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!

Warby Mountain Bike Study!









WARBURTON MOUNTAIN BIKE STUDY - Council is keen to see what the community thinks. Please make a submission.
The draft report is available until 5pm Friday 10 July.
Send your submissions to Recreation Services at mail@yarraranges.vic.gov.au or contact 1300 368 333 for more information.
...
The Warburton Mountian Bike Feasibility Study can viewed via this link:
http://www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au/Council/Public_Notices_Consultation/Warburton_Mountain_Bike_Feasibility_Study

Council Meeting 11th March - Tenement Controls & The Olinda Pool






Tuesday's meeting "11th" will see 2 issues within my ward of which are of public interest.
 
1: Application for a dwelling in Kalorama - Tenement Controls
2: The Olinda Pool
 
The first is an application for a dwelling and water tank in the hilly suburb of Kalorama. However this application has been recommended for refusal because the property itself has a "Tenement" control.
 
"What is a Tenement control"? you ask?, well let me tell you.

In the 1970’s improved transport networks on the urban fringe of Melbourne made the Dandenong Ranges and the Yarra Valley with an easy commuting  distance from the city centre, with that brought increased development. Between the years 1967 and 1973 the Shires of Pakenham and Sherbrooke building approvals almost quadrupled. This lead to a response from the state government to ensure protection of these areas with the formation of Statements of Planning Policy 3 (Dandenong Ranges) and 4 (Yarra River). These policies outlines specific requirements for recreation and conservation rather than new residential development. A new regional level group resulted in the formation of The Upper Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges Authority which set out to create a regional strategy plan (RSP).
 
This lead to a number of actions being:
 
The acquisition of land by the State Government – but due to associated costs it was limited to lots adjoin state land or at extreme risk of bushfire
 
The restructure of “old and inappropriate” subdivisions, which involved the consolidation of lots.
 
Lastly and not very well known was the creation of tenement controls.

 
Tenement controls operate by restricting development within groups of lots known to have been in the same ownership (tenement holding) on a specific date, which was known as the “effective date”. By limiting the amount of dwellings that can be constructed to a specified number per holding (usually just one), as opposed to one per lot. In the past tenement controls had largely been applied to farming areas or the urban fringe, however the RSP was being applied over areas previously zoned residential, such as the northern half of mount Dandenong and weren't being used as a permit trigger but an outright prohibition on development as was its intent in previous planning schemes.  Concerns were raised as to the potential for the control to be eroded due to the fact that 60% of refusals for 2nd dwellings on tenement controls were overturned in the Melbourne and Metropolitan Planning Scheme by the then Administrative Appeal Tribunal. Despite this they were expanded in the Yarra Ranges & Dandenong Ranges.

Now, this application must meet ALL 9 of the Tenement "anomalies" Set out in Clause 53 of the Planning Scheme: They are:

Clause 53 (Upper Yarra Valley & Dandenong Ranges Regional Provisions)
  
Under Clause 53.01-2 (Use of Land- Tenement Controls), a planning permit can be sought for the use and development of additional dwellings within a tenement holding (ie development of individual vacant lots), provided that it is demonstrated to the satisfaction of the responsible authority that: 
The development will not prejudice the primary purpose of the zone and local planning policies applying to the land.

The wider objectives of the tenement provisions are protected from incremental erosion and are maintained as a legitimate means of protecting the areas identified from inappropriate development. 

Services such as constructed roads, reticulated water supply and reticulated sewerage are available, without additional substantial costs to the Council and servicing authorities, and the provision of these and other utility installations will have minimal impact on the environment or landscape of the area.

 If reticulated sewerage is not available, the site is of sufficient size to enable proper onsite treatment of all wastes and retention of effluent. 

If the land is in an area identified as having a high risk of wildfire hazard, appropriate building design measures will be undertaken to provide an acceptable level of protection. 

The development will be consistent with the provision of any Environmental Significance Overlay, Heritage Overlay, Erosion Management Overlay or Land Subject to Inundation Overlay that applies to the land. 

 There will be no detriment to the ecology of any stream or watercourse on or near the site by virtue of the development. 

The development can be considered to be infill in an area which is substantially built up. 

Removal of native vegetation is minimised.


Council Officers are recommending refusal because 2 of the anomalies cant be met # 2 and # 8

 The wider objectives of the tenement provisions are protected from incremental erosion and are maintained as a legitimate means of protecting the areas identified from inappropriate development. 

There will be no detriment to the ecology of any stream or watercourse on or near the site by virtue of the development.

I will arguing the case that they do and that this application should be approved.

There will be some talk about "infill development" and "inappropriate development" both of which do not apply to this application. Unfortunately this "Tenement" provision ultimately "bans" any further development within the hills in certain areas. You will see that this application isn't a large development, it fits in with the local character of the hills, ALL risk aspects of the application have been met: Bushfire, Erosion, and Sewerage!

This provision is well hidden within the hills and does take some time and money to establish whether you have a tenement control or not and this concerns me. An antiquated planning control that has seen its day and was well used (in the 1970s). That amount of development and expansion does not exist now and into the future.


The second issue is the Olinda Pool, the report states:

"At the time of preparing this report, the final structural engineering assessment was yet to be received.  This report will be distributed separately to councillors. 

Considerable community interest has been experienced in relation to the structural issues identified with the Olinda pool.  Council’s Aquatic Facilities Strategy recommends closing the Olinda Pool and exploring alternatives once the Monbulk Aquatic Centre is redeveloped and opened. 

As a result of the recent identification of structural damage to the Olinda pool, it is recommended that Council undertake an extensive community engagement process that reviews short and long term options for the Olinda pool site, including options that would allow for continued enjoyment of the site well into the future.  It is further recommended that Council is provided with an update on the progress of community engagement to ensure that consideration can be given to options for the site well prior to the 2014/15 summer season."

 
RECOMMENDATION 
That: 
1. Consultation occur with the broader community on future options for the Olinda Pool as recommended in Council’s Aquatic Facilities Strategy.
2. Further report(s) be provided to Council on the progress of community engagement well prior to the 2014/15 summer season.

At this point I haven't seen the final engineers report so at this stage I will reserve my opinion on this. I will say this though:

"I support the Olinda and the wider Hills community to have a water recreational facility and if this means the "wider community" supports a pool, then I will support it."

We now need to understand what the community wants to see in this space. Ultimately the pool itself is damaged beyond repair, after serving its community for 50 years, it played an integral role in the social and wellbeing of all within the Hills community. I want to see something that will now continue this legacy into the next 50 years!

Lets make sure we get this one right! Lets make sure we develop something so ALL can enjoy!

Kalorama Reserve Playspace


Thank you to the 70+ residents that attended a community meeting on Friday, 28 February 2014 to discuss the Kalorama Reserve Playspace. It was great to get your feedback about upcoming playground works and in response to your comments the following actions are now being taken:

Council staff will now commence a 4 week consultation process to discuss the project and I encourage you to be involved.

How?

·         * Join us on one of two site walks with dates and times to be advised of shortly.

·         * View the reserve master plan displayed at the local Milk Bar, Primary School and Kindergarten.

·         * Complete a survey that will be available at the local Milk Bar and posted to local residents within close proximity to Kalorama Reserve

* Make a submission to mail@yarraranges.vic.gov.au.

·         * A workshop with the local primary school is scheduled.

·         A community reference group has also been established by local residents which will help guide the project. A draft concept will be available for comment after the initial 4 week consultation period.

If you would like to discuss this project further, please contact either Ben Bainbridge, Executive Officer Recreation Services on 9294 6758 or Nathan Milesi, Acting Executive Officer Urban Design on 9294 6468

Planning Application Advice

 
 
PLANNING FACTS 

Hi all please read this great info about planning and what to do, my biggest advice to you is:

Have a Pre Application Meeting!!prior to submitting your planning permit, this will save so many problems and will also speed up the process too!

Yarra Ranges receives on average 2000 planning permit applications per year. Application types range from urban development, dwellings in rural areas, vegetation removal and tourism uses. More than 75% of planning permit applications require further information to be provided after they have been lodged.
 
Most applications are advertised by sending a notice to neighbouring properties and putting a sign on the site. If people object to the proposal often a consultation meeting is held to try and find ways to address their concerns. Many applications need to be sent to other external authorities (eg Yarra Valley Water, Country Fire Authority, Vic Roads) so they can review the proposal. The majority of applications are approved, although many include permit conditions requiring changes to be made. On average, a planning permit application will take around 2 months to process if we don’t need any more information but around 4 months if we need to ask for further information before we can fully assess your application. More complex applications can take between 6 - 12 months before a decision is made. Some applications need to be considered by the Council at a formal meeting, particularly major projects and applications that have received lots of objections or have a significant environmental impact.


STEPS IN THE PLANNING PROCESS
Step 1: Talk to the Planning Department. Take advantage of free planning advice. Find out if you need a planning permit. Ask for copies of the planning controls for your land or visit www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au to find a link to Planning Schemes Online. Get information about the planning process. Look at an example application under Planning Advice Notes on our website.  
Step 2: Talk to your neighbours and other authorities. By taking the time to have a chat to your neighbours about your proposal you can find out whether they have any concerns or ideas about how a compromise may be reached. It is also good idea to talk to other authorities such as Melbourne Water or South East Water, the Country Fire Authority or VicRoads (if the land is on a main road) to see if they have specific requirements which may require changes to your proposal. 
Step 3: Hire a professional to prepare and lodge your application. Employing a consultant to manage the application on your behalf could save time. Depending on what you are applying for you may need assistance from an architect, draftsperson, landscape designer, arborist (tree expert), heritage expert or geotechnical engineer (if you are in a landslip area). We can provide some guidance about what expertise you need but unfortunately we cannot recommend anyone to you.  
Step 4: Ask for a pre-application meeting with one of our Planners. Bring in sketch plans of your proposal, along with other relevant application documents (such as an arborist report or geotechnical report), so that we have as much information as possible about what you plan to do. The Planner can give advice about whether you have all the information you need to lodge your application. Please note that a Planner will undertake a more detailed assessment of the application when it is lodged and may ask for more information to be provided.  
Step 5: Lodge the Application with all the information we need. To help you understand what information and documentation you need to give us, we have an example application for you to look at. Either call us on 1300 368 333 for a copy or visit our website to access a copy.

Step 6: The Process After Lodgement. All applicants will be given a copy of our guide to the planning process once the application is lodged.  The process is as follows:

Preliminary Assessment - The Planner will undertake a preliminary assessment to identify general issues and if we need more information, which will then be requested in writing. A site inspection will also be undertaken to verify the information provided is accurate, to check if we need to advertise the application and to ensure the Planner is familiar with the site

Referrals & Advertising – we may need to send a copy of the application to other Council departments or to external authorities (eg Yarra Valley Water, Country Fire Authority, VicRoads) for comment.  If required, we will also notify people that have an interest in surrounding properties of the application as they may be affected by what is proposed and may wish to make a written submission.  If there are a number of objections, and there is a chance to find common ground, we may hold a consultation meeting.  For further information, please read our Planning Advice Note on ‘The Public Consultation Process for Permit Applications’.

Final Assessment & Decision – the Planner will consider all written submissions and then write a report assessing the application against the Yarra Ranges Planning Scheme. They will then make a recommendation about whether or not a permit should be issued.  The report will be considered by Planning Services under delegation, or by Council at a full Council meeting.  The decision to grant a Planning Permit, issue a Notice of Decision to Grant a Permit (if there are objections) or issue a Notice of Refusal will then be made either under delegation by a Senior Planner or by Council at a formal Council Meeting. This decision will then be put in writing and sent to the contact person on the Planning Permit Application Form. 

Olinda Pool Update #4


 
 
 
 
 
This week council officers provided councillors with an updated briefing about the current state of the Olinda Pool.
Since the pool was discussed at Council’s 28 January meeting, further engineering inspections, workshops and site visits with engineers, pool specialists and manufacturers have been conducted to fully explore the range of options available.

The following information was highlighted to councillors at the briefing:

The pool has significant cracks and is porous resulting in significant water leakage

Water leakage has resulted in a high ground water level which is putting pressure on the pool shell, and continues to create significant cracks in the pool floor and wall

Core testing and pipe testing has been undertaken and is currently being analyse.

The pool and buildings on the site do not comply with the current Building Code and other health, disability access and occupational health and safety legislation and regulations.
Council officers will continue their investigations around the possible range of options, both short term and long term, for the pool.

A report will be presented to Council in March, providing a further update on investigations.

Olinda Pool Update #3




Hi all,  I recently approached relevant council officers regarding some questions the community had and here are those answers to them. Some issues are ongoing and will be followed up soon. Hope this helps in some small way. John Faull of the Save the Olinda Pool Group has been informed of the council's progress and that information will be made public very soon.

1)    Has the pool actually been tested for leaking? I have explained to the group that normal drops in open pools over the winter period vary but average about 100mls - 300mls. When the Olinda pool was inspected for maintennance prior to the 2013/14 season there had been a significant drop of over 1 metre, this along with cracks noted around the pool highly suggested to staff that there was an external leak. If you have any other evidence that can quantify this that would be great. Claims the pictures on our website supplied are misleading by the Olinda Pool group, I dont know how to reassure the group of this, any suggestions?

An Interim Summary Report from the structural engineers has recently been provided identifying leaks in addition to photo evidence of the leaking available on the website.

We (the council staff) reject any allegations that photos on our website of cracks and leaks in the Olinda Pool are not legitimate. These photos were taken when the pool was being prepared for the summer season. This statement has been provided directly to the Save the Olinda Pool group.

2)    Core tests - What "exactly" will the test/report provide us?  When did they start onsite, what is the cost of this testing and what was their quoted timeframe for completion? I understand that this contractor was assigned prior to xmas and that has lead to some delays, but the Olinda community is seeing this as a "tactic" from council to delay the openeing of the pool. I would imagine that this testing doesnt include the inspection of the pool pipelines? Will there be a requirement of further tests after this one? Are any forecasted/invisaged? Were there any reports identifying any cracks prior to this season's ones? If so, were there any plans to fix/repair them?

A core testing company has been engaged and will be conducting testing and analysis over the next 3 weeks. The testing assesses the strength and durability of the concrete; the acidity levels and carbon dioxide  levels of the concrete; and chlorine contamination. Basically, if there are concerns regarding the structure, this will impact on what solutions are available and how much it will cost.

With regards to cracks and maintenance, Council has made repairs to cracks when found previously. This is evidenced by the expansion joint repairers made. The Interim Summary Report has also assessed the previous maintenance works undertaken.

3)    Contractors of the management of Olinda Pool ?Belgravia? Accusations of non-payment at the entrance, refusal of funds for memberships and intentional lack of maintennance leading to the general poor state the pool reserve is in. Has this been put to the contractors? Is there any truth to these claims? Has Belgravia expressed any notion that they would rather not manage the Olinda Pool? I have grave concerns if the pool was to be reopened in the ability of Belgravia to adequately manage this pool.

These issues need to be separated out.

Belgravia Leisure are contracted by Council to manage the Olinda Pool and are happy to manage the pool when operational. We have addressed the allegations made of them relating to “refusal of season pass” (Allegation 1); and “non payment of entry” (Allegation 2). Belgravia Leisure has investigated the allegations and provided the following response. They have not expressed any notion that they would rather not manage the Olinda Pool

From Frank Van Der Kraan – Victoria Regional Management, Belgravia Leisure:
·         Allegation 1 - “I have investigated the query regarding the season pass with the 2012/13 site manager who claims there was no query/incident raised on providing a season pass at Olinda over the last summer season. Belgravia have made season passes available at the outdoor pool sites to attract regular patronage, however, attendance figures from Olinda in the 2012/13 summer season indicate no season pass entries. Belgravia would not deny any patron a season pass if it was requested and was available.”
·         Allegation 2 – “With respect to item two Belgravia are responsible in recording attendance figures upon entry and do not allow free entry for children of families. Attendance figures are accurate. All entry is charged according to Council’s fees and charges as Belgravia reports and performs against a financial budget.”

The allegations regarding “intentional lack of maintenance” has only recently been made. Council is responsible for the maintenance costs for the Olinda Pool, whilst Belgravia Leisure is responsible for servicing the plant and equipment. We regularly inspected, maintained and repaired the pool when needed. The pool is more than 50 years old and is naturally wearing out.

I will be approaching the members who claimed they were refused season passes and also those who witnessed the "open gate" and no charge at the pool at the next Olinda Pool Community meeting. 

4)    The 2007-2017 Yarra Ranges Aquatic Strategy page 13 is quoted in saying - "The immediate works required to bring the pool to a "safe" standard would cost $80,000. Had this been done if so when? If not, how could the council allow the public to use the pool if it is said to be unsafe? 

These works were assessed and undertaken.

5)    There is still some conflict of opinion regarding the facility being a fire fighting tool. Suggestions of tanks being provided (at council's cost) is a inferior one and the local CFA captain believes that they would not be an appropriate supply if the need arises. Why does council have to foot the bill for resources that should be supplied by a state organisation such as the CFA? Yarra Ranges dont fight fires why should we be in the business of supplying tools for another organisation? Was or is the Olinda Pool the "only" option for water supply in Olinda? There has been talk around costs of the tanks being in the $6k range is this true? 

The CFA has advised us that they have interim measures in place for water supply including hydrants – one is located adjacent to the pool site – and a 100,000 litre water tank at the CFA station in Olinda.  Council offered to provide additional water supply in the area for this fire season. The CFA informed us this would not be required given existing supplies in place.

The Olinda CFA brigade has recently advised that they support the retention of the pool as a strategic static water source.

Council only offered tanks because we had them available. Costs of the purchase and installation cost of tanks has not been explored. Nor who would be responsible for footing the bill if this was a requirement of any future development.

6)    The contractor who was approached by the Olinda Group regarding repairing the cracks with a quote of approx $6k been looked into as a viable option for repair. Has or would there be an opportunity to meet with this contractor on site to validate this quote? 

We have been in contact with this contractor and are setting up a site visit with the structural engineer in the coming weeks. This action is in response to Council’s resolution last week.

7)    Is the suggestion from the Olinda Pool group regarding the formation of a "committee of management" that would then manage the pool a viable and realistic option? Im thinking of what we have in place with the Burrinja facility where a "partnership" has been created and funds are supplied to them for running the facility? This needs to be explored as this is something we (councillors) would be open to. 

Various management models will be explored by Council as part of an investigation into future options for the Olinda Pool.  Under the current management arrangements, Belgravia Leisure is responsible for servicing the pools plant and equipment, managing gate fees, providing supervision (lifesaver and first aid qualified) and routine cleaning of the pool and change facilities. This service is funded as part of the contract for managing the pool. Any possible arrangement where another group manages the pool would be subject to them demonstrating the ability to cover all aspects effectively.

I will be meeting with relevant council staff next week to engage in the real future of the Olinda Pool. This is a giant step guys! Your voice has been heard loud and clear and council have now taken notice. Continue the commitment you have shown and hopefully we will see people enjoying this area for years to come.
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