Excited to see the preliminary designs for the brand new $450,000.00 + play space for the Seville water play park area! Im very keen to the final layout and have advocated for more shaded areas for us to sit.

At the last council meeting no the 10th of February I presented an alternate motion to defer the Nature Strip Landscaping Policy's release for public comment as I thought the proposed policy was very restrictive, didn't cover aspects that I hear from my community! I found there were even restrictions on what colour your bark chips could be. There were potential risk of fines for people who place Christmas lights on trees outside there homes! Another big factor was parking on nature strips, if you live in a new residential street that is narrow, some have no option but to park on the nature strip because if they parked on the road, it would block any vehicle trying to pass! Now if a fire truck, ambulance or rubbish truck needed to get past it couldn't! I want to see this changed! Many councils allow parking on the nature strip why can't we? Im looking for common sense, Im looking for community's to show some passion about where they live and display it, I want to give our residents some ability to manage this space!

If you have any ideas, please let me know!!

I met with VicRoads officers at the intersection of Hunter and Monbulk Roads, Mt Evelyn along with a senior traffic/roads officer from council to discuss the need for further safety measures on this bend and the intersection. I have had many calls from residents who use Hunter road and their concerns getting out of that intersection. Also I spoke about the need for safety railing along the sweeping bend coming from Mt Evelyn on Monbulk Road where tragically a young girl lost her life. VicRoads have considered that there is no need for any safety rail. I had to disagree and further meetings with the Minister of Road Safety and a Petition of more than 300 signatures was handed to State MP Christine Fyffe to be tabled in Parliament is currently underway.

VicRoads officers did say that they would look into signage and possible road shoulder improvements could be envisaged for the short term. I am still committed to getting some form of barrier at this bend. I do not want to see another life taken or seriously injured at this site!!

Watch this space!

Well its 2015 and as per my commitment to see the Olinda Pool re-opened the Olinda Pool Project Control Group met for the 2nd time. I can say that council officers have done some great work since our last meeting and we are already seeing some pictures of what needs to be done and what improvements are needed. There is still a long road ahead but everything at this stage is on track! Please if you dumb into Janine (James and Sue were away) she can give you some idea of where we are at currently!

Its exciting to see some real movement (all be it behind the scenes) with this project and I will certainly be there on day 1 to take the plunge!!

I attended my local CFA "fire information" night to learn more about my area and bushfires, how to develop a plan and also understand information from the CFA and how to use it!

Victoria is one of the most fire-prone areas in the world. Understanding your level of risk is the first step in knowing what to do before and during a fire.

Information on the CFA website includes how to stay informed on fire risk days, why you should leave early, what you can or can't do on fire risk days, what information to gather ahead of fire season for you and your family, understand what to expect during a bushfire and guidance on how to stay informed of fires across your area.

For those with a smart phone -

Facebook (facebook.com/cfavic)

Twitter (twitter.com/CFA_Updates)

Also there is an APP you cant get for either iPhones or Android phones (Samsung, Sony, HTC etc) - either go to apple's app store or the android app store to download the CFA app - just search for CFA and it will come up!

Other

ABC local radio, Sky News and other emergency broadcasters

Victorian Bushfire Information Line (1800 240 667)

http://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/plan-prepare/make-a-fire-plan/

http://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/plan-prepare/

http://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/fm_files/attachments/plan_and_prepare/frk_2013/4713_CFA_2014_FireReadyKit

Well the festivities are over! I hope everyone had a great break! 2015 will be an exciting year for the Yarra Ranges Council, starting off with a "Bi Election" Yeah (I hear everyone say). Our new Mayor Cr Maria Mcarthy will lead us throughout 2015 and I will be eager to assist where I can.

So if you have any issues, planning, property, roads or community, please give a buzz either on my phone or email me! I will be happy to try and assist with you questions/issues. Now some may not be a simple fix and at times I may not be able to find a solution, but I will ensure that I do give it my best shot and try and see how we can get a solution!

Happy 2015!

I wish to congratulate Cr Samantha Dunn for winning a seat in the Upper House in this years state Election. Even though my time has been short here at Yarra Ranges Council, I have experienced Sam's professionalism, tenacity, and passion to her constituents in the Ward of Lyster. Good luck Sam, hope your time here has been memorable and look forward to continuing working with you in the future!

Some people may be thinking "what is happening with the pool?" Well my successful motion to have the pool reopened for 2014-15 Summer season is well underway. Even though you may not see much happening at the site, I can assure you much work is happening behind the scenes.

Council has set up a "Project Action Group" with representatives of council and community members. I welcome Janine, James, and Sue who will represent the community on this group. Along with myself we have staff from the recreational and building areas of council, who have experienced much of the history of the Olinda Pool.

All on this committee are excited to get behind this project and ensure we can move forward to reopen this pool! There is much to do and all of us were given a brief explanation of the complexities of this project.

I will also link any news from council on this project here and also link the Olinda Pool's Facebook here.

Stay tuned!!
Cr Jason Callanan - Chandler Ward

Cr Jason Callanan would like you to join his page and blog spot, this is where you can see what Jason is up to, contact him or comment on issues you have!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/councillorjasoncallanan

Blog: http://crjasoncallanan.blogspot.com.au

I take pride in announcing Cr Mcarthy has been elected Mayor of the Yarra Ranges Council for the next year! I will be right by her side, supporting her any way I can! I proud to be part of the leadership team and will look forward to working alongside Mayor Mcarthy!

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.

Cr Jason Callanan - Mayor - Yarra Ranges Council

Seville Play ground Upgrade

Nature Strip Landscaping Policy to be reviewed!

ROAD SAFETY CAMPAIGN

Olinda Pool "Project Control Group" #1

Fire Plan - Do you have one?

"Back to Work"

Yarra Ranges Cr Samantha Dunn - State MP!

Olinda Pool - Project Action Group #1

See what Jason is up to!

Cr Maria Mcarthy Elected Mayor and Cr Jason Callanan Deputy Mayor

Footpaths, Footpaths, Footpaths!

Olinda Pool Submission and Speech

OLINDA POOL REOPENED!