Jason's Weekly Wrap
Hi all, well this is the 1st edition of “JC’s wrap up of the week” so it’s going to have a bit more than a “week’s worth” of wrapping! This is an initiative to give you a rundown of what, who and where I have been over the last week - also what is planned for me in the coming week!Well now that Xmas and the Near Year is over, it’s time to get down to business! I had a little break with the family in Thailand which was great! Just before heading off though I attended the launch of the Community Alert Siren Project at the Monbulk CFA station on the 10th January. This initiative was a result of the recommendations from the Bushfire Royal Commission. The alerts will be familiar to most of us up here in the Yarra Valley as they are the CFA alert sirens you hear when they go out on a call, however if the siren is activated due to an incident in your local area that may impact on you, it will sound for 5 min rather than the short burst you hear normally.This will tell you to “seek further information”. This can be from many sources e.g. radio (ABC), Internet (CFA Website), Phone (CFA App), TV (ABC). Please take note that the siren is an indication that there is something happening near you. Do not use it as your “only” source of emergency information. Local and state MPs, along with CFA representatives, also attended, along with Minister for Bushfire Response Peter Ryan who was lucky enough to test it.
Next was a trip up to Olinda for the annual “Ridge top brigades family fun and information” day on the 3rd of February. I got to see the local emergency services showcase their appliances and equipment which was fascinating seeing how much they do carry! Mayor Jim Childs and Cr Noel Cliff also attended the event. My daughter was lucky enough to get “butterflies” painted on her face - I resisted the opportunity though.
“Behind the Scenes”
All council members will soon be putting their heads together for a “planning forum” where we will see the results of our community survey and which will set the direction of Yarra Ranges Council for the next few years. I for one will be looking forward to this as this is where we can really make a difference into the “focus” of this council!The communications team along with myself have been designing and will soon deliver a “pamphlet” to all my constituents which includes information about who I am and my contact details. As I am new, not many of you really know me. I will be making use of the Monbulk Living and Learning Centre as a place to meet you.
Part of my role as a councillor is to sit on a number of community committees. These committees range from local township groups to “shirewide” multi agency committees. The committees I am sitting on are:
- Municipal Emergency Management Planning Committee
- Fire Management Planning Committee
- Health and Wellbeing Advisory Committee
- Community Safety Committee
- Seville Township Group
- MADCOW
Most of these committees meet monthly or quarterly to discuss issues ranging from what the community is saying, to strategic planning for our shire’s future. Your input into these groups is essential to ensure plans that are produced are appropriate.
Upcoming Open Council Meetings
This week’s council meeting will be held this Tuesday the 12th February. Agenda items are:- The Healesville Saw Mill Site Redevelopment.
- Mooroolbark – Building of 10 dwellings
- Amendment request to Clarify Provision Relating to the Emerald Tourist Railway Board (Puffing Billy).
- Questions and Submissions from the Public - Mt Evelyn Skate Park
- Councillor Motions - Motion to Rescind a Resolution and Adopt an Alternative Motion. Ethical Paper Pledge.
Some of these agenda items are of a high public and emotional nature. I have a responsibility to ensure that I represent both the community and the council appropriately to ensure a balanced perspective and approach.
I look forward to hearing from you soon, and hope that this “wrap up” will serve as a bit of an idea on what we are doing.
I can always be contacted through a number of means such as:
E: crjasoncallanan@yarraranges.vic.gov.au
Ph: 03 9737 9736
Mail: 15 Anderson St Lilydale
Facebook: /crjasoncallanan
Twitter : @YRC_JCallanan
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