Council meeting recap - 11 May, 2021

Three major documents went before Council for adoption in principle for the first item of the meeting, which were:

• 2021-25 Draft Budget including Capital Expenditure Program
• 2021-25 Rating and Revenue Strategy
• 2021-25 Council Action Plan

All three documents will now go out for community feedback for a period of 28 days.

Community members who make a submission towards any of these documents will also be given the opportunity to speak to it at a Hearing of Submissions Committee on 15 June 2021 if they wish.

The Council Action Plan has been developed through consultation with the community, Councillors and Council officers and presents the key initiatives to deliver on the objectives in the Council Plan.

The Budget (and supporting Capital Expenditure Program) and the Rating and Revenue Plan captures how Council will fund the initiatives in the Council Plan to achieve the strategic objectives and strategies.

To view these documents and to leave your feedback on them, visit https://shaping.yarraranges.vic.gov.au/safer-stronger-together-2021-2025-council-plan.

Council received and noted the report submitted by the Victorian Electoral Commission on the conduct of the 2020 Yarra Ranges Council general election.

The report provides details, from start to finish, of electoral activities throughout the election timeline.

To view the report, please download the Council Meeting Agenda. 

Council endorsed the guidelines and selection criteria for its 2022 Grants for Community Program, which opens for applications on 1 June 2021.

The total funding pool is $525,000, and was allocated as follows:

• $137,500 to Festivals and Events
• $137,500 to Arts and Heritage
• $250,000 to Community Development

The program assists in funding community-led projects that support social inclusion, the arts, cultural development, heritage projects, community capacity building, health and wellbeing, and other community driven activities.

At this stage applications are proposed to be open from 1 June 2021 to 15 July 2021, with recommendations going to Forum and Council in September 2021.

For more information on the Grants for Community program, visit https://www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au/Community/Grants/Apply-for-Community-Grants.

Council endorsed the final Yarra Strategic Plan as per the requirements of the Yarra River Protection (Wilip-gin Birrarung murron) Act 2017.

Council staff have participated actively along with other state and local government authorities supporting Melbourne Water with their leadership to develop the Yarra Strategic Plan.

Public consultation has seen more than 120,000 community members provide their input and feedback into the draft plan.

You can view the plan via the Melbourne Water website.

Council approved the Final Cost of Works associated with the Edmond Crescent and George Street, Wandin North Special Charge Scheme with a reduction in the landowner apportioned costs from $9,000 to $8,118 per development unit.

For more information on this item, please view the Council Meeting Agenda.