Tag: legislation

Media Release: Leading the way to responsible pet ownership

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At the Maroondah Council meeting on Monday 15 November Council resolved to make an order under the Domestic Animals Act which will take effect on 1 January 2011.

The new laws include the introduction of on-leash regulations for all dogs in public places and a Dusk to Dawn curfew for all cats.

Maroondah Mayor Councillor Alex Makin said the plan was a result of extensive consultation with the community and animal management experts, following community concerns regarding the lack of specific animal controls in Maroondah.

“We need to ensure that the management of Maroondah’s 14,600 registered dogs and 5200 registered cats is in accordance with State Government legislation and expectations of the community,” Cr Makin said.

“Council believes it has reached a considered outcome that leaves no one group unfairly disadvantaged. The new laws are underpinned by principles of fairness and equity, consistency with contemporary practice and a balanced approach to the differing community views on the issues,” said Cr Makin.

“During the consultation process we listened to our residents and taking their views into consideration we made changes to some of the areas designated as on leash or off leash areas,” Cr Makin said.

“Under the new laws, dogs must be under effective control at all times while in public, which means that they must be on a leash or in a designated off-leash area,” Cr Makin said.

“To give people more peace of mind while out and about in Maroondah, dogs must also be on a leash within 15 metres of playgrounds, picnic areas, barbeques, organised sporting events, sporting matches or training sessions or when on a shared use path,” Cr Makin said.

“For those who want to exercise their dogs off leash there are numerous locations across the municipality where this can be done. Residents can still enjoy walking their dogs off leash in these areas, as long as the dog is still under effective control, ” Cr Makin said.

The new laws also identify areas of significant conservation or biodiversity, which means that dogs are not permitted in these areas.

Cr Makin said a dusk to dawn cat curfew will also take affect from 1 January 2011.

“Cats can cause significant damage to the environment and wildlife when left to roam free, especially at night when a lot of native animals are out and about.

Council will conduct an extensive community education campaign to inform residents about the changes.

Maps outlining the off-leash areas throughout Maroondah will soon be sent to all registered pet owners. This pocket-sized brochure will also have tips on responsible pet ownership.

Information and maps showing designated off leash areas will also be available on Council’s website and at Council’s Customer Service Centres.

– ENDS –

Media Release: Draft Community Facilities Occupancy Policy and Pricing Policy on public display

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Maroondah City Council has endorsed the draft Community Facilities Occupancy Policy and the draft Community Facilities Pricing Policy for public display.

The policies were presented at the Council meeting on September 20.

Council currently owns or manages more than 100 sports fields, pavilions, halls, meeting rooms and other facilities on behalf of the community.

Maroondah Mayor Councillor Alex Makin said the draft policies were developed concurrently and were directly aligned.

“The draft policies provide a comprehensive framework for the community use of Council owned or managed facilities,” Cr Makin said.

“The draft Community Facilities Occupancy Policy and the draft Community Facilities Pricing Policy will guide the process of determining appropriate occupancy agreements and pricing structures for all Council owned or managed facilities and ensure the agreements are consistent and transparent,” Cr Makin said.

“The draft policies aim to establish clear frameworks so the community groups know what they are paying for, why they are paying and that other users groups in similar situations are contributing in a consistent manner,” Cr Makin said.

“Under the draft Community Facilities Occupancy Policy community groups wishing to use Council owned or managed facilities will have to undergo an assessment to determine the suitability of the proposed arrangement and the length of tenure. Once this assessment has taken place Council will then discuss the rate of rental,” Cr Makin said.

“There are two existing policies relating to the occupancy and the pricing of community facilities, however these policies have not been updated for a number of years. During this time there has been changes to legislation, increased emphasis on risk management and occupational health and safety requirements and changes to the way the groups are using the facilities,” Cr Makin said.

“To meet these new needs Council has also reassessed the pricing structure associated with the use of Council facilities. The current pricing structure has been in place for the past 11 years and was established with the intention that Council could recover an estimated 30 per cent of facility maintenance costs,” Cr Makin said.

“In the past 11 years that margin has dropped significantly and Council is currently recovering on average 3 per cent of maintenance costs for the sporting grounds and 15 per cent for the pavilions,” Cr Makin said.

“Council believes the sporting grounds and community facilities are integral to the development of a strong community, which is why we subsidise and support the many groups which use them,” Cr Makin said.

“We need to have a system in place which allows for the reasonable, transparent and equitable use of these facilities,” Cr Makin said.

The policies cover most Council owned facilities or grounds including:

  • Council Owned Community Halls
  • Community Centres
  • Kindergartens
  • Senior Citizens Centres
  • Sporting Pavilions
  • Sports Grounds and sporting activity surfaces
  • Scout and Guide Halls
  • Facilities managed by Council Committees of Management
  • Maroondah Federation Estate

The draft policies will be on public display until October 26. Those wanting to make a submission must do so before this date. Following consideration of the submissions the policies will be amended where appropriate and Council endorsement will be sought.

– ENDS –

Discussing the Transport Inegration Act

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The Transport Integration Act aims to provide an integrated framework to assist in the planning and delivery of Victoria’s transport networks. The Act took effect on the 1st of July and aims to ensure that all decisions affecting the transport system support the same consistent objectives.

This morning I attended a presentation on the Act jointly convened by Tim Pallas, the Minister for Roads and Jim Betts, Secretary for the Department of Transport. The presentation covered the objectives of the Act and the framework in which the transport system will be operating within.

While the Legislation is certainly an improvement, it is still too early to be able to assess its impact on Victoria’s transport system. The framework should in theory elevate the importance of transport projects, like the redevelopment of Ringwood Station, which would deliver an integrated transport network through public transport, walking and cycling.

Ultimately the effectiveness of Legislation rests in its implementation and it is imperative that the State Government and its respective agencies support a sustainable and integrated transport network within Melbourne and Victoria.

Presentation on the Strategic Direction of VCAT

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The Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) is part of Victoria’s legal system and hears a number of civil matters including planning appeals, which comprise 6% of the tribunals workload.

This morning Justice Ian Ross, President of VCAT, visited Maroondah City Council to discuss the strategic direction of the tribunal. Ian discussed VCAT’s approach to planning and suggested improvements that would assist Councils in being able to be fairly represented during hearings, including a right of reply to reaffirm decisions. Currently VCAT hears all matters in King Street in the CBD and Justice Ross suggested that VCAT could explore a presence in suburban locations, to make it easier for people to attend hearings.

It is encouraging that VCAT is developing a strategic plan that includes consultation with stakeholders and aims to improve the response time of decisions.

Ultimately improvements to the planning system requires action from the State Government. Currently either applicants or objectors can appeal a planning decision to VCAT, where they disagree with the decision made by a Council. This has the effect of eroding local government and State Government legislation should be amended to respect the decisions made by councils, where the outcome was consistent with planning policies.

Maroondah Journal: Central planning under fire

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One of the core responsibilities of local government is planning, through assessing development applications and defining the desired characteristics of an area through planning schemes and local policies.

Local government, being the closest form of government to people and the community, is best placed to make decisions in regard to planning issues, to ensure a balance between development and amenity.

The State Government is currently proposing radical changes to Victoria’s planning system, with legislation currently before Parliament. These changes will erode the ability of local government to make planning on behalf of the local community.

Mayor Alex Makin said the proposed changes would “disenfranchise local communities”.

Particularly worrying is the State Government’s proposal to enable individuals and developers to amend local planning schemes. A planning scheme outlines the preferred character of an area and provides guidelines in terms of amenity and suitable development. Council’s submit amendments to planning schemes after extensive community discussion ensuring a range of views are reflected.

“The significant increase of the involvement of the State Government in local planning matters facilitated by these changes will undermine community and broader industry confidence in the planning system, as the decision-making system becomes potentially more political and uncertain.”

Local government, like all forms of government, has its challenges and while there may be examples of poor planning decisions, Maroondah is a responsible and responsive planning authority. Legislation should not legislate for the lowest common denominator and penalise the community’s ability to provide input.

Maroondah Leader: New local law causes conflict

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While it is critical that there is accountability and transparency within Local Government recent changes in the Local Government Act have had the unintended result of potentially restricting councillor involvement within community organisations.

The Maroondah Leader has reported on these changes and their repercussions.

Cr Alex Makin said he resigned from the Croydon Conservation Society committee after five years so that he could continue to vote on council environmental policy.

The changes to the Local Government Act now mean that a Councillor is stated to have a conflict of interest if they are a committee member of an organisation that makes a formal submission or request to Council.

He said he would otherwise have been excluded from debating or voting on motions where the society had made a submission.

Previously Councillors were still able to partake in discussing these items, even if they were precluded from voting due to a potential conflict of interest.

As a result this often means that the Councillor who is most aware of the issues brought forward is now eliminated from being able to formally discuss these matters within council.

This meant I had to resign as Treasurer of the Croydon Conservation Society so I could continue to debate and represent environmental concerns within Council unhindered by this legislation.

While I can certainly appreciate the State Government’s intent with the Legislation changes and I genuinely applaud measures that increase the transparency of local government, these changes have had unintended consequences.

Cr Alex Makin called on the State Government to review the laws and distinguish between commercial interests and community organisations. He proposed instead a public register of community groups councillors represented.

The community rightfully expects Councillors to take an interest in the community and work towards towards a better municipality. Likewise many community organisations welcome the involvement of a Councillor to assist them in achieving their aims.

Unfortunately these legislative changes make it difficult for councillors to remain involved within these organisations. A public register would improve transparency while ensuring that councillors can remain involved within the community.

Maroondah Journal: Call to review laws as graffitists turn to polish

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As part of the Graffiti Prevention Act 2007, The State Government introduced new anti-graffiti laws effective from the 1st of July. These laws include restrictions on the sale and advertising of spray cans, as well as laws prohibiting the carrying of spray cans near public transport.

While these laws have focused on spray cans, there has been an increase in graffitists using other instruments. The Maroondah Journal has reported on the effects of these new laws:

Maroondah councillor Alex Makin said the fines should not be limited to vandals who use spray cans.

“It has raised quite a few concerns with the council. We’ve had the legislation around spray cans take effect, now we need a review to include fines for other tools.”

Graffiti removal is a major cost and inconvenience for businesses, individuals and councils. It is therefore appropriate for the State Government to review the intent of the Graffiti Prevention Act and consider whether further restrictions in regard to graffiti are necessary.

Discussing the Croydon Conservation Society with Channel 31's Eastern Newsbeat

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This morning the Croydon Conservation Society was interviewed as part of Channel 31’s Eastern News Beat program. Participants in the interview included the President, Liz Sanzaro, the Secretary, Sandra Hardiman, committee member Margot Seidel and myself as the group’s Treasurer.

The interview covered topics such as the history of the Croydon Conservation Society, its successes over tree canopy protection and parkland improvements and current campaigns such as lobbying for the introduction of container deposit legislation, similar to the successful program that has been operating in South Australia.

I also discussed the Croydon Conservation Society’s involvement in the lobbying for public transport improvements, including the need for ongoing advocacy to ensure the redevelopment of Ringwood Station. The Society provides a crucial voice for the Maroondah community and assists in demonstrating the support that exists to improving the sustainability of our municipality.

Eastern News Beat is a weekly program that provides news and information from Melbourne’s eastern suburbs. The program is broadcast each Monday at 9.00am and on Thursday at 11.30am.

For more information on Channel 31 please visit www.channel31.org.au. For information on the Croydon Conservation Society please visit www.croydonconservation.org.au.

Maroondah Leader: Threat to orchid grows

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Maroondah’s environmental groups are rallying behind the opportunity to protect the Kilsyth South spider orchid. The Maroondah Leader has reported on the efforts to preserve one of the world’s rarest plants.

The Kilsyth South spider orchid, which was found in 1991 at 6 Tereddan Drive in Kilsyth South, is listed as critically endangered under State and Federal legislation. The property has recently been listed for sale providing council, State and Federal Governments with the opportunity to purchase the property and protect this very rare plant.

Councillor Alex Makin said buying the site – bordered by council-owned bushland, a Melbourne Water retarding basin and a Trust for Nature Reserve – would complete “one of the largest bush reserves in Maroondah”.

Given the endangered status of the Kilsyth South spider orchid and the fact that it would connect areas of biological significance, it makes sense for the property to be jointly purchased by government and council.

Continuing the Maroondah Business Expansion and Retention Program

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This afternoon I accompanied Maroondah’s Economic Development team to interview another business as part of the Business Expansion and Retention Program.

The program aims to gather qualitative data into current business conditions and to determine ways in which Maroondah can further assist the business community. While it would appear that businesses are quite optimistic about the future there is some concern given the uncertain economic climate.

Common themes include issues relating to the differing regulations across state boundaries and the need to further streamline and harmonise state legislation. Likewise there is a need for consistency with local government requirements.

A report compiling the information gathered through this program will be released as part of Maroondah Business Week in October.

For more information on the programs available for businesses please visit www.bizmaroondah.com.au.