good evening good evening everyone you
may all remain seated whilst we welcome
the Mayor of the city of Melton
councelor Kathy Majdlik
evening everyone good evening
everyone and welcome please stand for the
opening prayer and reconciliation
statement and the prayer tonight reads
Almighty God we humbly beseech thee to
vouch safe thy blessing upon this
Council direct and prosperous
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 thank you
everyone please be seated
I'd like to welcome everyone to
Melton City Council tonight's council
meeting for Monday the 27th of May
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 recording 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 councilors we going to move on to
agenda item two apologies and leave of
absence Mayor Majlik there are no
apologies this evening thank you
item three changes to the order of
business and I see that there are no
changes to the order of business item
four deputations and there are none item
number five declaration of any pecuniary
interest other interest or conflict of
interest of any counselor pursuing to
part six division two of The Local
Government Act 20120 and council's
governance rules councilors must declare
any general conflict of interest or
material conflict of interest they have
in any of the matters being considered
at this meeting councelor
Ramsey thank you Madame Mayor
unfortunately my computer's not going
as fast as what I would like it to go so
I would like to declare a conflict of
interest under
item
number
sorry Council Ramsey could you
speak into the microphone please finding
it difficult to hear you under
17.9 the nomination of
intercultural advisory committee I have
a general conflict thank
you thank you Council Ramsey I did
forget to mention that in addition to
declaring the nature and type of any
conflicts of interest immediately prior
to the relevant item in the agenda being
heard provision has also been made at
this point in the agenda for
declarations of interest to be made
and I believe you will make that prior
to the the item being heard in
confidential are there any other
declarations to be made by any other
counselor if not we move on to adoption
and confirmation of minutes of previous
meeting under agenda item six and there
is a recommendation here Council Carli
thanks Madame Mayor I'd like to move that
the minutes of the meeting of council
held on the 22nd of April 2024 be
confirmed as a true and correct record
thank you councelor Carli do I have a
counselor to Second councelor Abboushi
happy to second that Madam mayor thank
you councelor Abboushi does any counselor
oppose does any counselor abstain does
any counselor have any clarification
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 item seven summary of
informal meetings of counselors 7.1
summary of informal meeting of
counselors and there is a recommendation
here do I have a council councelor
Abboushi thanks Madame mayor that the
summaries of informal meetings of
council is dated 15 April 2024 22nd
April 2024 and 6 May 2024 provided as
appendices 1:3 respectively to this
report be received and noted thanks
Madame Mayor thank you councelor Abboushi do I
have a second councelor Kesic thank you
Madame May I'm happy to Second does any
counselor require any further
clarification does any counselor oppose
or abstain 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 eight correspondence
inwood 8.1 parliamentarian and
departmental letters received by the
mayor and we do have a recommendation
Council Turner thank you Madame mayor
I'd like to move the recommendation that
Council receive and note the following
parliamentarian and departmental
letters received by the mayor provided
as appendix one and two to this
report number one The Honorable Danny
Pearson MP Minister for transport and
infrastructure level crossing and removal
project number two The Honorable Gil Terney?
MP Minister for skills and tafe and
Mountain T campus list of dependences
are honorable Danny Pearson Minister for
transport infrastructure dated 5th of
April
2024 and The Honorable gilney MP
Minister for skills and tafe dated 17th
of May 2024
thank you Councilor Turner do I have
a councelor to Second councelor Carli
happy to second that thanks Madame Mayor
thanks councelor Carli does any
councelor 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 councilors we move on to agenda
item 9 petitions and joint
letters Mayor there are no petitions
this evening thank you and item 10
resumption of debate or other business
carried over from a previous meeting
10.1 sanctions for internal arbitration
Shannon and others and Vandenberg IAP
2023/11 thank you councelor
Vandenberg thank you
mayor before I find my apology I would
like to provide some context as many
have heard I recently underwent internal
arbitration which found that I
discredited the council and fellow
counselors we've also heard last month
some personal matters brought into
council sorry councelor Vandenberg I do need
to stop you I believe you do need to
just read the apology that's how I have
been instructed I'm not sorry
unfortunately no I'm sorry so it is
strictly the apology and that is it that
is what I've been told by governance I'm
happy
to thank
you following an application made by
Council Councilor Shannon Majdlik Kesic
Ramsey Turner Abboushi and Farrugia for
internal arbitration under the Local
Government Act
2020 on the 17th of April 2024 an
arbitrator found that my Facebook post
on the 29th of March 2023
breach counselor counselor standard
of conduct
4.1 as a result the arbitrator gave me a
finding of misconduct and as it brought
discredit upon counsel and my fellow
counselors I sincerely apologize for
bringing discredit upon counsel and my
fellow counselors I assure my fellow
counselors that I will strive not to
bring discredit upon council or my fellow
counselors in the future I will continue
to strive to work with them to make
positive change within the municipality
and to work together to build a positive
and constructive discourse in relation
to indigenous issues and all other
community
priorities thank you Council Vandenberg
we're moving on to item 11 public
question time and I'll hand it over to
our
CEO Mayor Majdlik we have 43 questions to be
read this evening
the first question is from Garrick Oats
and it reads given the 20 km reduction
in speed limit on exford road has proven
ineffective at preventing high-speed
vehicle accidents I ask Council if it
will take fatalities and how many before
Council approves budget to build the
traffic roundabouts at greenhill road
and ansbury road on exford road that
were agreed to in 2012 and the response
will be provided by the Sam ?
Director City Futures thank you
council's strategic transport team has
modeled Melton's Road Network to assess
future upgrades the modeling includes
the delivery of a roundabout at exford
road and ainsbury road will be
required within the medium term that is
within the next 5 years in relation to
the intersection of exford Road and
greenhill road the modeling indicates a
roundabout will be required in the long
term that is beyond 5 years we have a
second question from Garrick Oats it
reads can Council please make public any
reports about Council and plans for
enforcing environmental work within the
four environmentally sensitive areas in
Ainsbury and the response again from the
director of City
Futures Council does not have any
reports regarding the enforcement of
environmental work within the
environmental areas of ainsbury council is
investigating the implementation of
Environmental Management plan
requirements within anbury our next
question this evening is from Ridiki Koli
and it reads does council have any plans
to fix the mount cotteril dirt road next to
Emarou circuit and the response will be
from Neil Whiteside Director City
Delivery yes the unsealed section of
Mount cotteril Road north of Unison circuit
in harier state is an active Capital
Works project the design of the project
is complete with construction expected
to be commenced later in 2024 thank you
and next question is from Adam dougen
and it reads what steps if any are
Melton Council taking to resolve and
control the recent public violence seen
in the shopping districts around Melton
and the responsib provid by Troy scal
Director City life thank you officers
work with Victoria Police and a number
of agencies to support on community
safety issues including youth crime
Council has a safe City advisory
committee that includes key stakeholders
and Community representatives from
across the city to share information and
work collaboratively on safety our next
question is from Gish Cara and it reads
with the problem of parking on
Commercial large Vehicles residential
streets becoming untenable how many
patrolling visits and fin SL notices
issued were issued in Mount ainson truan
suburb over last one year the response
will be provided by the director of City
Delivery our Council undertakes
proactive patrols both during and after
hours across the city of Melton in
relation to Illegal truck parking since
the 1st of May 2023 45 patrols of Manon
estate have been undertaken by Community
safety officers which has resulted in
134 parking infringement notices being
issued thank you second question this
evening from Gish Cara is as Mount
ainson residents have to travel 20 to 25
km to hop as Crossing to collect missed
post could
the thank you councilors and members of
the audience I do believe that we
have our live stream back up and running
so I will hand it over to M rosin we
to I think we'll up to number
question three May mck we're up to
question six sorry question six question
six and 7
to go so I'll I'll start from the start
of that question again from Gish car it
reads as Matt ainson residents have to
travel 20 to 25 km to Hoppers Crossing
to collect Mis post could the mayor
write a letter to Australia Post CEO and
board of directors to make appropriate
operational changes for minimal
minimizing travel time to collect Miss
Parcels or post and allow for collection
from the nearest post office in Caroline
Springs instead and the response will be
provided by Emily k head of governance
thank you Council acknowledges that
postal service operations are the
responsibility of Australia Post while
any decisions with regard to a change of
operations ultimately rests with
Australia Post Council officers will
investigate the concerns outlined with
regard to mount ainson residents and the
determine any actions that can be taken
thank you our next question is from
Matthew Pierce and it reads can Council
provide an update as to what happens
when with unsightly properties failing
to remove dp rubbish and the response
will be provided by the director of City
Delivery thank you if Council deems a
property unsightly due to rubbish under
council's General local law Council can
issue a notice to comply to request the
property owner to remove the rubbish by
a specified period of time if a property
owner fails to remove rubbish from their
property within this period specified in
the notice to comply officers will
initiate further enforcement action
which may include issuing an
infringement notice and or have the
rubbish removed by a contractor thank
you our next question is from azra
leovic and it reads what can council do
to address smoke from wood heaters as a
major health risk and source of air
pollution within residential areas of
Melton City and the response again from
the director City Delivery the use of
wood heaters is not illegal in Victoria
council's environmental health officers
do provide residents with educational
material how to use them correctly to
minimize smoke thank you and next
question is from asan terrain and it
reads is there a master plan for a
sporting Precinct in Thornhill Park and
the response will be provided by the
director of City
Life yes the Thornhill Park active
Recreation Reserve master plan is
currently being developed with the
community engagement component planned
for June 2024 our next question is also
from aan Terin and it reads what is the
time frame for shagari drive to be
connected to Wilshire Boulevard in in
Thornhill Park and the response from the
director of City Futures land required
for the extension of shagari Drive is
under private ownership council is
working with the land owner for the
acquisition of the required land noting
that no time frame is available at this
stage our next question is from a
Burnside resident and it reads why does
council mow and maintain resident nature
strips along Westwood Drive but not all
nature strips in its municipality and
the response from the director of City
Delivery Westwood Drive is classified as
a collector Road and was constructed
with a wide Road reservation to enable
future duplication
of the carriageway road reserves of this
nature are significantly larger than a
typical residential nature strip and
experience far greater voles of
traffic on this basis these areas are
included as part of council's open space
Network and are maintained for amenity
purposes thank you our next question is
also from Burnside resident and it reads
what are Council procedures for
addressing and responding to reports
submitted via Snap Send solve and the
response from the director of City
Delivery Snap Send solve is a third
party app and is not owned or managed by
Council requests made to Snap Send solve
are sent to council are recorded and
managed with council's within council's
customer action request system Council
aims to manage all customer requests in
accordance with our customer service
Charter and commitments and our
complaints management policy these are
both available on our website thank you
our next four questions have been group
together because they are similar I'll
read all four questions and there'll be
a single response to the these four
the first question is from Kristen stel
and it reads as Alex RP State
government's level crossing removal
project has confirmed there will be no
pedestrian path on the new bridge as
part of the level crossing removal at
Old cter Highway diggers rest is Council
planning to construct a shared path for
pedestrians and
cyclists another question from
Kristen schudel it reads if a shared
path is not constructed on the new
bridge as part of the old CER Highway
diggers rest level Crossing removal is
Council planning to provide a safe
access for pedestrians to cross the
railway Crossing and if so when the
third of these four questions is from
Tracy Val it reads Alex RP knew that the
community wanted to use this path to
walk why is it a bike bike path only a
second question from Tracy Val what is
the council going to do to help the
community of diggers rest to have this
path changed to a dual path both bike
and pedestrian and the response will be
provided by the director of City
Futures thank you the diggers arrest
level crossing removal at Old CA highway
is a project of the Victorian government
and delivered by the level crossing
removal project team Council advocated
for adequate pedestrian and cycling
infrastructure throughout the design
process including the request for a path
along the new bridge to be a shared path
to allow both pedestrians and cyclists
Council has no plans to construct a
shared path at this location but will
continue to Advocate to the level
crossing removal project team for
inclusion within the current project our
next question is from David okona and it
reads what infrastructure can the
community expect in lie of substantial
par of land parcel of land which was
donated by stampa for Community purpose
and now acquired as part of the cuer
highway level crossing removal project
and the response from the director of
City
Futures council is continuing to
Advocate to the level crossing removal
project team on the expectations of
council and the diggers rest community
we have a second question from David
okona and it reads in accordance with an
article entitled dreaming of road safety
published May 7 2024 mountain and
mirable star weekly what is the view of
Council in response to calls for unused
growth areas infrastructure
contributions gake being allocated
toward additional safety treatments
along Vineyard Road between obid Road
and diggers Rest commodi Road and the
response from Director City Delivery
thank you the decision on where
growth areas infrastructure contribution
or gake funds are allocated is the
responsibility of the Victorian
government under the gake funding
guidelines there is currently no
opportunity to apply for road safety
treatments in the recent round of gake
funding Council was successful in
securing 940,000 for active transport
connections along Vineyard Road in
Digger's rest this project will complete
a missing active transport connection
along Vineyard Road for greater
accessibility to diggers rest Train
Station schools
Sports precincts retail and employment
precincts within Digger's rest thank you
our next question this evening is from
nittin Patel and it reads would Council
support for a public secondary school
for diggers ARA and the response will be
provided by Emily KO head of governance
thank you Council supports the prompt
provision of new schools in the city of
Melton however the provision of
secondary schools is the responsibility
of the Victorian government Council
would support any decision by the
Victorian government to deliver new
schools that improves education access
for our growing
Community the next two questions
have been grouped together because they
are similar I'll read both questions and
there'll be a single response the first
one is from Parn court and it reads with
State Ministries confusing Mount akenson
presently located in truganina to be
located in the suburb of the same name
in the neighboring Council what advice
does the council have for Resident
Advocates to avoid this confusion when
they next meet ministers and there is a
similar question from Anish Bay soya and
it reads can the council provide an
update on the creation of Mount Atkinson
suburb as indicated an answer to a
public question in December 23 and the
response to those will be provided by
the head of governance thank you there
is no proposal to rename the suburb
named tronina to mount ainson Trina has
a land area and population commensurate
to other larger suburbs of Metropolitan
Melbourne thank you our next two
questions have also been grouped
together because they are similar and
there will be a single response the
first one is Parn core and it reads can
the council advise if they can work with
the developer to FastTrack completion
timelines for Highline Boulevard and
Kirk Patrick Boulevard intersection
within next 12 months as this will
strengthen the upcoming budgetary
submission on public buses for Mount
ainson and surrounding areas the second
question is shb karamat and the question
reads is there a plan to speak up the
infrastructure Works to complete the
Highline Boulevard to connect Grand View
and mount ainson Estates for better
connection between the two Estates and
the response by the director of City
Futures council is working with private
developers to deliver the road
infrastructure needed to complete the
connection between Kirk Patrick
Boulevard and Highline Boulevard in
accordance with permit conditions
specific to their respective
developments our next question this
evening is from ntin ausa and it reads
what are the timelines for planning and
delivery of the remaining two sports
reserves in the mount Atkinson PSP I.E
Mount ainson West and Mount ainson North
Sports reserves the response from the
director of City Life the M ainson West
Sports Reserve in the mount ainson
Precinct structure plan is scheduled for
master planning in 2029 for delivery in
2031 the man ainson North Sports Reserve
is currently scheduled for master
planning in 2032 for delivery in 2035
thank you we have a second question from
ntin ausa and it reads could the council
advise when was the last traffic vole
anal analysis was undertaken for Hopkins
Road and what was the outcome voles
and the response from the director of
City Delivery Hopkins Road is under
the care and management of the Victorian
government's Department of Transport and
planning and therefore this inquiry
would be best be directed to the
Department of Transport and planning
thank you we have a second question from
a previous question to Manish basya and
it reads Council provide details about
the type of business and plans for the
restricted retail premise with food and
drinks facilities which currently has a
planning application for the address
1-59 Gregs Road and 161 Hopkins Road and
the response from the director of City
Futures the planning permit application
for the mount Atkinson Hotel was
approved by Council in 2020 and an
extension of time to the permit was
recently granted the extension states
that development must commence by May of
2026 and be completed by May of 2028
Council officers are continuing to liaz
with the applicant in relation to this
development our next question this
evening is from jaxa Sha and it reads
with work from home emerging as the new
Norm with employment what steps is
Council is the council taking to ensure
residents have the necessary enabling
infrastructure IE mobile and Broadband
network available in newer States and
the response from the direct Director
City
Futures whilst council is not directly
responsible for the provision of this
infrastructure officers work with
service providers to locate and consider
appropriate sites for future mobile
network
infrastructure and next question is also
from jaxa Sha and it reads could the
council mayor write a formal letter to
their peer in Windam Council mayor
inquiring the rationale to not providing
all necessary approvals for commencement
of Civil Works on the much delayed
Boundary Road intersection signalization
upgrade where temporary lights have been
in place since almost 4 years September
2020 and the response from the head of
governance thank you given Hopkins Road
is an arterial Road under the care and
responsibility of the Victorian
government Council continues to Advocate
to the Victorian government for upgrades
to Hopkins Road including duplication
between the Western Highway and Boundary
Road and the Hopkins Road Boundary Road
signalized intersection thank you our
next question is from faran Khan and it
reads what is Council doing about the
continuous delays in commencement of the
0-month long construction for Mount
ainson East Sports reserve and the
response from the director of city life
thank you Council will continue to work
in partnership with the developers to
deliver the man ainson East Sports
Reserve project the master plan and
design stages have been developed in
partnership with the developer thank you
our next question this evening is also
from vahan Khan and it reads with the
neighboring Council setting new
precedents in planning control is the
council working to proactively implement
new planning controls to ensure new
Estates have essential 5G mobile and
stable Broadband infrastructure
delivered and the response from the
director of City Futures thank you
council is not directly responsible for
the provision of this infrastructure
officers are working with service
providers 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 two questions have been
grouped together because they are
similar I'll read both questions and
there'll be a single response the first
question is from Melanie Blackman and it
reads could the mayor write a formal
letter to the minister for public
transport and the minister for roads and
road safety to schedule an on-site visit
of Hopkins Road next to mount Atkinson
for Ong ground understanding and impact
assessment where affected residents
could also join the second question from
assama Yousef is could the mayor advis
res on the outcome of the council
efforts to secure a meeting with the
minister for public transport and the
minister for roads and road safety to
discuss the urgency of Hopkins roads
duplication and the response will be
provided by the director of City Futures
thank you council is seeking to secure
meetings with the minister for roads and
road safety and Minister for transport
infrastructure our next question this
evening is from Melanie Blackman and it
reads can the mayor and Deputy Mayor
advise when this meeting will be
organized to discuss the ident
identified list of pressing and
important topics given that mount ainson
residents requested it back on the 10th
of April and the response from the
director of City
Futures resident inquiries from Mount
Atkinson have been referred to council
officers and Council officers have
been attending meetings to discuss the
topics raised our next question this
evening is from Anna Pani and it reads
did Council pay councilor vanen BG's
legal fees and if so what was the total
cost including any pay pays and the
response will be provided by the head of
governance thank you councilors have the
ability to access council's professional
Indemnity insurance coverage for legal
costs if a claim is bought against them
Council of vandenumberg's legal costs have
been covered by council's insurance with
Council being required to pay the
initial $5,000 excess thank you our next
question this evening is from Tracy
Evans and it reads will Council explain
why forgotten Australians is being
included in discussions on your
reconciliation advisory committee and
the respon will be provided by the
director of city life thank you on the
31st of July 2023 Council resolved the
council in accordance with
recommendation 37 of the stal and
generations reparations steering
committee report work with the
reconciliation advisory committee to
plan and establish a marker within the
city of Melton to acknowledge and
commemorate the stolen Generations this
project is a standing agenda item on
council's reconciliation advisory
committee committee members at the 26th
of March 2024 meeting discussed
obtaining further information regarding
the relationship between forgotten
Australians and the sty and generations
thank you sorry to interrupt M way
but we have gone over with our
question time however there is the
opportunity to move to extend public
Question Time councelor Carly thanks
Madame mayor pursuant to Clause 62 I'd
like to move a procedural motion to
increase question time for another 20
minutes thank you Council col do I have
a councelor to Second councelor Ramsey
I'd like to second that Madame May does
any other counselor require any further
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 thank you Miss way thank
you mayck we have a second question
from Tracy Evans it reads will Melton
city council uphold the rights of
Forgotten Australians to have their own
marker and the response from the
director of city life thank you a stalen
generation marker project is currently
included in the draft Council budget for
2024 2025 the planning for this project
will commence subject to the adoption of
the draft budget there are no other
projects being considered by Council for
the delivery of a separate marker to
commemorate forgotten Australians our
next question this evening is from Kate
Williams and it reads does Melton
Council have a proactive waste
prevention program like [ __ ] councils
which has recently been in the news or
do you rely mainly on Resident reports
and the response from the director of
City Delivery yes Council has a
dedicated litter prevention team who are
responsible for education and
enforcement of lit sorry relevant laws
relating to illegally dp rubbish and
litter the litter prevention team is
supported by a dp rubbish service to
remove illegally dped rubbish litter
from Council land when per perpetrators
cannot be identified thank you we have a
second question this evening from Kate
Williams and it reads as it's been
almost 2 years since the August 2022
public consultation on the dog off lead
strategy when will this report be made
public the response from the director of
City
Futures council is committed to the
preparation and implementation of a dog
off lead strategy the draft strategy
developed in 2023 is undergoing further
review following feedback from
counselors via a briefing of counselors
the revised draft strategy will be
presented at a future council meeting in
2024 for Council to endorse the draft
for the purposes of community
consultation our next question this
evening is from Rahul Panda and it reads
what is the council's recommendation to
the planning Minister for the proposed
development of a K12 Islamic school in
the Rock Bank PSP and the respon from
Director City
Futures the minister for planning is the
responsible Authority for any primary
school or secondary school with an
estimated development cost of $3 million
or greater Council officers have
received notification of this proposal
which is currently under review our next
question this evening is also from Rahul
paramanda and it reads can the council
advocate for all for an allinclusive
independent private school given the
near zero Muslim population as per 2021
ABS data and acute schooling shortage in
Rock Bank and the response again from
the director of City
Futures Council advocates for new
schools within the city of Melton to
meet the growing needs of the
municipality noting the provision of
secondary schools is the responsibility
of the Victorian government the
provision of any Independent Schools
would be a matter for independent school
providers our next question this evening
is from assama yusf and it reads could
the council advise on the latest
regarding the opening date in June 24
for the much anticipated Grand Boulevard
extension and the response from the
director of City
Futures the safety of our residenc is
Paramount and Council will continue to
Advocate on behalf of the community in
including securing meetings with the
minister for roads and transport
infrastructure our next question this
evening is from Bea chatan and it reads
could the council advise on the last
date SL instance of communication with
the developers of the mount ainson Town
Center as part of the ongoing planning
phase and a response from the director
of City
Futures Council offices have ongoing
communication with the developers of
Mount Atkinson with the latest
Communication in May of
2024 our final question this evening and
a second question from ban reads based
on the lessons learned from significant
delays in the planning delivery of Mount
ainson East Sports Reserve could the
council confirm whether it will be the
lead delivery Agency for the remaining
two proposed Sports Reserve Mount ainson
West and Mount ainson North in the PSP
and the response from the director of
city life thank you our council at this
stage has not determined the delivery
methodology for both of these
projects mayor mle that concludes public
questions this evening thank you Ms way
councilors we will now consider
presentations of Staff reports which is
item 12 and then 12.1 Council and
wellbeing plan 2020 sorry 2021 to 2025
annual action plan 2023 2024 third
quarter progress report and this will be
presented by the director of
organizational performance Peter
Leon each year Council produces an
annual action plan identifying the Key
activities that Council will undergo to
achieve the Strategic outcomes
objectives and strategies identified in
the cancel wellbeing plan 2021 to2 this
year there are 62 actions to be
completed and all are on track to be
delivered by the current timelines at
the end of the third quarter six actions
have been completed with a substantial
number in progress and not planned to be
completed until the final quarter I'm
pleased to say that as of today another
15 actions are now complete and are all
and the remaining are on track to be
completed by the end of the year and
will be updated in the final quarter for
the year attachment run provides an
update of all the 62 actions and their
status comments for the third quarter
report thank you mayor medley thank you
for the report councilors is there
any clarification in regards to this
item do I have a moover councelor
Ramsey thank you Madame mayor I'd like
to move the recommendation thank you
councelor Ramy do I have a second
councelor Abboushii happy to Second this
report Madame mayor thank you councelor
Abboushiie does any counselor oppose or
abstain does any councelor wish to speak
Council
Ramsey thank you Madame mayor
although we all want everything
delivered yesterday I'm really pleased
to hear the progress of our Council and
well-being plan actions for 2023 24 year
the council and well-being plan forms
the collective vision for our city over
a 4year period When developing this plan
the community told us they wanted
Council to focus on building VI a
vibrant and socially connected city with
a healthy environment that promotes
education and employment opportunities
six of our actions for the 2023 24 year
have been completed by the end of last
quarter with the remainder on track for
completion in the final quarter of this
year these actions include the
Redevelopment and relaunch of council's
community grants program the complete
completed the Western plans South Green
wedge management plan collated client
and Community feedback to improve
services within Community Care and
active
living deliver delivery of an assertive
Outreach response in this initiative to
people who are sleeping R in our
community developed and delivered more
Recreation and Leisure opportunities and
invested in educational training
opportunities for communities sport
Recreation and Leisure thank these are
fantastic achievements that our our city
can be very proud of congratulations to
everybody who's worked hard to deliver
these important projects and I look
forward to seeing further progress over
the next quarter well done to everybody
but especially Peter and his team thank
you Council Ramsey does any other
counselor 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 item 12.2
Melton planning scheme review
20124 and this will be presented by the
director of City Futures Sam
rasco thank you may Madame may can I
move a motion that the agenda that the
item is put and accepting officer
recommendation sorry councelor aAbboushii
I believe there is a
question clarification
Council
Shannon yes please thanks Madame May
just regarding item
9.6 it says discretionary
discretionary land use policies do these
cover independent service station to
be considered under that discretionary
Clause the finding at section 9.6 of the
report replat relates to discretionary
land uses and suggests officers prepare
a suite of policies that guide the use
and development of non-residential land
uses within the municipality one of
these such policies May relate to
service station
uses thank you councilors do I have any
other further clarifications or
questions in regards to this
item if not do I have a counselor to
move councelor Abboushi you move do I have a
counselor to
second councelor s does any counselor
oppose or abstain 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
12.3 Finance report for period ended
31st of March 2024 and this will be
presented by the director of
organizational performance Peter
Leon the purpose of this report is to
provide cancer with the finance report
for the third quarter ended 31st March
2024 in accordance with Section 997 of
the local Government Act 2020 council is
tracking we for the third quarter this
of this financial year and is in a
positive position that sets up Council
for the remainder of the financial year
to pay for and deliver the services and
capital investment the community needs
the operating surface for the 9 months
end of 31st March is 21.4 million which
is in line with the budget of 2.3
million but as the fastest growing
municipality in Australia the financial
figures continue to include developer
contributions and capital grants to
build important future facilities in the
region for the 9 months there were 137.5
million contributions from these
developers and capital grants to build
these important facilities like child
care and community centers roads ovals
parks and Open Spaces in the future most
of this money can only be used for these
purposes when you adjust our operating
Surplus for the developer
contributions and capital grants the
adjusted operating Surplus is 63.9
million compared to a budget of 56.5
which is a favorable variance to budget
total couple investment as at March was
also 61.7 million therefore the city of
Melton definitely remains in a
sustainable financial position to
continue develop and delivering quality
services and programs for oural
residents thank you may me thank you for
the report councilors is there any
clarification or questions in regards to
this item if not do I have a mover
Council
Turner thank you madam mayor I'm pleased
to move this recommendation the council
note 20 2023
2024 financial report for the N9 months
ended 31st of March 2024 in contained
in appendix one and just to say how
pleased I'm sure all our councelor are
for this report thank you Madame thank
you Council Turner do I have a councel
to Second councelor Shannon I better
second that Madame May does any
councelor oppose or abstain does any
councelor wish to speak councelor
Shannon as the Mover of the motion
Council attorney you do have the right
to speak first if you'd would like to
councelor
Shannon thanks Madame mayor the city
of Melton is one of Australia's fastest
growing municipalities it's often the
fastest I think we're going on par with
Windom aren't we back and forward we're
we're faster canc I think normally we're
the
fastest that growth actually
represents exciting opportunities but
also significant immediate and longer
term challenges to deliver essential
infrastructure and services to support
our community sound financial management
is critical to ensure council is in a
position to respond to this growth and
meet the needs of our community and
these quarterly reports provide us
relevant and timely financial
information ensuring that we are also
compliant with relevant
legislation it is pleasing that Council
remains in a positive financial position
and we are well set up to deliver
important services and capital
investment for the remainder of the
financial year thank you to the officers
for your work in preparing this report
and I look forward to hearing your next
update following the end of the
financial year thank you thank you
councelor Shannon does any other
councelor wish to speak before I put it
to the vote councelor
Ramsey ju just a slight correction in
councelor EN did say Melton was the
fourth fastest in Australia and the
second in
Victoria so I just wanted that clarified
thank
you is there an answer for that that is
that is correct we did include an
article in your councilor E news and it
had that the city of Melbourne was
fastest and we were
fourth I think it depends what criteria
you're using as well so I agree with
youart Madam may I just wanted when
we're advocating to our ministers that's
it councilors are moved by councelor
Turner seconded by councelor Shannon
does any counselor oppose I'll put it to
the vote all those in favor please raise
your hand I declare the motion carried
12.4 audit and risk committee matters
and this will be presented by head of
governance Emily
Kio thank you Madame mayor councilors
this report tables the minutes and
Associated actions from the audit and
risk committee meeting from the 9th of
May mad can I move the recommendations
as put please I think I'd like to hear
the report thanks Council no
worries from the meeting from the 9th
of May 2024 as well as the B anual
report to council from the committee
chair Mr Jeff rby Mr ry's report
provides a smary of the work of the
committee across the last two meetings
thank you thank you for that report
councilors is there any clarification in
regards to this item or any questions do
I have a
move more than happy to move this one
madame mayor and it was so diligently
read out I'd like to thank our manager
for governance sorry counselor we we do
need a second before we can speak on it
but counselor Carly I'm happy to second
that thanks Madame May thank you
councelor Carie does any councelor
oppose or abstain does any councelor
wish to speak
no we'll put it to the votee all those
in favor please raise your hand I
declare the motion carried 12.5 advisory
Committees of council aggregated meeting
minutes and this is also presented by
head of governance mad em if there's no
objection could I ask for the
recommendations here to be put I believe
we do have a question from Council
vandenbberg yes just a clarification
question Council Vandenumberg over to
you thank you mayor mle this is a
question regarding the Recon ciliation
advisory committee minutes in section
7 General business where it
says the committee discussed
connecting stolen generations and
forgotten Australians in the project
design and delivery to be included in
the project engagement process I just
want to ask a clarification question
that the Forgotten Australians was
just discussed as there was no action on
on that and regarding the notice of
motion
877 I think it's recalled that that
was for a stolen generation marker for
the stolen
Generations thanks mam I can confirm
Council vanumberg from the minutes that
yeah there was a discussion that
regarding the stall and generation
marker but can also confirm that the St
the stall and generation marker project
is in the draft budget for next year and
that is not related to any other
marker
project thank you May thank you Troy and
thank you mayley thank you councelor
vanderberg councilors is there any other
clarification in regards to this item if
not do I have a councelor to move
councelor
Ramsey so move Madame May thank you
councelor Ramsey seconded by councelor
Shannon happy to second that Madame May
does any councelor oppose or abstain
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 item 15 oh
sorry sorry 13 reports from delegates
appointed to other bodies and Council
are representations and acknowledgements
and as we know we have three minutes
each councelor aAbboushii as our Deputy
you have the privilege of going first no
worries Madam mayor I'm going to time
myself
today sorry madam May very very busy
last couple of weeks as most of us have
been attending a number of community
events as well as internal Committees
of
council
Anzac Day service at Caroline
Springs was absolutely phenomenal and
it was the biggest I've seen I've
attended quite a few and the
gunfire breakfast was equally
exceptional over at West Waters so
congratulations to the scouts the
first Caroline spring Scouts group for
doing the overnight marshalling
and honoring I suppose they were
there doing a vigil and and also
to the RSL group at Caroline Springs
I went to the lake the Lakes
Caroline Springs football club anac
Spirit match at Caroline Springs Our
Town Center recreational Reserve the
Australian men's Australian men's shed
Regional Gathering Madame May which was
I attended this particular one with
councelor Shannon and it was absolutely
amazing to see our shetes across both
but also more importantly highlight the
wonderful work that our our Council does
and it's come to our knowledge that not
a lot of councils in Victoria invest
in men's sheds and we do such a
phenomenal job in making sure our
men's sheds are well resourced and so
I'm very proud to be part of a municipal
municipality that does a really
really good job in advocating for the
men's sheds so well
done the Victoria Police Northwest
Metro medals and award ceremony I had
a meeting with the principal of
Southern Cross grammar in relation to
some ideas around the the upgrade and
the master plan of the Caroline
Springs Lake Project the Melton
health promotion For presented by
Western Health at frasia rise which is
fantastic the 2024 Youth For presented
by our very own young communities team
who I always brag about they did such a
phenomenal job and it was even nice to
be at the the new diggers rest
Pavilion and Community Center there it
was amazing I think we were the first
group to actually utilize it and the
space is beautiful and I think the
the Dig rest Community are very thankful
for such a beautiful facility and I'm so
proud of our young people that they get
get to be the first group to display
the facility and so congratulations
and well done to our young communities
team on a phenomenal event Community
consultation sessions both at Taylor's
Hill and Council of kage and I went to
CS Square that's in relation to
consultation for the Plpton Aquatic
Center and that was fantastic also
the opening ceremony of vak celebration
at the Buddhist temple in
deanside and I also did a walk
through at the Blackwood Drive reserve
for the Melton rugby Club the other
week which is fantastic thanks Madame
May thank you councelor Abboushii councelor
Carie thanks Madame mayor Caroline
Springs RSL Anzac Day Dawn service and
Melton r SL Anzac Day March and ceremony
two beautiful Services Madam man well
done to our rsls in Melton and in
Caroline Springs and I do agree with
councelor aAbboushii there was actually
quite a lot of people and it's great to
see that each year it's just growing and
growing it was an honor to attend the
Victoria Police brimbank Melton Metro
division 3 medals and awards ceremony it
was also wonderful to see all the
community Heroes that assisted at the ex
bus accident in May 2023 being thanked
and recognized for their bravery that
was a really touching evening Madame
May policy review panel meeting the M
minutes are into this evening's agenda
2024 Youth For well done councilor
Abboushii on an excellent initiative I know
he's very passionate about the youth in
our community and also well done to the
young communities team it was great to
see our local school leaders in
attendance and participating in
discussions and to hear exactly from the
youth what it is that they want from
what they want living in our city so
well done councelor Abboushii diers rest
Community Pavilion activation day an
amazing facility for our community
members and sporting clubs to enjoy was
great to chat with local residents and
had them enjoy the wildlife show was was
a little bit cold the wildlife show the
juice bikes the magic show and so
much more but it was great to have jonno
there from anry with the with the hot
chocolates Madame mayor and and the
coffees we definitely needed that during
on that day where it was a bit chilly
the men's shed short film was about
the school mentoring program last year's
grade six students from Taylor Hill
Primary School returned with their
families and former teachers to watch
the film it was truly heartwarming to
see the special bond that the students
made with their men's shed mentors that
is a fantastic program Madame May so
well done to all all the staff that were
involved in that volunteers week dinner
this year's theme was something for
everyone a beautiful celebration to
help was held to recognize our
incredible volunteers who have made a
wonderful contribution to our community
That Was Then followed by Community
luncheon for our volunteers and well
done to councelor Ramsay because I know
that that was her initiative and that
was another opportunity where we thanked
we gave a heartfelt thank you to all
the wonderful people who donate their
time their energy and their passion to
our community and we have a few of them
in the gallery this evening Madame mayor
which is great to see them here just
some events that I want to remind our
residents of we have the anbury winter
festival 27th of June and 14th July
that's always a hit so that's going to
be on shortly applications are open
for the 2024 Melton business excellent
Awards they close on the 12th of July so
if there's any great local businesses
that you know please this is now the
time to nominate them and to Mark
reconciliation week council is having a
flag raising ceremony and with a keynote
addressed by Auntie Karen Jones and
there will be some other activities
it's on this Wednesday the 29th of May
10:00 a.m. to 12: p.m. at the Melton
Community Hall that's all for me thanks
Madame mayor thank you councelor Carie
councelor
Ramsey thank you Madame mayor I
firstly wanted to start by expressing my
deepest appreciation to the amount of
flowers I got during my recuperation in
bed the first one to arrive was the one
for my fellow counselors and the
wonderful staff at Mountain City but
then even though I missed my first
dance act day after 23 years the meltar
and some flowers the partners of the
Vietnam veterans s Flowers and then the
the melon veterans sent flowers so I
can't thank them enough they I should be
thanking them for the service they did
over that time yet they they took the
time to spare a thought for myself I
came back to roadside roads safe
Westgate the diggers rest Community
Pavilion activation day and councelor
Carie has expressed absolutely
everything apart from watching our
wonderful m
on the juice bike that was
Sensational I held a snake which was
about 20 kilos and then our May did it
so it was fine but it's great to see
that sort of the community came out
in there were a couple hundred people
there coming through and there were two
consultations happening side by side so
I can't imagine why there'd be any
confusion there the mountain the men
shared short film event and again
Council khie has eloquently put the
Tor the partnership between the T Taylor
Hill men shed and also the mountain men
shed but with the tayor Hill Primary
School it was great to see Sons the West
Graduation
was this program goes from strength to
strength and it was great to see that
the volunteer week
dinner and then the community luncheon
to celebrate volunteer is volunteers of
the lifeblood of this community we
cannot as a council deliver on the
services we do on a day-to-day basis
without the volunteers you are the life
and the breadth of this Council and we
cannot say thank you enough so thank you
to my fellow counselors for supporting
that initiative but also to further the
ones that do it on a weekly basis
through our community programs thank you
we sincerely appreciate it
I can't pronounce this for love all
money so the festival yesterday was
the faki festival it was great the
colors of the gowns are absolutely
Sensational the children dancing was
Second To
None on a sad note yesterday the 26th
of May marks sorry day it's all about
being united
and helping those that need to take
those vital steps towards through the
process of
healing of for the stolen generation
their families and our community and
again I'm looking forward to the
reconciliation flag raising this week
come along and take part on Wednesday
thank you Madame M that's me thank you
councelor Ramsey councelor venumberg
thank you mayor M it's great to be back
on Council and thank you to everyone who
reached out for your support I will
continue to Advocate and stand up for
the needs of my community as I always
have yesterday I also attended the
faki Mala which is the commencement
of the Indian solar New Year and
important cultural event to our lovely
Punjabi Community it was such a
wonderful event to attend and yeah it
was a really good cultural event and
looking forward to attending future
events for the Punjabi Community I
also attended the national sorry Day
event at the Melton Library yesterday
which marks sorry day where author
Coral vas provided children and
parents who were in attendance at
the library a special author talk on
her book sorry day so that was a
wonderful event and thank
you thank you councilor venburg
councelor
kich thank you Madame mayor I
answered a number of calls from our
residents on various issues from lack
of parking around the local schools
during a pickup time to a Waring
increasing a number of rentals used
for growing marijuana and some
other harded
drugs on the 25th of April it was a
Anzac Day I always L to attend was
super superbly organized minus lack of U
illination of the monent due to a
late short
circuit on 11th of
May I attended Community consultation
with the fellow counselor St Abboushii
Plpton Aquatic Center on the 20th of
May had a meeting with the residents of
Parkside Village in regards to Street
lighting quite a few doesn't work
on a 22nd of may I had a meet meeting
about inappropriate parkings on the
curbs te intersections Etc and
residents would like to this to be
tackled
that's all for me Madame mayor thank you
kindly thank you councelor kich
councelor
Shannon thanks Madame mayor I'll try and
be quick I've got a lot to get through
apart from regular briefings and
communication with residents and lots
of reading on the 25th of the 4th I
attended the Melton RSL Anzac Day Dawn
service it was really good to see so
many people attended and this year in
particular we had so many schools
schools that have hav even been part of
it to that extent before so well done to
the melara cell for promoting it amongst
the schools in this previous year
then that followed on to Melton RSL
Anzac Day March the 29th of the 4th I
attended the Australian men's shed Metro
Regional gathering with our Deputy Mayor
hosted by Taylor's hill men shed it
was an amazing event shetes from other
towns and suburbs attended shared their
stories about Men's Health and
well-being
it's such an important thing and and
again I reiterate what our depuy said
that it's it really highlighted how
amazing our Council are in that area in
supporting the Men's Health across the
board in our
city the 30th of the 4th I attended
the Vic pole Northwest Metro division 3
medals and awards ceremony I love these
events it is sometimes quite eye
openening to see what what our big pole
members get awarded for sometimes a
small medal doesn't appear to be enough
really but again just to say this
year we' had the focus on the horrific
bus accident in exford it was so good to
see residents and and School staff
people that stopped to help on the
day that assisted officially thanked
just a small token I suppose for the the
the great help that they did on that day
and pass that day as well the second or
the fifth had the policy review panel
meeting and the 9th of the 5th the audit
and risk committee meeting and both of
those meetings a great deal of
preparation goes into those and
they're both really important meetings
and I'm privileged to be on them both
the 15th of the 5th I attended the
future connect
AGM that proudly promotes the youth
grounds project it's a fabulous project
and it's held at our Karent Jang
Community Hub the 18th of the 5th the
diggers resc Community Pavilion a lot of
that's been discussed it was really
good to see our mayor on the
bike she did a really good
job and no I didn't pick up the snake
I took photos of people holding snakes
that was my
job I also went from there and
watched a wonderful hockey game from the
Aussie Punjabi team and the Caroline
Springs team great to see that I used
to play hockey when I was a child so it
was good to be able to go and watch one
the 22nd of the 5th I attended the men's
shed short film event it was great to
see the tailor Hill Primary boys there
that were greatly mentored by the
shetes and just there was more than just
teaching there was relationships built
and that's so so important both for the
shetes and for the young boys and their
families I attended the sons of the West
Graduation Ceremony again that's always
a great event to be part of again
something else that focuses on the great
men in our community and their health
and
well-being I unfortunately missed the
two volunteer appreciation events due to
illness and I was not happy about it but
I'm couldn't go and pass it around to
everybody else but I've heard that both
went really well and I just want to say
my own personal thank you to all the
amazing Volunteers in the city of Melton
you're doing a wonderful job and
honestly I think this applies across
the board but Community doesn't run
without volunteers and they are so
important so thank you and yesterday I
attended the vaki Miller Festival what a
wonderful event to be part of the colors
the dancing is just amazing and
that's all from me Madame May thank you
councelor Shannon councelor
fujo thank you Madame mayor attended
the Anzac Day Dawn service Caroline
Springs followed by the gunfire
breakfast at West wat which was a lovely
and touching service it gets bigger
and bigger every year it's fabulous to
see all the school students paying their
respects it's really quite touching
been working with Mr wh side in regards
to my concerns around Becka way and I'm
very grateful for any improvements
that we we are able to do down that
area I've noticed we have some new
restaurants down in Caroline springs on
the Boulevard and I'd just like a to
give everyone a friendly reminder that
if possible if our residents can support
local businesses especially during
winter I'm sure it would be greatly
appreciated as as many might not know
that our our small local businesses
generally employ local people so it's a
it's a bit of a turnaround pay it for
forward I'm sure all any businesses
in our local municipality would be
more than more than grateful for any
extra business that comes their way
during these times and that's all for me
Madame mayor thank you councelor fuger
councelor
Turner thank you m may just like to say
I did enjoy my holiday for the first
couple of weeks of the month so thanks
everybody for asking on 18th of
may I attended aaki celebration at the
param MAA Buddhist temple that's a new
one that's just been built in Melton I
didn't know it was finished until I got
there on the evening found out where it
was going it was a fantastic night the
colors the
demonstrations they they did so much
light shows and things all around and
there was a few M counselors including
yourself Mad May were there it was a
really really a good night bit cold but
it was a good night on the 22nd of May
Wednesday I attended with my fellow
counselors the sons of the West
graduation at the Community Hall
I believe it's the 10th year Council and
the Bulldogs have run this program
together so it was another great
night it was good to see some some of
the younger ones in it as well this year
so yeah it's hopefully it'll go from
strength to strength and just as a
reminder the I believe the the
daughters of the West starting next
month so if any of our community or
anybody else wants to be involved just
get in touch with counc and we'll give
them the contacts for that on Thursday
the 23rd volunteer week I did attend the
evening one which is when the volunteers
who work with Council are basically
thanked for all the work they do during
the year and I agree with my fellow
counselors without Volunteers in our
community we'd be a very sad place not
only for the amount of work that
wouldn't wouldn't be done but there's so
much help comes from our volunteers for
our community so I'd like to thank them
specifically on Sunday I also attended
the vaki maer festival at the Buddhist
celebration and it was the Community
Hall and then the number of young kids
from young kids right up to to moms dads
and Grands that were up there all in
their colors all dancing it was a
fantastic show and that's all I've
got this week M thank you very much
thank you councelor Turner and I'll be
mindful to try and stay within my time
limit I attended the interface
council's group meeting as well as the
order and risk committee and the policy
review panel meeting and I thank
officers for organizing the risk and
Order and risk all 23 reports I believe
which is extremely important
committee for Council to be a part of
Anzac day dawn service in Caroline Springs
as well as the Melton March and mid
morning service this is always a
beautiful and touching service and
very privileged to be a part of it as a
mayor and counselor I attended the
Victoria Police Northwest Metro division
3 medals and awards ceremony with some
of my fellow counselors very touching
service that honored First Responders
both local police officers teachers
principal and the principal of exford
primary school for their
assistance and help in the tragic event
that happened in 2023 for their bravery
and their care for the students that
were involved in that unfortunate
accident as well as attending an
online I also attended an online
briefing from the minister for ports and
Freights office The Honorable Melissa
horn MP and it was an update on the
Victoria's Interstate Freight terminal
strategy as you will know Council was
advocating heavily for many years for
the Western Intermodal freight terminal
to be built in truganina before the
beverage site an update provided to
council was that it has been decided to
build the beverage site first to extend
the lease for the Dynon site and secure
the land for the truganina site for the
build to occur in the future and the
timing of this was not provided I
expressed my disappointment in this
decision as this site would have
provided a community much needed jobs
and investment into the municipality and
region I also attended the MV board
briefing monthly board briefing
monthly board meeting and MV State
Council as well as is the maav Metro
Regional West the Metro West regional
meeting I attended the western region
Mayor's luncheon hosted by maribyrnong Council
and we discussed ways that we as a
region can work in collaboration to
ensure the best outcome for the region
of our respective communities some of
the events that I attended was the 2024
Youth For the community consultation
for Plpton Aquatic Center which I
believe we
are probably near the th Mark for the
surveys I think there was more oh
more than a thousand I know that when I
attended we were at the 600 Mark so
really really looking forward to the
outcome of of that survey and
Community consultation I also attended
the diggers rest Community Pavilion
activation and Community Day which was
fantastic as well as the community
luncheon to celebrate our
volunteers myself and the CEO met
with David edes shank MP member for
Western Metropolitan region and we spoke
about council's advocacy booklet as well
as our community's priorities for better
roads better public transport mo more
local jobs and ta amongst other things I
met with the Central Central
management and Caroline Springs
Boulevard Traders and we spoke about
some of their concerns around about the
removal of the outdoor dining on
Caroline Springs Boulevard for the
provision of a pedestrian
crossing the CEO staff and I met with
respect representatives from the
Melton Palestinian solidarity group and
we appreciated the opportunity to listen
to their experiences as well as hear
from other members of our community we
also spoke about some of the variety of
services that are available to our local
residents I attended a couple of the
festivals which was the visak
celebrations organized by the paramitha
Buddhist temple and the vaki Mala
Festival organized by o in orporated and
ethnic women in Australia which was a
great event very colorful very bright
they had a fantastic DJ the kids were
amazing with their dancing so good on
them they I believe they put that
that event every year so they do a
really good job in regards to the
men's shed I unfortunately I wasn't well
and I couldn't attend the event but I
thank my counselors who did on behalf of
me attend I just wanted to highlight
that
postcards have and are will be
highlighting the men's shed in Melton
they have gone out there and they've
taped a couple of shetes talking about
the Melton men shed which is
fantastic for our community we are
one of the only councils I believe that
not only fund one men's shed but two
it's such a fantastic investment for the
male for the men in our community that
find it difficult sometimes to
find friendships and talk about some of
their health issues so it's a really
really fantastic positive story
they are highlighted as well as the
Latin food and wine which are located
in Melton they do have some really good
desserts if anyone's interested that
will be highlighted on postcards which
is on June the 16 5:30 p.m. channel 9 I
don't usually give plugs to any TV
stations but if they're going to
highlight Melton then why not I also
visited enjoy church a local place of
worship in Melton where we had guest
speaker and well-known singer and
songwriter in the community in the
Christian Community Darlene chck and she
spoke about how we can serve one another
and I believe this is such an important
Cornerstone as a counselor and a leader
in the community it is also a great
segue into speaking about National
volunteer week which we celebrated with
several events within Council and I just
want to talk highlight and thank all of
our volunteers which some of them are in
this gallery and do attend this Gallery
month after month and we do
appreciate everything that you do and
you make such a wonderful impact in our
community we appreciate and acknowledge
all that you do and all that you give to
and for our community and I just want to
lastly thank my fellow counselor way
over time I wanted to thank my fellow
counselors including especially Deputy
Mayor and councelor Carly for attending
some of the council events during my
time when I was feeling quite under the
weather this the last couple of weeks
so thank you everyone and that's it from
me so I have gone way over Madame
mayor counselor Carie and your Deputy
counselor but you did a formidable job
in your absence thank you councelor
Ramsey and I note that they they did
pick up a couple of the events that I
was unfortunately unwell to attend
council is moving on to item 14 no
notices of motion and I believe we do
have three notices of motion 14.1 notice
of motion 917 councelor Shannon men shed
support thank you counc Shannon thanks
Madame mayor I'd like to move the
council following consultation with
men's sheds participants in our
municipality and the Victorian men's
shed Association promote the value and
benefit of men's sheds to the city of
Melton including the opportunity for
other councils and stakeholders to visit
our men's shed and see how it positively
engages our
community thank you councelor Shannon do
I have a second councelor
aAbboushii happy to second that one madame
mayor does any counselor require any
clarification does any councelor oppose
or abstain does any councelor wish to
speak councelor
Shannon just a quick one madame mayor I
think a few of us have said how
wonderful our men's sheds are and how
wonderful our council is but we
it was the most important thing I think
that made me decide to put this up was
just to see how our guys in our men's
sheds because they get support from our
Council they can focus on doing what
they're meant to be doing rather than
trying to fundraise and keep the group
going it's so important and we do it so
well and don't forget to watch postcards
everyone on Channel 9 is the 16th of
June at
5:30 does any counselor does any other
counselor wish to speak councelor aAbboushii
Madame I Won't Give Up up again to
highlight the importance especially
around isolation but importance of our
men's sheds so I want to put it on the
record that their community- based
organizations Madame may they work to
socialize predominantly men in the
municipality and they I've heard
firsthand
experiences around men's sheds Madam
meit the most high the the most the one
that really struck me when I was there
last last month was or earlier this
month was they got a a clinician
from Western Health to come and give the
the men a talk about getting their
prostates checked and 25 men were in
attendance Madame mayor and as a result
of highlighting the the need to go
and get checked they all went and got
checked and two came back positive to
prostate cancer Madame May and as a
result it was caught early and you
know early intervention is very
important that's just one very very very
small example of the power of a men's
shed and what it can do to really
transform transform their lives so I
can't speak highly enough of it thank
you councelor Abboushii and well said
councelor
Ramsey thank you Madame M can I actually
commend councelor Shannon on the
notice of motion I think it's great
because sometimes we don't spook
ourselves enough when it comes to the
things that we do and the men shared the
first one I I
recall was in was launched in Jolie
gillard's time so it was a long time ago
and I know two ladies in this chamber
councelor mle our mayor and our former
mayor counselor Carie had to have one
in the Eastern
Corridor so we we delivered twos and
at the end of the day the health the
recreation side of things are one it it
allows com friendships to be formed
and social isolation to sort of be
limited when you've got a mate there but
the other thing that it does do is it
enables some of the Hidden trades and
some of the Hidden skills that are dying
today to be retaught to our youngsters
as well and that was what the project
outlined
last week so I think absolutely
Sensational I just want to know where
you're putting the women's shed when
that comes
around thank you councelor Ramsey does
any other councelor wish to speak on
this matter can I just say it it is a
very small investment to get these
men sheds up and running for such a big
return on investment for our men in the
community but also the secondary and and
outer benefits of how it helped not only
the men but their families as well so
I I just want to reiterate and thank
councelor Shannon for this for
this motion but also that to highlight
once again that this council is very
supportive of men their health and
just looking after the men in our
community in saying that counselors
if there's no one else that wants to
speak I'll put it to the vote all
those in favor please raise your hand I
declare the motion carried thank you
councilors item 14.2 notice of motion
918 councelor Ramsey passing of Barry
Leslie oam thank you councelor Ramsey
thank you Madame May and I'd like to
speak to this when the opportunity
allows the motion reads that Council
acknowledged the sad passing of former
city of Melton citizen of the Year Barry
Leslie
oam and send a letter under C to his
family recognizing his service to the
community particularly through serving
as principal or teacher principal and
vice principal of Coburn primary school
and I'll add West Melton Primary School
to that and he service to the Australian
Red Cross and a range of community
groups in the
municipality thank you councilor RS do I
have a second councilor
Turner thank you mad does any counselor
wish sorry does any councelor have any
clarification does any counselor oppose
councelor RAM you said you wanted to
speak yes please Barry's volunteer
efforts span more than four decades in
fact he Barry Angel's Deca volunteer
efforts span for more than decades I
guess you could call him one of our
founding fathers Barry Leslie was
awarded the order of Australia in
2006 after serving close to 40 years as
coordinator for Red Cross he was
Melton citizen he was also recognized in
the Melton citizen of the Year Awards
Barry was a teacher principal and vice
of vice principal and principal of two
schools both cob and primary and West
Melton primary school he was also a
coordinator for the Melton Red Cross
Branch for over four four decades as I
said he and his wife Jill responded
to single incidences right right across
the
municipality so
when there was a house fire they would
take people shopping for for mattresses
bedding clothing and he was wonderful in
coordinating the traa teddies and give
them giving them out to the children
that were involved in these
incidences Barry and his wife Jill
were also very heavily involved in in
the local church just across the road
there and that's their final in place he
was the chair of the gerara festival for
several years and also the melon
Resource Center back in the Dark Ages
when I I hadn't even moved into Melton
at that stage and I've been here nearly
40 years his loss will be felt by
every everybody and and all that knew
him or were touched by him and I just
wanted to thank his family personally
these four three boys for allow for
allowing mom and dad to be so
influential in not only starting and
being so heavily involved in Melton but
we were talking about volunteerism and
them being the lifeblood and we've got a
lot Melton can be so grateful that Barry
Leslie was part of it thank you Mame
thank you councelor Rams and well said
does any other counselor wish to
speak if not I I will put it to the
vote all those in favor please raise
your hand I declare the motion carried
item 14.3 notice of motion 919 councelor
aAbboushii Caroline Springs outdoor dining
safety thank you councel aAbboushii thanks
Madame mayor I'd like to move that
Council officers undertake a
comprehensive investigation of potential
measures aimed at enhancing the safety
of outdoor dining areas in relation to
vehicle traffic along Caroline Springs
Boulevard between College Street and
Lake Street these me measures May
Encompass amongst other possibilities
the installation of safety ballards and
the deployment of additional traffic in
pedestrian safety infrastructure and two
present the outcomes of the
investigation of potential measures
aimed at enhancing the safety of outdoor
dining areas in relation to the vehicle
traffic along Caroline Springs Boulevard
between College Street and Lake Street
to a future count briefing of
counselors thanks Madame mayor thank you
councelor Abboushiy do I have a second
councelor kich thank you Madame mayor
happy to Second it thank you councelor
kesich does any councelor require any
further close verification does any
councelor oppose or wish to
abstain 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 agenda
item 15 councilors questions without
notice and I believe we've got councelor
kage thank you Madame
mayor someone would recall a fix my road
campaign that we run in
2022 so could you please provide updates
on the progress of addressing issues
related to Road repairs and
duplications specifically I'm interested
in the following projects number one
a western freeway which is a federal
government
responsibility number two Melton killer
Highway which is a state government
responsibility number three Westwood
Drive P Road Corridor which is the
partly responsibility of the state
government and number four Taylor's
Road that's the first part of the
question mad mayor first part let's see
if we can get an answer first on this
one because there's there's quite a lot
of elements to it thanks thank you
mayor so Look in relation to Western
freeway Melton kilo Highway and
well in fact those two which are
obviously as you say the Victorian
government responsibility we will
seek an update if there's any funding
in the recent Victorian government
budget in relation to those two projects
Westward Drive which components of is
Council but we do Advocate strongly
for government to declare that road as a
state road given the significance of
that road there are some minor
improvements that Council has funded
in this current budget but really
ultimately it will require a significant
State funding for the duplication and
upgrade as a declared Road in
relation to Taylor's road which is also
partly which is under council's
perview there is probably the best
update on that is in relation to
Taylor's Road Corridor upgrade plan
which is available on council's website
and has each individual project with the
estimated timing on the works thank
you and the second part of your question
it won't be a second part of the
question I'm satisfied with the answer
but I have a second question yes thank
you councilor kich thank you Madame
mayor the second question would be I
would like the updates on the
construction of Melton hospital has any
groundwork Comm
or are we still waiting thank you very
much that question will go to thank you
yes thanks M thanks councelor kich
for your question I understand the
Melton hospital has an anticipated
opening date of 2029 and there are some
investigative Works currently
underway thank you councilors any other
questions oh councelor fuja I've got you
down has questions without
notice thank you Madame mayor just
for certain Clarity could offers
officers please provide clarification
regarding the raised bicycle path on the
proposed road bridge on the old CER
Highway at Digger's rest in particular
is this part is this path future
proof to allow for both bicycle and
pedestrian access as diggers rest
expands thank you mayor mck and
thanks for the question Council fer
at this St stage the project is being
delivered by the state government or
by the Victorian government and
delivered by the level crossing removal
project team the scope associated
with the Bridge includes a cyclist
path only and not a shared path
council is advocating for the ad
adequate pedestrian and cycling
infrastructure to be provided
including the request for the path along
the new bridge to be a shared path to
allow for pedestrians and cyclists
Council doesn't currently have any
plans to construct a shared path at this
location but we are continuing to
Advocate to the level crossing removal
project team for inclusion in the
current project great thanks mras do
you know when you would be likely to
receive a response in relation to that
matter no we haven't yet received
a response but I can provide an update
once received great thank you very
much second question Council I'm not
sure who's this to be directed at but
due to the recent increase in crime
incidences across the municipality
are we in a position to write the
relevant minister in relation to the
potential of increasing policing numbers
or asking for some reinforcements in
regards to that matter
ask thanks M thanks M mik and thanks
councelor fuia we are able to
advocate for increased numbers of
policing into the city what officers are
aware of is due to the increase in crime
incidents there was an increase in the
resources deployed to the city of Melton
however whilst we do understand that
that was a short-term measure we
haven't had anything come to our
attention that that's going to be a
long-term solution at this
stage thanks Mr mcmanis and when was the
when was the period of that do you
have a time frame of when the increased
numbers was allocated M thanks M mik
I can confirm that for you the exact
time crime I believe it's still ongoing
and it's to end quite soon but I can
confirm the dates for you councelor for
thank
you thank you councelor fuer councelor
Turnal thank you Madame mayor first
question I believe recently there's
been an announcement made about the
level Crossings in Melton and a lot of
the community wouldn't have seen that or
heard of it so I'd like to ask
could we please an upt the on expected
completion dates for the four rail
crossings in the city of melon two of
them are basically in the township which
is Coburn Station Road and I believe
they're going to be rail over Road and
with a new station which I'm sure
everybody knows about already and the
other two I think it's feris and Hopkins
Road just to
the east of
mountain I I believe they're Road of
a rail I just wonder if you could
confirm the new completion date thank
you thank you may mik the
Victorian government has committed to
the removal of the four- level Crossings
at coburns exford Hopkins and Ferris
Road and this your your correct
Council Turner that this includes
building Road bridges over the rail line
at Ferris and Hopkins roads and building
rail bridges over the roads at coburns
and exford Roads the timing
associated with these projects is that
we will be it's anticipated that we
are level crossing sorry M we are
boom gate free in 2026 that we'll see
all level Crossings removed beautiful
thank you second question it's
fantastic that bulman's Road stage
one's been completed I believe that's
from West Lake to to SN
Boulevard and the second section West
Lake to cenry Avenue is due to be
completed early 202
5 but my question is on the car and
bus where the car and bus is parked and
that's been completed the actual
paths I've been getting a lot of call
from residents that the paths themselves
are still mud and it's a challenge for
the kids being dropped off at school and
getting into the school is there any
timeline on how long it'll be before the
actual paths to the school will be
finished maybe be a separate thing from
the roads S as well thank you
through the mayor we'll take that
notice on question and provide
councelors with an update yeah that's
fine thank you thank you councelor
Turner councelor
Ramsey one of these is mine and one of
these is councelor KES he he ran over so
please don't tell me that councelor
Ramsey I'll I'll read you with mine
first the EXC oh his is excellent just
wait this one's mine the Victorian
government have now announced that both
level crossing removals will be single
Lane in each Direction and have released
designs for Community
consultation my question is and this is
Ferris
Road will the planned level crossing
removal be future proofed to accommodate
two lanes in each
Direction and is there a time frame for
when this will
happen and will Council make a
submission on the plan designed so like
three sub questions in the one question
oh just wait I've got a huge statement
to say about this oh there won't be a
statement it's just questions counc
Madam may I won't allow statements I'll
ask I'll allow questions okay Sam is
that you yeah yes it is thank you
mayor mck Council Ramsey as
understand the design is future proofed
to accommodate additional Lanes into the
future however the current project scope
does not include this future
expansion and as such a time frame for
any constru struction Works associated
with the future proofing is unknown
in response to your second question we
are as a council making a submission
on the level crossing Concept Designs
through the current through the current
Community
consultation process that is
currently underway I also just want to
highlight that our community can also
provide feedback through various
information sessions both online and in
person through the Victorian
government's project website of which
submissions Clos on the 23rd of June
Madame M can I get not a statement some
followup in this regard
with with a proposed
Hospital one
lane is statement question it will be
a question Madame May I'm just going to
try and for councel Ramsey can I just
just say that you've already did a
two-part question yeah I know this is
going to be your third I I just
believe sorry Madame myth that question
councelor Ramsey not a statement no no
no can we explore the gake funding to
have this road duplicated and the the
bridge
widened almost straight away because it
is congested now with future ta and
hospital it's only to only going to get
dire and I this Council I know wouldn't
want to see a death there so can we
explore all opportunities before they
start turning
SIDS through you may M that that's a
question for the Victorian government
of which we will request a response
to okay thanks councelor Ramsey any
other questions from any other counselor
councelor aAbboushii with someone like
gorens she's used up her
questions I think I've been more than
fair
Madame I'd like to know based on recent
meetings with
officers with
the a member for cororo Luba
gorovich whether there's been any
discussions or any timelines given
for the upgrade and duplication of
Westwood Drive have the state government
got a planned scheduling of that in
any upcoming years
through you may M I can't comment on
the recent member discussions however
I can advise that we are yet to
receive a date in relation to the
proposed works or the indicative
Works Madame mayor my second question
is can we in in in in relation to the
same question but can we find out and
be councilors be put into into the E
news potentially on what dates the
state government is planning in what
years it's currently
scheduled through Madame mayor yes we
can thank you thank you thank you
councelor Abboushi does any other counselor
have any questions without
notice if not I'll go to item 16 urgent
business any urgent business item 17
confidential business and we have a
recommended procedural motion
here councelors a procedural
motion councelor Turner thank you Madame
mayor I'd like to move that P pursu
to section 661 and 2 A Local Government
Act 2020 the meeting be closed to the
public to consider the following reports
that are considered to be confidential
information on the grounds provided in
section
31 The Local Government Act 2020 as
indicated thank you councelor Turner do
I have a
seconder councelor Carly I'd like to
second that thanks Madame mayor thank
you councelor Cary does any councelor
require any further clarification does
any counselor oppose or abstain 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 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 those present in the gallery to
depart and a 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 here on in
the council chambers at Melton Civic
Center on Monday the 24th of June 2024
at 7 p.m. I'd like to remind you that
tonight's meeting will be available on
council's website as a bookmark
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 I
bid you all a good evening for those who
are in the gallery thank you
for item 18 close of business thank you
for joining us tonight and we do hope
you join us for the next council meeting
which will be held here in the council
chambers at Melton Civic Center on
Monday the 24th of June 2024 at 7 p.m.
I'd like to remind you that there will
be a bookmarked recording of tonight's
meeting available on council's website
in the coming days I now declare the
meeting closed at 9:04 p.m. thank you
once again have a good night and God
bless you all