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KNOX CITY COUNCIL MINUTES

Ordinary Meeting of Council

Held at the Civic Centre

511 Burwood Highway Wantirna South

On

Tuesday 24 February 2015

KNOX CITY COUNCIL

MINUTES FOR THE ORDINARY MEETING OF COUNCIL HELD AT THE

CIVIC CENTRE, 511 BURWOOD HIGHWAY, WANTIRNA SOUTH ON

TUESDAY 24 FEBRUARY 2015 AT 7.00 P.M. PRESENT:

Cr P Lockwood (Mayor & Chairperson) Baird Ward Cr J Mortimore Chandler Ward Cr J Cossari Collier Ward Cr A Gill Dinsdale Ward Cr K Orpen Dobson Ward Cr T Holland Friberg Ward Cr D Pearce Taylor Ward Cr N Seymour Tirhatuan Ward

Dr G Emonson Chief Executive Officer

Dr I Bell Director – Engineering & Infrastructure

Mr A Kourambas Director - City Development

Ms J Truman Director – Corporate Development

Ms K Stubbings Director – Community Services

Ms K Ellis Acting Manager - Governance

THE MEETING OPENED WITH A STATEMENT OF ACKNOWLEDGEMENT, A STATEMENT OF COMMITMENT AND A PRAYER

“Knox City Council acknowledges we are on the

traditional land of the Wurundjeri and Bunurong people and pay our respects to elders both past and present.”

COUNCIL 24 February 2015 BUSINESS: Page Nos. 1. APOLOGIES AND REQUESTS FOR LEAVE OF ABSENCE

Nil. 2. DECLARATIONS OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST

Nil. 3. CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES

COUNCIL RESOLUTION MOVED: CR. COSSARI SECONDED: CR. MORTIMORE 3.1

Confirmation of Minutes of Special Meeting of Council held on Tuesday 22 January 2015

CARRIED MOVED: CR. COSSARI SECONDED: CR. MORTIMORE 3.2

Confirmation of Minutes of Ordinary Meeting of Council held on Tuesday 27 January 2015

CARRIED MOVED: CR. COSSARI SECONDED: CR. MORTIMORE 3.3

Confirmation of Minutes of Strategic Planning Committee Meeting held on Tuesday 10 February 2015

CARRIED 4. PETITIONS AND MEMORIALS

Councillor Seymour acknowledged the recent sad passing of community advocate Carolyn Boyd. Carolyn fought tirelessly for children’s rights and contributed significantly to the City Life Church and Southern Cross Kids Camps over many years. Councillor Seymour expressed condolences to Carolyn’s family on behalf of the people of Tirhatuan Ward.

5. REPORTS BY COUNCILLORS

5.1 Committees & Delegates 1.

5.2 Ward Issues 3.

COUNCIL 24 February 2015 6. MOTIONS FOR WHICH NOTICE HAS PREVIOUSLY BEEN GIVEN

6.1 Amendment C131 and C133 (Housing Policy Review; the Rowville Plan and Boronia Activity Centre)

6.

7. CONSIDERING AND ORDERING UPON OFFICERS’ REPORTS WITHIN THE

CITY DEVELOPMENT GROUP

7.1

All Wards Report Of Planning Applications Decided Under Delegation (160/1/06)

7.

7.2

Friberg Ward 431 Scoresby Road, Ferntree Gully

14.

7.3

Friberg Ward 13 & 15 Kathryn Road Knoxfield

53.

8. PUBLIC QUESTION TIME (Following the completion of business relating to Item 6, City Development, the business before the Council Meeting will be deferred to consider questions submitted by the public). 97. 9. CONSIDERING AND ORDERING UPON OFFICERS’ REPORTS WITHIN THE

ENGINEERING & INFRASTRUCTURE GROUP

9.1

All Wards Knox Integrated Transport Plan

99.


COMMUNITY SERVICES GROUP

10.1

All Wards 2016 Child-Staff Ratio for Education and Care Services

106.


CORPORATE DEVELOPMENT GROUP

11.1

All Wards Annual Plan Progress Report 2014-15

172.

11.2

All Wards Management Financial Report for the Half Year ended 31 December 2014

188.

COUNCIL 24 February 2015 12. ITEMS FOR INFORMATION

12.1

All Wards Works Report (As Of 6 February 2015)

199.

12.2

All Wards Supplementary Valuations

218.

12.3

All Wards Assemblies of Councillors

222.

13. SUPPLEMENTARY ITEMS 227. 14. URGENT BUSINESS 227. 14.1 Urgent Business 227. 14.2 Call Up Items 227.

14.2.1 Place Naming of Strip Shopping Centre, Burwood Highway, Ferntree Gully 227.

14.2.2 Naming of Unnamed Waterways in The Basin 227. 15. QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE 228. GRAEME EMONSON CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

1 COUNCIL - REPORTS BY COUNCILLORS 24 February 2015

5. REPORTS BY COUNCILLORS

5.1 Committees & Delegates

5.1.1 COUNCILLOR TONY HOLLAND

Councillor Holland attended the following Meetings · Leadership Weekend · Knox Housing Advisory Committee · Italian Club 5.1.2 COUNCILLOR DARREN PEARCE

Councillor Pearce attended the following Meetings · Parkridge Preschool Rowville · Chief Executive Officer’s Performance Evaluation Committee · Leadership Weekend · Listening Post – Wellington Village Shopping Centre · Economic Development Committee 5.1.3 COUNCILLOR KARIN ORPEN

Councillor Orpen attended the following Meetings · Leadership Weekend · Knox Regional Sports Park Advisory Committee · Public Art Working Group 5.1.4 COUNCILLOR JOE COSSARI

Councillor Cossari attended the following Meetings · Knox Multicultural Advisory Committee (x2) · Chief Executive Officer’s Performance Evaluation Committee · Leadership Weekend · Chinese New Year Morning Tea with Hon Julie Bishop MP · Hungarofest Official Luncheon · Economic Development Committee

5.1.5 COUNCILLOR JOHN MORTIMORE

Councillor Mortimore attended the following Meetings · Leadership Weekend · Active Ageing Advisory Committee · Knox Disability Advisory Committee · Community Health and Wellbeing Reference Group · Waste and Resource Recovery Group Forum · Environment Advisory Committee · Hon Heidi Victoria MLA, member for Bayswater District · Knox Housing Advisory Committee

2 COUNCIL - REPORTS BY COUNCILLORS 24 February 2015 5.1 Committees & Delegates (cont'd)

5.1.6 COUNCILLOR NICOLE SEYMOUR

Councillor Seymour attended the following Meetings · Peppertree Hill Bowling Green Grand Opening · Knox Housing Advisory Committee · Leadership Weekend · Hindi Niketan Indian Republic Day Celebration · Active Ageing Advisory Committee · Knox Disability Advisory Committee · Community Health and Wellbeing Reference Group · Knox Regional Sports Park Advisory Committee (x2) · Scoresby Football Club · Early Years Advisory Committee · Tennis Knox · Restore Church – Launch of Crisis Centre

5.1.7 COUNCILLOR PETER LOCKWOOD (MAYOR)

Councillor Lockwood attended the following Meetings · Leadership Weekend · Fairpark Reserve Masterplan consultation sessions (x2) · Sankranthi Celebrations · Gay Pride March · Stroke Survivors Group · Municipal Association of Victoria Board (x2) · Knox Community Christmas Support Thank You Event · Ecumenical Church Service for 58th Parliament · Chief Executive Officer’s Performance Evaluation Committee · Municipal Association of Victoria Metro East representatives, Mayors and

Chief Executive Officer Meeting · Bayswater West Primary School walk to school · Eat Smart Awards Presentation · Knox Multicultural Advisory Committee · Eastern Transport Coalition · Municipal Association of Victoria Professional Development Reference

Group


5.2 Ward Issues

5.2.1 COUNCILLOR ORPEN (DOBSON WARD)

· Councillor Orpen was pleased to advise that the Knox Festival would be running this weekend in Ferntree Gully. Councillor Orpen noted that a highlight of the Festival’s program is the Torchlight Parade which honours the community’s CFA Volunteers. Councillor Orpen encouraged everyone to attend this wonderful community event.

· Councillor Orpen gave notice of her intention to raise a Call Up

item in relation to a local Ferntree Gully strip shopping precinct on Burwood Highway located between Station Street and Selman Avenue.

5.2.2 COUNCILLOR COSSARI (COLLIER WARD)

· Councillor Cossari advised of his attendance at Hungarofest held at the Hungarian Community Centre in Wantirna. Councillor Cossari expressed thanks on behalf of the organisers to Knox City Council for their support of this event.

· Councillor Cossari raised an issue of concern on behalf of the

traders at Wantirna Mall. A large colony of wasps has established themselves on an adjacent property.

· Councillor Cossari made reference to comments in the media

regarding the cleanliness of Council’s public toilets and requested the Director of Engineering and Infrastructure to explain current cleaning arrangements.

4 COUNCIL - REPORTS BY COUNCILLORS 24 February 2015 5.2 Ward Issues (Cont’d)

5.2.2 COUNCILLOR COSSARI (COLLIER WARD) (Cont’d) · The Director, Engineering and Infrastructure Dr Ian Bell

responded that Council has 49 public toilets across the municipality and that there are a range of cleaning regimes in place depending on location and usage. Dr Bell noted that those toilets which are in high use locations, such as those found in shopping strips, are cleaned twice a day. Dr Bell advised that people can contact Council’s Customer Service Department to report if the toilets have been left in a less than satisfactory state following use. He noted that Council’s cleaning contractors will generally respond within the hour in accordance with the terms of their contract with Council. Dr Bell advised that this regime is consistent with cleaning regimes at other public toilet facilities.

5.2.3 COUNCILLOR SEYMOUR (TIRHATUAN WARD)

· Councillor Seymour advised that she was working with key stakeholders, including Council’s sustainability team, to look at ways to reduce energy bills for community groups, particularly those in Council facilities.

· Councillor Seymour raised an issue of concern regarding clothing

recycling bins in her ward. Councillor Seymour advised she had received a number of complaints from traders regarding the number of bins being installed and the fact that the bins were becoming a dumping ground for people’s rubbish. Councillor Seymour noted that Council’s City Development team were working to find a solution to this problem.

5 COUNCIL - REPORTS BY COUNCILLORS 24 February 2015 5.2 Ward Issues (Cont’d)

5.2.4 COUNCILLOR MORTIMORE (CHANDLER WARD)

· Councillor Mortimore advised that the concerts in the park at the new pavilion in The Basin are being well received by the public and he encouraged anyone who had not yet been to get along to one of these events.

· Councillor Mortimore invited Councillors and the community to

attend The Basin Music Festival which is being held from 20 – 22 March 2015. Councillor Mortimore invited the Mayor and Mayoress along on the Friday night to formally open the festival.

· Councillor Mortimore advised that he has the honour of being the

flag bearer for Council in the Torchlight Parade with his CFA colleagues at the forthcoming Knox Festival.

5.2.5 COUNCILLOR LOCKWOOD (BAIRD WARD) · Councillor Lockwood advised that the Mountain Gate Tennis Club

has recently relocated to Baird ward. He raised an issue of concern in relation to weeds growing on the courts.

· Councillor Lockwood advised that the Big Futures school based

mentoring program were looking for volunteers to mentor students.

· Councillor Lockwood highlighted the good work of Katrina’s Job

Club which provides voluntary support to job seekers helping with preparation of CV’s and job seeking activities.

· Councillor Lockwood highlighted two key festivals this coming

weekend, the Knox Festival and the Philippine Festival of Music and Culture and encouraged all to attend.


PROCEDURAL MOTION

MOVED: CR. PEARCE SECONDED: CR. ORPEN

That Item 12 be moved and considered under item 6 on the Agenda

CARRIED

6. MOTIONS FOR WHICH NOTICE HAS PREVIOUSLY BEEN GIVEN

NOTICE OF MOTION NO. 28

6.1 AMENDMENT C131 AND C133 (HOUSING POLICY REVIEW; THE ROWVILLE PLAN AND BORONIA ACTIVITY CENTRE)

COUNCIL RESOLUTION MOVED: CR. LOCKWOOD SECONDED: CR. HOLLAND

That Knox City Council:

1. Define ‘relevant planning permit application’ as resolved in part 12 of

Item 7.8 on 27 January 2015 relating to the Knox Housing Strategy, Residential Design Guidelines, Rowville Plan and Planning Scheme Amendments C131 and C133 as follows:

‘A planning application that is lodged with Council as the Responsible Authority on or after 28 January 2015’

2. In accordance with the above definition, assess planning applications

lodged with the Council as the Responsible Authority on or before 27 January 2015 under the current Knox Planning Scheme provisions and not give any weight to Amendment C131 and C133 for these applications

CARRIED

7 COUNCIL – CITY DEVELOPMENT 24 February 2015

ALL WARDS

7.1 REPORT OF PLANNING APPLICATIONS DECIDED UNDER DELEGATION

SUMMARY: Manager – City Planning (Paul Dickie)

Details of planning applications considered under delegation are referred for information. It is recommended that the items be noted.

RECOMMENDATION

That the planning applications decided under delegation report (between 1 January to 31 January 2015) be noted.

REPORT

Details of planning applications decided under delegation from 1 January to 31 January 2015 are attached. The applications are summarised as follows:

Application Type No

Building Extensions: 3

Units 32 Subdivision 24 Tree Removal/Pruning 14 Single Dwelling 2 Change of Use 2 Fence 1 Liquor Licence 1 Home Occupation 1 Warehouse 1

TOTAL 81 COUNCIL RESOLUTION MOVED: CR. PEARCE SECONDED: CR. COSSARI

That the planning applications decided under delegation report (between 1 January to 31 January 2015) be noted. CARRIED


Knox City Council Planning Applications Decided by Responsible Officer

1 January 2015 to 31 January 2015

Ward No/ Type Address Description Decision

Baird 2014/6944 30 Stonehaven Avenue BORONIA VIC 3155

4 Lot Subdivision (Approved Unit Site)

5/01/2015 Approved

Baird 2014/6541 15 Falconer Road BORONIA VIC 3155

Development of the land for two (2) double storey dwellings and one (1) single storey dwelling (Total 3 dwellings)

14/01/2015 Notice of Decision

Baird 2014/7006 135 Dorset Road BORONIA VIC 3155


9/01/2015 Approved

Baird 2014/7014 8 Colorado Court FERNTREE GULLY VIC 3156


16/01/2015 Approved

Baird 2013/6941 1 Henry Street BORONIA VIC 3155

Development of the land for a three storey apartment building containing 12 dwellings


Baird 2014/7012

45 Corporate Boulevard BAYSWATER VIC 3153

7 Lot Subdivision (Existing Industrial Buildings)

22/01/2015 Approved

Baird 2015/9004 66 Devenish Road BORONIA VIC 3155

Remove one (1) Eucalyptus ovata

15/01/2015 Approved

Baird 2014/6428 4 Valerie Street BORONIA VIC 3155

The construction of two (2) double storey dwellings and one (1) single storey dwelling on the land


Baird 2014/6438 3 Penrith Street BORONIA VIC 3155

Development of the land for a double storey dwelling to the rear of the existing dwelling and modifications to the existing dwelling


Baird 2014/7026 5 Mossfield Avenue FERNTREE GULLY VIC 3156


22/01/2015 Approved

Baird 2014/6540 57 Dorset Road FERNTREE GULLY VIC 3156

Development of the land for two (2) double storey dwellings, removal of vegetation within the Public Acquisition Overlay and alteration of access to a Category 1 Road

27/01/2015 Approved

Baird 2014/6737 1 Woodvale Road BORONIA VIC 3155

The construction of 6 attached dwellings on the land (five (5) three storey and one (1) double storey)


9 COUNCIL – CITY DEVELOPMENT 24 February 2015 Ward No/ Type Address Description Decision

Baird 2014/6754 9 Simpson Road FERNTREE GULLY VIC 3156

The construction of three (3) single storey dwellings on the land

23/01/2015 Approved

Baird 2014/6886 29 Pine Crescent BORONIA VIC 3155

The construction of three (3) single storey dwellings on the land

27/01/2015 Approved

Chandler 2015/9005 25 Royalden Close BORONIA VIC 3155 The pruning one tree 22/01/2015

Approved

Chandler 2015/9003 5 Torresdale Drive BORONIA VIC 3155

Removal of one (1) XCupressocyparis leylandii

15/01/2015 Approved

Chandler 2015/6025 58 Inverness Avenue THE BASIN VIC 3154

Removal of 5 dead eucalyptus trees

30/01/2015 Approved

Chandler 2014/6948 6 Lynette Street BORONIA VIC 3155


20/01/2015 Approved

Chandler 2015/9008 11 Beresford Drive BORONIA VIC 3155

Removal of Cypress tree

29/01/2015 Approved

Chandler 2014/6966 66 Stewart Street BORONIA VIC 3155


16/01/2015 Approved

Chandler 2015/6014 28 Flinders Crescent BORONIA VIC 3155

Remove two (2) Eucalyptus obliqua and prune one (1) Eucalyptus nicholii

15/01/2015 Approved

Chandler 2015/6023 7 Casuarina Avenue BORONIA VIC 3155

The removal of one Eucalyptus nicholii in the rear yard and the removal of one Eucalyptus bicostata in the front setback

30/01/2015 Refused

Collier 2014/6167 331 Wantirna Road WANTIRNA VIC 3152

The construction of three (3) double storey dwellings and creation of access to a Category 1 Road

21/01/2015 Approved

Collier 2014/6735 555 Boronia Road WANTIRNA VIC 3152

The construction of a double storey dwelling to the rear of the existing dwelling and alteration to access to a Road Zone Category 1


Collier 2014/6501 2 Bentley Street WANTIRNA VIC 3152

Development of the land for two (2) double storey dwellings


Collier 2014/6583 158 Harold Street WANTIRNA VIC 3152

Development of the land for two (2) double storey dwellings and subdivision of the land into three (3) lots and vegetation removal



Dinsdale 2014/6821 171 Stud Road WANTIRNA SOUTH VIC 3152

The Change of Use of the site to a Specialist Medical Centre (with associated car parking and landscaping), reduction in car parking, and the creation of access to a Road Zone Category 1.

5/01/2015 Approved

Dinsdale 2014/6232 13B Cullis Parade BAYSWATER VIC 3153

Three double storey dwellings


Dinsdale 2014/6974 3-5 Birch Street BAYSWATER VIC 3153

22 lot Subdivision (Approved Apartment Building)

9/01/2015 Approved

Dinsdale 2014/6974 5 Birch Street BAYSWATER VIC 3153

22 lot Subdivision (Approved Apartment Building

9/01/2015 Approved

Dinsdale 2014/6530 5 Maple Street BAYSWATER VIC 3153

Development of land for three (3) dwellings (two (2) double storey and one (1) single storey)

7/01/2015 Approved

Dinsdale 2014/7106 94 Gertonia Avenue BORONIA VIC 3155

Removal of Corymbia citriodora

2/01/2015 Approved

Dinsdale 2014/6655 8 Maple Street BAYSWATER VIC 3153

The construction of a single storey dwelling to the rear of the existing dwelling


Dinsdale 2015/9002 14/2 Dixon Court BORONIA VIC 3155

Removal of one Eucalyptus botryoides (Southern Mahogany Gum)

9/01/2015 Approved

Dinsdale 2015/9007 13 Comrie Court BAYSWATER VIC 3153


29/01/2015 Approved

Dinsdale 2014/6817 6 Roy Court BORONIA VIC 3155

Development of the land for a double storey dwelling at the rear of the existing dwelling


Dinsdale 2014/6692 38 Orange Grove BAYSWATER VIC 3153

Development of the land for a double storey dwelling to the rear of the existing dwelling


Dinsdale 2014/6524 468 Boronia Road WANTIRNA SOUTH VIC 3152

The construction of three (3) double storey dwellings on the land


Dinsdale 2014/6985 19 Arbroath Road WANTIRNA SOUTH


08/01/2015 Approved

Dinsdale 2014/6560 1/68 Orange Grove BAYSWATER VIC 3153

Development of the land for a single storey dwelling to the rear of the existing dwelling

16/01/2015 Approved


Dobson 2014/7113 28 Warrabel Road FERNTREE GULLY VIC 3156

Removal of one dead Eucalyptus obliqua and the pruning of one other Eucalyptus obliqua.

6/01/2015 Approved

Dobson 2014/6453 18 Cornhill Street FERNTREE GULLY VIC 3156

Development of the land for a single storey dwelling to the rear of the existing dwelling

07/01/2015

Dobson 2015/9000 1-3/35 Veronica Street FERNTREE GULLY VIC 3156

Pruning of one (1) English Oak tree

6/01/2015 Approved

Dobson 2015/6003 22 Ormonde Road FERNTREE GULLY VIC 3156

Removal of 2 trees (Grevillea robusta and Allocasuarina cunninghamiana) and the pruning of two trees (Corymbia citriodora)

9/01/2015 Approved

Dobson 2014/6864 8 Seascape Close FERNTREE GULLY VIC 3156

The construction of a two storey dwelling on the land

20/01/2015 Approved

Dobson 2015/9001 4 Blackwood Park Road FERNTREE GULLY VIC 3156

Removal of one Ulmus procera (Elm tree)

8/01/2015 Approved

Dobson 2015/9006 3 Roberts Street FERNTREE GULLY VIC 3156

Front Fence 23/01/2015 Approved

Friberg 2014/6825 846 Burwood Highway FERNTREE GULLY VIC 3156

Buildings and works associated with a Kebab Shop and associated carparking

2/01/2015 Approved

Friberg 2014/7058 10 Clyde Street FERNTREE GULLY VIC 3156

Machinery Storage Shed

2/01/2015 Approved

Friberg 2014/6549 70 Mountain Gate Drive FERNTREE GULLY VIC 3156

The construction of a single storey dwelling to the rear of the existing dwelling

12/01/2015 Approved

Friberg 2014/7011 6 Anne Road KNOXFIELD VIC 3180


19/01/2015 Approved

Friberg 2014/6814 8 Lloyd Street KNOXFIELD VIC 3180

Development of a single storey dwelling to the rear of the existing dwelling and alterations to the existing dwelling


Friberg 2014/6416 61 Norma Crescent KNOXFIELD VIC 3180

Development of a single storey dwelling to the rear of the existing dwelling including alterations to the existing dwelling, pruning of native vegetation and subdivision of the land into two (2) lots



Friberg 2014/6627 27 Conn Street FERNTREE GULLY VIC 3156

The construction of three (3) double storey dwellings on the land


Friberg 2014/6656 3 Valetta Crescent KNOXFIELD VIC 3180

Development of the land for a double storey dwelling to the rear of the existing dwelling


Friberg 2014/6872 5 Valetta Crescent KNOXFIELD VIC 3180

Development of land for a double storey dwelling to the rear of the existing dwelling and associated vegetation removal


Friberg 2014/6632 14 Ferguson Court FERNTREE GULLY VIC 3156

Development of a double storey dwelling to the rear of the existing dwelling


Friberg 2014/6815

Grd Floor Sh 53/1880 Ferntree Gully Road FERNTREE GULLY VIC 3156

Change of Use - Liquor Licence

13/01/2015 Approved

Scott 2014/6958 30 Bunnett Road KNOXFIELD VIC 3180


2/01/2015 Approved

Scott 2014/6849 10 Helpmann Street WANTIRNA SOUTH VIC 3152

Home occupation (Swimming School)


Scott 2014/6619 17 Blind Creek Lane WANTIRNA SOUTH VIC 3152

Development of the land for the construction of a double storey dwelling to the rear of the existing dwelling


Taylor 2014/7013 20 Anthony Drive LYSTERFIELD VIC 3156

2 Lot Subdivision (Existing Dwellings)

5/01/2015 Approved

Taylor 2014/6835 11 Wartook Way ROWVILLE VIC 3178

2 lot subdivision (Approved Unit Site)

6/01/2015 Approved

Taylor 2015/9009 4 Provence Rise LYSTERFIELD VIC 3156

Remove 1 Tree 30/01/2015 Approved

Taylor 2014/6824 5/86 Major Crescent LYSTERFIELD VIC 3156

Development of the land for a double storey dwelling

7/01/2015 Approved

Tirhatuan 2014/6992 525 Stud Road WANTIRNA SOUTH VIC 3152

12 Lot Subdivision - Stage T

5/01/2015 Approved

Tirhatuan 2014/6929 19 Latona Avenue KNOXFIELD VIC 3180

2 Lot Subdivision (approved development site)

5/01/2015 Approved


7 Lot Subdivison - Stage V

5/01/2015 Approved


Tirhatuan 2014/7020 2/895A Wellington Road ROWVILLE VIC 3178

Use of an existing building as an Indoor Recreation facility (Swimming School)

5/01/2015 Approved

Tirhatuan 2014/6898 2 Hi-Tech Place ROWVILLE VIC 3178

The construction of a fence and carport

5/01/2015 Approved

Tirhatuan 2014/6938 31 Allister Close KNOXFIELD VIC 3180

The construction of a double storey dwelling on the land

14/01/2015 Approved


8 Lot Subdivision - Stage U

5/01/2015 Approved

Tirhatuan 2014/6794 99 George Street SCORESBY VIC 3179


5/01/2015 Approved

Tirhatuan 2014/6551 29 George Street SCORESBY VIC 3179


5/01/2015 Approved

Tirhatuan 2014/7016 15 Bamba Court SCORESBY VIC 3179


21/01/2015 Approved

Tirhatuan 2014/6711 7 Lakeview Avenue ROWVILLE VIC 3178

2 Lot Subdivision 12/01/2015 Approved

Tirhatuan 2014/7040 5 Deschamp Crescent ROWVILLE VIC 3178


30/01/2015 Approved

Tirhatuan 2014/6780 5 Third Avenue ROWVILLE VIC 3178

Development of the land for four (4) double storey dwellings


Tirhatuan 2014/7045 1/1333 Ferntree Gully Road SCORESBY VIC 3179

2 Lot Subdivision (Approved Commercial Development)

28/01/2015 Approved

Tirhatuan 2014/7034 26 Deschamp Crescent ROWVILLE VIC 3178


28/01/2015 Approved

Tirhatuan 2014/7051 804 Stud Road SCORESBY VIC 3179

2 Lot Subdivision (Existing commercial buildings)

22/01/2015 Approved

Tirhatuan 2014/6813 6 Enterprise Drive ROWVILLE VIC 3178

The construction of 36 warehouses, ancillary offices, and associated reduction in car parking

14/01/2015 Refused

TOTAL: 81


FRIBERG WARD

7.2 APPLICATION FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF TWENTY-ONE (21) DOUBLE STOREY AND THREE (3) SINGLE STOREY DWELLINGS (A TOTAL OF 24 DWELLINGS) AND REMOVAL OF VEGETATION AT 431 SCORESBY ROAD, FERNTREE GULLY. Melway Ref. 73 D2 (Application No. P/2014/6120)

1. SUMMARY:

Land: 431 Scoresby Road, Ferntree Gully Applicant: Calibre Planning Pty Ltd Proposed Development: Construction of twenty-one (21) double

storey and three (3) single storey dwellings (total 24 dwellings) and the removal of native vegetation

Existing Land Use: Single dwelling Area/Density: 6,468m2 / 1:269.5m2 Zoning: General Residential Zone – Schedule 2 Overlays: Nil Local Policy: Municipal Strategic Statement (MSS) -

adopted Development in Residential Areas and Neighbourhood Character Policy - adopted

Application Received: 26 February 2014 Number of Objections: 31 objections PCC Meeting: 18 November 2014 Assessment:

The proposed development is inconsistent with Council’s adopted Development in Residential Areas and Neighbourhood Character Policy.

The proposal has not adequately achieved the objectives of ResCode (Clause 55).

While the provision of car parking is satisfactory, the proposal has not adequately achieved the design standards for car parking and accessways as required by Clause 52.06 (Car Parking).

The proposal does not comply with the adopted General Residential Zone – Schedule 2, including the provision of canopy tree planting and private open space.

On balance, it is considered that the proposal does not respond to State and Local Planning Policies and it is recommended that Council issue a Notice of Refusal.

15 COUNCIL – CITY DEVELOPMENT 24 February 2015 7.2 431 Scoresby Road, Ferntree Gully (cont’d)

2. BACKGROUND

2.1 Planning Scheme Amendments

Amendment C131 proposes to implement the findings of the Knox Housing Strategy 2013, the Knox Residential Guidelines, the Rowville Plan (2013) and the new residential zones. Amendment C131 has completed the exhibition and panel process and was adopted by Council on 27 January 2015.

Amendment C131 is therefore a seriously entertained document, and the following report reflects this status.

2.2 Subject Site and Surrounds

The location of the subject site is shown in Appendix A.

· The subject site is irregular in shape, located on the eastern side of Scoresby Road and western side of Carlisle Road, in Ferntree Gully. The site has an overall area of 6,468m2 with an abuttal to Scoresby Road for 60.96 metres and an abuttal to Carlisle Road for 53.57 metres.

· The land, previously used for a Church, is currently vacant. Access to the site is via two existing crossovers on Scoresby Road. There are no easements within the subject site.

· Adjoining properties are developed for residential purposes. Generally, dwellings in the surrounding area consist of a mix of single and double storey brick dwellings.

· A mixture of native and exotic vegetation is scattered throughout the site, including shrubs, indigenous remnant vegetation and environmental weed species. The indigenous remnant vegetation includes Eucalypt and Wattle species. There are also a number of non-native Eucalypt species that have been planted. The naturestrip contains two street trees (both Eucalypts).

2.3 The Proposal

(Refer to attached plans at Appendix B)

The application proposes to construct twenty-one (21) double storey dwellings and three (3) single storey dwellings (total 24 dwellings) and remove native vegetation. Details of the proposed development are as follows:

· The double storey dwellings range in height from 6.72 metres to 8.36 metres.


· Dwellings 1 to 5 will front Carlisle Road with a setback of 9 metres.

· Of the 24 dwellings, four (4) dwellings are proposed to contain two bedrooms, 17 dwellings are to contain three (3) bedrooms, one (1) dwelling is to contain four (4) bedrooms and two (2) dwellings are to contain three (3) bedrooms and a study.

· In addition, each dwelling contains an entrance, open kitchen, living and dining, bathroom/s and laundry with ground level private open space. Some dwellings also provide for a first floor living area.

· Vehicle access is proposed via Carlisle Road. Three single width crossovers will provide access to three (3) dwellings, while a double width crossover will provide access to a shared driveway servicing the 21 remaining dwellings. Each dwelling is provided with either a double garage, a single garage with tandem space, or a single garage (two (2) bedroom dwellings only). Four (4) visitor parking spaces are proposed.

· Pedestrian access will be provided to Scoresby Road along the southern boundary. A tree reserve is proposed abutting part of Scoresby Road (adjacent to the existing tree reserve).

· The dwelling designs are a combination of modern and traditional styles, with brickwork to the ground floor and render to the first floor, and a pitched or flat roof.

· It is proposed to retain nine (9) Eucalypt trees, as well as the row of Eucalyptus cinerea and a Allocasuarina torulosa. The majority of these trees are adjacent Scoresby Road and will be contained with the proposed Tree Reserve. All other vegetation is to be removed, including the three trees and the Gharnia that trigger a permit for removal pursuant to Clause 52.17 (Native Vegetation).

3. CONSULTATION

3.1 Advertising The application was advertised, by way of mail notices, to adjoining and nearby property owners and occupiers, and a notice was erected on the site. Council received thirty-one (31) objections to the proposal. The primary concerns expressed can be summarised as follows:


Impact of increased traffic in Carlisle Road and onto Burwood Highway

· While there will be an impact on traffic onto Burwood Highway, Council has undertaken a traffic assessment and determined that the proposed development will create one(1) additional vehicle per cycle traffic signal at the intersection with Burwood Highway. This is not considered to be unreasonable.

· It is considered that existing streets have capacity to absorb this increase in traffic within the local road network.

Insufficient parking provided for dwellings and visitors

· Parking for the dwellings and visitors have been provided in accordance with Clause 52.06 (Car Parking). Each three (3) or more bedroom dwelling is provided with two (2) car spaces and each two (2) bedroom dwelling is provided with a single car space. Four (4) visitor parking spaces are proposed. This meets the parking ratio for dwellings as specified under Clause 52.06 (Car Parking).

Impact of increased parking in Carlisle Road

· As outlined above, parking for the dwellings and visitors has been provided in accordance with Clause 52.06 (Car Parking).

Safety concerns for road users and pedestrians

· It is not anticipated that the proposal will create safety concerns for road users and pedestrians, provided vehicles are able to exit in a forward direction from the main accessway, and appropriate sightlines are provided.

Width of existing road is insufficient for parking and vehicle access

· Objectors have expressed a concern that Carlisle Road is narrow and cannot accommodate parking on both sides of the street. If necessary, this issue could to be addressed through parking restrictions.


Rubbish collection

· The applicant has proposed for rubbish collection to be carried out on site. The detail for how this will work, including the location of rubbish bins, will need to be provided in a Waste Management Plan for assessment. Currently, there are concerns with the location of rubbish bins within landscaping areas and driveway areas, and the ability for the waste vehicle to enter and exit in a forwards direction to collect the bins. A condition of any permit will require the submission and approval of a Waste Management Plan.

Existing flooding problems will be worsened

· Council’s Engineers have not raised an issue with flooding as a result of this development. Any permit to issue will require the submission and approval of a drainage plan, which will include the capture of stormwater and its retention within the site to peak pre-development flows, and discharge into the drainage system.

Access should be via Scoresby Road, not Carlisle Road

· Scoresby Road is classified as a Road Zone Category 1. A Planning Permit is required to provide access onto Scoresby Road. VicRoads were approached to consider whether an access could be provided onto Scoresby Road and have indicated that any request would be refused.

Increased light and noise impacting on amenity

· While there will be an increase in light (through internal and external dwelling lighting and vehicles) and noise, this is not expected to be greater than would be expected in a residential area, and would not be unreasonable.

Impact of double storey built form on privacy, amenity and overshadowing

· The proposal will not result in unreasonable impacts on amenity as a result of double storey built form. Privacy is protected through screening measures to limit overlooking, overshadowing complies with Standard B21 (Overshadowing) of ResCode. Further, setbacks of first floor areas to adjoining properties is reasonable and first floor areas are recessed from ground floor areas. Single storey built form is proposed adjacent to sensitive interfaces to reduce the impact of double storey built form. As such, while double storey dwellings are proposed, it is considered that they have been sited and designed to reduce amenity impacts.


3.2 Planning Consultative Committee Meeting

A Planning Consultative Committee (PCC) Meeting was held at the Civic Centre on 18 November 2014. Thirteen (13) people signed the attendance sheet at the meeting. Objectors expressed the following main concerns with the proposal:

· Traffic and parking (particularly access onto Scoresby Road).

· Safety.

· Waste management.

· Flooding.

There were no negotiated outcomes at the conclusion of the meeting. Councillor Seymour and Councillor Holland requested Council officers investigate the ability to provide additional visitor parking and VicRoads opinion on access onto Scoresby Road. The applicant has advised that providing additional visitor parking would necessitate the removal of a dwelling, which they do not support. Further, VicRoads have advised that they would not support any application for access to the development onto Scoresby Road.

3.3 Referrals

The application has been referred to internal departments, VicRoads and CFA for comment. The following is a summary of relevant advice: VicRoads (Section 52 Referral) VicRoads have advised as follows:

Following receipt of a number of objections to the proposed development, Council has requested that VicRoads provide comments on whether it would consider access, or part access via Scoresby Road.

Scoresby Road is a declared road under the Road Management Act 2004. Its primary purpose is to provide for the safe and efficient movement of road traffic. To assist in achieving this goal, it is VicRoads practice to keep the number of vehicular access points on declared roads to a minimum and wherever possible directing access to be from local streets. This ensures that the least amount of interruptions is experienced by commuters and enhances safety and general amenity of the area.


VicRoads considers that Carlisle Road and the intersection of Carlisle Road and Burwood Highway have sufficient capacity to handle the traffic generated from the proposed development.

Given that access from a lower order road is available, VicRoads would object to an application that relied, fully or partly, on vehicular access to Scoresby Road.

If Council regards the proposed development favourably, VicRoads suggests that conditions be included on any permit to issue. CFA (Section 52 Referral) · No objection subject to conditions as recommended. Drainage Engineer · Inadequate overland flow path through the property is shown. The applicant

must demonstrate how overland flow for the 100 year ARI will be appropriately managed to Council’s satisfaction in the engineering stormwater plans.

· Standard conditions on any permit to issue.

Traffic Engineer

In relation to additional traffic impacts on the intersection of Burwood Highway and Carlisle Road:

· Traffic inspections were carried out on 29 January and 2 February to capture traffic access from Carlisle Road onto Burwood Highway during morning peak (8am to 9am), on behalf of Council. It was determined that the average queue was one (1) car with a maximum queue of three (3) cars. At each traffic light cycle on Burwood Highway, one (1) car is able to enter Burwood Highway when the light turned red. If the queue is more than one car, the second or third cars do not wait until another cycle of red light. They attempt to turn in the left lane on Burwood Highway even if the adjacent lane(s) have oncoming traffic. In summary, the increase of queue length on Carlisle Road from the development at 431 Scoresby Road is not a major concern. However, with the delay, we expected that the average increase will be approximately 100 to 120 seconds. There will also be some risk taking behaviours from some motorists. There is no obvious mitigating measure to ease the intersection. Logically, an access onto Scoresby Road will help even if it is an exit only. Unfortunately, VicRoads have declined.


In relation to the internal driveway and layout:

· A total of 8 units require additional movements to enter and exit the garage. Some need to perform full-lock turn from a stationary position when reversing from the spaces. In reference to Clause 52.06, it is considered that a lot of these car parking spaces are not of a high standard. They do not create a safe environment for users and do not enable easy and efficient use.

· The traffic flow and road safety issue at the East-West section of the driveway remains. There are 3 passing bays and 4 visitor car parking spaces located along this section of driveway. As the width of the driveway (approximately 3.5m) only fits one vehicle, motorists need to constantly negotiate the irregular driveway alignment and judge clearances to parked vehicles. This does not facilitate the ease and safety with which vehicles access and circulate within the parking area as required by Clause 52.06-9.

· Aisle width between tandem spaces is to be a minimum of 6.4m to ensure access as required by Clause 52.06-9.

· An approved Construction Management Plan (CMP) to be developed prior to the commencement of the construction is required.

Waste Services

· A Waste Management Plan (WMP) that clearly demonstrates the appropriate, practical & safe storage and collection of garbage bins, recycle bins and green waste bins (if applicable) on-site as per Council’s Waste Management in Multi-Unit Developments (MUDs) Policy & Procedure must be submitted for approval.

· The road pavement and bridge on-site would need to be constructed for an 8.8 GVM garbage vehicle.

Arborist

· The land is larger than 4000 square metres and Clause 52.17 (Native Vegetation) applies which means a permit is required to remove or prune indigenous/Victorian native vegetation. An offset is required to replace the indigenous trees that will be removed.


· There are several remnant indigenous trees and Narnia (ground flora) that trigger a permit under Clause 52.17 for removal or pruning. The indigenous trees that require a permit (and are proposed to be removed) include two (2) Acacia melanoxylon, a Eucalyptus obliqua and a Eucalyptus cephalocarpa.

· A small clump of Narnia sp. grows next to a Melaleuca lanceolata in the north-west corner of the property. Narnia is indigenous perennial sedge and it should be retained within the development.

· A large number of environmental weed species grow on the property e.g. Sweet Pittosporum, Glossy leaf Privet, Cherry-plum, Laurestinus, Cotoneaster, Hakea salicifolia, Ivy and Blackberries, etc. These must be removed.

Landscape

· Dwelling 2 does not have adequate space to plant a small/medium canopy tree in the rear private open space. The front setback does not provide adequate room for a large canopy tree with Dwelling 1 driveway and the main common driveway on either side of this space.

· The rear private open space of Dwellings 3, 4 and 10 are too small to allow a small/medium tree to be planted due to the built form surrounding this space.

· No provision has been given to allow for canopy trees to be planted internally on the site in any of the common property adjacent to the driveway and buildings. The setbacks are too small and can only support small shrubs. Such a large site has the capacity to allow good setbacks to allow canopy trees to be planted to help soften the bulk density with good design.

· Water sensitive urban design options should be explored to capture the first rainfall flush from the driveway and or roof.

· Sheds in the private open space areas may need to be relocated to accommodate tree positions to allow trees to be no closer than 3 metres to built structures.

· Additional tree planting opportunities exist along the Scoresby Road reserve in several locations where large void spaces occur.


Assets

· Existing footpath and pram crossing that ends in middle of the block to be retained or altered depending upon crossing locations. As above proposed crossings will require set out to determine if any conflict exists.

· Approved traffic control will be required along with Memorandum Of Authorisation (MOA) through VicRoads for all works along Scoresby Rd.

· Light pole and other utilities are to be a minimum of 1m clear from proposed crossing sites.

City Futures

· As a large site the development may be able to create a ‘new character’, however interfaces with the existing residential area should be carefully addressed.

Sustainability Officer

· The submitted Sustainable Design Assessment meets Council’s sustainability requirements and can be approved.

4. DISCUSSION

This section considers the proposed development in light of the provisions of the Knox Planning Scheme, including State and Local Planning Policies, any other relevant policies, and objectives.

4.1 Zoning and Overlays

4.1.1 Zone

The site is zoned General Residential Zone – Schedule 2 of the Knox Planning Scheme. Pursuant to Clause 32.08-4, a permit is required to construct two or more dwellings on a lot.

The subject site will be located within the General Residential Zone – Schedule 2 as adopted by Amendment C131.

The adopted Schedule 2 to the General Residential Zone varies the ResCode requirements for Standard B6 (Minimum street setback), Standard B13 (Landscaping), Standard B28 (Private open space) and Standard B32 (Front fence).

The varied Standard B6 (Minimum street setback) will require a setback to the second street (corner lots) of 4.5 metres.


· The site is not on a corner.

The varied Standard B13 (Landscaping) will require landscaping consisting of a minimum of one canopy tree per 175 square metres of the site area including a minimum of one canopy tree within each area of secluded private open space; and a minimum of one canopy tree within the front setback per 5 metres of width of the site (excluding the width of one driveway.

Each tree should be surrounded by 20 sqm metres permeable surface with a minimum radius of 3 metres. Up to 50 per cent of the permeable surface may be shared with another tree.

· The proposed development would need to cater for a total of thirty-seven (37) canopy trees, including one (1) canopy tree within each private open space area (equating to twenty-four (24) canopy trees).

· The proposed development will not accommodate the canopy tree planting within private open space areas, or meet the permeability requirements for all proposed dwellings. The proposed development can cater for the further thirteen (13) canopy trees required through retention of existing vegetation.

· The proposed development would also need to cater for a total of 10 canopy trees within the front setback. Including three (3) existing canopy trees within the frontage, it is considered that the frontage can accommodate an additional seven (7) canopy trees.

The varied Standard B28 (Private open space) will require private open space consisting of an area of 100 square metres with one part of the private open space to consist of secluded private open space at the side or rear of the dwelling or residential building with minimum area of 60 square metres with a minimum dimension of 5 metres of secluded private open space with convenient access from a living room.

· The majority of dwellings do not provide the minimum secluded private open space area, or the total private open space area, as required by the Schedule.

Additionally, Standard B32 (front fences) is varied to require a fence height of 2m to a street in a Road Zone Category 1 and 1.2m to other streets.


· A 1.2 metre high front fence to Carlisle Road is proposed. A 1.8 metre high timber paling fence to Scoresby Road (which will become a rear boundary) is proposed. It is considered that compliance with Standard B32 is achieved.

Dwellings or residential buildings must not exceed a height of 8 metres. · The proposed dwellings will exceed the maximum height of 8 metres.

4.1.2 Overlays

The site is not affected by any Overlays.

4.2 Policy Consideration

4.2.1 State Planning Policy Framework (SPPF)

State policy requires Council to integrate the range of policies, relevant to the issues to be determined and balance conflicting objectives in favour of net community benefit and sustainable development.

Key Policies:

Clause 15 Built Environment and Heritage – Encourages high quality architecture and urban design outcomes that reflect the particular characteristics, aspirations and cultural identity of the community; enhances liveability, diversity, amenity and safety of the public realm; and promotes attractiveness of towns and cities within broader strategic contexts.

· The design of the development reflects built form, scale and modern finishes found in the area. The proposal provides increased density with reasonable amenity impacts, within 1500 metres of Knox Shopping Centre and with access to public transport.

Clause 15.02 Sustainable Development – Encourage land use and development that is consistent with the efficient use of energy and the minimisation of greenhouse gas emissions.

· The proposal contributes to the consolidation of urban development through the provision of increased density with access to urban services and transport. Dwellings are generally orientated to the north to provide for passive solar access.


· The proposed development will require eaves or shading devices to all north, east and west facing windows. This will be required through a condition on any permit to issue.

· A condition of any permit issued will require the development to be constructed in accordance with the approved Sustainable Design Assessment to the satisfaction of the Responsible Authority.

Clause 16 Housing – Encourage the development of well-designed, medium-density housing that respects the neighbourhood character, improves housing choice, makes better use of existing infrastructure and improves energy efficiency of housing.

· Neighbourhood character - This is discussed at Section 4.2.2 of the report.

· Housing choice – The development contributes to diversity of housing within Knox through the provision of two (2), three (3) and four (4) bedroom dwellings.

· Integration with infrastructure – The site is located in a fully serviced area. Drainage plans will be required as a condition of any permit issued.

· Energy efficiency – This has been discussed at Section 4.2.1 of the report.

· Location – The site is not located within a Local Living or Activity Area, nor on the Principal Public Transport Network. However, this is a large site that should be capable of accommodating a multi-dwelling development, whilst making a positive contribution to the character of the area. The proposed development would require a re-design to provide landscaping and private open space in accordance with the adopted General Residential Zone – Schedule 2. It is considered that a proposal that also achieved these requirements would be consistent with the Municipal Strategic Statement (MSS) and Council’s Development in Residential Areas and Neighbourhood Character Policy.


Clause 18 Transport – To create a safe and sustainable transport system by integrating land use, and transport.

· The site is located approximately 85 metres walking distance from a bus stop on Scoresby Road, which is serviced by Bus Routes 753 and 755. In addition, the site is located approximately 210 metres from Burwood Highway, which is serviced by Bus Route 732.

· Bus Route 732 from Box Hill to Upper Ferntree Gully via Vermont South, Knox City and Mountain Gate operates between 4:52am and 1:08am Monday to Friday; between 4:57am and 1:12am Saturdays and between 6:45am and 12:05am on Sundays, at various intervals.

· Bus Route 753 from Glen Waverley to Bayswater, via Wheelers Hill, Knoxfield and Boronia operates between 5:51am and 9:09pm Monday to Friday, between 7:47am and 9:07pm on Saturdays and between 8:51am and 8.48pm on Sundays, at various intervals.

· Bus Route No. 755 from Bayswater to Knox City via The Basin, Boronia, and Ferntree Gully operates between 6:07am and 9:19pm Monday to Friday, between 8:16am and 9:21pm Saturdays, and between 9:19am and 9:24pm on Sundays at various intervals.

4.2.2 Local Planning Policy Framework Clause 21.04 – Municipal Strategic Statement (MSS). – Sustainable urban design outcomes are a central concern to Knox. Built form can be a major contributor to long-term sustainability objectives through the use of ecologically sustainable design (ESD) principles. Further, water sensitive urban design (WSUD) aims to optimise and integrate urban planning with the management of urban water systems.

· Where possible, provision has been made to achieve good solar access to living areas, with north facing habitable room windows and a northern orientation to private open space areas. Eaves or shading devices should be provided to all habitable room windows, and this can be included as a condition on any permit to issue.

· A condition of any permit issued will require the development be constructed in accordance with the approved Sustainable Design Statement to the satisfaction of the Responsible Authority.

· A condition of any permit issued can require water sensitive urban design (WSUD) outcomes to be incorporated into any drainage and landscaping plans.


Clause 21.05 – Housing – The Housing theme implements the Knox Housing Strategy 2015. In managing Knox’s current and future housing needs, Council supports a scaled approach to residential development. This scaled approach recognises that some parts of the City will need to accommodate change, due to population growth and the community’s changing household needs. Development in residential areas will need to respond positively to the desired future character of the local area and take account of the particular built form and natural environmental elements that make up the neighbourhood character of Knox. The strong landscape character is the unifying element of the neighbourhood character of Knox.

The subject site is located within a “Knox Neighbourhood” area, which has a sense of spaciousness within the public and private realm. These areas will continue to be low-scale neighbourhoods, characterised by detached dwellings with large backyards which contribute to the area’s green and leafy character.

Objective 1 for Housing Objectives and Strategies is to support residential development in accordance with the Knox Housing Strategy 2015, which identifies a scaled approach to residential development. A Strategy is to direct housing growth toward Local Living and Activity Areas.

· The subject site is not within a Local Living or Activity Area. However this is a large site that should be capable of accommodating a multi-dwelling development whilst making a positive contribution to the character of the area. The proposed development would require a re-design to provide landscaping and private open space in accordance with the adopted General Residential Zone – Schedule 2. It is considered that a proposal that also achieved these requirements would be consistent with the MSS and the Development in Residential Areas and Neighbourhood Character Policy.

Objective 2 is to support a diversity of housing choice in appropriate locations. Strategies include encouraging a diversity of housing styles, types, forms and sizes to cater for the changing needs of the community.

· The proposal includes the provision of two (2), three (3) and four (4) bedroom dwellings which will provide for a diversity in housing sizes within the development and Knox. It is considered that the proposal achieves this objective.


Objective 3 is to ensure the quality of housing design in Knox is improved to better respond to neighbourhood identity and to create a stronger sense of place. Strategies include ensuring that residential development enhances the City’s “green and leafy” image, support development that makes a positive contribution to the preferred future character of the area and that is innovative, environmentally sustainable, accessible and site responsive.

· It is considered that the proposal does not achieve this objective. The proposed development would achieve this objective were the provision of landscaping and private open space provided in accordance with the adopted General Residential Zone – Schedule 2. Additional private open space would allow for greater canopy tree planting and landscaping, to enhance the City’s “green and leafy” image.

Objective 4 is to protect and enhance the landscape and environmental values of the nature areas of significance within the municipality.

· The site is not within a nature area of significance, such as the Dandenong Foothills. However, the proposal includes a Tree Reserve which will ensure the long term retention of indigenous remnant vegetation. A condition of any permit to issue will require the retention of the Narnia.

Objective 5 is to ensure that residential development better responds to the community’s current and future needs, and allows people to ‘age-in-place’ by supporting the provision of a diverse range of housing including smaller scale dwellings.

· The proposal includes smaller two (2) bedrooms dwellings. There are also dwellings that provide for all amenities and a bedroom at ground level.

Clause 22.07 – Development in Residential Areas and Neighbourhood Character: Knox Neighbourhood Area – The desired future character of this area is to:

· Continue to be low-scale neighbourhoods, characterised by detached houses and dual occupancies; with some villa unit developments on larger blocks.

· Retain their green and leafy identity and character through the retention of front and back yards, and the establishment of a garden setting that includes canopy trees.


The key design objectives are: To retain and enhance the streetscape by the planting of appropriate trees on private land.

· The proposal does retain significant ingenious remnant vegetation within a proposed Tree Reserve, which would provide long term protection.

· Within the streetscape there is the ability for planting of canopy trees, however species will generally be small. This is particularly so within the frontage of Dwellings 1 and 2, where driveways and paths dissect the frontage, severely limiting landscaping areas.

To avoid dominance of buildings from the street.

· The proposal has avoided the dominance of buildings from the street. This is achieved through a 9 metre front setback, retention of vegetation within the front setback, separation of built form at ground level between Dwellings 2 and 3. First floors have been setback from ground levels and provide for separation of built form. At ground level, Dwellings 3 and 5 have further recessed sections surrounded by a paling fence. These would be more effective without fencing, and this could be dealt with as a condition on any permit to issue. The proposal has achieved the design objective.

To avoid loss of front and rear garden space.

· The proposal has not achieved the private open space requirements of the adopted General Residential Zone – Schedule 2.

· As outlined above, the frontage to Dwellings 1 and 2 is dissected with the driveway and path to each dwelling. This has limited front garden space.


To avoid the dominance of car storage facilities from the street.

· The design outcome for Dwellings 3 to 5 is considered to meet this requirement, with two (2) single crossovers provided to access two (2) garages setback in line with the dwelling facade. These dwellings also provide an entrance and habitable room fronting the street.

· Dwelling 1 is also provided with a single crossover leading to a single garage and tandem space. While the porch is visible from the street, there are no habitable room windows fronting the street. The car parking facilities become the dominant feature.

To retain large backyards for landscaping and open space.

· The proposal has not achieved the private open space requirements of the adopted General Residential Zone – Schedule 2.

To ensure buildings reflect the prevailing scale of buildings in the street.

· The proposed dwellings reflect the prevailing scale of buildings in the street. Fronting Carlisle Road, dwellings are provided with brick at ground floor, render at first floor and a tiled pitched roof, lending the dwellings a design respectful of existing dwellings, but also a modern appearance. Also, setbacks and gradation of the first floor achieve the prevailing scale of buildings in the street.

· Within the development (not visible from the street), the facades are varied to include a combination of pitched roof and flat roof forms, a variation of window sizes and orientation and external materials.

4.3 Particular Provisions

Clause 52.06 Car Parking

Prior to a new use commencing or a new building being occupied, the car parking spaces required under Clause 52.06-5 must be provided on the land, or as approved under Clause 52.06-3 to the satisfaction of the Responsible Authority.

Clause 52.06-5 outlines the requisite amount of parking to be provided as follows:


To each dwelling, at a ratio of one car space to each one or two bedroom dwelling, and two spaces for each dwelling with three or more bedrooms (with studies, or studios, that are separate rooms counted as bedrooms).

· Each three (3) or four (4) bedroom dwelling is provided with a double garage or a single garage with tandem car space, which complies with Clause 52.06-2.

· Each two (2) bedroom dwelling is provided with a single garage, which complies with Clause 52.06-2.

· Four (4) visitor car parking spaces have been provided onsite as required by Clause 52.06.2.

Clause 52.06-8 details the design standards for car parking. The provision of car parking should meet the design requirements of this Clause. An assessment of the design standards, including any areas of non-compliance, are considered below:

Design Standard 1: Accessways – Does not comply. There are concerns, as outlined by Council’s Traffic Engineer’s with the layout of car parking spaces and accessways. It is considered that the design and location of car parking is not to a high standard, will not create a safe environment for users and will not enable easy and efficient use.

A condition on any permit to issue will require appropriate sightlines in accordance with Clause 52.06-8.

Design Standard 2: Car Parking Spaces – Complies.

Design Standard 3: Gradients – Complies.

Design Standard 4: Mechanical Parking – N/A.

Design Standard 5: Urban Design – Complies.

Design Standard 6: Safety – Complies.

Design Standard 7: Landscaping – Does not comply. Landscaping along the driveway is limited and will not achieve a softening of the hard surface areas of the driveway.


Clause 52.17 – Native Vegetation

A permit is required to remove, destroy or lop native vegetation, including dead native vegetation. This does not apply to planted vegetation.

· A permit is required to remove two (2) Acacia melanoxylon, a Eucalyptus obliqua, a Eucalyptus cephalocarpa and the Narnia.

· A condition on any permit to issue can require the retention of the Garhnia.

· The two (2) Acacia melanoxylon trees are not significant. Their retention must be weighed against the retention of other significant vegetation also protected by Clause 52.17.

· The Eucalyptus obliqua is in poor condition and must be removed. The Eucalyptus cephalocarpa is dead.

· A condition on any permit to issue can and require an offset for removal of the four (4) trees in accordance with Clause 52.17. The indigenous trees growing on the property do not comprise a patch and therefore a scattered tree approach methodology should be used to carry out the assessment based on the Low-Risk Pathway.

4.4 Clause 55 – Two or More Dwellings on a Lot and Residential Buildings (ResCode)

The proposal generally complies with the provisions of Clause 55 of the Knox Planning Scheme. An assessment of the key criteria, including any areas of non compliance are considered below:

Neighbourhood Character and Infrastructure

Neighbourhood Character – Does not comply. Refer to assessment at Section 4.2.2 of this report.

Residential Policy – Does not comply. See assessment against relevant policy above at Section 4.2 of this report.

Dwelling Diversity – Complies.

Infrastructure – Complies.


Integration with the Street – Does not comply. Dwelling 1 does not satisfactorily address the street. The frontage to this dwelling is dominated by the garage and driveway areas, with no habitable room windows fronting the street.

Site Layout and Building Massing

Street Setback – Complies.

Building Height – Does not comply. The adopted General Residential Zone – Schedule 2 has a maximum height of 8 metres (two (2) storeys). The proposed development exceeds the maximum height. A condition on any permit to issue can require a reduction in the height of the dwellings to not exceed 8 metres.

Site Cover/Permeability – Complies. Site coverage is proposed at 40 per cent while permeability achieves 34.2 per cent of the site area.

Energy Efficiency – Can comply subject to a condition to require eaves or shading devices to all habitable room windows on any permit to issue. A condition will also require the development to be constructed in accordance with the approved Sustainable Design Assessment.

Open Space – N/A

Safety – Does not comply. The entrance to Dwelling 1 is obscured and the dwelling does not provide any surveillance to Carlisle Road.

Landscaping – Does not comply. The canopy tree requirements of the adopted General Residential Zone – Schedule 2 cannot be achieved. Also, landscaping along driveway areas and at the front of dwellings is inadequate and will not assist in softening the hard stand area or assist in providing an attractive driveway area. Also, bins are proposed to be located within landscaping areas along the driveway which further reduces the areas available to landscape.

Access – Generally complies. While the development can cater to service, emergency and delivery vehicles, they will be required to reverse along long sections of driveway in order to exit in a forward direction.

Parking Location – Does not comply. Habitable room windows have not been located at least 1 metre from shared accessways.


Amenity Impacts

Side and rear setbacks – Complies.

Walls on boundaries – Complies.

Daylight to existing windows/north facing windows – Complies.

Overshadowing open space – Complies.

Overlooking – Can comply subject to a condition to comply with Standard B22 on any permit to issue. This would relate to the recreation window on the first floor of Dwelling 15 and the first floor bedroom window of Dwelling 8.

Internal Views – Can comply subject to a condition for additional screening to habitable room windows where there is a view into an adjoining private open space area or habitable room windows.

Noise Impacts – Can comply subject to a condition that will require noise associated with Scoresby Road to be limited in habitable rooms for dwellings backing onto the main road.

On-Site Amenity and Facilities

Accessibility – Complies.

Dwelling Entry – Does not comply. Dwelling 1 is not provided with its own sense of identity. This dwelling should be deleted to provide an improved outcome onto Carlisle Road.

Daylight to new windows – Can comply subject to a condition that will require a minimum 1 metre light court to any habitable room window, measured from the edge of any eave or shading device.

Private Open Space – Does not comply. The provision of private open space does not comply with the adopted General Residential Zone – Schedule 2.

Solar access – Complies.

Storage – Complies.

Detailed Design

Detailed Design – Complies.


Front fence – Complies. A 1.2 metre high front fence is proposed. The design of the front fence is open and transparent and will compliment the proposed dwellings.

Common Property – Complies.

Site Services – Does not comply. The provision of waste collection and storage needs to be further explored. Bins are shown for collection within landscaping areas or driveway areas along the accessway, which is not an ideal outcome. Ideally there should be a dedicated area/s for the collection of waste along the driveway.

4.5 General Decision Guidelines

Clause 65 of the Knox Planning Scheme, and Section 60 of the Planning and Environment Act 1987 set out decision guidelines/matters which the Responsible Authority must consider when deciding any planning application.

· The decision guidelines of Clause 65 of the Knox Planning Scheme and Section 60 of the Planning and Environment Act (1987) have been appropriately considered.

5. CONCLUSION

Clause 10.04 of the Knox Planning Scheme requires Council to balance relative policy objectives when making decisions to ensure resulting development is sustainable and achieves a net community gain. In this context the development is inappropriate given the following:

· It is considered that the subject site is suitable for a multi-dwelling development. The site is large and should be capable of accommodating a multi-dwelling development whilst making a positive contribution to the character of the area. Should the proposed development be re-designed to provide canopy tree planting and private open space in accordance with the adopted General Residential Zone – Schedule 2, it would also achieve the objectives and strategies in Council’s MSS and Development in Residential Areas and Neighbourhood Character Policy, as adopted by Amendment C131.

· The proposal is inconsistent with Clause 21.05 (Housing) and Clause 22.07 (Development in Residential Areas and Neighbourhood Character) as adopted by Amendment C131.


· The proposal does not provide for private open space in accordance with the General Residential Zone – Schedule 2 as adopted by Amendment C131.

· The proposal does not provide for landscaping and canopy tree planting in accordance with the General Residential Zone – Schedule 2 as adopted by Amendment C131.

· There are numerous non-compliances with ResCode (Clause 55), including the provision for landscaping, building height, integration with the street, private open space, neighbourhood character and site services.

· The proposal fails to provide a car parking and accessway layout that is to a high standard, will create a safe environment for users and will enable easy and efficient use. As such it is considered that the proposal does not comply with Clause 52.06-8 (Car Parking) of the Knox Planning Scheme.

· The proposal is not consistent with the adopted Amendment C131.

6. CONFIDENTIALITY

There are no confidentiality issues associated with this report.

RECOMMENDATION

That Council issue a Notice of Refusal to develop the land for 21 double storey and three (3) single storey dwellings (total of 24 dwellings) and removal of native vegetation on the land at 431 Scoresby Road, Ferntree Gully, subject to the following grounds of refusal:

1. The proposal is inconsistent with the adopted Amendment C131.

2. The proposal is inconsistent with Clause 21.05 (Housing) and Clause 22.07 (Development in Residential Areas and Neighbourhood Character) as adopted by Amendment C131.

3. The proposal does not provide private open space for each dwelling in accordance with the General Residential Zone – Schedule 2 as adopted by Amendment C131.

4. The proposal does not provide canopy tree planting in accordance with the General Residential Zone – Schedule 2 as adopted by Amendment C131.


Recommendation (cont’d)

5. The proposal fails to provide a car parking and an accessway layout that is to a high standard, will create a safe environment for users and will enable easy and efficient use. As such the proposal does not comply with Clause 52.06-8 (Design Standards) of the Knox Planning Scheme.

6. The proposal fails to achieve compliance with the objectives and Standards of Clause 55 (ResCode), in particular: Standard B1 (Neighbourhood Character), Standard B2 (Residential Policy), Standard B7 (Building Height), Standard B12 (Safety), Standard B13 (Landscaping), Standard B15 (Parking Location), Standard B26 (Dwelling Entry) and Standard B28 (Private Open Space).

7. The proposal is an overdevelopment of the land.

COUNCIL RESOLUTION MOVED: CR. HOLLAND SECONDED: CR. ORPEN That Council: Issue a Notice of Refusal to Grant a Permit for the above application on the following grounds:

1. The proposal does not provide private open space for each

dwelling in accordance with the General Residential Zone – Schedule 2.

2. The proposal is not in keeping with neighbourhood character of the area pursuant to Clause 22.07 of the Knox Planning Scheme. Built form is of a scale and extent detrimental to the character and amenity of the surrounding area and fails to integrate appropriately with the street.

3. The proposal fails to provide a car parking and an accessway layout that is to a high standard, will create a safe environment for users and will enable easy and efficient use. As such the proposal does not comply with Clause 52.06-8 (Design Standards) of the Knox Planning Scheme.

4. The proposal fails to achieve compliance with the objectives and Standards of Clause 55 (ResCode), in particular: Standard B1 (Neighbourhood Character), Standard B2 (Residential Policy), Standard B12 (Safety), Standard B13 (Landscaping), Standard B15 (Parking Location), Standard B26 (Dwelling Entry) and Standard B28 (Private Open Space).

5. The proposal is an overdevelopment of the land. CARRIED


FRIBERG WARD

7.3 APPLICATION FOR RESIDENTIAL SUBDIVISION OF LAND INTO SIX LOTS AT 13 & 15 KATHRYN ROAD, KNOXFIELD. Melway Ref. 73 B6. (Application No. P/2014/6370)

1. SUMMARY:

Land: 13 & 15 Kathryn Road, Knoxfield Applicant: Carson Simpson P/L Proposed Development: Subdivision of land into Six (6) Lots Existing Land Use: Single dwelling and outbuildings on

each lot Area/Density: 2560 m2 / 1:442m2 Zoning: General Residential Zone – Schedule 2 Overlays: Nil Local Policy: Municipal Strategic Statement (MSS) -

adopted Development in Residential Areas and Neighbourhood Character Policy - adopted

Application Received: 19 May 2014 Number of Objections: 0 PCC Meeting: N/A Assessment:

It is considered that the development can provide an appropriate balance between the need for additional lots within a fully serviced area and the amenity of occupants and adjoining residents.

Subject to modifications, the proposal meets the objectives of the General Residential Zone – Schedule 2 and ResCode.

The proposed development is consistent with Council’s adopted Development in Residential Areas and Neighbourhood Character Policy.

On balance it is considered that the proposal responds reasonably to State and Local Planning Policies, subject to modifications. It is recommended that Council issue a Planning Permit, subject to conditions.

54 COUNCIL – CITY DEVELOPMENT 24 February 2015 7.3 13 & 15 Kathryn Road, Knoxfield (cont’d)

2. BACKGROUND

2.1 Planning Scheme Amendments

Amendment C131 proposes to implement the findings of the Knox Housing Strategy 2013, the Knox Residential Guidelines, the Rowville Plan (2013) and the new residential zones. Amendment C131 has completed the exhibition and panel process and was adopted by Council on 27 January 2015.

Amendment C131 is therefore a seriously entertained document, and the following report reflects this status.

2.2 Subject Site and Surrounds

The location of the subject site is shown in Appendix A.

· The subject site is located on the west side of Kathryn Road in Knoxfield, is irregular in shape, and has a frontage to Kathryn Road of 44.50 metres. The site has an area of 2,560m2.

· Three crossovers exist along the eastern boundary fronting Kathryn Road. One is very close to the northern corner of the site, and the second is centrally located, and a third is in the south east corner. The crossovers serve the existing dwellings

· Two dwellings with associated outbuildings are on the site. Small trees and shrubs are in the existing garden areas.

· The majority of the area surrounding the site (off Kathryn Road) consists of residential dwellings constructed in the 1970’s. Larger sites accessing Kathryn Road have been redeveloped with residential multi unit developments.

· Within 100 metres to the south is the Knoxfield Neighbourhood Activity Centre, comprising of a variety of shops and restaurants.

2.3 The Proposal

(Refer to attached plans at Appendix B)

· The application proposes the subdivision of the land into six (6) lots with common property.


· Lots to be created range from 320m2 up to 457m2. Each lot has vehicle access to the common property access, except for Lot 1, which has direct access to Kathryn Road.

· The common property access road (servicing Lots 2-6) is 5 metres wide and in a ‘T’ shape providing turn around for an 8 metre long vehicle

· A 9 metre radius Tree Protection Zone is proposed to protect a neighbouring tree in the north east corner.

· Each lot contains a building envelope (9 x 15 metre min.) with protruding sections for porches, garages and enlargement of floor area. No maximum building height is proposed.

3. CONSULTATION

3.1 Advertising

The application was advertised by way of two signs on each lot frontage and notices were sent to adjoining property owners and occupiers. No objections have been received.

3.2 Referrals

The application has been referred to internal departments and external authorities for comment. The following is a summary of relevant advice:

Traffic Engineer

· The common access way to be a minimum 5 metres wide for the first 7 metres to allow for vehicle passing.

· Visitor parking to be provided. · Standard and expanded traffic conditions are required should a permit be

issued.

Officer Response: The access way and visitor parking will be addressed as part of the Condition 1 requirement.


Drainage Engineer

· Overland Flow - Overland flows throughout the subdivision must be allowed to pass between buildings freely and not cause any inundation during a 1 in 100 year storm event.

· The existing 150mm storm water pipe servicing the site is to be upgraded to a 300mm pipe.

Officer Response: The pipe upgrade and overland flow requirement will be included along with the standard drainage conditions should a permit be issued.

Waste · A Waste Management Plan for the waste collection service would

normally be required, but for this proposal kerb side collection is deemed suitable.

Rates

· No objection to proposal.

Building

· No objection to proposal.

External Referrals

The application was referred to the Servicing Authorities, namely; Melbourne Water, South East Water, Ausnet Electricity, Multinet Gas and CFA.

· No objections from the Determining Authorities (Melbourne Water, South East Water, Ausnet Electricity, Multinet Gas and CFA) were received and standard conditions were supplied.

· South East Water has requested the plans show the easement to be in Favour of South East Water Limited.

4. DISCUSSION

This section considers the proposed development in light of the provisions of the Knox Planning Scheme including State and Local Planning Policies, any other relevant policies and objectives.


4.1 Zoning and Overlays

4.1.1 Zone

The site is zoned General Residential Zone – Schedule 2 of the Knox Planning Scheme. Pursuant to Clause 32.08-4, a permit is required to subdivide land, to construct two or more dwellings on a lot or construct a single dwelling on a lot less than 300m2.

· As the proposed lots are all greater than 300m2 no planning permit would be required for the construction of a single dwelling once subdivided.

The subject site will be located within the General Residential Zone - Schedule as adopted by Amendment C131.

The adopted Schedule 2 to the General Residential Zone varies the ResCode requirements for Standard B6 (Minimum street setback), Standard B13 (Landscaping), Standard B28 (Private open space) and Standard B32 (Front fence).

The varied Standard B6 (Minimum street setback) will require a setback to the second street (corner lots) of 4.5 metres.

· The site is not on a corner.

The varied Standard B13 (Landscaping) will require landscaping consisting of a minimum of one canopy tree per 175 square metres of the site area including a minimum of one canopy tree within each area of secluded private open space; and a minimum of one canopy tree within the front setback per 5 metres of width of the site (excluding the width of one driveway).

Each tree should be surrounded by 20 metres permeable surface with a minimum radius of 3 metres. Up to 50 per cent of the permeable surface may be shared with another tree. · The proposed development would require a total of eight (8) canopy

trees within the front setbacks of Lots 1 and 6, and by calculating on land area the proposed development would need to cater for a total of fifteen (15) canopy trees, including one (1) minimum within each private open space area.


· The proposed development can cater for the additional fifteen (15) canopy trees allocated as follows;

o Lot 1 – Four front setback, and one secluded open space. o Lot 2 – One secluded open space. o Lot 3 – Two secluded open space. o Lot 4 – One secluded open space. o Lot 5 – One secluded open space. o Lot 6 – Four front setback, and one secluded open space.

The above canopy tree allocation shall be written into the Section 173 Agreement.

The varied Standard B28 (Private open space) will require private open space consisting of an area of 100 square metres with one part of the private open space to consist of secluded private open space at the side or rear of the dwelling or residential building with minimum area of 60 square metres with a minimum dimension of 5 metres of secluded private open space with convenient access from a living room.

· Each Lot has a nominated Secluded Private Open Space area. Lots 2, 3, 4 and 6 all comply with the specified 60m2 with a 5 metre minimum and the required 100m2. The figures as notated on the plan do not include all areas of open space (they only specify the secluded main area). Although Lots 1 and 5 comply with the 100m2 total open space requirement, modification to the envelopes is required to ensure the secluded 60m2 maintains the minimum 5 metre setback. This shall be a condition on any permit issued. For all lots, the additional areas between the building envelopes and side boundaries are to be included in the total written calculation.

· The above open space areas shall be protected from construction works by endorsed plans relating to Section 173 Agreement.

Additionally, Standard B32 (front fences) is varied to require a fence height of 2m to a street in a Road Zone Category 1 and 1.2m to other streets. · No front fences are proposed.


4.1.2 Overlays

The site is not affected by any overlays.

4.2 Policy Consideration

4.2.1 State Planning Policy Framework

State policy requires Council to integrate the range of policies relevant to the issues to be determined, and balance conflicting objectives in favour of net community benefit and sustainable development.

Key Policies:

Clause 11.02-1 Supply of Urban Land - ensure a sufficient supply of land for residential, commercial, retail, industrial, recreational, institutional and other community uses.

· The proposal creates serviced allotments on which an owner may construct a dwelling of their choice subject to the approved building envelope layout.

Clause 15.01 Urban Environment - create urban environments that are safe, functional and provide good quality environments with a sense of place and cultural identity.

· The subdivision aims to continue the redevelopment of the neighbourhood with its own common property access, fitting with the character and identity through the provision of building envelopes to direct housing location.

Clause 16. Housing – locate new housing in or close to activity centres and employment corridors and at other strategic redevelopment sites that offer good access to services and transport.

· The subdivision provides vacant allotments whereby a dwelling can be designed (within the building envelopes) to the needs of the residents, supplying choice in and established residential area, close to the Knoxfield Neighbourhood Activity Centre, with all services and utilities available for connection.


Clause 18. Transport – To create a safe and sustainable transport system by integrating land-use and transport.

· The site is located approximately 60 metres walking distance from a bus stop on Kathryn Road which two bus routes run (753 & 758). Additionally, approximately 150 metres away is a bus stop located outside the Knoxfield Neighbourhood Activity Centre serviced by route 693.

· Service 753 runs from Glen Waverley Train Station through to Bayswater Station via Brandon Park Shopping Centre, Scoresby Village Shopping Centre, Scoresby and Fairhills Secondary Schools and Boronia station (note most services end at Boronia Station). This service operates between 5.41am and 9.18pm Monday to Friday), between 7.11am and 9.30pm on Saturdays and between 8.51am and 9.00pm on Sundays at various intervals.

· Bus route 758 connects Knoxfield Shops and Knox City Shopping centre. This service operates Monday to Friday From 9.12am to 6.16pm at various intervals.

· Service 693 runs from Belgrave Train Station, through to Oakleigh Station via Upper Ferntree Gully Station, Ferntree Gully Station, Mountain Gate Shopping Centre, and Brandon Park Shopping Centre. This service operates between 5.37am and 9.20pm Monday to Friday, between 8.40am and 9.41pm on Saturdays and Sundays at various intervals.

4.2.2 Local Planning Policy Framework

Clause 21.01 Municipal Strategic Statement (MSS).- encourages planning and development occurring with the necessary consideration to such matters as managing population growth, encouraging sustainable development and influencing the urban form so that Knox itself becomes more sustainable.

All development therefore is encouraged within this clause to incorporate Ecologically Sustainable Design (ESD) and Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD) principles to ensure that a sustainable urban environment is ultimately achieved with a strong use of existing infrastructure, and to reduce dependence on private vehicle travel.

61 COUNCIL – CITY DEVELOPMENT 24 February 2015 7 .3 13 & 15 Kathryn Road, Knoxfield (cont’d)

· The proposed lots are designed to enable dwellings to take advantage of solar access and suitably sized to include water tanks for recycled use. Buses 693, 753 and 758 operate in the area. A bicycle network can be accessed via Ferntree Gully Road (intersects with Kathryn Road) in all directions linking to Gilbert Park Reserve, and farther west to the Stud Road cycle paths and EastLink trail.

Clause 21.04 Urban Design - Municipal Strategic Statement (MSS) – To ensure that all development responds positively to the existing patterns of urban form and character, the landscape, qualities, historic and cultural elements and social aspirations of the Knox community.

· The subject site responds to the existing patterns and urban form of the surrounding area. Surrounding the site are lots that have been redeveloped into multi dwelling (townhouse) allotments. The proposal for 6 lots respects the area by not overdeveloping, and maintaining larger usable open space areas within each property.

· The landscape character of the area shall be enhanced by the 7.35 metre setbacks to Kathryn Road. Each front setback shall include a requirement for 2 canopy trees as a condition enforced by the inclusion of the Section 173 Agreement.

Clause 21.05 – Housing – The Housing theme implements the Knox Housing Strategy 2015. In managing Knox’s current and future housing needs, Council supports a scaled approach to residential development. This scaled approach recognises that some parts of the City will need to accommodate change, due to population growth and the community’s changing household needs. Development in residential areas will need to respond positively to the desired future character of the local area and take account of the particular built form and natural environmental elements that make up the neighbourhood character of Knox. The strong landscape character is the unifying element of the neighbourhood character of Knox.

The subject site is located within a “Knox Neighbourhood” area, which has sense of spaciousness within the public and private realm. These areas will continue to be low-scale neighbourhoods, characterised by detached dwellings with large backyards which contribute to the area’s green and leafy character.


Objective 1 for Housing Objectives and Strategies is to support residential development in accordance with the Knox Housing Strategy 2013, which identifies a scaled approach to residential development. A Strategy is to direct housing growth toward Local Living and Activity Areas.

· The subject site is not within a Local Living or Activity Area. However this is a large site that should be capable of accommodating a multi-dwelling development whilst making a positive contribution to the character of the area. The proposed subdivision provides land and suitably sized building envelopes while maintaining landscaping areas and private open space in accordance with the General Residential Zone – Schedule 2. It is considered that the proposal also achieves the requirements of the MSS and the Development in Residential Areas and Neighbourhood Character Policy.

Objective 2 is to support a diversity of housing choice in appropriate locations. Strategies include encouraging a diversity of housing styles, types, forms and sizes to cater for the changing needs of the community.

· The proposal includes the provision for a total of six new dwellings which will provide for diversity in housing. It is considered that the proposal achieves this objective.

Objective 3 is to ensure the quality of housing design in Knox is improved to better respond to neighbourhood identity and to create a stronger sense of place. Strategies include ensuring that residential development enhances the City’s “green and leafy” image, support development that makes a positive contribution to the preferred future character of the area and that is innovative, environmentally sustainable, accessible and site responsive.

· The proposal has achieved the private open space requirements of the General Residential Zone – Schedule 2. The front setback and large private open space allows for greater canopy tree planting and landscaping, to enhance the City’s “green and leafy” image.

Objective 4 is to protect and enhance the landscape and environmental values of the nature areas of significance within the municipality.

· The site is not within a nature area of significance, such as the Dandenong Foothills. However, the proposal includes a large open space areas and setbacks that is capable of significant plantings to enhance the landscape character.


Objective 5 is to ensure that residential development better responds to the community’s current and future needs, and allows people to ‘age-in-place’ by supporting the provision of a diverse range of housing including smaller scale dwellings.

· The proposed subdivision creates six lots with building envelopes that have varying setback and height requirements which will provide for diversity in housing sizes. It is considered that the proposal achieves this objective

Clause 22.07 – Development in Residential Areas and Neighbourhood Character: Knox Neighbourhood Area – The desired future character of this area is to:

· Continue to be low-scale neighbourhoods, characterised by detached houses and dual occupancies; with some villa unit developments on larger blocks.

· Retain their green and leafy identity and character through the retention of front and back yards, and the establishment of a garden setting that includes canopy trees.

The key design objectives are: To retain and enhance the streetscape by the planting of appropriate trees on private land.

· Within the Lots (1 and 6) fronting the streetscape there is the ability for planting of canopy trees.

· Canopy tree planting with the front setbacks will be a condition on any permit issued.

To avoid dominance of buildings from the street.

· Although the subdivision does not construct any new buildings, the proposal provides outcomes which should aid in the reduction of dominant buildings within the street. This is achieved through a 7.35 metre front setback, planting of canopy trees within the front setback, separation of built form at ground level between building envelopes of Lots 1 and 6 and an 8 metre setback from the northern boundary (although this reduces to 5 metres within the secluded private open space to the rear). The envelopes for the rear of the front two, have first floors setbacks from ground levels and provide for separation of built form.


To avoid loss of front and rear garden space.

· The proposal can achieve the private open space requirements of the General Residential Zone – Schedule 2. Subject to modifications each newly created Lot will have 60m2 secluded private open space (with a minimum dimension of 5 metres) and a total area exceeding 100m2.

· As outlined above, the frontage to Lot 1 and 6 provide ample area for landscaping and the planting of canopy trees.

To avoid the dominance of car storage facilities from the street.

· The building envelopes provided show expected garage placement. Lot 1 is the only envelope that shows a garage fronting Kathryn Road. All other Lots will use the common access way.

· Lot 1 is also the only Lot to have an individual crossover to Kathryn Road.

To retain large backyards for landscaping and open space.

· As stated above, the proposal has achieved the private open space requirements of the General Residential Zone – Schedule 2.

To ensure buildings reflect the prevailing scale of buildings in the street.

· The proposed dwellings reflect the prevailing scale of buildings in the street. Fronting Kathryn Road, building envelopes are provided in accordance with the prevailing scale of buildings in the street.

4.3 Clause 56 – Residential Subdivision (ResCode)

The proposal generally complies with the provisions of Clause 56 of the Knox Planning Scheme, an assessment of the key criteria, including any areas of non compliance are considered.


Compact and Walkable Neighbourhoods 56.03-1

To create neighbourhoods orientated around easy walking distance to activity centres, schools, community facilities, public open space and transport. – Complies. Access to Shops, community facilities and parks are approximately 150 metres down Kathryn Road. Most amenities are available along Ferntree Gully Road.

Built Environment 56.03-4

To create an urban place with identity and character- Complies.

Neighbourhood Character 56.03-5

To design subdivisions that respond to neighbourhood character. – Complies, refer to Section 4.2.2.

Lot Diversity and Distribution Objective 56.04-1

To achieve housing densities that support compact and walkable neighbourhoods and the efficient provision of public transport services and to provide a range of lot sizes to suit a variety of dwelling and household types – Can comply. Subject to modifications, the lots can take a variety of dwelling types. Also, the site is along a high use bus route and only a short walk to the Knoxfield Neighbourhood Activity Centre.

Lot Area and Building Envelopes Objective 56.03-4

To provide lots with dimensions that enable a dwelling, solar access, private open space, vehicle access and parking, water management, protection of vegetation, easements and site features. – Can comply with modifications. The addition of a building envelope area to each lot will ensure that the lots can comply with the objective.

· Lots 2 and 5 are to have an upper level setback restriction

· Lots 3 and 4 are to limited to single storey

· No buildings are to be constructed with the existing easement.

· The proposal can achieve the private open space requirements of the General Residential Zone – Schedule 2. Subject to modifications each newly created Lot will have 60m2 secluded private open space (with a minimum dimension of 5 metres) and a total area exceeding 100m2.


Solar Orientation of Lots Objective 56.04-3

To provide good solar orientation of lots and solar access for future dwellings. – Complies.

Street Orientation Objective 56.04-4

To provide a lot layout that contributes to community social interaction, personal safety and property security – Complies.

Integrated Urban Landscape Objective 56.05-1

To provide landscaping in streets, design of open space and protect existing vegetation to contribute to the character and identity of the new neighbourhood and provide for integrated water management systems. – Can Comply – Conditions on any permit issued should require a landscape/streetscape plan and planting along the common property area that will enhance the appearance of the site and surrounding area.

Public Open Space Provision Objective 56.05-2

To provide a network of quality, well distributed open space where it will link to other open space, linear parks and trails and cater for the needs of the community. - No public open space is provided as part of this application. A cash-in-lieu contribution will be required in accordance with Section 4.4.

Access and Mobility Objective 56.06-1 and 56.06-2

To provide for walking, cycling, public transport and other motor vehicles in an integrated manner whilst contributing to reduced car dependence, improved energy efficiency, improved transport efficiency. –Complies.

Neighbourhood Street network detail 56.06-4

To design and construct street carriageways and verges so that the street geometry and traffic speeds provide an accessible and safe neighbourhood street system for all users. – Complies. Existing street interface to remain.

Urban Runoff Management Objective 56.07

To minimise increases in storm water run-off and protect the environmental values and physical characteristics of receiving waters from degradation by urban run-off. – Complies, conditions to be included on any permit issued.


Site Management 56.08.

To protect drainage infrastructure and receiving waters from sedimentation and contamination and protect the site and surrounding area from environmental degradation or nuisance prior to and during construction of subdivision works. Complies, conditions to be included on any permit issued.

Utilities 56.09.

To maximize shared trenching and provide public utilities (including fire hydrants and public lighting) in a timely, efficient and cost effective manner whilst minimising constraints on landscaping in street reserves. – Complies, all services are expected to run through the common property area.

4.4 Particular Provisions

Clause 52.01 - Public Open Space

It is considered that the proposal generates a need for further Public Open Space having regard to the provisions of Section 18 of the Subdivision Act (1988) and Clause 52.01 of the Knox Planning Scheme.

· A Public Open Space contribution is applicable in this instance. No evidence has been provided stating Public Open Space has been paid for this site. The contribution will be met as cash-in-lieu.

Clause 66.01 Telecommunications

Each lot shown on the endorsed plan shall be provided with the National Broadband Network telecommunications fibre ready facilities in accordance with the industry specifications and standards set by the Australian Communications and Media Authority, unless the applicant can demonstrate that the land is in an area where the National Broadband Network will not be provided by optical fibre.

· Conditions to be included on any permit issued.


4.5 General Decision Guidelines

Clause 65 of the Knox Planning Scheme and Section 60 of the P&E Act (1987) set out decision guidelines/matters which the Responsible Authority must consider when deciding any planning application.

· The decision guidelines of Clause 65 of the Knox Planning Scheme and Section 60 of the Planning and Environment Act (1987) have been appropriately considered.

5. CONCLUSION

Clause 10.04 of the Knox Planning Scheme requires Council to balance relative policy objectives when making decisions to ensure resulting development is sustainable and achieves a net community gain. In this context, the subdivision of the land meets the policy objectives for the zone and benefits the community in the following ways:

· It is considered that the subject site is suitable for a multi lot subdivision. The site is large and is capable of accommodating 6 Lots, whilst making a positive contribution to the character of the area. The proposed subdivision provides areas for canopy tree planting and private open space in accordance with the General Residential Zone – Schedule 2. It also achieves the objectives and strategies in Council’s MSS and the Development in Residential Areas and Neighbourhood Character Policy, as adopted by Amendment C131.

· The proposal is consistent with Clause 21.05 (Housing) and Clause 22.07 (Development in Residential Areas and Neighbourhood Character) in terms of lot sizes and setbacks subject to subdivision plan modifications on any permit issued.

· Subject to modifications, the proposal satisfies the private open space requirement in accordance with the General Residential Zone – Schedule 2.

· Subject to subdivision plan modifications on any permit issued, the proposal will provide for landscaping and canopy tree planting in accordance with the General Residential Zone – Schedule 2.

· All lots shall have independent vehicle access and identity with via the common property area, except for Lot 1, which has its own access fronting Kathryn Road. The internal road shall provide plantings, lighting, fire hydrants and an off street visitor parking space subject to conditions on any permit issued.


6. CONFIDENTIALITY

There are no confidentiality issues associated with this report.

RECOMMENDATION

That Council issue a Planning Permit for a Six (6) Lot Subdivision at 13 and 15 Kathryn Road, Knoxfield, subject to the following conditions:

Amended plans

1. This permit shall have no force or effect until three copies of an amended proposed subdivision plan have been submitted to and approved by the Responsible Authority. This plan shall show:

1.1 The Garage to Lot 3 to be located outside of the easement.

1.2 The Garage to Lot 4 to be within the main component of the building envelope.

1.3 The building envelopes for Lots 1 and 5 to be modified to ensure a secluded open space area of 60m2, with a 5 metre minimum dimension.

1.4 A visitor car space to be provided where the garage to Lot 4 is situated. The car space is to be within Common Property.

1.5 High fencing shall not be located along the common property. High fencing shall only run from the building to the closest side boundary and only be used to provide privacy to the secluded open space areas.

1.6 A reduction in the Common Property hard surface area around to provide for greater planting areas and further setbacks to the building envelopes. The access way shall remain 5m (minimum) wide for the first 7m.



1.7 Notes to be included on the Proposed Subdivision plan relating to the building envelopes shall read;

1.7.1 All Lots shall maintain the Building Envelopes as shown on the plan, and; 1.7.1.1 The upper level of Lot 2 shall be set back

from any ground floor wall by a distance of 2 metres.

1.7.1.2 The upper level of Lot 5 shall be set back from any ground floor wall by a distance of 2 metres.

1.7.1.3 Lot 3 shall be limited to a single storey dwelling.


1.7.1.5 The maximum building height of all buildings shall be limited to 8 metres above natural ground level.

1.7.1.6 With the exception of eaves, no dwelling construction shall be undertaken within the building exclusion zones unless consent is granted by the Responsible Authority.

1.8 Landscape / Streetscape plans in accordance with Condition 2.

1.9 Drainage plans in accordance with Condition 26.

Once approved, these plans become the endorsed plans of this permit.

Streetscape/Landscape Plan

2. Three (3) copies of a streetscape/landscape plan prepared by a suitably qualified landscape designer or architect shall be submitted to and approved by the Responsible Authority. This plan shall show a Streetscape and Landscape design detailing the following:

2.1 Position of any lighting within the common property.

2.2 Location of fire hydrants.



2.3 Trees (including botanical names, height and width) on neighbouring properties within three metres of the boundary.

2.4 Details of the surface finishes of pathways and driveways.

2.5 Details and location of all existing and proposed services including above and below ground lines, cables and pipes.

2.6 A planting schedule of all proposed trees, shrubs and ground covers, including botanical names, common names, pot sizes, sizes at maturity, and quantities of each plant.


General Conditions

3. The subdivision boundaries as shown on the endorsed plans must not be altered or modified (whether or not in order to comply with any statute, statutory rule or for any other reason) without the consent of the Knox City Council, the Responsible Authority.

4. All existing and proposed easements required for utility services on the land must be set aside in the plan submitted for certification in favour of the relevant authority for which the easement is to be created.

5. The owner/developer of the land must enter into agreements with the relevant authorities for the provision of water supply, drainage, sewerage facilities, electricity, gas and telecommunication services to each lot shown on the plans of subdivision in accordance with that authority’s requirements and relevant legislation at the time.



6. In accordance with Clause 66.01 of the Knox Planning Scheme, the owner of the land must enter into an agreement with:

6.1 A telecommunications network or service provider for the provision of telecommunication services to each lot shown on the endorsed plan in accordance with the provider’s requirements and relevant legislation at the time; and

6.2 A suitably qualified person for the provision of fibre ready telecommunication facilities to each lot shown on the endorsed plan in accordance with any industry specifications or any standards set by the Australian Communications and Media Authority, unless the applicant can demonstrate that the land is in an area where the National Broadband Network will not be provided by optical fibre.

Before the issue of a Statement of Compliance for any stage of the subdivision under the Subdivision Act 1988, the owner of the land must provide written confirmation from:

6.3 A telecommunications network or service provider that all lots are connected to or are ready for connection to telecommunications services in accordance with the provider’s requirements and relevant legislation at the time; and

6.4 A suitably qualified person that fibre ready telecommunication facilities have been provided in accordance with any industry specifications or any standards set by the Australian Communications and Media Authority, unless the applicant can demonstrate that the land is in an area where the National Broadband Network will not be provided by optical fibre.

Referral of plan

7. The plan of subdivision submitted for certification under the Subdivision Act 1988 must be referred to the relevant authority in accordance with Section 8 of the Act.

8. No work shall be commenced on any assets requiring Council’s approval or supervision until Council’s written agreement is obtained.



9. All works shall be carried out in a manner that causes minimal environmental impacts however should any situation cause undue detriment to the amenity of the area then immediate remedial measures must be undertaken promptly to address the issue as directed by and to the satisfaction of the Responsible Authority.

10. All topsoil removed during the earthworks must be stockpiled and maintained in a weed free condition. Disturbed ground after completion of the earthworks shall be re-vegetated to prevent dust, erosion to the satisfaction of the Responsible Authority.

11. Any handling and disposal of site soil must be in accordance with the requirements of the Environment Protection Authority and the Environment Protection Act 1970.

Public Open Space

12. Prior to the issue of a Statement of Compliance, a contribution to the Council for public open space shall be required pursuant to Section 18 of the Subdivision Act 1988 and Clause 52.01 of the Knox Planning Scheme.

Section 173 Agreement

13. Prior to the issue of a Statement of Compliance, the owner of the land shall enter into a Section 173 Agreement with the Responsible Authority which covenants that without the further written consent of the Responsible Authority: 13.1 The upper level of Lot 2 shall be set back from any ground

floor wall by a distance of 2 metres. 13.2 The upper level of Lot 5 shall be set back from any ground

floor wall by a distance of 2 metres. 13.3 Lot 3 shall be limited to a single storey dwelling. 13.4 Lot 4 shall be limited to a single storey dwelling. 13.5 The maximum building height of all buildings shall be limited

to 8 metres above natural ground level. 13.6 With the exception of eaves, no dwelling construction shall be

undertaken within the building exclusion zones unless consent is granted by the Responsible Authority.



13.7 The proposed development shall provide an additional fifteen (15) canopy trees allocated as follows; 13.7.1 Lot 1 – Four front setbacks, and one secluded open

space. 13.7.2 Lot 2 – One secluded open space. 13.7.3 Lot 3 – Two secluded open space. 13.7.4 Lot 4 – One secluded open space. 13.7.5 Lot 5 – One secluded open space. 13.7.6 Lot 6 – Four front setbacks, and one secluded open

space.

Each tree should be surrounded by 20 square metres permeable surface with a minimum radius of 3 metres. Up to 50 per cent of the permeable surface may be shared with another tree.

(No expiry date of the agreement will be permitted. All costs associated with the preparation and registration of the agreement shall be borne by the applicant).

South East Water Conditions

14. Prior to the issue of a Statement of Compliance, the owner/developer must enter into an agreement with South East Water Limited for the provision of water supply and fulfil all requirements to its satisfaction.

15. Prior to the issue of a Statement of Compliance, the owner/developer must enter into an agreement with South East Water Limited for the provision of sewerage and fulfil all requirements to its satisfaction.

16. All lots on the plan of subdivision must be provided with separate connections to our potable water supply and sewerage systems.

Melbourne Water Conditions

17. No polluted and / or sediment laden runoff is to be discharged directly or indirectly into Melbourne Water's drains or watercourses.



18. Prior to Certification, the Plan of Subdivision must be referred to Melbourne Water, in accordance with Section 8 of the Subdivision Act 1988.

CFA Conditions

19. The subdivision as shown on the endorsed plans must not be altered without the consent of the Country Fire Authority.

20. Prior to the issue of a Statement of Compliance, Operable Hydrants above or below ground must be provided to the satisfaction of the CFA. The maximum distance between these hydrants and the rear of all lots must be 120m and hydrants must be no more than 200m apart.

Hydrants must be identified as specified in “Identification of Street Hydrants for Firefighting purposes” (Available on the CFA website - www.cfa.vic.gov.au under Publications).

Ausnet Conditions

21. The Plan of Subdivision submitted for certification must be referred to SPI Electricity Pty Ltd in accordance with Section 8 of the Subdivision Act 1988.

22. The applicant must –

22.1 Enter in an agreement with Ausnet Electricity Pty Ltd for supply of electricity to each lot on the endorsed plan.

22.2 Enter into an agreement with Ausnet Electricity Pty Ltd for the rearrangement of the existing electricity supply system.

Multinet Gas

23. The plan of subdivision submitted for Certification must be referred to Multinet Gas in accordance with Section 8 of the Subdivision Act 1988.

http://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/



Drainage/Construction Conditions

24. The applicant shall engage a certified Civil Engineering Consultant to analyse the existing drainage in order to determine the size and length of outfall drainage required to be constructed or upgraded to cater for the new subdivision.

25. Stormwater design must be in accordance with the Knox City Council (Responsible Authority) Civil Works and Stormwater Drainage Guidelines for Broadacre Subdivisions and approved drainage design methods specified in the current edition of Australian Rainfall and Runoff.

Engineering Plans

26. Prior to the issue of a Statement of Compliance, three copies of drainage plans and computations (to AHD) prepared by a suitably qualified Engineering Consultant (A person who holds a qualification in Civil Engineering) must be submitted and approved by the Responsible Authority. These plans shall show:

26.1 All stormwater drainage runoff shall be collected in a complete and effective system of drains and connected to the Council drainage system near the south east corner of the property (LPD). It shall not cause a nuisance to abutting properties. The internal drains of the proposed lots are to be independent of the internal drains of other lots.

26.2 Stormwater discharge from Lot 1 is to be directed to the kerb and channel near the South East corner of the lot. Lot 2 is toward the Council pit near the South West corner of the lot. Lot 3 is to the 150mm pipe near the South West corner of the lot. Lot 5 is to the Council pit near the North West corner of the lot. Lot 6 is toward the kerb and channel near the South East corner of the lot. All connections are to be made to Council standards and satisfaction. Lot 4 is land locked and requires an easement be made through lot 3 to allow discharge via a new pit containing a 225mm pipe constructed to Council standards and satisfaction. The applicant is to submit detailed designs to Council for approval. See attached plans for details.



26.3 The applicant is required to upgrade the outfall drain from a 150mm diameter pipe to a minimum of 300mm diameter pipe from Lot 2 outlet to the South West corner of 3/15A Kathryn Road in order to allow for the permissible site discharge. The outfall drain is to be constructed to Council standards and satisfaction. The applicant is to submit detailed design plans of the outfall drain to Council for approval.

26.4 The total Permissible Site Discharge for the property including all dwellings is 11.6 L/s to the existing Council drainage system for a 5 year ARI event.

26.5 Details including surface and underground drainage, vehicle crossovers, hydrants and outfall drainage.

26.6 The location of all services to be underground.

26.7 New easements must be created to the satisfaction of the Responsible Authority over any drainage assets constructed as a result of this subdivision.

26.8 The location of the building envelopes as shown on the endorsed plans.


Vehicle crossings

27. Prior to a Statement of Compliance, a vehicle crossing must be constructed to serve the new access way to the satisfaction of the Responsible Authority.

28. Vehicle crossings must be sealed and constructed to Council Standard Drawings, must be at right angles to the road from the kerb to the building line and be 1m clear of all assets in the road reserve and 3m clear of all street trees.

29. Prior to a Statement of Compliance, the access way must be constructed to the satisfaction of the Responsible Authority.



Asset Protection

30. The Applicant/Owner shall be responsible to meet the costs of all alterations to and reinstatement of, the Knox City Council and any other Public Authority assets deemed necessary and required by such Authorities for the development/subdivision. Re-instatement or modification of assets to Council’s satisfaction will be required or compensation to the value of Council’s loss shall be paid

Payments and Bonds

31. Prior to the issue of a Statement of Compliance, the owner/developer shall pay to the Council a payment for supervision of works being 2.5% of the value of all works shown on the Engineering Plans and a payment for checking of Engineering Plans being 0.75% of all works shown on the engineering plan.

32. Prior to the issue of a Statement of Compliance, the

owner/developer shall lodge with Council a refundable maintenance bond being 5% of the value of all works shown on the Engineering Plan.

(A priced Bill of Quantities shall be supplied to Council to validate the value of works as shown on the plan. This is used to determine the amount of the fees and maintenance bond and provides a record of the value of Councils assets).

Bond return

33. Prior to the return of any Maintenance Bond for a new pit, the Council Engineer shall inspect the works to ensure that they are constructed in accordance with the approved design and specifications to the satisfaction of the Responsible Authority.

Removal of structures

34. Prior to the issue of a Statement of Compliance for the subdivision, all the buildings and structures on the on the vacant lot must be removed from the land to the satisfaction of the Responsible Authority.



Final Inspection

35. Prior to the issue of a Statement of Compliance (subject to any works having been bonded) a final inspection by Council’s Enforcement and Drainage Officer’s shall be carried out, to verify the completion of works in accordance with the Endorsed Plans, to Council’s standards and shall include:

35.1 Construction of vehicle crossings;

35.2 Construction of common areas (including driveways and landscaping);

35.3 Completion of drainage;

35.4 Installation of common property lighting and hydrants;

35.5 Fencing;

Time - Subdivision

36. The permit will expire if one of the following circumstances applies:

36.1 The subdivision is not started within two years of the date of this permit as evidenced by a Plan of Subdivision being certified by the Council within that time limit;

36.2 The Certified Plan of Subdivision is not registered within five years from the date of the certification of the plan.

The Responsible Authority may extend the time limit at the request of the landowner or occupier. Any request must be made before the permit expires or within six (6) months after the expiry date.



NOTES:

· All utility services (drainage, sewer) are to be verified onsite by the applicant/developer prior to the commencement of any works.

· Pursuant to the schedule to Clause 52.01 of the Knox Planning Scheme and in accordance with Section 18 of the Subdivision Act 1988, the owner/developer shall pay to the Council an amount equal to 8.5 percent of the site value of all the land in the subdivision. This amount may be adjusted in accordance with Section 19 of the Subdivision Act and shall be required prior to the issue of a Statement of Compliance under the Subdivision Act 1988.

· A road opening permit from Council is required for any works within the road reserve, including the nature strip.

· Melbourne Water conditions: Contact 9679 7517.

· CFA Conditions: Contact 8739 4032.

· Lot numbers as shown on the endorsed plans do not necessarily indicate any future street numbers. Property (street) numbering shall be in accordance with Council’s Property (Street) Numbering Policy. Information regarding this can be obtained from Council’s Property and Revenue Services Department on 9298 8215.

· SPI Conditions: Contact 9238 6374.

· South East Water Conditions: Contact 9552 3371 The following South East Water agreement options are available:

1) Application to enter into a Development Deed-works – Works,

if South East Water reticulated sewer/water/recycled water (as applicable) is required to be extended to service lots within the development.



2) Application for Notice of Agreement Subdivision – Non works,

if South East Water reticulated sewer/water/recycled water (as applicable) is available to the development and the owner only requires Statement of Compliance to release the titles (ie; subdivision prior to building).

3) Plumbing industrial, Commercial, Units and Private Water

application, if South East Water reticulated sewer/water/recycled water (as applicable) is available to the development and the owner wishes to commence construction of the buildings. (ie; building prior to subdivision).

COUNCIL RESOLUTION

MOVED: CR. HOLLAND SECONDED: CR. PEARCE That Council:

That Council issue a Planning Permit for a Six (6) Lot Subdivision at 13 and 15 Kathryn Road, Knoxfield, subject to the following conditions:

Amended plans

1. This permit shall have no force or effect until three copies of an amended proposed subdivision plan have been submitted to and approved by the Responsible Authority. This plan shall show:

1.1 The Garage to Lot 3 to be located outside of the easement.

1.2 The Garage to Lot 4 to be within the main component of the building envelope.

1.3 A visitor car space to be provided where the garage to Lot 4 is situated. The car space is to be within Common Property.

1.4 High fencing shall not be located along the common property. High fencing shall only run from the building to the closest side boundary and only be used to provide privacy to the secluded open space areas.

1.5 A reduction in the Common Property hard surface area around to provide for greater planting areas and further setbacks to the building envelopes. The access way shall remain 5m (minimum) wide for the first 7m.


1.6 Notes to be included on the Proposed Subdivision plan relating to the building envelopes shall read;

1.6.1 All Lots shall maintain the Building Envelopes as shown on the plan, and; 1.6.1.1 The upper level of Lot 2 shall be set back

from any ground floor wall by a distance of 2 metres.

1.6.1.2 The upper level of Lot 5 shall be set back from any ground floor wall by a distance of 2 metres.



1.6.1.5 With the exception of eaves, no dwelling construction shall be undertaken within the building exclusion zones unless consent is granted by the Responsible Authority.

1.7 Landscape / Streetscape plans in accordance with Condition 2.

1.8 Drainage plans in accordance with Condition 26.


Streetscape/Landscape Plan

2. Three (3) copies of a streetscape/landscape plan prepared by a suitably qualified landscape designer or architect shall be submitted to and approved by the Responsible Authority. This plan shall show a Streetscape and Landscape design detailing the following:

2.1 Position of any lighting within the common property.

2.2 Location of fire hydrants.

2.3 Trees (including botanical names, height and width) on neighbouring properties within three metres of the boundary.

2.4 Details of the surface finishes of pathways and driveways.

2.5 Details and location of all existing and proposed services including above and below ground lines, cables and pipes.


2.6 A planting schedule of all proposed trees, shrubs and ground covers, including botanical names, common names, pot sizes, sizes at maturity, and quantities of each plant.


General Conditions

3. The subdivision boundaries as shown on the endorsed plans must not be altered or modified (whether or not in order to comply with any statute, statutory rule or for any other reason) without the consent of the Knox City Council, the Responsible Authority.

4. All existing and proposed easements required for utility services on the land must be set aside in the plan submitted for certification in favour of the relevant authority for which the easement is to be created.

5. The owner/developer of the land must enter into agreements with the relevant authorities for the provision of water supply, drainage, sewerage facilities, electricity, gas and telecommunication services to each lot shown on the plans of subdivision in accordance with that authority’s requirements and relevant legislation at the time.

6. In accordance with Clause 66.01 of the Knox Planning Scheme, the owner of the land must enter into an agreement with:

6.2 A telecommunications network or service provider for the provision of telecommunication services to each lot shown on the endorsed plan in accordance with the provider’s requirements and relevant legislation at the time; and

6.2 A suitably qualified person for the provision of fibre ready telecommunication facilities to each lot shown on the endorsed plan in accordance with any industry specifications or any standards set by the Australian Communications and Media Authority, unless the applicant can demonstrate that the land is in an area where the National Broadband Network will not be provided by optical fibre.

Before the issue of a Statement of Compliance for any stage of the subdivision under the Subdivision Act 1988, the owner of the land must provide written confirmation from:


6.3 A telecommunications network or service provider that all lots are connected to or are ready for connection to telecommunications services in accordance with the provider’s requirements and relevant legislation at the time; and

6.4 A suitably qualified person that fibre ready telecommunication facilities have been provided in accordance with any industry specifications or any standards set by the Australian Communications and Media Authority, unless the applicant can demonstrate that the land is in an area where the National Broadband Network will not be provided by optical fibre.

Referral of plan

7. The plan of subdivision submitted for certification under the Subdivision Act 1988 must be referred to the relevant authority in accordance with Section 8 of the Act.

8. No work shall be commenced on any assets requiring Council’s approval or supervision until Council’s written agreement is obtained.

9. All works shall be carried out in a manner that causes minimal environmental impacts however should any situation cause undue detriment to the amenity of the area then immediate remedial measures must be undertaken promptly to address the issue as directed by and to the satisfaction of the Responsible Authority.

10. All topsoil removed during the earthworks must be stockpiled and maintained in a weed free condition. Disturbed ground after completion of the earthworks shall be re-vegetated to prevent dust, erosion to the satisfaction of the Responsible Authority.

11. Any handling and disposal of site soil must be in accordance with the requirements of the Environment Protection Authority and the Environment Protection Act 1970.

Public Open Space

12. Prior to the issue of a Statement of Compliance, a contribution to the Council for public open space shall be required pursuant to Section 18 of the Subdivision Act 1988 and Clause 52.01 of the Knox Planning Scheme.


Section 173 Agreement

13. Prior to the issue of a Statement of Compliance, the owner of the land shall enter into a Section 173 Agreement with the Responsible Authority which covenants that without the further written consent of the Responsible Authority: 13.1 The upper level of Lot 2 shall be set back from any

ground floor wall by a distance of 2 metres. 13.2 The upper level of Lot 5 shall be set back from any

ground floor wall by a distance of 2 metres. 13.3 Lot 3 shall be limited to a single storey dwelling. 13.4 Lot 4 shall be limited to a single storey dwelling. 13.5 With the exception of eaves, no dwelling construction

shall be undertaken within the building exclusion zones unless consent is granted by the Responsible Authority.

13.6 The proposed development shall provide an additional fifteen (15) canopy trees allocated as follows; 13.6.1 Lot 1 – Four front setbacks, and one secluded

open space. 13.6.2 Lot 2 – One secluded open space. 13.6.3 Lot 3 – Two secluded open space. 13.6.4 Lot 4 – One secluded open space. 13.6.5 Lot 5 – One secluded open space. 13.6.6 Lot 6 – Four front setbacks, and one secluded

open space.

Each tree should be surrounded by 20 square metres permeable surface with a minimum radius of 3 metres. Up to 50 per cent of the permeable surface may be shared with another tree.

(No expiry date of the agreement will be permitted. All costs associated with the preparation and registration of the agreement shall be borne by the applicant).

South East Water Conditions

14. Prior to the issue of a Statement of Compliance, the owner/developer must enter into an agreement with South East Water Limited for the provision of water supply and fulfil all requirements to its satisfaction.

15. Prior to the issue of a Statement of Compliance, the owner/developer must enter into an agreement with South East Water Limited for the provision of sewerage and fulfil all requirements to its satisfaction.


16. All lots on the plan of subdivision must be provided with separate connections to our potable water supply and sewerage systems.

Melbourne Water Conditions

17. No polluted and / or sediment laden runoff is to be discharged directly or indirectly into Melbourne Water's drains or watercourses.

18. Prior to Certification, the Plan of Subdivision must be referred to Melbourne Water, in accordance with Section 8 of the Subdivision Act 1988.

CFA Conditions

19. The subdivision as shown on the endorsed plans must not be altered without the consent of the Country Fire Authority.

20. Prior to the issue of a Statement of Compliance, Operable Hydrants above or below ground must be provided to the satisfaction of the CFA. The maximum distance between these hydrants and the rear of all lots must be 120m and hydrants must be no more than 200m apart.

Hydrants must be identified as specified in “Identification of Street Hydrants for Firefighting purposes” (Available on the CFA website - www.cfa.vic.gov.au under Publications).

Ausnet Conditions

21. The Plan of Subdivision submitted for certification must be referred to SPI Electricity Pty Ltd in accordance with Section 8 of the Subdivision Act 1988.

22. The applicant must –

22.1 Enter in an agreement with Ausnet Electricity Pty Ltd for supply of electricity to each lot on the endorsed plan.

22.2 Enter into an agreement with Ausnet Electricity Pty Ltd for the rearrangement of the existing electricity supply system.

Multinet Gas

23. The plan of subdivision submitted for Certification must be referred to Multinet Gas in accordance with Section 8 of the Subdivision Act 1988.

http://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/


Drainage/Construction Conditions

24. The applicant shall engage a certified Civil Engineering Consultant to analyse the existing drainage in order to determine the size and length of outfall drainage required to be constructed or upgraded to cater for the new subdivision.

25. Stormwater design must be in accordance with the Knox City Council (Responsible Authority) Civil Works and Stormwater Drainage Guidelines for Broadacre Subdivisions and approved drainage design methods specified in the current edition of Australian Rainfall and Runoff.

Engineering Plans

26. Prior to the issue of a Statement of Compliance, three copies of drainage plans and computations (to AHD) prepared by a suitably qualified Engineering Consultant (A person who holds a qualification in Civil Engineering) must be submitted and approved by the Responsible Authority. These plans shall show:

26.1 All stormwater drainage runoff shall be collected in a complete and effective system of drains and connected to the Council drainage system near the south east corner of the property (LPD). It shall not cause a nuisance to abutting properties. The internal drains of the proposed lots are to be independent of the internal drains of other lots.

26.2 Stormwater discharge from Lot 1 is to be directed to the kerb and channel near the South East corner of the lot. Lot 2 is toward the Council pit near the South West corner of the lot. Lot 3 is to the 150mm pipe near the South West corner of the lot. Lot 5 is to the Council pit near the North West corner of the lot. Lot 6 is toward the kerb and channel near the South East corner of the lot. All connections are to be made to Council standards and satisfaction. Lot 4 is land locked and requires an easement be made through lot 3 to allow discharge via a new pit containing a 225mm pipe constructed to Council standards and satisfaction. The applicant is to submit detailed designs to Council for approval. See attached plans for details.


26.3 The applicant is required to upgrade the outfall drain from a 150mm diameter pipe to a minimum of 300mm diameter pipe from Lot 2 outlet to the South West corner of 3/15A Kathryn Road in order to allow for the permissible site discharge. The outfall drain is to be constructed to Council standards and satisfaction. The applicant is to submit detailed design plans of the outfall drain to Council for approval.

26.4 The total Permissible Site Discharge for the property including all dwellings is 11.6 L/s to the existing Council drainage system for a 5 year ARI event.

26.5 Details including surface and underground drainage, vehicle crossovers, hydrants and outfall drainage.

26.6 The location of all services to be underground.

26.7 New easements must be created to the satisfaction of the Responsible Authority over any drainage assets constructed as a result of this subdivision.

26.8 The location of the building envelopes as shown on the endorsed plans.


Vehicle crossings

27. Prior to a Statement of Compliance, a vehicle crossing must be constructed to serve the new access way to the satisfaction of the Responsible Authority.

28. Vehicle crossings must be sealed and constructed to Council Standard Drawings, must be at right angles to the road from the kerb to the building line and be 1m clear of all assets in the road reserve and 3m clear of all street trees.

29. Prior to a Statement of Compliance, the access way must be constructed to the satisfaction of the Responsible Authority.


Asset Protection

30. The Applicant/Owner shall be responsible to meet the costs of all alterations to and reinstatement of, the Knox City Council and any other Public Authority assets deemed necessary and required by such Authorities for the development/subdivision. Re-instatement or modification of assets to Council’s satisfaction will be required or compensation to the value of Council’s loss shall be paid

Payments and Bonds

31. Prior to the issue of a Statement of Compliance, the owner/developer shall pay to the Council a payment for supervision of works being 2.5% of the value of all works shown on the Engineering Plans and a payment for checking of Engineering Plans being 0.75% of all works shown on the engineering plan.

32. Prior to the issue of a Statement of Compliance, the

owner/developer shall lodge with Council a refundable maintenance bond being 5% of the value of all works shown on the Engineering Plan.

(A priced Bill of Quantities shall be supplied to Council to validate the value of works as shown on the plan. This is used to determine the amount of the fees and maintenance bond and provides a record of the value of Councils assets).

Bond return

33. Prior to the return of any Maintenance Bond for a new pit, the Council Engineer shall inspect the works to ensure that they are constructed in accordance with the approved design and specifications to the satisfaction of the Responsible Authority.

Removal of structures

34. Prior to the issue of a Statement of Compliance for the subdivision, all the buildings and structures on the on the vacant lot must be removed from the land to the satisfaction of the Responsible Authority.


Final Inspection

35. Prior to the issue of a Statement of Compliance (subject to any works having been bonded) a final inspection by Council’s Enforcement and Drainage Officer’s shall be carried out, to verify the completion of works in accordance with the Endorsed Plans, to Council’s standards and shall include:

35.1 Construction of vehicle crossings;

35.2 Construction of common areas (including driveways and landscaping);

35.3 Completion of drainage;

35.4 Installation of common property lighting and hydrants;

35.5 Fencing;

Time - Subdivision

36. The permit will expire if one of the following circumstances applies:

36.1 The subdivision is not started within two years of the date of this permit as evidenced by a Plan of Subdivision being certified by the Council within that time limit;

36.2 The Certified Plan of Subdivision is not registered within five years from the date of the certification of the plan.

The Responsible Authority may extend the time limit at the request of the landowner or occupier. Any request must be made before the permit expires or within six (6) months after the expiry date.

NOTES:

· All utility services (drainage, sewer) are to be verified onsite by the applicant/developer prior to the commencement of any works.

· Pursuant to the schedule to Clause 52.01 of the Knox Planning Scheme and in accordance with Section 18 of the Subdivision Act 1988, the owner/developer shall pay to the Council an amount equal to 8.5 percent of the site value of all the land in the subdivision. This amount may be adjusted in accordance with Section 19 of the Subdivision Act and shall be required prior to the issue of a Statement of Compliance under the Subdivision Act 1988.

· A road opening permit from Council is required for any works within the road reserve, including the nature strip.

· Melbourne Water conditions: Contact 9679 7517.


· CFA Conditions: Contact 8739 4032.

· Lot numbers as shown on the endorsed plans do not necessarily indicate any future street numbers. Property (street) numbering shall be in accordance with Council’s Property (Street) Numbering Policy. Information regarding this can be obtained from Council’s Property and Revenue Services Department on 9298 8215.

· SPI Conditions: Contact 9238 6374.

· South East Water Conditions: Contact 9552 3371 The following South East Water agreement options are available:

4) Application to enter into a Development Deed-works – Works,

if South East Water reticulated sewer/water/recycled water (as applicable) is required to be extended to service lots within the development.

5) Application for Notice of Agreement Subdivision – Non works,

if South East Water reticulated sewer/water/recycled water (as applicable) is available to the development and the owner only requires Statement of Compliance to release the titles (ie; subdivision prior to building).

6) Plumbing industrial, Commercial, Units and Private Water

application, if South East Water reticulated sewer/water/recycled water (as applicable) is available to the development and the owner wishes to commence construction of the buildings. (ie; building prior to subdivision).

CARRIED

97 COUNCIL 24 February 2015 COUNCILLOR HOLLAND VACATED THE CHAMBER AT 7.38PM DURING DISCUSSION ON ITEM 8 COUNCILLOR HOLLAND RETURNED TO THE CHAMBER AT 7.39PM DURING DISCUSSION ON ITEM 8

8. PUBLIC QUESTION TIME Following the completion of business relating to Item 7, City Development, the business before the Council Meeting will now be deferred to consider questions submitted by the public.

Question Time commenced at 7.38pm. The following questions were raised with Council:

Question 1 Early last year Council received an application to develop the land of 65 BORONIA RD BORONIA. After 289 days the applicant then referred the matter to V.C.A.T. Two days before Christmas a notice advertising the development proposal went up. This notice didn’t mention that it’s height will be 16 metres in an 11 meter height area, as signed off by the then Planning minister Matthew Guy some time ago. It did not state that it will be five levels with around 40 apartments that will be for supposed retirees 50+ years of age. Given the location this will be another nightmare for the areas as regards to traffic and views to the Dandenongs. Not many people in the area are aware of the potential catastrophe. I have also noticed that this proposal does not respect D.D.O.7 as it is very baulky and little opportunity for any canopy tree planting exist. The chance for residents to object has been clearly side-stepped as the matter has been refered to V.C.A.T. I want a written response as to why the Council didn’t make a decision and give the residents a democratic chance to voice their concerns as we have fought long and hard for lower heights as seen at nearby properties such as 55 and 66 Boronia Rd. I thought we have more building clarity but judging by the applicants disregard for the planning rules I am very concerned about this proposal.

Answer The Director - City Development, Mr Angelo Kourambas responded that he was aware of the application referred to by the questioner. He advised that the application did not comply with a number of provisions and that a decision would be made under delegation unless otherwise directed by Council. Mr Kourambas advised that residents can submit an objection to Council in relation to the application at any time.

98 COUNCIL 24 February 2015 8. Public Question Time (cont'd)

Question 2 “Tree Removal” – Golden Gr The Basin Job well done

Answer The Mayor, Councillor Peter Lockwood thanked the questioner for his comments.

Question 3 To your Worship – would it be possible for Council to accept this small section of R/line! Then forward to State Govt!!! Thereby being the start of the Rowville Line???

Answer The Mayor, Councillor Peter Lockwood responded that Council would happily accept the section of rail.

Question Time Concluded at 7.44pm.

99 COUNCIL – ENGINEERING & INFRASTRUCTURE 24 February 2015

ALL WARDS

9.1 KNOX INTEGRATED TRANSPORT PLAN

SUMMARY: Sustainable Transport Planner (Melissa Sparrow)

The Knox Integrated Transport Plan is presented for adoption following public consultation.

RECOMMENDATION

That Council

1. adopt the Knox Integrated Transport Plan (February 2015) shown as Appendix A as presented to this meeting;

2. respond to and thank those who provided a submission on the draft Knox Integrated Transport Plan; and

3. prepare business cases for future budget consideration for those actions, identified within the Plan, which cannot be accommodated within existing budgets.

1. INTRODUCTION

Knox City Council first developed an Integrated Transport Plan in 2004. The Plan brought together key priorities across individual transport strategies. Since the adoption of this original plan, Council has progressed a range of initiatives – delivered directly by Council and also in conjunction with key partners.

Key initiatives include provision of Smartbus services along Stud Road and the implementation of bus lanes along this route, progression of the Rowville Rail corridor to one adopted and endorsed by State Government as a future building block within Plan Melbourne, enhancement of bus service hours and frequency within Knox and leading behavioural change programs within Knox local communities.

The Draft Knox Integrated Transport Plan was endorsed by Council at its 25 November, 2014 Council meeting. It was subsequently released for public consultation for a four week period.

The Draft Plan presented here (see Appendix A), incorporates the comments received.

100 COUNCIL – ENGINEERING & INFRASTRUCTURE 24 February 2015 9.1 Knox Integrated Transport Plan (cont’d)

2. DISCUSSION

2.1 Overview of Plan

In preparing the draft ITP, the Transport Integration Act 2010 has been used as the framework for implementation to align with the Act’s six transport system objectives. As the Victorian regulatory framework identifies key objectives that must be considered when making transport decisions, it is acknowledged that this provides a well-grounded basis for articulating transport aspirations for Knox.

The draft Integrated Transport Plan presented is laid out in manner which provides:

· a review of key progress actions implemented within Knox since the development of the original Integration Transport Plan;

· a snapshot of key transport data statistics within Knox with regard to demographics, travel behaviours and services within Knox;

· an assessment of the policy framework at Federal, State and Local Government level which influences transport provision and use;

· a discussion of key social issues which are directly influencing both the need and use of transport infrastructure and services;

· a review of initiatives which sit both within and external to the direct influence of Council;

· a summary of key findings from the community stakeholder engagement process enacted to support the development of this plan;

· presentation of a Council vision, key themes and aligned initiatives which establish the framework for continuing to develop a transport response across Knox; and

· an Action Plan which prioritises and costs initiatives.

Council’s action plan has regard to the fact that in delivering on the intent of the Integrated Transport Plan, Council assumes both direct and indirect responsibility across a range of transport initiatives. Direct responsibilities include planning, delivery, operations and maintenance responsibility for our local transport network, including road, bicycle paths, shared paths and footpath networks. Council also indirectly partners with both State and Federal Government agencies to support the identification and delivery of enhancements to the strategic road network and strategic bicycle network. In addition, it supports the planning and advocacy requirements to deliver strategic public transport infrastructure and services.


2.2 Submissions received

Three submissions were received during the public consultation period. Each is addressed below:

Submission One – via email

“My comments on the maps the bus route need to show all services on each section. Note bus 737 is shown coming in but missing the High St exit. The object should be to have buses every 20 minutes between 7-7, it is very frustrating when at Glen Waverley if the train just misses the 737 then a wait of 30 minutes for the next service.”

Submission summarised:

· Bus map needs to show all services.

· Bus services need to have a frequency of at least 20 minutes between 7am and 7pm.

Response:

· The 737 service reference is included on the maps on page 12-14 at the Dorset Road end of the service.

· Bus service frequency is addressed in Figure 10 ‘Public transport vision for Knox’ with High Street Road shown as a 10-20 minute frequency. Also Action 5.3 ‘Advocate for improved bus service frequency during peak times to public transport interchanges’ is a high priority.

Submission Two – via email

“I am very interested in any public transport plans as I have lived in the Knox area for many years and my children have had to rely on public transport for many years and continue to do so. I live in Rowville, which as you know is not a long drive into the city but a public transport trip can take up to 2 hours (1-2 buses and a train). The lack of a train line is a significant issue for my family and the people I speak to in my neighbourhood.”


· Rowville Rail needed.

Response:

· The need for a rail line to Rowville is highlighted throughout the Knox Integrated Transport Plan with a particular reference in Action 1.1 ‘Advocate for improved public transport services and infrastructure such as Rowville Rail, Knox Tram, improved bus services and grade separation of rail lines’ as a high priority.


Submission Three – via Twitter

“Rail station carparks are overflowing. Y not ride a bike? Ppl fearful of traffic. Council to effect change through infrastructure.”


· Improve cycling infrastructure, particularly to railway stations.

Response:

· Improvements to cycling infrastructure is highlighted throughout the Knox Integrated Transport Plan. Particular reference is made in:

o Action 1.2 ‘Continue to extend the footpath and shared path networks’. (high priority)

o Action 1.4 ‘Review the current Knox Bicycle Plan and develop a new Cycling Plan.’ (high priority)

o Action 3.5 ‘Provide pedestrian and cycle infrastructure as part of road projects wherever practicable.’ (high priority)

3. CONSULTATION

A two part public consultation process was undertaken in the preparation of this draft ITP using questionnaires and focus groups.

A short questionnaire was distributed to 18,000 randomly selected households throughout the municipality as well as at Council Festivals, customer service centres, libraries etc. The questionnaire considered travel behaviour patterns, mode use, barriers to using different forms of transport and views on existing transport infrastructure. In total more than 750 responses were received. Three focus groups were also held to further explore the questionnaire results. These were undertaken with representatives at a meeting of the Youth Advisory Committee, Multicultural Advisory Committee and general community. In addition, a draft version of the plan has been presented to Council’s Transport and Mobility Advisory Committee. Council also considered the Draft Knox Integrated Transport Plan at its Special Issues Briefing meeting of 11 November 2014 with feedback provided now incorporated in the presented Draft Plan.

The Draft Knox Integrated Transport Plan was released for public consultation during December 2014 and January 2015. The following methods were used:

· Social media – Facebook and Twitter.

· Direct email to all those who completed the original questionnaire and wanted to be kept informed.


· Council Committees: Multi Cultural Committee, Disability Advisory Committee, Transport & Mobility Advisory Committee and Youth Advisory Committee.

· Knox website.

· Message boards at Customer Service.

As noted, these submissions were received during the public consultation period.

4. ENVIRONMENTAL/AMENITY ISSUES

Transport services affect the quality of life of residents and it is therefore important that communities have access to a variety of transport options to access available places, goods and services which contribute to an improved quality of life.

5. FINANCIAL & ECONOMIC IMPLICATIONS

The Knox Integrated Transport Plan identifies a number of prioritised initiatives which respond to the key transport vision statements within Knox.

Projects were identified as High Priority – to be delivered in years 1 and 2, Medium Priority – to be delivered in years 3 to 5 and Low Priority – to be delivered in years five and beyond.

Whilst a number of the actions or initiatives identified in the Plan can be funded within existing budgets, a number of new high, medium and low priority initiatives have been identified that would require funding.

High priority initiatives were identified as costing $252,500 over two years, medium priority initiatives costing $192,500 over three years and low priority initiatives costing $42,000 over five years. Business cases will need to be prepared for those actions which are not able to be completed using existing resources.

It is to be noted that these costs exclude the cost of new and upgrade capital works projects such as new footpaths, shared paths, public transport infrastructure which support delivery of the Integrated Transport Plan and are funded through the Capital Works Program.

6. SOCIAL IMPLICATIONS

A good transport system provides opportunities for all members of the community to access employment, education and other local services and activities, thereby improving community capacity and minimising social isolation.


7. RELEVANCE TO CITY PLAN 2013-17 (INCORPORATING THE COUNCIL PLAN)

A City Plan objective under Theme 3: Vibrant and Sustainable Built and Natural Environments is:

1.3 Infrastructure networks provide transport choice, affordability and connectivity.

8. CONCLUSION

The Knox Integrated Transport Plan provides a vision for transport in Knox which considers the challenges of an ageing population, obesity, rising fuel prices, climate change and road congestion to ensure the Knox community has good access to viable transport options.

Comments received through the public consultation process were addressed within actions in the Plan presented for adoption.

9. CONFIDENTIALITY

There are no issues of confidentiality associated with this report.

COUNCIL RESOLUTION MOVED: CR. MORTIMORE SECONDED: CR. COSSARI

That Council

1. adopt the Knox Integrated Transport Plan (February 2015) shown as Appendix A as presented to this meeting;

2. respond to and thank those who provided a submission on the draft Knox Integrated Transport Plan; and

3. prepare business cases for future budget consideration for those actions, identified within the Plan, which cannot be accommodated within existing budgets.

CARRIED

105 COUNCIL – ENGINEERING & INFRASTRUCTURE 24 February 2015 9.1 KNOX INTEGRATED TRANSPORT PLAN – APPENDIX A CIRCULATED SEPARATELY

106 COUNCIL – COMMUNITY SERVICES 24 February 2015 COUNCILLOR MORTIMORE VACATED THE CHAMBER AT 7.47PM DURING DISCUSSION ON ITEM 10.1

ALL WARDS

10.1 2016 CHILD: STAFF RATIO FOR EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION AND CARE SERVICES

SUMMARY: Manager - Family and Children’s Services (Janine Brown)

From 1 January 2016, any licensed service under the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACEQA) must decrease the ratio of staff to children for groups of children aged 3 years and over from 1:15 to 1:11. This requirement impacts Council’s long day, occasional care and stand alone preschool early childhood education and care (ECEC) services.

Officers have undertaken an analysis of a number of options to determine the most sustainable way forward. This analysis has indicated that a different approach will need to be taken across different services settings.

The analysis has determined that if Council were to proceed with the recommended implementation approach across each of the service settings, the majority of preschool group sizes would be capped at 22 children in most locations, childcare families would experience a change in service priority of access to 3-5 year old rooms, preschool fees will need to be increased to contribute to the increased staffing costs, Scoresby West early years facility would need to be re-commissioned as a funded preschool location, minor works would need to be carried out to maximize floor space in childcare 3-5 year old rooms and Council’s Preschool Policy 2014 and Procedures would require some adjustment and new additions to ensure priority of access matched new arrangements.

The recommendations presented for Council’s consideration assume the continuation of 15 hours of funded preschool in both long day and stand alone preschool ECEC settings (and the associated per capita income) in the 2016 preschool year.

107 COUNCIL – COMMUNITY SERVICES 24 February 2015 10.1 2016 Child: Staff Ratio For Early Childhood Education And Care

Services (Cont’d)

RECOMMENDATION

That Council:

1. Approve Option 2 which proposes to cap the majority of group sizes to 22 children (thus only requiring 2 staff as per Council’s current staffing arrangements) and only increase group sizes where significant demand and licensed floor space allows. This would be applied across all Council’s preschool stand alone service sites from 1 January 2016.

2. Approve the recommended implementation approach for Council’s long day and occasional ECEC services which would involve a revised Service Priority of Access policy for the 3-5 year old rooms to be applied from 1 January 2016.

3. Increase the preschool fee to families by an initial 5.5% for the 2016 preschool year to partially recover additional costs associated with the changes to child:staff ratios in stand alone preschool settings.

4. Consider possible preschool fee rises for subsequent years following further clarification by the State Government of funding grants for enrolled children and the likely continuation of 15 hours of preschool in 2016 and beyond.

5. Approve the revised Funded Preschool Policy 2015 and Funded Preschool (Education and Care Settings) Procedures 2015 shown at Appendix B.

1. INTRODUCTION

The Education and Care Services National Law 2011 incorporating the National Quality Framework (NQF) requires specific changes to the educator child ratio commencing January 2016.

From 1 January 2016:

Group sizes over 11 children will require 2 staff, one of whom may hold a Certificate III in Children’s Services; and

Group sizes over 22 children will require 3 staff. In addition, at least 50% of educators must hold a minimum diploma qualification. For standalone preschool settings, this will mean that one staff member would need to be degree qualified, one staff member would need to be diploma qualified and the remaining staff member must hold a Certificate III in Children’s Services.

These changes create some challenges for Council in providing preschool and child care services across stand alone and centre-based settings that meet legislative requirements, maintain high quality services, and are affordable for families and financially sustainable for Council.


Services (Cont’d)

A project has also been undertaken with the aim of providing more detailed analysis and advice to Council in relation to an implementation approach by March 2015. March 2015 has been set as the deadline for the commencement of an adopted approach as the session timetables for the 2016 preschool year are normally offered to families in May of the year prior to their enrolled preschool year. Families attending long day ECEC settings will also require information in time to consider their position and enrolment in the 3-5 year old rooms for the 2016 calendar year.

This project has assumed that Council will be offering 15 hours of funded preschool to each child enrolled across 30 stand alone preschool locations and that Council’s centre-based childcare services will be operating in the current sites in 2016.

A proposed Implementation and Communication Plan including key messages will be prepared to inform families and staff of Council’s approach to deliver the 2016 requirement to change the child: staff ratio for children aged over 3.

1.1 Continued Change in Policy and Funding Frameworks

Under the National Quality Framework, Early Childhood Education and Care services are now required to operate and respond to an identical set of legislative and quality frameworks, levels of staffing qualifications and child: staff ratios. This means that services such as “preschool” and “child care” are no longer defined from a legislative point of view as separate service types but are now essentially operating as the same service type in different “program settings” to respond to the various needs of families.

To date, Council has implemented the national reform agenda for early years through a complex and challenging change in collaboration and partnership with children, families and staff. It has invested in its early years infrastructure renewal and refurbishment, committed resources to support strategic operational planning and implementation, developed a Municipal Early Years Plan and established an Early Years Advisory Committee.

The Federal Government’s response to the Productivity Commission Inquiry into Childcare and Early Learning is expected in March 2015 and this may further impact the current service design and delivery in long day and occasional ECEC settings.

In relation to funded preschool programs for 2016, the Commonwealth Government has not made any commitment to a funding contribution beyond December 2015 for 15 hours of preschool. The recent change of State Government has confirmed the continuation of an early years capital grants program however the 2016 preschool per capita level of funding has not been clarified by the new State Government. If the Commonwealth contribution to the 15 hours of preschool is no longer available, there is the potential for a significant reduction in per capita funding paid by the State Government to Council for preschool services. However, this would not change the legislative responsibilities Council has regarding the changes to child: staff ratios.


Services (Cont’d)

The Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) continues to advocate to the Department Education and Training (DET) (previously Department of Education and Early Childhood Development) for the need for additional funding to be provided to enable services to respond to the decreases in the child: staff ratios.

2. DISCUSSION

2.1 Centre-based Long Day and Occasional ECEC settings.

In 2013, Council was asked to provide feedback on an initial proposed approach to implement changes in child: staff ratios for both 2014 and 2016. A ‘do nothing’ scenario was presented with the associated impacts on operational expenditure for the childcare budget. Based on feedback at that time from Council, it is proposed that costs associated with this requirement be minimised by assigning children 3 years and over (the 3-5 yr. old room) to the smallest classroom in each of Council’s 6 centre-based services wherever practicable.

The rationale behind this proposed approach is that the highest demand for centre-based services is for children 0-2 years and the lowest demand is for eligible funded preschool-aged children. Recent service analysis has identified that children often move from centre-based settings to access 15 hours of preschool in a stand alone setting once they are of funded preschool age. Feedback from families is that this approach is significantly more affordable than the equivalent childcare hours and if able to make that choice, they will do so.

The most significant impact of this proposed approach for Council’s centre-based long day settings will be the need to change the Service Priority of Access arrangements for families moving from the 2-3 year old rooms to the allocated smaller room for children over 3 years of age. In order to accommodate the new child: staff ratios, the proposed approach from 1 January 2016, is that the Service Priority of Access to the 3-5 year old room is adjusted to prioritise:

1. Children who are eligible and attract State Government funded preschool per capita funding and the centre-based preschool program is nominated as the child’s ‘funded preschool year’ location;

2. Children who are not of funded preschool eligible age who have previously attended the service in the 0-2 rooms;

3. All other children who wish to enrol in the 3-5 year old room.


Services (Cont’d)

A timely communication and transition plan will be required to support existing families to adjust and accommodate to this new Service Priority of Access approach. As demand for the 3-5 year old rooms is generally at its lowest across most of the 5 long day ECEC services, there is opportunity to trial the revised Service Priority of Access approach commencing with the 2015 ‘June Update’ and review and consolidate the approach during a relative time of low demand.

Some minor capital works will also need to occur for 3-5 year old rooms across the six service locations to maximise licensed floor space to accommodate the new child: staff ratios. These minor works estimated at approximately $36,000 are included in the 2015-16 Capital Works program submission for Council’s consideration as part of the budget process.

2.2 Stand Alone Preschool ECEC Settings.

As the most significant service level and financial impact of the changes to child:staff ratios occur for the stand alone preschool ECEC settings, further analysis has been undertaken since 2013 to refine options for implementation across Council’s 30 stand alone preschool locations.

The analysis has worked on the assumption of a continuation of 15 hours of preschool in 2016. Should this assumption no longer apply, significant remodelling would need to occur to take into account a potential loss of income whilst maintaining the legislative requirement to implement new staff ratios in stand alone preschool settings.

2.2.1 Options for Stand Alone Preschool

Two possible models have been identified to implement the child: staff ratio changes in stand alone preschool settings.

Preschool Option 1

Option 1 takes a ‘do nothing’ approach. This scenario is modelled for where additional staff are allocated to any preschool session where more than 22 children are enrolled per group. This model has the highest cost impact (see Section 3.2.2) whilst providing the most choice for families. However, it should be noted that if Council chose to implement Option 1 and pass on the full financial impact to families, it would also result in the highest rise in preschool fees for families.

Preschool Option 2

Option 2 proposes to cap the majority of group sizes to 22 children (thus only requiring 2 staff as per Council’s current staffing arrangements) and only increase group sizes where significant demand and licensed floor space allows.


Services (Cont’d)

This option would involve the following:

· Recommissioning of the Scoresby West early years facility as a funded preschool location at an approximate additional cost of $130,000;

· Renegotiation of facility use with some 3 year old preschool groups currently operating in licensed children’s classrooms;

· Some Volunteer Committees will receive reduced funding through preschool term fees as group sizes (and thus enrolment numbers in some locations) are capped, at the same time some Committees will receive increased funding;

· Some families may not be able to access their first preference for stand alone preschool locations because of the capping of group sizes. In these circumstances, the second and third preferences for each enrolment would be factored into the preschool allocation process;

· Fee increase for families if Council decides to fully or partially recover the costs of implementation through preschool fees; and

· Modification to Council’s current Preschool Policy - Group Size procedures.

2.2.2 Financial Modelling for Stand Alone Preschool Options

The net cost to Council for the provision of preschool services in 2014-15 is budgeted at $377,998.

The additional full year cost to implement Option 1 (‘do nothing’) is calculated to be $1,753,522.

The additional full year cost to implement Option 2 (capping group sizes to 22 and implementing larger groups sizes only where significant demand exists and floor space permits) is $921,916.

Council may choose to incorporate the additional cost into the draft budgets for 2015-16 and 2016-17, or pass on the impact of these additional costs (in part or full) through fee rises to families.

The potential impact on recovery of these additional costs through increases in preschool service fees is outlined in Section 6 of this report. In summary, full cost recovery through fees to families for Option 1 would result in a 123% increase to current fees compared to the 2015 preschool fee for families. Full cost recovery for Option 2 would result in a 64% increase compared to the current 2015 preschool fee.


Services (Cont’d)

This percentage increase assumes that the grant provided by Council to volunteer committees through the collection of term fees would not increase and that additional funds paid by families would go to directly reducing the additional costs associated with the changes to child: staff ratios.

It is of note that Knox preschool fees continue to remain one of the lowest fees charged to families for a year of preschool education compared to many other Kindergarten Clusters and Committee managed services in Victoria.

Council charges and retains a preschool administration fee for each enrolment. Council also receives funds through the State Government per capita subsidy, senior teacher classification subsidy and Kindergarten Cluster location grants. Income from the administration fee and per capita subsidy is directed towards the employment, training and management of preschool staff, the operation of a central enrolment service; the provision of training and support for Committees and a contribution towards the maintenance of preschool facilities.

Preschool committee term fees are set by Council following consideration of the fee proposal put forward by the Combined Preschool Committees Working Party. These fees are collected by Council and are paid directly to committees as an operational grant for day to day preschool service expenses.

The State Government offers assistance in the form of a fee subsidy to promote participation in preschool and to make preschool fees affordable for children and families who hold a Health Care Card or another designated concession card. This fee subsidy will enable families who hold one of these designated cards to access preschool at no cost (or minimal cost).

Should Council increase preschool fees to families by an initial 5.5% in the 2016 preschool year, this increase would continue to be less than the State Government’s fee subsidy for children and families who hold either a Health Care Card or another designated concession card.

Although future State Government funding is yet to be confirmed, based on current information, it is highly likely that access to preschool will continue to be at no cost (or minimal cost) for these families 2016.

In order to minimise the impact of fee rises for families, it is proposed that the operational grant component of fees collected from families and paid onto each preschool committee by Council (known as the term fee) will not be increased for the 2016 preschool year. This means that any fee increases paid by families in 2016 would go directly to partially recovering the increased costs brought about by the introduction of the changes to child:staff ratios from January 2016.


Services (Cont’d)

2.3 Priority of Access

To achieve further integration and clarity for families accessing Council’s centre-based and stand alone preschool services, it is recommended that the currently approved Preschool Policy 2014 and Preschool Procedures, be refreshed in the light of the 2016 changes.

Appendix A (includes track changes) and Appendix B (proposed copy without track changes) outlines the proposed changes to this Policy, which also includes a modified name for the Policy to ‘Funded Preschool Policy 2015’ and ‘Funded Preschool (Early Childhood Education and Care Settings) Procedure 2015’.

Should Council support the proposed changes to the renamed policy and procedure, this would be circulated to families as part of the communication and implementation strategy and as required under the National Quality Framework Quality Principles.

Key points to note in relation to the proposed changes are:

Funded Preschool in Child Care Settings

· The revised Preschool Policy will now include a Service Priority of Access for funded preschool in child care settings;

· The Service Priority of Access process will be applied to all applications from families with children eligible for the 3-5 year old rooms;

· To be considered for the new Service Priority of Access Procedure for centre-based preschool services, families will be required to enrol/re-enrol their children in the year prior to the child being eligible for funded preschool program. They will be asked to nominate which setting/location their child will be accessing funded preschool. This will be called the ‘June Update’;

· The ‘June Update’ will commence in 2015. As there is currently low demand for funded preschool in long day ECEC settings, this commencement approach will enable the practice to be established and consolidated prior to any increased demand for this service setting;

· First priority to the 3-5 year old room will be for eligible children whose families nominate their child’s funded preschool place in that service;

· Second priority to the 3-5 yr. old room will be given to children who are not of funded preschool eligible age who have previously attended the service in the 0-2 rooms;

· Priority will then be given to all other children who wish to enrol in the 3-5 year old room.


Services (Cont’d)

All children attending long day and occasional ECEC services must meet the Commonwealth Priority of Access criteria in order to qualify for Childcare Benefit (CCB) when attending a Commonwealth funded childcare service. The Knox Council Service Priority of Access Procedure for long day and occasional ECEC services will build on this assumption.

As part of the communication and implementation plan, it is proposed that from June 2015, all families currently using services in the Council’s long day ECEC settings will be asked to re-enrol through an Expression of Interest for the following year.

Stand Alone Preschool Settings

The 2014 Preschool Policy currently guides the implementation of group sizes in stand alone preschool settings to the maximum licensed floor space wherever possible. The Policy would be amended to propose a maximum group size of only 22 children unless otherwise determined by the Manager, Family and Children’s Services.

3. CONSULTATION

Significant planning and consultation for the implementation of the changes to child: staff ratios in 2016 across applicable Council delivered early years services in the Knox municipality has been undertaken.

Consultation has occurred through:

· A focus group comprising interested community members involved with Council’s early years services and existing staff;

· Discussion with members of Council’s Early Years Advisory Group;

· Cross-organisation discussions with relevant departments including Finance, People Performance and Corporate Communications.

The implementation of the Council’s agreed way forward will require further, targeted and timely communication with key stakeholders to explain the changes and provide the appropriate level of support to transition to new arrangements. This will include the requirement to:

· Inform staff of the approved way forward and any impacts this may have on them;

· Engage with vulnerable families to encourage and support them to access and participate in ECEC services with children over 3 years of age;


Services (Cont’d)

· Engage with Volunteer Preschool Committees;

· Engage with families enrolled for 2016 and beyond;

· Engage with general Knox community.


There are no direct environmental/amenity issues associated with this report.


As an Approved Provider under ACEQA, Council will incur costs to implement changes to the child: staff ratio in 2016. Council Officers have undertaken an analysis of options to understand and recommend the most viable and sustainable way forward to meet Council’s legislative responsibilities.

In 2013, and in response to the foreshadowed changes to child: staff ratios an adjustment to the LTFF was approved for an annual amount of $780,000. This adjustment commenced with a half-year effect in the 2015-16-budget year of $360,000.

All financial modelling includes staffing costs at projected 2016 levels and where applicable, proportional offset for enrolments through income gained from State Government per capita grants in preschool programs.

It should be noted that some costs cannot be offset by enrolment income due to higher staff costs for the same number of children.

A Business Case for the costs associated with re-commissioning the Scoresby West early years facility and also a Minor Capital Works application to maximise floor space in the child care facilities have been submitted to the 2015-16 Capital Works budget process.

The graph above indicates the relationship between operational costs compared with group sizes of 22 children ranging up to 33 children for stand alone preschool settings.

$0

$50,000

22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33

Net Cost to Council Per Enrolment Sessional Preschool …

3 x 5 hours Sessions 7.5 x 2 hours sessions


Services (Cont’d)

Most stand alone preschool classrooms are licensed for between 25 and 28 children. Only a limited number of classrooms are licensed for 30 or above. Significant investment would be needed to extend all classrooms to accommodate larger group sizes, with no guarantee that larger group sizes could be maintained in every classroom.

The 2014-15 operational budget indicates that 94% of operational costs are currently covered by income through government grants and Confirmation and Enrolment fees charged to families. 6% of operational costs in the 2014-15 budget year are therefore subsidised by Council. A further breakdown of external income demonstrates that 94% of external income comes from external grants, and 6% is attributed to family preschool Confirmation and Enrolment Fees.

5.1 Implementation of 2016 Child: Staff Ratios-Stand Alone Preschool

The additional cost to Council to implement options for stand alone preschool settings from 2016 are outlined below:

Preschool Option 1

Preschool Option 2

Additional Full Preschool Calendar Year Cost*

$1,753,522 $921,916 (staffing) $130,000(capital-once off)

*Total staffing costs calculated across two financial years to represent costs for 2016 preschool year. These costs are in addition to the 2014/15 Budgeted Net Council Contribution of $377,998.

To apply the full additional cost to families through preschool, Confirmation and Enrolment fees increases would result in the following:

Option Option 1

Option 2

Current (2015) Preschool Service Fee (Confirmation Enrolment, Term Fee)

$1022 $1022

Additional Family Preschool Fees Required to Fully Recover Cost to Council to Implement in 2016 (based on 1397 enrolments)

$1255.20 $659.90 ($130,000 capital

once off not included)

Total Preschool Fee for Families to Fully Recover Cost to Council in 2016

$2277.20 $1681.90

Percentage increase from 2015 Preschool Fee of $1022

123% 64%


Services (Cont’d)

Council’s LTFF has been adjusted for the 2015/16 and 2016/17 financial years in anticipation of additional net costs to Council. The table below shows the estimated additional costs beyond those already allowed for in Council’s LTFF for 2015/16 and 2016/17.

Option Option 1 Option 2 Net Impact to Council’s Budget 2015-16

(Minus $380k already in LTFF (half year) $496,761 $80,958 (staffing)

Net Impact to Council’s Budget 2016-17 (Minus $760K already in LTFF (full year)

$993,522 $161,916 (staffing)

Should Council wish to pass on to families costs beyond those currently allowed for in the LTFF, the following annual rise in fees for 2016 and subsequent preschool years would be required compared to the 2015 preschool fees:

Option Option 1

Option 2

Current (2015) Confirmation and Enrolment Fee

$1022 $1022

Additional Family Preschool Fees Required (per annum)

$711.20 $115.90 (Excluded in

calculations $130,000 capital once off)

Total Preschool Fee for Families to Fully Recover Cost to Council (ie above current LTFF)

$1733.20 $1138.00

Percentage increase from 2015 Preschool Fee of $1022

69% pa 11% pa

This percentage increase assumes that the grant provided by Council to volunteer committees through the collection of term fees would not increase and that additional funds paid by families would go to directly reducing the additional costs associated with the changes to child: staff ratios.

To partially recover the outstanding cost after applying the LTFF it is proposed that preschool fees are increased by 5.5% for the 2016 preschool year and Council consider possible preschool fee rises for subsequent years following further clarification by the State Government of funding grants for enrolled children and the likely continuation of 15 hours of preschool in 2016 and beyond.


Services (Cont’d)

Preschool Fee for 2015 Proposed Preschool Fee for 2016

Preschool Fee $1022.80 $1079

% Increase 5.5%

$ Increase $56.20

This means Council would need to factor into the draft budget for 2015-16 of $40,479. The increase of 5.5% in 2016 moderates the impact of preschool fees for families but slows the cost recovery process for Council.


The period from birth to eight is a critical period of a child’s life. It is the time when children acquire essential foundation skills and knowledge and when brain development is at its optimal level.

Council has an ongoing and unique capacity to provide high quality, integrated and coordinated services along with comprehensive levels of support to individual families who access its services. This provides a solid and effective foundation to support all families but in particular, to identify and support vulnerable and socially isolated families in a way that other non-integrated services do not.


The City Plan objectives for the future City of Knox relevant to this report are:

Theme 1 Healthy, Connected Communities

1.1 The Knox community benefits from good health and wellbeing at all life stages.

1.2 A safe community with strong community connections and where learning and volunteering are valued and supported.

Theme 5 Democratic and Engaged Communities

1.1 Improve community leadership and participation in Knox.

1.2 Increase opportunities for the Knox community to participate in public decision-making processes.

1.3 Ensure Council is well governed and demonstrates effective leadership.


Services (Cont’d)

Knox City Council’s Municipal Early Years Plan (MEYP) ‘Off to a Flying Start’ responds to the outcomes ascribed in the City Plan, Council Plan and Council’s Health and Wellbeing Strategy.

The MEYP outlines Knox’s vision for children and families and is captured in three key statements below:

Knox Children: Are enjoying a fun, happy, safe childhood where they are loved, supported and nurtured. They are engaged towards optimal health, wellbeing, and are active participants in their own learning, development and community.

· Childhood in Knox: Is an important and recognised stage of life, where children play and explore and are part of neighbourhoods, as their learning is supported by their family, friends and wider community.

· Knox Families: Are richly diverse, and their role as their child’s first and most important teachers is acknowledged and valued. They are supported, encouraged, connected, informed and empowered to be nurturing, confident and thriving families.

8. CONCLUSION

The project for meeting legislative requirements of changing the child: staff ratios for children aged over 3 in Council’s ECEC services is well progressed for implementation from 2016.

To achieve further integration and clarity for families accessing Council’s centre-based and stand alone funded preschool services, it is recommended that the currently approved Preschool Policy 2014 and Preschool Procedures, be amended in the light of the required 2016 change. This includes re-naming of the current Policy and Procedure to ‘Funded Preschool Policy 2015’ and ‘Funded Preschool (Early Childhood Education and Care Settings) Procedure 2015’.

To partially recover the additional costs associated with implementing the 2016 change of child: staff ratio for stand alone preschool services it is recommended that family fees are increased by 5.5% for the 2016 preschool year. This assumes that the operational grant provided to volunteer committees will not be escalated in the 2015-16 financial year to minimise the impact on families and ensure that additional fees charged directly contribute to the increased costs associated with implementing the changes to child: staff ratios.

Significant planning has been undertaken regarding application of the funded preschool models at individual ECEC service sites to fit with existing early years user groups.

Follow up communication and liaison with stakeholders can occur when there is approval by Council of the recommended approach for Council’s ECEC services.


Services (Cont’d)

9. CONFIDENTIALITY

No confidentiality issues with this report.

COUNCIL RESOLUTION MOVED: CR. SEYMOUR SECONDED: CR. GILL

RECOMMENDATION

That Council:

1. Approve Option 2 which proposes to cap the majority of group sizes to 22 children (thus only requiring 2 staff as per Council’s current staffing arrangements) and only increase group sizes where significant demand and licensed floor space allows. This would be applied across all Council’s preschool stand alone service sites from 1 January 2016.

2. Approve the recommended implementation approach for Council’s long day and occasional ECEC services which would involve a revised Service Priority of Access policy for the 3-5 year old rooms to be applied from 1 January 2016.

3. Increase the preschool fee to families by an initial 5.5% for the 2016 preschool year to partially recover additional costs associated with the changes to child:staff ratios in stand alone preschool settings.

4. Consider possible preschool fee rises for subsequent years following further clarification by the State Government of funding grants for enrolled children and the likely continuation of 15 hours of preschool in 2016 and beyond.

5. Approve the revised Funded Preschool Policy 2015 and Funded Preschool (Education and Care Settings) Procedures 2015 shown at Appendix B.

CARRIED

144 COUNCIL – COMMUNITY SERVICES 24 February 2015 10.1 APPENDIX B - 2016 CHILD: STAFF RATIO FOR EARLY CHILDHOOD

EDUCATION AND CARE SERVICES

Appendix B- Draft Funded Preschool Policy 2015 and Funded Preschool Procedure Early Childhood Education and Care Settings (proposed copy without track changes)

KNOX POLICY FUNDED PRESCHOOL POLICY 2015

Policy Number:

2003/08 Directorate: Community Services

Approval by:

Council Responsible Officer:

Manager – Family & Children’s Services

Approval Date:

Version Number:

Review Date:

1. PURPOSE The purpose of the Knox Funded Preschool Policy is to guide and direct the operations of Knox Council’s Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) Services in its role as Kindergarten Cluster Manager in the context of evidence-based practice, community choice, policy, legislation and funding for preschool services including State and Commonwealth government policy reforms.

2. CONTEXT In its role as a Kindergarten Cluster Manager and as one of the largest 4 year old preschool service providers in the Knox community, Council delivers a high quality preschool service which features a central enrolment process, employment and management of staff, maintenance and renewal of early years facilities and training and ongoing support for volunteer preschool committee partners.

2.1 Broader Roles of Council in the Early Years Knox Council plays a number of varied roles in relation to early years services in the Knox community. These roles include: · Direct Service Delivery and Community Infrastructure of a variety of

early years services, and fit-for-purpose infrastructure. · Advocacy on behalf of, and with, the community with other levels of

government and other organisations. · Research and Planning for services and facilities to meet community

needs and service gaps, including planning for the significant changes occurring in the early years sector.


Services (Cont’d)

· Community Capacity Building including direct investment in early years services and staff, support of volunteer committees and families, and funding and services partnerships with other levels of government.

· Governance and Stewardship in relation to the funding, development, support and monitoring of services and facilities, staff and volunteer committees, physical assets, and funding and service partnerships.

· Regulatory controls ensuring compliance with quality and regulatory requirements for early years services, including facilities, and program characteristics.

2.2 Municipal Early Years Plan 2011-15 (MEYP) Guides our Approach The guiding principles for the Knox Preschool Policy are based around the Strategic Priority Areas outlined in the Knox City Council MEYP Off to a Flying Start. These are: · An all-of-community approach to raising children; · Children as citizens; · Access to quality services, facilities and places; · Vulnerable children and families; and · Partnerships. 2.3 The Role of Legislative and Quality Frameworks January 2012 saw the introduction of the National Quality Framework (NQF) for Early Childhood Education and Care Services, a significant national reform initiative of the Council of Australian Governments (COAG). The NQF aims to raise quality and drive continuous improvement and consistency in early childhood education and care (ECEC) services across Australia through the Education and Care Services National Law Act (2010) and Regulations (2011). Council’s licensed children’s services are required to operate under this legislative and quality framework. Funded four-year-old preschool services are included in this requirement.

2.4 We work in Partnership with Others · Volunteer Preschool Committees: Council has a long-standing and

highly valued partnership with volunteer preschool committees in the delivery of 4 year old preschool services to the Knox community. Council places great value on the work done by volunteer preschool committees. At the same time it is recognised that the relationship between Council and volunteer preschool committees will evolve over time as the circumstances for service change. Council therefore commits to regularly review and reshape its relationship with volunteer preschool committees in order to support the best outcomes for children and to support the provision of quality preschool services. Council also recognises the importance of, and opportunities to, build the capacity of volunteer preschool families as community leaders, and to respond to community expectations, roles and responsibilities in the light of the changing early years service environment.


Services (Cont’d)

· Other early years services: in addition to preschool services, Council operates or has links with a broad range of other early years and specialist services including Centre-based long day and occasional ECEC, Family Day Care, Maternal and Child Health Services, Playgroups, Early Childhood Intervention Services, Preschool Field Officer Service, 3-year-old preschool services and local Primary Schools.

· The Victorian Government: the Victorian Government’s policy platform

with regards to early childhood education is detailed in ‘The Victorian Blueprint for Education and Early Childhood Development’, which outlines an integrated reform agenda to improve performance and promote excellence across Victoria’s schools and early childhood services. The role of the Victorian Government in the early childhood sector is underpinned by the following regular funding commitments:

o A per capita grant for each eligible child for services offering 4

year old kindergarten (preschool) with a minimum of 20 enrolments; and

o An indexed kindergarten fee subsidy paid per term to funded services offering a kindergarten program, for each child who meets the Victorian Government’s eligibility criteria.

In addition, the Victorian Government also provides: o Annual Kindergarten Cluster Management funding grants for cluster

managers operating a set number of multiple approved preschool services, paid monthly and calculated on the basis of the number of approved services operated and a grant to supplement the salary costs of teacher educators who have attained higher salary classifications.

· The Commonwealth Government: has set out a plan to make early years a national priority, involving a range of reforms to early childhood education and care, and a greater focus on early childhood development. Key aspects of this plan related to kindergarten (preschool) include:

o Universal Access to preschool (15 hours commencing 2013); o National Quality Standards; o A National Quality Ratings System; o Education and Care Services National Law 2010; o Education and Care Services National Regulations 2011; and o Early Years Learning Framework.


Services (Cont’d)

3. SCOPE

This policy applies to Council delivered funded preschool programs for 4 year old children in the year before they enter school for which Council receives in partnership funding from the State Government and in addition families’ fees.

The policy provides a clear direction regarding priority of access to preschool services and facilities and the number of Council funded preschool places to be allocated within each preschool group in any given year, taking into account the individual needs of each preschool service location, and the Knox community. It provides Council and partner organisations with a set of principles that guide Council’s interaction with the wide range of service and community partners in the delivery of preschool services

4. REFERENCES

4.1 Council Plan · Democratic and Engaged Communities Strategy: A City with a Council that operates in an efficient and effective manner, applies contemporary practices, has processes that are transparent and accountable, and exercises sound financial management. Objective 5.3: Ensure Council is well governed and demonstrates effective leadership.

4.2 Relevant Legislation · Education and Care Services National Law 2010; · Education and Care Services National Regulations 2011; · Child Wellbeing and Safety Act 2005; · Disability Discrimination Act 1992; · Disability Services Act 2006; · Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004; and · Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2007.

4.3 Relevant Policy and Data Sources · National Quality Framework for Early Childhood Education; · National Partnership for Early Childhood Education; · National Partnership for Indigenous Early Childhood Development; · National Partnership Agreement on the National Quality Agenda for

Early Childhood Education and Care; · Victorian Kindergarten Cluster Management Policy Framework; · Victorian Kindergarten Policy, Procedures and Funding Criteria; · Victorian Blueprint for Education and Early Childhood Development

2008; · Victorian State – Local Government Agreement; · Knox City Council Municipal Early Years Plan 2011-15; · Knox City Council BBB Project Interim Report and Evaluation Report

– Stage1;


Services (Cont’d)

· Australian Early Development Index; and · Department of Education and Training Development Funding and

Service Agreement. · Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework; · National Quality Framework; · National Early Years Learning Framework; · National Quality Standards for Early Childhood; and · Victorian Department of Education and Training Development

Funding and Service Agreements and Program Standards.

4.4 Charter of Human Rights · This policy has been assessed against and complies with the Charter

of Human Rights. 4.5 Related Council Policies

· Funded Preschool Procedure Early Childhood Education and Care Settings 2015

· Municipal Early Years Plan 2011-2015; · Knox Community Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2013-17.


Services (Cont’d)

5. DEFINITIONS

Detail any definitions within the policy.

ACECQA

Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) is an independent statutory authority who provides national leadership in promoting quality and continuous improvement in early childhood education and care and school age care in Australia.

Ballot Is a process of random selection to determine which applicants are granted a first preference place in a Knox preschool service location in situations where there are a greater number of first preference applications which have been allocated the same Priority of Access under the Priority of Access Procedure than there are places available in the preschool service location.

Council Means Knox City Council, whether constituted before or after the commencement of this Policy.

Council of Australian Governments (COAG)

COAG is the peak intergovernmental forum in Australia comprising the Prime Minister, State Premiers, Territory Chief Ministers and the President of the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA).

Deferral Means an application where an Official Offer is issued for a place in a Knox preschool service location or where Preschool Program Support Officers have been informed by parents/guardians of the child that they have decided to defer the commencement of preschool until the following year.

Definition of Vulnerability

The definition of vulnerability applies to those who nominate or are otherwise identified as vulnerable through criteria set out by the Victorian State Government- in many cases this will mean that the family/child will hold a Healthcare Card, a Pensioner Concession Card or a designated Visa, and/or written referral and recommendation from a health or welfare professional.

Department of Education and Training (DET)

The State Government department responsible for funding, licensing and regulation of approved children’s services in Victoria.

Early Years Services / Early Childhood Education and Care Services

Services provided for children from age 0-6 years and their families.


Services (Cont’d)

Eligible Children Children who are eligible for a funded year of four year old preschool, whose parent/guardian have nominated a Knox City Council funded preschool program for their child’s preschool service.

Enrolment Preschool enrolment applications are accepted from birth of a child and ongoing whilst the child is eligible for a funded preschool place.

Exemption Is a waiver granted to a preschool service location to operate a preschool group of a smaller size than its maximum licence capacity.

First Preference Assessment

Is the process by which Council officers assess the first preference applications for places in Knox preschool service locations, applying the Priority of Access and Service and Group Viability Procedures.

First Round Offer

Is the process by which an Official Offer is issued to those who have applied for a place in a Knox preschool service location and after the Priority of Access Policy has been applied a First Round Offer of a preschool place is able to be made.

Funded Preschool service

Means any funded 4-year-old preschool service provided by Knox City Council, before or after the commencement of this policy, unless otherwise stated.

Integrated Services

Bringing together services for improved service provision in arrangements that include co-location and local area collaboration.

Kindergarten Cluster Management

A model that groups individual preschools under one single body responsible for the management of the preschools, including employment of staff.

Official Offer Is a formal offer issued by Council offering an applicant a place in a Knox preschool service location.

Approved Capacity

Is the maximum number of children a preschool service location is permitted and licensed by DET to have on premises, as part of a preschool group at any one time.

May Update

For all eligible enrolment applications made prior to 30 April for preschool attendance in the following calendar year, families will be contacted and asked if they have any changes they would like to make to their original application or do they still require the application to proceed and to submit the evidence as required by this Policy . This is known as the ‘May Update’.

June Update

Families will be required to re-enrol children for funded preschool attendance the following year who are eligible for the 3-5 year old designated child care room. They will also be requested to nominate whether this will be their child’s funded preschool placement. This will be known as the ‘June Update’.


Services (Cont’d)

National Quality Framework (NQF)

Is the framework used to assess the quality of preschool and other early childhood services against seven Quality Areas of the National Quality Standards and the National Act and Regulations.

Partner organisation

Means any organisation with which Council has entered into partnership.

Preschool Is also referred to in Victoria (frequently by State Government documentation) as Kindergarten.

Preschool Service and Group Viability Matrix

Used to allocate points to determine which Knox City Council preschool centres operate, defer or close in any given year in consultation with the Ward Councillor, preschool committee and local community. The Matrix identifies a set of assessment criteria based on projected utilisation, demand and first preferences from families, available funding (including Council contribution), demographics, location of service, level of local committee support, access to public transport and exceptional circumstances such as proximity of other suitable early childhood services. This Matrix may be reviewed from time to time to reflect local community priorities and service and funding requirements with other levels of government.

Volunteer Preschool Committee

Are elected committees (most often of parents/guardians of children attending a Knox preschool service) who have a range of responsibilities in the support of the preschool.

Vulnerability Criteria

Applies to those who self nominate or are otherwise identified as vulnerable through the definition and process set out in the Preschool Policy.

Waiting List Is the list of applicants to Knox preschool services who have: a. Not been offered a place at their chosen preschool

service location and who have chosen to wait for a place at that location rather than accept a place at another preschool service location.

b. Not been offered a place at any Knox preschool service location and who have chosen to wait for a place in any Knox preschool service rather than go elsewhere.


Services (Cont’d)

6. COUNCIL POLICY

In the delivery of funded four year old preschool services to Knox children and families, Council will endeavour at all times to provide a service that is:

· Inclusive: able to provide for all children regardless of their abilities,

backgrounds and needs; · Accessible: easy to reach, supportive of all participants, embracing of

diversity, promoting acceptance, aware of people’s different needs and responsive to the inequalities in people’s control over resources;

· Integrated: well connected with other early years and community services understanding that the responsibility for positive outcomes for those who have difficulty participating fully is a shared one;

· Strength based: focused on strengths of families and children; · Collaborative: providing opportunities to develop relationships with, and

between families, communities and other service providers; · Building Capacity: maximising potential to build capacity within families,

individuals and organisations to enhance participation in preschool for all; · Sustainable: implementing actions which are sustainable for all in terms of

environmental, social and economic sustainability; and · Compliant with Relevant Mandatory Legislation, Quality Standards

and Funding Agreements: Council’s commitment to the provision of compliant quality, sustainable services that impact positively on the future of children and families.

In providing funded four-year-old preschool services the following parameters will apply:

· Eligible Children: Children who are eligible for a funded four-year-old preschool place will be assessed in accordance with the State Government’s Funding and Service Agreement which Knox City Council has with the State of Victoria.

· Priority of Access: Council will ensure that Council managed funded preschool services are accessible to Knox residents, reflect Priority of Access Guidelines including the required Commonwealth Priority of Access for child care services, Commonwealth and State Government funding requirements, and reflect the needs and expectations of the Knox community, including those identified as vulnerable.

· Places: the number of preschool places to be available within each preschool group across the municipality in any given year will be determined by Council based on matters such as approved children’s places, available staffing to operate the service and demand for the service in particular communities.


Services (Cont’d)

6.1 PRIORITY OF ACCESS – SESSIONAL PRESCHOOL SETTINGS

The Priority of Access assessment process determines which applicants are granted a first preference place in a specific preschool service location.

In sessional preschool settings where the number of applicants exceeds the number of available places a ballot will occur with applications that have the same number of points under the Priority of Access Procedure. The ballot will determine which applicants are granted a first preference place in the preschool service location. Applicants who are not offered a place in the preschool service location listed as their first preference, may be offered a place at their second, third, fourth or fifth preferred preschool service location. This process is undertaken as part of the 2nd round of preschool offers and is also determined by the Priority of Access system. A transition process has been established to move to the revised Priority of Access process outlined in this Policy. Children who are enrolled for the 2015 preschool year and beyond will have points allocated from a single category in the Priority of Access Category table below. Application of multiple categories/cumulative points will not apply, other than the additional points allocated under the Vulnerability Criteria.


Services (Cont’d)

Sessional Preschool Priority of Access Categories

The Preschool Procedure outlines how the following aspect of the Policy will be implemented:

Priority One: 120 points

a. Eligible children who are Knox residents whose parents/guardians have deferred their current enrolment from their eligible preschool funded year until the commencement of the following preschool year. b. Eligible children who are Knox residents who are enrolled for Early Childhood Intervention Service /or on Wait List for Central Intake for Early Childhood Intervention Service.

Priority Two: 80 points

Eligible children who are Knox residents, whose parents/guardians have enrolled them in a Knox City Council preschool service and the child has attended either a Knox municipality Maternal and Child Health, Playgroup or 3 year old preschool or activity group service prior to the relevant preschool year of enrolment.

Priority Three: 70 points

Eligible children who are Knox residents, whose parents/guardians have enrolled them in a Knox City Council preschool service.

Priority Four 40 points

Eligible children who are non-Knox residents, whose family or carer works or studies in Knox.

Priority Five:

35 points

a. Eligible children who are non-Knox residents, and whose siblings have attended a Knox City Council managed preschool service in the past 3 years. b. Eligible children who are non-Knox residents, whose family accessed either a Knox municipality Maternal and Child Health, Playgroup or 3 year old preschool or activity group service prior to the relevant preschool year of enrolment.

Priority Six: 30 points

All other eligible children who are non-Knox residents will be allocated in the order of closest to furthest residential proximity to the preschool service location.


Services (Cont’d)

· Vulnerability: In 2004, the Victorian Government provided a definition of vulnerable families through its ‘Breaking Cycles, Building Futures’ program. It states, “children and/or families may be experiencing vulnerability if they are from:

· families with low income, · young parent families, · sole parent families, · Indigenous families, · families from certain culturally or linguistically diverse communities, · families experiencing unstable housing or homelessness, · families experiencing domestic violence, · families with parents with a disability, problematic substance use or

mental health problem and · families who have been in contact with child protection services”.

Whilst this is a comprehensive description of what is likely to constitute a ‘vulnerable family’, there may be other circumstances which are not described in this statement. The Preschool Policy requires families to provide evidence of vulnerability. This may include:

a. Confirmation or referral letter from the Family Assistance Office of the Department of Human Services or other support agency; and

b. Families with a Healthcare Card, Pensioner Concession Card, Temporary Protection/Humanitarian/Refugee/Bridging Visas (as outlined in the Victorian Kindergarten Guide, 2014- Eligible cards will be defined by the State Government and are therefore subject to change);

c. Written referral and recommendation from a health or welfare professional.

For those families who are identified as vulnerable, an additional 30 points will be added to the appropriate category score. · Multiple birth children or siblings:

Multiple birth children or siblings applying for their first and same year of preschool attendance at the same nominated preschool service will be awarded equal points as any one of these siblings who are eligible for a higher point’s category.

If a ballot is required at the nominated preschool service for siblings to attend then when the first sibling is selected from the ballot for the nominated service the other siblings are immediately eligible for the same nominated service.


Services (Cont’d)

· Second year funded children: DET provides funding to support children to access a preschool program in the year before they begin school. When considering whether a second year of funded preschool will benefit a child, the early childhood teacher and parent/guardian must ensure the child meets the eligibility criteria for a second year of funded preschool.

Providing the eligibility criteria is met, and with parent/guardian agreement, a Declaration of Eligibility for a Second Year Funded Kindergarten (DET process) is required to be completed and submitted by the last week of Term Three by the teacher.

When a Declaration of Eligibility for a Second Year Funded Kindergarten has been submitted to DET, the nominated second year child/ren will have the Priority of Access points-based methodology for enrolment in a Knox Council managed preschool service applied to access a preschool service for the following year from the 3rd round of preschool offers (October of each year).

6.2 SERVICE PRIORITY OF ACCESS- CHILD CARE SETTINGS

The Service Priority of Access assessment process determines which applicants are granted a first preference place in a specific child care service location.

All children attending child care services must meet the Commonwealth Priority of Access criteria in order to qualify for Childcare Benefit (CCB) when attending a Commonwealth funded childcare service. The Knox Council Service Priority of Access for funded preschool in child care ECEC services will build on this assumption.

In child care settings where the number of applicants exceeds the number of available places a ballot will occur for applications that have the same priority under the Service Priority of Access Procedure for funded preschool in child care settings. The ballot will determine which applicants are granted a first preference place in a preschool service location. A transition process has been established to move to the revised Service Priority of Access process for funded preschool in child care settings outlined in this Policy. Children who are enrolled for the 2016 funded preschool year and beyond will be allocated to a 3-5 year old room using the Service Priority of Access for funded preschool in child care settings.


Services (Cont’d)

6.3 CENTRAL ENROLMENT –EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION AND CARE SETTINGS (PRESCHOOL AND CHILD CARE SERVICES)

Council’s Central Enrolment process will meet Human Rights requirements, as outlined in the process by which families enrol their children in a Knox Preschool Service. Families with children who are eligible for four-year-old preschool in the City of Knox and turning four by April 30 the following year are able to enrol their child in a Knox preschool. Where possible, families will be allocated to the Knox preschool location of their choice. The Funded Preschool Procedure Early Childhood Education and Care Settings outlines how this aspect of the Policy will be implemented.

6.4 PRESCHOOL SERVICE AND GROUP VIABILITY- SESSIONAL PRESCHOOL

SETTINGS ONLY

A Preschool Service and Group Viability Matrix will be used to allocate points to determine which Knox City Council preschool centres operate, defer or close in any given year in consultation with the Ward Councillor, preschool committee and local community. The Matrix identifies a set of assessment criteria based on projected utilisation, demand and first preferences from families, available funding (including Council contribution), demographics, location of service, level of local committee support, access to public transport and exceptional circumstances such as proximity of other suitable early childhood services. This Matrix may be reviewed from time to time to reflect local community priorities and service and funding requirements with other levels of government. The Preschool Service and Group Viability Procedure Matrix is applied by 30 June each year. This incorporates conducting an assessment of preschools at this time using the Matrix in addition to developing an Annual Service Plan A rating of 19 points or less through the application of the Preschool Service and Group Viability Matrix, after the third year of deferment, will lead to the closing of the preschool service for the delivery of 4 year old preschool. However, this will only occur after consultation with the Ward Councillor, preschool committee and local community and does not preclude the early years facility being utilised for the delivery of other early years services to that local community.


Services (Cont’d)

6.5 PRESCHOOL GROUP SIZE- SESSIONAL PRESCHOOL SETTINGS The maximum group size at any Knox Council sessional preschool service location will be 22 children unless otherwise determined by the Manager, Family and Children’s Services (or delegated authority). Decisions outside this approach will be based on demand for preschool places, staff availability to deliver services to larger group sizes or particular needs of the children enrolled.

6.6 PRESCHOOL GROUP SIZE- FUNDED PRESCHOOL IN CHILD CARE SETTINGS

For families with children over 3 years of age who wish to continue on at the service up to and including eligible preschool age, group sizes will require a Service Priority of Access procedure to be applied. The group size will be matched to the child: staff ratio.

6.7 PRIORITY ACCESS TO APPROVED PLAYROOMS - SESSIONAL PRESCHOOL

SETTINGS It is Council policy to:

· Provide priority of access to existing approved facilities for 4 year old funded preschool programs, in order to maximise current and potential 4 year old preschool enrolments now and into the future; and

· Priority of access to playgroups in existing un-licensed Council facilities. However, where the increased enrolment demands for 4 year old preschool in a local community exceeds the current capacity of licensed places, and Council chooses to create additional licensed place space to meet this demand, it is recognised that unlicensed space may need to be upgraded to licensed space as the most efficient use of Council’s resources. Where this occurs, Council will work to ensure that an early years service is relocated to a suitable facility.

6.8 PRIORITY ACCESS TO APPROVED PLAYROOMS – CHILD CARE SETTINGS

It is Council policy to:

Provide priority of access to existing approved facilities for 4 year old funded preschool programs, in order to maximise current and potential 4 year old preschool enrolments now and into the future. For families with children over 3 years of age who wish to continue on at the service up to and including eligible preschool age, priority of access to the smaller rooms and group sizes will require the Service Priority of Access policy to be applied.


Services (Cont’d)

6.9 PARTNERSHIPS

The following principles will guide Council’s interactions with various service and community partners in the delivery of funded preschool services for which Council receives grant funding from the Department of Education and Training (DET) in addition to preschool fees:

1. That the partnership continues to allow Council to deliver preschool services to the community consistent with Council’s Kindergarten Cluster Management roles and legislative responsibilities.

2. Services delivered under the partnership should support a whole-of-municipality approach to the delivery of early years services, in accordance with Council’s endorsed vision, direction, and priorities for early years services and facilities.

3. The partnership supports the potential for effective co-located and collaborative service delivery and practice.

4. Services delivered under the partnership reflect and support Council’s goal to prioritise access to early years services by vulnerable families.

5. Any agreement for Council to lease a facility, and the associated partnership documents, ensures Council’s long term security of tenure in the leased facility, and capacity to provide Early Years service in the long term in the locality.


Services (Cont’d)

KNOX PROCEDURE

FUNDED PRESCHOOL (EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION AND

CARE SETTINGS) PROCEDURE 2015

Policy Number:

2003/08 Directorate: Community Services

Approval by:

Council Responsible Officer:

Manager – Family & Children’s Services

Approval Date:

Version Number:

Review Date:

1. PURPOSE The purpose of the Knox Funded Preschool Procedure is to guide and direct the operations of all aspects of Knox Council’s Early Childhood Education and Care Settings in its role as Kindergarten Cluster Manager. This Procedure should be read in conjunction with the Knox Funded Preschool Policy. This Procedure is the administrative method by which the Funded Preschool Policy requirements are implemented in respect to: · Priority of Access; · Central Enrolment; · Preschool Service and Group Viability; and · Preschool Group Size.


Services (Cont’d)

2. PRIORITY OF ACCESS PROCEDURE- SESSIONAL PRESCHOOL SETTINGS

Council will utilise a points based system to prioritise enrolments received for places in a Knox Council preschool service. Evidence will be required to be provided when returning the ‘May Update’ preschool enrolment preferences for a child’s entry into preschool in the following year. Evidence relating to this points based system will include: 1. Families who identify as vulnerable as part of their enrolment must provide

supporting evidence, which may include a: a. Confirmation or referral letter from the Family Assistance Office of the

Department of Human Services or other support agency; and b. Families with a Healthcare Card, Pensioner Concession Card,

Temporary Protection/Humanitarian/Refugee/Bridging Visas (as outlined in the Victorian Kindergarten Guide, 2013.Eligible cards will be defined by the State Government and are therefore subject to change);

c. Written referral and recommendation from a health or welfare professional.

2. Families identifying themselves as residents or ratepayers in the City of Knox must provide supporting evidence which specifically identifies them as a resident or ratepayer.

3. Families who have accessed either a Knox municipality Maternal and Child Health, Playgroup and or 3 year old preschool or activity group will need to provide supporting evidence that indicates attendance at one of these services.

4. Parents or Carers identifying themselves as working or studying and have either accessed a Knox municipality Maternal and Child Health, Playgroup or 3 year old preschool or activity group must provide supporting documentation, which may include:

a. Letter from their educational institution; b. Letter from their employer; and c. Letter from the relevant early years service provider.

3. SERVICE PRIORITY OF ACCESS- FUNDED PRESCHOOL IN CHILD CARE SETTINGS

All children attending long day and occasional ECEC services must meet the Commonwealth Priority of Access criteria in order to qualify for Childcare Benefit (CCB) when attending a Commonwealth funded child care service. The Knox Council Service Priority of Access for funded preschool in long day and occasional ECEC services will build on this assumption. Council will utilise a Service Priority of Access Procedure to prioritise enrolments received for places in a three to five year old room setting at a Knox Council funded child care service.


Services (Cont’d)

4. CENTRAL ENROLMENT PROCEDURE-SESSIONAL PRESCHOOL SETTINGS

Enrolments 1. Families of eligible children may enrol their child in a Knox preschool from

birth. Enrolments will be continued to be accepted throughout the year prior to the child commencing preschool and in the year they are due to commence preschool.

2. For all enrolment applications made prior to 30 April for preschool attendance in the following calendar year families will be asked if they have any changes they would like to make to their original application or do they still require the application to proceed.

3. Once families have received this letter or email (known as the ‘May Update’) they are asked to return their enrolment update/s and any supporting evidence required to Knox City Council primarily through the KEYS Online Family Web Portal or to the Preschool Coordination Unit.

4. Applications for preschool attendance in the following calendar year will be processed against the Priority of Access Procedure and Service and Group Viability Procedure in the months of June and July.

5. Each preschool location will be analysed against the First Preferences for that service location and the procedures relating to Priority of Access and Service and Group Viability Matrix (Appendix 1a) in June.

6. Following this preliminary First Preference Assessment, where there are individual service locations where viability is a concern, the relevant Ward Councillor and communities are advised and support is provided in an attempt to increase enrolments for the following year.

7. In addition, Preschool staff will be surveyed in June to estimate how many families from across the current year’s enrolments may be considering a formal application for a second year of preschool. This data is considered in the draft Annual Service Plan.

8. A draft Annual Service Plan is developed in June using the First Preference Assessment process and this will be used as a guide to establishing staff allocations and number of proposed groups at each location for the following year.

9. First Round Offers are prepared based on the Priority of Access and Service and Group Viability Procedures, First Preference Assessment process, and draft Annual Service Plan.

10. Where the demand for enrolments at a service location exceeds the current available places and where a group of families have equal scores following the application of the Priority of Access Procedure, a ballot will be conducted prior to First Round Offers to determine those families who will be offered available places.

11. When a Declaration of Eligibility for a Second Year Funded Kindergarten has been submitted to DET the nominated second year child/ren will have the Priority of Access points-based methodology for enrolment in a Knox preschool service applied to access a preschool centre for the following year from the 3rd round of preschool offers (October).

12. In August of each year, First Round Offers are emailed or posted to families. Families are asked to respond to the First Round Offers within 10 working days.


Services (Cont’d)

13. Once families have received this First Round Offer letter or email they are

asked to reply through the KEYS Online Family Web Portal as the primary process or if they require additional support through the Preschool Coordination Unit to update enrolment status for families throughout the First Round Offer process.

14. First Round Offers family responses are analysed and the draft Annual Service Plan is updated. In accordance with employment requirements, preliminary discussions are then undertaken with staff across Council’s Kindergarten Cluster Services in relation to provisional work locations for the following preschool year.

15. Following the completion of First Round Offers remaining vacant places are identified and matched against the number of remaining enrolments.

16. Where the demand for enrolments at a service location exceeds the current available places and following the application of the Priority of Access Procedure, a ballot will be conducted prior to Second Round Offers being made to families.

17. Families are offered available places in Second Round Offers in September and families are asked to respond to the Second Round Offers within 10 working days through KEYS Online Family Web Portal Preschool as the primary process or if they require additional support through the Preschool Coordination Unit.

18. Second Round Offers family responses are analysed and the draft Annual Service Plan is updated in October.

19. Subsequent Rounds of Offers will be undertaken as required. 20. All children enrolled for the 2015 preschool year onwards will be processed

under this Central Enrolment Procedure. .

Allocation of places to individual preschools 21. Where the number of first preference applications for a specific preschool is

greater than the number of available places, and the applications have the same number of points under the Priority of Access Procedure, places will be determined by ballot overseen by the Manager, Family and Children’s Services (or delegate).

22. Council will hold a selected number of places each year in preschools for late enrolling vulnerable families. These places remain open until the end of January prior to the beginning of Term 1 of each year.

23. The specific number of places held open for vulnerable children at each preschool will be determined by the Manager, Family and Children’s Services (or delegate).

Knox Preschool Service Waiting List 24. A waiting list of applicants will be maintained who:

a. Have not been offered a place at their chosen preschool service location and who have chosen to wait for a place at that location rather than accept a place at another preschool service location;

b. Have not been offered a place at any Knox preschool service location and who have chosen to wait for a place in any Knox preschool service rather than go elsewhere.


Services (Cont’d)

25. As and when places in Knox preschool service locations become available,

offers will be make to applicants on the Knox Preschool Service Waiting List based on the application of the Priority of Access and Service and Group Viability Procedures.

26. Where two or more applicants on the waiting list have been allocated the same number of points under the Priority of Access Procedure, places will be determined by ballot overseen by the Manager, Family and Children’s Services (or delegate).

5. ENROLMENT PROCEDURE- CHILD CARE SETTINGS FOR FUNDED PRESCHOOL Enrolments · Families of eligible children may enrol their child in a Knox child care service

from birth. Enrolments will be continued to be accepted throughout the year. · For all enrolment applications made prior to 30 June for funded preschool

attendance in child care settings for the following calendar year, families will be asked to nominate whether they will be accessing funded preschool in their child care setting.

· Applications for funded preschool attendance in the following calendar year will be processed against the Service Priority of Access Procedure for Funded Preschool In Child Care Settings. Each funded preschool setting in a child care service will be analysed against the family’s enrolment preference for that service location and the procedure relating to the Service Priority of Access in July.

· .First Round Offers are prepared based on the Service Priority of Access. · Where the demand for funded preschool enrolments at a service location

exceeds the current available places and where a group of families have equal Service Priority of Access following the application of the Service Priority of Access Procedure, a ballot will be conducted prior to First Round Offers to determine those families who will be offered the available places.

· In August of each year, First Round Offers will be emailed or posted to families. Families are asked to respond to the First Round Offers within 10 working days.

· First Round Offers family responses are analysed. In accordance with employment requirements, preliminary discussions are then undertaken with staff across Council’s Kindergarten Cluster Services in relation to provisional work locations for the following preschool year.

· Following the completion of First Round Offers remaining vacant places in the 3-5 year old room are identified and matched against the number of remaining enrolments.

· Where the demand for enrolments in the 3-5 year old room at a service location exceeds the current available places and following the application of the Service Priority of Access Procedure, a ballot will be conducted prior to Second Round Offers being made to families.

· Second Round Offers family responses are analysed. · Subsequent Rounds of Offers will be undertaken as required. · All children enrolled for the 2016 preschool year onwards will be processed

under the Central Enrolment Procedure. .


Services (Cont’d)

5.1 Knox Funded Preschool Service in Child Care Settings Waiting List

A waiting list of applicants will be maintained who: · Have not been offered a place at their chosen 3-5 year old room child care

service and who have chosen to wait for a place at that location rather than accept a place at another service location;

· Have not been offered a place at any Knox 3-5 year old room child care service and who have chosen to wait for a place in any Knox child care service rather than go elsewhere.

· As and when places in Knox child care service locations become available, offers will be made to applicants on the Knox Child Care Service Waiting List based on the application of the Service Priority of Access Procedure.

· Where two or more applicants on the waiting list have been allocated the same Service Priority of Access under the Service Priority of Access Procedure, places will be determined by ballot.

6. PRESCHOOL SERVICE AND GROUP VIABILITY PROCEDURE- SESSIONAL

PRESCHOOL SETTINGS- ONLY

1. Preschool services will receive a score against a list of assessment criteria outlined in the Preschool Service and Group Viability Matrix (Appendix 1a).

2. Preschool centres will aim to achieve a score of 20 points or more. Those preschool centres, which score a rating of 20 points or more, continue to operate their service for the period of 12 months.

3. Preschool centres that score a rating of 19 points or less through the Preschool Service and Group Viability Matrix may have their preschool service deferred for the subsequent year. This would occur only after identification of preschools of concern, support and consultation with the Ward Councillor, preschool committee and local community. This action does not preclude the early years facility being utilised for the delivery of other early years services to that local community during the suspension of 4-year-old preschool services.

4. Preschool centres that score a rating of 19 points or less through the Central Enrolment process and application of the Preschool Service and Group Viability Matrix after Year 1 will continue deferment for a further year. Council will continue to support the Ward Councillor, preschool committee and the local community in identifying strategies to strengthen the preschool service enrolments. This action does not preclude the early years facility being utilised for the delivery of other early years services to that local community during the suspension of 4-year-old preschool services.


Services (Cont’d)

5. Preschool centres that score a rating of 19 points or less through the

Preschool Service and Group Viability Matrix after Year 2, will continue deferment for a further year. Support will be provided to the Ward Councillor, preschool committee and the local community in identifying strategies to strengthen the preschool enrolments. This action does not preclude the early years facility being utilised for the delivery of other early years services to that local community during the suspension of 4-year-old preschool services.

6. Preschool centres that score a rating of 19 points or less through the Central Enrolment process and application of the Preschool Service and Group Viability Matrix, after the third year of deferment, will lead to the closing of the service for the delivery of 4 year old preschool. However, this will only occur after consultation with the Ward Councillor, preschool committee and local community and does not preclude the early years facility being utilised for the delivery of other early years services to that local community.

7. Preschool centres that close operation also adhere to the Preschool Service and Group Viability Deferral and Closure Flowchart (Appendix 1b).


Services (Cont’d)

Key Dates for the Central Enrolment and Allocation Process

ACTION

February Policy and associated procedures explained at Volunteer Preschool Parent Committee training meeting.

March Volunteer Preschool Committees informed of numbers of potential enrolments for the following year. Committees alerted to concerns about enrolment numbers. Relevant Councillors contacted re possible preschool of concern. All Preschool Committees provided with ideas for publicity/marketing campaign.

1st May Council begins contacting families to confirm enrolment details prior to first round process.

May Councillors, Preschool Committees and local community from preschool of concern invited to consult and discuss strategies with Council.

May/June Council Preschool Program Support Officers complete updates for KEYS Online information from preschool preference update information and any supporting evidence required provided by families through KEYS Online Family Web Portal or to the Preschool Coordination Unit. The application of the Priority of Access Procedure is then commenced for all eligible children who have been enrolled.

June Further consultation with Ward Councillor, Preschool Committee and local community from preschool of concern and to discuss strategies.

June A draft Annual Service Plan is developed using the First Preference Assessment tool and this is used to guide to establishing staff allocations and number of proposed groups at each location for the following year.

30 June Preschool Service and Group Viability Matrix applied to all preschools.

July Committees informed of proposed groups for following year.

July Memo to Councillors informing them of planned preschool service provision for the following year with an updated Draft Annual Service Plan attached.

1 August First Round Offers are sent or emailed to families.

September-February

Ongoing offers provided to families.


Services (Cont’d)

7. SERVICE AND GROUP VIABILITY PROCEDURE- CHILD CARE SETTINGS

Key Dates for the Central Enrolment and Allocation Process

ACTION

February Policy and associated procedures provided to families attending Council’s child care services

June Families of eligible children contacted and requested to nominate whether or not they will be accessing funded preschool at their child care service

July The application of the Service Priority of Access Procedure is then commenced for all eligible children who have been enrolled.

1 August First Round Offers are sent or emailed to families.

September-February

Ongoing offers provided to families.

8. PRESCHOOL GROUP SIZE PROCEDURE- SESSIONAL PRESCHOOL SETTINGS

1. A preschool service location may qualify for an exemption from the Preschool Group Size policy component if:

a. Total enrolments, including reserved places, are less than the maximum licence capacity of the preschool service location and following the application of the Priority of Access Procedure and Preschool Service and Group Viability Procedure, the service location is identified as having a high proportion of vulnerable families who would be potentially disengaged and disadvantaged through the suspension of the preschool service in that community; and,

b. A recommendation is made to ‘cap’ a preschool group size following an assessment of enrolments for that preschool service location in consultation with specialist early years, early intervention, allied health, family support or medical practitioners.

2. Exemptions to the Preschool Group Size Procedure must be applied as part of the development of the first Draft Annual Service Plan and be updated throughout the Central Enrolment process.

3. Exemptions to Preschool Group Size Procedure are granted by the Manager, Family and Children’s Services (or delegate).


Services (Cont’d)

9. GROUP SIZE PROCEDURE- CHILD CARE SETTINGS

Child Care services manage group sizes for the ages of children in child care in relation to the demonstrated demand for services for children of that age. The group size will be matched to the child: staff ratio.

APPENDICES:

1. Sessional Preschool Service and Group Viability Matrix (Appendix 1a) 2. Sessional Preschool Service and Group Viability Deferral and Closure

Flowchart (Appendix 1b)

172 COUNCIL – CORPORATE DEVELOPMENT 24 February 2015

ALL WARDS

11.1 2014-15 ANNUAL PLAN PROGRESS REPORT TO 31 DECEMBER 2014

SUMMARY: Business Improvements Officer - Corporate Planning and Performance (Mozma Tate)

This report provides the second quarter progress report on actions identified in the 2014-15 Annual Plan. The Annual Plan for 2014-15 was adopted by Council at the 24 June 2014 Ordinary Meeting as part of the 2014-15 Annual Budget. The Annual Plan satisfies legislative requirements of the Local Government Act 1989 by outlining the Services provided by Council and the Initiatives that Council will complete in 2014-15.

Annual Plan reporting is only provided for those Council activities identified as Initiatives in the planning and budget process for 2014-15.

RECOMMENDATION

That Council receive and note the 2014-15 Annual Plan Progress Report for the period 1 October to 31 December 2014.

1. INTRODUCTION

An Annual Plan was established for the 2014-15 financial year to assist in the achievement of the objectives of the Knox City Plan (incorporating the Council Plan) 2013-17, and ultimately, the Knox Vision. The 2014-15 Annual Plan Progress Report to 31 December 2014 (see Appendix A) reports on the Initiatives that support those objectives.

2. DISCUSSION

Appendix A (attached) provides the Annual Plan Progress Report for the second quarter of 2014-15.

Of the 19 Initiatives, all are progressing well with 13 at 50% or greater completion. Of these, one action is at 70% complete, two are at 80% complete and a further two are at 90% complete. Finally three actions are at 100% completion.

The highlights for the quarter are as follows:

· Deliver four ‘Healthy Living’ programs: with eight programs having been delivered in the last quarter.

· National Disability Scheme: with a detailed analysis process underway and a range of service options prepared for Council.

· Mid-term review of Council’s Economic Development Strategy: The mid-term review has been completed and reported to Council, with the report recommendations having been adopted and included in the Integrated City Strategy and Implementation Plan.

173 COUNCIL – CORPORATE DEVELOPMENT 24 February 2015 11.1 2014-15 Annual Plan Progress Report To 31 December 2014 (cont’d)

3. CONSULTATION

The 2014-15 Annual Plan actions are linked to, and support the delivery of, the Knox Vision and the Knox City Plan 2013-17. The community took part in developing the Knox Vision, which provided the context for the Knox City Plan 2013-17.

The Annual Plan 2014-15, including the Initiatives, was approved as part of the Annual Budget after public consultation on 24 June 2014.


Objectives for the environment are reflected in the Knox City Plan and relevant actions are reflected in the Annual Plan.


The Initiatives for 2014-15 were developed in conjunction with the 2014-15 Annual Budget and all actions are funded.


Objectives for community health and wellbeing are reflected in the Knox City Plan and relevant actions are reflected in the Annual Plan.


This is a report on the second quarter status of the Annual Plan Progress Report 2014-15, which supports the delivery of the Knox City Plan 2013-17.

8. CONCLUSION

The actions reported here are those identified in the adopted Annual Plan 2014-15 and are not representative of all services and works provided by Council.

Overall, Council is on schedule to deliver on the Annual Plan adopted for 2014-15.

174 COUNCIL – CORPORATE DEVELOPMENT 24 February 2015 11.1 2014-15 Annual Plan Progress Report To 31 December 2014 (cont’d)

9. CONFIDENTIALITY

There are no issues of confidentiality associated with this report. COUNCIL RESOLUTION MOVED: CR. PEARCE SECONDED: CR. COSSARI

That Council receive and note the 2014-15 Annual Plan Progress Report for the period 1 October to 31 December 2014.

CARRIED

188 COUNCIL – CORPORATE DEVELOPMENT 24 February 2015

ALL WARDS

11.2 MANAGEMENT FINANCIAL REPORT FOR THE HALF YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2014

SUMMARY: Management Accounting Coordinator (Tharshini Balachandiran)

The Management Financial Report for the half year ended 31 December 2014 is presented for consideration.

The December 2014 half year results include the 2013-14 Operational and Capital Works Carry forwards into 2014-15 and known adjustments required since the adoption of the 2014-15 Annual Budget endorsed by Council as part of the Management Financial Report for the quarter ended 30 September 2014 presented at the November 2014 Ordinary Meeting of Council. These changes are included as the 2014-15 Reviewed Budget.

RECOMMENDATION

That Council:

Receive and note the Management Financial Report for the half year ended 31 December 2014.

Approve the write-off of debts totalling $9,094.95 which are considered no longer collectable as detailed in the confidential attachment to this report.

1. INTRODUCTION

The attached Financial Reports that are presented to Council include the following: Conversion to Cash Result (Attachment A) Income Statement (Attachment B to E) Capital Works Analysis (Attachment F and G) Balance Sheet (Attachment H) Cash Flow Statement and Cash Assets Summary (Attachment I to K) Monthly Summary Revenue and Expenditure Report (Attachment L) Investment and Interest Income Analysis (Attachment M and N) Rates and Sundry Debtors Summary (Attachment O to R) Capital Works Program Detail (Attachment S) Confidential Matters (Attachment T)

189 COUNCIL – CORPORATE DEVELOPMENT 24 February 2015 11.2 Management Financial Report For The Half Year Ended 31 December

2014 (Cont’d)

The Income Statement and the Balance Sheet have been prepared on an accrual basis and are the results for the half year ended 31 December 2014.

The report has been prepared based on the 2014-15 Reviewed Budget as endorsed by Council on 25 November 2014. Full year figures represent the variance between the 2014-15 Reviewed Budget and the Forecasted year end position for 2014-15 (2014-15 Forecast). The 2014-15 Forecast details have been prepared by Council officers based on anticipated year end outcomes as at December 2014.

2. DISCUSSION

General discussion in regards to this report is detailed under Section 5 ‘Financial & Economic Implications’.

3. CONSULTATION

This report does not necessitate community consultation. A copy of this report will be provided to Council’s Audit Committee after it has been noted by Council.


This report does not have any environmental or amenity issues for discussion.


The overall financial position at 31 December 2014 is satisfactory and indicates that Council is on track to complete the current financial year within the targets established in the 2014-15 Reviewed Budget.

From a cash perspective, the results indicate a net cash surplus for the half year ended 31 December 2014 of $52.372 million which is a favourable variance of $7.779 million in relation to the year to date 2014-15 Reviewed Budget. The overall net cash surplus of $52.372 million is the result of bringing to account the full amount of Council’s annual rate income during July 2014.

The favourable variance is also attributable to a number of factors which are outlined in Attachment L (Monthly Summary Revenue and Expenditure Report).


2014 (Cont’d)

5.1 Cash Conversion Result for the half year ended 31 December 2014

A full copy of the Income Statement is provided as Attachments B to E shown by Organisational Structure and Income and Expense Account Group.

Reviewed ReviewedDescription Budget Forecast Budget Actual

$000'S $000'S $000'S $000'S $000'S %

Comprehensive Income Statement

Income 150,668 151,821 123,271 124,728 1,457 1.18% Expenditure (146,817) (146,649) (71,170) (67,640) 3,530 4.96%

3,851 5,172 52,101 57,088 4,987 9.57%

Conversion to Cash Reconciliation

Depreciation and Amortisation 18,680 18,677 9,265 9,254 (11) (0.12%)Contributions - Non Monetary Assets (2,000) (2,000) 0 0 0 0.00% Written Down Value of Fixed Assets Sold or Disposed 3,531 3,531 300 270 (30) (10.05%)Increment in Investments in Associate 0 0 0 0 0 0.00%

Subtotal 20,211 20,208 9,565 9,524 (41) (0.43%)

(31,552) (32,248) (16,106) (13,336) 2,769 17.20%

Debt Redemption (2,041) (2,041) (1,736) (1,736) 0 0.00% Transfers to Reserves (4,376) (5,823) (1,400) (1,729) (329) (23.47%)Transfers from Reserves 5,914 6,739 2,167 2,560 392 18.11%

Subtotal (32,054) (33,372) (17,074) (14,240) 2,833 16.59%

Cash Surplus (Deficit) for the Year (7,993) (7,992) 44,592 52,372 7,779 17.45%

Accumulated Cash Surplus (Deficit) at 30 June 2014 8,954 8,954

Cash Surplus (Deficit) for 2014-15 (7,993) (7,992)

Projected Accumulated Cash Surplus (Deficit) at 30 June 2015 961 962

Capitalised Expenditure (excluding Capital Projects - Operational Expenses)

2014-15 Full Year Year-to-Date December 2014

Add Non-Cash Items included in Operating Results and excluded from Surplus (Deficit):

Less Cash Items not included in the Operating Result:

VarianceFav/(Unfav)

Total Comprehensive Income (Deficit) for the Year - Operating Result


2014 (Cont’d)

5.2 Major Variance Analysis

5.2.1 Net Surplus / (Deficit) from Operations

There was a favourable variance in the surplus from Operations compared to the 2014-15 Original Budget for the half year ended 31 December 2014 of $4.987 million (Attachment D).

The significant variances that contribute to this favourable variance are:

Income has an overall favourable variance of $1.457 million. This comprises:

· A favourable variance of $0.573 million in Other Income due to the following:

- $0.464 million in refund of carbon tax payments made by Council in 2012-13 and 2013-14 for the Waste Management Contract (Domestic Waste) as a result of the repeal of the carbon tax.

- $0.050 million in unbudgeted reimbursement from Boroondara City Council for employee secondment.

Reviewed ReviewedDescription Budget Forecast Budget Actual

$000'S $000'S $000'S $000'S $000'S %

Income

Rates and Charges (including Supplementary Rates) 95,711 95,961 95,745 96,043 298 0.31% Garbage Charges 4,225 4,225 4,225 4,303 79 1.86% User Charges, Fees and Fines 13,478 13,478 6,517 6,675 158 2.43% Grants - Operating 24,678 24,678 12,630 12,655 25 0.20% Contributions and Donations - Operating 3,305 3,605 1,778 2,104 326 18.33% Interest 1,723 1,723 732 732 (0) (0.06%)Proceeds from Sale of Fixed Assets 850 850 0 0 0 0.00% Other Income 536 1,076 136 709 573 419.89% Contributions - Non Monetary Assets 2,000 2,000 0 0 0 0.00% Capital Income 4,162 4,226 1,508 1,507 (1) (0.05%)

150,668 151,821 123,271 124,728 1,457 1.18%

Employee Costs 65,632 65,572 33,321 32,623 698 2.09% Contractors and Services 39,441 38,894 20,194 17,396 2,797 13.85% Materials 4,047 4,464 2,008 2,285 (277) (13.78%)Utilities 3,587 3,418 1,783 1,627 156 8.74% Contributions and Donations 4,998 4,998 3,839 3,774 65 1.68% Finance Costs 1,012 1,012 506 513 (7) (1.47%)Bad and Doubtful Debts (90) (90) (45) (103) 58 129.26% Depreciation and Amortisation 18,680 18,677 9,265 9,254 11 0.12% Capital Projects - Operational Expenses 5,979 6,172 0 0 0 0.00% Written Down Value of Fixed Assets Sold or Disposed 3,531 3,531 300 270 30 10.05%

Total Expenses 146,817 146,649 71,170 67,640 3,530 4.96%

3,851 5,172 52,101 57,088 4,987 9.57%

Increment on Investment in Associates 0 0 0 0 0 0.00%

Net Surplus / (Deficit) from Operations 3,851 5,172 52,101 57,088 4,987 9.57%

Other Comprehensive Income

Expenses from Operating Activities

Surplus (Deficit)

2014-15 Full Year Year-to-Date December 2014Variance

Fav/(Unfav)

Total Income


2014 (Cont’d)

· A favourable variance of $0.326 million in Contributions and Donations - Operating due primarily to higher than anticipated Public Open Space Contributions.

· Favourable variances in Rates and Charges ($0.298 million) and User Charges, Fees and Fine ($0.158 million).

Expenditure has an overall favourable variance of $3.530 million. This comprises:

· A favourable variance of $2.797 million in Contractors and Services – this is primarily related to timing of payments. Some of the key variances are:

- $0.684 million favourable in Waste Management due to less than anticipated take up of hard waste bookings, lower than anticipated charges for domestic waste and recycling, savings from the repeal of the carbon tax (effective 1 July 2014) and lower tonnages for transport of green waste.

- $0.592 million favourable in a number of grant funded programs that are nil cost to Council due to timing of activities. These programs include Healthy Together Knox - Workforce / Healthy Living Program, Prevention of Violence against Women in Our Community (PVAW) and Specialist Support Services programs (specifically Inclusion Support and Flexible Support).

- $0.191 million favourable in the Knox Central Project as a result of awaiting formal communication of decisions from the State Government in order to engage consultancy services.

- $0.174 million favourable in Open Space Maintenance due primarily to timing of receiving and paying supplier invoices for mowing contract, timing of active reserve top dressing program and playground mulching activities and less than anticipated reactive maintenance works.

- $0.135 million favourable in Traffic Management due to timing of activities for both the traffic management program and mobility implementation plan measures.

- $0.133 million favourable variance due to awaiting invoices for payment for key Strategic and Economic Development projects that are underway including Planning Scheme Review, Development Contribution Plans, Renew Knox and Upper Ferntree Gully Structure Plan and Urban Design Advice.


2014 (Cont’d)

- The remaining favourable variance is partially attributed to delays (across the organisation) in receiving invoices from suppliers for payment. This is further compounded by a number of minor favourable variances (across the organisation) relating to the timing of activities of various programs and project.

- These favourable variances are partially offset by an unfavourable variance of $95K in Tree Maintenance as a result of storm events in the first six months of the year and reactive tree works required to mitigate risks to the community.

· A favourable variance of $0.698 million in Employee Costs due to the following:

- $0.385 million in the Active Living program due to timing of planned program activities, movement in staffing resources and reduced travel allowances as a result of improved logistics of staff service allocation.

- $99K favourable in Child Care Services primarily due to appropriately matching staffing resources to ratio requirement at the centres; and

- The remaining favourable variance is due primarily to timing of recruitment activities across the organisation.

A complete analysis of the major variances against the year to date 2014-15 Reviewed Budget that have impacted on performance for the half year ended 31 December 2014 has been included in this report as Attachment L.

5.2.2 Capital Works Program (Overview)

The performance of the Capital Works Program including details of variances is included as Attachment F. The detailed Capital Project Status and Expenditure Report has been included as Attachment S. Performance of the Capital Works Program is also detailed in the Works Report adopted monthly by Council at its Ordinary Meeting.

For the half year ended 31 December 2014, the Capital Works Program shows an overall deficit of $11.829 million (which is funded from operations and reserves), this is an overall favourable variance of $2.769 million against the year to date 2014-15 Reviewed Budget.

The Capital Works expenditure for the half year ended 31 December 2014 is $13.336 million and shows a favourable variance of $2.769 million and is primarily due to renewal and upgrade projects being behind profiled expenditure.


2014 (Cont’d)

5.3 Balance Sheet The Balance Sheet as at 31 December 2014 indicates a continued satisfactory result. A comparison of total Current Assets of $101.039 million with total Current Liabilities of $28.668 million (Working Capital Ratio of 3.52 to 1) continues to depict a satisfactory financial position. This will decline over the year but is forecast to remain healthy.

Current Receivables have increased significantly due to the raising of rate debtors in July 2014. The working capital ratio of 3.52 reflects the increase in current debtors resulting from the striking of the rates and this working capital ratio will diminish over the course of the year as Council funds its operating programs and capital works.

Payables have decreased by $5.927 million from 30 June 2014 as year end creditors have been processed for payment.

The Balance Sheet as at 31 December 2014 has been attached to this report as Attachment H.

5.4 Investment Analysis There was $28.952 million invested with various financial institutions as at 31 December 2014 – this includes Cash and Cash Equivalents ($17.352 million) and Financial Assets ($11.600 million). These funds include monies from trust funds and deposits and specific purpose reserves. This is a decrease from the funds held as at 30 June 2014 but is in line with budgeted operating and capital cash flows.

Attachment M and Attachment N display graphs showing investment performance for the half year ended 31 December 2014.

The earning on investments to 31 December 2014 is:

YTD Actual

YTD Budget

Variance

Investment Earnings $0.534M

$0.572M

($0.038M)

5.5 Debtors Analysis

5.5.1 Rates Debtors Council’s rate debtors comprise the largest component of Receivables owing to Council. The percentage of rates collected to 31 December 2014 of 35.33% is an increase on the percentage collected for the same time last year of 34.93% – refer to Attachment O. The major identifiable contributing factors are the earlier issuance of the 2014-15 rate notices (issued two weeks earlier than the previous year’s rate notices) and more rate payers choosing to take up the nine monthly direct debit instalment payments.


2014 (Cont’d)

The total amount of outstanding rates debtors as at 31 December 2014 including associated interest, land fill levy, waste, legal and GST charges was $78.084 million of which $4.371 million relates to arrears pre July 2014. Arrears are consistent with previous years and a significant proportion of arrears are under formal payment arrangements. Also included in this amount is $10.584 million of Fire Services Property Levy (FSPL). This is offset by a corresponding liability of the same amount that is payable to the State Revenue Office (SRO). The FSPL is a levy set by the State Government, collected by Council and remitted to the SRO in order for the State Government to fund the State's fire services. Council is required to make four payments per financial year to the SRO of the FSPL monies collected; these payments are due 28 days after the due date of the quarterly rates instalments. This is in accordance with the Fire Services Property Levy Act 2012. Rate amounts owing are a charge over the property and therefore Council has recourse to collect these debts. Penalty interest at 11.5% also applies.

5.5.2 Sundry Debtors The level of Sundry Debtors owing as at 31 December 2014 is $1.879 million (refer to Attachment Q). The balance owing includes the following amounts:

· $0.600 million owing from the Department of Human Services for Claim 2 of 4 for reimbursement of pension rebates applied against Council rates for 2014-15 and is within Council's payment terms of 30 days.

· $0.466 million payable by Polytrade Recycling is for waste recyclable material sales. Of this amount $0.109 million is within the 90 days plus category, $0.116 million is within the 60 - 90 days category, $0.126 million is in the 30 - 60 day category and $0.116 million is within Council's payment terms of 30 days. Council has entered into a repayment arrangement with Polytrade Recycling which constitutes an amendment to the contract and payments are being made in accordance with the terms of the amended contract. A full analysis of the Polytrade debtor situation is provided in the confidential Attachment T.

· $0.201 million owing by Knox Basketball Incorporated (KBI) for the Knox Regional Sports Park State Basketball Centre. The outstanding amount relates to invoices over 90 days. Council signed a Deed (inclusive of an agreed repayment plan) with KBI to recover outstanding monies. Payments are being made by KBI in accordance with the terms of the Deed. A full analysis of the KBI debtor situation is provided in the confidential Attachment T.


2014 (Cont’d)

· $0.165 million owing from Football Federation Victoria for contributions to the Knox Regional Sports Park Community Pitch Replacement Fund and the Five A Side Pitch Replacement Fund as per the Lease Agreement and is within Council's 30 day payment terms.

· $0.104 million owing from Vic Roads for a tree amenity fee for the High Street Road duplication and is within Council's payment terms of 30 days.

· $0.080 million owing from The Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development for the Knox Honour Roll Major Memorial Project and is within Council's payment terms of 30 days.

While the level of debt fluctuates depending on the level of invoicing, the percentage of Debtors outstanding for 60-90 days, 90 days and over has been relatively consistent for Home Help, Family Day Care and Community Groups and Centres in recent periods. Follow up processes have been undertaken with Sporting Clubs who do not have a repayment plan for amounts owing or who are not adhering to their repayment plan. These amounts predominantly relate to ground rentals (refer to Attachment Q and confidential Attachment T).

5.5.3 Write-off of Unrecoverable Debt A recommendation to write-off debts totalling $9,094.95 has been included in the confidential attachment (Attachment T) to this report and consists of:

· Unpaid Home Care fees ($9,094.95). Home Care Services are no longer being provided to these clients and an extensive debt collection process on each of the debtors has been conducted. No further debt recovery action is recommended.

Accordingly, the relevant Manager and Director have recommended that these amounts should be written off.


There are no direct social implications arising from this report.

7. RELEVANCE TO 2013-17 CITY PLAN (INCORPORATING THE COUNCIL PLAN)

Through the provision of quarterly financial reports, Council ensures that it is contributing towards meeting its objectives under Theme 5 of the 2013-17 City Plan: Democratic and Engaged Communities. Council manages assets and financial resources on behalf of the community in a responsible and sustainable manner.


2014 (Cont’d)

8. CONCLUSION

In management accounting terms, the net result for the half year ended 31 December 2014 was a surplus of $52.372 million which compares favourably with the year to date 2014-15 Reviewed Budget of $44.592 million. This result comprises both the operating and capital works program but excludes the non-cash items (e.g. depreciation).

9. CONFIDENTIALITY

There is one component of this report (Attachment T) which has been declared confidential in accordance with the Local Government Act 1989 and distributed separately.

COUNCIL RESOLUTION MOVED: CR. PEARCE SECONDED: CR. COSSARI

That Council:

Receive and note the Management Financial Report for the half year ended 31 December 2014.

Approve the write-off of debts totalling $9,094.95 which are considered no longer collectable as detailed in the confidential attachment to this report. CARRIED


2014

Attachments A-S circulated separately

199 COUNCIL – ITEMS FOR INFORMATION 24 February 2015

ALL WARDS

12.1 WORKS REPORT AS AT 9 FEBRUARY 2015

SUMMARY: Coordinator – Capital Works (Gene Chiron)

The Works Report shows projects on Council’s Capital Works Program and indicates the status of each project as at 9 February 2015.

RECOMMENDATION

That the works report, as at 9 February 2015, be received and noted.

1. INTRODUCTION

This report summarises Council’s Capital Works Program for the 2014/2015 financial year. The aim of this report is to provide a regular and succinct status summary of each project over the last month. The Capital Works Report, as of 9 February 2015, is attached as Appendix A.


That the works report, as at 9 February 2015, be received and noted. CARRIED

200 COUNCIL – ITEMS FOR INFORMATION 24 February 2015 APPENDIX A - Works Report (As at 9 February 2015) 001 Bridges Renewal Program $158,000

Delays have occurred on the installation of the guard railing at Napoleon Road. Contractor was unable to access material until the end of January. Works will now take place in early February with the remainder of the program scheduled for March / April.

004 High Risk Road Failures $290,000

Emergency works have just been completed on road repairs in Sasses Avenue. Major patching works to take place in Napoleon Road over February / March.

007 Road Surface Renewal Program $4,125,701

Program progressing on schedule.

008 Drainage Pit and Pipe Renewal Program $2,774,699

Projects for 14/15 program are progressing well. Major works are about to commence in Underwood Road (sullage drain upgrade).

009 Footpath Renewal Program $1,900,000

Current Concrete Reinstatement Contract 1800 is working well, with all four contractors commencing projects in January.

010 Bicycle / Shared Path Renewal Program $549,000

Works are scheduled to commence in February at the Ferny Creek Path from Bunjil Way to Hancock Drive, King Street to Bayswater Park and Underwood Road.

011 Information System Plan Implementation $795,600

Computer rollout is scheduled for April 2015. Leasing program is ongoing for service equipment and PC's.

016 Building Renewal Program $3,252,000

Program is currently approximately 70% expended/committed and approximately 65% complete. Works completed over the month of January include Carrington Park Leisure Centre - shower/toilet refit, external painting at the following centres - Alice Johnson Pre-School, Billoo Park MCHC, Birchfield Child Care Centre, Coonara Community House, Indoor Netball Stadium, Rosa Benedikt Centre, Tyner Road Child Care Centre. Internal Painting at Knox Information Support Centre, Stud Park Tennis Pavilion. Vinyl replacement at Billoo Park MCHC and Rosa Benedikt Centre. Carpet replacement at Billoo Park Pre-School, Birchfield Child Care Centre, Riddell Road Pre-school and MCHC and Stud Park Community Centre. Cabinetry replacement was undertaken at Mariemont Pre-School, Windermere Pre-School and Wattleview Pre-School.

201 COUNCIL – ITEMS FOR INFORMATION 24 February 2015 APPENDIX A - Works Report (As at 9 February 2015) (cont’d)

017 Playground Renewal Program $1,258,243

Wally Tew Playground Renewal Contract was awarded and construction works commenced on 6 January. Three 2014/2015 local playgrounds concept designs are being documented to go out for public tender.

022 Fire Hydrant Replacement Program $116,000

Payments made to South East Water in August.

024 Carpark Renewal $165,050

Asphalt works commenced with programmed carparks in December.

025 Plant & Machinery Replacement Program $2,274,000

Renewal Program underway, 42% funds commited and 19% of funds expended.

026 Street Tree Replacement Program $620,000

The first round of community consultation will be sent out to the residents at the end of January. The securing of tree stock for 2015 planting will be undertaken in February. The stock planted in 2014 is establishing well.

031 Stamford Park Redevelopment $469,838

The Stamford Park Project Steering Committee finalised the draft Expression of Interest (EOI) documents for the residential estate land sale and Homestead Restaurant at its November 2014 meeting. The EOIs are scheduled to be advertised in late February. A Probity Advisor has been appointed for the Stamford Park land sale process. A request for proposals for Marketing and Realty Services for the land sale and the Homestead Restuarant lease processes was advertised on 17 January.

043 Shade Sails for Family and Children's Services Facilities $20,000

Shade sail/minor playground guidelines have been developed. Requests for shade structures are currently being assessed. Flamingo Pre School has been given approval for their shade structure replacement. Officers are working with playgroups/preschools and Child care on 50/50 program.

055 Corhanwarrabul Creek Trail (to Dandenong Creek) - Shared Path $37,500

Consultant has completed designs for three different styles of bridge across Corhanwarrabul Creek. Designs will be discussed at the next meeting of the Stamford Park Committee.


082 Drainage Upgrades - Ongoing Customer Response $70,000

Minor Works listed as follows: 1. Mercia Avenue, The Basin – Works completed by Knox

Construction; 2. Lewis Road, Wantirna South – Telstra service and South-East

water alterations completed January.

102 Major Reserves Conversion to Warm Season Grass $65,408

Works include the completion of warm season grass at Eildon Oval No. 2 and Dobson Reserve. Topdressing has commenced. Second topdress in progress before synthetic cover installed this month.

104 Roadside Furniture Renewal Program $100,000

Program progressing on schedule.

147 Energy & Greenhouse Program for Council Facilities $49,000

Replacement of high bay lights at the Knox Leisureworks gymnasium, multi purpose hall and crèche with LED alternatives. Project due to commence in April.

229 Building Code Australia Compliance $150,000

Essential Safety Measures(ESM) audit underway.

239 Knox State Emergency Services - Facility Modification $148,767

Contractor on site, with works commenced.

248 Boronia Park Landscaping Implementation Stage 3 $1,382,513

Contract works progressing well with majority of civil works completed prior to Christmas. Outer perimeter area works now underway.

256 The Basin Triangle Landscape Implementation - Stage 3 $279,084

Pedestrian operated signals and stage area completed.

289 CSR Quarry Reserve - Implementation Stage 4 $630,705

Project deferred pending Councillor consultation on scoping. Masterplan review undertaken in September by Landscape & Open Space with input by Project Delivery and other internal stakeholders.

299 Tulip Crescent - Reconstruction $5,500

Final payment processed.


315 The Basin Progress Hall – Main Entrance (Stage 1 Design). $20,000

Preliminary architectural documentation received for review.

345 Asbestos Removal $100,000

Audit progressing well, with all Childrens Services’ buildings completed.

347 Miscellaneous Industrial Roads - Pavement Rehabilitation $535,000

Waiting on Napoleon Road works to commence in late February early March.

353 Avalon/Stamford/Stud Road Intersection Modification $116,000

The design has been adjusted following approval to remove a gum tree beside the bus shelter. A consultant is being arranged to undertake a Road Safety Audit on the final design.

369 Carrington Park Reserve - Master Plan $44,189

Project still on hold, now to be considered by Council in February.

393 Tirhatuan Drive (No 18) Rowville - Drainage Upgrade $965,855

Contract well underway with construction in Roger Court and Melbourne Water Main Drain completed and Council drain to Tirhatuan Drive and Turramurra Drive intersection nearing completion. Works at Ling Drive have now commenced.

406 Knox Park Athletics Track - Terracing $44,000

Terracing and shot put area works are complete.

409 Parks Furniture Renewal $70,000

Some minor installation required to complete program.

410 Parks Signage Renewal $70,000

All installations complete.

412 Water Sensitive Urban Design Renewal $150,000

Minor Renewals: Project 1: Location: Wantirna Mall Shops. Tree pit renewal

complete. Project 2: Location Golden Grove, The Basin. gross pollution trap

(GPT) installation. Tenders received and review underway. Works to commence early February.


418 Guy Turner Reserve (Stage 3) Masterplan Implementation $395,811

Contractor carrying out maintenance to Stage 3. Final completion inspection is on 10 February.

439 Rowville Recreation Reserve No 1 - Renovation $20,000

Works complete.

440 Ferntree Gully Reserve Terracing Construction $76,230

Plans finalised and quotes obtained and submitted to Federal Government for approval - awaiting feedback. Works at this stage scheduled for February.

441 Tim Neville Arboretum Masterplan Implementation $285,042

Landscape to commission designs for masterplan recommendation for implementation in 2015/2016. Picnic/BBQ area carried forward is now complete. Consultation with internal stakeholders to prioritise designs for infrastructure identified for renewal in masterplan. Funds to be committed to lakes address failing walls identified in masterplan. Works to be undertaken by Stormwater Team.

443 Reserves Paths Renewal $50,000

Works identified and scheduled for early 2015. All funds allocated for this financial year. Path works to occur in Faraday Reserve and Seebeck Reserve.

455 Parks Crescent, Cypress Avenue, Boronia - Drainage Upgrade $261,881

Additional survey work is required to be conducted north of the retarding basin to provide a concept design to direct all overland flows to the retarding basin.

459 Ferntree Gully Road (No. 1825) - Drainage Upgrade $478,605

Civil consultant for the retarding basin design is continuing to investigate an increased volume for the retarding basin in Dobson Reserve. Considering underground storage.

490 DDA Footpath Modifications $100,000

Minor works have commenced in conjunction with the Footpath Rehabilitation Program.

492 Compliance to Food Act - Various Buildings $25,000

Works program has been set for works to be undertaken in Januuary/February.


494 Cathies Lane - Landfill Rehabilitation Works $134,000

Tonkin & Taylor now undertaking landfill gas monitoring. Landfill cap assessment being undertaken. Leachate pump testing commencing early February. These elements are required to develop the Landfill Rehabilitation Plan.

495 Fencing Replacement in Early Years Facilities - Scope and Implementation $24,000

Works completed at Templeton, Upper Ferntree Gully, Bena Angliss, Rowville, The Fields, Billoo Park, Boronia and Haering Road Preschools.

496 Blind Replacement in Early Years Facilities - Scope and Implementation $25,000

Final works to be completed over Easter Holidays.

497 Coonara Stone Cottage - Structural Failure Rectification $30,000

Documentation and work methodology progressing well.

516 Rumann and Benedikt Reserves - Open Space Upgrade $100,000

Stage 2 Construction plans have been finalised and presented for final review. Quotes to be obtained.

518 Heany Park - Open Space Upgrade $80,000

Detailed design is currently being revised for seating circle in consultation with Biodiversity Team.

519 Chandler Park - Open Space Upgrade Design $173,078

Amended detail design being finalised prior to construction start early 2015.

520 Mountain Gate Major Activity Centre - Consultation and Design $765,086

Council has adopted and approved masterplan design. Consultants have finalised the contract documentation and internal review of plans have been completed with the contract being advertised and tenders closing 17 February 2015. A recommendation for appointment is likely to be presented to March 2015 Council meeting.

525 Cardiff / Herbert Streets - Drainage Design $50,000

Concept design Stage 1, Knox Leisure retention works, is to begin to enable detail design to commence.


529 Dobson Reserve - Stormwater Harvesting $775,486

Concept designs, survey and modelling all completed. More recent requests to alter design to accomodate future plans at the Tim Neville Arboretum have been addressed. Re-modelling to confirm appropriateness of changes was completed, however further changes requested and currently being addressed. Awaiting final agreement before detailed design stage.

532 Sheffield Road, The Basin - Water Sensitive Urban Design $120,000

Stage 3 - detailed design underway.

534 Oval Renovation Design $20,000

Engineering surveys complete for Lewis Park Oval No. 1 and Park Ridge Reserve.

535 Renewal of Practice Wickets $130,000

Works to be undertaken at Picketts and Kings Park Reserves cricket nets. Waiting for mid season break before commencing works.

536 Parkland Asset Renewal $60,000

Advance ordering of stock being undertaken for planting in Autumn 2015. All funds allocated for this financial year. Garden bed infill planting in Francis Crescent, Dorset Road, State Basketball Centre, Roehampton Reserve.

537 Bush Boulevard $75,000

Advanced plant orders followed by planting in Autumn 2015. Further plant purchase and install to infill areas impacted by Summer conditions. Infill planting in outer separators on Dorset Road complete

539 Cricket Run-up Renewal $24,000

Works to be undertaken at Wally Tew and Walker Reserves. Walker Reserve sprigging completed early December.

543 Llewellyn Park - Landfill Rehabilitation Works $210,000

Tonkin & Taylor now undertaking landfill gas monitoring. Have completed the leachate pump trial and landfill gas pumping trial. Reports on trials reviewed by Auditor. Auditor is requiring Council determine a preferred option. Undertaking landfill cap assessment for Landfill Rehabilitation Plan.


547 War Memorial Upgrade $185,234

Construction complete.

550 Golden Grove, The Basin - Rehabilitation $400,000

Tenders have closed and contractor has been appointed. Awaiting pre-construction documentation to be submitted and expect construction to commence in mid-February.

551 Blackwood Park Road, Rowville - Rehabilitation $70,000

Works integrated with Windermere Drive road renewal works. Contractor appointed with works in Blackwood Park Road due to be completed by end February.

552 Windermere Drive, Ferntree Gully - Rehabilitation $390,000

Works integrated with Blackwood Park Road renewal works. Contractor appointed with works in Winderemere Drive due to commence late February and be completed by mid April.

553 St Davids Drive, Wantirna - Rehabilitation $60,000

Part of road renewal contract for Selkirk group of streets. Contract works well underway with works in St Davids Drive due to commence late February.

555 Inchcape Avenue (North), Wantirna - Rehabilitation $190,000

Part of Contract No. 2064 - Selkirk Group of Streets. Contract works well underway with kerb and channel works in Inchcape Avenue completed and asphalt works due to commence early March.

556 Dudley Avenue, Wantirna - Rehabilitation $130,000

Part of Contract No. 2064 - Selkirk Group of Streets. Contract works in Dudley Street essentially now completed.

557 Botany Court, Wantirna - Rehabilitation $60,000

Part of Contract No. 2064 - Selkirk Group of Streets. Contract works in Botany Court essentially now completed.

558 Hoad Court, Wantirna - Rehabilitation $30,000

Part of Contract No. 2064 - Selkirk Group of Streets. Contract works underway with kerb and channel works mostly completed.


559 Hadlow Drive, Wantirna - Rehabilitation $325,000

Works integrated with Roxburgh Road renewal. Contractor appointed and awaiting pre-construction documentation before providing Possession of Site.

560 Roxburgh Road, Wantirna - Rehabilitation $290,000

Works integrated with Hadlow Road renewal. Contractor appointed and awaiting pre-construction documentation before providing Possession of Site.

561 Benmore Place, Wantirna - Rehabilitation $60,000

Resheet works to be programmed for early 2015.

564 Knox Park Reserve Renovation $150,000

Majority of contract works completed - sprigging activity also completed and grass growth being monitored following less than ideal weather conditions. Anticipation of 95% coverage to occur by early April, dependent on weather conditions.

566 Artwork Renewal $20,000

The restoration artist has begun work on the artwork renewal and has completed work.

568 Early Years Facility Office/Storage Upgrade $70,000

Works commenced, to be completed over Easter Holidays.

570 Fairpark Reserve Floodlighting Upgrade $15,814

Project completed.

572 Tennis Plan Implementation Program $50,000

Boronia Tennis Club Condition Report received, scope of works established and design to commence in March.

576 Early Years Facility Emergency Warning System $50,000

New emergency warning system installed at Blue Hills. Final commissioning and testing has commenced.

578 Forest Road bus stop access $18,950

Project complete.


581 Napoleon Road bus stop connection No.1 $22,520

Footpath connection is to be built in conjunction with other Council capital works projects on Napoleon Road (asphalt resheeting and 'black length' linemarking).

584 Tormore Reserve - Masterplan Development $100,000

Masterplan being modified based on feedback received at community consultation event. Council will meet with football and cricket clubs to discuss changes to Masterplan prior to seeking Council endorsement.

585 Llewellyn Reserve - Masterplan Development $100,000

Final Masterplan for Llewellyn Park will be put to Council for consideration prior to construction of stage one of path network in 2015.

586 Guy Turner Reserve - Stage 4 $150,000

Detail design work including investigation into the use of permeable paving for tree root zones.

587 Upper Ferntree Gully Neighbourhood Activity Centre - Design $120,000

Streetscape masterplan currently being prepared. Feature survey has been commissioned.

589 Knox Early Years (KEYs) Online $194,494

Project implementation has been delayed due to web portal security concerns. Officers are working with the vendor to address these issues and a date in mid-February has been set for the rectification to be complete. Debtors module will be implemented by the end of this financial year.

593 Marie Wallace Park - Masterplan Development $100,000

Second community consultation session with the broader community will be organised mid February. Internal consultation with the Coordinator of Community Safety and Development regarding the safety issues and with Community Arts Officer regarding the Public Art Project has been conducted.

594 Selkirk Avenue, Wantirna - Rehabilitation $300,000

Part of Contract No. 2064 - Selkirk Group of Streets. Contract works well underway with works in Selkirk Avenue due to commence in February.


596 Ferntree Gully Entrance Sign $10,000

Sign installation is complete.

599 Knox Shared Path Network - Emergency Marker System $3,985

Works complete

602 Park Ridge Reserve Floodlighting Upgrade $243,182

Contract let.

604 Liberty Reserve Carpark Lighting $113,035

Review of solar lighting feasibility commenced.

605 Illawarra Avenue, Rowville - Design $25,000

Survey complete with detailed design about to commence.

606 Station Sreet, FTG - Design $25,000

Survey complete and detailed design due to commence in February/March.

607 Ashton Road FTG - Design $30,000

Design due to commence in February/March.

608 Kingston Street – Design $30,000

Due to commence survey in February/March.

609 Mountain Gate Dr, FTG – Design $30,000

Due to commence survey in February/March.

610 Elm Street, Bayswater – Design $25,000

Survey complete and due to commence design in March.

611 Orange Grove, Bayswater – Design $25,000


612 Maple Street, Bayswater – Design $15,000


613 HV Jones Reserve Oval - Renewal $500,000

Contract awarded and works underway with earthworks completed and irrigation and drainage to follow.


614 Scoresby Village - Carpark $90,000

Works to be carried forward to 2015/16 program to allow for integration with shopping centre upgrade works.

615 Valentine Street, Bayswater - Carpark $107,500

Parks to inspect a number of existing trees within the carpark. If trees are not going to be removed then alterations will need to be made to the treatment of the carpark. Concreters starting in February with asphalt works to be completed by the end of March.

616 Knox Park Reserve – Carpark $82,450

Concrete works (kerb and channel replacement) starting in February with asphalt works to be completed by the end of March.

617 The Basin Preschool Toilets and Storage Upgrade $40,000

Concept plan received. Internal assessment underway prior to development of final design.

618 Child Care Centres Removal of Rubber Rock $60,000

Talaskia centres completed. Minor extra works required at Birchfield.

619 Scoresby Road/Blind Creek underpass - Widen shared path at western approach $30,000

Project scope assessed and quotes for design and construct are being sought.

620 High Street Road/Blind Creek shared path underpass - Install Lighting $50,000

Consultant has been engaged to undertake design and detailed estimate.

621 Stud Road Aero Club, Knoxfield/Rowville (Toilet Facility) $58,850

Construction complete.

622 Walker Reserve (Multi-purpose facility) Wantirna South $260,700

Awaiting soil test reports, before finalising scope. Design being developed with input from Leisure and the user groups. Meeting to be held with the tenant clubs in the coming weeks. This project will be carried forward into 2015/16.


623 Seebeck Reserve, Rowville - Spectator Seating $26,400

Seating has been purchased and delivered to the tenant clubs. It will be ready for installation by mid February.

624 Lakesfield Reserve, Lysterfield - Floodlighting Design $10,000

Survey being finalised prior to commencement of design.

625 Lakesfield Reserve, Lysterfield - Pavilion Upgrade design $30,000

Topographical and features survey underway.

626 Carrington Park Reserve, Knoxfield - Scoreboard $22,000

Works set to commence in early February and will be completed within a week.

627 Ferntree Gully Library Scope and Concept $50,000

Awaiting confirmation of project scope.

628 Boronia Library - Scope and Concept $50,000

Awaiting confirmation of project scope.

629 Preschool Major Office Upgrades - Detailed Designs $60,000

Design work to commence in February.

630 Blue Hills Children & Family Centre Hub Upgrade - Scope & Concept $50,000

Commencement deferred until confirmation to proceed.

631 The Basin Community House - Redevelopment Stage 1 $40,000

Quotations being sought.

632 Burwood Highway, Ferntree Gully - Footpath 1 $120,000

Survey completed and design due to commence in March 2015.

633 Bergins Road, Rowville - Footpath 1 $81,000

Contractor will be constructing the path during February.

634 High Street Road, Wantirna South - Footpath 2, $20,000

Project complete.

635 Burwood Highway, Ferntree Gully - Footpath 2 $40,000

Construction is programmed to commence in February 2015.


636 Myrtle Street, Bayswater - Footpath $27,000

Location of footpath to be determined on site by Traffic & Transport. Works scheduled to be completed by the end of March.

637 Mountain Highway, Boronia - Footpath 1 $30,000

Works complete.

638 Karoo Road, Rowville - Design $40,000

Detailed design for bus stops at southern end of Karoo Road (near Valleyview Drive) essentially completed with design for remainder of Karoo Road underway.

639 Quarry Road, Upper Ferntree Gully - Design $30,000

Consultation on scope integration of project with CSR project is being coordinated by Open Space Landscaping in conjunction with Director. Masterplan review undertaken by Landscape & Open Space with input by Director and Project Delivery - this may influence design principles required to be considered for Quarry Road.

640 Napoleon Road/Affleck Way/Bark Avenue - Splitter Islands $8,000

Detailed design prepared and quote to be sought from Knox Construction.

641 Kelletts Road - Shared Path 1 $130,000

Project Complete.

642 Erica Avenue, Boronia - Pedestrian crossing upgrade $80,000

Works complete.

643 Orson Street - Children's Crossing $10,000

Project has been completed. Waiting on final invoices.

644 Footpath Connection Designs $20,000

Design about to commence.

645 Hutton Avenue Footpath Connection $35,000

Works scheduled for February.

646 Fairpark Reserve, Ferntree Gully - Masterplan $45,000

Community engagement undertaken.


647 Stud Park Reserve, Rowville - Masterplan $35,000

Preparation of brief for Stud Park Masterplan to engage a Design Consultant.

648 Row Reserve, Rowville - Development Plan $15,000

Design work about to commence.

649 Scoresby (Exner) Reserve - Masterplan $45,000

Project scope and feature survey completed in order to engage a consultant to undertake the Masterplanning process.

650 Arcadia Reserve, Rowville - Masterplan $35,000

Feature survey completed for project design to commence in March.

651 Ferntree Gully Town Square - Masterplan $20,000

Undertaking internal consultation and preliminary investigations.

652 Dobson Street Reserve, Ferntree Gully - Development Plan $25,000

First phase of community engagement completed. Developing concept design.

653 Revegetation Plan - Priority Sites $100,000

Design complete, with tree works and weed removal scheduled to start during February.

654 Revegetation Plan - Stream Corridors $100,000

Design complete, with tree works and weed removal commenced for completion in February.

655 Entry Signage - Scope and Concept $25,000

Draft brief completed. Project to seek general design consistency across the LGA while responding to unique identity characteristics of place. Installation of at least one sign at The Basin.

656 Margot Street (29), FTG - Drainage Upgrade $40,000

Investigation and concept design complete. Check survey is being carried out to aid detail design.

657 Salmon Road, Boronia - Drainage Upgrade $40,000

Detail design complete, Engineering estimate being prepared. With preliminary cost estimate it is unlikely that adequate funding is available to complete this financial year


658 Old Belgrave Road (37), UFTG - Drainage Upgrade $40,000

Acknowledgement of Local Law 36 issue by VicRoads and Metro Trains, but no action to date.

659 Waldheim Road (26), Bayswater - Drainage Upgrade $40,000

Concept design is nearly completed. Detail design is to follow. There are not enough funds to complete construction of works this financial year. CCTV survey is to be conducted.

660 Mountain Highway (No. 598), Bayswater - Drainage Upgrade $50,000

Drainage analysis and concept design has begun.

661 Boronia Road (223), Boronia - Drainage Upgrade $50,000

Conceptual design nearly completed. Detail design to follow shortly. Construction difficulties identified.

662 Mountain Gate Shopping Centre - Toilet $270,000

Contractor on site, demolition works commenced.

663 Fairpark Reserve Toilet - Design $15,000

Design complete.

664 Storm Water Harvesting - Concept Designs $50,000

Preliminary work on feasibility assessments of previously constructed Stormwater Harvesting Schemes has already commenced. A new modelling tool has been developed by Stormwater Unit to input and coarsely test adequacy of existing systems. This tool will now be used to test all other systems (built, in design, and proposed). Decision has been made at management level to put on hold any new SWH initiatives until all sites have been assessed to better understand the last 5 years of implementation and inform future initiatives.

665 Templeton Reserve - Storm Water Harvesting Design $50,000

Decision has been made by management to put a hold on any new construction / implementation of SWH projects until the entire program (past, current and future initiatives) have been assessed and tested for their feasibility.

666 Milleara Avenue - WSUD system on road reserve $100,000

Stage 3 - Investigation and concept design completed.


667 Inverness Avenue - WSUD System $120,000

Stage 3 - Investigation and concept design commenced.

668 Knox Active Aging Management System(KAAMS) $500,000

Project has gone out to retender due to non-compliant tender bids. It is anticipated that this project will be implemented by December 2015 and therefore funds will need to be held over.

669 Easy Compliant Recordkeeping $150,000

EFT has been appointed and project is in progress.

670 Project Pro $50,000

Cashflow is scheduled to be upgraded to Project Pro this financial year.

671 PABX Upgrade $150,000

Project has commenced. Implementation of a new PABX system is scheduled to be completed by 30 June 2015.

672 Fairpark Reserve Fencing $

Survey and design completed - quotes being sought.

673 The Avenue - Carpark $45,000

Parks to inspect a number of existing trees within the carpark. If trees are not going to be removed then alterations will need to be made to the treatment of the carpark. Concreters starting in February with asphalt works to be completed by the end of March.

674 Glenfern Park - Carpark $95,000

Concrete works (kerb and channel replacement) starting in February with asphalt works to be completed by the end of March.

675 Public Art Project $39,000

Requests for Expression of Interest have been sent out to the identified list of artists. The working group is in the process of creating a short list of three artists who will be asked to submit a more detailed proposal for a completed work.

676 Lakesfield Reserve Oval Renewal $200,000

Contractor appointed and awaiting submission of outstanding pre-construction documentation prior to providing Possession of Site.


677 Liberty Reserve Oval Renewal $180,000

Contractor appointed and awaiting submission of outstanding pre-construction documentation prior to providing Possession of Site.

678 Scoresby West Shopping Village - Public Lighting $150,000

Consultation to take place, but works to be carried forward to 15/16 program to allow for integration with shopping centre upgrade works.

679 Eildon Park Tennis Court Upgrade $64,000

Advice received in December 2014 of available funding - project scope to be confirmed.

TOTAL $37,076,535


ALL WARDS

12.2 SUPPLEMENTARY VALUATIONS

SUMMARY: Coordinator–Property & Revenue Services (Ian Goullet)

This report summarises the effect of Supplementary Valuations returned as at 31 January 2015 (SUPP ID’s 419, 420, 421, 422, 423, 426, 428, 429, 432 and 434)

RECOMMENDATION

That Council adopt the Supplementary Valuation adjustments 2014/2015 (SUPP ID’s 419, 420, 421, 422, 423, 426, 428, 429, 432 and 434) prepared and tabled under Section 13DF of the Valuation of Land Act 1960.

1. INTRODUCTION

As part of the ongoing valuation process Supplementary Valuations have been carried out on a number of properties. The Supplementary Valuations are as a result of subdivision, consolidation, the erection or removal of improvements, arithmetical or descriptive errors. The valuations returned are shown in the report as the Valuations as at 1 January 2014.

These Supplementary Valuations are undertaken and have been returned in accordance with Section 13DF of the Valuation of Land Act 1960.

2. DISCUSSION

The Supplementary Valuation return process is an ongoing process to ensure adjustments to properties continue to be accurately reflected in Council’s rating system.

Reports are presented to Council to reflect changes in property values throughout the financial year.

Depending on the nature or date of each individual supplementary valuation the effective date will vary. The supplementary valuations included in this report have the effective dates of 1 July 2014, 1 December 2014 and 1 January 2015, being the date they were returned to Council.

219 COUNCIL – ITEMS FOR INFORMATION 24 February 2015 12.2 Supplementary Valuations (cont’d)

The following tables set out the changes in valuations as a result of these Supplementary Valuation returns.

Valuations as at 31 December 2014 Site Value Capital Improved Value Net Annual Value

$20,931,668,000

$33,860,677,000

$1,855,422,300

Adjustments Due To Supplementary Valuation Returns Site Value Capital Improved Value Net Annual Value

$-22,937,000

$40,733,000

$2,534,700

New Valuation Totals as at 31 January 2015 Site Value Capital Improved Value Net Annual Value

$20,908,731,000 $33,901,410,000 $1,857,957,000

Site Value – Represents the land value alone.

Capital Improved Value – Represents the combined value of land and any improvements. It is the basis on which rates are raised.

Net Annual Value – Represents the notional rental value of the improved property.

Whilst the rates can be effective from different dates the valuation is determined based on the level of valuation as at 1 January 2014.

Details of specific properties affected by these Supplementary Valuations are available upon request.

3. CONSULTATION

There is no requirement for any specific consultation in regards to this matter.


There are no environmental or amenity impacts as a result of this report.


This particular Supplementary Valuation return, based on a nett increase in Capital Improved Value of $40,733,000 for the 2014/2015 financial year, has generated an increase in rates of $40,623.05.

220 COUNCIL – ITEMS FOR INFORMATION 24 February 2015 12.2 Supplementary Valuations (cont’d)


Regular processing of Supplementary Valuations ensures accuracy of Council records and thus Council rate charging is as equitable as possible.


Valuations and rating is part of Council’s governance responsibility in delivering the Knox Council Plan.

8. CONCLUSION

It is recommended that Council receive, approve and adopt the Supplementary Valuation Return(s) and relevant Declaration(s) of the Valuer as shown in Appendix A.

9. CONFIDENTIALITY

Confidentiality is not an issue in this instance.


That Council adopt the Supplementary Valuation adjustments 2014/2015 (SUPP ID’s 419, 420, 421, 422, 423, 426, 428, 429, 432 and 434) prepared and tabled under Section 13DF of the Valuation of Land Act 1960. CARRIED

221 COUNCIL – ITEMS FOR INFORMATION 24 February 2015 12.2 APPENDIX A

TABLE 1

RETURN OF THE VALUER OVERALL VALUATION CHANGE

SUPPLEMENTARY REFERENCE ID

VALUER’S RETURN

DECLARATION DATE

SITE VALUE CAPITAL IMPROVED

VALUE

NET ANNUAL VALUE

SUPPID419 SITE ADJ 1/1/2015 -25,951,000 0 514,500

SUPPID420 CIV 1/1/2015 -6,000 4,786,000 239,300

SUPPID421SUB/DIVISION 1/1/2015 295,000 3,715,000 185,750

SUPPID422 CIV 1/1/2015 0 -5,000 33,350

SUPPID423 CIV 1/1/2015 0 0 0

SUPPID426 CIV 1/1/2015 -7,000 -1,244,000 -96,050

SUPPID428 CIV 1/1/2015 141,000 7,747,000 374,900

SUPPID429 SUB/DIVISION 1/1/2015 2,855,000 28,078,000 1,401,750

SUPPID432 SUB/DIVISION 1/1/2015 -264,000 -262,000 -14,700

SUPPID434 SUB/DIVISION 1/1/2015 0 -2,082,000 -104,100


ALL WARDS

12.3 ASSEMBLIES OF COUNCILLORS

SUMMARY: Acting Manager – Governance (Kerryn Ellis)

This report provides details of Assembly of Councillors established under section 80A of the Local Government Act as required under section 80A(2) of the Act.

RECOMMENDATION

That Council

1. Note the written record of Assemblies of Councillors as attached to this report.

2. Incorporate the records of the Assemblies into the minutes of the meeting.

1. INTRODUCTION

Under section 80A(2) of the Local Government Act, the Chief Executive Officer must present a written record of an Assembly of Councillors to an ordinary meeting of Council as soon as practicable after an Assembly occurs. This written record is required to be incorporated into the minutes of the meeting.

Details of Assemblies of Councillors that have occurred between Monday 12 January 2015 and Sunday 8 February 2015 are attached to this report.


That Council

1. Note the written record of Assemblies of Councillors as attached to this report.

2. Incorporate the records of the Assemblies into the minutes of the meeting.

CARRIED

223 COUNCIL – ITEMS FOR INFORMATION 24 February 2015 APPENDIX A - ASSEMBLIES OF COUNCILLORS

RREECCOORRDD OOFF AASSSSEEMMBBLLYY OOFF CCOOUUNNCCIILLLLOORRSS (Section 80A Local Government Act) Date of Assembly: 27/1/2015

Name of Committee or Group (if applicable):

Dinner prior to Council Meeting Time Meeting Commenced:

6:30pm

Councillors in Attendance: Mayor - Cr Peter Lockwood Cr Karin Orpen Cr John Mortimore Cr Tony Holland Cr Joe Cossari Cr Darren Pearce Cr Adam Gill Cr Nicole Seymour

Council Staff in Attendance: Graeme Emonson Kathy Parton Ian Bell Kath Oakley Angelo Kourambas Rhys Thomas Joanne Truman Matters Considered:

1. Local Law Review 2. Scott Ward By-Election 3. Refugee Welcome Zone 4. Condolence Motion 5. 1028 Wellington Road, Rowville Conflict of Interest Disclosures: Nil Councillor’s Name

Type of Interest

Councillor Left Assembly While Matter Being Considered

224 COUNCIL – ITEMS FOR INFORMATION 24 February 2015 Appendix A Cont’d- Assemblies Of Councillors



Issues Briefing Time Meeting Commenced:

6:00pm

Councillors in Attendance: Mayor – Cr Peter Lockwood Cr Tony Holland Cr John Mortimore Cr Darren Pearce Cr Joe Cossari Cr Nicole Seymour Cr Adam Gill

Council Staff in Attendance: Graeme Emonson Ian Bell Angelo Kourambas Kerry Stubbings Joanne Truman Kerryn Ellis Matters Considered:

1. Knox Sport and Leisure Awards 2. 2016 Child:Staff Ratios for Early Childhood Education and Care Services 3. Early Years Service Planning Conflict of Interest Disclosures: Nil Councillor’s Name

Type of Interest





Knox Active Ageing Advisory Committee Time Meeting Commenced:

5:30pm

Councillors in Attendance: Cr John Mortimore Cr Nicole Seymour

Council Staff in Attendance: Emmie Lidis Teresa Donegan Paul Dickie Amanda Wiggs Matters Considered:

Discussion on the Health Champions Model Conflict of Interest Disclosures: Nil Councillor’s Name

Type of Interest





Knox Disability Advisory Committee Time Meeting Commenced:

6:30pm

Councillors in Attendance: Cr John Mortimore

Council Staff in Attendance: Felicity Smith Nicole Hunter Peter Johnston Peter Kavan Matters Considered:

1. Stamford Park Redevelopment and Access Considerations 2. Metro Access 2015 Directions Update 3. Mobility Study Implementation Plan and Reporting of Overhanging Branches and Pathway Hazards Conflict of Interest Disclosures: Nil Councillor’s Name

Type of Interest


227 COUNCIL 24 February 2015

13. SUPPLEMENTARY ITEMS

Nil.

COUNCILLOR MORTIMORE RETURNED TO THE CHAMBER AT 7.49PM PRIOR TO DISCUSSION ON ITEM 14

14. URGENT BUSINESS

14.1 URGENT BUSINESS

Nil.

14.2 CALL UP ITEMS

14.2.1 PLACE NAMING OF STRIP SHOPPING CENTRE, BURWOOD HIGHWAY, FERNTREE GULLY MOVED: CR. ORPEN SECONDED: CR. COSSARI

That a report be prepared for the April 2015 Ordinary Meeting of Council that outlines the process for place naming the strip shopping centre on the north side of Burwood Highway between Station Street and Selman Avenue, Ferntree Gully. Further, that this report include a review of the adequacy (or otherwise) of disabled parking arrangements, ingress and egress to the shopping precinct, together with an investigation of the desirability of installing clear zones as a traffic safety improvement measure in this precinct including consultation with VicRoads.

CARRIED

14.2.2 NAMING OF UNNAMED WATERWAYS IN THE BASIN

MOVED: CR. MORTIMORE SECONDED: CR. SEYMOUR That a report be prepared for the April 2015 Ordinary Meeting of Council that outlines the process for the possible naming of two currently unnamed waterways in the ravine area of The Basin.

CARRIED

228 COUNCIL 24 February 2015

15. QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

Nil.

MEETING CLOSED AT 7.55PM

Minutes of Meeting confirmed at the Ordinary Meeting of Council

held on Tuesday 24 March 2015

………………………………… Chairperson

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