Low Density Residential Zone Review

The State Government has ask the Shire of Yarra Ranges to submit their views on their proposed changes to the LDRZ. Tonight we had over 40 submitters from a broad range of community members. Their submissions will then be taken into serious consideration when council considers its position and will then submit that to the State Government.

Political Preference?

Hello all, as we enter the state election for Victoria, I thought that I should publicly advise which political group I favour........... NONE! I currently do not have ANY membership or persuasion for any current Victorian/Federal political party, "period"

Jason Callanan.

Olinda Pool Update #9

Hi there all, this update is to let you know who and what has been discussed so far with regards to the consultation process.

Thank you to those who have spoken up and suggested some ideas on how we can improve the process to date. This information has been passed on and the officers are well aware of some of the community's frustrations.

The online consultation process will not be taken down, as any day lost for the opportunity for people to contribute is one less person who can't have their say. Many have suggested that the "survey" is misleading and creates a "gloom" picture if Council resolves to repair the pool, this is not the case. Much of the costs are not just about the pool itself but the overall facility which is in a dire need of repair.

I have had reports from the consultation process that a number of community groups and businesses have been engaged such as:

• Local Traders
• Mt Dandenong Primary School
• Parks Victoria
• The Villages of Mt Dandenong Traders Association
• Olinda Primary School
• Hilltop Association
• Community Neighbourhood House

Over the next few weeks council are expected to meet with the CFA (Local and Regional), the Yarra Ranges Young Leaders, Young members of the Olinda community, playgroups and senior members.

This to me is a broad range of members across the hilltop area and some of the responses have been very interesting and exciting.

Im still keen to hear from you and have spoken to the "save the Olinda pool group" president Mr Faul who has done a great job so far.

We are getting there! Again I want to ensure we hear from a "broad" range of community people from various backgrounds to ensure we get a proper understand of what the "Olinda Community" wants.

Those who feel the survey doesn't reflect what they want then may I suggest you submit a form and spell out exactly what you would like to see at this space.

For those who want to submit or fill in the survey the link is provided below:

http://www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au/Lists/Current-Consultations/Join-the-Olinda-Pool-conversation

Olinda Pool Update #8

Hi there all, I have seen a bit of email traffic of late regarding the online consultation process. First off there is never going to be 100% approval or satisfaction on what is presented or provided in the consultation process. Secondly the suggestion that a "decision has already been made" is completely un-true. I have had regular meetings with those officers in the department and have made it absolutely clear that the community must be heard and taken seriously. The do understand this and any notion that the plan is to shut Olinda pool and replace it with a BBQ is nonsense!

I want to ensure we try and get this right, if there are criticisms regarding the on line content then please contact me and maybe suggest how this can be improved. I see that there are people who are not happy but no suggestions on how to fix the problems.

Today I have asked the council team to review the on line content to ensure we are being "fair" and open to the community.

The figures placed on the online survey are correct - $750 000 to completely restore the pool with all the associated "current" regulations that are needed. The costs some are talking about is just the repairs of the cracks and will only last possibly a further 5 years. This is a quick fix and I am not supportive of doing something that would see us back there and possibly in this same situation in five years time.

I have made it clear to all who ask that the pool will not be open for this season as this is an unrealistic expectation and yes there has been what seems big delays in getting things moving forward, I am also frustrated by this.

I am always happy to take constructive criticism on this issue and any support on how we can get this process right would be greatly appreciated.

Cr Jason Callanan