdonald
31/08 Aquanation Family Fun Day - Celebrating 10 Years of Aquanation Event
02/09 Meeting with Beverley McArthur, Shadow Minister for Local Government
04/09 Winter Shelter Volunteers' Thank You Event
15/09 Maroondah Freeman of the City Ceremony
17/09 Maroondah Citizenship Ceremony
Cr Heatherich
28/08 Meeting with Maroondah Community Assist
02/09 Meeting with Beverley McArthur, Shadow Minister for Local Government
04/09 Eastern FM Broadcast
04/09 Winter Shelter Volunteers' Thank You Event
09/09 Croydon Main Street Father’s Day car show
15/09 Maroondah Freeman of the City Ceremony
Cr Steane
31/08 Aquanation Family Fun Day - Celebrating 10 Years of Aquanation
02/09 Meeting with Shadow Minister for Local Government
15/09 Maroondah Freeman of the City Ceremony
16/09 Maroondah Business Group - Swinburne and Business Event
17/09 Maroondah Citizenship Ceremony
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Moved Cr Rex, Seconded Cr Gordon 105/25 THAT COUNCIL RECEIVES AND NOTES THE PUBLIC RECORD OF THE COUNCILLOR BRIEFINGS HELD ON 25 AUGUST 2025 AND 8 SEPTEMBER 2025
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Moved Cr Jones, Seconded Cr Steane 106/25 That COUNCIL RECEIVES AND NOTES MINUTES OF the MAROONDAH ACCESS, INCLUSION AND EQUITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE HELD ON 19 August 2025
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Councillors who spoke to the motion - Crs Jones and Spears |
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Moved Cr Steane, Seconded Cr Gordon 107/25 That Council adopts the councillor gift policy, pursuant to sections 49 and 138 of the local government act 2020
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Councillors who spoke to the motion - Crs Steane, Jones, Spears and Rex |
Adam Todorov left the Council Chamber at 8:03pm.
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Outcomes - Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) National General Assembly (NGA) of Local Government 2025 ITEM 5 |
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Moved Cr Hancock, Seconded Cr Heatherich 108/25
That COUNCIL NOTES THE SUCCESSFUL OUTCOME OF THE MOTION SUBMITTED BY COUNCIL THAT WAS THE SUBJECT OF CONSIDERATION AND DEBATE AT THE 2025 AUSTRALIAN LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION NATIONAL GENERAL ASSEMBLY HELD FROM 25 TO 27 JUNE 2025
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Councillors who spoke to the motion - Crs Hancock and Spears |
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Moved Cr Steane, Seconded Cr Rex 109/25 That council 1. note the impacts of cost shifting, acknowledging the financial burden this places on council when factoring in both service delivery and waste reform impacts 2. endorse continued advocacy to a. restore funding for mandated or historically shared services b. establish formal cost-sharing frameworks between levels of government c. require regulatory impact statements for new reforms that involve local government responsibilities 3. support the continued revision of an annual council position paper that outlines the local impacts, updates advocacy messaging and raises community awareness 4. continue to review state/federal services that have shifted to local government over time, to understand what is non-core or historically shared to assess sustainability of delivery where adequate external funding is not provided 5. explore regional collaboration, including investigating opportunities through the eastern region group of councils and other partnerships to reduce duplication and mitigate the impact of cost shifting 6. raise community awareness through council communication channels to highlight the impact of cost shifting on service delivery and long-term financial sustainability, ensuring the community has an understanding of the role council plays versus other tiers of government
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Councillors who spoke to the motion - Crs Steane, Rex, Hancock, Jones and Spears |
Adam Todorov returned to the Council Chamber at 8:19pm.
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Report of Audit and Risk Committee Meeting - 27 August 2025 ITEM 7 |
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Moved Cr Jones, Seconded Cr Gordon 110/25 THAT COUNCIL RECEIVES AND NOTES THE REPORT FROM THE AUDIT and RISK COMMITTEE MEETING HELD ON 27 August 2025
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Councillors who spoke to the motion - Cr Jones |
Director Strategy & Development
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Liveability Wellbeing and Resilience Strategy 2021-2031 (Update 2025) ITEM 1 |
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Moved Cr Gordon, Seconded Cr Hancock 111/25 That Council adopts the Liveability wellbeing and resilience strategy 2021-2031 (update 2025) and approves its submission to the victorian department of health as maroondah’s municipal public health and wellbeing plan 2025-2029
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Councillors who spoke to the motion - Cr Hancock |
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Moved Cr Jones, Seconded Cr Heatherich 112/25 That COUNCIL RESOLVES TO ADOPT THE MAROONDAH CITY COUNCIL DRAFT ONSITE WASTEWATER MANAGEMENT STRATEGY 2025 -2030
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Councillors who spoke to the motion - Crs Jones and Spears |
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Petition - Greenwood Avenue Ringwood - Intersection Access Changes ITEM 3 |
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Moved Cr Rex, Seconded Cr Hancock 113/25 That Council 1. Receives and notes the petition received on 25 august 2025 requesting to halt construction works at the intersection of Greenwood Avenue, Bedford Road and Station Street in Ringwood; and to investigate alternative access arrangements for the Ringwood Metropolitan Activity Centre carpark 2. authorises the completion of an INDEPENDENT TRAFFIC ENGINEERING assessment of the post-works traffic conditions in the precinct 3. directs officers to advise the lead petitioner of the decision to undertake the independent traffic engineering post-works assessment, and share the outcome of the assessment including any recommendations of the independent traffic engineer when completed
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Councillors who spoke to the motion - Cr Rex |
documents for sealing
Nil
motions to review
Nil
Late ItemS
Nil
Requests FOR Leave of Absence
Nil
In Camera
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Moved Cr Steane, Seconded Cr Rex 114/25 THAT THE FOLLOWING MATTERS BE DEALT WITH IN CAMERA PURSUANT TO S66(1) AND S66(2)(A) OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT 2020, BECAUSE THE REPORTS CONTAIN INFORMATION THAT IS CONFIDENTIAL IN ACCORDANCE WITH S3(1) OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT 2020. Chief Financial Officer Item 1 Tender Evaluation Report - Contract 21093 Cleaning Services for Realm Reason: This report contains Council business information, being information that would prejudice the Council's position in commercial negotiations if prematurely released. This information is confidential in accordance with s3(1)(a) of the Act. This ground is applied because the information, if publicly released at the time, is likely to be inappropriately detrimental to the Council or any person. Director People & Places Item 1 Tender Evaluation Report - Contract 21092 Cleaning Services for Maroondah Federation Estate, Wyreena Community Arts Centre, Karralyka Centre & Community Halls Reason: This report contains Council business information, being information that would prejudice the Council's position in commercial negotiations if prematurely released. This information is confidential in accordance with s3(1)(a) of the Act. This ground is applied because the information, if publicly released at the time, is likely to be inappropriately detrimental to the Council or any person. Director Assets & Leisure Item 1 Tender Evaluation Report - Contract 21095 Hughes Park Sporting Pavilion Refurbishment Reason: This report contains Council business information, being information that would prejudice the Council's position in commercial negotiations if prematurely released. This information is confidential in accordance with s3(1)(a) of the Act. This ground is applied because the information, if publicly released at the time, is likely to be inappropriately detrimental to the Council or any person. |
Council resolved that the following decisions be reflected in the minutes of the Open Forum.
The open forum closed at 8:37pm.
Confirmed ……………………………………..
Date ……………………………………………