monash bulletin october 2015€¦ · october 2015 ‘no’ to school site proposals. page 3....
TRANSCRIPT
monashbulletinOctober 2015
‘No’ to school site proposals page 3
Sustainability plan: Have Your Say page 4
Answers needed on powerlines page 5
We are seeking community views and ideas to help us develop a draft Council budget for the 2016/17 year. To provide some context:
Council is in a solid financial situation, having recently become debt-free for the first time in its 21-year history
Monash has the lowest average rates (per head of population) of all 79 councils in Victoria. Next year, the State Government is introducing ‘rate capping’, which means councils will be restricted in how much they can increase their rates, unless they apply for and receive a variation to the ‘rate cap’. These restrictions on rate increases have the potential to create significant financial pressures for councils in the long-term
This year, Council has increased its funding for basic community
infrastructure (such as drainage, footpaths, children’s playspaces and sports pavilions) rather than funding major projects. The aim has been to lift the standard of infrastructure that is used regularly by our community, while also providing excellent services and maintaining Victoria’s lowest average rates.
This is the first time that Monash has sought community input into its budget at such an early stage in the budget preparation. In the past, we have developed a draft budget which we have then sought feedback on. This time, we will be seeking community views twice: now in the early stages and again next May when we put a draft budget out for community feedback. We are doing this because we are genuine about improving our standards of community consultation.
Give us your ideas for the 2016/17 Council budget by:
PARTICIPATING in an online community forum or filling in an online survey at:
www.monash.vic.gov.au/next-Council-budget
TALKING to us in person at one of three Council stalls we will be holding on: › Sun 25 Oct, 9.30am-11.30am
Mulgrave Farmers Market, cnr Jacksons & Wellington Rds
› Fri 30 Oct, 11.30am-1.30pm Eaton Mall, Oakleigh
› Sat 7 Nov, 10.30am-12.30pm Hamilton Place, Mt Waverley
CALLING Danny Wain, Chief Financial Officer,
9518 3638.
Is there a Council service you think could be improved with more funding? Or a category of infrastructure - such as footpaths, bike paths or parks - you think needs a funding boost? Now is the time to let us know…
Looking ahead...
www.monash.vic.gov.au
We welcome feedback about the Monash Bulletin. Please give us your comments:
9518 3678 [email protected]
Monash Civic Centre293 Springvale Road Glen Waverley, 3150
Hours: 8.30am to 5pmMonday to Friday
Oakleigh Service Centre3 Atherton Road Oakleigh, 3166
Hours: 8.45am to 5pmMonday to Friday
Language Assist
Next Council meeting
Tel (03) 9518 3555 [email protected]
Fax (03) 9518 3444 www.monash.vic.gov.au
National Relay Service (for the hearing and speech impaired) 1800 555 660
The next Council meeting will be held on Tuesday 27 October, from 7.30pm. It will be held at the Clayton Community Centre (9-15 Cooke St, Clayton).
Community members are welcome to attend and can submit questions in advance for consideration at the meeting.
For more info:
www.monash.vic.gov.au/meetings
9518 3555
العربية 9321 5480 Ελληνικά 9321 5482한국어 9321 5484 Русский 9321 5486廣東話 9321 5481 Italiano 9321 5483普通话 9321 5485 Việt Ngữ 9321 5487
Ka-ching! Did you know Australia has 20% of the worlds' poker machines, despite having less than 0.3% of the global population?
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www.monash.vic.gov.au/events
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www.monash.vic.gov.au/community-directory
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www.monash.vic.gov.au/my-language
Follow us on twitter or InstagramWe have a strong twitter following and have just joined Instagram. Follow us today:
@monashcouncil
@monashcouncilOr that $114 million was lost on poker machines in Monash in the 2014/15 year?
On Tuesday 20 October (at 9.30pm), the ABC will broadcast a new documentary that delves behind the flashing lights and spinning reels to find out what
makes pokies so treacherous.
Council encourages you to watch the film. If you miss its broadcast, it will also be available on ABC iview.
For more info:
www.pokiesplayyou.org.au
9518 3574
On targetThe Waverley City Archers are soaring this year, winning a Sir John Monash award while also continuing to grow their membership.
Club secretary Tony Hodges said the Mulgrave-based club was delighted to win the Active Monash category of the Council-organised awards. The club won for its willingness to reach out and welcome people of different genders, abilities and ages.
“We’ve got more than 200 members now, aged from young children to 80 year olds,” Tony
said. “We’re proud that 25% of our members are women and we also have archers in wheelchairs and some who are visually impaired who pursue the sport here,” Tony said.
Membership of the 34-year-old club has increased by 230% over the past three years, and the club is looking forward to another big year in 2016. The Waverley Gymnastics Centre and Glen Waverley Junior Soccer Club were highly commended in the same category of the annual awards.
For more info:
www.monash.vic.gov.au/sir-john-monash-awards
9518 3619
monash bulletin 3
Message from Mayor Paul Klisaris
'No' to development proposals for former school sitesCouncil has refused development plans for two former school sites in Oakleigh South.
More than 1,100 people objected to the development plan for the former Oakleigh South primary school site in Beryl Avenue, while more than 200 people objected to the development plan for the former Clayton West primary school site in Alvina Street.
On the Beryl Avenue site, a three storey apartment building (with up to 65 apartments) and 56 townhouses were proposed. On the Alvina Street site, 108 two and three storey townhouses were proposed.
Council decided both proposals were overdevelopments that would
impact negatively on the liveability of the surrounding neighbourhoods. Council's policy is to ensure that new developments can be integrated successfully into existing residential areas and that they enhance the 'garden city' character of Monash. In contrast, both of these proposals disrespect the existing neighbourhood character and would detract from the reasons why people have chosen to live in those neighbourhoods.
Both developers have the right to appeal Council's decisions to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal. If this were to occur,
Council would mount a strong defence of its decisions.
Council is expected to decide on a proposal for a third former school site at its October meeting. The proposal for the former Monash Special Development School site in Renver Road (Clayton) is for a four storey apartment building and 28 townhouses.
For more info:
www.monash.vic.gov.au/former-school-sites
Sue Monagle or James Heitmann, Principal Planners
9518 3555
As Mayor, you get to meet some wonderful people out in the community and this past month, I was delighted to catch up with George Yousef (pictured with me). George has achieved the milestone of more than 100 games with the Mazenod Panthers, which competes in the Football Integration Development Association, a competition for footballers with an intellectual disability. I got to meet George’s mum too, and she is rightly proud of her son’s achievements.
As you will see on page 5, Council is advocating strongly for Waverley Park residents in their battle to get the estate’s high voltage powerlines put underground. Youth mental health is another issue that we are passionate about. Young people have told us that they think mental health is the biggest challenge facing local young people. We feel strongly that there is a need for federal funding for a headspace centre in Monash. The headspace service is designed to make it as easy as possible for a young person and their family to get the help they need for problems affecting their wellbeing. Right now, to get to the nearest headspace centre by public transport, young people in Monash have to travel for almost an hour each way (on average). The distance creates a physical barrier to young people accessing these vital early intervention services.
Council will continue to advocate, in partnership with local young people, for a headspace in Monash.
With this newsletter, you‘ll have received a flyer full of FREE activities for Active Monash Month in November. It’s a great opportunity to have a go at activities that you may not have tried in the past, such as Boot Camp, Zumba or Tai Chi. Speaking of exercise and recreation, an upgraded bike path has recently opened along the Scotchmans Creek Trail, off Huntingdale Road in Oakleigh. And, works to fill in a ‘missing link’ in the Waverley Rail Trail have begun, with the new shared path along Railway Parade South (Chadstone) expected to open in the next month.
If there is a local issue you would like to discuss, please don’t hesitate to contact me on:
9518 3509
Hav
e Yo
ur S
ayViews sought on sustainability planHave your say on a draft Environmental Sustainability Strategy, which sets out local priorities and actions for the next 10 years.
Understanding iceFind out more about the drug ‘ice’ at a FREE community forum, organised by Monash Council, Victoria Police and Link Health & Community.
With the strategy, Council is aiming that in 2026, Monash will be a city:
Whose ‘garden city’ character and natural assets have been protected
Where it is convenient, safe and desirable to move around by walking, cycling and using public transport
Which re-uses and recycles as much of its waste by-products as possible
Where the community is well educated and engaged in how to reduce its environmental impacts.
The draft strategy supersedes Monash’s Environmental Sustainability Road Map, a four year plan which ends this year.
One of the major goals of the Road Map was for Council to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 20% by 2020. This goal is expected to be achieved, with a 3% reduction having been reached (as at 30 June 2015) and an 18% reduction expected to flow from the installation earlier this year of energy efficient globes in 8,000 street lights.
Please give us your feedback and views on the draft strategy by Friday 20 November:
Provide your feedback online at: www.monash.vic.gov.au/haveyoursay
Attend a community info session:There is no need to RSVP; just turn up.
Mon 26 Oct, 2pm-3.30pm Monash Seminar and Training Centre (1A Atherton Rd, Oakleigh)
Tues 27 Oct, 2pm-3.30pm Monash Civic Centre (293 Springvale Rd, Glen Waverley)
Wed 28 Oct, 7pm-8.30pm Batesford Hub (94 Batesford Rd, Chadstone)
Thurs 29 Oct, 7pm-8.30pm (Mulgrave Neighbourhood House, Mackie Rd)
Call:
Karen Jones, Senior Sustainability Officer
9518 3010
Monash Bike Users Group members: Haydn, Murray, Richard and Bob
On your bike!They come from different backgrounds but one thing members of the Monash Bike Users Group share is a passion for cycling.Haydn Chapman, of Glen Waverley, and Bob Bredin, of Wheelers Hill, joined the group to share riding experiences with other cyclists and to share their views with Council on how local bike paths can be improved.
Haydn is in training for the 24 hour solo Mountain Bike and Trials World Championships and regularly clocks up around 300kms each week. Bob took up riding again after retiring from work and puts in around 100kms a week riding with friends.
“I joined the group because I was keen to ride with other riders, hear about their experiences and enjoy the
social interaction,” Bob said.
“The group also gives us great access to talk to Council staff about any issues we come across,” he said. “I find that when we report hazards or areas of concern, they are looked at quickly and rectified.”
While Council has increased funding for bike path upgrades over the past 18 months, Haydn would like Council to make further increases, so more people feel comfortable and safe riding around Monash.
To get involved:
www.monash.vic.gov.au/ride-a-bike
9518 3527
The forum is being held at the Monash Civic Centre on Monday 16 November, from 7pm.
About 2% of the population uses ice and this usage level remains relatively stable. However, there is significant concern in the community about ice because some individuals and families are being harmed by it while
others are concerned due to ongoing media coverage.
This forum will present the facts, with presentations by experts in the field including someone who has used ice and is now in recovery.
Bookings essential:
9518 3555
[email protected] and Mingyao
are keen recyclers
How do I...?
...register to be part of 2016 Australia Day celebrations or Oakleigh Music Festival?Local groups can be part of Australia Day celebrations by hosting a community activity between Friday 22 January - Tuesday 26 January. Examples of suitable activities for inclusion in the program are: sport demonstration matches/clinics; community BBQs and musical concerts. Separately, Council is seeking music-inspired activities to be part of the Oakleigh Music Festival program from 3-13 March 2016. Event ideas include: music or dance performances; vinyl record sales; and music trivia nights.
To register or for more info:
www.monash.vic.gov.au/Council-Festivals-and-Events
9518 3636
Answers needed on powerlines
Upgrade at Huntingdale train station The State Government will spend $7.6 million building a new bus interchange at Huntingdale station and upgrading one of the station's car parks.
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Council lobbied alongside Monash University for the upgrade to the station, which is used by 6,000 people per day.
The new interchange will include facilities for buses, taxis and bikes, as well as a drop off area for passengers getting a lift to the station. The gravel car park across Huntingdale Road from the station will be asphalted and painted with proper line markings.
Up until last year, the car park had the status of being one of the worst spots for illegally dumped rubbish across Melbourne's rail network. However, the amount of dumped rubbish has decreased significantly since Council called on Metro Trains to increase surveillance.
Work on the interchange is expected to start next year and be completed by the end of 2017.
For more info:
www.monash.vic.gov.au/huntingdale-train-station
9518 3420
Under its 2002 planning permit for the site, developer Mirvac is required to put the estate's high voltage powerlines underground. Mirvac is seeking permission from the Government to remove that condition from its permit.
An Independent Advisory Committee heard submissions from Mirvac, Council and residents last December and has provided its recommendations to the Minister. Yet, at the time of going to print, residents and Council were still waiting to find out what the recommendations are and to hear the Minister's response.
Council stands firmly with the residents and property owners in their fight to get Mirvac to fufill the legal and moral commitments it made. People weigh up lots of factors when they choose to purchase properties and many of these people may have decided not to live in Waverley Park if they thought their homes would be near ugly high voltage powerlines.
For more info:
www.monash.vic.gov.au/waverley-park-powerlines
9518 3678
monash bulletin 5
…minimise parking problems in my street?Several residents from different parts of Monash have recently raised concerns about parking congestion in their street. These residents have asked if Council can encourage people to park off the street, wherever possible. In some streets, when cars are parked on both sides, it can make it difficult for other motorists to travel along the street or to pull out of their driveways. If you have a garage or a driveway, please use these in preference to parking on the street.
If you have no option but to park on the street, please position your vehicle so there is at least three metres between your vehicle and any vehicles parked on the other side of the road, so motorists have room to pass.
For more info:
www.monash.vic.gov.au/parking-protocols
9518 3439
Council has written to the State Planning Minister, expressing its dissatisfaction with the lack of progress in resolving the powerlines dispute at Waverley Park.
Public Transport Minister Jacinta Allan, Oakleigh State MP Steve Dimopoulos
and Mayor Paul Klisaris
Your Councillors
Glen Waverley Ward
Mulgrave Ward
Mount Waverley Ward
Oakleigh Ward
Centre Road
Poa
th R
oad
Police Rd
Waverley Road
War
riga
l Roa
d
Princes Hwy
Monash Freeway
Spri
ngva
le R
oad
North RoadWellington Road
Blac
kbur
n R
oad Highbury Road
Glen Waverley Ward
Mount Waverley Ward
OakleighWard
MulgraveWard
Cr Geoff Lake0411 645 [email protected]
Cr Katrina NolanDeputy Mayor0406 274 126Katrina.Nolan@ monash.vic.gov.au
Cr Brian Little0407 878 033Brian.Little@ monash.vic.gov.au
Cr Jieh-Yung Lo 0400 235 363Jieh-Yung.Lo@ monash.vic.gov.au
Cr Rebecca Paterson 0437 959 [email protected]
Cr Robert Davies0416 000 777Robert.Davies@ monash.vic.gov.au
Cr Micaela Drieberg9570 4602Micaela.Drieberg@ monash.vic.gov.au
Cr Paul Klisaris Mayor9518 3509Paul.Klisaris@ monash.vic.gov.au
Cr Stefanie Perri0421 038 [email protected]
Cr Bill Pontikis0418 355 166Bill.Pontikis@ monash.vic.gov.au
Cr Theo Zographos0430 316 911Theo.Zographos@ monash.vic.gov.au
PLEASE ADDRESS ANY MAIL TOPO Box 1,Glen Waverley 3150.Councillors’ faxes:9518 3444
Councillor News Cr Geoff LakeFinally - a pensioner rate rebate for Monash
After trying unsuccessfully five years ago, I was pleased to finally convince a majority of councillors to introduce a Council funded pensioner rate rebate in the 2015/16 Council budget.
We were able to do so without any impact on other residential ratepayers as it is funded by only modest increases in the rates paid by commercial and industrial land owners.
This helps make things just a little easier for our pensioners who have contributed so much to our community over the years.
However, our focus on keeping rates as low as possible doesn’t end there. Of Victoria’s 79 councils, Monash has the lowest rates - something we’ve worked hard to achieve and retain during my time on Council.
Fearless advocacy - pokies and ‘fake’ parking fines
As well as low rates, Monash Council also has a proud history of taking up important issues in the public interest.
Earlier this year we helped form the Alliance for Gambling Reform with the aim of shifting the focus away from the industry’s clever portrayal of ‘problem gamblers’ to instead expose how poker machines are carefully designed to addict and deceive. Like tobacco and the road toll in the 1970s, this is an important public health issue that demands greater regulation. I chair its board which includes leading advocates including Tim Costello and Charles Livingstone.
To find out more, visit www.pokiesplayyou.org.au and watch Ka-Ching! which airs on the ABC on 20 October.
In addition to taking on unscrupulous gaming operators, Council has also taken a stand against the cowboys who run private car parks across Melbourne.
While many private car park operators act legitimately, some have a history of misleading and intimidating people into paying what have been described by the Minister for Consumer Affairs as ‘fake fines’ and which have been found by VCAT to be unenforceable.
We’ve recently raised concerns with various consumer affairs authorities about the conduct of Care Park – one of the biggest private car park operators – and its legal adviser Parke Lawyers Pty Ltd and debt collector Crown Collections Pty Ltd.
We will continue to vigorously stand up to predators like gaming operators and dodgy car park operators whose business practices have a detrimental impact on our community.
Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with me on: 0411 645 281 or [email protected]
Child care program reaches milestoneParents looking for quality child care may like to consider Council’s Family Day Care service, which is celebrating its 20th year.
Council’s service is the only family day care service in Monash that has been assessed independently as exceeding the National Quality Standard. Places are available in the service, which is used by more than 300 children and 260 families. Bookings for 2016 will open in December.
Children are cared for in the homes of educators, such as Kuldeep (pictured below with Elliott, Maxwell and Kiara). Families who use the service value the quality of care, flexibility and the personal relationships children build with educators and other children. The relationship between children and educators often continues even when children have left the service. Educators have been known to attend family celebrations, including 21st birthday celebrations for now-adult children who had been in their care.
The popularity of the service was reinforced last year when Council undertook a review of whether it should continue to offer family day care, following Federal Government funding cuts. Parents and educators strongly supported the service continuing. In response, Council decided to keep offering the service but to increase fees and cut overhead costs, so ratepayers would not incur further costs.
For more info:
www.monash.vic.gov.au/family-day-care
9518 3074
monash bulletin 7
Community grants on offer Local community groups are encouraged to apply for a Monash community grant, with applications open until 30 November.
Learning at any ageThe Wheelers Hill U3A began as a conversation between a group of residents (from Cumberland View retirement village) who were interested in expanding their horizons and sharing their skills.
The idea for a University of the Third Age grew and more than 35 people attended a public meeting to discuss the proposal. From there, a plan developed and the Wheelers Hill U3A is now set to open its doors in February 2016. People interested in joining the U3A are welcome to attend a launch at the Wheelers Hill Library (860 Ferntree Gully Rd) on Monday 9 November, at 3pm.
The founding members of the U3A make up one of nine groups that have received funding from Council under our trial Neighbourhood Matching Grants program. Under the program, groups (including groups that are not incorporated) can apply for up to $2,000 in Council funding, if they are prepared to match this funding (through for example volunteer labour). Whereas Council’s Community Grants program
(see below) has an annual deadline for applications, groups can apply for a Neighbourhood Matching Grant at any time of the year.
Wheelers Hill U3A Treasurer Judy Cox (pictured above centre with other founding members Gail, Pat, Hervé and Maureen) said initial classes would include French, English, Beading and Wisdoms for the Future (sociology). “People have knowledge and skills they want to share and the U3A gives them the opportunity to do so,” Judy said. “We’re all keen to experience new things - age doesn’t mean you have to stop learning.”
For more info:
www.monash.vic.gov.au/neighbourhood-matching-grants
9518 3531
A total of $2.6 million in cash and in-kind support (e.g. free use of local halls) is expected to be distributed to not-for-profit community groups and organisations.
The grants are for small to medium sized community projects which respond to the social and cultural needs of Monash residents. Arts based projects as well as community events will also be considered for funding. Some funds will be allocated to larger organisations - including South East Volunteers, WaveCare Counselling Service and Connections UnitingCare - which are
receiving funding from Council under three year partnership agreements.
Groups interested in finding out more can attend one of three information sessions where they can get an overview of the grants program and guidelines. Training sessions are also being held to assist groups in applying using the online system.
For more info:
www.monash.vic.gov.au/community-grants
9518 3649
Wha
t’s
On
Greek Festivals galore!Oakleigh Greek Glendi Warrawee Park and Drummond St (Oakleigh) Sat 31 Oct (noon-10pm) and Sun 1 Nov (noon-8pm)
Dimitria Festival Atherton Rd (Oakleigh) Sun 15 Nov, noon-7pm
Delight in dance and musical performances - and enjoy some delicious food - at two Greek festivals being held soon in Oakleigh. The first of these FREE festivals is organised by the Greek Orthodox Community of Oakleigh and Districts and Oakleigh Grammar, while the Pan-Macedonian Association of Melbourne and Victoria is organising the second festival.
For more info:
Oakleigh Greek Glendi
www.oakleighgreekglendi.com.au
1300 663 450
Dimitria Festival
www.monash.vic.gov.au/events
0411 303 056
PUT YOUR SALE ON THE TRAIL BY 25 SEPTEMBER TO GET A FREE SELLER PACK.**for sellers in participating council areas only
STATE PARTNER:MADE LOCALLY POSSIBLE BY: MEDIA PARTNER:
CREATIVE PARTNER:
COMMUNITY PARTNER:SUPPORTING PARTNER:
Batesford Hub (Batesford Rd,
Chadstone)
Sun 15 Nov, 11am-3pm
Enjoy children’s rides, a community BBQ and musical performances at this FREE Ashwood and Chadstone neighbourhood event. This year, there will be a ‘Community Craft Corner’, where people can learn to make crafts and keepsakes to take home.
For more info:
www.monash.vic.gov.au/events
9518 3636
….at Monash Gallery of ArtBowness Photography Prize exhibitionRuns until 22 Nov
View the 47 finalists in this year’s William & Winifred Bowness Photography Prize, which recognises the best in Australian contemporary photography. The winning entry - Florilegium #1 2014 - was featured in last month’s Monash Bulletin. The photograph here is one of three entries that received an Honourable Mention. Don’t forget it is FREE to visit MGA (860 Ferntree Gully Rd, Wheelers Hill).
For more info: www.mga.org.au/bowness-prize/gallery15 8544 0500
Environmental EVENTSCommunity garage sales Holmesglen Reserve (Power Ave, Ashwood)
Sat 24 Oct, 9am-2pm
This community event is part of the national Garage Sale Trail, Australia’s largest REUSE event. Household items, furniture, clothing, books, sporting goods, and bric-a-brac will be among the items available at 40-plus stalls.
Other garage sales are being held across Monash on this day. Council supports this event because it helps ensure goods are recycled rather than sent to landfill.
For more info or to find a garage sale near you:
www.garagesaletrail.com.au
9518 3010
Solar panel workshop
Monash Seminar and Training Centre (1A Atherton Rd, Oakleigh)
Thurs 5 Nov, from 6.30pm
Find out more about solar panels and energy efficiency at this FREE workshop. Bookings essential: 9518 3555
Recycling tours Tues 17 and Wed 18 Nov, 10.45am-2.45pm
These FREE tours will start with a visit to the Clayton Landfill to see where your household rubbish ends up. You’ll also be shown the sorting process that recyclable items go through before they are made into new products. Pick up and drop off from Central Reserve (Glen Waverley), with a light lunch provided.
Bookings essential: 8326 9227
Valerie SPARKS, Le vol 1 2014from the series Le volcourtesy of the artist