Carriage Cafe Closed TODAY 26th Feb

Just letting you know due to bad weather today the Carriage Cafe wont be open. ONLY FOR TODAY 26th Feb. "From Mel - Cafe Owner"

Monbulk Streetscape

 

Update - Construction Works

Following extensive consultation and design development streetscape improvement works at Monbulk are underway. The works will provide improved pedestrian spaces, with colourful pavement surfaces, new shade trees and garden beds and a variety of seating and gathering space opportunities.

Works on the southern side of Main Street will be completed late October and the bulk of remaining works on the northern side will be completed in time for the Merry Monbulk Festival in late November.

Access to shops will be maintained at all times during regular trading hours. To minimise disruption some works will be undertaken after hours and on Sundays.

Some disruption to parking may be experienced along the Main Street during construction. Ample alternate parking spaces are located at the rear of the shops.

If you have any enquiries regarding the project please contact Jodie Tennyson, Landscape Architect. Jodie is available by phone on 1300 368 333 or email j.tennyson@yarraranges.vic.gov.au

Volunteer Information Night

 

 

 

 

 

 

Could you mentor someone, help a young person learn to drive or provide homework support?

Yarra Ranges Council is holding and information night for anyone interested in volunteering in its mentoring programs for young people.

Mayor Jim Child, who is himself has been a mentor with the L2P learning to drive program, encouraged people to learn more about what they could do to help young people.

“Mentoring is a wonderful opportunity to give back to the community and make a difference in a young person’s life,” he said.

“I know I have been enriched as a person from the time I’ve spent with young people.”

Youth Services at Yarra Ranges Council coordinates three mentoring programs that focus on helping young people reach their full potential through positive relationships with adult mentors.

They are now recruiting for all programs, with a particular focus on male mentors.

An information night will be held on Wednesday 13 March at the Montrose Town Centre from 6.45 to 8pm.

Please RSVP by 8^th March to Maria McLoughlin in Youth Services on 9294 6716 or email m.mcloughlin@yarraranges.vic.gov.au.

Youth Services Mentoring Programs

Jindi Woraback involves a one-to-one relationship between a volunteer adult mentor and a young person. The program is based on having fun, sharing interests and recreational activities. Mentors are required to commit one hour per week for a 12 month period. Volunteers will be given training and are required to complete a criminal history and Working with Children clearance.

L2P gives licensed drivers the chance to supervise a learner driver practice session to help them become a safe and lawful driver. Those learning to drive face significant barriers to getting their licence. The L2P program includes training, a safe vehicle and ongoing support. Volunteers must complete a screening program and commit to a minimum of one hour a week for 12 months.

Homework Group is an afterschool program which focuses on assisting young people with academic achievements and outcomes within a positive learning environment. Homework support group is open to young people aged 12-18 years and is held at the Lilydale Library for 1.5 hours a week

ROAD CLOSURE ON MOUNT DANDENONG TOURIST ROAD

Tuesday 5 March and Wednesday 6 March 2013 between 9:30am – 3:30pm.
Opposite Mechanics Reserve between Wombat Road and Helen Road, Mt Dandenong

VicRoads conducts annual bushfire mitigation works on arterial roads to keep roads as safe as possible and ensure the safe and efficient movement of traffic during times of emergency.  

A recent inspection identified the need to remove approximately five dead Mountain Ash trees and trim other limbs opposite Mechanics Reserve.

Ward Wrap Up

BEING DEPUTY MAYOR

Went to a workshop held by VLGA Thursday night called "Being Deputy Mayor". This workshop was created as there is no defined role for the Deputy Mayor. Was great to speak with other councillors from around Victoria. This networking session gave me some good insights into what expectations others as well as myself on the role of Deputy Mayor.

ROAD RESURFACING

Hi there, just letting you know that planned road resurfacing will take place on Union Road, Wandin North from Tuesday 26th Feb to Wednesday 27th Feb.

Upwey Billy Cart Race 2013

I'm heading off to the 2013 Upwey Billy Cart Races this Sunday the 24th of Feb. Can't wait! See you there!

Bush Fire Management Overlay (BMO) & Property Valuations

Some interesting points came out of council’s forum meeting last Tuesday night. First we had a good introduction into the BMO and how it is applied to the planning process. The Yarra Ranges as we know is locatd in a very high risk area, the BMO is going to be a huge influence into where we can and can’t develop. Ultimately the decision to approve or reject a planning permit rests with council’s planning department, however the BMO gave us a great insight into complexities and processes involved in high risk areas. The CFA is the ultimate “authority” when it comes to the application of the BMO, however the planning department must also take into account a wide range of other factors including landslip, designs, etc.

Property Valuations

Monbulk Soccer Facility

Collingwood Football Club Visit

Yesterday the Shire of Yarra Ranges was privileged to welcome the Collingwood Football Club. An exciting event for the fans and kids who were able to see up close their football heroes! The team was welcomed by the traditional owners of the Yarra Ranges, followed by our Mayor Mr J Child. Local football clubs and media also attended. Cr's MCarthy, MaCallister, and myself "mingled" with the team. Oh Cas, Olivia and Mackenzie also had the privilege to say hi to the boys!

Monbulk Landcare

Today I went and visited the Landcare group from Monbulk. For the past 2 years they have been tackling the weeds in Baynes Park (Sassafras Creek). These dedicated volunteers commit to a few hours a month to get their hands dirty to try and stop the ever increasing weed problem facing the Yarra Ranges. I commend the effort and knowledge that this team has, as it can be very hard back breaking work! Well done guys!

Strategic Planning Day

Well today's strategic planning day was a good eye opener into the results of our community surveys. One big result that was very obvious to all of us was "the basics". Of the highest priorities were issues such as roads, footpaths and emergency management. We now have an understanding of what the community wants. Our job now is to put this information into a plan that will produce some good results for the next 4 years. I for one look forward to this process as this is the first REAL step towards shaping our shire's future! As you may recall these topics were amongst the top issues I wanted to tackle when I was elected to council. This doesn't mean that your voice stops here. Keep your suggestions coming in, because we still want to hear from you.

Another issue that had some healthy debate was rates. There was discussion around how could we reduce the percentage rate increases over the next few years. The risk we run though is a decrease in some services to aid this cut. Over the next few weeks will see council review it's expenditure priorities.

Looking to Healesville's Future

Hard Waste Collection Starts

An e-waste pick up is being trialled this year as part of Yarra Ranges’ annual hard waste, bundled branches and metals kerbside collection.
Yarra Ranges Mayor Jim Child said e-waste was a growing category of waste adding to landfill.
“It is fantastic news that our waste contractors have decided to collect e-waste and recycle it as part of our annual collection,” he said.
Residents can put out e-waste items including TVs and computer equipment on their kerb alongside their regular hard waste.
A separate truck will pick up e-waste items and take them to Coldstream Transfer Station for sorting and recycling.
Since last year Coldstream Transfer Station has participated in the National TV and Computer Recycling Scheme, meaning residents can bring their old TVs & computer equipment to the Ingram Rd transfer station free of charge.
This kerbside collection is in addition to the drop-off service.
Council’s annual hard waste collection has begun and will continue around the Yarra Ranges until the end of March.
Each area has a nominated collection time and materials should only be put on the kerb up to a week before that date.
A detailed list of what can be put out for hard waste is available online, as is a program for residents to check when their collection is scheduled.

Check out www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au or call 1300 368 333 for more information.

At this weeks Council Meeting...

So Tuesdays Council meeting again had a number of agenda items of high public interest. We had a number of questions from the public regarding a number of things from colour choice of building material, tree placement in the new streetscape in Monbulk, past election issues, visit of the Collingwood football club, the current downgrade/shift of services in Eastern Health, Vic forest's relocation.

Mr T. Heenan was present to ask a question regarding the Mt Evelyn Skate Park of which he is quite passionate about. Mr Heenan, wanted to ask about the progress of this park and other associated services, also a proposed BMX track next to it. This was taken on board by the engineering team for a response.

First Planning Application was the old "saw mill" site in Healesville. There a number of people present to represent the community of Healesville, including the SES, of which they were one of the objectors to this development. Due to the size of this project and the large public interest, Mayor Jim Child allowed two each (objectors and supporters) to speak to the council. Only one member spoke for the development. 2 people spoke against the application. Council also had a number of objectors from environment, planning and design. Victoria Police also had an objection and unfortunately due to Victoria Police being a statutory authority, this meant that the planning application had to be refused.

"Now this is the second development for this site to be knocked back. I would ask the community of Healesville to think about what they would like to see on this site, It has remained dormant for over 10 years and could be a great "advertisement" for Healesville." It looks like that this, unfortunately will now head to VCAT.

The other significant agenda item was Cr Dunn's motion to Rescind a resolution and adopt and Alternate motion regarding the Ethical Paper Pledge and requesting that the Yarra Ranges Council continue to be part of this pledge.

I made it known that I would be voting against this motion and remain off this pledge. I had not seen any new overwhelming evidence to suggest reasons why we should remain on this pledge. I didn't make this decision lightly and prior to the first vote back in December I had absolutely no idea about this issue.

In December, I visited local contractors and Vic Forest (on site) to see current coupes and current replanting activities. I do admit that fresh cleared coupes don't look pretty, I did see evidence of how coupes were marked out and how within each coupe certain trees were untouched due to its age or wildlife significance. I had read articles from My Environment about native forest logging, wildlife impacts and environmental issues. I am still keen to tour with My Environment to gain a balanced perspective. I also commented that the moving of Vic Forest's head office to the Yarra Ranges was not a priority of mine and wasn't the reason vote against the Pledge.

The motion was lost with Cr's Callanan, Witlox, McCarthy, McAllister and Child voting against the motion and Cr's Cox, Cliff, Avery, and Dunn for the motion.

Jason's Weekly Wrap

Hi all, well this is the 1st edition of “JC’s wrap up of the week” so it’s going to have a bit more than a “week’s worth” of wrapping! This is an initiative to give you a rundown of what, who and where I have been over the last week - also what is planned for me in the coming week!

Well now that Xmas and the Near Year is over, it’s time to get down to business! I had a little break with the family in Thailand which was great! Just before heading off though I attended the launch of the Community Alert Siren Project at the Monbulk CFA station on the 10th January. This initiative was a result of the recommendations from the Bushfire Royal Commission. The alerts will be familiar to most of us up here in the Yarra Valley as they are the CFA alert sirens you hear when they go out on a call, however if the siren is activated due to an incident in your local area that may impact on you, it will sound for 5 min rather than the short burst you hear normally.This will tell you to “seek further information”. This can be from many sources e.g. radio (ABC), Internet (CFA Website), Phone (CFA App), TV (ABC). Please take note that the siren is an indication that there is something happening near you. Do not use it as your “only” source of emergency information.  Local and state MPs, along with CFA representatives, also attended, along with Minister for Bushfire Response Peter Ryan who was lucky enough to test it.

Next was a trip up to Olinda for the annual “Ridge top brigades family fun and information” day on the 3rd of February. I got to see the local emergency services showcase their appliances and equipment which was fascinating seeing how much they do carry! Mayor Jim Childs and Cr Noel Cliff also attended the event. My daughter was lucky enough to get “butterflies” painted on her face - I resisted the opportunity though.

“Behind the Scenes”

All council members will soon be putting their heads together for a “planning forum” where we will see the results of our community survey and which will set the direction of Yarra Ranges Council for the next few years. I for one will be looking forward to this as this is where we can really make a difference into the “focus” of this council!
The communications team along with myself have been designing and will soon deliver a “pamphlet” to all my constituents which includes information about who I am and my contact details. As I am new, not many of you really know me. I will be making use of the Monbulk Living and Learning Centre as a place to meet you.

Part of my role as a councillor is to sit on a number of community committees. These committees range from local township groups to “shirewide” multi agency committees. The committees I am sitting on are:

• Municipal Emergency Management Planning Committee
• Fire Management Planning Committee
• Health and Wellbeing Advisory Committee
• Community Safety Committee
• Seville Township Group
• MADCOW

Most of these committees meet monthly or quarterly to discuss issues ranging from what the community is saying, to strategic planning for our shire’s future. Your input into these groups is essential to ensure plans that are produced are appropriate.

Upcoming Open Council Meetings

This week’s council meeting will be held this Tuesday the 12th February. Agenda items are:

• The Healesville Saw Mill Site Redevelopment.
• Mooroolbark – Building of 10 dwellings
• Amendment request to Clarify Provision Relating to the Emerald Tourist Railway Board (Puffing Billy).
• Questions and Submissions from the Public - Mt Evelyn Skate Park
• Councillor Motions - Motion to Rescind a Resolution and Adopt an Alternative Motion. Ethical Paper Pledge.

Some of these agenda items are of a high public and emotional nature. I have a responsibility to ensure that I represent both the community and the council appropriately to ensure a balanced perspective and approach.

I look forward to hearing from you soon, and hope that this “wrap up” will serve as a bit of an idea on what we are doing.

I can always be contacted through a number of means such as:

E: crjasoncallanan@yarraranges.vic.gov.au
Ph:  03 9737 9736
Mail: 15 Anderson St Lilydale
Facebook: /crjasoncallanan
Twitter : @YRC_JCallanan