MAYOR STITFOLD: Councillors, Council officers, members
of the public gallery and the broader community,
following the meeting via livestreaming, welcome
to the 23 April 2024 Council meeting.
This meeting is being recorded and streamed live on the internet
to enhance the accessibility of Council meetings
to the broader Bayside community.
The recordings are archived and available on Council's website.
All care is taken to maintain your privacy.
However, as a visitor in the public gallery,
your presence may be recorded.
In accordance with Council's Governance Rules, members
of the community were afforded the opportunity
to provide a written statement or request to speak in relation
to eligible agenda items for tonight's meeting.
A copy of the Written Statements received was distributed to
all councillors yesterday and has been published as an attachment
to the agenda on Council's website.
A reminder also to councillors, officers and members of the public gallery
to check that your mobile phones are switched off or placed on silent
during the meeting.
Councillors, members of the gallery and members
of the community following via livestreaming, I wish to advise we are
about to read the prayer and Acknowledgment of Country.
For anyone not wishing to be present in the chamber or follow
the livestreaming for the reading of the prayer and/or Acknowledgment
of Country, there will be approximately 10 seconds
for the reading of the prayer and 40 seconds for the Acknowledgment
of Country.
You will be advised when this has concluded.
In addition, a message will appear on the screen to indicate when
to rejoin the meeting.
Thank you for your understanding in this matter.
I would like to invite Councillor Evans to read the prayer.
CR EVANS: O God, bless this city Bayside.
Give us courage, strength and wisdom so that our deliberations may
be for the good of all.
Amen.
MAYOR STITFOLD: I would like to invite Councillor del Porto
to read the Acknowledgment of Country.
CR DEL PORTO: Thank you.
Bayside City Council proudly acknowledges the Bunurong people of the Kulin Nation
and the traditional owners and custodians of this land.
We pay our respects to the Elders past, present and emerging as well
as any Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community
members with us today.
Council acknowledges the Bunurong's continuing relationship to the land
and waterways and respects that their connection
and spiritual identity is maintained through ancient ceremonies, songlines,
dance, art and living culture.
Council pays tribute to the invaluable contributions
of the Bunurong and other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders
who have guided and continue to guide the work we do.
MAYOR STITFOLD: Officers, please invite any individuals to return
to the chamber and indicate for the livestream that we
will now be continuing with the business on the agenda.
I would also like to acknowledge the presence
of former Mayor and councillor Ms Felicity Frederico OAM in the chamber.
- I understand there is an apology from Councillor Castelli.
Are there any other apologies?
No.
Can I have a moved.
Moved, Councillor del Porto.
Seconded, Councillor Evans.
All those in favour?
Councillor del Porto, Councillor Evans, Councillor Martin, Councillor Samuel-King,
Cr El Mouallem and Councillor Stitfold.
There are none against.
Carried.
Declarations of interest.
Councillor Samuel-King, I understand you have a conflict
of interest declaration?
CR SAMUEL-KING: Yes, my partner Marcus Gwynne
is the Yalukit Willam Nature Reserve strategic consultant and, as such,
I have filled out the red form and will exit for 10.4.
MAYOR STITFOLD: What is the nature of the conflict?
Is it a general?
CR SAMUEL-KING: It's a general.
MAYOR STITFOLD: Thank you.
Are there any other conflicts of interest?
Number 5, adoption and confirmation of the minutes of the previous meetings.
5.1.
CR MARTIN: Happy to move.
MAYOR STITFOLD: Thank you, Councillor Martin.
And do I have a seconder?
Councillor del Porto.
All those in favour?
Councillor del Porto, Councillor Evans,, Councillor Samuel-King, Cr El Mouallem
and Councillor Stitfold.
There are none against.
Carried.
Public question time.
In accordance with Council's Governance Rules,
there will be a maximum of 15 minutes allocated
for public question time.
The questions and responses read out during this time
will be published in the minutes.
All questions, even those not read out in the allotted time,
will be responded to in writing.
No more than two questions, with a maximum of two parts to each question,
are permitted per individual.
The reading of each question will be limited to the question only.
Any associated preamble will not be read out unless required for clarity.
It should also be noted that on occasion, the CEO or Mayor may determine
to redact or disallow a question on the basis that it does not comply
with Council's Governance Rules.
There were 12 public questions received.
Question 1, Mr Matthew Lynn on behalf of Melbourne Zero movement.
Mr Matthew Lynn submitted a question related to affordable housing
and ending homelessness and Mr Lynn asked: what are Council's official plans
to increase affordable housing and end homelessness?
And how is this coordinated with others including nearby Councils.
Response from the CEO.
CEO: Through you, Chair, Council recognises homelessness
and insecure housing is a growing issue within the Bayside municipality.
Bayside's Affordable Housing Strategy was adopted by Council in June 2021.
The strategy guides how Council can assist the increase in supply of appropriate
and accessible affordable housing in Bayside.
Council works with other Councils in south and east metropolitan Melbourne
through the Regional Local Government Charter Homelessness
and Social Housing Group.
This group works to highlight regional issues associated
with homelessness and social housing, advocates for systemic reforms
to prevent homelessness risks from occurring and works
to improve our responses when they do.
MAYOR STITFOLD: Question number 2, Mr Lynn on behalf of Melbourne Zero movement.
Mr Lynn submitted a question related to homelessness,
and Mr Lynn asked: does Council know how many people are sleeping rough
across the LGA?
How is Council collecting this
vital health information?
Response from the CEO.
CEO: Through you, Chair, Council does not have a precise figure
on the number of rough sleepers in Bayside,
as many people experiencing homelessness or sleeping rough are hidden from sight
and are often transient.
147 people were identified as experiencing homelessness in Bayside
from the 2021 Census data.
Bayside is aware of the Melbourne Zero Network and
is exploring its capacity to participate in this project.
MAYOR STITFOLD: Question number 3, Mr Geoff Leigh.
Mr Geoff Leigh submitted a question related to Sandringham basketball courts
at 150 Tulip Street, Cheltenham, and Mr Leigh asked: provide the total cost
of construction Sandringham basketball courts at 150 Tulip Street, Cheltenham: 1,
show individual total amounts paid by Bayside Council,
state or Federal Government or any other body or group provided funds
for the development; 2, provide the details of the ownership
of the land for the development and its value or funds paid
to acquire the site.
Response from the CEO.
CEO: Through you, Chair, in response to part 1 of the question, the total cost
of construction of the Sandringham basketball courts
was $14.559 million, of which Bayside City Council
contributed $11.143 million, Sandringham Basketball Association
contributed $3 million and $416,000 was recovered from the original builder
that went into administration.
In response to part 2 of the question, the land is owned by Bayside City Council
and is currently valued at $5.7 million.
MAYOR STITFOLD: Mr Geoff Leigh submitted a question related to parking restrictions
on Balcombe Road, and Mr Leigh asked: given Bayside Council's decision
to introduce parking restrictions on Balcombe Road south side 8 to 9am
and north side 3 to 4pm between Reserve and Charman Roads, will Council provide:
1, the total numbers of properties that received material
setting out Council's decision to the letterbox,
email or some other method to all the affected residents; 2,
provide the details of those in favour or against the proposed restrictions
by the means mention in point 1.
Response from the CEO.
CEO: Through you, Chair, community engagement was undertaken
from 28 February to 26 March 2024 on a proposal
to install no stopping restrictions on Balcombe Road between Reserve
and Charman Roads during peak school commuting hours
to improve safety for students riding to school.
There were 330 local residents and businesses that received
a consultation letter and 3,000 recipients of a postcard
regarding the proposed project throughout Beaumaris.
Council has received 327 contributions via the Have Your Say
to the engagement process and is currently in the process
of reviewing the feedback prior to making a decision.
All project subscribers and impacted residents will be contacted
by Council once a decision is made on the proposed project.
MAYOR STITFOLD: Question number 5, Mr Dean Varndell.
Mr Dean Varndell submitted a question related to the site currently occupied
by Woolworths in Hampton Street, and Mr Varndell asked: is Council aware
of or in discussions/negotiations with a prospective purchaser
of the Hampton Street Woolworths site and is Council able to impose conditions
on the prospective sale to ensure a supermarket is retained
with public parking?
CEO: Through you, Chair, Council officers are aware that
the Woolworths site on Hampton Street is currently for sale.
The sale of the property and the conditions placed on the sale
is not something Council has jurisdiction over.
MAYOR STITFOLD: Question number 6 from Mr George Reynolds.
Mr George Reynolds submitted a question related to the Bayside Community Sports
Centre, and Mr Reynolds asked: I ask a question
about the Bayside Netball Centre and its place in the 2024/2025 budget: A,
as Council shows an entry in Note 4.2.4 of the budget document of $18.864 million
for right of use assets, how much of this sum is attributable
to the Bayside Netball Centre and, B, how much revenue is to be collected
from the Beneficial Enterprise, now brought into existence,
to offset the operating and amortising cost that this venture
incurs so that the venture meets the requirement of Section 111(1)(a)
of the Local Government Act 2020.
Response from the CEO.
CEO: Through you, Chair, in response to part A, the total value of the right
of use assets forecast as at 30 June 2024 is $18.64 million.
Of this value, $17.733 million relates to the Netball Centre and there's 18,000
total contribution, less 317K depreciation during the 2023-24
year.
The remaining $907,000 relates to the right of use leased vehicle
and equipment assets.
In response to part B of the question, Council has a licence agreement
with the Bayside & District Netball Association Incorporated,
which pays $13,608 per year including GST.
Council is not liable for any operating costs for the centre.
MAYOR STITFOLD: Question number 7, Mr George Reynolds.
Mr George Reynolds submitted a question relating to item 10.9 on the agenda,
and Mr Reynolds asks: I ask a question in relation to item 10.9
on the meeting agenda.
A, as the agenda item seeks that Council delegates authority directly
to a staff member or position, yet section 11
of the Act limits delegation to the CEO only, or alternatively
to a Delegated Committee, has this proposed on delegation be shown
to be as unlawful as it appears and, B, have any councillors sought legal advice
independently of that claimed by the CEO and staff in the support documents
on the legality of the proposal?
Response from the CEO.
CEO: Through you, Chair, in response to part A of the question,
Council may delegate duties and powers to specific officers relating
to various pieces of legislation, which is provided for
within that legislation.
This process is not unlawful and is a statutory process undertaken
by the entire Local Government sector.
In response to part B of the question, the instrument
of delegation has been prepared in conjunction with Council's lawyers
to ensure all legislation is currently effective.
MAYOR STITFOLD: Question 8, Mr Leigh Funston.
Mr Leigh Funston submitted a question related to Yalukit Willam Nature Reserve,
and Mr Funston asked: what is the forecast cost
for Bayside City Council's total redevelopment of Yalukit Willam Park,
formerly known as Elsternwick Park?
Response from the CEO.
CEO: Through you, Chair, Council has forecast that it
will cost approximately $23.7 million to deliver the Elsternwick Park masterplan
Council has so far secured $16.85 million in grant funding
to cover the Yalukit Willam Nature Reserve
Therefore, the forecast cost to Council is $6.85 million.
MAYOR STITFOLD: Question number 9, Mr Leigh Funston.
Mr Leigh Funston submitted a question related to Yalukit Willam Nature Reserve,
and Mr Funston asked: what is Bayside City Council's forecast annual
maintenance costs for Yalukit Willam Park, formerly known as Elsternwick Park?
CEO: Through you, Chair, Council has allocated $84,000
to maintain the Yalukit Willam Nature Reserve in the 2024-25 financial year.
The ongoing annual maintenance cost for the remainder of the site
will be informed by the scope of future projects at the site.
MAYOR STITFOLD: Question number 10, Mr Paul Langley.
Mr Paul Langley submitted a question related to the Bayside Community Sports
Centre, and Mr Langley asked: my question is about the Bayside Netball Centre.
1A, as the Mayor has indicated that the centre is jointly owned
by the Minister of Education, Sandringham Secondary College
and Bayside Council, the centre appears to be owned by a joint venture
in which Bayside Council, ACN 163 566 621, participates.
What financial benefit accrues to Council from the investment of $18.05 million,
which was paid to the Victorian School Building Authority
in order to participate?
And, B, where is the Council resolution recorded
that approves the terms of the investment?
CEO: Through you, Chair, in response to part A of the question,
Council's financial investment into the Bayside Community Sports Centre
results in a net community benefit, including allowing increasing
participation in community sport at the site.
In response to part B of the question, Council has had several reports relating
to the Bayside Community Sports Centre, including its decision
at its 25 February 2021 Special Meeting of Council, which sets
out the framework for Council to fund the facility
and execute the necessary agreements to facilitate the use of the site.
MAYOR STITFOLD: Question number 11, Mr Paul Langley.
Mr Paul Langley submitted a question related to the Bayside Community Sports
Centre, and Mr Langley asked: my question concerns the Bayside Netball
Centre.
A, as the meeting of 25 February 2021 resolved
to delegate authority to the CEO to negotiate
and sign a community joint use agreement for the Bayside Netball Centre
but the outcome was a Beneficial Enterprise agreement,
has the unauthorised agreement any legitimacy?
And, B, will Council now seek the return of the $18.05 million
on the grounds that no benefit will ever return
to the wider Bayside community as there is no access allowed to the site
for the wider community?
Response from the CEO.
CEO: Through you, Chair, in response to part A of the question,
Council entered did enter into a community joint user agreement
in relation to the Bayside Community Sports Centre
at Holloway Road.
In response to part B of the question, Council
will not be seeking the State Government to return the investment
from Bayside City Council.
MAYOR STITFOLD: Question number 12, Mr Philippe Charluet.
Mr Philippe Charluet submitted a question related to planning activity
in Willis Street, Hampton, and Mr Philippe Charluet asked:
the current sale of Woolworths and the six shops next to it up
to Willis Street in Hampton is currently under offer.
Coincidentally, it is proposed that the car park at 20-22
Willis Street should also be put on sale at the same time to be considered
by this Council meeting.
The State Government has put in place the Development Facilitation
Program to expedite faster planning approvals
for larger commercial/residential projects , with construction costs worth
at least $50 million that have 10% affordable housing
- DFP being the decision maker and thus avoiding the normal council
permit planning process and any risk attributed
to third party community objectors reviewed to VCAT.
If this goes ahead, do we the community have right
to expect this scenario will give the new owners the opportunity
to potentially build a development behind the current height controls
currently in place in Hampton?
Response from the CEO.
CEO: Through you, Chair, whilst the future intention
for the redevelopment of land at 355-375 Hampton Street, Hampton, is speculative
at this point, it is noted that the Minister
for Planning has introduced a number of planning provisions which enable
the applicant to seek the Minister to intervene where applications meet
certain requirements relating to construction cost and the inclusion
of affordable housing.
In the event the owner were to seek ministerial intervention,
the Minister has the ability to waive or vary building
and setback requirements.
MAYOR STITFOLD: That concludes public question time.
The questions and responses read out will be published in the minutes
and responded to in writing.
Section 7, petitions to Council.
7.1, petition for Council to review its heritage
and neighbourhood character studies.
Can I have a mover?
CR MARTIN: Happy to move.
CR EVANS: Seconded.
MAYOR STITFOLD: Moved by Councillor Martin.
Seconded by Councillor Evans.
CR MARTIN: I just want to acknowledge the community
for the work that's been put into this petition.
I believe we've got 931 valid signatories, which is an extraordinary amount,
and I just wanted to build on what the officers have written
in the report that Bayside does have a rich history of heritage and we're very,
very proud of it, and I do hope that the 931 valid
- I believe there was more that weren't
- are given an opportunity to be heard on this matter.
Thank you.
MAYOR STITFOLD: Councillor Evans?
Any other councillor wishing to speak?
CR EL MOUALLEM: I have a question to the Officers.
MAYOR STITFOLD: Cr El Mouallem?
CR EL MOUALLEM: In regard to this petition, are we going to engage
with the Planning Minister office in regard to
- because it is specific to the Activity Centre
- to the impact of that study in relation to basically the production
of extra dwellings in the area?
MR CRIPPS: Through you, Madam Mayor, as part of any proposal
to undertake heritage controls or neighbourhood character controls,
the Minister for Planning would be engaged to seek authorisation
for a Planning Scheme amendment.
So if Council were to seek a planning process,
we would be engaging with the Minister's Department,
who has obviously an ability to influence whether a planning control does proceed or
not.
CR EL MOUALLEM: Another question, Madam Mayor, on 19 July 2022,
we have written to the planning Minister regarding heritage issues.
Did we get a response in regard to our letter?
MR CRIPPS: Through you, Madam Mayor, I'll need
to take this specific question on notice.
We have reached out to the Minister on a number of occasions
and we have received a series of different responses
at different points in time, primarily in relation to the fact that there
is an existing process in place that the Minister keeps
referring Council to, even though Council has advocated
for different approaches heritage controls , there hasn't been to date an interest,
but with regards to the specific letter, I would need to take that on notice
and come back to you, Cr El Mouallem.
CR EL MOUALLEM: I promise one last question, and that's
regarding the mid-century heritage study.
Where are we at, considering we're probably two years
from when we decided on that?
Is MR CRIPPS: Through you, Madam Mayor, the mid-century modern or post-war
modern heritage study had gone through an extensive process
of consultation, has recently been through an independent planning panel.
That planning panel is currently deliberating
and we're expecting that report to be presented to Council shortly,
which will then ultimately come back to Council for consideration.
MAYOR STITFOLD: I would like to also acknowledge the
large number of signatories.
The significant number of signatories to this petition.
I'll ask now for all those in favour.
Councillor del Porto, Councillor Evans, Councillor Martin, Councillor Samuel-King,
Cr El Mouallem and Councillor Stitfold.
There are none against.
It's carried.
Section 8, minutes of Advisory Committees, 8.1, records of meetings held
under the auspices of Council.
Can I have a mover?
CR DEL PORTO: So moved.
MAYOR STITFOLD: Councillor del Porto.
Seconded, Councillor Martin.
Did you wish to speak in all those in favour?
Councillor del Porto, Councillor Evans, Councillor Martin, Councillor Samuel-King,
Cr El Mouallem, Councillor Stitfold.
There are none against.
Carried.
8.2, minutes of the Disability Access and Inclusion Advisory Committee meeting
held on 26 February 2024.
Do I have a mover?
Councillor Martin.
And seconded, Councillor Evans.
Councillor Martin?
CR MARTIN: As Chair of the committee, I would just like to point out
to the community that a group of people who have got disabilities meet
regularly to discuss Disability Access and Inclusion in our community.
The committee was established to ensure that we review the things that
we do.
The major thing that was on the table during the last cycle was the draft
public toilets strategy and the Terms of Reference of all the committees
and also the action plan six months progress report,
and I think that the Officers would agree with me that the advice coming
out of this committee is providing a really, really good,
constructive amount of information and lived experience for Officers.
So I would just like to acknowledge the committee and I would
like to acknowledge the Officers that attend these meetings,
listen intently, and make changes to their reports.
Councillor Evans?
CR EVANS: Thank you, Madam Mayor.
Just a point on this that I think should go back
to the Advisory Committee.
It was just that yourself, the CEO, myself and the ward councillor,
Councillor Martin, met with the Federal Member down
at Beaumaris Motor Yacht Squadron into looking at trying to seek some money
for funding upgrade of the pier so it would have disabled
access, both to the pier and on the pier.
So again I think this is something that maybe should be taken
back to the Disability Access and Inclusion Advisory Council,
just for noting and also any comments.
MAYOR STITFOLD: Thank you.
Councillors in favour?
Councillor del Porto, Councillor Evans, Councillor Martin, Councillor Samuel-King,
Cr El Mouallem and Councillor Stitfold.
There are none against.
Carried.
8.3, minutes of the Bayside Arts and Gallery Advisory Committee meeting
held on 28 February 2024.
Councillor del Porto, seconded by Councillor Martin.
CR DEL PORTO: Madam Mayor, some of the functions
on this committee are the annual contribution program
of the Bayside gallery, the annual arts program
of public events and activities, the proposed artists
for the annual studio artists program Billilla, the public art
and wall mural program across the municipality.
We met on 28 February and one of the motions that we actually supported
was to commence the public art procurement process to commission a public artwork
for Cheltenham Park with a budget of $100,000 to $120,000.
I thought that was worth reporting tonight
Thank you.
MAYOR STITFOLD: Thank you.
Cr El Mouallem?
All those in favour?
CR EVANS: No, I would like to speak.
Sorry, Madam Mayor.
Just to concur with Chairman of that committee
about the public art commission at Cheltenham Park,
I think we're looking forward to that, the position and where it will be at
will be of interest, and what it is, I think, will be terrific.
So $100,000 for a public art in Cheltenham Park I think
is a really great decision by the art group.
So I fully support it.
MAYOR STITFOLD: All those in favour?
Councillor del Porto, Councillor Evans, Councillor Martin, Councillor Samuel-King,
Cr El Mouallem and Councillor Stitfold.
There are none against.
Carried.
8.4, minutes of the Billilla Advisory Committee.
CR DEL PORTO: So moved.
MAYOR STITFOLD: Moved Councillor del Porto , seconded by Cr El Mouallem.
CR DEL PORTO: Madam Mayor, the Advisory Committee was established
in 2022 to foster accessible, coachable programs and activities
at Billilla homestead, provide safe, supported community spaces
for local people to engage in a wide range of activities and provide the community
with opportunities for creative expression.
One of the things we adopted on 14 March was to have an arts
and cultural program for the gardens at Billilla for 24/25, and as it happens,
we had a wonderful garden day on Sunday.
I attended with Cr El Mouallem.
We ended up taking
- not meaning to but we took turns.
He was there until about 3 and I was there from 3 onwards.
I think talking to Council Officers and to my fellow councillor,
I think we had about 8,000 people there but they were coming and going.
Some stayed throughout the afternoon, some of them stayed and went.
It was a wonderful meeting, a wonderful day,
and the community really enjoys those afternoons.
We have been very lucky with the weather as well.
I highly recommend there be more of those garden days.
There was jazz.
There was African music.
There was a variety of activities in the garden so it's
really been activated.
Thank you.
MAYOR STITFOLD: Thank you.
No other councillors wish to speak?
All those in favour?
Councillor del Porto, Councillor Evans, Councillor Martin, Councillor Samuel-King,
Cr El Mouallem and Councillor Stitfold.
There are none against.
Carried.
Section 9, reports by Special Committees.
There were no reports by Special Committees.
Section 10, reports by the organisation.
Councillors and members of the gallery, there was one written statement received
to items on the agenda for tonight's meeting.
In addition there were 8 requests to speak received.
In accordance with Council's Governance Rules we
will hear from registered speakers who will each have two minutes
to make their presentation.
The time will be electronically displayed on the screen above and,
after your time has expired, you will hear this sound, (buzzer sounds).
A reminder also to the speakers to please contain your presentation
to the subject matter.
Please also ensure your comments are respectfully and refrain
from making any derogatory or defamatory comments of any councillor, member
of Council staff or member of the community.
Should you be in breach of this requirement, your presentation
will be immediately terminated and you will be asked to return to your seat.
Should you have any documents or pictures to be circulated to councillors as part
of your presentation, please indicate when you approach
the speakers table, and the Governance Manager
will review the documents first and assist in distributing them to each councillor.
To ensure the best audio experience for the gallery
and those following the meeting online, if speakers, Officers
and councillors could also remember to speak directly into the microphones.
10.1 proposed Annual Budget 2024-25.
There was one written statement received from Mr George Reynolds.
There was also one request to speak from Ms Monica Kerlin.
Could Ms Kerlin please approach the speaker's table.
Thank you.
Whenever you're ready.
MS KERLIN: Good evening.
It is good to see the budget is in surplus.
Many residents of Hampton and Sandringham would like some
of that money put to work for heritage protection.
We asked for an all era heritage study in the growth zones
of Hampton and Sandringham is put on the Council plan (ask that) and
for the next financial year, and that adequate funds are allocated.
This isn't about locking up land and keeping development down
because heritage homes can actually be incorporated successfully
into multiunit development.
Residents of Hampton and Sandringham are shocked
and distressed every time an unprotected heritage home is bulldozed.
These homes are often mentioned in reports by heritage consultants as being worthy
of protection but the process has stalled.
Bayside Council informs us that past studies of Edwardian
and Victorian homes are not exhaustive, the funding at the time limited the number
of homes that could be included in those studies.
The gaps study that would look at the Edwardian homes does not have
a date on the Bayside Heritage Action Plan
We are told that heritage is emotionally charged, challenges
and divisive.
It doesn't need to be that way.
We will need Council to provide updated factual information
for residents who may own a home to be heritage protected.
It's been said that the horse has bolted, most of the residents in the growth zones
of Hampton and Sandringham are already in discussion with developers.
I don't believe that's true.
I am in contact with 99 residents between Willis Street and Service Street,
Hampton.
They are negotiating with developers on the multistorey developments
that are going on but they're not actually wanting
to sell their own homes.
Please can we have funds for ... (Buzzer sounds).
MAYOR STITFOLD: Thank you, any questions for the speaker?
Councillor Martin?
CR MARTIN: Yes, thanks for coming down.
You mentioned you approached a number of the residents who are
- did you say negotiating?
MS KERLIN: No.
CR MARTIN: I'll just finish the question.
Could you just let us know what type of discussions you heard
from those residents regarding heritage?
MS KERLIN: OK.
So our group of residents that have been involved in
past objections to developments so that we can have some input into what actually
is built in our neighbourhood value heritage.
They have used the neighbourhood character and our heritage as part
of their objections to ask for new buildings to work in
with our heritage, with setbacks, with large trees, large canopy-forming
trees in heritage gardens, and we have had many
of those actually signing our petition.
There's been a couple who have been concerned but the overwhelming number
of residents have been very supportive of heritage.
CR MARTIN: Thank you.
MAYOR STITFOLD: Were there any other questions for the speaker?
No.
Thank you, Ms Kerlin, you can resume your seat.
Councillors, not on the published list of speakers
but we do have another registered speaker, Mr Geoff Leigh.
Could you please approach the speaker's table.
Thank you, Mr Leigh.
When you're ready.
MR LEIGH: Firstly, I will leave you some photos
of Black Rock beach.
Can I say it's one thing to build all these magnificent buildings that
we are building, but it's another thing not to look
after the maintenance of existing properties.
You will see from the photos that I have left you
that Black Rock foreshore has got netting and poles around it, all down.
Have been down for years.
With signs saying "don't climb because you might hurt yourself".
Those posts and things have never been fixed in
at least the four to five years that I know.
Secondly, given it's a wonderful area to go to that even postcards
on Channel 9 have referred to it, I suggest you go and look at the toilets
on the facilities down there).
They're about 1960.
So when we have so many people from outside our city going there,
to have the state of those facilities down there is a disgrace.
I think it's time Council spent a bit more time on the maintenance issues.
Secondly, there's also issues I believe at the Sandringham leisure centre
which has caused some problems for Council that resulted
in some people sending legal letters to Council.
The second matter I wish to raise is what Council is going to do in relation
to the Sandringham Driving Range which somehow you're going to have to deal
with because I will leave you a copy of a report
- two reports actually from the EPA that shows how seriously
contaminated it is.
I might add Council's own investigation didn't seem to have a problem with it when
they investigated it, and it was only after one of the residents raised
the matter that resulted in some action being taken.
The fact is in that area there from the residents' point of view,
they have had their lives destroyed by what is going on.
I am as much disturbed by the fact that I understand Councillor
Evans was a big supporter of what's happened there,
and Councillor Evans and I have been let's say phone pals
for years.
So I'm disappointed that Councillor Evans has participated in that
because it's destroyed the lives of some of his own constituents and in my view,
given I have handed out
- well, put posters up for him in the past, I'm not going
to do it again unless something is do responsibly to what is going
on there
- MAYOR STITFOLD: Please stick to your actual
- you've finished?
Thank you.
MR LEIGH: I did stop.
MAYOR STITFOLD: Do we have any questions for Mr Leigh?
No?
Thank you, Mr Leigh.
You can resume your seat.
MR LEIGH: Pleasure.
I'll leave the EPA report for you and maybe the rest of you haven't got it.
MAYOR STITFOLD: Do we have a mover?
Councillor del Porto.
CR EVANS: Seconded.
MAYOR STITFOLD: Seconded Councillor Evans.
Councillor del Porto?
CR DEL PORTO: I really believe that we are the envy of Melbourne when it comes
to our financial situation.
We have 181 budget and we have 55.7 million dollars
of the proposed budget earmarked at delivering for community infrastructure
as part of the capital works budget without having to borrow one cent.
So I think that's something that should be stated again and I am sure it will pop
up in the media.
I'm very pleased to support this budget and, in particular, the investment
in services and infrastructure for our wonderful Bayside community.
This includes the continued expansion of services for our older residents.
Some Councils are getting out of aged care services.
We are actually getting bigger into it.
I speak from personal experience of the value of a trusted professional
and empathetic service for older people to help them remain independent at home.
I am also happy to see funding for a Warm Water Pool in Brighton,
which is the suburb with the oldest average age
across Bayside.
It will provide exercise
rehabilitation facilities locally, helping to support all residents
to stay active while we age.
As Chair of the Billilla Advisory Committee,
I am pleased that this budget also includes funds
to upgrade the magnificent Billilla mansion in Brighton.
This jewel in Bayside's crown is already becoming a destination
for arts and culture, events and celebrating heritage and funding
in this budget will help to upgrade visitor amenities
and preserve the historical house.
Increasing rates is always a carefully considered issue
for councillors but rates are critical for Council to continue the delivery
of the valued services our community appreciates.
Most of our revenue comes from rates.
We don't have Southland
- unfortunately
- we didn't end up getting half of Southland.
The rate increase will result in an increase of 55.567 dollars
for the average ratepayer.
I strongly encourage any residents experiencing financial hardship to get
in touch with our revenue team who can work
with them to create a payment plan under our hardship policy.
Some of the projects that will be built in Bleazby ward
will be Billilla mansion external amenities, upgrade and mansion renewal,
footpath activities upgrades in (inaudible) Street.
I also had one that relates to Councillor Samuel-King's
ward, the Dendy Park athletic pavilion, which is adjacent to mine, but I
will mention it anyway, and tennis car park renewal.
Thank you.
CR EVANS: Thank you, Madam Mayor.
This budget invests considerable resources into protecting
and enhancing our wonderful Bayside environment,
particularly our beloved foreshore.
In Ebden ward, we are investing in the construction
of a new all-abilities ramp, toilet block at Half Moon Bay,
as discussed just a minute ago, as part of the implementation of the Red Bluff
to Half Moon Bay masterplan.
We will also be doing remedial works to the Half Moon Bay land slip
and beach ramp reconstruction, if you know that ramp coming down
from the Black Rock Life Saving Club, improving access to the beach
since the big storms of last year.
So we will be doing remedial work around that at Black Rock area.
The Black Rock B16 ramp upgrade will also get moving this year,
providing better access to visitors that will complement the new completed Black
Rock Life Saving Club.
On the strategic level, it includes funds to develop a new coastal
and marine management plan.
This is an important piece of work that will help guide our efforts
to address coastal erosion and management, including those resulting
from climate change, and if you notice, there have been some slips down
on the Half Moon Bay and also on the cliff area.
A new Biodiversity Action Plan will continue our work to enhance habitat
and also native wildlife.
Finally, we will continue to invest in infrastructure
to support our active community.
This includes a new cycle path connecting Sandy station
to Sandringham family leisure, with future budgets
to fund the continuation to Cheltenham station, which has been one
of the aspirations of the Pennydale people for a long time that are within my ward.
We will also fund the traffic management plan from the new Bayside Community Sports
Centre and remediate Wangara Road park in preparation for its new era
into a passive open space.
The key Ebden ward projects include
- and I had great thanks from a number of people
about the Third Street Black Rock drainage renewal,
which was a huge investment.
A number of people came up to me yesterday thanking me
for the opportunity for that to be done.
The Tricks Reserve playground upgrade, which is a magnificent upgrade,
and also the Wangara car park construction
So there's a lot going on in Ebden ward, and again it does address some
of the problems that we have seen on the foreshore, the ramp upgrades
and the things mentioned by community to me.
Thank you.
MAYOR STITFOLD: Thank you.
Councillor Martin?
CR MARTIN: Yes, thanks, Mayor, and I'd also like to build
on what Councillor Evans has said regarding the pressure on our foreshore,
which I'll do in a moment.
But I would like to speak about the social inclusion connection
health and wellbeing that the Council is responsible for
under the Local Government Act and it's something that
is forgotten when we hear the people talking about just get on with the roads,
rates and rubbish.
Get on with the roads, rates and rubbish?
What about the actual people and vulnerable people in our community?
I'm very, very pleased to be able to announce tonight the major initiatives
to be developed in this year include a new municipal Health and Wellbeing Plan
and it's very timely to have a new plan and a new innovative reconciliation plan.
We will fund the completion of the wonderful Beaumaris Arts Centre,
which is in my ward, and that will complete what is
to be Australia's first mid-century modern precinct and it's going
to enable the community to continue I think it's an over 60-year
history of making art in that area.
Investing in the arts and supporting our volunteers enriches
the cultural fabric of our community, ensures that those who give their time
and effort to help others feel valued and recognised,
which is an incredible part of our social inclusion, getting people
out of their homes and connecting to one another.
Not everyone plays sport.
So art is a fundamental part of that approach.
As I said earlier, I'm the Chair of the disability access inclusion
committee and I'm absolutely delighted to see the funding
for the disabled parking review and upgrades that are much needed
of $200,000 to ensure that people not only get a car park but when
they get in there, they can open their car doors
and remove their chairs and equipment from either above the roof or with
inside the car.
It builds on making sure that people with disabilities have inclusion
and access into our community and this promotes equity and exclusivity
for all.
The budget also includes funding for a range of initiatives to continue
to improve our sustainability and carbon neutrality, which
is a very important point.
I heard the speaker talking about that.
The speaker might be pleased to know that the Mayor
and myself spent a whole day with all of the bay-facing Councils
and the coastal Councils on an emergency roundtable
on the impact that sea inundation is causing us in Victoria,
and it's only going to get worse.
We heard from Councils suffering from land slips,
Councils suffering from flooding, Councils suffering from high-intensity,
very short but very dangerous storms, and this was attended
by the Deputy Secretary of Planning, a nominated elected MP
of the State Labor government, and it is almost terrifying to hear the forecasts
that the speakers had.
We had speakers from overseas come in on Zoom.
We actually had speakers on the line.
And these people were absolute experts on monitoring the inundation of water
into our state of Victoria.
We are providing $200,000 for energy efficiency
and solar upgrades to buildings, $400,000 for integrated water management facilities
, and $367,000 for LED sports ground lighting upgrades,
and these all contribute to the one goal of slowly but surely
- and we have to increase it so much quicker
- to reduce the amount of carbon that is going into the atmosphere.
I'm also so pleased that the Beaumaris Children's Centre and the landscaping
of the Beaumaris Reserve, which is going to be very welcome
- we had over 600 people attend the Cenotaph on Sunday
- and that Beaumaris Reserve is really becoming an absolutely
incredibly important place for Beaumaris and including the RSL Beaumaris subbranch,
and last but not least, the most exciting news in the budget
for the
- I think it's nearly 42 teams of the Beaumaris Football Club,
is the Banksia Reserve is going to get a much needed sports ground
resurfacing.
So it's more than rates, roads and rubbish, Madam Mayor.
It is a lot more than that.
Thank you.
MAYOR STITFOLD: Were there any other Councillors?
Councillor Samuel-King.
CR SAMUEL-KING: This is an excellent budget and I look first
to our financial control ors and CEO and thank them for their excellent
and tireless work, and a budget that is increasingly clear
and financially responsible.
I'm very proud of it also from its commitment to the health
and wellbeing of our community.
In particular, our aged care services and the development
of the Warm Water Pool.
This wonderful new facility will provide for gentle exercise and rehabilitation,
ultimately contributing, Madam Mayor, to a better quality of life
for our residents.
Bayside's magnificent environment and open space remain some
of our most valuable and also most fragile resources.
This budget includes funding for the development of our new Reserves.
As these Reserves are starting to take shape,
they are being transformed already into an oasis both for people
and wildlife.
And to Castlefield, the Dendy Street Park athletics pavilion
renewal has been long-awaited and those people will be very, very happy
to see it finally happen.
So thank you.
MAYOR STITFOLD: Cr El Mouallem?
CR EL MOUALLEM: Yes, Madam Mayor, I have a question
before I say a few words.
The 2.5%, how much money is that generating?
The increase?
OFFICER: So the 2.75% increase in the rates will raise $4 million worth
of rate revenue.
CR EL MOUALLEM: Thank you.
Madam Mayor, I do agree with Councillor del Porto when
he said we are the envy of other Councils.
Yes, we are.
Are we doing a great job?
Yes, we are.
We are a top-performing Council.
We are doing so well that if I'm reading correctly, on one
of the pages I read that we have $118 million in the bank somewhere.
I might be wrong but that's what I read.
$118 million.
Now, one of the things I like to do, and I've debated this
over the last three years in this Council, I get the previously year budget
and I actually analyse it against what we are putting forward this
year.
And last year I did flag to this Council that you are
under-estimating how much interest we're
going to be collecting, so I was true.
I think we under-estimated $2 million, and that we got more,
even though I made you aware of it last year.
I mentioned that we'll be collecting more open space levy, and I also was correct.
So we collected more open space.
What I'm also concerned about is, as much as I like to reduce the amount
of carbon going into the atmosphere, as I heard in the chamber here,
I really prefer to see first taking care of the basics.
I am looking at an expenditure chart, and I'm seeing the expenditure on roads
and drainage is actually less in this budget than last year's budget,
dollar for dollar.
On the other hand, I am seeing the environmental
expenditure going up.
It's actually more.
I personally believe we are going in the wrong direction here.
With all the good work we are doing, I thought we could put some
of that money back into the community.
Looking into the revenue and expenditure chart,
we are seeing that our planet goal is actually $1 million more
in this budget.
I believe this should be actually less and if we are putting more money, it needs
to go to our place and to our people goal, rather than the planet.
I understand not everyone is going to agree with me,
but I find that we've got $181 million, just in the 22/23, it was $155.6 million,
so that's a jump of $26 million in budget.
I am actually not sure if this is sustainable in the long term.
We jump $26 million in a matter of two years.
I heard it's only an average of $55.
I do not believe in averaging.
I represent a community where the average is actually much higher,
and to give you an idea in this document somewhere, there
is a commercial rates.
We collected $3.8 million from all the commercial rateable properties.
If you look into the Brighton, the area I represent, only two strips,
Bayside street and Church Street, contributed around $2.2 million
out of the $3.8 million.
If you add Martin Street and the other bits and pieces
and commercial, you'll find that actually most
of the money is coming from that area, from the Brighton ward.
So I don't believe in averaging.
What we are paying, which I assume
- I have heard up to $30,000, some houses paying in rates
- and I do have a property down in Cheltenham myself,
which pays maybe $1,000
- so I don't really believe in averaging.
That is why I cannot support this, because the $55 in the municipality
somewhere, to me when I looked into my rates, it's actually 200 and 300
and 400 dollars, and for that reason I actually cannot
support an increase.
MAYOR STITFOLD: Councillors, the proposed 2024/25 budget establishes
Council's commitment to maintaining and improving services
and infrastructure while delivering important capital projects that are valued
by our community.
This considered budget was developed against a backdrop
of tightening economic conditions that are impacting Council as well
as our community.
Despite this, our long-term prudent financial management means
we are well positioned to continue to provide the services
and infrastructure our community needs now and into the future.
In line with the 2021 to 2025 Council plan,
the $181 million budget is focused in four key areas over the next 12 months.
Our planet, our people, our place and our promise.
The budget features sustained investment in our roads, footpaths
and infrastructure maintenance to ensure Bayside has a strong foundation.
The $55.7 million capital works program will continue
to deliver important facilities for our active and engaged community.
This includes the renewals of Boss James Reserve pavilion,
Dendy Park Athletic Pavilion and an upgrade
of the Beaumaris Arts Centre.
The budget also continues to emphasise our responsibility to protect
and enhance the Bayside environment for current and future residents.
It includes funding for further implementation
of our Climate Emergency Action Plan and Biodiversity Action Plan,
both of which will assist Bayside in reaching a net zero target by 2050.
The budget will be largely funded by rates, with a 2.7% increase which is
in line with the Victorian Government's rate cap.
Bayside receives more than 68% of ore revenue from rates.
The decision to increase rates is never taken lightly.
However, this rate increase will enable us to continue to deliver and invest
in important services, programs and infrastructure in an environment
of cost escalations, well above inflation and a tight labour market.
I commend the budget to our community and invite you to share your views
on how we're investing in Bayside and delivering our community priorities
now and into the future.
Consultation on the draft Annual Budget 2024 to 25
is open until May 2024, 14th of May.
Did you have a question, Councillor Martin?
CR MARTIN: If you were finished, Madam Mayor.
MAYOR STITFOLD: It's unusual to have questions at this point but
- CR MARTIN: After what you just said, I just wanted to ask the CEO:
if I change my mind and you didn't get the votes tonight
on voting through the budget, what's the consequences for the Council?
CEO: Through you, Chair, it seems like quite a hypothetical situation
from where I'm sitting at the moment.
If the question is
- if Council does not adopt its budget tonight, what are the consequences?
Well, we'd be back here next month looking for Council to adopt its budget then.
You are required to have an adopted budget under the Local Government Act
and I would expect that the Council will apply itself to that task.
MAYOR STITFOLD: Councillor del Porto, did you wish to close?
CR DEL PORTO: Just quickly, just to point out that Council will continue
to maintain a sound cash position despite a cash deficit of $5 million
in 24/25, and $40 million over the next four years
to fund Council's capital program.
Thank you.
MAYOR STITFOLD: All those in favour?
Councillor del Porto, Councillor Evans, Councillor Martin, Councillor Samuel-King
and Councillor Stitfold.
Those against?
Cr El Mouallem.
Carried.
10.2, Hampton Hub funding and timing.
It has been noted that there has been information circulated in the community
in relation to this report.
I would like to advise that this report has been
prepared by Officers in response to a Council resolution
at its February 2024 meeting which, quote: "considers the funding and timing
of the Hampton Hub project as part of the long term financial plan,
but notes that it will require asset
rationalisation including sale, lease or other alternative arrangements,
and reports back to Council on the proposed options at or
before the April 2024 Council meeting".
This report has explored the various options to support the funding
of the Hampton Hub.
However, the report does not commit or seek
to commit Council to any action at this point in time.
Any decision in relation to the timing and funding of the project will be subject
to further deliberations and decisions of Council and would also include
public engagement or consultation at the appropriate time.
Requests to be heard.
There were three requests to speak received to this item.
Could the first speaker, Ms Frederico OAM, please approach the speakers' table.
MS FREDERICO OAM: Thank you, Madam Mayor.
Before I start speaking, can I ask if
- I'm speaking on behalf of the Hampton Community Centre.
Could that be recorded in the minutes, please?
Thank you.
As I mentioned, I am speaking on behalf of the Hampton Community Centre.
We have no issue with facility renewal or joint strategic
partnerships in principle if the communication is clear, detailed
and community centric.
What we need is a hub with a vision that is based on sharing, learning
and connecting.
We need a definitive document that is driven and informed
by the community and costed.
Since 2006, Council has been investigating
options for the co-location of existing, dispersed, single-purpose
community facilities within Hampton.
Hampton has the highest density of residents per square kilometre
in Bayside.
In the last 20 years, we now have 500 more people living
in each square kilometre.
That does not take into account the recent population
explosion from the cruise ship.
We have done our heavy lifting.
At the same time we have witnessed very little investment into Hampton facilities,
and indecision for a very long time.
Whatever we do in the Willis Street precinct cannot jeopardise the economic
viability of our largest shopping strip, which is Hampton Street,
nor the key service providers including the Community Centre.
It must add to it.
Even a temporary loss of car parks could jeopardise the economic
viability of Hampton Street.
Car parks are already often at capacity.
The Community Centre has around 400 people passing
through its doors each week.
Even now we receive phone calls from clients saying
they cannot get a park so they will miss their class for the week.
What we are against is the vacuum of detail and inconsistency.
When we are talking about selling off the family jewels, we need hope,
not fear.
Hope is developed through trust, communication and consistency
of messaging.
We need a rockhard guarantee that any income yielded
from any land or building sales is reinvested back into Hampton.
(Buzzer).
MAYOR STITFOLD: Does any Councillor have
- Councillor Martin?
CR MARTIN: Thanks for coming in, Ms Frederico.
I didn't get what your connection to the Hampton Community Centre is.
MS FREDERICO OAM: I'm on the board of the Hampton Community Centre
and the Highett Community Centre.
CR MARTIN: Thank you very much.
My question is you were also the Mayor of the city and a councillor
for eight years and I believe that was when the planning
of the cruise ship occurred and I would like to ask you whether
during the negotiations with Council, that there was a provision
for a community hub within that development.
MS FREDERICO OAM: There was, and if you go back
to the urban design framework, the UDF, you may recall I think that was
developed in 2010.
Correct me if I'm wrong, Officers.
Roundabout then.
Sorry?
CEO: Through you, Chair, I think it might have been a couple
of years later than that.
I think it was 2012 or 13.
MS FREDERICO OAM: OK.
Part of the UDF included a new library of 14,000
- 1400 square metres in the Willis Street
precinct.
The developer at the time did offer a library free of charge.
It did not get the support of the majority of councillors at that particular time.
CR MARTIN: Thank you.
MS FREDERICO OAM: For the record, I supported it.
CR MARTIN: Thank you.
And could I just ask if you could recall what lengths
and what kind of process did the developer and the Council do to engage the community
on getting that?
MAYOR STITFOLD: Councillor Martin, could you please concentrate
on the actual matter at hand.
CR MARTIN: Yes.
So the community hub in the papers today, it seems like we're replicating it again.
What would your advice be to Council this time around?
MS FREDERICO OAM: I would like to see consistency of key messages;
for example, the UDF mentioned a 400 square metre library.
The last Council report, which was I think February,
mentioned deleting a 450 square metre library.
We need to have trust and hope that any land sales
will be developed
- will be reinvested back into the hub and will be community centric
and community led in the outcome.
I want to see a hub that is focused on learning, sharing and connecting.
CR MARTIN: Thank you.
MAYOR STITFOLD: Were there any other questions for the speaker?
Thank you.
You can resume your seat, Ms Frederico.
We have a second speaker, Dr Jonathan Nightingale, on behalf
of the Hampton Neighbourhood Association.
DR NIGHTINGALE: Mayor, councillors, HNA opposes the report before you
and urges you to reject it and confirm Council land in the Willis
Street precinct is not for sale.
Our reasoning: first, Council's holdings in the Willis Street
precinct are large, contiguous and at the heart of Hampton.
We believe they offer huge flexibility for future use.
They are irreplaceable assets which should not be sold.
They should be retained for the long-term benefit of Bayside as a whole.
Second, HNA believes tonight's report and the report tabled
in February are flawed and do not provide the necessary sound
basis on which to consider asset sales.
In neither report is the long-term benefit to ratepayers of any land suggested
for disposal assessed.
In February's report, questionable assertions are made,
including the cost of option B and the claim that underground parking
for the hub below the watertable costs less than the
same amount of parking above ground at 20 to 22 Willis Street.
In tonight's report, it is claimed the car park adjacent
to Woolworths is over 3,500 square metres in area.
It is 1,400 square metres.
The total yield from asset disposals is claimed to be 38 million,
yet developers have indicated the value of the car park,
by far the most valuable asset being considered, is in the region of 11
to 14 million.
Third, by disposing of 20 to 22 Willis Street and providing
"an excellent opportunity for a developer",
Council is proposing willingly to absent itself
from upholding Bayside's Planning Scheme on ratepayer-owned land.
HNA believes a wholesale departure from preferred heights, bulk
and parking provision on this and the adjoining properties will result,
putting off shoppers and damaging the business of traders.
Hence, HNA asks councillors to reject tonight's report
and confirm land in the Willis Street precinct is not for sale.
HNA firmly believes the Hampton Hub should be the next major project for Bayside.
We do not believe, however, a convenient sale
of prime irreplaceable assets is the way ahead.
(Buzzer).
MAYOR STITFOLD: Thank you, Dr Jonathan Nightingale.
Are there any questions?
Councillor Martin?
CR MARTIN: Yes.
Thanks for coming down, Dr Nightingale.
Can I just ask what you thought you'd get out of putting out a statement
to the community that tonight was the night that Council was deciding
on selling land?
DR NIGHTINGALE: Councillor, the information we put out
to the community, we believe, was a fair and accurate representation
of what Council is proposing in its report and the likely outcomes thereof.
CR MARTIN: Thank you.
So you've read through the report.
This is a report about what we asked the Officers to do, to tell us
if we can't fund the community hub, what are the alternatives.
They've written it down in I think it's a three-page document.
There's nothing here about voting on selling the car park.
So, again, can you just give us some understanding
of why the Hampton Neighbourhood Association would say
something completely different, as the Mayor said in her preamble?
DR NIGHTINGALE: Councillors, in addition to outlining the various
funding options for the hub, the Officers' report recommends a course
of action to explore a subset of those options and, in particular,
the sale of 20 to 22 Willis Street.
By noting the report, councillors will be acknowledging and, importantly,
not objecting to Officers' recommended course of action.
HNA believes the recommended course of action
- MAYOR STITFOLD: Dr Nightingale, apologies but you're reading from a script.
Could you answer the question?
DR NIGHTINGALE: I believe I am answering the question, Madam Mayor.
HNA believes the recommended course of action, pursuing the sale of prime,
irreplaceable assets, is the wrong way to go
- MAYOR STITFOLD: Dr Nightingale, you have actually answered the question so
we can move on, thank you.
Were there any other questions for Dr Nightingale?
CR EL MOUALLEM: A question, Madam Mayor.
Thank you for speaking tonight.
When is the HNA expecting the Hampton Hub to be delivered?
DR NIGHTINGALE: Councillor, as you know, HNA has long been advocating
for the Hampton Hub and, clearly, we would like it delivered earlier rather than
later.
We are aware that post the February meeting, the Council
as it stands has no concrete plans to commence construction
on the hub any time before 2030.
CR EL MOUALLEM: So just a follow-up question.
So I understand if there was some alternative
to deliver it before 2030, that the HNA would be willing to look
into it?
DR NIGHTINGALE: Councillor, HNA, as I say, has long advocated for the Hampton Hub
and clearly would prefer it earlier rather than later.
The precise basis on which it's delivered obviously
determines how we would respond to any proposal.
As it stands, we don't have any proposal as to how it is proposed to be delivered.
However, we do have an Officers' recommendation
to pursue a course of action which we do not support.
MAYOR STITFOLD: Any other questions for Dr Nightingale?
Yes, Councillor Evans.
CR EVANS: Just taking up on what Cr El Mouallem said.
If Council were to have alternative recommendations
exploring different options to bring it forward, but then going out
to community consultation, so it's not a decision, it's a process,
the Hampton Neighbourhood Association would be agreeable to that sort
of process?
DR NIGHTINGALE: Councillor, obviously the key aspect
of what you have just described is community consultation and clearly that
is something which at all times we would support.
We feel that in this instance, the recommended course
of action in the report is something which has not been something
that has been consulted with the community on.
In terms of specifics, as I mentioned, we believe
- we do not support the current recommended course of action because we believe that
the alternative options do not involve potentially doing irreparable damage
to the heart of Hampton.
MAYOR STITFOLD: If there are no other questions, Dr Nightingale,
you can take your seat.
We have a third speaker, Mr Evan Packer, for Hampton Street Traders Association.
MR PACKER: Good evening, all.
I'm representing the HSTA as the Vice-President
and we've had discussions about this prior to me talking tonight.
The HSTA position for the Hampton Hub and Willis Street precinct is number one,
support the development of a hub in the future and, number two,
support development of a future supermarket, full size,
with additional parking at some stage in Hampton.
We believe both these initiatives will work well
for Hampton Street shopping precinct and the community.
In regards to the report to Council, we disagree on a number of items.
We are concerned that yet another report to Council appears
to not support the concept of a Hampton Hub
and provides some scare tactics about costs and source of funding,
et cetera.
We don't envision or expect that Council would ever need to spend $80 million
on a Hampton Hub in the future.
We believe realistic design and construction should be substantially
less.
The $80 million price tag just creates unnecessary angst for councillors
and the community to digest a more realistic assessment
of cost if required.
The report targets only two potential property sales and several council sites
will be redundant when a hub is established.
An analysis of these properties should have been
provided in this report.
We understand there has been some heightened community concern
with the potential sale of Willis Street car park.
We do not share the same angst or concerns
Our desire is for the development of an additional retail space,
be it a supermarket or additional shops, whatever it may be,
together with additional parking
- overall increase the parking.
Our understanding is that any future sale of the car park to be considered
by Council would be protected with the section 173 agreement
under the Planning and Environment Act and that would allow Council
to specifically maintain car parking in perpetuity on that land.
That's normal practice adopted by many Councils across Victoria,
and it probably should be noted tonight to stop the community certain and anger
with a possible sale in the future.
We would also like to
- I'm running out of time
- in summary, I believe the report tonight should be
rejected.
It is scant on full and clear information and direction for a future hub.
It has created unnecessary commentary and concerns for the community.
There should be no engagement by Council Officers
with a prospective purchaser as a development site until the new owners
and their plans are known and the plans are submitted
to Council for discussion.
MAYOR STITFOLD: Councillor Martin?
CR MARTIN: Thanks for coming down yet again, Mr Packer.
MAYOR STITFOLD: Councillor Martin, could you please stand when
you ask your question.
CR MARTIN: Yes, Madam Mayor.
Could you tell me what impact it would have on the traders and the community
if there was no progress of the Hampton Hub until 2030?
MR PACKER: It does concern us.
It seems to be in no man's land.
The Community Centre, as it stands, is outdated substantially.
It's a 1960s building that maybe was suitable up until the early 80s.
That in itself has implications.
And the smaller facilities we have scattered, like the small library,
the senior cits, the infant welfare
- the other facilities that we've got in Hampton are very aged.
They should have been replaced long ago, and to put them together
will be such a change to the community.
So just delaying that just means we won't get the benefits.
It's probably benefits.
We're not getting the benefits.
MAYOR STITFOLD: Councillor Martin?
CR MARTIN: Just one more if I may.
You also mentioned in there that the Woolworths site
and the adjoining shops, the whole precinct needs more shops
and retail and upgraded retail.
If that went ahead without Council's involvement,
so if we just stayed on our side of the fence and they stayed on theirs,
what do you think are the opportunities that possibly could be lost through that?
MR PACKER: It's all hypothetical because of the way the land is situated.
There's a lot of discussion about the Woolworths site
and I think it's important that you understand that it's a decades
long lease on it, so therefore the Woolworths supermarket
as it stands is not going to go anywhere or do anything.
However, Hampton Street or the Hampton precinct
as I have mentioned a number of times is under serviced in regards to supermarket.
Something has to happen, otherwise Hampton Street
will just continue to slowly not be as beneficial as other shopping centres.
But it could proceed.
A development could proceed on that site without
- it would be positive for Hampton Street traders
and the local residents.
It would just mean perhaps the community misses out
on getting the new hub in a fantastic location.
CR MARTIN: Thank you.
MAYOR STITFOLD: No other questions?
Cr El Mouallem.
CR EL MOUALLEM: I have a question to Mr Packer.
Thank you very much for presenting tonight.
You mentioned the car parking in section 173 agreement.
If I understand correctly, the Hampton Street Traders Association
support the development as long as the current parking is protected
by some type of an agreement.
Is that correct?
MR PACKER: Correct, if there was to be some sort of private-public
partnership or sale of land, it is incumbent upon the Council
and the Councillors to ensure that the parking
is increased dramatically through any arrangement,
whatever it may be in the future, so we know it's locked in and someone
is not going to demolish it and put a development there.
CR EL MOUALLEM: I have a couple of questions to the Officers.
MAYOR STITFOLD: Any other questions?
Thank you, Mr Packer.
You can resume your seat.
Cr El Mouallem?
CR EL MOUALLEM: Yes, I understand some time ago,
I believe early in our days of this Council, there was some funding
from the Federal Government for multistorey car parking
in the Hampton activity area.
Now, let's assume we end up with some Federal election coming
and we end up advocating for it.
Would it be possible or would it be possible to actually advocate for funding
for extra parking similar to the commitment we received before,
question 1.
And question 2: would a covenant or Section 173 agreement be possible
if we're looking to partnering on, say, 20 to 22 Willis Street
to protect an increase in the number of parking?
MR CRIPPS: Through you, Madam Mayor, the Federal Government has provided
an opportunity for Bayside City Council to be allocated a grant
for a multideck car park, which was proposed to be located
within I think it was Service Street and funding of up
to $11 million towards car parking had been mooted.
Council did not proceed with that project.
With a new election coming up, there is always the opportunity
to advocate for funding.
The challenge will be whether there is a grant available
for particular outcomes and the demonstration that we have
a project which could be delivered within the term
of a particular government.
So the success of any application would be dependant
on a number of factors.
Sorry, Cr El Mouallem, your second question?
CR EL MOUALLEM: Section 173 and the covenant.
Would that protect parking?
MR CRIPPS: Through you again, Madam Mayor, in relation to Council looking to
if it were to partner or to sell, there is always the ability
to place restrictions on a property, whether that be through conditions
of sale, whether that be through caveats or covenants or the use
of 173 agreements, so they are all possible.
The issue that does arise from any of those restrictions or imposts may
impact on the value that may be extracted from a piece of land but they are all able
to be considered.
CR EL MOUALLEM: Just one more question, Madam Mayor.
So is it also possible to put restrictions on the height of any building and limit,
say, a number of storeys?
MR CRIPPS: Again, through you, Madam Mayor, Council has planning controls
in place which place restrictions or guidance around height controls already
within the Hampton activity area.
Most of those are preferred heights.
Council has the ability, though, to place controls on its own land, similar
to the idea around use of section 173 agreement or
other restrictions through the contract of sale.
You could impose height restrictions, yes.
Again, the implication would be on the parcel
of land that Council has control over at this point in time.
And that could be imposed through different techniques or mechanisms
CR EVANS: Madam Mayor, thank you.
Mr Cripps, just touching on what Cr El Mouallem was saying
about that government grant, particularly for the car park,
there was some dubious question about whether that was illegal or came
from some dubious position, didn't it?
It was an $11 million
- 12 million for Service Street for a car park there,
but it did have some dubious connotations, may I say.
MR CRIPPS: Through you, Madam Mayor, I understand when the current Albanese
government was elected, they under took a review of the allocation
of funds as part of that program and determined that they would withdraw
the funding for the Bayside service street project.
I know a number of other projects elsewhere retained
funding).
I can't necessarily comment on whether it was seen to be dubious or not
but I can only confirm that funding was withdrawn.
CR DEL PORTO: I think we have to clarify that it wasn't illegal,
it wasn't dubious.
MAYOR STITFOLD: Thank you.
CR EL MOUALLEM: On the back of this question,
Mr Cripps mentioned that a number of other projects maintained their funding
Are these multistorey car parking or parking projects?
MR CRIPPS: Through you, Madam Mayor, yes, I believe there are.
I am aware of one within Frankston and I think there is another
in another outer lying municipality that I'm aware of also.
CR EL MOUALLEM: Thank you.
MAYOR STITFOLD: Do I have a mover?
Councillor Samuel-King.
CR SAMUEL-KING: Yes, I have an alternate recommendation,
if it can come up on the screen.
MAYOR STITFOLD: Could you read the recommendation, please.
CR SAMUEL-KING : That Council notes the report,
reaffirms its in principle support for option B as the preferred model
for the Hampton Hub, as resolved at the February 2024 Council meeting.
Explores the opportunities to use the land at 6A Willis Street Hampton
for passive open space and receives a report
by no later than July 2024 Council meeting
Continues to explore all options for funding the Hampton Hub development
as outlined in the report, with a particular emphasis
on quarantining budget surpluses when those funds are available,
exploration of public-private partnerships with particular consideration to long-term
leasing opportunities/sale of Council land holdings including 20
to 22.
Can we take that word "sale"
out, sorry?
Willis Street, Hampton, with all income allocated
to the Hampton Hub delivery.
C, the use of restricted funds from the open space Levi
as legally permitted for use for any resort and recreation elements
of the project.
And D, any available grant funding.
Noting that with all these potential funding streams being
exhausted that the delivery of the project is likely to commence in 2030
at the earliest, though if it can be done sooner with one or more
of those options, Council resolves to do so.
And 5, receives update from Council Officers
on any developments associated with the delivery
of the Hampton Hub project.
MAYOR STITFOLD: Do I have a seconder?
CR DEL PORTO: Can I ask the mover whether I could have a look at one
of the points further down.
C, the use of some of the restricted funds, and I'll be able
to second it at this stage.
If you add the word "some".
CR SAMUEL-KING: Yes.
CR DEL PORTO: I'm second it.
MAYOR STITFOLD: Thank you.
Councillor Samuel-King.
CR SAMUEL-KING: We have a commitment to the Hampton Hub project.
We have a vision.
We have a very well thought through and considered option B.
It's just going to take time.
So, yes, it's reasonable to look at all the options to fund this project
and we do need to keep an open mind and I'm aware that my fellow councillors
are keen to look at all of the options.
But I also hear the community outcry and concern about the sale of 20-22
Willis Street and I share their concerns, Madam Mayor.
So let's keep this ship steady.
Keep with option B.
Listen to our community.
Explore the options, including a public-private
partnership in a way that we will maintain ownership and control.
Let's not sell our family jewels.
We're not excluding other options.
We're simply giving direction.
And we acknowledge that this will all take time.
And in the meantime, Madam Mayor, there is an urgent need
for even a small amount of public open space.
We have hundreds of families moving in as we speak, with no garden,
and we have a piece of land, the old Scout Hall site, that
will very soon become a vacant block.
I am not prepared to sell it and neither am I prepared to land-bank it,
not when there's an urgent need for some, at least some, open space.
So that takes me to the issue of fairness.
I have heard my fellow councillors say we couldn't possibly spend some
of the open space Levi because it should go to Brighton.
So let me just have a look) at Bayside and where we've found new public open
space over the last five to 10 years, and if we could put up that slide.
What we will see in the slide is we've got 13 hectares in the northern
region, plus 1.6 also in Brighton, plus another 0.07 also
in Brighton in the last five to 10 years.
I have supported all of those projects and will continue to do so.
But I don't think Brighton is missing out.
And then down to the east, we've had the Highett grassy Woodlands.
That is fabulous, I totally support that.
Down to the south, Wangara Road, 6.5 hectares, again I totally support
that.
All I'm asking and all our community is asking for is a tiny,
tiny little bit in the middle, in the centre.
The people of Hampton have said time and time again we exist, guys.
We would just like a little bit of public open space.
We've got a piece of vacant land.
Let's use it.
It's only 0.1 of a hectare.
We have the money to do it.
So let's keep this ship steady, progress the Hampton Hub,
not sell our family jewels, and provide a tiny piece of open space.
Thank you.
MAYOR STITFOLD: Councillor del Porto?
CR DEL PORTO: Madam Mayor, I have a question.
Can I ask a couple of questions on the slide that was there before,
can we put it back on the screen please.
MAYOR STITFOLD: Your questions are for the Officers?
CR EL MOUALLEM: Yes).
My question is my understanding of the open space contribution
from our Planning Scheme, that it should go towards maintenance or
the provision of new open space for an areas where the density
is getting experience.
Can I ask a question on the Yalukit Willam Reserve.
Was that an existing Golf Course or an existing open space,
and the same for Billilla, and the same for Wangara Road.
CEO: Through you, Chair, I'm happy to take that question, if you like.
So Yalukit Willam Reserve was essentially home to the Elsternwick Park Golf Course.
Now, whilst you can categorise a Golf Course as open space, access to it
is restricted to those prepared to pay to be there.
So it's not freely available open space necessarily, but it
is characterised, I believe, as open space generally speaking.
In relation to Billilla, the grounds at Billilla have always been open
to public use, so I don't know that you could argue
that's new open space.
Highett grassy woodland is a new piece of open space that wasn't available
to people previously and Wangara Road once again had a number
of uses on the land that you had to pay to participate
in so it wasn't unrestricted open space.
CR EL MOUALLEM: Thank you, Mr CEO.
So the next part of this question is our planning policies state that
the open space needs to basically be provided
for areas experiencing the density that is, ie, our Activity Centres.
So would the Yalukit Willam or I think that's the only one down in the north,
is it around increased density in an Activity Centre?
Is it in that area?
MR CRIPPS: Through you, Madam Mayor, Council's Open Space Strategy
and other planning controls require a 5% contribution to be made associated
with any increase in the number of lots, ie, a subdivision of land.
In our current strategy, it refers to Council seeking the payment
of cash opposed to the provision of land for the allocation of those funds
to be appropriately allocated based on the population I guess need
across the municipality as a whole.
It is not specifically allocating or directing it to an Activity Centre per se.
Council has done some recent work around the ways that we might be able
to assess the delivery of open space in Activity Centres but that's work that
will be considered as part of the Open Space Strategy review
currently being undertaken.
CR EL MOUALLEM: Can I ask one more question.
Our Open Space Strategy 2012, it's clear that we are deficient
in open space in the Bay Street and the Martin Street Activity
Centres in Brighton.
Have we provided any open space since that strategy was done in 2012?
If OFFICER: Through you, Chair, I don't believe so).
CR EL MOUALLEM: Thank you.
MAYOR STITFOLD: Councillor del Porto?
CR DEL PORTO: Madam Mayor, this is a work in progress a little bit.
I wonder whether the mover would allow me
to include
- and will you let me do that as well
- the replacement of the minimum or increase in the total
public car parking).
That will be one of the extra points under the letters.
And an overall height of any future building not exceeding
the maximum height of approved buildings
in the Hampton Activity Centre.
These are points that Cr El Mouallem had made.
CR SAMUEL-KING: So, yes.
MAYOR STITFOLD: One moment.
I just will consult.
Are you happy?
CR SAMUEL-KING: Yes.
CR DEL PORTO: And just one word as well that was there
but then was taken out
- the existing point B, after "the long-term leasing/selling".
I think we have to at least allow that as a conversation, otherwise it just
- it's only a conversation.
MAYOR STITFOLD: Does the mover accept that change?
CR DEL PORTO: There's no commitment.
CR SAMUEL-KING : I'm aware that my fellow councillors are
wanting to explore all options.
CR DEL PORTO: And that would allow to do that.
CR SAMUEL-KING: Noting that I'm unlikely to support that in reality.
CR DEL PORTO: It comes back.
MAYOR STITFOLD: Mover, what is your decision?
CR SAMUEL-KING: Yes, I will allow it for the time being.
CR DEL PORTO: Alright.
MAYOR STITFOLD: Can you check and see if you're happy with the words?
CR DEL PORTO: If they're the words that Cr El Mouallem had
in his other motion, yes, I'm very happy with it.
So I'm happy to talk to it.
And thank you, Councillor Samuel-King.
I think that combines both the motions that we were talking about.
Look, we've had new conversations between Officers and stakeholders and
they sound very promising and may provide some partnership
opportunities which may bring the project forward
and may lighten the financial burden on Council.
For these reasons, I'm happy to explore this particular option.
We looked at options last year from other parties which were not
beneficial to Council and I'm glad we didn't go ahead
with those.
It would have cost 50 million bucks and we would have ended up giving
up our prime land.
This is something to look at.
No commitment.
As I said to Councillor Samuel-King, it will come back to us,
so if the conversations don't lead to an outcome that we find satisfactory,
we don't have to support it.
But I think given that financially we don't have any money to do this project
for several years, I think we have a responsibility to see
whether we can find some other ways to fund it
- grants, anything else.
I have an issue about borrowing money because Bayside Council started off
with debts.
It was just the way it was
- amalgamation.
I don't want to end up talking about borrowing money at this stage.
So I think grant funding and restrictive funds, some funds
from open space, talking to private people, I have no issue
with that.
If it doesn't eventuate, then it will go back to the original position,
fallback of 2028-2030 and we will go from there.
Thank you.
MAYOR STITFOLD: Any other councillors?
Councillor Evans?
CR EVANS: Thank you, Madam Mayor.
The Hampton Hub is a very important project
of the future development of the suburb of Hampton.
The current preferred option, it comes with a hefty price tag
and it's going to be difficult to fund through Council's normal budget processes.
So that's why I favour the public-private partnership.
I'm very heavily invested in trying to get a private enterprise coming along.
Again, at this stage we're talking about exploring options.
Again, this
- and I think I've made it quite clear in my deliberations to the community
and anybody I talk to in the Hampton, my preferred option
is green space in the middle and the development around that
is what hubs and good urban design framework is all
about.
So all I'm saying now is let's explore that.
Any future decision will involve extensive community
consultation and I hear the comments from the Hampton Neighbourhood Association
about our rapport with them and the community.
I accept that and I think we can do better.
And also I think Councillor del Porto included the no loss of car parking
and also the overall height of the buildings not exceeding
the maximum approved, and again so that we can get
community facilities delivered.
I think this is a very good start.
Again it's an exploration.
Can I just keep fundamentally saying to people: we have to explore these ways.
We will come back and liaise with the community
and get exhaustive consultation with them once we have explored
the options.
Thank you.
MAYOR STITFOLD: Councillor Martin?
CR MARTIN: I want to thank Councillor Samuel-King.
This has not been easy for the ward councillor.
It is incredibly difficult environment we're working in.
As you said at your preamble, there's a lot of misinformation.
Some would call it a fear campaign.
That fires up the community unnecessarily, creates division, creates anger
and conflict, and is really incredibly disappointing
and often the ward councillor has to deal with all of that.
To cut through all of this, the Hampton Neighbourhood Association sent
me an email, their President, who I spoke to on Sunday
- Tony Shepherd.
And it was in The Age about what happened out at Banyule and it was
about Woolworths, and about Woolworths acquiring an old squash
court from the Council, and they just put it on the market.
It was an old squash court.
It wasn't helping them at all.
And then they approached them further and said, "Well, how are you going
with that library next door to us?"
and the library was falling to pieces.
The problem was the Council didn't have the money to rebuild the library
to the expectations of the community, and we all know how important libraries
are in this day and age, and we all know the type of libraries.
So they got talking a few years ago and a deal got done.
So I decided to give the Mayor of Banyule a call today, Tom Melican,
who I served on the Metropolitan Transport Forum
Executive with for a number of years.
Tom has been on Council for 20 years, and in his profile he says "Honesty
and integrity are some of my key principles
and ensuring that every decision made by Council supports local residents,
rather than political biases or self interest.
To be an effective Council, it is important that
all Councillors' opinions and ideals are respected".
He told me the story about the library, and it pretty much was uncontroversial a
few years ago.
It was backed by Council.
There was one or two people who were against it but, largely,
the narrative was consulted with the community and it went through
and it was a supported project.
But the recent events with Woolworths actually starting work
amplified it to what we saw on the radio and on the papers last week.
But essentially they wouldn't be able to have done it without a partner.
And that leads me to what this Council has done
with its own team over the last seven years that I've
been on Council.
Bayside Council is a very small Council but it's built a capability
of building partnerships that make sense, working with other organisations,
difficult organisations, and I'd just like to point out,
to make the community very confident on the ability of our CEO, our Executive
and Officers to deal with these challenges of essentially renovating urban frameworks
, producing new outcomes in a city that is growing, and yet we have to deal
with the budget constraints that we've got as we've just seen in the budget.
Firstly, sunken.
So after two and a half years of negotiation, Council got 1,000
square metres.
Sandringham Golf Course, after I think two years of negotiation
with Royal Melbourne, not only a brand new upgraded 18-hole
course, but a brand new facility and, importantly,
ensuring that the Nature Reserve that contains threatened species of frogs,
was protected and were able to build the four-court basketball court
on golf land.
Then lastly, working with the State Government,
a school council, the Victorian School Building Authority,
and also the netball association, we've managed
to build the state-of-the-art regional Bayside sports centre
and Netball Centre.
So I am supportive of this motion.
MAYOR STITFOLD: Councillor Martin, thank you, thank you.
Thank you, Councillor Martin.
Please take a seat.
Cr El Mouallem?
CR EL MOUALLEM: Just before I debate, clarification on the point 3, which
is the explore opportunities to use the land in 6A Willis Street.
I understand the whole purpose of the Hampton Hub is
to provide the facility for the community, plus open space that's north facing.
So would that be supplementary?
It would have two parcels of open space there?
CEO: Through you, Chair, that's a question that will have
to be explored when we bring the report back to Council.
I don't think anyone would suggest that 6A would be the extent
of open space required in that vicinity.
But you're asking me to
- we'll bring a report back which canvases the options.
CR EL MOUALLEM: Thank you.
Another question.
Another point.
The use of some of the restricted funds from the open space levy,
what's the definition of "some".
What do we mean by that?
CEO: Through you, Chair, I'll take that as a rhetorical question.
I think there's a general and common usage of the term "some".
CR SAMUEL-KING : Maybe the mover could speak to it.
CR EL MOUALLEM: Maybe I'll just rephrase the question.
I have a table here showing that Brighton contributed 29.36 million
to open space while Hampton contributed 8.613 million.
The question is: whether it would be possible
to spend the money in Hampton and for Brighton to lose on that money?
Or we're going to make sure we're being fair
on both places?
CEO: Through you, Chair, I think we should explore that as part
of the report we'll bring back as part of this resolution.
CR EL MOUALLEM: Thank you.
Over the last couple of days, I have received close
to probably 100 emails, lots of phone calls, I have spoken to people
on all sides.
We just heard three speakers here and what I'm saying
is that some people in the community actually would like
to see the Hampton Hub happening prior to the 2030 that we've had
in our February resolution, and for that reason,
I actually don't see any issue in supporting what we have here in front
of us tonight.
We need to look into other options.
We've seen that there is a couple of points which actually
maintain or increase open
- sorry, the availability of car parking.
In my opinion that is important because the residents
of Hampton don't want to lose any car parking but also there
is another point regarding the height limits, which
is also restricting what can be built with any partnership on that site.
I'm happy to explore opportunities for the use of some money for open space.
I am all in favour of the open space.
But I was a bit concerned because I've heard a few comments
about the use of open space money, the reserve, for the Hampton Hub,
and that concerned me.
I am not going to apologise because for more than three years, even
before my days on Council, I've been advocating to deliver
on the Open Space Strategy 2012, and that is increase open space availability
in the Activity Centres in Brighton.
It is worth noting that Hampton Street got an Activity Centre
- there's around one Activity Centre, which is Hampton Street in Brighton.
We have three Activity Centres.
We have the Church Street, the Bay Street and Martin Street, and there
is a deficiency in the availability of open space in these strips.
Now, we have raised the money for it.
It's only fair to share the money, and I hope that when we explore this,
it comes back to us and it is clear on how much money we're spending
and we're not going to short change one area
in the municipality at the expense of another one.
I believe what we have here is probably a way forward rather than just
waiting for the 2030, we've got to way forward
to properly deliver this before then.
I would like us to continue our advocacy for grants,
specifically regarding some funding for car parking, in line
with what we probably got a commitment for at the last government.
Thank you.
MAYOR STITFOLD: Councillors, we have heard tonight and
throughout the week, through significant emails, consultations,
that there is the will to retain control of the area around Willis Street.
There is also the need to retain the number of parking spots
as it is now, if not an increase.
We have heard that significant green and open space is incredibly important,
as is a community hub.
We need to make sure that we are beautifying
Hampton in the process, that we are protecting the village feel
that people really consider very important to the area.
We need to be sure that we're trying
to limit high-rise as much as possible.
Most importantly, we need a vision and we need a plan.
We need to remember that we're talking about all of Hampton
and not just one particular area.
The Notice of Motion tonight is ensuring that we continue to explore
and that we are looking at options, and that's incredibly important.
We also need to remember that any decision related
to the timing, the funding, the options, the exploration, will be subject
to further deliberations and additional decisions,
and will include the community and will go out to consultation and public engagement.
Councillor Samuel-King, did you wish to close?
CR SAMUEL-KING: Yes, thank you, Madam Mayor.
Firstly, I want it on the public record that I'm really uncomfortable
and am unlikely to ever support the sale of 20 to 22 Willis Street.
I put it in there as an option to be explored out of respect
for my fellow councillors and to make sure we have left no stone
unturned and understand the pros and cons of all options available.
So we do have a vision.
We do have a plan.
It's called option B.
It makes a lot of sense.
It enables a staged delivery where we can build the Hampton Hub
and then move the Hampton Community Centre in.
It has quality open space and were we to turn 6A Willis Street
into public open space, I envisage an option, we will call it B6A,
so it would be an option B with a small pocket park off to the side.
So let me make that very clear, that the 6A tiny park would not be
instead of quality open space provided in option B.
Now, just back to this what for me is very dangerous parochialism,
I am more than happy to support open space in the Church Street
MAC.
In fact, I have brought that up with Cr El Mouallem and his quote was
"Church Street is perfect, don't touch it".
Hampton is not perfect.
It needs touching.
It needs this vision.
So let's forge ahead.
Thank you.
MAYOR STITFOLD: Councillors, all those in favour?
Councillor del Porto, Councillor Evans, Councillor Martin, Councillor Samuel-King,
Cr El Mouallem and Councillor Stitfold.
There are none against.
Carried.
Councillors, as people leave the chamber, I will remind you that we are only two
items in and we've already expended two hours
of time.
10.3, draft Economic Development Tourism, and Placemaking Strategy 2024-29.
There was one request to speak received for this item, Mr Evan Packer.
Could you please come to the speaker's table.
MR PACKER: I will try to make it very brief.
Again, representing Hampton Street Traders
Association.
We've reviewed what we want to say tonight because we met with Council Officers
and have gone through what's happening, and we know the community consultation
process will allow us to elaborate a little bit more.
So I guess in terms of making comment tonight,
we have a couple of concerns which I will raise.
We believe the recommendation to have three Council activities together
as one is fraught with risk.
Competing needs of the local business community would just
get lost in a sea of priorities of (inaudible) action plans for all three.
We're not comfortable with the number one objective
and the key item to address climate change by promoting decarbonisation
in the economic development plan.
The key objective is to add activities and cost
to an already struggling business community.
Council needs to support and do things that they have control of
and not give direction and advice on issues of a State
and Federal Government responsibility.
We also believe the strategy document is based on some flawed data.
We're very concerned about some of the numbers.
The 9,000 businesses in Bayside
- that's ABNs; it's not businesses.
The fact there's only 12 retail businesses in Church Street or 32 retail businesses
in Hampton Street, they're incorrect data.
We're counting chiropractors and dentists and other self-employed
working in bigger businesses as businesses.
They're not.
So I'm just worried it's skewing what health is doing in Bayside, and some
of the other numbers and where the priorities should be.
We fully support economic development.
They've been great for the HSTA, as they have been for
all the other trading groups across Bayside, and have been doing it
for a long time.
We believe they're under-funded and should get more assistance
with supporting the businesses in Bayside.
We'll come back at the next opportunity.
MAYOR STITFOLD: Councillors, any questions for Mr Packer?
No.
Thank you, Mr Packer.
You can take your seat.
Do I have a mover?
Councillor del Porto.
Seconded, Councillor Evans.
Councillor del Porto?
CR DEL PORTO: Madam Mayor, the purpose of the report is
to seek Council endorsement of the draft Economic Development Tourism,
and Placemaking Strategy.
It's been developed to guide Bayside City Council's efforts
in supporting the local economy, fostering sustainable tourism
and creating vibrant, functional Activity Centres.
Now, I see village Activity Centres, and particularly our Dendy Street Beach
and our bathing boxes there, as creating a great economic opportunity
for us.
Dendy Street Beach has one million tourists per year visiting it.
It is the most popular beach in metro Melbourne by far.
It is essential that we look at marketing it,
and tourism merchandise has been captured in a draft Economic Development Tourism,
and Placemaking Strategy through Action 315.
315 says "develop a range of official Bayside tourism merchandise
and seek to make it available with participating businesses".
I'm informed Officers will undertake a rigorous research
and development process to develop a suite of merchandise that both resonates
with the discerning taste of our local community but also caters
to the prudent preferences and interests of our tourist visitor demographic.
Our approach will cover the end-to-end process,
including understanding current trends, best-selling products,
customer preferences and demand forecasting, branding
and product design, marketing to identify and develop an appropriate customer base,
collaborating with partnership in local artists, businesses
and influencers to co-create quality and also manufacturing hopefully locally
the products that we actually make.
The team has collected examples of merchandising from Surf Coast
and the Grampians and I have examples here.
But in metro Melbourne, no-one can compete with the one million tourists that Bayside
welcomes every year to enjoy our bathing boxes.
I see merchandising as a natural progression
and I really don't see how we wouldn't succeed.
It really is an easy way to go forward to raise funds from outside sources,
from tourists who are coming in anyway.
So I'm hoping the merchandising really takes off next summer.
Thank you.
MAYOR STITFOLD: Councillor Evans?
CR EVANS: Thank you, Madam Mayor.
I'm interested in placemaking in our Activity Centres.
I noticed in Sandringham and you will have noticed the Sandy Street art
people, their gardening program are wanting
to enhance the strip in front of the station,
which I thoroughly support, and it's not going to take a lot of money
and it's really going to uplift that.
I'm working with a number of ladies in Black Rock also to do a whole lot
of street planting with the help of our Council Officers.
I have met with them a number of times.
And also to just enhance around the Clock Tower.
Some of the things that
- as you well know, the vegetation protection overlay extends
down over Black Rock and parts of Sandringham and Beaumaris,
but what these ladies want to see is a little bit of life, a little bit
of colour in these place making gardens.
So working with them and I think this is the sort of thing that needs a
little bit more attention in Activity Centres.
I know it's going on in Sandy and I hope to get it going on in Black Rock
with the hope with the neighbourhood watch 3193
and a number of other place makers.
So thoroughly support it and these little bits really
will enhance our shopping centres.
Thank you, Madam Mayor.
MAYOR STITFOLD: Councillor Martin?
CR MARTIN: Thank you, Madam Mayor.
I did hear the speaker.
I don't 100% agree with his take on what businesses are
and what's happening out there in the community.
One little ABN working from home can generate a couple
of hundred thousand dollars, and that's a lot of coffees down
at the local coffee shop, and there's a lot of that going on
at the moment.
There is a lot of people working from home.
There's a lot of people working in part-time jobs with consultancies.
They're working in partnerships.
I met a fellow the other day that had a stake in three cafes.
He had a little property consultancy on the side.
He had all sorts of little things and it was all happening.
I said, "Where do you do all this?"
And he said, "In my bedroom".
And it's not uncommon these days for those type
of embryonic cohabitation deals going on and they're happening in Bayside.
Bayside's unemployment rate at 2022 was 1.8%.
That is unbelievable.
So what are all those people doing?
Well, they want to access services.
They want to access upgraded shops and they want to definitely be part
of the solution, not the problem.
That's why objective 1 is proactively address the climate change
promoting decarbonisation and assisting local businesses
in transitioning.
I went to Bayside's Electrify series, the seminar, just as a resident.
I just sat in the back, listened to what they had to say.
I wasn't planning on going in to having my whole roof
and my current 12-year-old solar system replaced,
but it was an inarguable case for change.
I left there and I was on the road to a battery and into a really neat,
green system and I must say it's my favourite app now.
I get on there and I just see how much green electricity I'm making
and how I'm consuming it off the battery.
But the really big thing in this report is it's disclosure on what's happening
out there.
And one of the risks to Bayside is the way they've advanced technology,
and I will couldn't agree more, including artificial intelligence,
machine learning, cloud computing and robotics, all here in Bayside,
and this is going to happen.
It's great that the city of Bayside has written it down in black
and white here as part of their strategy, and I'm hoping that Bayside leads it
by getting in there and doing something about it, by bringing in AI,
understanding it, getting Officers that understand it,
and getting in front of this game.
I've got a friend who is in an IT business.
The three Directors met only late in July/August last year,
and they realised they had a critical problem.
Their competitors were starting to use AI to produce the very services that
they were using, admittedly a lot of them were in the Philippines and India,
but they said "we don't know anything about this".
Now, 30% of their business is done by AI and they would consider themselves subject
matter experts in their particular industry.
This is important.
It's ground breaking.
I just want to finish that we do talk about these strategies in the terms
of the traders but it's much, much more.
The strategy talks about The Ageing population.
We heard in the budget today that we're investing in The Ageing population.
I can tell you right now The Ageing population is a huge growth industry.
It needs more and more support and work.
And producing better outcomes for people who are ageing is great
for everyone.
It's absolutely everyone.
So I'm really keen for people to go beyond the traders.
They're very important, but this is much, much more.
Thank you.
MAYOR STITFOLD: There are no other councillors wishing to speak?
All those in favour?
CR EL MOUALLEM: Just a question to the Officers.
We just heard from one of the speakers regarding objective 1 and I'm looking
into the community engagement report and some of it states that increased
- basically there's a provision for additional car parking and lighting
and then another comment regarding concerns about the phasing
out of gas.
So how does that objective 1 work while we have concerns from the traders
about these issues?
How are they going to work together?
MR CRIPPS: Through you, Madam Mayor, objective 1 talks
about the decarbonisation of the economy and that's really aimed at aligning
with Council's climate change or climate emergency position.
It's also aligning with our Council plans, our planet, place, people
and promise objectives within the Council plan.
It is noted that there are concerns around that transition and as part
of the strategy, it's about how we can support, educate
and assist businesses as they move forward into a future where there are
going to be challenges which they're going to have to deal with as a result
of climate change.
CR EL MOUALLEM: Madam Mayor, can I just say a couple of words.
I personally believe it's good to have an economic development strategy,
but for some reason I believe we slightly missed the mark on this one.
I am going to support it because it's going
to continue consultation but having a look briefly
at the community engagement report, I am seeing interest in cleanliness
of the public areas, interest in increasing the parking, concerns
about phasing out of gas.
I personally would believe that these are the main concerns that our traders
and the community have.
We all want to do the right thing by our environment, but it looks like
to have it as an objective 1 to decarbonise and I am not sure what
the implication is going to be, but I'm looking forward
to seeing what the community is going to tell us when it goes out
for consultation.
MAYOR STITFOLD: Councillor del Porto, did you wish to close?
All those in favour?
Councillor del Porto, Councillor Evans, Councillor Martin, Councillor Samuel-King,
Cr El Mouallem and Councillor Stitfold.
There were none against.
Carried.
Councillor Samuel-King, I understand you have a conflict
of interest you wish to declare?
CR SAMUEL-KING: Yes, it's a general conflict of interest.
Marcus Gwynne, my partner, is the strategic consultant
to the Yalukit Willam Nature Reserve development.
I have filled out the red form and will step out.
(Pause).
MAYOR STITFOLD: Councillors, item 10.4, update on Yalukit Willam wetland concept
designs.
There was one request to be heard.
Could Mr Geoff Leigh please come to the speaker's table.
MR LEIGH: Look, this isn't so much about being against the park.
I'm not.
But I think a comment has to be made about what's going on,
and that firstly I would say both to Tim Wilson, the former member
for Goldstein, and Josh Burns, the Labor member for McNamara,
they both deserve a lot of credit because I think between the two of them,
they're the ones that have done all the work to get money
from both sides of politics.
The interesting thing about all that, of course, is that from Mr Burns' point
of view, the boundary between Goldstein and McNamara is actually Glen Huntly Road.
If I were cautious about why Mr Burns was so supportive,
you only need to go back and look in history, where some people know this,
that originally this parkland had three councillors on the board
from three different councils.
It had that because it knew that so many people from
outside the Brighton Council used it.
The CEO has said that he had a view that it was
going to be $84,000 a year from the ratepayers.
That's what is called a "guess".
In my view, over time, it's going to be a lot more than that.
I don't know whether you ever got the $300,000
from Port Phillip.
My point in all this is this is going to add to the ratepayers of the City
of Bayside, and probably at least 50%, at least,
of the people who use this parkland are going to be from another city
and our ratepayers are paying for it, and I object to that.
I think the other municipalities should be involved in it, and that's why I say that.
So I'm not against the park.
I don't want to be against anything that values things
like that, but I'm sick of us as ratepayers having to pay
for things that are not involving us at all, and, as the CEO said,
I'll bet you my money that this is going to be well over $100,000 a year
in our money in the future.
And so I oppose it on that basis and I hope Council will go
and negotiate with others.
(Buzzer).
MAYOR STITFOLD: Were there any questions for Mr Leigh?
Sorry, there's no questions, Mr Leigh.
You can take your seat.
Councillor del Porto
- CR DEL PORTO: I would like to move
- CR EVANS: I have a question of Officers.
Madam Mayor, I do recall that we did have funding
from Port Phillip.
If I could just have the amount that we did have from Port Phillip.
OFFICER: Through you, Chair, I can confirm that we did receive that.
CR EVANS: Yes, thank you.
And the other one is I do recall that I have been on and on
about the city of Glen Eira and the CEO contributing
to that particular park
- Mr McKenzie.
So on and on, have the city of Glen Eira, after my countless requests from the CEO
and a number of councillors
- have the City of Glen Eira put any money in?
OFFICER: Through you, Chair, I can confirm that they have not.
CR EVANS: Thank you.
CR EL MOUALLEM: I have a question.
MAYOR STITFOLD: Cr El Mouallem, you have a question.
One moment.
I just want to clarify: did you have a question, Councillor Martin, following?
And Councillor del Porto, did you have a question?
No?
Thank you.
Cr El Mouallem and then Councillor Martin.
I will remind you once again that it's 8.40 and we're only at item 4.
CR EL MOUALLEM: I just heard about the funding from Port Phillip.
Can I get an understanding on how much and is it relating to a specific requirement
that they extract water or harvest water from the Reserve?
Is there any attachment to that funding?
OFFICER: Through you, Chair, it was 300,000 and it was used
for development of the Chain of Ponds and ancillary sort of items.
The stormwater harvesting
- no promises have been made in that space.
CR EL MOUALLEM: Another question.
I just heard from the speaker there regarding some good information.
But earlier today, I've had issues with people saying that the Yalukit Willam
Nature Reserve is actually in Elwood.
What are we doing to clarify this?
OFFICER: Through you, Chair, we have been developing some signage
to put around the perimeter of the park to be very clear in terms
of Bayside's commitment to its ongoing development.
MAYOR STITFOLD: Councillor Martin?
CR MARTIN: Yes, could I get the amount of money the city of Glen Eira paid.
Sorry, was it
- I thought you received.
Port Phillip, sorry.
OFFICER: It was $300,000.
CR MARTIN: Thank you.
My question is to the CEO.
Could you explain to me what potential income could come
from the investment that we're making into the park at Elsternwick Park?
Is potential income?
CEO: Through you, Chair, as part of the development of the gateway building
on the site, there is a proposed
- and this is all still to be designed, developed, approved
- but the potential is for a cafe on the site to generate some return,
and also the ability for some of the spaces
in that building that are used for community education and
for other things to potentially be leased to a third party,
which may generate some return.
CR MARTIN: And just another question.
When you receive I think it was 16 million dollars from the Federal Government,
is there expectation by the Federal Government that
all people can use that kind of money, the park?
It's not just to one set of ratepayers?
CEO: Through you, Chair, the two grants
- the three grants actually, we've received from the Federal Government in relation
to the park are all based on specific projects
to be developed in the park.
They have no reference and no requirement as to who uses the facilities.
MAYOR STITFOLD: Do I have a mover?
Councillor del Porto.
Seconded, Cr El Mouallem.
Councillor del Porto?
CR DEL PORTO: Thank you, Madam Mayor.
Look, we can't force our friends at Glen Eira, Port Phillip,
to give us any money.
Port Phillip promised just under $1 million.
900 and something thousand dollars several years ago.
I think it would have been five, six years ago, and every year
they have been rolling it over and then finally a couple of years ago,
some friendly councillors at Port Phillip were able
to squeeze $330,000 or so out of them.
But that's 30% of what they were going to give us.
If you think that we're spending just under $7 million of ratepayers' money
on the park, on the wetlands, and 16.85 comes
from the Federal Government, and Glen Eira is absolutely not interested
in giving us a cent, it's just
- look, it's just one of those things.
If you have a park that big at the boundary of three Councils,
you're bound to have people from outside the municipality
- I have no issue with it; I understand the point made.
But the truth is that we can't force those councils
to give us any money.
I'm not going to have a visa system whereby you have
to prove you're a resident to be able to use the park.
And I agree, I think more than
- I reckon a majority of people that go to that park are likely
to be Elwood residents and some Glen Eira residents as well.
So I haven't taken a count but I've been there a few times
and that's my estimation of it.
Nevertheless, we are going to continue to work on it.
We have an update of the wetland concept, the expanded wetlands were needed
to improve the quality of water that is released into Port Phillip Bay,
the masterplan proposed an extension in the current wetland and construction
of new wetland to the south of the existing one.
We are committed to finishing the concept design
and the masterplan will be funded eventually, mostly
with Federal Government money, and I think that both the former
government and this Government have been very,
very good with it.
The State Government has I think given us zero.
So that's disappointing, but right now I don't expect
to have any money from them since they are completely broke.
So my view is that we have a great project here
and we will have to continue to bear the cost of it.
I don't see Glen Eira changing their minds and I wouldn't be surprised
if we don't get any more money from Port Phillip
because it's been very disappointing, their point of view.
I think Cr El Mouallem in that question is correct.
I think we should make sure that people know that it's actually our property
and we're putting money in it, real money.
We don't mind other people using it but we'd like people
to understand that it's not Elwood ratepayers that are paying for it.
They're paying very little for it.
Thank you.
MAYOR STITFOLD: Cr El Mouallem?
CR EL MOUALLEM: Yes, Madam Mayor, just before I debate, I have a question.
On page 166, it states that this work will enhance or would reduce a risk
of flooding to the local area.
Does that mean the local area of Brighton or is it just a specific
to the Elwood area?
OFFICER: Through the Chair, there are obviously downstream flooding
impacts that would be mitigated as a result of this
and some other projects in the area.
That specific reference, there are some general flooding issues
within the Brighton area and also within the Reserve so it's probably more
of a general statement around the wider catchment rather than
referencing specific properties.
CR EL MOUALLEM: Just slightly,s so there would be month benefit
to reduce the risk of flooding in the Brighton area or there
is going to be benefit?
OFFICER: Through you, Chair, the broad objective of the water flow is
to reduce flooding in the broader catchment, so upstream.
CR EL MOUALLEM: Upstream, which means Brighton.
OFFICER: Not Brighton.
CR EL MOUALLEM: We've discussed earlier open space and I mentioned
- which was actually on page 165, the design outcomes.
We are basically creating or locking up six hectares of that land
under conservation or aquatic habitat or tall marsh and shallow wetlands.
So we are locking up around six hectares of that area.
Now, I do support the concept specifically because it's been discussed
with Melbourne Water.
I'm hearing now that there is the possibility
of improving flooding issues we are experiencing in the local Brighton area.
There will be lots of benefit to Elwood I am sure
and even the water flow to Port Phillip Bay,
there's going to be improvement because of what we're doing.
That basically ticks off the box of one of the objectives
- number of objectives of these wetlands.
I did flag earlier that I do have a small concern that we seem to be missing
on explaining to people that it is a Bayside Council project and it
is financed, yes, through the Federal Government part of it
but also lots of money is also coming from the Bayside community.
I understand that there is some concern about the cost to maintain it
but every time you create an open space, if it isn't the Elsternwick Park or down
on Wangara Road or anywhere down at the grassy woodland, there
is going to be this extra cost.
But also there is a benefit to the community and there is,
in my opinion, if it is a Bayside or Elwood or Glen
Huntly or whatever, there is a good net community benefit
out of creating such a wetland in there.
I really hope that we can continue the discussions with City of Port Phillip
and also Glen Eira.
I personally have spoken to the previous Mayor in Glen Eira
and I made them aware of our interest and them contributing some money.
So hopefully we can, through our Mayor, we can continue these discussions
and hopefully we can convince them that their residents are benefitting
as much as our residents in that Reserve.
MAYOR STITFOLD: Councillor Evans?
CR EVANS: Thank you, Madam Mayor.
Yes, very disappointing when a beautiful park that borders three cities,
that two other cities don't contribute to, a significant amount.
We did have a commitment of about 900,000 from the City
of Port Phillip that went down to 300,000.
I recall
- Cr El Mouallem just mentioned it
- but he and myself went to see the Mayor of Glen Eira with other councillors to try
to get money from the Mayor of Glen Eira in Cr El Mouallem's Mayoral year.
I have, I would say, on 10 occasions asked the CEO,
Mrs McKenzie, to put some money into it and on 10 occasions she has declined.
She would not support it and so the Councillors did not support it.
We cannot say that we have not tried with both our neighbouring communities.
Then again it is a park for all people and I don't support the ticketing thing
to get in.
I think it is a beautiful park and I think it is disappointing that
the adjacent municipalities didn't contribute a lot more.
So thank you.
MAYOR STITFOLD: Councillor Martin?
CR MARTIN: Thank you.
I'm really pleased that the consultation with Melbourne Water is continuing
and it's effective and it's very, very important.
What I heard at the round table for coastal communities is that flooding
and inundation is an absolute monty, and $88 million is going to be spent
on the diversion drains at Elwood and honestly we really do need
to make sure that that works and that that money
- you get as much as you possibly can out of it.
We have seen what's happened at Flemington.
We have seen what's happened further north and it will happen in Melbourne,
and we can protect Elwood and we can protect Brighton but we need
to work hard and we need to really lean in to the hydrology and look overseas
to these people that presented to me and the Mayor about their data
of Melbourne, and they're very predictable models,
and it's still red even after the canals.
It is still red.
And so I just really want that consultation to continue and
before the engineers start digging and digging and digging,
they have the basis, they have the scientific fact,
to make it work.
I personally think that the southern area of basin needs much more work
to retain the water in the basin rather than in people's houses.
But that's fantastic.
I love the design.
I think it's brilliant and I think Marcus should be absolutely
congratulated all on the work that has been put in that,
as is the community, and as the Nature Reserve Committee
of Management has done as well.
In relation to this issue that the park is some sort of sacred cow, it's not.
I don't agree with the speaker and I don't agree with this culture
of constantly chasing other Councils.
Glen Eira is not getting involved in this because
they didn't have a seat in the table.
Port Phillip had a seat at the table.
They influenced, and they need to pay for that.
So I get that.
But down my way, we have just had a $21 million Life Saving
Club delivered by the City of Kingston.
The membership of the Life Saving Club is quite significant Bayside-centric,
to all the people who live in Beaumaris and in Cheltenham.
They're not asking us for any money.
They maintain Mentone Beach, which intersects with Charman Road
and right on the edge of Bayside, and I think it's just a really good thing
that when you are on the borders of these Councils, there's got
to be just an understanding where those parks are.
If we were starting to hear from the Mayor or Councillors complaining
to us, "Oh, look, all your residents are coming
to use Mentone Beach and the Life Saving Club, you should pay
and cough up?",
where are we heading with that?
So I am not sure what is going on.
I know it's a high-profile site and you've got the three Councils
on the corner there, but I just think we should moderate a bit.
I don't agree about Port Phillip, though, because they sat on a reference group
for a long time and they influenced the project
and there always was an agreement as I understood it that they were going
to contribute to that.
I am quite confident that the park will make a lot of money for Bayside
over time with the type of planning we have put in there.
All the things that that park can deliver over the next 20, 30, 40 years, 85,000
dollars a year is a very modest sum for such a huge amount of land
and such a showcase of what you can do with urban renewal.
Thank you.
MAYOR STITFOLD: Councillor del Porto, did you wish to close?
CR DEL PORTO: Just quickly.
I would encourage you, Madam Mayor, to continue to talk to Glen Eira
and Port Phillip, talking to Glen Eira councillors
and the former Mayor, I think there's probably enough numbers
there for them to contribute some money.
I think the problem is that they may have some financial challenges
and so I think so has Port Philip, unlike us, so I think that's an issue.
By all means I encourage you to write to them and talk to them and see what
they say.
I think that by the time we get that cafe going,
the gateway building will probably be able to cover some of those costs,
the initial costs anyway.
Thank you.
MAYOR STITFOLD: Councillors, all those in favour?
Councillor del Porto, Councillor Evans, Councillor Martin, Cr El Mouallem
and Councillor Stitfold.
There are none against.
Carried.
Item 10 point
- could we please recall Councillor Samuel-King to the chamber.
(Pause).
10.5, Wangara Road masterplan update.
Requests to be heard.
Ms Felicity Frederico is also on her way to the speaker's table.
Thank you for moving this along.
MS FREDERICO OAM: Trying to save time.
Tonight I'm speaking on behalf of Carol and Bruce Green, the owners
of Sandy Mini Golf.
They are not able to be here tonight.
Some key dates and facts
- February 2021, Council resolution identified Mini Golf
as a key stakeholder in community consultation.
November 2022, Council resolved to use the open space as passive.
This was not communicated to the Mini Golf owners.
Feedback from Have Your Say overwhelmingly was
skewed to active open space.
The Greens signed their lease in February 2024 not aware
of the November 2022 resolution to convert the old driving range
to passive open space.
The other tenants, Driving Range and PureForm, received payouts allegedly
of around $1.4 million.
Mini Golf got no payout but they were promised thousands
of customers each week from netball or, alternatively, when that failed,
active open space activities that are complementary to mini golf.
Originally Mini Golf had the use of 37 car parks, now reduced
to two car parks, and no disabled car parking for use
by their customers, who are primarily young kids and disabled with carers.
Now car parking is used exclusively for netball, from
all these discussions with Council, anticipated 30% usage for netball
and the remainder to be shared with Sandy Mini Golf.
I have not even mentioned the environmental and health risks
for the young mini golfers, residents and the Greens caused
by the methane gas identified in the EPA reports.
Three options: pay out Mini Golf; number two,
provide parking so the business can operate,
at the same time provide assurance from the EPA that the land
and buildings are safe from methane gas; or number three, continue
to ignore Mini Golf so they continue to lose money, go broke
and potentially expose the Mini Golf customers and the Greens to methane gas.
MAYOR STITFOLD: Were there any questions for the speaker?
Cr El Mouallem, followed by Councillor Martin.
CR EL MOUALLEM: Thank you for presenting again on this item.
Did I hear something about a payout of over $1.4 million?
MS FREDERICO OAM: Allegedly.
CR EL MOUALLEM: Is that a question to Officers maybe just to give some intel
on this one?
This is the first time I have heard about it.
OFFICER: Through you, Chair, there was a payout.
I don't have those numbers at hand but we could come back to Council.
It is commercial in confidence.
CR EL MOUALLEM: Thank you.
A question to the Officers but we will let Councillor Martin ask his.
CR MARTIN: Thanks for chipping in on another agenda item tonight.
Could you just tell me what the Greens think about renewing the building
up there, the cafe and all of that sort of stuff on that site?
MS FREDERICO OAM: Do you mean the old driving range building or
the current mini golf
- CR MARTIN: Yes, the old
- MS FREDERICO OAM: I don't know.
I can't speak on their behalf about renewing that building.
I don't know their views.
MAYOR STITFOLD: Were there any other questions of the speaker?
Thank you, Ms Frederico.
MS FREDERICO OAM: Thank you, Madam Mayor.
CR EL MOUALLEM: Question to the Officers.
I heard Ms Frederico put three options out.
One of them is provide parking to mini golf
and ensure that the methane gases are not harmful.
Can I get some commentary on this, please?
Can we provide the parking and ensure it is safe?
OFFICER: Through the Chair, obviously the report tonight is primarily
around noting the community engagement findings.
We are currently doing the work to detail the work of the masterplan,
which at this point in time we anticipate will include additional car parking
at the site.
The exact quantum of that will still need to be resolved as we move
through that process.
In relation to the contamination at the site,
Council has developed a comprehensive Rehabilitation Plan endorsed
by the EPA in the latter part of 2023.
So we're
- I believe there's budget foreshadowed next financial year to move
into the implementation stage of the rehabilitation of the site.
CR EL MOUALLEM: Follow-up question.
So if EPA have concerns about the methane emissions,
they would have told us by now and we would have advised the Greens?
OFFICER: Through the Chair, there have been environmental notices
issued for the site that Council has been undertaking regular monitoring
and management actions at the site
- the former tenant essentially vacating the property.
There is ongoing work and ongoing consultation with the EPA
as we continue to manage the site.
MAYOR STITFOLD: We have another speaker, Ms Amanda Levi,
for the Bayside Dog Alliance.
MISS LEVI: Thank you, Madam Mayor, councillors, CEO
and Council representatives.
As you are aware, Bayside has over 12,000 registered dogs, but we are yet
to receive an area that is fully facilitied for both dogs
and people alike.
Wishart is a fabulous upgrade.
No toilet facilities.
We have no full access area for disabled, for dog owners that can train their dogs.
Bayside is in dire need of an area with amenities to train
and exercise pups in a safe space.
The law requires the ability to recall your dog,
yet Bayside has provided limited safe areas to train and test recall.
A well designed off-leash area has the ability to cater
for a variety of passive areas, as the BDA sent through
in our submission in February.
The land for review on Wangara Road provides a very real
and unique opportunity to provide enclosed area for the training
and exercise of our Bayside dogs.
MAYOR STITFOLD: Thank you.
, Councillor Martin, you had a question for the speaker?
CR MARTIN: Great to see you, Ms Levi.
I'll ask you.
The amenities that are already on-site there, would you consider them
to be appropriate for increasing and enhancing
- there's toilets there, there's a cafe there,
there's shelter there.
MISS LEVI: Absolutely.
We just need water and a fenced area.
One of the big ones
- and one of the things that I have learnt with a new pup
- my prior pup had the ability to use Donald Macdonald,
which was fully fenced, and we trained there every morning.
My current pup and I'm in a fortunate
- I've got the fortunate capacity to be able to pay to use doggy play park,
which is fully enclosed, but again at a cost.
Bayside provides nothing which is fully fenced to be able
to train young pups without Bayside residents having to pay
for it themselves.
MAYOR STITFOLD: Were there any other questions of the speaker?
Councillor Samuel-King?
CR SAMUEL-KING: Yes.
Thank you for coming.
I've been musing how do we cater for a dog off-leash area and also look
after the bronze winged pigeon, which is a ground-dwelling bird.
I haven't necessarily come to any conclusions yet
but would be interested to know how we would do that.
I'm thinking maybe we would need a fenced area for the sake of the dogs
and the bronzed winged pigeons or do you have any other thoughts
on that matter?
MISS LEVI: Fenced areas.
We would also like to see if possible some sort of shade sails put
up.
- they can go on top.
If they're ground dwelling they can't get in.
If they happen to fly, then it's unlikely that they
will land where there are shade sails.
So that would be my preference.
There is some wonderful research online around incorporating environmental areas
and dog parks.
I can send that through to you if you would like.
CR SAMUEL-KING: Yes, please.
Thank you.
MAYOR STITFOLD: If there are no additional questions, thank you,
you can take a seat.
- CR EVANS: Thank you, can I make an alteration?
I move the officer's recommendation with an amendment, if I can
- it notes the feedback received, reinforces the position that the site is
to be used for passive open space purposes and requests number three,
requests Officers to explore the reuse of the existing buildings on-site,
receives a report on July 24 just as it is there, but I also just want
to ask the Officers
- I believe this is coming to a briefing with councillors very soon,
and as I understand it, there are areas mooted for dog off-leash
and whether I should include it in this recommendation,
and also that the car park for the Greens should be specifically
for the mini golf so that we enter the parks for another reason
on the other side of that particular thing.
So do I need to inform that or will that come as part of the briefing?
I'm happy with just my initial one, that one, but if the rest
is encompassed in briefing, I am happy to wait for that.
CEO: Through you, Chair, my suggestion is we pick up those issues as part
of the ongoing discussion and before it goes out for public discussion.
CR EVANS: Thank you.
So you have picked up those and I can move this knowing that they'll
be picked up by Officers and that also the building
will be looked at to reuse
- I'm not saying to reuse it but it will be looked at.
OFFICER: Through you, Chair, yes, we're comfortable
to explore those options.
CR SAMUEL-KING: I'll second that.
MAYOR STITFOLD: I will just confirm that you're moving it
as printed and that you're seconding what is printed.
CR EVANS: No, sorry, I have asked
- another wording.
"Request Officers to explore the reuse of existing buildings on-site."
CR DEL PORTO: I wonder if Councillor would include
the possibility of asking for potentially a tender to come in
and bear those costs?
CR EVANS: What was that?
CR DEL PORTO: Well, you can have an external party come in,
do up the building and they can pay for it.
It a tender to come in.
You want to issue
- it's a cafe, isn't it?
MAYOR STITFOLD: I think the CEO can respond.
CR EVANS: We don't know whether it is.
CEO: I think that might be premature, through you, Chair.
You've asked for us to investigate the reuse of the buildings
on the site.
That could go in a multiple directions and may or may not be a good idea,
as it turns out.
So let's worry about tendering it if and when we get there.
CR MARTIN: Just in relation to the mover, we heard
about the Greens suffering financial constraints and being
- my view would be there would be ten permitted spaces created pretty quickly
- CR EVANS: That was part of the
- CR MARTIN: Is that something that should go on here to make that happen?
Or can that be made happen outside of this report?
Because I think what is going on there is it's going to send the business
- it is unintended consequence to the Netball Centre.
We thought it would create the business.
It is ruining the business.
So I think that they need some parks, car parks, permanent, for that business.
OFFICER: Through you, Chair, we're currently conducting a traffic study
related to the Community Sports Centre.
My suggestion would be that we wait for the outcomes of that study
before we make any decisions around this.
CR EVANS: Just a question.
The intention is if we are using this as a passive area,
that we don't use the existing car park that is for the Greens and come
in somewhere else for a car park for this particular
- CEO: Through you, Chair, can I strongly suggest that the briefing
with Councillors and the next iteration of this plan is a matter of weeks away,
so rather than trying to design the thing on the run tonight, can I suggest you wait
for that briefing and the subsequent Council report.
We're aware of the issues that have been raised and we
will canvas those as part of the ongoing conversation
with Council so you can make an informed decision prior to it going out
for the final community consultation.
CR EVANS: Yes.
MAYOR STITFOLD: Do I have a seconder?
CR SAMUEL-KING: Yes.
CR EVANS: Thank you.
Yes, I think this is a great piece of open space to be used by our community.
A number of
- we have had a Have Your Say and there have been a number
of people respond.
There's been a number of wish lists there.
I await the officer's report but I do strongly advise that I'll be
looking to ensure that the Green s do have a specific car park where
they have their mini golf and that if we have other car parks, that it
will be specifically to be used for and other things.
The other thing is I do remember when Ms Levi
came to Council when
- I think it was when one of the grounds down your way was taken off
- the dog off-leash and I said to her we will get you a dog off-leash
park and I'd love to see it somewhere up here.
So again I'd love that to be part and parcel of our thoughts
for Wangara Road there.
Thank you.
MAYOR STITFOLD: Councillor Samuel-King?
CR SAMUEL-KING: Yes.
A fantastic piece of new public open space and I think it's fabulous that
we're keeping it passive open space.
I remember going down to where the netball Courts are now
and seeing what was clearly a wonderful piece of public open space
for that community and that was part of why I couldn't support
the netball Court development.
But I understand now, my fellow councillors have this piece
of land up their sleeve and it's a big space.
I can see a fabulous fenced-off dog off-leash area and oh my God,
one of my election promises might actually come to fruition.
It certainly may at this space, and that would be absolutely fabulous.
I can also see the importance of keeping that bronze-winged
pigeon habitat and I think fencing there is going to be really important,
both for the dogs and for the pigeons.
It's a great space and I think it will be a great community space
and a great wild space and I look forward to seeing it developed.
Thank you.
MAYOR STITFOLD: Councillor Martin?
CR MARTIN: Yes, it was really good to see the feedback coming in and all
of the different suggestions.
I know the Bayside community sports community
will be disappointed that they're not going to be able to get active space
on that site but I think with very good understanding
of the restraints that the current top of the tip is having and the cost it is
to put sports fields and things like that, they'll be able to understand that.
But I am really pleased of the inclusions, that dog on and off-leash, a small amount
of car parking and Indigenous flora, and I think it would be very important
to keep the existing cafe
- I was up there not long ago and it looked fine to me.
Structural steel, and we haven't got a lot of money,
so I would be
- it's very interesting to hear what Ms Levi said tonight
about the needs of dog owners
- when you're going out to take your dogs to a fenced-off
off-leash area, and also the idea of biking and things like that.
I know that Tulip Street bike BMX, the full on tracks is not far away,
but arriving at a site like that on a bike can also be a really good
thing as well.
So I don't think bikes should be completely pushed out of it.
Looking forward to the report.
Really good bit of community consultation.
MAYOR STITFOLD: Councillor Evans?
CR EVANS: Thank you, Madam Mayor, just in closing,
Ebden ward has a great amount of open space.
We have got two
- I've got four Golf Courses in it.
We've got Cheltenham Park.
We now have Wangara Road, passive open space.
So again I think it's incumbent that we use it properly.
I think also it is incumbent on us to ensure that we look
after the tenants that are there and they have had some problems that Mrs
Frederico has alluded to.
I was up there today just having a look at the building.
It looks as though there could be some interesting
parts to be saved with that particular building.
I couldn't get in.
I took some photos from the outside but again I think it is worthwhile having
a look at trying to reuse that building.
You may not be able to but I think it's a very good thing
to explore.
So the cafe certainly looks OK.
The actual Driving Range is only just
- I think it's bent pipe steel but I think there's an opportunity
for Council Officers to explore that.
So I hope people will support the alteration.
MAYOR STITFOLD: All those in favour?
Councillor del Porto, Councillor Evans, Councillor Martin, Councillor Samuel-King,
Cr El Mouallem, Councillor Stitfold.
There are none against.
Carried.
Item 10.6, draft Graffiti Management Policy 2024-28.
There were no requests to be heard received.
Do I have a mover please?
Councillor Martin, and a seconder?
Councillor Samuel-King.
Councillor Martin?
CR MARTIN: Yes.
Look, graffiti is a funny word because most
of the stuff that's really annoying are called "tags"
and the tags are from 90% of males between The Age of 18.
As soon as they get their licence, they stop tagging.
I learned all this when Councillor Evans and myself were dealing
with just basically a crisis of tagging in our southern ward back in the day.
It really opened my eyes up to what's needed and what is needed is
to understand the people who are doing the tagging.
They are excluded.
They don't feel great about themselves.
They meet other essentially boys and they get together and
they get a great deal of pride and inclusion from going out
and getting a big tag on something and then sharing it on social media
and saying that they're out there working hard for the crew.
So that's how we need to break that up and work through it.
The quickest way is to remove all of the tags and that's the easiest,
quickest, get rid of them as soon as you possibly can,
and then the other way, of course, is to have really good,
strong working relationships with your school principals
and I've told the story, I will tell it again.
During this tagging epidemic, I went up to my 13, 14-year-old son and just said,
"Do you know who is doing all of these tags?".
firstly he said what do you mean?
I said can't you see around the suburb all of these tags?
He said "I haven't really noticed it".
I said I will show you one and I showed him a photo on the phone.
He went oh, that's such and such at school, everyone knows that.
I'm just going: of course they do!
So it's not that difficult.
They know who they are.
It's a big underworld kind of teenage thing.
So that's really hard, though, because you have to have something ongoing
with the local schools.
You have to find these guys and you have to get them away
from the anti social destructive behaviour and pathway to justice
into a much better place and it's not easy.
It is extremely difficult.
And that's for the local boys, and I will say boys; it is plainly boys.
For the ones that are coming in on the train and doing harm,
that's a bit more difficult but not impossible.
So this is a great strategy covering all the things I have said
and I encourage us to continue building on what down my way anyway
is an exemplary program.
I have to give credit to Phil Lovell, the current Chair
of the Neighbourhood Watch, who said I won't be a neighbourhood watch
that points out all the problems; I'll be a neighbourhood watch that comes
up with solutions.
He's build his band of brothers with the anti graffiti trailer and
all the things he does to protect the community
and ensure that people feel safe and also inclusive about coming
into Bayside.
MAYOR STITFOLD: Councillor Samuel-King?
CR SAMUEL-KING: One of the things I love about graffiti and that it stimulates
public art.
It's a great motivator for us to do some amazing
and beautiful public art and that's a great thing.
Thank you.
MAYOR STITFOLD: Cr El Mouallem?
CR EL MOUALLEM: I have a question, Madam Mayor.
On page 200, under "Council will not support the following"
it stays "the removal of graffiti on fences and walls
on Council owned laneways and streets and roads",
so my question is are we expecting the residents
to remove the graffiti or what is our plan for this graffiti?
OFFICER: Through you, Chair, in practice, what happens is the Department
of Justice picks up the removal of that and we provide them with kits
but predominantly through the Department of Justice.
CR EL MOUALLEM: And how effective is the Department of Justice when it comes
to removing this graffiti?
Because from my observations, there's a fair bit of it
around the municipality, so how do we manage it?
OFFICER: So we work closely with the Department of Justice
and you're welcome to give us any feedback, Cr El Mouallem,
if you've got any specific areas that you think we're not covering,
but we've got a program of works and they cycle through that each month.
And we provide them with materials to assist them to do so.
CR EL MOUALLEM: I'll support this policy.
I've had some concerns about the removal of graffiti on fencing and walls.
I understand that my ward and the Dendy ward, there is a couple
of laneways off from Grosvenor Street and one from Normanby,
and they've been tagged, and we actually sent a notice
to the residents to clean it and the elderly lady came out and
she called me and she said, "How do you expect me to do it
if cars are driving down this laneway?".
So I was lost for words.
I didn't really know what to answer her.
So hopefully now you're aware of it, I'll report this directly and we
will make sure that the Department of Justice, you said, is aware of it and
they can manage it.
OFFICER: Can I just add to that, please, Chair.
So, yes, the Department of Justice, Cr El Mouallem.
We also do work with people who need a bit more help
and we can provide assistance around the elderly or anyone else
that needs a bit more assistance removing the graffiti
from the fences or properties, and that's all covered as part of the policy as well
and we have engaged with that part of Council.
MAYOR STITFOLD: Councillor del Porto?
CR DEL PORTO: Yes, just quickly, the substation at the end of Hawthorn Road
by the highway has been
- the graffiti in the last two or three weeks, and I find that
if we can tackle that and clean that up, they usually let it go.
So if I can just alert Ms Colson to it.
Thanks.
MAYOR STITFOLD: Councillor Martin, did you wish to close?
All those in favour?
Councillor del Porto, Councillor Evans, Councillor Martin, Councillor Samuel-King,
Cr El Mouallem and Councillor Stitfold.
There are none against.
Carried.
Item 10.7, names of the roadway from Beach Road
to the Beaumaris Motor Yacht Squadron.
CR MARTIN: Happy to move.
CR EVANS: Seconded.
MAYOR STITFOLD: Moved, Councillor Martin.
Seconded, Councillor Evans.
CR MARTIN: Thanks, Madam Mayor.
I think Councillor Evans mentioned the fact that we had Federal MP Zoe
Daniels down at the Beaumaris Motor Yacht Squadron
on another matter regarding access and inclusion and the maintenance
of the pier down there.
But over the last few months, the manager of the Beaumaris Motor Yacht Squadron,
which I must say is incredibly community focused now
and really trying to make sure that they're literally
on the map, to do that they need to have an address, and
they haven't got one at the moment because they're in a section
of the lane going up from the Motor Squadron
to Beach Road which is nameless.
So this report has decided to come up with the name
of Pelican Way ... CR EVANS: Pelican Quays.
CR MARTIN: Pelican Quays.
I very much apologise.
I was down there only a day or two walking
the dog, and they do allow dog walkers to go down there off-leash.
'Pelican Quays' is the name.
I would love that to be registered at the Geographical Names
to assist the Beaumaris Motor Yacht Squadron's journey
on being well-known in the area and easy to find on Google and all that kind
of stuff as well.
Pelican Quays is quite
- well, it's a name, I suppose.
I'll let Councillor Evans talk about Pelican Quays,
but there are pelicans down there, and that's fair enough.
Thank you.
MAYOR STITFOLD: Councillor Evans, did you wish to speak?
CR EVANS: Of course I do, even though he said ... Madam Mayor,
this has been a bit of a journey.
Over a number of years, the Beaumaris Motor Yacht Squadron have
been on to me and the ward councillor about naming that particular road there.
They are custodians of a beautiful piece of land, and previously were wanting
to extend it, and this group that have come in
since 2012 or 2013 and realised that extension
of any piers or works outside their footprint was not
going to be accepted by the community, and they have changed this particular
yacht squadron into a very caring, environmental squadron, as far
as I'm concerned.
They came to us wanting to have an address.
They have something like 800 members, and it is something that they have wanted
for a long time.
So as you drive past if you're going south,
it is very difficult to see, so they did want
to have an address that can come through Google Maps,
as Councillor Martin was saying.
So the manager
- I have to thank the manager of governance, who is brainstorming
with the Commodore and myself, and we did look at Kiefers Way because
of the mussel farm that Kiefers had there, but that had been taken,
and you're not allowed to take a name of something within a 10-kilometre radius.
So Pelican Quays was come up with.
The pelicans are down there.
They sit by the part where the fishermen clean the fish, and the fish go
down the pipe and the pelicans are hanging around the particular pipe, taking
up the fish that the fishermen take.
So I think it's a very, very apt name, even though Councillor Martin has a
little bit of a problem with it but I don't.
MAYOR STITFOLD: Did you wish to close, Councillor Martin?
CR MARTIN: I might have erred in saying the pelicans were the biggest
animal in Bayside but when the fishermen, especially in the snapper season,
are cleaning all those fish, the manta rays are bigger than
the pelicans.
And it is a sight to behold when the fisherman come in.
Three or four massive manta rays and you have about six pelicans and
at least 200 sea birds all trying to get hold of that beautiful food.
So thank you, Councillor Evans.
MAYOR STITFOLD: I did hear them mention whales as well.
All those in favour?
Councillor del Porto, Councillor Evans, Councillor Martin, Councillor Samuel-King,
Cr El Mouallem and Councillor Stitfold.
None against.
Carried.
10.8, appointment of members to the Reconciliation Action
Plan Advisory Committee.
There were no requests to be heard received.
Can I have a mover?
Councillor Martin.
CR MARTIN: Happy to move.
CR EVANS: Second.
MAYOR STITFOLD: Seconded, Councillor Evans.
Councillor Martin?
CR MARTIN: Look, I will just quickly note that on the report it did say
First Nations background was six, and the actual number is five.
Aunty Katrina Amon, Richard Bowen, Jill Orr-Young, Marcus Tehan,
Bertan Mackall and Laura Stewart are the recommended people to come
on the advisory and I wish them all well in the future.
MAYOR STITFOLD: Councillor Evans?
All those in favour?
Councillor del Porto, Councillor Evans, Councillor Martin, Councillor Samuel-King,
Cr El Mouallem and Councillor Stitfold.
Carried.
CR DEL PORTO: Like to move a block.
10.9, 10.11, 10.12.
CR EVANS: Seconded.
MAYOR STITFOLD: Seconded by Councillor Evans.
All councillors in favour?
Councillor del Porto, Councillor Evans, Councillor Martin, Councillor Samuel-King,
Cr El Mouallem and Councillor Stitfold.
Passed.
We now move to item 10.10.
CR DEL PORTO: I will move that.
MAYOR STITFOLD: Councillor del Porto.
Seconded, Cr El Mouallem.
CR DEL PORTO: It is in Cr El Mouallem's ward but it relates
to the Brighton Town Hall and the air conditioning.
Madam Mayor, we have not been able to have certain works of art in exhibition
because we don't have the right air conditioning.
So once we install the air conditioning, we'll be able
to have a complete open slate to any painting or work
of art that requires air conditioning for all around the country so that
will be a really good thing.
MAYOR STITFOLD: Cr El Mouallem?
CR EL MOUALLEM: Madam Mayor, just a question to clarify.
This upgrade, does it include the entire building or
just part of it?
OFFICER: It doesn't include the public space of the Town Hall itself,
but everywhere else in that facility.
CR EL MOUALLEM: Follow-up question.
Are we planning at some stage to upgrade the air conditioning there?
OFFICER: Through you, Chair, there is an option to do
and we're actually seeking some funding to assist us with that,
some external grant funding.
CR EL MOUALLEM: I'll support this but also I would really hope that
we can upgrade while we're doing the work.
It's more efficient to actually upgrade the whole building rather than doing it
in parts.
I know we do carry lots of citizenship ceremonies in there
and when I was the Mayor last year, there was a couple of hot days and
by the time you wear your suit and then you put the robe on,
it becomes unpleasant, and the same, you see some
of the residents getting their citizenship also getting slightly
- getting a bit of discomfort there in the room.
So hopefully we can look into this and be as efficient as possible and try to do it
at the same time.
MAYOR STITFOLD: Councillors, all those in favour?
Councillor del Porto, Councillor Evans, Councillor Martin, Councillor Samuel-King,
Cr El Mouallem and Councillor Stitfold.
There are none against.
Carried.
Now we move on to item 11, reports by delegates.
Association of Bayside Municipalities, there is nothing to report.
Metropolitan Transport Forum?
OFFICER: Through you, Chair, the Metropolitan Transport Forum held its
meeting on 3 April.
Rachel Carlisle from Road Safety Victoria introduced
the safe system approach for roads and the principle that road safety
is a shared responsibility.
The MTF is focussing on engaging with Public Transport Victoria
on increasing access for all, ensuring DDA black spots,
where communities have poor DDA access to public transport can be improved.
Bayside Officers will look at these issues and engage
with relevant internal Council teams for their input.
And the MTF elections closed with two casual vacancies
on the Executive, filled by Councillor Jodie Jackson from Hume
and Mr Simon Stainsby from Merri-bek.
MAYOR STITFOLD: Inner South Metropolitan Mayors' Forum, nothing
to report.
Also South East Councils Climate Change Alliance, nothing to report.
Do I have a mover?
Councillor Martin.
And a seconder?
Councillor del Porto.
All those in favour?
Councillor del Porto, Councillor Evans, Councillor Martin, Councillor Samuel-King,
Cr El Mouallem and Councillor Stitfold.
There were none against.
Carried.
Item 12, urgent business.
Councillors, I understand there is an item of urgent business
for consideration this evening concerning the Minister
for Planning's intervention in the planning applications
for 47 South Road, Brighton.
Can I have a motion that this item be admitted as urgent business
- CR DEL PORTO: So moved.
CR SAMUEL-KING: Seconded.
MAYOR STITFOLD: Seconded, Councillor Samuel-King.
All those in favour?
Councillor del Porto, Councillor Evans, Councillor Martin, Councillor Samuel-King,
Cr El Mouallem, and Councillor Stitfold.
There were none against.
Carried.
Number 13, notices of motion, 13.1, Notice of Motion 333, homelessness protocol.
Cr El Mouallem, do you wish to move your Notice of Motion?
CR EL MOUALLEM: Thank you.
I wish to move that Council commence work to on a homelessness protocol
to ensure that those experiencing homelessness in Bayside are monitored,
proactively engaged and supported to transition from living and sleeping
in public places such as activity centres, parks and open spaces
to access suitable support organisations and accommodation.
And point 2, until the homelessness protocol
is adopted, undertake work to identify the number and needs
of people experiencing homelessness in the municipality,
and in partnership with community, Victoria Police
and government agencies provide the support needed to help them transition
from staying and sleeping in public spaces into more suitable accommodation and
to access other support services.
CR DEL PORTO: Seconded.
MAYOR STITFOLD: Seconded, Councillor del Porto.
And Cr El Mouallem.
CR EL MOUALLEM: Madam Mayor, as mentioned here,
briefly in the rationale, I have before receiving lots of inquiries
and receiving emails and phone calls from residents and business owners
in our community with concerns about the increasing number
of homeless people on our streets, specifically in the Activity Centres
and also in our public spaces.
Madam Mayor, the intention here is to formalise what I believe we are
already doing internally, but nevertheless we actually don't have
a formal document like other Councils to formalise a protocol.
How do we provide help, how to keep an eye on understanding the numbers
of the homeless in our community?
Now, by doing that, I really wish that we can actually help
them.
I am one of the Councillors
- and I am pretty sure others
- would sometimes sit down with them and have a cup of coffee and have a chat
on a number of occasions.
I am not sure if it's Atilla or Joan Andrews,
explaining the issue as a homeless person and asking if we can help them.
So we're lucky to have people like Joan and Atilla here but, unfortunately,
they are probably here one day and they might move on another day
- other commitments.
So I am not sure if they end up moving, if we're going to have the continuity,
and that's really the crux of this Notice of Motion.
If we want to continue, we need a protocol in place to make sure they don't go
through the cracks.
I am seeing some of them, unfortunately, sleeping in front of our supermarkets
for days, which sometimes
- it breaks my heart.
Someone who came from a place where we went
through civil war and I've seen people on streets,
because it is nothing to do with them, but unfortunately external events.
So to see them sleeping there, I really believe we should be doing
absolutely anything we can to help them, to move them into better places.
So in the budget debate, you heard me talking about yes,
it is great to help the environment, but I really genuinely believe we need
to be spending probably more money into the people and that's what I mean
about it.
The goal of the planet is fair enough but there is other level
of governments that are dealing with this.
So why can't we concentrate on the people a bit more?
I heard earlier in the words of one of my fellow councillors we can reduce
the amount of carbon going into the atmosphere, so I'm pretty sure
if we can do that, I am pretty sure if we put our mind to it,
we can also help the homeless.
We can do it and especially if we do it together with the support
from other social services and Victoria Police.
One of the things which I really don't like to talk about but I am concerned
about the state and the safety of some of these people on our streets.
But also I am concerned about the impact some of them are having
on some businesses.
We've received
- I have received a number of emails from supermarkets,
from Traders Associations, and we've seen incidents where people
unfortunately are forcing traders to lock themselves inside the shops
and losing business and closing for a period of time.
So I hope having a protocol like this, we can have
- that's A, B, C, D, that's how we can deal with them,
we can contact the police, we can arrange probably emergency
accommodation for them, have a process in place to help them,
and by helping them, we can also help our retail strips,
we can also tidy up
- some of them unfortunately leave a bit of litter.
So if we can
- so if that protocol if we can have something in place to look
into the litter, educate them if they are going
to stay there what's acceptable and what's not.
I understand we are doing some of it already and I hope that I get
the support on this one and we can have it formalised in the way
of a protocol.
MAYOR STITFOLD: Councillor del Porto?
CR DEL PORTO: Thank you, Madam Mayor.
Look, there are more and more homeless people coming
to Bayside, and you feel for them.
They don't have any money.
They have nowhere to sleep.
And we do good work already through Joan Andrews and Council Officers,
but I think this will make it more formal and will probably support the Officers
in what they're doing.
We don't have emergency accommodations ourselves that we can direct them to,
but I think something has to be done.
I spent one afternoon with Cr El Mouallem down in Church Street
and it's really quite confronting because a lot
of these people really do need help and some of them are regular.
They come every day.
And, look, it's really sad and I think we should
- I think every Council should do what they can within their own municipality
to try to support people who need help.
There's people with mental illness.
There's people with drug addictions.
Whatever we can do is something
- it will be an improvement on doing less.
We do a lot but I think we put a lot on one or two Council Officers.
I think it's really tough on them because they have other things to do as well.
I think this will make it easier maybe for Council to quickly direct the inquiry
to the relevant organisations without having to rely on police
all the time.
The police can't move them on anyway, and the police are probably not set up
to do counselling work, although I know there are some very good
police, but I don't know if they are equipped to do a lot of that.
So I think whatever we could do, it would be a good thing,
and I thank Cr El Mouallem for putting this Notice of Motion up
and I am sure that we will support it.
MAYOR STITFOLD: Councillor Martin?
CR MARTIN: Yes, homelessness is a measure of the healthier whole society.
There wouldn't be any homelessness if the society was going very well.
People have tried move on orders and all this sort of stuff.
That doesn't work at all: and I think the community seeing homeless
people in a place like Bayside is a reminder that not everything
is going well in their city, and with the amount
of resources that we've all got, I think homeless people are probably
becoming more attracted to these kind of places and this protocol is needed,
as long as it's always based with one thing in mind, and that
is the person, the person.
It's a human being who is in a temporary state.
I don't know if anyone saw the documentary series
on the homeless person that ended up living in the back
of Brisbane somewhere I think it was in bushland and I think it was
like 18 years and he went from there to getting a doctorate and that is right,
isn't it.
CR EVANS: Yes.
Four Corners I think.
CR MARTIN: You don't know who is on the street until you talk to them
and sometimes they don't want to talk to you, and that's fair enough.
But it's a balance.
They can't be anti social.
That's not going to work.
But there is a well-defined category of services and support that
is the most effective and efficient way to deal with the problem.
It takes a great deal of resources, and those resources are contained
in the state, not the Council, but the Council has a very
important part to play, which are kind of like first responders, and coordinators
of a homeless person on their streets, but it's got to be done with a focus
on the homeless person.
MAYOR STITFOLD: Councillor Samuel-King?
CR SAMUEL-KING: I could wax lyrical in this space but I think you'd
all fall asleep at this point.
I've got lots of wonderful stories about patients of mine who happen
to be homeless.
Really interesting, complex lives, and, yes, there's amazing stories
in those lives.
I remember many of them fondly.
Many have passed on.
I wouldn't have thought of putting up this Notice of Motion, I think
because I've had such a huge and deep respect
for what the Officers have been doing.
I haven't seen a need.
Having said that, I have no issue with it, particularly
because the Officers have no issue with it, so I'm happy to support it.
Thank you.
MAYOR STITFOLD: Cr El Mouallem, did you wish to close?
CR EL MOUALLEM: Yes, Madam Mayor.
I believe that we
- there is a need for it.
I'm just reading an email from the Hampton Street traders saying
that the Hampton Street precinct has seen an increase in what appears
to be homelessness and rough sleeping.
This creates a level of angst for residents so just to the comment
of my fellow Councillor Samuel-King, there is a need for it
because we are seeing more and more of them coming, and, yes,
the genuine people, they really, really need our help.
We need to help them.
But also I am hearing stories about some of them doing it
for supplementing their income, and it's a reality.
Some of this also exists, and it's our job to really look into who really needs
the help and who is there just abusing the system and supplementing their income
to do whatever they want to do with the money.
So I hope we can drill down to it and provide genuine help to them.
Thank you.
MAYOR STITFOLD: All those in favour?
Councillor del Porto, Councillor Evans, Councillor Martin, Councillor Samuel-King,
Cr El Mouallem and Councillor Stitfold.
There are none against.
Carried.
Item 14, confidential business.
Councillors, may I have a motion that the remainder of the meeting be dealt
with in camera, given the urgent business item introduced
earlier relates to a confidential matter in accordance with Section 66(2)(a)
of the Local Government Act 2020, and pursuant to section 3(1)(a)
of this Act as the matter concerns: A, Council business information,
being information that would prejudice the Council's position
in commercial negotiations if prematurely released.
Councillor Samuel-King, are you moving?
CR SAMUEL-KING: I am moving.
CR DEL PORTO: Seconded.
MAYOR STITFOLD: Seconded, Councillor del Porto.
All those in favour?
Councillor del Porto, Councillor Evans, Councillor Martin, Councillor Samuel-King,
Cr El Mouallem and Councillor Stitfold.
There are none against.
Carried.
Council has resolved to close the meeting to the public at this stage to deal
with matters of a confidential nature.
Thank you to those following the Council meeting
tonight.
Good evening.
Officers, please switch off the webcasting.