As part of our commitment to get back to "core" services for council, we have allocated an extra $1 million dollars towards footpaths. These pictures above are of Silvan, a small but very important part of the Yarra Valley - Monbulk Road from Queens Road right through to the Silvan Primary School!

For those who were both in attendance and at home, I have provided below my speech and the alternate recommendation to reopen the Olinda Pool!

7.1 Olinda Pool
Cr Jason Callanan
ALTERNATE RECOMMENDATION 1
That:

Council reopen the Olinda Pool and initiate repair of the Pool to its “original state”, including upgrades to satisfy current building and safety regulations, to be completed before the 2015/16 Summer Season.
A budget of $770,000 be allocated for the works with Council’s contribution provided from unallocated funding with the Future Community Projects Implementation Program of Council’s Capital Expenditure Program.
Council utilise any State or Federal Government financial support to reopen the Olinda Pool.
Council recognise the community’s strong connection to the Olinda Pool by approaching both the Save The Olinda Pool, Friends of the Olinda Pool and the greater Hills community to investigate a possible communitypartnership agreement, which could establish responsibilities in property management, operations and financial commitments.
Officers report back to Council on the establishment of a project working group and the design and delivery process for reopening the Olinda Pool.
A review of the Olinda Pool consultation be undertaken to ensure processes were best practice, identifying strengths and weaknesses, and reported back to a Council Forum in the near future.

Cr Jason Callanan's Olinda Pool Submission Speech -

Councilors, tonight we decide the fate of the Olinda Pool, this has been a long journey for all involved, Its exciting to see the crowd tonight, it’s a great display of community, thank you!

but before I get started on why I am recommending to reopen the Olinda Pool, I would like to acknowledge the officers who have worked tirelessly to review this pool.

Council officers Robyn Mansfield, Ben Bainbridge, and Sue Neale,

these officers have worked extremely hard in providing information, creating reports, and conducting a community engagement process which at times has been challenging for all.

I would just like to make one thing clear to all who are here tonight:

Council is not in the business of closing facilitates down and to suggest

that there has been ulterior motives is outrageous.

The officers in this area being the “built and active spaces department” are here to create and enhance the yarra ranges recreational experience

not tear them down!

They want to build more spaces for people to enjoy, they want to see people get active, it is their chosen career!

I would also like to thank - Community members – John Faull “President” of the Friends of the Olinda Pool Group”,

Tim Moore and the “Save the Olinda Pool” group, along with the Olinda community especially those who spoke at public meetings both “adults and kids” who have expressed their desire to see this historic place be reopened and enjoyed as it was in the past.

Councillors please allow me to review the road we have been down and why we are here:

2007 – Council adopts YR Aquatic Strategy 2007-2017, the Aquatic Centres are divided into 4 “districts” being: Upper Yarra / Yarra Valley / The Hills / Urban.

The Olinda Pool is 1 of 2 “outdoor” pools for the hills district the other being Belgrave.

This strategy primarily focused on how long the pools had been in operation, its location and patronage to the facilities.

Unfortunately the Olinda Pool’s performance was ranked second last in overall performance, cost and patronage. As of 2007.

On the 24^th July 2007 at the general Council Meeting the council of the day voted on a motion to

• Endorse the Shire of Yarra Ranges Aquatic Facilities Strategic Plan 2007-2017 and the recommendations contained in the plan

• Endorse the implementation of the plan as funded in the 10yr Major Capital Works Program

• Adopt a general principle that before any major decisions are made in relation to those townships where there is an outdoor pool which is underperforming that a township engagement process be undertaken to explore various options that would be relevant to the township. This would include alternatives to the continued maintenance of the outdoor pool and projects that would enhance the economic and social outcomes for the community.

On the 28^th January 2014 Councilors moved a motion that Council officers “immediately investigate alternative methods of repairing the Olinda Pool to expedite its reopening.

Further to this motion, on the 25^th, councillors put forward a motion asking council:

“Will as soon as practicable, publicly advise the community that the Olinda Pool will remain closed for the remainder of the summer period and request that officers report back to Council the details of the final engineers report at the next available meeting.

The report tabled at this meeting presented an update on current investigations, and advised council that it wasn’t possible to re-open the Olinda Pool for the remainder of the 2013/14 summer period and recommends that a consultation occur with the broader community on future options for the Olinda pool as recommended in the Aquatic Facilities Strategy.

The next date was the 11^th, where council moved a motion that:

Consultation occur prior to July 2014 with the broader community on future options for the Olinda Pool as recommended in Council’s Aquatic Strategy and that Further report(s) be provided to council on the progress of the community engagement well prior to the 2014/15 summer season.

On the 8 July this year the Final Structural Engineers Report was presented which covered a broad range of issues relating to the pool such as the recommendations relating to the Olinda pool in the Aquatic Strategy, safety reports, cost analysis and risk assessments to reopen the pool.

Performance reports and costs associated with this were also presented and Council agreed to move:

Engagement with key stakeholders and the broader Olinda community commence which considers the analysis of issues and options for the Olinda Pool and future long term options for this site.

We are now here on the 11^th November with the current motion proposed in your agendas tonight.

This report detailed ALL of the Yarra Ranges Council’s aquatic facilities, their current usage rates, costs for repairs, maintenance and recommendations.

Of that the Olinda pool was recognized as needing immediate works with costs of $80 Thousand dollars and then a further $150 thousand dollars to bring it up to 2007 standards, remember these are 2007 industry prices, not todays which would most likely be 2 – 3 times this price. This total was $230 thousand dollars.

Lets now look at the recommendations for the Seville pool at that time - $267 thousand dollars to re-open.

Fairly close I reckon in prices but the 2007 Aquatic strategy report wording is clearly different.

Where as in the recommendations for the Seville pool, it clearly states “close the pool”, the Olinda pool recommendations don’t say this.

What it does say is consult with the community on its future and look at possible “alternatives” for this site.

This was in 2007! Im still confused as to what has happened for the last 7 years! I understand that there was recommendations made to address the pool’s status post the completion of the Monbulk Pool redevelopment, but I cant understand why it has taken up to now for this to occur! Maybe that’s a question for the officers to answer for us.

Looking further into the Aquatic Strategy 2007, I found that on page 6 - the Development Principles recommends “This Strategic Plan recommends strategies that have been guided by a set of development principles” highlighted in these were:

• (2) – Each provision district have a mix of indoor and outdoor aquatic facilities

• (8) – Strengthening the presentation, positioning and access to each venue (including fee reviews and the assessment of “community transport services”)

Continuing on from this, on page 7 - 6.3 - The proposed development or redevelopment of aquatic facilities is “intended to meet a range of needs as follows”

Now there were 4 points but let me highlight 2 of these –

• Each district to be provided with a number of common facilities to ensure that local needs are met. “with a focus on health, summer leisure programs, youth and tourism”

• It is intended that the Upper Yarra, Yarra Valley and Hills districts have aquatic facilities serving sub-municipal and local needs.

So councilors Im not convinced that this 2007 strategy clearly states the Olinda pool should be closed.

Further to this I feel we must provide our community with these essential “core” facilities both indoor and outdoor.

That now brings me to my next point, “Are pools or recreational facilities a CORE business for councils”?

I think it is! Council has a role to address the community’s health and wellbeing. This is done through providing facilities that promote activity for both the mind and body.

Our health and wellbeing plan which all councillors supported, Identifies significant health risks within the municipality such diabetes, mental health, low rates of physical activity and economic disadvantages, the latter could be related to having the ability to get to facilities and the reliance of public transport, which we all know is clearly lacking in the Hills district.

The health and wellbeing plan understands that recreational facilities are important in reducing health problems for both adults and children and makes that abundantly clear in the plan and in this report of page 13 stating “We will increase access to recreation and sporting activities for all, including through active recreation facilities including POOLS, ovals, community programs and participation in community events”

Coming to the end of my presentation tonight councilors, officers, and the community here tonight I have pondered hard over my position on this matter.

I went back to look at our council plan and in that was our Mission, our vision, and our Values and this has helped me re-affirm my position.

That our priorities are to assist our community to live not only longer but improve their way of life. Our plan says this, Our community has asked for this through shire wide surveys rating recreational facilities as the 2^nd most important priority for our community.

So councillors I ask you, who do you represent? Who do you speak for? We must ensure that the community’s voice no matter how small, is brought to this table!

Summing up – There is a strong demand by the community to see this pool reopen to it’s former glory,

Policies such as the Council Plan, and the Health and Wellbeing plan which are “fundamental” guidelines in directing council on how to provide for its community clearly supports the use of these types of recreational facilities.

We must support our small communities to be healthy and self sufficient

Give our youth a place of sanctuary where they can feel safe, free from boredom and a sense of inclusion

We have financial support from both state and federal governments on reopening this pool

And maybe just maybe this site will now be “on the map” and will see increased levels of attendance which would lead to increased activities at the Olinda Pool!

Councillors I urge you to think about how you will vote tonight and consider what are our core services and remember that we are here to represent our community!

Thank you.

I'm proud to announce that the Olinda Pool WILL reopen! Councillors voted tonight 6 for 2 against (Cr Avery away) in favour of reopening the Olinda Pool.

"I'm glad that I can DELIVER on something that has taken over 7 years to get to", I felt the emotion as the gallery jumped up and cheered as council voted in favour of reopening the pool! This is why I ran for council!

I look forward to taking my family to this historic and well loved pool!

This is something that I am very passionate about and see this as a great initiative!

LABOR TO SUPPORT YOUNG DRIVERS AND PROTECT YOUNG LIVES

An Andrews Labor Government will make the largest ever investment in driver training and education for our kids, to reduce the road toll and cement Victoria as the world leader in road safety.
Opposition Leader Daniel Andrews visited Metec Driver Training in Bayswater North today to announce Road Safety Starts Early, a $146 million plan to arm kids with the skills and support they need to become safe drivers.
Labor will build the world’s first dedicated road safety education complex, so young drivers get face to face with the devastating aftermath of unsafe driving, bad decisions and road trauma.
The $80 million Crash and Trauma Education Centre will be the global hub for road safety, featuring simulators, exhibitions and presentations from victims and emergency workers. The centre, which will also run diversionary programs for repeat offenders, will bring experts to Victoria and take our road safety initiatives to the world.
Labor will also enrol every Year 10 student in a free defensive driving course, so young people will know about road risks, not just road rules. The $24.4 million plan will give every student a spot in a half-day course by 2018. Completing the course will become a mandatory requirement of a probationary licence.
A Labor Government will fund a program to help disadvantaged young people obtain their drivers licence if they don’t have access to a car, deterring unlicensed driving and boosting skills for future employment. The L2P Program, which is managed by VicRoads, matches disadvantaged young people with a trained supervisor. The Liberals cut the program and it will cease next year. But Labor’s $16 million plan will secure it.
Labor will also reward the most responsible young drivers with a free three-year licence. Under the $7 million plan, drivers who have completed four years on P plates with no road offences will be eligible.
39 people killed on the roads in 2013 had stimulant drugs in their system. A Labor Government will equip Victoria Police with $15 million for more Drug/Booze Buses and increased drug testing capacity.
Quotes attributable to Mr Andrews
“Every parent fears that knock on the door in the middle of the night. There’s nothing worse than losing a child.”
“If we put our kids face to face with the consequences of bad decisions behind the wheel, we can make them think twice and potentially save their life.”
“Our plan will make sure that young people know about the risks of driving, not just the rules of driving.”
Key facts:
• Labor will offer $1.6 million in grants for community groups, and $2 million to create a communication fund for young people, to develop campaigns and ideas to help reduce road trauma. Labor will also hold six road safety forums with young people across Victoria, so our most vulnerable drivers can have their say.
• Almost one in five drivers killed on Victorian roads in 2013 were aged between 18 and 25.

Published on November 10, 2014

Hi all, well decision day is close! Finally we will get a "clear" direction either way. Some of you would now be aware of the officer's recommendation for the Olinda Pool.

RECOMMENDATION
That:

The Olinda Pool is permanently closed with the pool structure, buildings and facilities demolished and removed in early 2015.
The community is provided with the opportunity to capture and record the Olinda Pool’s history, use and social value.
Options 4, 5 and 6 of the report for the future use of the site incorporating a playground and other features be explored through a design and community engagement process.
A further report be referred to Council following the design and engagement process to consider the preferred option and funding requirements.

I will be putting up an alternate motion which will ask that the pool be reopened.

I'm sure the gallery will be full on the 11th, I would respectfully ask all those who are attending to respect each others points of view. Councillors are fully aware of how passionate the hills community are about this pool.

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.

-----------------------------------------------------

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 - Year	Attendance	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.

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.

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

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!!

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."

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.

Cr Jason Callanan - Mayor - Yarra Ranges Council

Footpaths, Footpaths, Footpaths!

Olinda Pool Submission and Speech

OLINDA POOL REOPENED!