Olinda Pool Update #11

Hello Olinda community, at the community meeting held on the 7th October I was asked to produce the maintenance costs for the last 10 years. At our council forum meeting later that evening, I requested the Director of Engineering and Environment to compile this for me and make it public. Below is what has been posted on Council's Olinda Pool Update page as of the 8th October. 

In this report it has been acknowledged that the "recorded" numbers were true (I fully understand that this may not have been the case but unfortunately we do not know "for certain" what those extra numbers were). 

I am committed to ensuring we see this pool remain by bringing your voice to council and convincing other councillors to vote for retaining this pool. 

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Cost analysis

At this week's community meeting, Councillor Callanan was asked to follow up on the maintenance costs for the Olinda Pool. 
The table below outlines total maintenance and operational costs for the pool over the last 9 years.    
Maintenance costs include:
  • Painting the pool
  • Repairs to the pool shell including minor cracking and expansion joints
  • Servicing the plant and equipment including pumps, filters and pipes
  • Minor repairs to fencing, buildings and shade sail
  • Installing signs
  • Preparing the pool for Winter and start up costs including cleaning each year
  • Mowing
  • Reviewing the site each year and investigating work needed
We are also aware of allegations about our pool contractor not counting all the recorded visitations to the pool. This allegation was investigated and presented to Council. The contractor has confirmed the visitation numbers are correct and they are presented in the table below.
On average the pool has had 2,468 visits per year (or 18 people per day) for the last 9 years which equates on average to $22.70 per visit.

In comparison to other local pools in the area, the average cost per visit to Belgrave Outdoor Pool is $5.80 and Monbulk Aquatic Centre is $2.20. 
Olinda Pool - YearAttendance Total Costs (maintenance and operational) Costs per visit Maintenance costs 
 2004/05 2640 $34,959 $13.20$1,559 
 2005/06 3424 $47,185 $13.80 $12,920
 2006/07 2838 $46,819 $16.50 $3,840
 2007/08 2692 $46,632 $17.30 $3,284
 2008/09 3149 $41,315 $13.10 $5,684
 2009/10 2464 $79,115 $32.10 $31,011
 2010/11 975 $50,130 $51.40 $7,010
 2011/12 1242 $59,118 $47.60 $12,184
 2012/13 2782 $43,751 $15.70 $4,167

Estimated future capital and maintenance costs

The structural engineers report stated that $180,000 was required for pool shell repairs and to install a liner. In addition, the condition assessment showed the capital costs of $640,900 and maintenance costs of $233,100 would be required for the next 5 years to repair the pool. 
A further $123,180 would be needed for project management and design costs, bringing the estimated total costs to $769,080.

Labour to deliver on Olinda Pool if elected.



OCTOBER 7, 2014

LABOR TO REBUILD OLINDA POOL AND DELIVER NEW PLAYGROUND
An elected Andrews Labor Government will fund a redevelopment of Olinda Pool and construct new community playground facilities.
Only Labor will rebuild Olinda Pool and construct a new community playground, Deputy Opposition Leader and State Member for Monbulk, James Merlino, told a community meeting tonight.
An Andrews Labor Government will provide $500,000 in funding to rebuild Olinda Pool and also towards the construction of a new community playground.
Quotes attributable to Mr Merlino:
“Olinda Swimming Pool is one of our iconic community facilities in the hills and should not be allowed to disappear.
“This has gone on long enough, Yarra Ranges Council passed a motion way back in January to ‘expedite’ the re-opening of Olinda Pool. Nothing has happened since.
“Council clearly want to close the pool permanently. They need to get on with it – get the repairs done and re-open the pool for this summer.”
“The community has been calling for Olinda Pool to be saved but neither Council nor Denis Napthine has listened.”
“Labor will rebuild Olinda Pool to make it safe for the community to enjoy.”
“Well done to the Save The Olinda Pool Group and many other hills residents who have advocated so strongly to re-open the pool.”
Key Facts
  • Funding for Olinda Pool will only be provided if Council commit to both matching funding and re-opening Olinda Pool.

Kalorama Play Ground Update #1

 

 
 
 
Hello all some information re Kalorama Play Ground. Cr Jason Callanan
 
Dear Kalorama community member,

 

 
 
 
My name is Sue Neale and I have recently taken over responsibility for the design of the Kalorama Memorial Reserve play space. In recent weeks I have meet with small groups of Kalorama residents to discuss their ideas and preferences for the play space and these sessions have assisted greatly in further design ideas put forward during community meetings hosted in April and May. A design concept has now been prepared, please find attached. The concept is presented as an Ideas Board, to allow residents to continue to have their input, as we finalise the design. The design includes a new picnic and barbeque area, play equipment for junior and older children and an area for nature based play.


Discussions with residents regarding a lack of recreation facilities for young people in the area have led to the inclusion of the front tennis court into the design, as a new skating and ball games area. This part of the project is currently unfunded and is likely to happen as a second stage, following the completion of the playground.


Please take time to look over the Ideas Board and complete the brief survey to provide us with your feedback. A link to the survey is provided below.

I apologise for the delay in replacing the old equipment but hope that the new design leads to the creation of a valued and much visited destination for local families to enjoy for many years to come.


https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/Kalorama-Playground-2014

your vote counts! ROADwhyz Victoria needs you!





 
 
 
Please people can you support ROADwhyz Victoria, a non for profit group of emergency service workers and victims of raod trauma educating our young drivers about the consequences of risk taking behaviour behind the wheel!
 
Vote and share this via Facebook or just vote using your email and post code! Voting closes 21st October. Without your support this grant will be given to someone else!

http://webapps.bankofmelbourne.com.au/thelocalproject/
 
Thank you!!

Monbulk Pavillion 500K promise from Liberals








NAPTHINE LIBERALS COMMIT $500,000 FOR

MONBULK RESERVE

Liberal candidate for Monbulk Mark Verschuur, today announced that a re-elected Napthine Government will deliver $500,000 towards a new community sports pavilion at Monbulk Reserve.

Mr Verschuur said the funding commitment would deliver a much-needed facility that would cater for the local football, netball and cricket clubs as well as school groups and the wider community.

"I’m a proud supporter of local sporting clubs and I’m delighted to have been able to deliver this much needed funding commitment for the hundreds of members of local clubs, user groups and the wider sporting community," Mr Verschuur said.

"Investing in our local sporting facilities is crucial, because it means we are investing in the futures of our young people. It is important that local youths have best possible local facilities available to them, encouraging them to pursue activities that build skills like leadership, teamwork and resilience.

"Not only do our local football, netball and cricket clubs encourage young people to be active and healthy, they help build stronger and more engaged communities.

"As part of Premier Denis Napthine’s team, I’ve been working with supporters, as well as committee members, to make this project a reality."

This funding announcement for Monbulk Community Sports Pavilion follows the $500,000 commitment towards the Upwey-Tecoma Community Recreation and Sporting Hub, announced by Premier Denis Napthine last week.

The Member for Eastern Victoria Region, Edward O’Donohue, joined Mr Verschuur to make the announcement.

"Mark’s commitment to fighting for Monbulk has paid off for the community and I am thrilled to be here today for this fantastic announcement," Mr O’Donohue said.

Paul Utting, President of the Monbulk Recreation Reserve Development Group, welcomed the announcement and said the funding would go a long way to transforming the old facilities.

"It’s especially important to our female participants, because currently there are no female change rooms," Mr Utting said.

"This funding would give us the opportunity to open up the reserve and make it a more inviting place for the wider community."

Facts about the Olinda Pool



 
 
 
 
Hi all there were some comments and questions asked that I can hopefully answer below:

Can I please as for a continued support for the community engagement process and encouraging all to get involved and participate.

It is important everyone in the community has their say to best inform Council on the long term options for the Olinda Pool site.

No decision has been made on the long term options for the Olinda Pool site. The engagement process is to discuss the value, gaps and opportunities the Olinda Pool site may represent the community in the future.

 
FAQ
 
Q1/ What is the progress of the planned engagement process?

What has been achieved? Workshops with all community interest groups (including CFA yesterday – 6 October 2014) and launch of the on line engagement with a new discussion question posted weekly.

What is coming up? Workshops with young people including the U14 Netball Team; U14 Cricket Team, Scouts and the Yarra Ranges Young Leaders; Bus Stop / Township Walk intercept survey of young people; and a phone survey of 400 households that will be demographically sampled.

 Q2/ How much longer?

Once the engagement activities are completed (next two weeks), Council staff will collate the findings and draft a report for Council to consider next steps. At this time, the community will be informed of the next steps and time frames.

 Q3/ Can Council repair the pool now so the pool can be opened for the upcoming season?

Unfortunately no. The pool will remain closed until a decision is made by Council.

Short term measures were investigated to try and reopen the pool. However, the structural engineer report and condition assessments undertaken identify a range of upgrades required to reopen the pool that is at considerable cost to Council. These are:
 
Repair the pool shell and install hydraulic water stops and a liner to limit water loss and reduce ground water pressure
 
Upgrade the plant and pipe work to meet water circulation standards for safe swimming as stipulated under the Public Health and Infectious Diseases Regulations

·        Refurbish buildings and improve access paths to meet requirements under the Building Code, Disability Discrimination Act and Occupational Health and Safety Act.

Due to the significant cost and risks, Council resolved to explore long term options before making a decision on the future upgrade of the Olinda Pool site.


Q4/ How much does it cost to repair the old pool

 The minimum estimated capital cost of these upgrade works is $750,000. The structural engineer report and condition assessments indicate that these works would deliver a medium term outcome that has been clarified as approximately 10 years.

 These reports are available at Council’s webpage - the Olinda Pool Update.

 Weblink: http://www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au/Lists/Parks-Facilities/Olinda-Outdoor-Pool/Olinda-Pool-updates

Q5/ Is Council trying to manipulate the survey outcomes?

 There have been allegations made that Council staff are trying to manipulate the outcomes of the survey, particularly with reference to Theme 5. This is incorrect and what is reported is factual.

 We appreciate there is support for retaining the Olinda Pool as a place that holds local endearment and offers social value, especially for young people and families.

The data we have collected over the last 10 years shows that on average the Olinda Pool recorded visitation of 2,468 at a cost per visit (subsidy) of $22.70. This equates to approximately 18 people per day.

Even if we were to double these statistics, they are still significantly less then the CERM National Industry Benchmark for outdoor pools that recorded visitation of 24,783 at a cost per visit (subsidy) of $6.68. This equates to approximately 177 people per day.


Q6/ What has come out of the engagement to date?

 We have heard that there is support for retaining the Olinda Pool as a place that holds local endearment and offers social value, especially for young people and families. This will be represented to Council along with a range of themes that have been explored with community groups:

 Theme 1: A place that embraces social value, activity and community. A place that embraces the social history of the site and promotes a healthy and active lifestyle all year round.

Theme 2: A place for young people and families. The site is an important place for young people to gather and could provide lots of different activities for families including a wifi park space, multi-activity court, skate elements, ropes course and boulder park.

Theme 3: A place for greater community activity. The site is a place where people can hold community events such as film nights, markets and the writers festival and community programs run by the Olinda Community House.

Theme 4: A place that represents fire safety planning. The site provides a clear open area that provides a sense of safety or retreat in a high bushfire zone. It has a strong relationship with the CFA and could be used to represent fire safety planning.

Theme 5: Repair the existing pool. A place for swimming and summer recreation, lying on the grass and informal social connection.


Q7/ Save the Olinda Pool group submission?

Council staff wish to thank the Save the Olinda Pool group for their submission to the community engagement process. This submission will be reported to Council as the Save the Olinda Pool group’s position on the future of the Olinda Pool site.

Olinda Pool Update #10



I was invited to attend a public meeting at the Olinda Town Hall, regarding the Olinda Pool. Members from both Labor and Liberal were in attendance, MP James Merlino, Liberal Candidate for Monbulk Mr Mark Verschuur, and Federal Member MP Jason Wood. Jason and James both spoke and was surprised and excited to hear a labor commitment of $500,000 towards the Olinda Pool. Thank you very much James. MP Jason Wood also stated that he would assist with any funding federally. Councillor and Mayor Fiona McAllsiter was also there.

Approximately 300 people packed the Olinda Town Hall to both listen and ask questions about the Olinda Pool. A majority of people there expressed their desire to have the Pool reopened to it's "original" condition and went on to talk about the historical, and sentimental attachment of this pool to the Olinda community. We heard from a number of kids who expressed their desires to have the pool reopened.

Mr John Faull "President" of the "Friends of the Olinda Pool" group also attended this "public" meeting representing the group. He spoke about the importance of getting a submission in otherwise council wont be able record your voice.

FMP Jason Wood also explained that he would like to see this pool/area be enjoyed "all year round" and not just for the 2-3 months of the summer season.

I also spoke to the audience explaining that I do get where they are coming from, having lived in a community a lot smaller than Olinda and extremely remote, as a kid the only thing we had was the pool. So I do really understand the attachment to this pool. I asked all to put their submissions in even if they thought the survey was "misleading" and explained there are other ways to voice your comments than just the survey.

I tried to answer questions from the gallery some of them were:

Q: Why did I vote to not support the last Olinda pool motion to "expedite the reopening of the Olinda pool?
A: First and foremost let me say that I will represent the community as a whole and try to voice a "balanced" view of all my constituents. This motion I felt was in haste, and believed we were rushing into something we didn't really have a good understanding of. In my opinion money would have simply been wasted and to me that would have been irresponsible as a member of council to waste rate payers money on something that wasn't a complete fix. I wanted to ensure the Olinda community had something there that would be enjoyed for another 50 years not just 10 and be back in the same decision we are in today. I'm looking out for the best interest of both my constituents and the wider Yarra Ranges community.

I went on to say that if the survey and submissions come back showing an overwhelming response to reopen the pool then I would take this to the council and express that!

Q: What are the year maintenance costs for the Olinda Pool for the last 10 years and where did that money go?
A: As you can imagine I couldn't answer this or produce documents to say where that money went, but at last night's forum meeting of council, I put this to the Director of Engineering and asked for this information within a week so that it can be given to the community of Olinda.

Some members thought I wasn't representing the community properly and I have taken that on board and will ensure I display this better to the community. As you can appreciate I also have community's of Monbulk, Seville, Kalorama, Wandin, Silvan and Macclesfield to represent and at times I may not get to all of you. But, granted, I can ensure I will display my efforts better.

The audience was asked to respond by a show of hands these 3 motions and 1 question they were:

Motion 1: That this meeting declares its clear and unequivocal support for the Olinda Pool Site being repaired and re-opened by the Yarra Ranges Council as a swimming pool facility.
Response: A majority of hands went up, but not all hands.

Motion 2: That this meeting request the council to make good on its resolution of 28/01/2014 "that council officers immediately investigate alternative methods of repairing the Olinda pool to expedite it reopening", and that this work be undertaken immediately to enable the pool to re-opened for the commencement of the 201/15 summer season.
Response: A majority of hands went up, but not all hands.

Motion 3: That this meeting resolve to host an "open the pool party" event in December to coincide with the commencement of the summer season at the pool, and to celebrate the pool's contribution to community life in the Hills.
Response: A majority of hands went up, but not all hands.

There was also a 2 part question asked of the audience about the what they would like to see at the Olinda Pool site:

Q: Would you like to see the Olinda Pool repaired back to its original condition and nothing more?
A: A majority of hands went up but not all.
Q: Would you like to see something else at the Olinda Pool site?
A: 1 hand went up, (from what I could see) but there was no follow on to ask what that person wanted to see.

Can I thank all those who spoke:

Narelle Everard (Chair)
John Faull (President of Save the Olinda Pool Group)
Andrea Mikulic and number of other kids (sorry I couldn't write your names down quick enough)
Tim Moore
Annette Muir
MP James Merlino
MP Jason Wood
Cr Fiona McAllister (Mayor)
Cr Noel Smith (Streeton Ward)
Liz Filleul
Janne Morton

The meeting has represented a considerable view of the Olinda Community to re-open the pool and has been taken on notice this response by me. As I said previously if the submissions and survey displays an overwhelming response for the Olinda Pool to be reopened then I will take this to council and voice this to the other 8 councillors.

I will post some further information about some comments made on the night in another page.

Cr Jason Callanan - Chandler Ward

"On a side note, as I left the meeting, I was accosted by a community member who was quite argumentative and resorted to insulting me, I found this unhelpful and somewhat offensive. I hope that this is a isolated view and not that of the audience there.

I am committed to ensuring I represent my Ward which includes many other townships, all of them having issues facing them. I try to ensure I give a balanced view and also voice the "minority" who may feel hesitant to speak up publicly and there were some who attended this meeting.

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

New $1.8 Million Upgrade of Pavilion in Olinda






Wednesday 14th August - I'm proud to attend and officially open the upgraded Pavilion at the Olinda Recreational Reserve. This state of the art facility cost $1.8 Million dollars and funded partly by local community groups, Yarra Ranges Council, State and Federal Govts. Opening starts at approx 1030am at the reserve.

Olinda Pool Update #7






For those that weren't at the council meeting held on the 8th of July where council voted unanimously in favour of engaging the greater Olinda community about what the future would look like at the Olinda Pool Site, this is my speech in support of the motion:

 I also questioned Mr Varmalis regarding claims made by Mr Faul (Save the Olinda Group) that the pool had been running illegally for the last few years and the lack of maintenance up keep of the grounds. 

 Mr Varmalis was candid about the poor maintenance and recognised that more needed to be done to this pool and a more stringent inspection of the contractors who look after the pool.

 Mr Varmalis stated that the pool had not been running illegally rather that the pool's chemical storage room needed to come up to today's standards.

 Mr Faul claimed that 4 councillors didn't support the reopening of the pool because they voted against it at the last council meeting. I can say that I did vote against that motion at that time, as I felt it was delaying the engagement process and ultimately looking at how we can replace/rejunvenate this space. I do support the community in having a pool/recreation area and this engagement process will ultimately and formally provide council with what the whole of the Olinda community wants.
OLINDA POOL

Councillor’s, as the ward councillor I have been involved in many discussions over the last year about the pool’s future both with Council Officers and the Olinda Community.

There has been a lot of discussion around what should we (council) do with regards to pool? Should we patch it up? Should we close it? Should we propose something better?

I’d like to acknowledge the work Mr Varmalis’s team has done in providing information about the pool’s future, Mr Varmalis’s and his team are fully aware of the frustrations and pressure applied from both us as councillors and the Olinda community.

Can I also acknowledge the community group “Save the Olinda Pool” for voicing their concerns, passions and feelings about how much this pool means to them.

This pool is not just a pool, for any of us who live or have lived in small communities understands how much a pool means to our social and physical well being.

Having lived in a VERY remote community as a young teenager I couldn’t wait to go to the pool after school, on weekends and Holidays. It was a source of “freedom” and place to “meet” and essentially “be a kid”!

I feel the passion and sense of worth this pool has to many who live in the hills through reading comments via facebook, phone calls and sitting in on community meetings.

So don’t think councillors (and the wider community Olinda) for one minute I don’t understand what this pool means to the residents of the Dandenong ranges.

We have a report and a recommendation before us here tonight that gives all of the hills community a chance to see what they want in this space, and if at the end of the day the community wants a pool, they will get a pool, it just wont be this current pool.

My vision for the Olinda pool area is for something that can be enjoyed for more than just 2-3 months of the year, a place Olinda residents and tourists call a “destination”.  I'm not talking about a Taj Mahal or anything that’s going to win awards, but something that represents the community of Olinda and the Dandenongs.

Councillors are regularly torn between what the community wants, what the Shire wants and what the council can provide and all of the time ensuring we as a council utilise our community’s rates in the most efficient and smartest way.

I understand that this motion may not be want the Olinda Community exactly wants, I know they essentially “just want to swim in the pool”

Councillors do we spend the “minimum” to “patch” this pool up, ignoring the health and safety aspects, continue to let the pool leak and then be in this very situation again in 2-5 years time?

OR DO WE?

Take a step back, look at what can be achieved through GOOD consultation with OUR community and provide something for ALL for the next 30 to 50 years?

To me it’s a no brainer!

Councillors, the 2007 Aquatic Strategy was endorsed at a meeting of council on the  24 July 2007 and in  that report on pages

8 – 6.4.3

“Undertake a township engagement process to consider the future of the Olinda Outdoor pool. Options include enhanced parkland for broader use including a water play area or other priorities as determined. The current pool may be retained by the CFA for fire fighting purposes.

 13 – Olinda Pool (Read out report)

Technical Assessment:
This pool is unlikely to remain viable because of filtration, heating, water depth, siting and OH&S issues. However, it provides a source of fire fighting water for the local CFA.

The immediate works required to bring the pool to a safe standard would cost $80,000. These are a pool depth reduction, revision of the CFA suction point, painting pool interiors, upgraded signs and handrails, plant room refurbishing and the testing of pool pipelines.

Improvements over the next 10 years would cost a further $150,000 for upgraded amenities, renewed pipelines and improvements to the toddlers pool.

The pool is beyond its viable life and a total replacement in “as is” condition would cost $2.5m which would not enhance its financial performance through increased use. 

 So councillors, the future of the Olinda pool has come as a no surprise to us and the community, it just didn’t “pop” up in the last 12 months ever since the detection of water leakage and subsequent closure due to possible safety concerns.


Lets ensure our community has something that they, their kids and their kids can enjoy for a long time to come.

Cr Callanan appointed to METEC Board of Management



Website - Click here



Im proud to announce that I have been selected onto the board of management of METEC driver training. I feel that as both a councillor and a MICA Paramedic, I will be able to give some very valuable insight into driver attitude and consequences of risk taking behaviour. I look forward to working closely with the board to improving the image of METEC and ultimately providing a compulsory curriculum into our schools!

"FULL HOUSE" at council meeting 24th June



At last nights meeting we broke the record (as stated by long standing councillors) for the longest meeting,  finishing at 1230am. We had a full house with a majority of community members here regarding the proposed cessation of Council Funded Family Day Care services. I received many emails objecting to the closure of this service, and before last night, I didn't really have a grasp of how important this service was to the community. Prior to the meeting I was not for or against the motion and was concerned about the consequences of our decision. Many of you will note that I seconded Cr Mcarthy's motion to end council funded FDC services and yes right there and then I was supportive of the motion. But as the discussions went on and hearing from the public, and other councillors, my opinion had changed. Now I appreciate the work council officers have put into this report and the time spent with educators over the last 12 months. Ultimately my decision was based on "what is council's role? Its "core" business?" Looking after our young, providing services that protect our most vulnerable is indeed "core" business for council, as is waste management and local roads. There are private providers out there that can make roads, and deal with waste, but at the end of the day this is what you pay rates for! Now it may seem that my integrity has been questioned about how I voted last night, but let me say that last night displayed good and healthy debate and councillors coming into the meeting with an "open" mind.

I was also pleased to see my alternative recommendation to approve a "care takers" residence at the Killara Estate Vineyard. This vineyard has undergone many improvements since it was purchased by the new owner "Leo" 8 years ago and to his credit now has a highly respected product. This planning application is just the next step in his dream to increase the standard of his produce.

Olinda Pool Update #6








Thanks for your patience as we waited for the Final Structural Engineer Report for Olinda Pool to be completed.

Council will consider this report at its meeting on Tuesday, 8 July, as well as potential compliance issues, risks and financial implications associated with the aquatic facility. A community engagement plan will also be considered at the meeting.

We understand the community will be keen to comment on this report. You can submit any questions or comments through the form below, which will assist us in putting together a list of frequently asked questions that we will try to answer as best we can.

www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au/olindaupdate


Thanks again – we look forward to providing more information about Olinda Pool soon.

View the final report below:

Engineers Report

Councillor goals coming to fruition - Efficiency Savings






Im proud to announce tonight at our council meeting agenda item 7.4 Yarra Ranges Council Quarterly Finance report. One of the promises I was elected on was to reduce waste and ask for efficiency savings. Below is a number of efficiency saving that council officers have done and commend their hard work and look forward to more in the future!


  • Road Maintenance contract savings
  • Election fine income
  • Savings on loan interest
  • Internal Audit re-tender
  • Fuel Savings through more efficient rostering (aged & disability)
Whole of organisation
  • Decrease in Executive Assistants (CEO to zero, Planning & S&ED down by 1.5 EFT)
Corporate Services
  • Council - reduction of 2.5 EFT in councillor support (from 6.0 EFT's to 3.5)
  • Liaison with People & Culture providers to negotiate better rates
Social and Economic Development
  • Youth Services - restructure - reduced of Band 7 posts
  • S&ED Admin - reduction in 1.3 EFT Band Admin Staff
Environment and Engineering
  • Competitive tendering of construction projects seeking best value
  • Competitive quotation of projects utilising annual supply tendered rates
  • Centralisation of the leasing and licensing functions
And there is a lot more planned which all of us are eager to see!

Olinda Pool Update #5








The Engineers report has been submitted and will be reported to council very soon, along with the plans for a community consultation. I know many of you in Olinda have been frustrated by the lack of "urgency" but please let me assure you officers have been working on this as a priority. To the point officers were on the phone every 2nd day to the engineers to get that report!

I will be interested in seeing what the report says. Can I please ask all of you to look towards the future and consider what "else" you would like to see at this pool. I understand the history of this pool and I am fully aware of what has and hasn't been done to this pool to where it is today.

The consultation process which has always been planned within the aquatic strategy and now is the time to start.

I will try to keep you informed about what is happening as soon as I do!
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