Council Meeting 13.11.12

• Cr Dunn put an urgent motion forward to speak in relation to Maccas Tecoma, large crowd in the gallery.  Put to the vote and it was voted down, so we won't be off to the Supreme Court.  The audience was not very happy and yelled and screamed a bit and then turned their backs on us.  They did finally leave.  Although I voted it down I did feel for them all but at the end of the day to launch a Supreme Court challenge costing a minimum 200,000 dollars, yes minimum I believe that money can be better spent elsewhere.

• To me the all important alcohol consumption local laws got the thumbs up and will now be in place for the Xmas period.  The local law was arrived at by community consultation and accepted by the community and I wanted to particularly thanks Cedric, our local Chirnside resident for coming along to speak.

• Monbulk Soccer also got the go ahead and now off to the planning minister to sign off.  There was some concern raised by Cr McAlister who would have liked it deferred to discuss the plans and costing.  I understand her concern but this item had nothing to do with costs, this was just to move to the next level and one step closer to getting a soccer ability for the kids.  Soccer being one of the fastest growing sports in the country and they are at breaking point so we need to urgently move this along.  It's now up to council to chase the dollars and there is a lot of work in that.  

NEW COUNCILLORS


Well the ratepayers have spoken and we have new faces on council.

Fiona McAllister - Ryrie Ward  NEW

Maria McCarthy - Billanook Ward  NEW

Andy Witlox - Chirnside Ward  NEW

Jim Child - O'Shannassy Ward   NEW

Jason Callanan - Chandler Ward   NEW

Len Cox - Walling Ward

Samantha Dunn - Lyster Ward

Noel Cliff - Streeton Ward

Terry Avery - Melba Ward

I would like to congratulate them all and will endeavour to help and assist all councillors particularly the newbies as I know what it was like when I was first elected in 2005.  Its a massive learning curve to get your head around important issues

Having said that,

lets be clear here, there were numerous lies and distortions throughout this campaign

OUR RATES DID NOT RISE BY 40%  - AS CLAIMED BY SOME OF THOSE SUCCESSFUL COUNCILLORS

OUR EXPENDITURE HAS NOT BEEN BLOWN OUT - AS CLAIMED BY SOME OF THOSE SUCCESSFUL COUNCILLORS
if fact according to the Victorian Auditor General Yarra Ranges Council is in the top 5% of well run and manage and good governance councils

It costs around $150 million a year to run this council and we have a debt....... now get this, yes a debt of 950,000 dollars.  Not bad for such an irresponsible council.  Again a spread of lies and scaremongering by a few nameless people.

Financially Responsible Council



Yarra Ranges Council a financially responsible Council.  Despite what you read and hear out there by people speaking untruths this council as of 10.10.12 has a debt of  950,000 dollars.  When you consider that to operate this coucil annually is about $150 million dollars, that is such a small amount of debt.  I don't know about you but I know people who have bigger mortgage's.

The Auditor General has stated that Yarra Ranges Council is in the top 5% of well run and financial sound councils.

A resident asked me about the amount of money being spent on Melba and Hookey Park.  Yarra Ranges has this money is cash obtained from Developers Open Space Contributions.  What this means is that over the years when developers have developed housing in this area they provide a dollar amount that is specifically designed so that council can use that money for residents open space such as parks, gardens, reserves foot ways etc. 

What this means is that council does not have to borrow money or obtain funding for those projects, we have the money there and being used exactly for what it was intended

Swinburne


The closure of Swinburne is an absolute blow for the residents of Yarra Ranges. It is my ongoing fight to ensure the site remains an educational facility.  Through council we have had ongoing talks with the State Government and educational provider to protect this most important asset for this and future generations.  

Watch this space

Rates


At the Council meeting on Tuesday the 25th of September, 2012 I put forward a motion to effectively reduce the burden of rates on residents

A time has come for a better way to obtain rates.  With strong advocacy and a comprehensive lobbying campaign of the Federal Government, I believe the rates can be delivered through taxation.  In supporting the Australian Local Government Association a small 1% Commonwealth taxation revenue - excluding GST - will reduce rates to ratepayers and ease the financial burden on our residents and add no increase to taxes. 

This is possible

This is achievable

At the Council Meeting on 13.11.12 in Delegates Reports I again highlighted the issues about rates and cost pressures on our community.  It appears the response to Councils letter from our Federal Politicians has been under whelming.  This is not good enough and i will pursue this until a result has been achieved

About Me






I’ve spent most of my life in the Yarra Ranges, having arrived with my parents as a seven year old from England before settling in Mooroolbark.

I have been a member of Victoria Police for just over thirty four years and I currently work at the Mooroolbark Police Station. I have been an operational officer all my career having worked as a detective, traffic management, and special duties.

I was elected in 2005 and again in 2008 and was Mayor 2010/2011. My priorities have not changed.

I love the Yarra Ranges and I’m committed to protecting what is special about this area and providing opportunities for people to keep living here as they age. My priorities during my term as a Councillor have included the tackling community safety issues such as graffiti, and road safety and I would also like to see bike paths extended, the Lilydale to Healesville rail trail development commence, and progress on the Lilydale bypass.

My favourite spots to share with friends and family in Yarra Ranges are Lillydale Lake, the local wineries and restaurants.

I represent Council on the following groups … The Community Safety Advisory Group, Road Wise and Graffiti Management Committee. I am a Director Mooroolbark Bendigo Bank

Please feel free to contact me.

Regards Terry

 

Business Development

I strongly support business development in Yarraranges as can be seen with new construction works now underway at Lilydale Big W at Lilydale Market and the expansion of Coles at Yarravalley Shopping Centre Anderson Street

 

 

 

PINKS RESERVE NETBALL FACILITY

The new $5.9M twelve (12) court netball facility will see the Lilydale and Yarra Valley Netball Association relocated to Pinks Reserve, benefiting 1962 registered members and over 200 teams in the Lilydale, Chirnside Park, Mooroolbark and Kilsyth area.

This project builds on the success of the Kilsyth Sports Centre and sees Pinks Reserve developed as the high ball court precinct in outer eastern Melbourne.

The proposed facility:

• Is a fit for purpose facility for netball, the highest participation sport in Australia for females.
• Caters for the future growth of netball in the urban area of Yarra Ranges.
• Provides an outlet for female participation in sport.
• Encourages healthy and active lifestyles in our community.

For further information on this project, call 1300 368 333.

Youth Affairs

·         Since being elected in 2005 my ongoing passion is encouraging youth in sport. 5.9 million dollars to provide a purpose built 12 court netball facility of the 200 teams to Pinks Reserve

·         $170,00 dollars for upgrades and improvements for the now completed resurfacing and lighting of the Lilydale Football Ground

Hookey Park, Main Street Mooroolbark and Melba Park Lilydale 

I am a member of the Hookey Park  and Melba Park Community  Reference Groups that has succeeded in obtaining funding for upgrading and improving these important community assets.  Both Parks will shortly undergo a massive restructure that will see them returned to their former glory.  Over $1 million dollars will be spent to totally revitalise Melba Park that will see a section of the park along Station Street replicate the Edna Walling theme that has played an important part of Mooroolbark  history .  The library to include an indoor outdoor café.  Removal of the old playground, relocation and installation of an all new ultra modern playground strategically positioned outside the library giving parents an opportunity to relax, read, have a coffee and keep an eye on the young ones. Also work is about to start on the street beautification works along Brice Ave with tree and garden plantings and a wider footpath. A new playground is under construction at the Red Earth Reserve.

Melba Park

A picturesque Park situated behind the upgraded Yarra Ranges Regional Museum and recently added all new playground.  Some of the many things planned include the relocation of toilets, improved picnic area and improved lighting to name a few. 

Election Results

http://www.vec.vic.gov.au/Results/yarrarangesresult2005.html#5

http://www.vec.vic.gov.au/yarrarangesresult2008.html#5

https://www.vec.vic.gov.au/Results/YarraRangesResult2012.html#e5




Please check out the above link and see the fantastic results. I want to thank all those who voted for me and I will do my best for my community over the next four years.

Team Links

Shire Of Yarra Ranges - Your Councillor

Graham Warren - Mayor - Shire of Yarra Ranges

Introduction

Hi and welcome to my blog, a site where you can see what is happening in the community of Melba Ward.

This site is now 4 years old and I'm still not much better at IT but many things have happened in Melba in that time, so please scroll through my blog.

If you would like to discuss something with me or have a suggestion for the community simply click here to email Terry Avery. or phone me on 0488 927 923

Interesting Information

- CCTV For Mooroolbark

- Graffiti Clean-up Kits (1)
- Graffiti Clean-up Kits (2)
- Graffiti Clean-up Kits (3)

- BMX Track Foolish Stunt

- Opening Of Yarra Junction Police Station

- Yarra Ranges Task Force To Tackle Drugs And Alcohol

- Drug And Alcohol Taskforce

- Candlebark Nursery

 Football Club No 1 ticket holder

- Common Urban Myths About Transport

- CCTV surveillance call for all rail stations

Ward Funding For Community Projects

2012

Well time has continued to show that the ward funding has been a success story. I have been very fortunate to have helped out some many people and clubs.  Up and coming youg athletes competing perhaps intersate given some small financial assiatnce to pay for air fares or some sporting gear and helps relieve the financial pressure on the parents.

Sporting organisations such as Lilydale BMX to supply a PA system, Lilydale Football Club to assist with guernseys for the team.  Encouragement awards for young budding musicians who have lessons at Valley Music and help pay for tuition

Saturday the 22nd of September I officially re-opened the Lilydale BMX. A massive amount of work was undertaken by the clubs volunteers with financial support from funding received from Yarra Ranges Council and Sport and Recreation Victoria

Each councillor had a ward fund of $5000 until 2007 when we agreed to increase the amount to $20,000 dollars. There was a bit of chest beating and carry on about how it was a slush fund and wasting ratepayers money. The ward fund was and still is to help community based projects that simply don't have enough cash to undertake or complete a particular effort. I have helped (as all other councillors) to many groups and people in the community. To help a lot of our young to compete interstate in basketball, dance, karate, boxing, etc. Also to projects shown in the attached photos. This was undertaken by Mary Bourchier to paint a mural on the back of some Mooroolbark shops. A lot of time and effort by volunteers resulted in this fantastic mural. Once a wall that had been graffitied now a showpiece depicting some historical aspect of our town, a job well done. I was fortunate enough to be asked to officially open project. I am sure Mary has some more ideas surfacing. I have given out almost all the money allocated and wondered how we managed with $5,000.





 

CCTV Mooroolbark

Success Story


2012

The CCTV has played a vital role in the Moorolbark Township.  Police have used CCTV as an efficient tool to deter and apprehend offenders in and around Main Street and Manchester Rd that has resulted in a significant drop in crime but also changed the social amenty of the area



In 2008 the Mooroolbark Traders and Community Group was successful in obtaining $150,000 Federal Government grant (Attorney Generals Dept) for a community and safety initiative to install CCTV in and around the Mooroolbark Railway Station and CBD.

This follows in the footsteps of the same successful initiative at Lilydale Railway Station and CBD. In the first twelve months reported crime dropped 77%. In about one month strategically placed CCTV will be mounted in and around the CBD and train station. It will be viewed in real time at the Mooroolbark Police Station. I have attached some photos of the Lilydale CCTV.

Your comments would be appreciated

Recently I went to the Mooroolbark Railway Station with Sergeant Richard Higgins (Mooroolbark Police) Geoff Pierce (secretary of the traders) and Brad Mayall (Director of Security Power) and discussed various locations for optimum viewing ability for the CCTV.

It's an exciting project and I am confident it will create a safe and positive environment around the town.

Brad, incidentally is the contractor responsible for the installation of the CCTV at Lilydale, Croydon, Boronia and Mt Evelyn.

On 31.10.2008 we received an initial payment from the Attorney Generals Dept Canberra, the Mooroolbark Lions and Bendigo Bank. We are underway, and installation will start shortly. The handing over of the cheques to the left was at Hookey Park and many thanks to Tony Smith our Federal member who was instrumental in us obtaining the funding (thanks Tony)

Aging Population

2012

At the Yarra Ranges Council meeting 25th of September, 2012 I put forward a motion regarding 'Funding Local government'.


Funding from Federal and State Governments is on the decline forcing council to increase rates and in turn causes financial pain for many residents particularly the aged and others on fixed incomes.

My motion is to lobby the Federal Government in support with the Australian Local Government Association, to obtain total funding for local government through 1% of Commonwealth taxation excluding GST.  The ALGA has done extensive work that shows that this in achievable without an increase in taxes.  Its time for change and relieve financial pressure from out rate payers

2008

I have a concern regarding our aging population of which I am obviously one.

In particular, an issue recently in council regarding rate rises. It's is a very difficult path we travel and more and more folk are feeling the financial burden and increased rates is a major issue.

Local government can not do it alone and I will be lobbying both state and federal government to help our older generation to offset the hard financial burden.

Something has to be done. They have worked hard and in twilight years should not be struggling under the weight seemingly never ending rate rises.

I certainly would welcome any comments.

Recent Capital Works Projects

Capital works for Yarra Ranges 

2012

http://www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au/files/50c0afb4-cc23-4517-bc51-a08200fe0bb4/Capital_Works_Program_2012-13_to_2021-22.pdf





Cambridge Road from Hawthory to Hull Roads, Mooroolbark
Project: Providing an extra lane through the roundabout to improve traffic flow.
Approximate cost: $95,000.


Taylor Road/Hull Road, MooroolbarkT

Project: Roadworks to improve traffic flow through the Taylor Road/Hull Road intersection. Approximate cost: $50,000.

Croydondale Drive/ Mark St Mooroolbark

Project: Funds allocated 08/09 mondified T intersetion Approximate cost $40,000.

Dryden Concourse/ Holmes Road Mooroolbark

Project: Funds allocated for local area traffic managemet scheme eg: raised pavements $80,000.

Manchester Road Pre School

Project: Funds allocated for carparking inprovements $70,000

Mooroolbark Streetscape

Project: Funds available 08/09, $132,000

Lilydale Courthouse

Project: Refurbish for the use of staff from the historical society while the Lilydale Museum is reconstructed. $84,000

Mooroolbark Railway Station

As a result of social and safety concerns about Mooroolbark Railway Station and its environs, the Department of Infrastructure (DOI) asked the Shire to undertake community consultation on the future of the station.


The Shire distributed more than 6,000 postcards to Mooroolbark households on behalf of the DOI, seeking residents’ ideas about the station’s future, and inviting applications to participate in a DOI taskforce preparing a vision and action plan for the station. As well, commuters were consulted and schools were notified – some placed articles in their newsletters.


There was an excellent response – more than 600 comments have been received, including a number of applications to participate in the taskforce.


The taskforce will take all responses into account as it prepares its draft Mooroolbark Station Vision and Action Plan.

Graffiti Removal

2012

Graffiti

 

Graffiti Truck

I am past chair and current member of the Graffiti Working Group. This group has seen the successful introduction of the two man Graffiti Truck which has reduce graffiti throughout the municipality and shortly the introduction of a second vehicle. This will enable the two man crew to work individually of each other and therefore improve graffiti removal markedly


http://lilydale-yarra-valley-leader.whereilive.com.au/news/story/yarra-ranges-steps-up-graffiti-fight/



Graffiti Trailer

A successful initiative from the Graffiti working group that introduced a graffiti trailer that can be used by residents  free of charge.  It is equipped with all the equipment and accessories to remove graffiti and on return is restocked and ready to go

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As chairperson of the Shire’s Graffiti Working Group, which is implementing our Graffiti Management Plan, I’m pleased that important anti-graffiti initiatives have recently been taken in Melba Ward and the Shire generally.

These include: Funding received to purchase a trailer for the Mooroolbark Traders to create a mobile graffiti reduction initiative. The trailer contains an airless spray gun, pressure cleaner and equipment to remove graffiti.

With a new round of grants pending traders are hoping to fit a large water container for use in the removal of graffiti.

B grade water available from the Brushy Creek Treatment Plant will be used. Also a generator so the trailer will be fully mobile and not have to rely on power points and water on site.

Your comments are certainly welcome.

• A three year Graffiti Management Plan (2007-2010) for Yarra Ranges, which is unique to the Melbourne metropolitan area is now in place.


• The Shire purchasing mobile surveillance cameras to help police to apprehend serial graffiti offenders


• Funding for a Manchester Road fish and chip shop mural, completed by local young persons to prevent graffiti on a known graffiti hotspot.


• Support for a successful graffiti reduction initiative by Manchester Primary School students, who created a mural on the side wall of a milk bar near the school’s entrance.


• Ongoing support for Mooroolbark traders to secure federal funding for CCTV cameras, to minimise graffiti and increase community safety.


• Support for the Yarra Ranges Graffiti Project, to acquire state government funding for anti-graffiti projects in three Shire townships, including Mooroolbark.


• Securing funding to acquire a purpose-built graffiti removal trailer.


• So let's be realistic here. There are some great artists out there and although youth are being blamed there is a lot of adults damaging property by tagging. It's not art but just down right vandalism and anybody caught should be dealt with severely. The graffiti Management Committee in conjunction with the Ringwood Magistrates Court has successfully implanted a program to ensure offenders spend their time cleaning up their mess. A job well done I believe and another positive step forward.


• Along with other councillors I donated ward funds and the fish and chip shop wall on Manchester Rd that was forever being tagged now has a magnificent mural (see before and after photos)

• 

Never thought I'd see the day I would clean up other peoples mess but Clean Up Day is important. Just ruined my nails ha ha

You are welcome to contact me on any issue relating to graffiti; or contact the Shire’s Graffiti Project Officer on 1300 368 333. You can also access a graffiti reporting form on the Shire’s website, (search under "graffiti"), or pick up a copy at any Community Link.

Safer Streets

Installing closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras is helping to reduce the incidence of street crime in Lilydale, and cameras are shortly to be installed in some Mooroolbark streets.


In Lilydale, there has been a 77 per cent reduction in crimes against the person and antisocial behaviour since 2004, when CCTV cameras (funded by the federal government) were installed in several streets, which is a most pleasing result.


Over the next three months, cameras will be installed in strategic positions in Mooroolbark CBD streets, and I’m confident we can achieve similar success there.


As well, the penalty for consuming alcohol in alcohol-free zones has recently been increased from $100 to $200, and I’m certain this has also led to fewer offences in our streets.

Clubs - A Vital Social and Recreational Role

Where would we be without our cricket, football, bowls, tennis, soccer, netball and other sports clubs?


They play an important social and recreational role in our community. Friendships are formed and strengthened through participation in sports, and these friendships often thrive off the field as well as on it. There are almost 350 parks, gardens and reserves available for recreational and sporting activities in our shire, which are very well used by locals and visitors.


I believe very strongly in supporting our local sporting clubs whenever I can. Recently, I have been very happy to provide assistance for the Lilydale Football Club, the Lilydale BMX Club, the Mooroolbark Flashes Basketball Club, the Lilydale and Yarra Valley Netball Association, as well as some individual sportspeople.

Since being elected in 2005 my ongoing passion is encouraging youth in sport. $5.9 million

dollars will provide a purpose built 12 court netball facility of the 200 teams to Pinks Reserve.

 $170,000 dollars for upgrades and improvements for the now completed resurfacing

and lighting of the Lilydale Football Ground.

 $40,000 dollars upgrading and improving the Lilydale Skate Park to name a few

 

http://www.sportingpulse.com/club_info.cgi?c=0-722-12969-0-0&sID=86495

Council Fleet Vehicle Supplied to Lilydale Police

As a Victoria Police member stationed at Lilydale, I’m very pleased that the Shire has continued to support the work of the police by supplying a car to the station for police work. The shire has supplied vehicles to the station since 2002.


The vehicle is used virtually every day for police operational and non-operational work in crime, traffic, patrol, emergency management and general transport work, and is a highly-valued resource.


The council encourages a partnership approach to achieving outcomes in our community, and this is an excellent example of this approach in action. The council and the police are continuing to work together to make our Shire a safer place in which to live.