good evening everyone and welcome please
stand for the opening prayer and
reconciliation
statement Almighty God we humbly beseech
thee to vouch safe thy blessing upon
this Council direct and prosper
its deliberations to the advancement of
thy glory and the welfare of the people
whom we serve Amen the reconciliation
statement reads Melton City Council
acknowledges that the land it now
occupies has a history that began with
the indigenous occupants the Kulin Nation
Council pays its respects to the Kulin
nation people and their elders and
descendants past and present please be
seated I'd like to welcome everyone to
Melton City Council tonight's council
meeting for Monday the 25th of March
2024 is being conducted in person in the
council chamber and is also being
streamed live via council's website we
thank everyone attending in the gallery
and we thank those joining our live
stream this meeting will be held in
accordance with the Local Government Act
2020 and council's governance rules and
a bookmark reading of the meeting will
be made available on council's website
in the coming days viewers and listeners
should note that council is the
copyright owner of the live stream not
withstanding anything appearing on
council's website any recording copying
or other use of the live stream is
strictly prohibited and would infringe
council's copyright we also remind
members of the gallery to refrain from
taking photos or making a recording of
any kind unless invited to do so
I'll now go on to item agenda item
number two apologies and leave of
absence and I'll confirm with Melton
City Council's chief executive officer
if there are any apologies for this
evening's meeting Mayor Majdlik we have no
apologies this evening thank
you item number three changes to the
order of
business and I note that there are no
changes to the order of business this
evening item number four deputations and
presentations there are none to be heard
tonight item number five declaration of
any pecuniary interest other interest or
conflict of interest of any counselor
counselors pursuant to section pursuant
to part six division two of The Local
Government Act 2020 and council's
governance rules we must declare any
general conflict of interest or material
conflict of interest we have in any of
the matters being considered at
tonight's meeting in addition to to
declaring the nature and type of any
conflicts of interest immediately prior
to the relevant item in the agenda being
heard provision has been made at this
point in the agenda for declarations of
interest to be made do any councilors
have an interest they wish to
declare seeing none we'll move on to
agenda item six adoption and
confirmation minutes of previous meeting
and we do have a recommendation here
before us do I have a counselor to move
councelor
Ramsey thank you Madame Mayor I'd like
to move that the minutes of the meeting
of council held on the 26th of February
2024 be confirmed as a true and correct
record thank you councilor Ramsey do I
have a seconder councelor Carli I'd like
to second that thanks Madame Mayor does
any counselor seek any clarification
does any counselor oppose does any
councelor wish to speak I'll put it to
the vote all those in favor please raise
your hand I declare the motion carried
item number seven summary of informal
meetings of counselors and we've got 7.1
summary of informal meetings of
counselors in accordance with chapter 6
rule one of the council's governance
rules and we have a recommendation here
councelor Abboushi
thanks Madame Mayor that the
summaries of informal meetings of
council is dated 26th of February 2024
4th of March 2024 and 18th of March 2024
provided as dependencies 1 to three
respectively to this report be received
and noted thanks Madame Mayor thanks
councelor Abboushi moved by councelor Abboushi
do I have a councelor to Second
councelor Carli I'd like to second that
thanks Madame Mayor does any counselor
require any further clarification does
any counselor oppose does any counselor
wish to speak I'll put it to the vote
all those in favor please raise your
hand I declare the motion carried item
number eight correspondence inward 8.1
parliamentarian and departmental letters
received by the Mayor we do have a
recommendation here before us do I have
a councelor to move councelor Turner now
Madame mayor like to move the
recommendation
8.1 recommendation that Council
receive a note of parliamentarian and
dearment letters received by the Mayor
provided as appendix one and two in this
report number one The Honorable Chrisy
McBain MP Minister for regional
development local government and
territories disaster ready fund
guidelines released and item number two
The Honorable Melissa Horn MP Minister
for local government local government
services rates and charges ministers
good practice guidelines thank you Madam
Mayor thank you councelor Turner do I have
a counselor to
Second councelor Abboushi happy to Second
Madame Mayor does any counselor
require any further clarification I
actually do have a clarification in
relation to the honorable Melissa horn
MP Minister for local government it's
talking about the charges the
ministers good practice guidelines there
are many councils Victoria and this is
part of the correspondents who now after
looking at The Minister's guidelines are
concerned about the potential impact on
the 2024 25 budget can an officer or
the CEO the relevant department can
you please inform or make comment
regarding The Minister's guideline and
if this will in in fact affect
Melton City Council's 2425 budget and
why or why
not Madam Mayor officers have assessed
Melton City Councilfor compliance
Against The Minister's good practice
guidelines and council is already
compliant with these guidelines and
therefore there is no impact on Council
for our budget for the next financial
year thank you Miss ? it's good to
know so moved by councelor Turner
seconded by
councelor
Abboushi do I have any councelor who
opposes do I have a counselor who wishes
to speak I'll put it to the vote all
those in favor please raise your hand I
declare the motion carried item nine
petitions and joint
letters
CEO Mayor Majdlik we have not received any
petitions to be tabled this evening
thank you item 10 resption of debate
or other business carried over from a
previous meeting and I note that there
is none item 11 public question time and
I'll now hand it over to our CEO for
public Question Time thank you Miss CEO
thank you Mayor Majdlik we have 21
questions to be read this evening the
question the first question is from a
Burnside resident who has an exemption
granted from attending this this evening
the question reads what is Council doing
to remove the parking of heavy vehicles
from residential streets and residential
premises of the Melton municipality in
particular Burnside and Caroline Springs
and the response will be provided by
Neil Whiteside Director City Delivery
thank you council is aware of the
concerns of illegal truck parking
throughout the municipality and on this
BAS basis implemented an ongoing
monitoring and enforcement program
Council Community safety officers
conduct regular patrols both during
business and after hours to identify
illegally parked trucks Council officers
have also met with local police who have
also conducted a number of Patrols in
known hotspots Council officers and
police can issue INF infringement
notices however they are unable to
remove registered trucks from a Road
thank you our second question this
evening is also from Burnside resident
and reads what proactive steps have been
made to address the issue of overgrown
vegetation and dp rubbish in Medina
estate and the response will again be
provided by the director of City
Delivery thank you as part of
council's community safety programs
Council officers undertake ongoing
proactive monitoring and enforcement
activities relating to private property
any property identified to be in breach
of the unsightly property provisions of
council's local law is issued with a
notice to comply during the Fire season
Council fire prevention L also conduct
inspections to ensure Property Owners
reduce their fire risk in relation to
Illegal rubbish dping council's lit
prevention officers in investigate
dping and conduct proactive
enforcement activities to reduce litter
and dump rubbish thank you our next
question is from Paul Taylor is Paul in
the gallery this
evening as Paul's not in the gallery
I'll move to the next question which is
from Nathan in Deanside is Nathan in the
gallery the
evening there was a second question from
Nathan as well we'll move to the next
question which is David o' Connor and I
see that David's in the gallery with us
this evening the question reads is
Melton City Council impacted by the
shortfall in developer contributions
brought about by Rising costs and
changing circstances between the time
contributions are applied and the
infrastructure is delivered and the
response will be provided by Sam Rasco
Director City Futures thank you both
Council and developers are affected by
the rising costs of construction and the
timing aspects of working within
development development contribution
processes Council seek to mitigate this
risk by entering by entering into
section 173 agreements with Developers
for the delivery of Works in an in a
Works in kind Arrangement so that assets
are received instead of contributions
therefore elimin eliminating the time
factor in each
instance and next question is also from
David O'Connor and it reads given the
current economic pressures which are
adding to operational costs for many
organizations how does Melton City
council plan to sustain services within
the municipality whilst maintaining a
capon rate increases and the respon will
be provided by Peter Leon our director
of organizational
performance thank you council
acknowledges the annual rate cap is set
by the Victorian government following
recommendations from the Central
Services Commission therefore it's
important that Council remains efficient
and continu sound and prudent financial
management activities that involves
developing a yearly an effective yearly
budget undertaking regular service
reviews identifying operational
efficiencies advocacy to state and
federal government to maintain funding
effective maintenance of assets
effective management of capital delivery
and identifying other Revenue generating
opportunities to lessen the Reliance on
rates cancer results reports all
financial performance through the audit
and risk committee quarterly including a
yearly review of the 10-year finan Cal
plan for financial sustainability
purposes thank you our next question is
from Ash who has an exemption from
being in the gallery this evening it
reads is there insignificant evidence
regarding the genocide in Palestine
right now indicated by the international
court of justice or insufficient numbers
in the community in Melton that have
called upon the Melton City Council for
a motion to be moved or amended and
forwarded to local MPS in solidarity
with Palestine or even a call for a
ceasefire council's response to that is
at its meeting on the 26th of February
2024 Mountain City Councilpassed a
motion acknowledging the Deep concern
and grief some members of our community
experience as a result of international
conflicts and also condemned any
conflict that results in the loss of
innocent lives this was Council
statement standing with our impacted
community members for all International
conflicts the next question is from
Victoria Rahi is Victoria in the gallery
this evening under the the question
reads under the Intercultural cities in
which Melton City Councilis a
participant good practice examples of
security Justice and safety and
anti-discrimination and
equality will the council reconsider
passing a more inclusive motion
detailing the Palestinian genocide as
have councils of surrounding
municipalities and mccc's motion for
Ukraine during their time of need and
the response is at its meeting on the
26th of February 2024 Melton city
council passed a motion as a show of
support for all community members
impacted by all intern International
conflicts to be inclusive motions tabled
at a council meeting are at the
discretion of
counselors our next question this
evening is from beia is beer in the
gallery the question reads could we ask
the council Mayor to write a letter to
the Victorian Premier and state Minister
for roads inquiring time lines for the
upgrade of Hopkins Road and the response
will be provided by Sam rasco the
director of City Futures thank you the
upgrade and duplication of Hopkins Road
is a key advocacy priority for Council
as the number of crashes has
significantly increased over the last 5
years in line with the increases in
traffic the safety of our residents is
Paramount and we are currently seeking a
meeting with the minister for transport
infrastructure and the minister for
roads and road safety to discuss the
urgency of Hopkins Road the upgrade to
Hopkins Road is including included in
our state budget submission and has been
raised with local
members we have a second question from
beer and it reads does the council have
a defined traffic management plan for
Hopkins Road Grand Boulevard
intersection during level crossing
removal Provisions for the two-side lane
exit of Grand Boulevard topkins Road and
the response will again be provided by
the director of City Futures thank you
uh the Victorian government is
responsible for the delivery of this
level crossing removal project and is
also responsible for the care and
management of the intersection of
Hopkins Road and Grand Boulevard any fut
any further improvements to this
intersection is a responsibility of
the Victorian government that may occur
as part of a future duplication of
Hopkins
Road our next question is from natin
ausa who was in The Gallery the
question reads with new Estates victims
of a legal dping what are being what
steps are being undertaken by Council to
make estate developers account ible
including the last instance of onsite
reviews in Mount Atkinson with a view to
issue appropriate finds and the respon
will be provided by the director of City
Delivery thank you Council
acknowledges the impact of illegal
dping in our city we have designated
litter prevention officers to
investigate and initiate enforcement
action to reduce the amount of illegal
dping this has resulted in
infringement noes being issued to
offenders over
3,700 infringements in the last 12
months and number in a number of
circstances also prosecutions which
have been 66 in the last 12 months thank
you we have a further question from ntin
ausa it reads with no firm date for
duplication of a rural grade Hopkins
Road by the state government what steps
are the council traffic management team
undertaking to avoid a repeat of
instances where heavy traffic is default
diverted through residential streets in
Mount Atkinson and the response will be
provided by the director of City
Delivery thank you council's traffic
and transport team are continuing to
monitor the road Network in and around
Matt ainson and are progressing a number
of Road upgrade projects in the broader
Road Network to manage the increase in
traffic these include the Hopkins Road
level crossing removal to be delivered
by the Victorian government noting
anticipated to be completed in 2026 the
ceiling of troops Road South noting
Works anticipated to commence by the end
of this year and also the sealing of an
unsealed section of Mount Cal Road
noting scheduled for delivered in the
2425 Financial year thank you our next
question is from assama Yousef who has
an exemption from being in the gallery
this evening and in the context it
says that in previous answers to public
questions Council has reiterated that
Grand Boulevard extension will be
completed between March and June
2024 and the question reads considering
we are towards the end of March 2024 can
you please provide the specific date for
its public opening and the responsib
provided by the director of City Futures
thank you Grand Boulevard is being
constructed by Stockland the developer
of man ainson and Grand View Estates we
understand from the developer that the
construction Works remain on track for
completion by the end of June
2024 our next question is from Matthew
Pierce and I can see that Matthew's in
the gallery the question reads what
was the response from Melbourne water
that Council received relating to the
public question re B Hill Park Wetlands
from February's council meeting public
question and subsequent article in the
star weekly and will Council offices
hold Melbourne Water accountable to that
response and the response will be
provided by the director of City
Futures thank you offices met with
Melbourne Water Representatives on the
8th of March 2024 and raised the
Thornhill Park Wetlands matter Council
has made further contact with Melbourne
Water since this meeting but is yet to
receive a formal response from Mel water
our next question is from Blackman is
Natalie in the gallery this
evening the question reads what is
the council's stance on the importance
of a new suburb creation process which
was last undertaken 10 years ago given
that we are the fastest growing local
government area nationally and the
response will be provided by the
director of City Futures thank you there
are no immediate plans to make further
changes to the boundaries of suburbs C
council is undergoing a number of
Precinct structure planning processes to
create new suburbs to accommodate the
city's growth we have a second question
from Natalie Blackman and it reads
similar to advocacy for essential
infrastructure like Rail and state roads
which are not in the scope of local
government what advocacy is the council
doing for ensuring communication
infrastructure like mobile and Broadband
are meeting standards expected in a
developed country and the response from
the director of City
Futures whilst council is not directly
responsible for the provision of this
infrastructure officers work with
service providers ERS to locate and
consider appropriate sites for future
mobile network infrastructure Council
continues to Advocate and work towards
facilitating a solution for mobile
network infrastructure within our
municipality our next question this
evening is from Adam Dugen is Adam in
the
gallery the question reads Mountain
Council has constantly failed to engage
with residents that have reached out in
regards to the hanitarian crisis being
experienced in the Palestinian Community
why has the council failed to engage
with this community and how will they
better serve them moving forward and the
response will be provided by Emily KO
the head of
governance microphone
work do you want to try is it working
it's working okay great thank you at
its February 2024 council meeting Melton
City Councilrecognized that council's
responsibility is in providing good
governance and services for the
well-being of the city of Melton
community and that representation
regarding International matters is the
responsibility of international leaders
in the federal government given that
this is not a matter that Council has
any direct control over this is a matter
best raised with Federal
Representatives we have a second
question from Adam dougen and it reads
if Council fails to engage with
residents and fails to represent
residents and fails to justify
administrative complaints what recourse
to Residents have other than electing
new representation at the upcoming
elections and the response from the head
of
governance so m City Councilhandles all
complaints in accordance with its
complaint handling policy complaints
made to councils are overseen by myself
the head of governance and and in this
instance this is what have occurred in
relation to the matters that you've
raised our next question this evening
our second last question for the evening
is from Gish Cara who has an
exemption from being in the gallery the
question reads whilst it's been six
months since the last proactive Pet
Patrol in Mount Atkinson August 2023
what is the launch date for Community
engagement on council's new dog off
leash Park strategy and the response
will be provided by the director of City
Futures thank you a strategic Direction
relating to dog off leash areas in the
city is currently being considered the
exact timing for completion of the
strategy is yet to be
determined and our final question for
this evening is also from Gish Cara
what is the amount of differential rates
Revenue received by the council over the
last four years on the commercial land
earmarked for Mount Aton major town
center also known as Westfield in its
present vacant State
received these its built State potential
and the response will be provided by
the director of organizational
performance thank you under canel's
differential rating structure rates for
vacant land is charged at 150% of the
general rate charge and 200% for
commercial vacant land Council officers
are continuing to work with the
developer to establish a design
framework for the mount erson commercial
area given this any future rate Revenue
cannot be estimated
presently May m that concludes public
questions for this evening thank you
Miss way Council as we're moving on to
consider item 12 presentation of Staff
reports and our first item 12.1 Lake
Caroline draft master plan and
activation strategy this will be
presented by Sam rasco Director City
Futures thank you may M Lake Caroline
Reserve is one of the largest and most
significant passive Open Spaces within
the municipality located north of the
Coro Creek it attracts visitors
including local residents and The Wider
metropolitan population the reserve is
20 years old and elements of the
original design such as the boardwalks
and play equipment are now due for
renewal in the coming years the water
quality has also deterior ated and this
has become a significant barrier to use
at particular times of the year
significant change has also occurred at
the interfaces around the reserve since
its development and there is a need for
the reserve for the lake for the
there is a need for the reserve and Lake
to better respond to the change needs
and the aspirations of our community
active transport routes around the lake
uh and from east to west are indirect
and subject to limited passive
surveillance this reduces the likelihood
of incidental activity such is walking
to the shops and reduces the perception
of safety for path users since the
recent covid-19 pandemic a number of
regular events such as markets and
celebrations and activities such as
pedal boating around and on the lake
Precinct have also ceased Council and
the community are seeking ways to
reactivate the lake and the reserve the
Lake Caroline master plan and activation
strategy identifies opportunities for
future activation and improved
integration between the lake and
adjacent commercial and res residential
interfaces the strategy identifies
locations for amenity and infrastructure
upgrades and informal Recreation nodes
this strategy will guide the future use
and development of the reserve and the
lake the initial stage of the project
involved a detailed s assessment and
background analysis this included
consultation with the community on
existing uses constraints and
opportunities this underpinned the
development of the draft strategy which
includes three key key themes activation
ecology and connection council is now
seeking input via community consultation
on this docent Community consultation
on the draft strategies proposed to
occur from the 19th of April to the 6th
of May and will include distribution of
letters drop in community sessions
on-site surveys Trader engagement
activities social media and
supporting material following
consultation the docent may also be
amended to address matters raised
through the consultation period the
final docent will then seek
endorsement at a future council meeting
thank you thank you to the director of
City futures for that report councilors
do I have any counselors who require
any further clarification on this item
do I have a counselor to move councelor
Bushi proud to move this report Madame
Mayor thank you councelor Bushi do I
have a councelor to Second councelor
fuo happy to Second Madame Mayor does
any counselor oppose does any councelor
wish to speak councelor Abboushi as the
first as the Mover you have the first
right of reply thanks Madame Mayor just
a couple of points Lake Caroline is is
one of the most popular Open Spaces in
the city of Melton located in the heart
of Caroline Springs the surrounding
reserve and lake is unique in its
amenity open space and local ecological
value but the lake is nearly 20 years
old and parts of the original designer
due for upgrades and renewal as well as
strategic vision for the site's longterm
future last year we carried out a public
consultation and received more than 500
submissions throughout the process which
is Testament to how valued Lake Caroline
is by our residents this draft master
plan sets out a vision and principles to
guide the future development and
activation of the lake and its surrounds
and I'd like to thank officers for their
continued efforts on future planning for
this invaluable Community Asset
encourage the community to have their
say on this important docent when
consultation opens next month and I'd
also like to thank the current
counselors who undertook an extensive
consultation process months and
months and months ago last year to set
out the strategy moving forward so
officers and councilors congratulations
thanks Madame Mayor thanks councelor
Bushi councelor I I noticed that
councelor Carly would like to speak but
councelor Fu as the second you have
the second right of
reply councelor Carie thanks Madame
May I'd just like to Echo councelor
Abi's words and also just say Well
done to you Madame May because I believe
this was one of your notices of motion
and I know that this is you're very
passionate about Lake Caroline draft
master plan so just well done well done
to you and I look forward to hearing
what our residents think about the
strategy when it opens for consultation
Madame Mayor thank you thank you
councelor kie does any other councelor
wish to speak councelor kich thank you
madam Mayor I just want to Echo my
colleagues well done Council officers
and Well Done counselors and your M
Mayor thank you thank you councelor kage
does any other councelor wish to speak
before I put it to the vote councelor
Ramsey I just want to Echo the words
of my fellow counselors and acknowledge
everybody who played a vital role
including yourself as The Mastermind
that came up with it but I do want see a
plastic rubber duck in the middle of it
that's as high as a Christmas tree that
was promised during all the exhibition
photos so if I don't see that you'll see
one unhappy little duckling can I just
clarify to everyone that nothing was
promised at this stage so in in saying
that can I just put it to the vote
councilors all those in favor please
raise your hand I declare the motion
carried council is moving on to 12.2
draft Melton WEA Parkland strategy and
this will be presented by Sam romesco
director for City
Futures thank you mik the Melton Weir is
a unique landscape feature with
potential to become a landmark
destination within the municipality the
study area for this project extends from
the western edge of the scenic Botanica
residential development to the southern
end of the we at the exford road bridge
much of this land remains in private
ownership and this strategy will provide
a framework to ensure coordinated and
strategic approach to its ongoing
development the we and Associated
infrastructure is a responsibility of
Southern Rural Water who manage and
control public access to the water a
committee was also created to provide a
for for ongoing communication between
the facilities primary stakeholders and
Council the committee plays an advisory
role on matters relating to the
Improvement planning and development of
the WEA and has played a critical role
in the development of this draft
strategy in July 2022 to council
appointed project Consultants to prepare
the Melton we Parkland strategy they
have since undertaken EXT extensive
background research and Community
stakeholder and committee engagement
this work has directly informed the
development of the draft Melton we
Parkland
strategy council is now seeking
Council offices are now seeking
endorsement for public exhibition of the
draft strategy thank you thank you to
the director of City futures for the
report I'll now ask is there any
clarification in regards to this item
councilor vandenbberg thank you m May
I just want to clarify with officers
does the strategy take into
consideration possible future
development of a public access boat
R through you Madame Mayor yes that
is one of the outcomes of the strategy
that's been identified thank you Madame
May thank you Council vanderberg any
further clarification or
questions if not I'll put it to the vote
can I I'm sorry I'll ask for a mover
before I put it to the vote councelor
Shannon
happy to move that Madame Mayor the
council endorsed the draft Melton we
Parkland strategy provided as appendix
one to this report for consultation
between the 19th of April and the 6th of
May 2024 and I also would like to speak
to him thank you councelor Shannon do I
have a councelor to Second councelor
Ramsey I'd like to second that Madam
me thank you moved by councelor
Shannon seconded by councel Ramsey
Council did wish to speak so I'll offer
her that opportunity as the
Mover thanks Madame May Melton we is
home to some of the city's biggest
events and most active local clubs this
draft strategy provides direction for
the development of surrounding Parkland
as well as amenity and infrastructure
upgrades Council wants to improve access
and recreational opportunities and
increase visitation to the Melton we and
surrounding Park
LS we is an important local asset and we
have the opportunity to transform it
into a recreational draw card not only
for our residents but people from The
Wider Metropolitan region as well
initial stages of the project involve
consultation on the areas existing uses
detailed site assessments and background
analysis on behalf of council I would
like to thank everyone involved in our
consultation process as well as officers
for their work on this important
strategy I look forward to hearing the
feedback from this next round of
consultation and the strategy being
finalized and I'd also like to say it's
been an honor to be on the we
Development Committee for this process
thank you Madame May thank you councelor
Shannon does any other councelor wish to
speak on this item Council Turner and
councel vanumberg youve got your hand up
but as a second councelor Ramsey you've
got the second right of reply I'm happy
to let my fellow counselors go for it
thanks councilor Ramsey councelor Turner
thank you mad May initially this I
think this committee was first 2013
it was put together it's been extremely
slow over the years and thank you to the
councelors that are on it now and are
really pushing and officers that are
helping we really need to see this
happen this is this could be the jewel
in the CR of the city of mountain
there's so much can happen down there
it's only big water space we've got with
access to the boats and things like that
so yeah hope this really takes off
and delivers what us as counc are hoping
it'll deliver thank you Madame thank you
councelor Turner councelor venumberg thank
you Madame May I just want to say
that this is a fantastic draft strategy
and I really look forward to what
comes of this strategy and ever since I
was elected the we and and public access
to the we and voting was one of the main
things that came up so I'm glad to see
things eventuate and I really do look
forward to to the Future for the we
thank you fantastic councilor Ramsey I
think you've already spoken
you've given up your right I gave my
right but I'm asking to just I'm feeling
generous Council Ramsey thank you Madame
Mayor I appreciate that I just wanted to
say that advocacy on the we started back
in 2002 with counselor papis when he put
up a strategy so it's been going for 22
years plus I know my fellow counselors
have had different versions of the same
strategy at different times but this is
the first time it's actually developed
in such a way and I have Great Hopes
because not only have we got Southern
Rural Water assisting we've got some
very passionate counselors behind this
Fe at Council collectively led by you
Madame May thank you thanks Council
Ramsey does any other councelor wish to
speak on this item I'll put it to the
vote all those in favor please raise
your hand I declare the motion carried
thank you councilors moving on to 12.3
governance rules and this will be
presented by Emily kog k k I'm sorry
our new head of governance thank you
Emily thank you madam Mayor
councilors this report recommends the
adoption of the updated governance rules
which went out for public consultation
for a two-e period following review by
council's policy review panel on the
15th of February 2024 one Community
submission was received that was
supportive of the Draft rules the
changes largely relate to improved
Clarity for specific Provisions while
ensuring our rules are in keeping with
the Local Government Act 2020 and best
practice within the sector I'd also like
to note that there has been a minor
change to the rules since the
consultation period specifically section
72 which relates to a motion not being
able to be put before Council within 6
months of the motion being previously
lost whereas this had previously been
noted to be 3 months this was an
oversite and has been corrected in the
docent before us tonight so thank you
Madame Mayor thank you to the head of
vence for this report councilors do I
have any clarification councilors any
questions or clarification in regards to
this report could I have a
move councilor
Ramsey Madame Mayor I'd like to move the
recommendation that reads the council
adopt the draft governance rules
provided as appendix one do I have a
council to Second councelor Shannon
happy to second that Madame May does any
counselor oppose does counselor wish to
speak I'll put it to the vote all those
in favor please raise your hand I
declare the motion carried 12.4 order
and risk committee minutes 5th of March
2024 and this two shall be presented by
Emily Kio head of governance thank you
Madame Mayor councilors this report
recommends the adoption of the minutes
from the audit and risk committee
meeting held on the 5th of March
2024 thank you for that report counc
counc is there any clarification in
regards to this item do I have a
counselor to
move councelor
Shannon thanks Madame May I'd like to
move that one the council note the
confirmed minutes of the audit and risk
committee meeting held on the 5th of
March 2024 provided as appendix one to
this report and two adopt the
recommendations end endorsed or approved
by the audit and risk committee arising
within the minutes thank you councelor
Shannon do I have a councelor to Second
councelor Cary happy to second that
thanks Madame Mayor thank you councelor
Carly does any counselor oppose does any
counselor wish to speak on the item all
those in favor please raise your hand I
declare the motion carried item number
12.5 advisory Committees of council
aggregated meeting minutes and these two
shall be presented by head of
governance Emily Kio thank you through
you Madame Mayor councilors this report
recommends the adoption of the minutes
of the disability advisory committee
from the 1st of February 24 and the
policy review panel meeting from the
14th of March 2024 thank you Madame
Mayor thank you for that report
councilors is there any any
clarification in regards to this item do
I have a
moover councelor
Ramsey Madame May saying I was in both
those Council minutes can I hang on
I've got to get to that page again
can I move the recommendation that
Council receive the minutes of the
following advisory committee meetings
provided as appendix one and two of this
report and adopt the
recommendations that arise within the
minutes one disability advisory
committee dated the 1st of February 2024
and two the policy review panel 14th of
March
2024 thank you councilor Ramsey do I
have a councelor to
Second do I have a councelor to
councelor Shannon happy to second that M
May thank you councelor Shannon does any
councelor oppose does any councelor wish
to speak I'll put it to the vote all
those in favor please raise your hand I
declare the motion carried councilors
we're moving on to agenda item 13
reports from delegates appointed to
other bodies and councelor
representations and acknowledgements and
this is the reports on external
committees and external representative
bodies for which councilors have been
appointed by Council there is a 3
minute time limit on this
I'll start off with the deputy Mayor
councelor
Abboushi thanks Madam
Mayor a few meetings and and
committees on in the past four weeks
we we had a meeting with yourself and
councelor Carly with Spring Hills
football club along with the
president and members of the committee
CEO remuneration and employment
committee what a wonderful flavor
Fest we had a couple of weeks ago in
main tree very memorable lots and
lots of people perfect weather awesome
fireworks great bands it was just
Perfect all around so congratulations to
the events team for putting on a
fantastic festival for our
residents I had a meeting with the
director of oh gosh City Life Mr scobble
and and and a member of the events
team recently International women's
day Madame may you put on a fantastic
International women's day event what
a fantastic and inspiring speaker I
think this event just goes from strength
to strength every year but you've
definitely taken taking it up another
notch Madame Mayor so congratulations
and thank you for facilitating
a great event the Melton plate at
Melton entertainment Park and another
fantastic event Council budget
day I also went to Harmony day
last weekend at Fraser Rise and also
congratulations to our our team for
officers for putting on a fantastic
Harmony day with great feedback I got
some feedback this morning actually from
a local resident who attended for the
first time and said it was
fantastic and I think it was great
that it was inside cuz we had had some
interesting weather so we that was
well planned but the I just love the
diversity of this community and
being someone from a diverse background
I'm every year I'm so inspired with
meeting new people from different
walks of life and from different parts
of the world so congratulations and
thank you for making it such a truly
inspiring event and very very diverse I
absolutely love it well done thanks
madam May thank you councelor bushy
councelor
Carly Madame May sorry I forgot to
mention and this really should have been
the very first thing I say I just wanted
to pass on my condolences to the Godfrey
family on the passing of Alan Godfrey
recently World War War II veteran I
was in Cambra when I heard the news and
I had to stop the cab and sit on the
side there for a bit just to reflect on
the the tragic news but my heart goes
out to the family and I'm sure most of
the councilors will have something to
say about this matter thanks Madam if
for Lead Me squeeze that one in thank
you councelor Bushi councelor Carie
thanks Madame Mayor Madame Mayor this
uh I attended the CEO employment and
reneration committee specialist hoop
Skylar event congratulations to Emily
atart and her team that event each year
just keeps getting bigger and bigger
Madame Mayor which is great to see
flavorfest at Frontier Park anry the
recreation and Leisure advisory
committee we discussed the draft city of
Melton tennis strategy Plpton Aquatic
Leisure Center update terms of reference
review and Sport and recreation facility
development policy I attended the
western region by annual For hosted by
brimbank well done Madame Mayor for
your International women's day guest
speaker Jade Scott her story was very
inspiring and what a fabulous day that
was so well done policy review panel
minutes in tonight's agenda councilor's
budget day Melton PL always a great
event Harmony Day event which was held
during cultural diversity week and
Madame May I'd also like to just take
a few minutes to mention the wonderful
Mr Ellen Godfrey who was one of
Australia's last remaining World War II
veterans who sadly passed he was 100
years old and Saturday that just passed
would have been his 101th birthday it
just felt like yesterday Madame that we
were celebrating with him on his H 100th
birthday Alan loved to have a had at the
dawn service and Remembrance Day and I
loved listening to his stories he would
have the biggest smile on his face when
he would see the school students
participating in the dawn service and
who would later then come to introduce
themselves to him and would want a photo
which he absolutely loved he had time
for everyone he was an absolute
gentleman and my deepest consol
condolences to Ellen's family it was an
honor to have known him and I thank
Ellen for his service to our nation and
he will always be remembered lest we
forget I'd also Madame may like to take
this opportunity to wish our residents a
very happy Easter to you and your family
if you are traveling please stay safe on
our roads and just lastly Madame M I
just want to thank our residents for
their patience we have so many Road
Works happening all across the
municipality so I just want to thank
them for being understanding and these
works when they are completed is
going to be wonderful me so thank you
thank you councelor carliy councelor
Turner jping G good job
Madam yeah it's been an interesting
month 28th February was our
CEO employment reation committee meeting
satday the 2nd it was favor Fest another
great day great event put on by our
staff thank you very much Wednesday
this sixth there was a recreation leg of
advisory committee on the seventh it was
a western region biannual for and we
had the CEO of Western Health
Professor Russell Harrison did this
speech on the night and it was a great
presentation he's I remember he attended
a council event when he first arrived in
Australia about 10 years ago or 12 years
ago on Friday the 8th was M's
International women's day what a
fantastic day and I must admit Jane
Scott is probably the best speaker we've
ever had she was fantastic really
enjoyed it on the 11 11:00
a.m. must be the 9th not go the date
here it was Mountain
Suburban 14th actually sorry about that
M Suburban revital revitalization
board first time I've been on that
and it was a very interesting day I'm
looking forward to the next one in
evening we design a Club International
women's day event and that was another
great event I can't remember the name of
the speaker I apologize but she was
really really car cute she was really
funny she was great Saturday the 16th
councilor's budget day and also in the
evening Melton plate which was a great
night Sunday the 17th The
Specialist Hoops run an event with the
police Hoops in harmony open day and and
it started off the first hour or so
the police did a presentation to all the
all the youth telling them what was
good what was bad in the city and how
how they can protect themselves and then
they went on for the next hour and did
had had a game of basketball and that
was that was a really good day on 21st
attended Phoenix soccer club's Jersy
presentation night and on the 23rd along
with councelor Julie we had attended
Saturday night the amadia Muslim
Community of Victoria it was at if
dinner they called it fasting in
my religion and it was basically
breaking the fast after their fasting
period on the 24th it was Indian
woman in Australia and like councelor
Abboushi appreciate all these events I
love to go to these events where you mix
with other different
communities it was Indian woman in
Australia holy in the west you get a bit
bit colored with a paint but it was good
and that was held at Han whats Park and
it was massive the car Parkins was an
issue there but yeah it was a massive
day and also I'd like to recognize
Alan Godfrey 100 years old World War I
veteran who passed thank you Madame May
thank you councelor Turner councelor
Vandenburg thank you Madame May I
attended the specialist Hoops Gala on
the 2nd of March I attended flavor F
flavor Festival it was a wonderful event
and thank you to the organizers and it
was attended by many and everybody
had lots of fun the fireworks were
absolutely
fantastic the 16th of March was
Council budget day and I put forward
and advocated on behalf of constituents
for the following as part of my Council
budget submissions which included the
duplication of Ferris Road a mobile
Child Health Service installation of of
a handrail on the boardwalk for the
Melton Botanic
Gardens increase in the hours
operating hours of the Melton pound
duplication and improving Lighting on
exford road duplication and urbanization
of Taylor's road construction of a sound
wall between Western Highway and the
seale estate so these are the
submissions that I put forward for my
Council budget
submissions throughout the month I've
also had many discussions discussions
with residents discussing road
infrastructure and Community needs and
finally Madame Mayor I really would like
to offer my deepest condolences to alen
Godfrey and his family and may He rest
in peace and thank you for all that he
has done and achieved for us and I
also would like to say happy holy holy
for everyone celebrating and over the
weekend there was a we can see on
Facebook and everywhere else the range
of colors and wonderful events
celebrated by many thank you thank you
councel vber councelor
kich thank you Madame Mayor on the
28th February attendant CEO employment
and remuneration committee meeting on a
14th March meeting with the residents in
regards illegal crops growing in the
private
buildings and the dangers of
fire 16th cancel budget day on a
22nd meeting with the residents on a
parking issues in Caroline Springs
Madame Mayor if you allow me I would
need to quickly read
something so today's dat is known in
uh
history in 1752 the modern world changed
a New Year's Day to January
1st before the calendar adjustment act
of
1751 Great Britain and its us colonies
celebrated the New Year's Day on March
25 happy New Year
guys
and also 25th of March it's a very
special date in my life on today's day
uh without authorization of United
Nations NATO started the
bombing my former country
1999 census bombing of Yugoslavia which
lasted three
months with the thousands that perished
and even more wounded and displaced
including my
parents my brother and the others also I
would like to wish happy Easter and
Holly and as a last thing I would like
to my deepest condolences for sadly
passing of Alan Godfrey they'll
see you again night unless we forget
that's all for me thank you thank you
councelor kesich councelor
Ramsey thank you Ma Madame Mayor I'd
like to start off by expressing my
deepest sympathies to the family and the
veterans R alen Godfrey V go Alan
Godfrey I've known him for nearly two
decades a local hero a true gentleman
and a great friend when he was talking
to you you felt like the only person in
the world who was genuinely interested
in absolutely everything and I believe
and I will stand to be corrected when he
when he
enlisted he's the last veteran for
World War II in Melton in our city so
I think he's a very special gentleman
indeed if I get on to the Committees
I'd really like to reel off all the
submissions I did in the budget too but
I did something like about 30 of them I
can't remember very many of them at at
the moment so I'm the CEO review panel
and review Christ Church Anglican Church
service honoring will Prayer day and
this year by chance it was for
Palestine the we visited the rugby
facility at mcferson Park and myself and
can councelor Shannon specialist Hoops
Gallow event night the cenova Western p
's launch day which is at the top of
High Street it Bunnings that whole area
was fantastic and the Mayor and
councelor Shannon wouldn't leave until
they gone and visited the cats and
the or the kittens and the puppies so
that was fantastic flavorfest
2024 we ate ourselves silly on that day
we we also visited into the yarab
Bing Secondary College in a tree I ched
the head space m Consorti meeting I
also attended the western region by
annual
For the Melton city council's Mayor
International Women's Day lunch
absolutely Sensational Madame May thank
you so much for everything you do in
that space the lead West better bus for
Melbourne's West and key advocacy
priorities we met with Luba gregorovich
and Mora deeing lead West committee
meeting I chaed and I've been
renominated as chair for the next
6 months or so leading into the
election time for Council the M
MPC SC
the night where the heavy winds were
the stats were SCS did 80 jobs in
one night there were no losses of
primary residences but Council had a
whopping now listen to the whopping
1,200 customer action request forms put
in most of them more for fallen trees
but at the end of the day two weeks ago
when we had the meeting it was going to
be about another month before the clear
up happen so I dare say it's well under
control now we also talked about the
battery plant that's coming to tan
Veil something that gave me great faith
was that the battery plants to mitigate
risk are going to be segregated whereas
where it's happened previously batteries
have all been together so hopefully that
will leader change the Zant Club
International women's day the Council
budget day the Melt and plate the
mountain safe City advisory committee
and again I want to wish all our
residents a safe and happy Easter I look
forward to catching up with you and I
don't mind sharing Easter eggs if anyone
wants to share be safe on those roads
because the police will start their
their finding as soon as good Easter
Thursday is basically up and finished so
take care and good luck and happy Holly
to everybody that celebrates thank you
Madame thank you councelor Ramsey
councelor
fuo yeah lucky last thank you Madame
Mayor I just wanted to extend my
sincere condolences to the family and
friends of alen Godfrey I had the
pleasure of meeting him last year in my
first year of tenure of being a
counselor and he was indeed a lovely
lovely gentleman with a great sense
of hor so con condolences to all his
family and friends friends and may He
rest in peace I have attended regular
briefings as well as answer calls and
emails from residents I have I attended
the international Women's Day lunch
put on by you Madame Mayor it was
amazing great event I'd like to thank my
guest my guest Stephanie Robson from
Caroline Springs CFA and Ally burns from
Bella's Footprints ra raising awareness
for button batteries thanks Madame
Mayor I attended Council budget day
CEO re reneration meeting I attended
the recreation and Leisure advisory
commit thank you where we spoke
about the tennis strategy plp Aquatics
Center Sport and Recreation
facilities which and that was my
first attending that meeting and it
was quite informative and and it was
quite insightful I quite enjoyed it so
I'm looking forward to the next one I'd
also like to say to those who
celebrate Easter Happy Easter and this
is the most important week of the
year for Christians and Catholics
celebrating the death and resurrection
of Jesus Christ I'd like to wish
everybody a safe and happy Easter and to
all the kids on school holidays I hope
they make use of our great parks and our
great activities that are available
via the council website that are for
free and I hope everybody has a
fantastic time and please stay safe over
Easter that's all for me Madame Mayor
thank you councelor fuer councelor
Shannon
thanks Madame Mayor apart from briefings
and communication with residents on
various issues I attended the CEO
employment and re reneration committee
meeting the world Day of Prayer
ecenical service held at Christ
Church Anglican Church The Specialist
Hoops Galler event which was another
fabulous event that they put on the city
Nova West Pines launch day opening event
flavorfest at Frontier Park and the
Korean barbecue was excellent and I
agree with Council Ramsey we ate too
much but it was well worth it I was
part of the audit and risk committee
meeting I had the visit and tour of the
new yabing Secondary College and
principal John Mito mitoos I think you
pronounced it was an excellent tour
guide for us on that day and what a
great school that is it would be great
to see it it's sort of half completed
I think to see the rest done would be
excellent as they grow I think they'll
grow very fast I also ATT Ed the
western region biannual For host
being bringback city
council I was attended the Western
Melbourne tourism board meeting and I
had to leave that early so I could get
to the me's International Women's Day
lunch that was a busy day and Jane Scott
I agree with everyone else was an
excellent
speaker the policy review panel
meeting on the 14th and that evening
the Zant Club International women's day
annual dinner Carrie Q had me in fits of
laughter she's amazing I look forward
to reading some of her work I haven't
read it and she's very funny 16th of
the 3D full day councelor budget day
followed with a small break before we
went to the Melton plate but it was a
really good day in many ways I really
enjoyed that day even though it was a
tiring day Madame May I attended the
Melton Interfaith cultural diversity
week ifar dinner on the 19th and on the
23rd the amadia Muslim Community
Victoria ifar dinner and their theme was
fasting in my religion that was a really
good night as well I'd like to say
happy Holly Holly to those celebrating
and also my thoughts and prayers are
with the friends and family of Alan
Godfrey World War II veteran it was
great to be able to attend his 100th
birthday last year I'd only known him
for a couple of years since I've been a
counselor but every time I would say
hello to him he really made time to talk
and listen and just be with be present
with any person was in his presence so
he was a really lovely man finishing
up I'd like to say may this Easter
season bring you knowledge of the one
who rose on Resurrection Sunday Jesus
Christ I pray that you're filled with
peace hope and love and please remember
to also stay safe throughout this season
thank you Madame May thank you councelor
Shannon I'll try and be as quick as I
can counselors I had my Ann or my
regular meetings with the members of
parliament together with the CEO and
advocacy officer the MPS that we met
uh this last month was Luber gregorovich
local MP for corid Minister Natalie
Hutchins local member for sy Josh bull
local member for Sunbury Sam Ray Federal
mp Federal member for Hawk and
Minister horn in regards to the
interface Council group and some of the
advocacy items brought up at these
meetings included the Melton City
council's grow
Crossing removals updates gake funding
applications including the P Plpton
and Aquatic Wellness Center and Cobble
bank community Hub employment
opportunities higher education and
important infrastructure such as roads
we welcome working with both state and
federal members to ensure our community
get the best possible outcome the major
event I attended was flavorfest 2024
International women's day Melton plate
at the Melton entertainment Park and the
running of the 35th city of Melton plate
in the 15th year that it's been held in
Melton I also attended Harmony Day event
at Fraser rise and they were all great
events organized by our Council staff
and events team and well done to all
involved in regards to the community
events I attended Zant International
women's day and Interfaith cultural
diversity event which the which was the
ifar dinner the maav monthly board
meeting and briefing MAV Metro West
Regional For followed by by the
western region biannual For hosted by
bring Bank Council in regards to the
openings it was Cova West pin's open day
and launch and the child care opening in
Melton regarding committees I attended
the order and risk committee the policy
Review Committee and budget day and
there was some visits to yabing
Secondary College and stth T Primary
School grade four grade four visit on
the topic of local government and
what we do as counselors so that was
really great last week we heard the sad
passing of a true true genuine hero
Ellen Godfrey one of the last remaining
World War II veterans who passed away at
the age of 100 he was a member of the
Caroline Springs RSL sub branch and was
at almost every Anzac and Remembrance
Day since I've been on Council he was
highly regarded in the community and his
legacy lives on with his mural and his
story located at the anry Walk of Honor
amongst many other special tributes
celebrating his life he was a hble man
that never could quite understand what
all the fuss around him was about he
will truly be missed and my condolences
go out to his family I will be moving a
motion in Urgent business on how Melton
City Councilwill honor Alan Godfrey's
life highlighting his service to
Australia and his community it's been a
season of special significance as some
community members commemorate Ramadan
others holy festival and later this week
is Easter one of the most important
dates on the Christian calendar for how
sorry one of the important dates on the
Christian calendar for however you and
your family may
celebrate May celebrate this time I wish
you and the community all of God's
blessings during this time thank you
counselors and that's it for my report
and just on time so that's good
counselors we're going to move on to
item number 14 notices of motion and we
have 14.1 notice of motion 913 councelor
Abboushi adop a park
program thanks Madame Mayor that prior
to the
implementation Council be briefed on an
adop a park program two one
complement complement Community efforts
to maintain our parks and Gardens and
improve the environmental resilience of
our neighborhood public spaces through
Community Ste stewardship two increase
Community use of Mountain City council's
Open Spaces and places and instill
further pride in neighborhood public
spaces
three create and promote opportunities
for existing and in progress Dynamic
volunteering groups to support and care
for parks and open places in the city
and four recognize and enhance the
efforts of existing volunteer groups
already actively caring for city of
Melton parks and open places thanks
Madame Mayor thank you councelor Bushi
do I have a counselor to second but
before I do councelor bushy would you
consider a further dot point to consider
any legal implications for for the
consideration of implementing this
action as dot Point number five yes
thank you councelor Abboushi councelor
kie did you have you hand up to Second
yes I did thanks Madame Mayor and you're
accepting the extra dot Point yes not a
problem councelor has moved councelor
Abboushi has moved this and seconded
with an additional dot Point seconded by
councelor Cary does any counselor have
any clarification in regards this
item if not does any counselor oppose
does any counselor wish to
speak councel speak than thanks Madame
Mayor I think it's important that
we continue to encourage new and
emerging groups and people who don't
know that they can volunteer to assist
us maintain and take pride in our public
spaces and Parks and also Madame
Mayor there are a number of parks and
Gardens that we have repetitive
vandalism and I'm hoping that programs
like this don't have to always rely on
residents contacting customer service to
report issues but by having people who
take ownership of our public spaces that
antisocial behavior is discouraged
and therefore when people take ownership
and are there more and more present
uh hopefully it discourages any
antisocial behavior taking place in our
Open Spaces thanks Madame Mayor thank
you councelor Bush does any other
councelor any other councelor wish to to
speak I'll put it to the vote all those
in favor please raise your hand I
declare the motion carried council is
moving on to 14.2 notice of motion 914
councelor Abboushi support for carers
program thanks Madam Mayor the
council further advocate for increased
support for carers programs funding with
the state government to continue to
support and facilitate access for city
of Melton residents to organizations
providing support for carers program in
the city of Melton and three apply for
the support for carers program at the
next available opportunity that funding
is available thanks Madame Mayor thank
you councelor Abboushi do I have a
councelor to Second councelor Ramsey
Madame may can I not only second that
but commend councilor Bushi for
putting this notice motion up very well
done thank you Council Ramsey does any
Council require any further
clarification does any councelor wish to
speak even though councel Ramsey already
has out of turn councelor Abboushi thanks
mad I'd like to thank local residents
in Caroline Springs especially Maryanne
who have contacted me in relation to
the lack of funding that's directly
applied through Council I'm a firm
believer that Madame Mayor if Council
services are provided direct from
Council officers it's a gold standard
service that they're receiving it's
continuous and it's is also dealing with
the same people day in day out and I
really appreciate high quality services
especially from local government I'd
like to thank Maryanne who I've
mentioned before and our wonderful
community of carers there's many of them
in our community for their resilience
for their heart and their tireless
efforts for caring for those who need it
most thanks Madame Mayor thank you
councelor bushy does any other councelor
Ramsey did you wish to speak I I will
speak now that I've got my official turn
I I want to commend counselor Bush yet
again as having been a carer for my
elderly grandmother who was 108 my mom
and my disabled daughter before she
passed and knowing full well what carers
need to do in this space the one when
Council provide that sort of Care
Service it needs to
be so tailored and and in such a tricky
area but each counselor around this
table knows full well from fellow
counselors experiences in this space
how committed we are to carers in
within the city of Melton it was you
Madame May that led the charge for the
carers Hub within the city of Melton and
so this is just
another
what do you call it spoke in our
wheel to really create the best outcomes
for carers within the city of Melton
thank thank you councelor Bushi thank
you
Council thank you councilor Ramsey does
any other councelor wish to speak I'm
not sure if this is speaking out of
line councelor Bushi I know that you've
already put the motion but is there a
consideration that you could put a dot
four Council offices provide an update
on the previous Council resolution for a
carers hub I think it's in well sits in
well in line with that councelor ramse
are you happy to add that extra dot
Point very happy Madame May thank you
councilors does does anyone require
clarification on that last dot point if
not
I'll put it to the vote all those in
favor please raise your hand I declare
the motion carried thank you councilors
Madame me can I call for a division
please yes councelor Abboushi has called
for a division therefore setting aside
the original vote all those in favor
of this motion please raise your hand
councelor those in favor councelor
Abboushi councelor Cary councelor fuer
coun coun kesich councelor midley
councelor Shannon councelor Vandenumberg
councelor Turner councelor Ramsey I
declare
the division carried sorry haven't done
one for a
while thanks councilors item 15
councilor questions without notice
councelor
Ramsey thank you Madame Mayor my my
first question is that in the December
the 18th 2 2 2023 meeting 12 point item
12.2 on the agenda was our advocacy
campaign for the level crossing removal
projects and Dot point3 was to write to
the minister of Transport infrastructure
The Honorable Danny pier and the local
members of parliament to seek a meeting
to discuss Council submission in
particular the key aspects of each
project to ensure the best outcomes for
the Melt Community now and the future
now my first question is have has
that what have we received in regards to
dot point3 has there been any
correspondence because Ferris road is
about to commence and I note that a
one one lane both ways
overpass especially with a hospital
being created beyond that is only going
create nightmares so could I get an
update or could Council get an update on
what has happened in this
space through you may adick thanks
for the question councilor Ramsey I
can confirm that a letter was sent to
the minister with a copy to local
members in late December of 2023
requesting a meeting to discuss Council
submission to the level crossing removal
Authority stakeholder submission process
I'm not aware of a response from the
minister today relating to our
submission however I do note that
Community con Community engagement
activities have recently commenced on
the designs associated with the
Melton station upgrade at Station
Road Madame M could I have a my final
question being with the overpass
especially at Ferris Road being one way
or the design that's being displayed
at the moment is one way either side
is there any gate funding or is there
any advocacy we can do as a council
now to try and alleviate because I would
not want to be in an ambulance heading
towards a hospital caught up in a
traffic
jam through you Mayor M the $200
million gake allocation for public
transport within growth areas funds
items including land acquisition and
capital work for state funded public
transport projects Council does not
have access to this particular funding
stream just to follow up in this regard
is there anything we can do to Advocate
to get access to that
money through you Mayor Majdlik there
have been ongoing discussions regarding
gake I might take that question on
notice in terms of any further
advocacy efforts that we can do thank
you thank you councilor Ramsey does any
other counselor have any further
questions councelor
venumberg thank you B may can Council
please provide an update on the opening
of conservative Drive
deanside three M thank you for your
question Council venumberg Council
officers are continuing to work with the
developers relating to the opening of
Conservatory drive and we don't yet have
uh a date anticipated in terms of the
opening
canumberg I've got one more question
Can Council please confirm the amount
within the Council budget line allocated
for develop contributions and the amount
utilized within the
2023 to 24 Financial period you might
have to take that on
notice thank you cancel the question on
I'll have to take that on in C thank you
for your question cancel vanumberg
councelor
Turner thank you Madame Mayor most
councilors have been contacted over time
regarding the price of perol in the
township of Milton one can can
officers advise what power if any
Council has to regulate the price of
fuel in our SE two is there any action
we can take as a council to try to
regulate prices and three what advocacy
action is Council taking in the past
also is there any further action we can
take thank you
Madame who we looking at for an
answer may my look get appease that we
might be taking that question on notice
sure no problem thanks councelor Turner
that's fine thank you thank you
councelor
kich thank you Madame
Mayor in the past 14 days I've been
approached by at least two residents
concerning the Melton council's budget
surplus from the previous year
specifically there are half truths or I
could even say outright lies circulating
on social media aiming to tarnish the
reputation of the Melton
Council this seems to stem partly from
ignorance and partly from the in
intention to create confusion therefore
Madame Mayor I have a question I'm
asking for clarification on whether the
Melton City Councilindeed had has a
surplus of 360 million in
liquidity or if these funds are tied up
in immovable property food Parts nature
streps Etc thank you thank you councelor
kage thank you councelor kage for that
question through you Mayor mik and just
taking on cancel vandenumberg's question
to I've just looked up the financial
statement so as austr fastest growing
Community it's important to note that
Council receives significant developer
contributions that contribute to our
Surplus each year if you look at our
growth in our municipality in last
Financial year the 2223 Financial year
it resulted in cancer receiving 384
million in legislative contributions
from these developers and we know at
times our community misunderstands this
money and how we report this money in
our financial statements but these
developer funds can only be used for
future Capital infrastructure projects
like within within these respective
development precincts for child care
centers ovals parks open spaces and
Roads so in many instances These funds
do fall short and I think we mentioned
this last year at the during the budget
during our annual financial statement
they do fall short of the full cost of
the delivery of these assets and we need
to council needs to contribute money
towards this infrastructure as well and
this is why Council needs to continue to
focus on prudent financial management
activities and continue to explore
opportunities for Revenue additional
Reven
Revenue raising opportunities so but
when you do actually adjust the
developer contributions and Grant
incomes received our adjusted operating
Surplus and I mentioned this at the end
of last Financial year was only $23.1
million and most of that money or most
of that Surplus was committed to our
carryover project so this is probably
the question there is this a
misunderstanding in the community about
this developer contributions that we do
receive so thank you may M thank you
coun may I'm happy with the answer thank
you any further questions without notice
councelor
fuger thank you Madame may I believe
this is for near wh side I just wanted
to update on the muret that's damaged at
uh the corner of Taylor's Road
Boulevard and Caroline Springs Boulevard
I noted that it's been there have
been some things that have been done to
it but is there ETA on when it would be
completed and the hoarding taken down
thank you and through the Mayor so it
is a complex project because it's an
insurance related matter given it was an
traffic accident that damaged the senera
so the U Sentinel sorry the the my
understanding is that the insurer has
approved the Builder to untake The Works
uh there has been some initial
demolition of those works it now
requires a structural engineer to
confirm what further works are now
required to to fix that should be noted
we have barricaded the site there is an
additional path that has been created
to enable safe access so we'll continue
to pursue it as best we can noting we
are somewhat in the hands of the
insurers and their building thank
you councilors any other further
questions without notice councelor
Abboushi I didn't have any questions
until c councilor kesich raised his I
just want just for further clarification
if that's okay so leading on from
councilor kage's question in relation to
developer contributions and our
commitments Mr Leon are you saying
that the developer contributions that we
have on hand are committed funds is that
what you're saying that that is correct
ccel and did I hear you say that and
they still don't meet the demand for the
programs that we
need
now and in the near future that is
correct so generally we we get funding
for the developer contributions to build
certain assets but in most in some Cas
or generally a lot of those cases the
assets that we build need contributions
from either Government funding or cancel
contributions as well to to complete
those assets so that is correct thanks
for the clarification much
clearer thank you councelor Bush does
any other counselor have any other
questions without
notice if not I'll move on to Urgent
business and councelors I do have an
item for consideration but before I do
I'll ask the CEO if there are any other
items of urgent business to consider
May m there is another item of urgent
business this evening
which I understand will be raised by
councelor Bushi councelor Bushi would
you like to raise your item of urgent
business sure Madam Mayor
I wish to move an item of urgent
business to be considered as part of
confidential business which is a
proposed purchase of land the item
satisfies section 21 of Melton's
governance rules as the item has arisen
since the distribution of the agenda and
cannot be deferred into until the next
council meeting due to timelines being
imposed outside of council's control the
item is deemed confidential as it
contains Council business information
being information that would Prejudice
the council's position in commercial
negotiations if prematurely released
thanks Madame Mayor thank you councilor
Bushi so we are at this stage just
considering the matter to be considered
as urgent business so moveed by
councelor Abboushi do I have a second
councelor
Ramsey
I'd like to second that M me thank you
Council Rams does any other Council
require any further clarification
there's any councelor oppose does any
councelor wish to speak I'll put it to
the vote all those in favor please raise
your hand I declare the matter I I'll
declare the motion moved and councelor
Bushi can move the Urgent motion now
before us for
consideration yeah just one moment Madam
Mayor oh sorry councelor Abboushi I
believe it needs to be raised in
confidential okay y so my apologies
problem to head of
governance sorry counselors
counselors I do have an item that I
had mentioned in my speech which I I
will actually oh sorry
acknowledgements I will rise from the
chair on this one and remove myself
from the chair I'd like to move that an
item of urgent business be considered
which is the acknowledgement of the
passing of Ellen Godfrey this item
satisfies section 21 of Melton's
governance rules as the item has has
arisen since the distribution of the
agenda and cannot be deferred until the
next council meeting so councilors do I
have a counselor to Second this
councelor
Abboushi do you want me to chair Madame
Mayor no no happy to second that thank
you councelor Bush do I have a counselor
who requires any further clarification
do I have a counselor who opposes wishes
to speak all those in favor please raise
your hand I declare the motion carried
councilors I'll now move I'll now
arise and remove myself from the chair
and again counselors I'd like to move
that Council one acknowledges the
passing of Alan Godfrey and his Service
as a World War II veteran as well as his
service to the community and send a
letter under seal to his family two fly
the flag at the Civic Center at half M
on the day of Ellen's funeral three
receive a report from Council officers
considering how council could
commemorate Alan Godfrey's life service
and Legacy to community and Country in
consultation with his with his family
councilors do I have a councelor to
Second councelor cich thank you Madame
Mayor I will be more than happy to
Second it thank you councelor kesich do
I have a counselor who requires
clarification do I have a counselor who
wishes sorry who opposes do I have a
counselor who wishes to speak councelor
Ramsey you wish to speak before I do
I I already said what I needed to say
councelor kessy Juro councelor Ramsey
all I want to say is I commend you coun
councelor mle as our Mayor for
bringing this forward in such a way we
we have a policy that we
lower the flags to half masks but it
didn't seem as appropriate or fitting
for a man of this magnitude qu he was
such a little man but he had a huge
spirit and I think you've captured it in
your notice of motion so congratulations
thank you Council Ramsey does any other
councelor wish to
speak if not I'll put it to the vote all
those in favor please raise your hand I
declare the motion carried thank you
councilors we'll move on to item 17
confidential business and there is a
recommended procedural motion here
councelor Abboushi thanks Madame Mayor
pursuant section 661 and 2A of the Local
Government Act 2020 the meeting be
closed to the public to consider the
following reports that are considered to
contain confidential information on the
grounds provided in section 31 of the
Local Government Act 2020 as indicated
17.1 nomination of community members for
Community grants assessment panel
2024 17.2 chief executive officer
employment and remuneration committee
meeting minutes 28th of feu 2024 and as
dis discussed Madame Mayor in the
previous item I moved that the
matter around purchasing of land be
considered
inconfidencia does any Council wish to
speak I'll put it to the vote all those
in favor please raise your hand I
declare the motion carried Council
will now be discussing agenda items that
have been deemed to be confidential
under the Local Government Act 2020 it
is a requirement that we close the
meeting to the public we invite the
those present in the gallery to De to
depart and the holding screen will be
placed for those watching online for
those who are leaving us tonight I thank
you for your attendance and we do hope
you can join us for the next council
meeting which will be held in the
chamber in the council chambers at the
Melton Civic Center on Monday the 22nd
of April 2024 at 7 p.m. I would like to
remind you that tonight's meeting will
be available on council's website at a
bookmarked recording in a few days for
those of you who wish to stay online I
ask for your patience and we will return
shortly to officially conclude tonight's
meeting thank you ladies and
gentlemen
e