Date Friday, 19 October 2018
Time 9.00am to 2.30pm
Location The Auditorium, Sofitel Melbourne, 25 Collins Street, Melbourne
State Council Business Papers
State Council Agenda ...... 2 State Council Minutes – May 2018 ...... 3 Motions submitted by membership – October 2018 ...... 34
State Council Agenda
Date Friday, 19 October 2018
Location The Auditorium, Sofitel Melbourne
Order of Business 9:00am Registration
9:30am Welcome and Introduction MAV President - Cr Mary Lalios
9:35am Confirmation of Minutes State Council 18 May 2018
9:40am President’s Report MAV President - Cr Mary Lalios MAV activities since May 2018 State Council Proposed Late Motion from the MAV Board 9.55am MAV Financial Reports 17/18 - Update CEO – Kerry Thompson
10:00am Motions from Membership MAV President – Cr Mary Lalios
10:50am Morning Tea
11:20am Motions from Membership (continued) MAV President – Cr Mary Lalios
1:00pm Lunch
1:45pm Motions from Membership (continued) MAV President – Cr Mary Lalios
2:30pm Close
State Council Minutes – May 2018
MAV State Council Meeting, Friday 18 May 2018
Welcome and Introduction - Cr Mary Lalios
Representatives or substitute representatives of the following councils attended:
Alpine Shire Council Manningham City Council Banyule City Council Maribyrnong City Council Bass Coast Shire Council Maroondah City Council Baw Baw Shire Council Melbourne City Council Bayside City Council Melton City Council Benalla Rural City Council Mildura Rural City Council Boroondara City Council Mitchell Shire Council Brimbank City Council Moira Shire Council Buloke Shire Council Monash City Council Campaspe Shire Council Moonee Valley City Council Cardinia Shire Council Moorabool Shire Council Casey City Council Moreland City Council Central Goldfields Shire Council Mornington Peninsula Shire Council City of Greater Bendigo Council Mount Alexander Shire Council Colac Otway Shire Council Moyne Shire Council Corangamite Shire Council Murrindindi Shire Council Darebin City Council Port Phillip City Council East Gippsland Shire Council Pyrenees Shire Council Frankston City Council Queenscliffe Borough Council Gannawarra Shire Council South Gippsland Shire Counci Glen Eira City Council Stonnington City Council Golden Plains Shire Council Strathbogie Shire Council Greater Dandenong City Council Surf Coast Shire Council Greater Geelong City Council Swan Hill Rural Council Greater Shepparton City Council Wangaratta Rural City Council Hepburn Shire Council Warrnambool City Council Hobsons Bay City Council Wellington Shire Council Horsham Rural City Council West Wimmera Shire Council Kingston City Council Whitehorse City Council Knox City Council Whittlesea City Council Latrobe City Council Wyndham City Council Loddon Shire Council Yarra City Council Macedon Ranges Shire Council Yarriambiack Shire Council
Item 1: Confirmation of minutes
That the State Council approve the unconfirmed minutes of the 20 October 2017 State Council
Moved: Cr Symon (Maroondah City Council) Seconded: Cr Ellis (East Gippsland Shire Council)
CARRIED
1
MAV State Council Meeting, Friday 18 May 2018
Item 2: Electronic Voting Motion
That voting on matters before State Council of 18 May 2018 be conducted by electronic voting.
Moved: Cr Fyffe (Greater Bendigo Shire Council) Seconded: Cr Hansford (Golden Plains Shire Council)
CARRIED
Item 3: President’s Report
That the President’s report on the activities of the MAV over the past six months be received.
Moved: Cr Janas (Alpine Shire Council) Seconded: Cr Hole (Wellington Shire Council)
CARRIED
Item 4: State Council meeting arrangements
That State Council approve: 1. Continuation of the format for Annual Meetings of State Council in accordance with the MAV Rules 2. A trial of an amended format for the May 2019 State Council meeting based around: • A short address by the President • A short address by the CEO • A “thought-leadership” presenter (and perhaps – depending on topic – a Q & A panel) • A hot topic for debate and development of a sector position • A presentation from the sector • Council motions 3. Submission of a report to the Annual Meeting of State Council in 2019 on the trial of the amended agenda format for the May 2019 meeting of State Council.
Moved: Cr Munroe (Whitehorse City Council) Seconded: Cr Clark (Pyrenees Shire Council)
CARRIED
Item 5: Speaker Limit
That speakers be allowed not more than two minutes to speak to any motion or amendment and that the mover of a motion have no more than one minute for a right of reply
Moved: Cr Fyffe (City of Greater Bendigo) Seconded: Cr Clarke (Wangaratta Rural City Council)
CARRIED
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MAV State Council Meeting, Friday 18 May 2018
Item 6: Admission of late motions
That State Council admit the seven late motions which have been circulated to MAV Representatives.
Moved: Cr Mortimore (Knox City Council) Seconded: Cr Congreve (Brimbank City Council)
CARRIED
State Council Motions Received From Membership
Motions that relate to the MAV SWP 2017-19
Motion 1. 15 Hours Kindergarten Submitting Council: Wyndham City Council
Motion: That State Council notes: 1. Its long-standing and successful advocacy that contributed to all States and Territories recently committing to call on the Federal Government to provide recurrent funding for 15 hours of kindergarten 2. The release of the landmark Lifting Our Game Report and Review to Achieve Educational Excellence in Australian Schools through Early Childhood Interventions, which found that: a. Investing in early childhood education pays off in the long run – with a return of $2 to $4 for every dollar invested, and b. While the benefits of investing in the early years are widely accepted internationally, Australia fails to invest early and pays for it later.
The State Council therefore request that the President write to all Mayors and CEOs in Victorian Councils, as well as their counterparts in each State and Territory recommending that all Councils join the I Love Kinder Facebook, Twitter and internet campaign in the lead- up to the 2018 ALGA National General Assembly to present a strong and united front to the Federal Government.
Finally, State Council notes: 1. That its long-standing view that more State and Federal Government funding should be provided to assist Councils to upgrade ageing infrastructure from which 15 hours kindergarten is delivered is still outstanding, and 2. Requests the MAV Board further consider what future steps might be taken to highlight this ongoing concern.
Moved: Cr Gilligan (Wyndham City Council) Seconded: Cr Altair (Hobsons Bay City Council)
CARRIED
3
MAV State Council Meeting, Friday 18 May 2018
Motion 2. Providing Alternatives to Landfill in Victoria Submitting Council: Bayside City Council
Motion: That the MAV, call upon the State Government to financially support regional waste management solutions for advanced alternative waste treatment and processing solutions that: Minimise waste to landfill Minimise transport distances for municipal residual wastes, particularly in the south eastern metropolitan region of greater Melbourne where transport distances to landfills are excessive.
Moved: Cr Evans (Bayside City Council) Seconded: Cr Congreve (Brimbank City Council)
Motion to amend: That: • the word ‘solutions’ be removed • add ‘and resource recovery’ after’ alternative waste’ • Delete words following ‘residual waste’ in the last dot point.
Moved: Cr Anderson (Macedon Shire Council) Seconded: Cr Pollard (Buloke Shire Council)
AMENDMENT CARRIED
Motion to amend:
The addition of a third dot point being ‘Do not consider incineration as a waste treatment option.’
Moved: Cr Searle (Yarra City Council) Seconded: Cr Reilly (Moreland City Council)
AMENDMENT LOST
Motion to amend: That the word ‘alternative’ be removed
Moved Cr Ellis (East Gippsland Shire Council) Second Cr Hole (Wellington Shire Council)
AMENDMENT CARRIED
Substantive motion: That the MAV, call upon the State Government to financially support regional waste and resource recovery management for advanced waste and resource recovery treatment and processing solutions that: • Minimise waste to landfill • Minimise transport distances for municipal residual waste.
CARRIED
4
MAV State Council Meeting, Friday 18 May 2018
Motion 3. Derelict Buildings Submitting Council: Latrobe City Council
Motion: That the MAV advocate to the Victorian Government for appropriate legislation to provide Councils with adequate powers to resolve the issue of derelict buildings by: 1. Amending the Building Act 1993 to modify the onerous requirements to achieve more timely and cost effective resolutions of dilapidated buildings; or 2. Enacting any other specific legislation or regulatory instrument that will enable Councils to successfully resolve these matters.
Moved: Cr Gibson (Latrobe City Council) Seconded: Cr Hole (Wellington Shire Council)
CARRIED
Motion 4. Infrastructure Contribution Plan Standard Levies Submitting Council: Maribyrnong City Council
Motion: That the Municipal Association of Victoria calls for the implementation of the Infrastructure Contribution Plan standard levies across established areas of Melbourne as well as in outer suburban growth areas.
Moved: Cr Cummings (Maribyrnong City Council) Seconded: Cr Majdlik (Melton City Council)
CARRIED
Motion 5. Enhanced relations with other Local Government organisations within Victoria Submitting Council: Frankston City Council
Motion: That the MAV is to approach the Victorian Local Government Association, and other regional local government groups throughout Victoria, with a view to strengthening and creating a more synergetic environment
Moved: Cr Hampton (Frankston City Council) Seconded: Cr Janas (Alpine Shire Council)
CARRIED
5
MAV State Council Meeting, Friday 18 May 2018
Motion 6. Greater liquor and gambling controls for local government Submitting Council: Frankston City Council
Motion: That the MAV proposes to the Victorian Parliament for greater powers and instruments to enable local government, as opposed to unelected bureaucrats and bodies, to make local decisions on local liquor and gambling licences. This is to also include the ability for local governments to propose moratoriums on liquor and gambling permits in ‘high risk’ areas where there is demonstrated economic and social disadvantage
Moved: Cr Hampton (Frankston City Council) Seconded: Cr Rennie (Darebin City Council)
CARRIED
Motion 7. Overreach of unelected bureaucratic entities Submitting Council: Frankston City Council
Motion: That the MAV is to register concern to all tiers of government about the continued encroachment from unelected bureaucratic bodies on local government in Victoria.
The continued interference from both state government and state government bureaucratic bodies is eroding the democratic impetus and independence of local government decision- making.
Moreover, the MAV is to also express concern about the existing power imbalance between the Victorian Parliament and the bureaucratic branch of the Executive insofar the increasing 'executive creep' into democratic decision-making and funding allotments.
Moved: Cr Hampton (Frankston City Council) Seconded: Cr Stapledon (Casey City Council)
LOST
Motion 8. Marketing Submitting Council: Darebin City Council
Motion: That the MAV develops and implements a strategic marketing and advertising campaign to positively promote the activities and work of local councils across Victoria.
Moved: Cr Rennie (Darebin City Council) Seconded: Cr Fyffe (City of Greater Bendigo)
CARRIED
6
MAV State Council Meeting, Friday 18 May 2018
Motion 9. Inclusion of a Compensation clause within the Victorian Tenancies Act 1997 Submitting Council: Knox City Council
Motion: That the MAV advocate to State Government for inclusion of a Compensation clause within the Victorian Residential Tenancies Act 1997 (currently under review), to ensure residents within caravan parks where closure is proposed, are supported.
Moved: Cr Mortimore (Knox City Council) Seconded: Cr Symon (Maroondah City Council)
CARRIED
Motion 10. Continuation of Funding for Building Inclusive Communities Program (MetroAccess) Submitting Council: Knox City Council
Motion: That the MAV advocate to the State Government Minister for Disability to commit to ongoing funding for the Building Inclusive Communities (MetroAccess) program.
Moved: Cr Mortimore (Knox City Council) Seconded: Cr Majdlik (Melton Shire Council)
Amended motion: That 'and RuralAccess’be added following ‘MetroAccess’.
Substantive motion: That the MAV advocate to the State Government Minister for Disability to commit to ongoing funding for the Building Inclusive Communities (MetroAccess and RuralAccess) program.
Moved: Cr Weston (Campaspe Shire Council) Seconded: Cr Pollard (Buloke Shire Council)
CARRIED
7
MAV State Council Meeting, Friday 18 May 2018
Motion 11. Cost shift to Local Government by the State Government Regarding the Resolution of Non-Compliant Combustible Cladding in Buildings Submitting Council: Boroondara City Council
Motion: That the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) advocate to the Minister of Planning to give the Victorian Building Authority (VBA) the powers of a Municipal Building Surveyor (MBS) to enforce the non-compliant cladding issue to address and rectify the highly dangerous combustible cladding which has been used in construction of high rise residential and public buildings in order to avoid a potential loss of life and property
Moved: Cr Ross (Boroondara City Council) Seconded: Cr Melican (Banyule City Council)
CARRIED
Motion 12. Street Lighting Upgrades Submitting Council: Hobsons Bay City Council
Motion: That the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) call upon the State Government to fund street lighting upgrades on main roads for all municipalities to make sure new lighting is sustainable, well designed, suitably located and meets the Australian Standards for lighting.
Moved: Cr Altair (Hobsons Bay City Council) Seconded: Cr Majdilk (Melton City Council)
CARRIED
Motion 13. Installation of Smart Poles Submitting Council: Hobsons Bay City Council
Motion: That the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) call upon the State Government to enter into cost-sharing arrangements with Local Governments to install Smart Poles in key locations, particularly designated activity centres, to support electric vehicle charge points, to enhance technology and sustainability outcomes in public places.
Moved: Cr Altair (Hobsons Bay City Council) Seconded: Cr Sharpe (Moonee Valley City Council)
CARRIED
8
MAV State Council Meeting, Friday 18 May 2018
Motion 14. Combustible Cladding Submitting Council: Bayside City Council
Motion: That MAV advocates to the State Government that the Victorian Building Association (VBA): provides financial and legal support and indemnifies Councils for their Municipal Building Surveyor (MBS) undertaking enforcement action to address immediate safety risks associated with combustible cladding, extending the current financial support provided for undertaking inspections; adjusts the Advisory Reference Panel framework to ensure that Council's MBS can rely on the Panel's recommended controls without needing to undertake independent assessments of the appropriateness of the controls, with the associated liabilities; and establishes the capacity and capability to undertake the role of the MBS to address any buildings identified in the future as being at risk from combustible cladding and address any enforcement related to compliance, noting that in the interim, the MBS will address the current priority list provided by the VBA through undertaking associated enforcement related to immediate building safety.
Moved: Cr Evans (Bayside City Council) Seconded: Cr Ross (Boroondara City Council)
CARRIED
Motion 15. Cyclist Safety Submitting Council: Yarra City Council
Motion: That the MAV State Council seeks that the MAV: a. as regards on-road cycle lanes, pursues with the Minister for Roads, VicRoads, and Transport for Victoria Senior Management the need for substantially enhanced State funding to create segregated on-road cycle lanes commencing with strategic cycling corridors - highest risk corridors, to convert token on-road bike lanes to safe segregated bike lanes; and b. pursues with the Minister for Roads, VicRoads, Transport for Victoria Senior Management and other relevant transport decision makers, the need to redesign intersections used by cyclists as above to reduce uncertainty over use of road space, to reduce conflict points, between vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists, in line with VicRoads, TAC and Council road safety objectives of a zero harm approach, and accordingly progressively implement these through funding from the State budget.
Moved: Cr Searle (Yarra City Council) Seconded: Cr Melican (Banyule City Council)
CARRIED
9
MAV State Council Meeting, Friday 18 May 2018
Motion 16. Electric Buses Submitting Council: Yarra City Council
Motion: That the MAV pursue with the State, the progressive conversion of Victoria’s polluting diesel bus fleets to well-designed E-buses, with improved services, routing, comfort and features such as Wi-Fi, capable of attracting far higher patronage levels, commencing with routes involving high pedestrian and cycle use.
Moved: Cr Searle (Yarra City Council) Seconded: Cr Taylor (Glen Eira City Council)
CARRIED
Motion 17. Infrastructure Funding Submitting Council: Yarra City Council
Motion: 1) That the MAV raise with the Commonwealth through all other relevant forums: a. the need for re-alignment of federal funding arrangements so that the three levels of Government in Australia have a more efficient match between their public responsibilities and their finances; b. the need for the Commonwealth to urgently address the rapidly growing infrastructure gap in the States, particularly as regards rail transport in and between capital and regional cities – with significant funding being immediately provided to metropolitan public transport which will free up road space for cars and freight; c. the need for equitable infrastructure funding to States to reduce major discrepancies between the Australian States, e.g. Victoria's infrastructure funding has been reduced to 8-9% of federal infrastructure funding notwithstanding its population being 25% of the nation which produces 22% of the Australian GDP. 2) That the MAV therefore seeks: a. A commitment to a "new agreement of principles" funding discussion across all three levels of government so it is clear who does what based from which taxation stream. b. $ for $ Commonwealth infrastructure investment in rail in both metropolitan and regional cities; and c. Better communication of the Commonwealth's infrastructure funding distribution formula
Moved: Cr Searle (Yarra City Council) Seconded: Cr Clarke (Wangaratta Rural City Council)
CARRIED
10
MAV State Council Meeting, Friday 18 May 2018
Motion 18. Environmental Sustainable Development in the Victorian Planning System Submitting Council: Banyule City Council
Motion: That the MAV write to the Minister for Planning and Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change to request: Supporting councils who continue to seek a local planning scheme policy for Environmental Sustainable Development Achieving a state-led ESD approach in the Victorian planning system, that builds on the work done by councils and is supported by the MAV, before the end of 2018 Ministers accepting a meeting with representatives from councils and the MAV to discuss the above.
Moved: Cr Melican (Banyule City Council) Seconded: Cr Anderson (Macedon Ranges Shire Council)
CARRIED
Motion 19. Application and Enforcement of Minimum Garden Area Requirements of New Residential Zones under the Building Regulations Submitting Council: Banyule City Council
Motion: That the MAV write to the Minister for Planning to request: An update in relation to the provision of guidance to Building Surveyors which outlines how the minimum garden area requirements’ of the new Residential Zones are to be applied and enforced under the Building Regulations. Ask for a mechanism under the Building Regulations to ensure that the ‘Minimum garden area’ is appropriately landscaped having regard to the neighbourhood character including the provision of canopy trees. Seek an update in relation to the provision of general practice notes in relation to the Reformed Residential Zones.
Moved: Cr Melican (Banyule City Council) Seconded: Cr Symon (Maroondah City Council)
CARRIED
11
MAV State Council Meeting, Friday 18 May 2018
Motion 20. Improvements to Processes Dealing With Alleged Councillor Misconduct Submitting Council: Melbourne City Council
Motion: That the State Council: 1. Call on the Victorian Government to ensure that the new Local Government Act: a. Includes sexual harassment and sexual misconduct within the definitions of serious misconduct, and clarifying that a single incident may be sufficiently problematic to sustain an allegation of gross misconduct if that incident is seriously inconsistent with the Councillor continuing to function effectively in that role; b. Strengthens the sanctions applicable to serious misconduct, if the conduct is considered by a Councillor Conduct Panel to warrant it; and c. Empowers the Chief Municipal Inspector to consider a request by a Council or Chief Executive Officer to commission a confidential preliminary investigation on a 'without admission' basis, independent of the Council, into whether the conduct of a Councillor may present a serious risk to occupational health and safety, and to issue 'interim directions' requiring a Councillor to absent themselves from the workplace during a preliminary investigation, if it is deemed necessary to do so. 2) Requests that the MAV template Code of Conduct be updated to ensure that initial dispute resolution procedures always ensure that the Councillor or person facilitating the dispute resolution is impartial, and that the Code is clearer on when it is appropriate to bypass an initial dispute resolution procedure
Moved: Cr Rohan (Melbourne City Council) Seconded: Cr Ross (Boroondara City Council)
CARRIED
Motion 21. VicRoads Roads Maintenance Budget Submitting Council: Mitchell Shire Council
Motion: That the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) call on VicRoads through the relevant political channels including the State Roads Minister, local politicians and other relevant bodies and individuals for a dramatic increase in VicRoads basic road maintenance budget. This especially applies to the rural areas of this State, as when annual CPI is taken into account the budget is actually decreasing
Moved: Cr Sanderson (Mitchell Shire Council) Seconded: Cr Janas (Alpine Shire Council)
CARRIED
12
MAV State Council Meeting, Friday 18 May 2018
Motion 22. Tiny Houses - Seeking Planning Changes Support Housing Affordability and Diversity Submitting Council: Maroondah City Council
Motion: That the Municipal Association of Victoria State Council urges the state government to amend the Victorian planning provisions to better support small affordable housing as it would make a significant contribution to the policy aspirations of Plan Melbourne and homes for Victorians
Moved: Cr Symon (Maroondah City Council) Seconded: Cr Mortimore (Knox City Council)
CARRIED
Motion 23. Regional Growth Fund Submitting Council: Greater Bendigo City Council
Motion: That the MAV: 1) Notes the final report of the Inquiry into the Sustainability and Operational Challenges of Victoria’s Rural and Regional Councils by the Environment, Natural Resources and Regional Development Committee, Parliament of Victoria; 2) Recognises the need to ensure rural and regional Victorians receive a level of core local government service comparable with metropolitan residents, and 3) Urges the Victorian Government to develop a plan to maintain the liveability and economic strength of regional and rural Victoria by:- a. establishing a Regional Growth Fund to assist regional cities with a growing population to deliver the infrastructure needed to support that growth, b. incorporating key recommendations of the report into the plan; specifically: o A review of the rating system to improve fairness and equity and reduce the burden on agricultural land (Rec.1) o Seeking changes to the Commonwealth Financial Assistance Grant Pool to ensure a larger proportion can be distributed based on Council’s needs (Rec. 5) o A new Victorian Grants program designed to assist small rural Councils to deliver core services (Rec. 6) o New Victorian Government grants to assist Councils wishing to investigate and establish shared service and resource arrangements (Rec. 9) o Expanded efforts to grow the population and economy of rural Victoria (Rec. 10) o Greater flexibility when establishing grant programs requiring co- contributions. (Rec 14)
Moved: Cr Fyffe (City of Greater Bendigo) Seconded: Cr Clarke (Pyrenees Shire Council)
CARRIED
13
MAV State Council Meeting, Friday 18 May 2018
Motion 24. Clarity for Rural Drainage Roles and Responsibilities Submitting Council: Surf Coast Shire Council
Motion: That the MAV advocate to Victorian Government to establish clarity in relation to rural drainage roles and responsibilities, through processes consistent with the principles of the Victorian State-Local Government Agreement and have these matters supported in legislation or a formalised intergovernmental agreement rather than through a series of policy level strategies issued by the Victorian Government
Moved: Cr Bell (Surf Coast Shire Council) Seconded: Cr Sullivan (Moorabool Shire Council)
CARRIED
Motion 25. Electronic Gaming Machines Submitting Council: Brimbank City Council
Motion: The Municipal Association of Victoria advocates to the State Government to adopt a public health approach to reduce the harms caused by Electronic Gaming Machines (EGMs) by legislating to: 1) Reduce the maximum cash withdrawal limit from EFTPOS facilities at gaming venues from $500 to $200 in a 24-hour period. 2) Strengthen the regulatory framework governing the enforcement of the Victorian Responsible Gambling Code of Conduct.
Moved: Cr Congreve (Brimbank City Council) Seconded: Cr Mortimore (Knox City Council)
CARRIED
Motion 26. Continuation of Fire Services Property Levy Funding Assistance Submitting Council: Loddon Shire Council
Motion: That the MAV make representation to the State Government seeking continuation of funding assistance to Local Government for the collection of the Fire Services Property Levy
Moved: Cr Beattie (Loddon Shire Council) Seconded: Cr Pankhurst (Campaspe Shire Council)
CARRIED
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MAV State Council Meeting, Friday 18 May 2018
Consolidated Motions
Motion 27. Public housing investment (Consolidated by MAV) Submitting Council: Knox City Council, Maribyrnong City Council, Boroondara City Council
Consolidated Motion: That the MAV advocate to the State Government that it: Ensure that increases in social housing are sufficient to meet the needs of the community Work with local government to achieve the best outcomes for the community in redevelopments under the Public Housing Renewal Program Commit to appropriately funding the ongoing maintenance of all public housing infrastructure
Moved: Cr Mortimore (Knox City Council) Seconded: Cr Ross (Boroondara City Council)
CARRIED
Motion 28. Planning for housing affordability (Consolidated by MAV) Submitting Councils: Bayside City Council, Kingston City Council, Maribyrnong City Council
Motion: That the MAV advocate to the State Government that it recognises the potential for planning mechanisms to proactively contribute to the supply of social and affordable housing in Victoria, and investigates the development of policy to provide for affordable and/or social housing, including the consideration of: inclusionary zoning density bonuses special provisions for certain classes of development.
Moved: Cr Evans (Bayside City Council) see previous note re Bayside Seconded: Cr Staikos (Kingston City Council)
CARRIED
15
MAV State Council Meeting, Friday 18 May 2018
Motion 29. Supporting recycling in Victoria (Consolidated by MAV) Submitting Councils: Warrnambool City Council, Hindmarsh Shire Council, Maribyrnong City Council, Darebin City Council, Yarra City Council, Whitehorse City Council, Moreland City Council, Bayside City Council
Motion: That the Municipal Association of Victoria advocates to the Victorian State Government to: actively facilitate and support investment in local recycling collection and processing systems and in the development of new recycling businesses and technologies in Victoria to reduce our dependence on offshore reprocessing of materials provide further support to councils to manage the cost impacts on ratepayers of altered recycling market conditions work with other states and the federal government to develop a self-sustaining, responsible recycling process addressing all elements from producer through consumer to recycler with the aim of achieving a circular economy develop a comprehensive state-wide long term strategy for recycling with a focus on kerbside recycling develop a marketing and education campaign for consumers and industry that encourages purchasing of products manufactured from recycled materials commit to a funding package to stimulate and assist the Victorian economy to establish a circular economy by supporting industry and by encouraging consumers to reduce consumption of packaging and improving recycling by reducing contamination rates build upon existing initiatives including industry product stewardship schemes, and directives on recyclable packaging, to ensure packaging and products are designed for minimal packaging, re-use, recycling and repair, with the disposal costs included in the purchase or disposal price utilise accumulated landfill levy income for the abovementioned purposes
Moved: Cr Riley (Moreland City Council) Seconded: Cr Cumming (Maribyrnong City Council)
Darebin City Council motion (29.4) to be separately considered.
CARRIED
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MAV State Council Meeting, Friday 18 May 2018
Motion 29.4. Recycling Industry Submitting Council: Darebin City Council
Motion: That the MAV: 1) Writes to Victorian Premier, Daniel Andrews, requesting: a) The Victorian Government recognises the lack of capacity in the local recycling industry and adopts policies and actions to encourage a sophisticated, independent, self-sustaining industry. b) The Victorian Government allocates $100 million from the $2,077 million received from the sale of the State's shareholding in Snowy Hydro to a fund focussed on: o developing and enhancing the sustainability of domestic processing of recyclable waste within the state of Victoria o addressing the immediate local government funding shortfalls arising from the China Sword policy. c) The Victorian Government works with local government to develop a self-sustaining, responsible recycling process addressing all elements from producer through consumer to recycler. 2) Obtains advice on: a) The legality of the Victorian Government continuing to collect the Landfill Levy and withholding the collected funds, without disbursement for the purposes for which the levy was collected. b) The ability of Councils to withhold payment of the Landfill Levy until such time as a plan is developed for its disbursement.
Moved: Cr Rennie (Darebin City Council) Seconded: Cr Ross (Boroondara City Council)
CARRIED
Motion 30. Container deposit scheme (Consolidated by MAV) Submitting Council: Maroondah City Council, Mitchell Shire Council, Monash City Council, Yarra City Council
Motion: That the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) advocate for the Victorian Government to introduce a container deposit scheme and as part of that advocacy: promote the benefits that such a scheme would provide to the community investigate and share learnings from the implementation of container deposit schemes in other states including, most recently, New South Wales pursue the option for local government to be able to set up return schemes should they choose to do so.
Moved: Cr Symon (Maroondah City Council) Seconded: Cr Sanderson (Mitchell City Council)
CARRIED
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MAV State Council Meeting, Friday 18 May 2018
Motion 31. Neighborhood House Funding (Consolidated by MAV) Submitting Council: Maribyrnong City Council, Knox City Council
Motion: That the MAV advocates to the Minister for Families, Children and Youth Affairs, the Hon. Jenny Mikakos to lift the Neighbourhood House coordination freeze, and direct increased funding to Neighbourhood Houses identified as under-funded and invest in the establishment of new Neighbourhood Houses to meet the needs of a growing population.
Moved: Cr Cumming (Maribyrnong City Council) Seconded: Cr Mortimore (Knox City Council)
Amending Motion That the words ‘Unfunded or’ be added prior to ‘under-funded’.
Moved: Cr Taylor (Glen Eria City Council) Seconded: Cr Sharpe (Moonee Valley City Council)
Amendment Carried
Substantive motion That the MAV advocates to the Minister for Families, Children and Youth Affairs, the Hon. Jenny Mikakos to lift the Neighbourhood House coordination freeze, and direct increased funding to Neighbourhood Houses identified as unfunded or under-funded and invest in the establishment of new Neighbourhood Houses to meet the needs of a growing population.
CARRIED
Motion 32. Funding for women’s sporting facilities (Consolidated by MAV) Submitting Council: Maribyrnong City Council, Brimbank City Council
Motion That the Municipal Association advocates to the Minister for Sport, the Hon John Eren MP, for a commitment from the Victorian Government to expedite and provide increased funding to enable facility upgrades/retrofits to accommodate and support the growth of female sports participation and ensure facilities are suitable and accessible for all females. This request recognises that the facility-related barriers have a significant impact on female participation, and that this funding be expedited to rural and metropolitan councils which experience high levels of demonstrated need.
Moved: Cr Cumming (Maribyrnong City Council) Seconded: Cr Congreve (Brimbank City Council)
CARRIED
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MAV State Council Meeting, Friday 18 May 2018
Motion 33. Funding for sport and recreation youth facilities (Consolidated by MAV) Submitting Council: Brimbank City Council, Maribyrnong City Council
Motion: That the Municipal Association of Victoria advocates to the Minister for Sport, the Hon John Eren MP, for a commitment from the Victorian Government to provide increased funding for sport and recreation facilities (structured and unstructured) to support the participation of young people in sport. Funding should be expedited to rural and metropolitan councils that experience high levels of: Youth unemployment Early school leavers Entrenched disadvantage Juvenile crime
Moved: Cr Congerve (Brimbank City Council) Seconded: Cr Cumming (Maribyrnong City Council)
CARRIED
Motions that do not relate to the MAV SWP 2017-19
Motion 34. Victoria - The Place to Bee Submitting Council: Moonee Valley City Council
Motion: That the MAV advocates for change in local government bee management practises and encourages other Victorian Councils to commit to making Victoria a bee-friendly state – Victoria, The Place to Bee by: Investigating opportunities for Shared Services or consultancy between Councils to embed policies around bee management and advocacy. Capitalising on momentum to-date and work with DEDJTR (Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources, Government of Victoria) and the Victorian Apiarist's Association. Seeking funding through State Government Grants
Moved: Cr Sharpe (Moonee Valley City Council) Seconded: Cr Altair (Hobsons Bay City Council)
CARRIED
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MAV State Council Meeting, Friday 18 May 2018
Motion 35. Pharmacotherapy Submitting Council: Monash City Council
Motion: That the MAV support an advocacy campaign calling for better access and affordability of pharmacotherapy across Victoria, including increasing prescribing physicians and participating pharmacies. The campaign will also seek to decrease stigma towards drug dependence treatment and support improved outcomes for community members seeking therapy to overcome pharmaceutical opioid/mixed drug use dependence.
Moved: Cr Lake (Monash City Council) Seconded: Cr Rennie (Darebin City Council)
CARRIED
Motion 36. Middle Years Funding Submitting Council: Monash City Council
Motion: That the MAV advocate to the State Government for additional funding to Victorian Councils to support children and young people in the primary school age group, particularly the 5 – 10 year group
Moved: Cr Lake (Monash City Council) Seconded: Cr Ross (Cardinia Shire Council)
CARRIED
Motion 37. Graffiti Submitting Council: Bayside City Council
Motion: That the MAV: 1. advocates to the State Government to increase the available police resources, penalties and programs to improve the enforcement of graffiti offences; and 2. advocates to the State Government to implement relevant changes to ensure organisations such as public utilities implement timely and effective graffiti clean-up as a matter of priority.
Moved: Cr Evans (Bayside City Council) see earlier note re Bayside Seconded: Cr Gross (Port Philip City Council)
CARRIED
20
MAV State Council Meeting, Friday 18 May 2018
Motion 38. Relocation of Housing Clients with Complex and Challenging Needs Submitting Council: Latrobe City Council
Motion: Latrobe City Council requests that the MAV calls upon the State Government, in particular the Minister for Housing, Disability and Ageing, Hon. Martin Foley MP requesting that he: 1. Instructs the Department of Health and Human Services to cease relocating housing clients with complex and challenging needs (drug and alcohol addiction) from urban and metropolitan communities to rural and regional areas, in particular Latrobe City. 2. Or immediately increases funding to rural and regional support sectors in the areas of family violence, mental health and drug and alcohol addiction services in recognition of the impact of ice on these communities. 3. Coordinate a targeted community based approach to minimise the harmful effects of ice on rural and regional communities.
Establish new initiatives to support and strengthen local communities at risk.
Moved: Cr Gibson (Latrobe City Council) Seconded: Cr Janas (Alpine City Council)
CARRIED
Motion 39. River Protection Submitting Council: Maribyrnong City Council
Motion: That the Municipal Association of Victoria calls upon the Victorian State Government to provide protection for the Maribyrnong River, Werribee River and other river systems using a similar model used in protecting the Yarra River under the Yarra Protection Act.
Moved: Cr Cumming (Maribyrnong City Council) Seconded: Cr Altair (Hobsons Bay City Council)
CARRIED
Motion 40. Consultation, community impact assessments and municipal controls regarding the over-the-counter needle and opioid facilities Submitting Council: Frankston City Council
Motion: That the MAV is to lobby the Victorian Parliament to initiate and integrate Victorian policies and policy outcomes with regard to the Victorian Planning Scheme and Health and Wellbeing Plan to enable Local Government to make better place based decisions with regard to density of rooming houses, opioid maintenance prescribing and dispensing outlets and packaged liquor outlets.
Moved: Cr Hampton (Frankston City Council) Seconded: Cr Gross (Port Phillip City Council)
CARRIED
21
MAV State Council Meeting, Friday 18 May 2018
Motion 41. Defined state funding provisions for improved kindergarten literacy outcomes Submitting Council: Frankston City Council
Motion: That MAV advocate to State Government for increased program funding for improved literacy outcomes for children 0 - 6
Moved: Cr Hampton (Frankston City Council) Seconded: Cr Melican (Banyule City Council)
CARRIED
Motion 42. Home Care Submitting Council: Darebin City Council
Motion: That the MAV: 1. Writes to the Prime Minister, leader of the opposition, leaders of minor parties and independent members of parliament requesting that bulk funding from the Commonwealth for aged care services be maintained for local councils that want to continue delivering quality aged and home care services to their vulnerable and ageing communities. 2. Advocates for an analysis of impact on the gender pay gap of the introduction of My Aged Care, and the shift in service delivery away from local government
Moved: Cr Rennie (Darebin City Council) Seconded: Cr Hart (Colac Otway Shire Council)
CARRIED
Motion 43. Homelessness In Australia Submitting Council: Frankston City Council
Motion: That MAV advocate to State and Federal Government for increased housing infrastructure for crisis and transitional housing and program funding for front line agencies to better support the growing number of people to transition out of homelessness including rough sleeping and roofed homelessness (rooming houses and couch surfing) and into secure tenured accommodation.
Moved: Cr Hampton (Frankston City Council) Seconded: Cr Melican (Banyule City Council)
CARRIED
22
MAV State Council Meeting, Friday 18 May 2018
Motion 44. Packaged Liquor Submitting Council: Frankston City Council
Motion: That the MAV advocate to the Minister for Planning under Section 9 of the Planning and Environment Act 1987 to prepare a Group of Councils amendment to introduce a Local Planning Policy into the Planning Schemes for Frankston, Casey, Cardinia, Mornington Peninsula, Monash, Kingston, Knox, Maroondah and Greater Dandenong.
The South-East Melbourne Council Group (SEMCG) have recently completed a research project which aims to better understand the relationships between packaged liquor outlet density and increases in alcohol related harms taking place, particularly focusing on family violence.
The research has aided the group in developing a suite of responses to address the increasing impacts which range from advocacy strategies and office reference toolkits to amendments to the planning scheme through the implementation of planning policies
Moved: Cr Hampton (Frankston City Council) Seconded: Cr Symon (Maroondah City Council)
CARRIED
Motion 45. Parks Victoria Maintenance and Consultation Submitting Council: Frankston City Council
Motion: That the MAV lobbies the Minister for Planning to undertake a review of the Bushfire Protection vegetation clearance exemptions in Clause 52.48 of the Planning Scheme to consider the relevance of these exemptions to urban and township areas across the State and identify opportunities for a more targeted approach.
Moved: Cr Hampton (Frankston City Council) Seconded: Cr Stapledon (Casey City Council)
CARRIED
Motion 46. Review of emergency SMS system pertaining to both natural and manmade disasters Submitting Council: Frankston City Council
Motion: That the MAV is to request that the Victorian Minister for Emergency Services (and also forwarded to the relevant Shadow Minister) undertakes an in-depth review to ensure that all Victorians – with mobile phone technology – are adequately advised of imminent natural disasters in their vicinity.
Moved: Cr Hampton (Frankston City Council) Seconded: Cr Cumming (Maribyrnong City Council)
CARRIED 23
MAV State Council Meeting, Friday 18 May 2018
Motion 47. Self-Funded Retirees Discount Submitting Council: Frankston City Council
Motion: That the MAV advocates that self-funded retirees (within a certain means tested bracket to be determined by the State Government e.g. those who qualify for a health care benefits card) be entitled to the 'concession' rebate on annual Council rates.
Moved: Cr Hampton (Frankston City Council) Seconded: Cr Gross (Port Phillip City Council)
LOST
Motion 48. State of Local Government Report Submitting Council: Darebin City Council
Motion: That the MAV seek funding from state government to produce a report on the profile of Local Government similar to the existing “State of Public Service” report
Moved: Cr Rennie (Darebin City Council) Seconded: Cr Leppert (Melbourne City Council)
CARRIED
Motion 49. Refugees Submitting Council: Darebin City Council
Motion: That the MAV writes to the Prime Minister requesting that: a. Australia abandons the current harsh and unjust policies of offshore detention which have resulted in 9 deaths and untold misery and despair with many people developing serious mental illnesses; b. Asylum seekers, including the 160 children held on Nauru, are returned to Australia; c. Asylum seeker men currently abandoned on Manus Island in Papua New Guinea are returned to Australia; d. Australia accepts the offer by New Zealand to provide protection for 150 people per year; e. The over 30,000 refugees living on bridging visas in our community with their futures in limbo should have a right to seek permanent protection; f. Asylum seekers seeking protection in Australia are not pressured to return to their home countries or unsafe places where they could be subject to persecution.
Moved: Cr Rennie (Darebin City Council) Seconded: Cr Riley (Moreland City Council)
CARRIED
24
MAV State Council Meeting, Friday 18 May 2018
DIVISION CALLED Cr Riley (Moreland City Council)
A division was called. The result of the division was For 56% Against 44%. (as below):
Council Vote Alpine Shire Council Against Banyule City Council For Bass Coast Shire Council For Bayside City Council Against Benalla Rural City Council Against Buloke Shire Council Against Campaspe Shire Council Against Cardinia Shire Council For Casey City Council Against Central Goldfields Shire Council For Colac Otway Shire Council For Corangamite Shire Council Against Darebin City Council For East Gippsland Shire Council For Frankston City Council Against Gannawarra Shire Council For Golden Plains Shire Council For City of Greater Bendigo Council For Greater Shepparton City Council For Hepburn Shire Council Against Hobsons Bay City Council For Horsham Rural City Council For Kingston City Council For Knox City Council For Latrobe City Council Against Loddon Shire Council Against Macedon Ranges Shire Council For Manningham City Council For Maribyrnong City Council For Maroondah City Council Against Melbourne City Council For Melton Shire Council For Mildura Rural City Council For Mitchell Shire Council Against Moira Shire Council Against Moonee Valley City Council Against Moorabool Shire Council Against Moreland City Council For Mornington Peninsular Shire Council Against 25
MAV State Council Meeting, Friday 18 May 2018
Mount Alexander Shire Council Against Moyne Shire Council Against Murrindindi Shire Council Against Port Phillip City Council For Pyrenees Shire Council Against Queenscliffe Borough Council For South Gippsland Shire Council Against Strathbogie Shire Council For Surf Coast Shire Council Against Swan-Hill Rural Council Against Wangaratta Rural City Council For Warnambool City Council For Wellington Shire Council Against West Wimmera Shire Council Against Whitehorse City Council Against Whittlesea City Council For Yarra City Council For Yarra Ranges Council Against Yarriambiack Shire Council For
CARRIED
Motion 50. Poker Machines Submitting Council: Darebin City Council
Motion: That the MAV State Council: 1. Condemns Woolworths for operating Australia's biggest poker machine business in a reckless and unsustainable fashion, deluging harm and misery on the community by making more than 12,000 predatory and addictive gambling machines available at 300 hotels across Australia, including 80 in Victoria. 2. Authorises the MAV to engage with the Vision Super board to advocate for full divestment of its Woolworths investment by the end of 2018 if the Woolworths board has not publically announced its intention to divest its poker machine division.
Moved: Cr Rennie (Darebin City Council) Seconded: Cr Riley (Moreland City Council)
Cr Anderson (Macedon Range Shire Council) proposed an Amended Motion
That the MAV State Council: Authorises the MAV to engage with the Vision Super board to advocate for full divestment of any shareholdings that invest in poker machines including, but not limited to, its Woolworths investment if by the end of 2018 the Woolworths board has not publicly announced its intention to divest its poker machine division.No seconder was sought as the amended motion was withdrawn by Cr Anderson (Macedon Range Shire Council).
26
MAV State Council Meeting, Friday 18 May 2018
Procedural motion: That the motion be put: Cr McFee (Swan Hill Rural Council)
Procedural motion CARRIED
Motion
LOST
DIVISION CALLED Cr Leppert (Melbourne City Council)
A division was called. The result of the division was For 70% Against 30%. (as below):
Council Vote Alpine Shire Council Against Banyule City Council For Bass Coast Shire Council Against Baw Baw Shire Council Against Bayside City Council For Benalla Rural City Council Against Boroondara City Council Against Brimbank City Council For Buloke Shire Council Against Cardinia Shire Council Against Casey City Council Against Central Goldfields Shire Council Against Corangamite Shire Council Against Darebin City Council For East Gippsland Shire Council Against Frankston City Council Against Gannawarra Shire Council Against Glen Eira City Council Against Golden Plains Shire Council Against Greater Geelong City Council Against Greater Shepparton City Council Against Hepburn Shire Council For Hobsons Bay City Council Against Horsham Rural City Council For Latrobe City Council Against Loddon Shire Council Against Macedon Ranges Shire Council For Manningham City Council For Maribyrnong City Council Against Maroondah City Council Against Melbourne City Council For
27
MAV State Council Meeting, Friday 18 May 2018
Melton Shire Council Against Mildura Rural City Council For Mitchell Shire Council Against Moira Shire Council Against Monash City Council For Moonee Valley City Council Against Moorabool Shire Council Against Mount Alexander Shire Council For Moyne Shire Council Against Murrindindi Shire Council Against Port Phillip City Council For Pyrenees Shire Council Against Queenscliffe Borough Council Against South Gippsland Shire Council Against Strathbogie Shire Council Against Surf Coast Shire Council Against Swan-Hill Rural Council Against Wangaratta Rural City Council Against Warnambool City Council Against Wellington Shire Council Against West Wimmera Shire Council Against Whitehorse City Council Against Whittlesea City Council Against Wyndham City Council For Yarra City Council For Yarra Ranges Council Against Yarriambiack Shire Council Against
Motion declared LOST.
Motion 51. Victorian Planning Scheme Review of Parking Provisions at cl 52.06 Submitting Council: Greater Dandenong City Council
Motion: That the MAV note community concerns frequently raised in objection to residential development permit applications in that the current car parking requirements set out in Clause 52.06 of the Victoria Planning Provisions are inadequate.
That the MAV supports and advocates for a review of Clause 52.06 of the Victoria Planning Provisions with a view to an increased requirement for the provision of car parking in residential developments.
28
MAV State Council Meeting, Friday 18 May 2018
Moved: Cr O’Reilly (Greater Dandenong City Council) Seconded: Cr Stapledon (Casey City Council)
CARRIED
Amending motion That the words following “Victoria Planning Provisions” in the second paragraph be deleted.
Moved Cr Pankhurst (Campaspe Shire Council) Seconded Cr Gross (Port Phillip City Council)
CARRIED
Substantive motion That the MAV note community concerns frequently raised in objection to residential development permit applications in that the current car parking requirements set out in Clause 52.06 of the Victoria Planning Provisions are inadequate.
That the MAV supports and advocates for a review of Clause 52.06 of the Victoria Planning Provisions.
CARRIED
Motion 52. Legislation and Regulations of Utility Companies Submitting Council: Frankston City Council
Motion: That the MAV advocates to the State Government to include, in legislation and regulations, a requirement of utility companies and their contractors to advise residents directly prior to undertaking work when the work may impact on those residents.
Moved: Cr Hampton (Frankston City Council) Seconded: Cr Melican (Banyule City Council)
CARRIED
Motion 53. Dock less Bike Share Submitting Council: Port Phillip City Council
Motion: That the MAV advocate to the State Government to create a regulatory framework that sets and enforces standards so that dock less share bikes are safe and are not left in areas where they create a public hazard or nuisance.
Moved: Cr Gross (Port Phillip City Council) Seconded: Cr Melican (Banyule City Council)
CARRIED
29
MAV State Council Meeting, Friday 18 May 2018
Motion 54. Elster Creek Catchment Submitting Council: Port Phillip City Council
Motion: That the MAV undertake a short study of how councils in the same catchment can collaborate to obtain better outcomes for the catchment.
That the MAV advocate that the State Government work with councils in the Elster Creek Catchment to identify and deliver the infrastructure works needed so no properties have an 'intolerable' (extreme) flood risk.
Moved: Cr Gross (Port Phillip City Council) Seconded: Cr Evans (Bayside City Council)
CARRIED
Motion 55. Health of the Bay Submitting Council: Port Phillip City Council
Motion: That the MAV advocate that the State Government increases the period of monitoring and reporting frequency to better direct and communicate human health risks from pathogens from 1 December to 31 March each year instead of December and January only and works with council to develop and implement strategies to improve the health of the bay.
Moved: Cr Gross (Port Phillip City Council) Seconded: Cr Staikos (Kingston City Council)
CARRIED
Motion 56. Review of the Local Government Act Submitting Council: Port Phillip City Council
Motion: That the MAV advocate that the State Government retain the ability for councils to set appropriate rates rather than enshrine rate capping in the Local Government Act. That the MAV advocate that the State Government retain the ability for councils to set the appropriate method for determining land value for ratings purposes for their community, rather than enshrine the mandatory use of capital improved value.
Moved: Cr Gross (Port Phillip City Council) Seconded: Cr Clarke (Pyrenees Shire Council)
CARRIED
Procedural Motion That speaking times be limited to one minute and a maximum of two speakers for and against.
Moved: Cr Staikos (Kingston City Council) Seconded: Cr Majdilk (Melton City Council)
CARRIED 30
MAV State Council Meeting, Friday 18 May 2018
Motion 57. Contributions made under GAIC Submitting Council: Casey City Council
Motion: That State Government ensure that contributions made under GAIC be fully expended for the necessary infrastructure to meet the needs of the community in which the money is collected and that the funds are released to meet the needs for infrastructure construction in a more timely manner.
Moved: Cr Stapleton (Casey City Council) Seconded: Cr Majdilk (Melton City Council)
CARRIED
Motion 58. Maternal and Child Health funding in growth areas Submitting Council: Casey City Council
Motion: That the MAV advocate to the State Government for a more equitable funding arrangement for councils in growth areas to ensure that local government is not required to contribute more than 50% to the delivery of the Universal Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Service.
Moved: Cr Stapledon (Casey City Council) Seconded: Cr Majik (Melton City Council)
CARRIED
Amending Motion: Remove the words “in growth areas”
Moved: Cr Staikos (Kingston City Council) Seconded: Cr Rennie (Darebin City Council)
CARRIED
Substantive motion That the MAV advocate to the State Government for a more equitable funding arrangement for councils to ensure that local government is not required to contribute more than 50% to the delivery of the Universal Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Service.
CARRIED
31
MAV State Council Meeting, Friday 18 May 2018
Motion 59. Transfer of costs for policing to councils Submitting Council: Port Phillip City Council
Motion: That the MAV advocate to the State Government that basic police protection of the community should not be provided on a fee-for-service basis and Councils and communities should not be required to pay twice for day-to-day community services such as the maintenance of law and order.
Moved: Cr Gross (Port Phillip City Council) Seconded: Cr Sullivan (Moorabool City Council) CARRIED
Motion 60 Increased funding for level crossing removals Submitting Council: Brimbank City Council
Motion: That the Municipal Association of Victoria advocates to State Government to urgently increase funding to: 1. Remove all level crossings in metropolitan Melbourne to improve safety, the competitiveness and productivity of Victoria, and access to and around local communities, and 2. Upgrade level crossings (and grade separations) in regional Victoria to enable Velocity express trains to operate at high speed to all V/Line destinations
Moved: Cr Congreve (Brimbank City Council) Seconded: Cr Clarke (Pyrenees Shire Council)
LOST
Motion 61. Mandatory written notification of removal of asbestos from residential properties Submitting Council: Brimbank City Council
Motion: That the Municipal Association of Victoria advocates to the State Government to initiate policy and legislative changes to: • require any person removing asbestos from a residential property to provide prior written notification to abutting properties of the proposed removal of the asbestos; • empower Councils to enforce legislative provisions requiring prior written notification to abutting properties of the proposed removal of the asbestos.
Moved: Cr Congreves (Brimbank City Council) Seconded: Cr Symon (Maroondah City Council)
CARRIED
32
MAV State Council Meeting, Friday 18 May 2018
Motion 62. Litter Management Submitting Council: Brimbank City Council
Motion: That the Municipal Association of Victoria, recognising the significant impact on the environment and costs to the community of illegally dumped rubbish, seeks a commitment from the State Government to: • Significantly increase the penalty units payable for litter related offences under the Environment Protection Act 1970 • Exempt councils from paying the landfill levy on the disposal of illegally dumped rubbish collected in the municipality • Regulate the skip bin industry, including a licencing system of skip bins, to prevent the establishment of rogue operators
Moved: Cr Congreve (Brimbank City Council) Seconded: Cr Altair (Hobsons Bay City Council)
CARRIED
Motion 63. Funding for sport and recreation youth facilities Submitting Council: Brimbank City Council
Motion: That the Municipal Association of Victoria seeks a commitment from the State Government to provide increased funding for sport and recreation facilities (structured and unstructured) to support the participation and engagement of disengaged young people, and that this funding be expedited to rural and metropolitan councils that experience high levels of: • youth unemployment • early school leavers • entrenched disadvantage • juvenile crime.
Moved: Cr Congreves (Brimbank City Council) Seconded: Cr Altair (Hobsons Bay City Council)
CARRIED
33
MAV State Council Meeting, Friday 18 May 2018
Motion 64. Sustainability fund disbursement Submitting Council: Brimbank City Council
Motion: That the Municipal Association of Victoria advocates to State Government to urgently allocate funds from the Sustainability Fund to: 1. expedite the implementation of the Metropolitan Waste and Resource Recovery Group’s Advanced Waste and Resource Recovery Technology Business Case and associated. Procurement Strategy across metropolitan Melbourne ($5 Million), and 2. develop and implement a State-wide education and awareness campaign to reduce waste to landfill ($5 Million). 3. fund dedicated EPA Officers to manage legacy contamination and other EPA compliance issues in affected municipalities, and for an EPA office to be located within the Brimbank municipality.
Moved: Cr Congreves (Brimbank City Council) Seconded: Cr Altair (Hobson Bay City Council)
CARRIED
Motion 65. Water Act Submitting Council: Indigo Shire Council
Motion: That the provisions of the Water Act, in relation to the issuing of commercial licences for water extraction, storage, transporting, bottling and export, be subject to an MAV research and advocacy project to protect and preserve the water resource for domestic use, food and agricultural production and environment
Moved: Cr Janas (Alpine Shire Council) Seconded: Cr Clark (Pyrenees Shire Council)
CARRIED
34
MAV State Council Meeting, Friday 18 May 2018
Late Motions
Late Motion 1. Inquiry Into the Activities of the Recycling Industry in Victoria Submitting Council: Kingston City Council
Motion: That an inquiry is taken into the activities of the recycling industry in Victoria including issues relating to landfill, markets for recycled waste and the actions taken by Metropolitan Waste Resource and Recovery Group (MWRRG) in providing a consistent approach to the management of solid waste.
The inquiry would review specific actions undertaken by MWRRG including: • incentives and collection methodology in determining the quality and quantity of material collected for recycling; • review of the destination of material collected for recycling, including the extent of material for reprocessing and the stockpiling of collected material; • the feasibility of the state landfill levy charges and use for waste diversion purposes, incentives for local processing and markets. • review of current and future economic conditions in the industry and local markets for reuse of recycling material.
That a response including recommendations be provided at the next MAV State Council Meeting.
Moved: Cr Evans (Bayside City Council) Seconded: Cr Munroe (Whitehorse City Council)
CARRIED
Late Motion 2. Wind Farm enforcement Submitting Council: South Gippsland Shire Council
Motion: Advocate to the Minister for Planning and Minister for Health to address inconsistencies between the Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008 and the Planning and Environment Act 1987 in relation to wind farm enforcement.
Moved: Cr Brunt (South Gippsland Shire Council) Seconded: Cr Clark (Pyrenees Shire Council)
CARRIED
35
MAV State Council Meeting, Friday 18 May 2018
Late Motion 3. Infrastructure Renewal Gap Submitting Council: Mildura Rural City Council
Motion: That the MAV make representation to the State Government seeking a one-time payment of $225 Million as at 2012, reviewed and indexed to today’s figure to Councils to assist with reducing the infrastructure renewal gap.
Moved: Cr Beattie (Loddon Shire Council) Seconded: Cr Hart (Colac Otway Shire Council)
CARRIED
Late Motion 4. Corella Management Submitting Council: Loddon Shire Council
Motion: That the MAV make representation to the State Government to seek solutions to the problems being encountered by many Victorian rural and regional Councils and some metropolitan Councils, together with their communities, caused by the destructive behaviour of corellas
Moved: Cr Beattie (Loddon Shire Council) Seconded: Cr Majdilk (Melton City Council)
CARRIED
Late Motion 5. Advanced End to End Recycling Facilities Submitting Council: Knox City Council
Motion: That the MAV strongly advocate to State Government on the urgent need for advanced end to end recycling facilities.
Moved: Cr Melican (Banyule City Council) Seconded: Cr Congreve (Brimbank City Council)
CARRIED
36
MAV State Council Meeting, Friday 18 May 2018
Late Motion 6. Registered Housing Providers Submitting Council: Knox City Council
Motion: That the MAV call on the State Government to assist Registered Housing Providers that service specialist client groups, such as women and people with a disability, to transition to the category of Registered Housing Association to enable them to increase their capacity to raise funds and capital to maintain their existing social housing stock and increase future social housing supplies.
Moved: Cr Majdilk (Melton City Council) Seconded: Cr Zafiropoulos (Manningham City Council)
CARRIED
Late Motion 7. Support for Refugees Living in Local Communities Submitting Council: Knox City Council
Motion: A. advocate to the Federal Government to process those refugees on a bridging visa in a timely manner; and B. advocate to the State Government to provide financial resources to those Councils that have substantial numbers of refugees living in their communities.
Moved: Cr Rennie (Darebin City Council) Seconded: Cr Gross (Port Phillip City Council)
CARRIED
Meeting closed 3.06pm
Next meeting, Friday 19 October 2018.
37
Motions submitted by membership – October 2018
Municipal Association of Victoria
State Council Motions Submitted by Membership
October 2018
October 2018 State Council
Contents
Motions that relate to the MAV SWP 2017-19 ...... 9
Motion 1 Advocacy Criminal Records Discrimination Project ...... 10 Submitting Council: Glenelg Shire Council ...... 10 Motion 2 Annual Valuation Process ...... 11 Submitting Council: Glenelg Shire Council ...... 11 Motion 3 House and land contract terminations via sunset clauses ...... 12 Submitting Council: Wyndham City Council ...... 12 Motion 4 Rate capping categories to recognise the specific needs of growth, regional and small rural Councils ...... 13 Submitting Council: Wyndham City Council ...... 13 Motion 5 Roadside Weeds and Pest Program funding ...... 14 Submitting Council: Loddon Shire Council ...... 14 Motion 6 Electrification of the Frankston Train Line to Baxter ...... 15 Submitting Council: Frankston City Council ...... 15 Motion 7 Overreach of unelected bureaucratic entities ...... 16 Submitting Council: Frankston City Council ...... 16 Motion 8 State Government Levies ...... 18 Submitting Council: Frankston City Council ...... 18 Motion 9 Taking a strategic approach to Environmentally Sustainable Development ...... 20 Submitting Council: Hobsons Bay City Council ...... 20 Motion 10 Licensing/Permitting System under the Environment Protection Amendment Act 2018...... 22 Submitting Council: Hobsons Bay City Council ...... 22 Motion 11 Power Infrastructure & Solar Feedback ...... 24 Submitting Council: Hepburn Shire Council ...... 24 Motion 12 Drainage Design Standards ...... 25 Submitting Council: Hepburn Shire Council ...... 25 Motion 13 Waste Services ...... 26 Submitting Council: Hepburn Shire Council ...... 26 Motion 14 Funding Model LG Sep 18 ...... 28 Submitting Council: Horsham Rural City Council ...... 28 Motion 15 Infrastructure Contributions ...... 29 Submitting Council: Maribyrnong City Council ...... 29 Motion 16 Penalty Units in Local Laws ...... 30 Submitting Council: Boroondara City Council ...... 30
2
October 2018 State Council
Motion 17 Enforcement of Residential Noise ...... 32 Submitting Council: Boroondara City Council ...... 32 Motion 18 Cladding Rectification Agreement ...... 33 Submitting Council: Boroondara City Council ...... 33 Motion 19 MAV Rules of Association ...... 34 Submitting Council: Boroondara City Council ...... 34 Motion 20 Management of the spread of declared pest plants on arterial roads ...... 35 Submitting Council: West Wimmera Shire Council ...... 35 Motion 21 Request to amend the Victorian Planning Scheme ...... 37 Submitting Council: Mitchell Shire Council ...... 37 Motion 22 Request for assistance in advocating for change in Bushfire Provisions following VC140 ...... 38 Submitting Council: Latrobe City Council ...... 38 Motion 23 Redundant Telecoms Infrastructure Post NBN ...... 40 Submitting Council: Manningham City Council ...... 40 Motion 24 Non Fossil Fuel Financial and Banking Services ...... 41 Submitting Council: Yarra City Council ...... 41 Motion 25 Sustainable/Renewable Energy Powered Public Transport ...... 42 Submitting Council: Yarra City Council ...... 42 Motion 26 Municipal and Industrial Landfill Levy ...... 43 Submitting Council: Yarra City Council ...... 43 Motion 27 Diverse Communities ...... 45 Submitting Council: Darebin City Council ...... 45 Motion 28 Public Housing ...... 46 Submitting Council: Darebin City Council ...... 46 Motion 29 State Government Pension Rate Rebate ...... 47 Submitting Council: Darebin City Council ...... 47 Motion 30 Social and Affordable Housing ...... 48 Submitting Council: Darebin City Council ...... 48
Consolidated Motions ...... 50
Consolidated Motion 31 15 Hours of Kindergarten ...... 51 Submitting councils: Wyndham City Council and Nillumbik City Council ...... 51 Motion 31.1 Threat of no Federal Government funding for kindergarten after June 2020...... 52 Submitting Council: Wyndham City Council ...... 52
3
October 2018 State Council
Motion 31.2 Advocacy for the Continuation of Federal Government Funding for 15 hours of Kindergarten ...... 54 Submitting Council: Nillumbik Shire Council ...... 54 Consolidated Motion 32 Community Care ...... 56 Submitting councils: Darebin City Council, Bayside City Council and Macedon Ranges Shire Council ...... 56 Motion 32.1 Aged Care Services ...... 57 Submitting Council: Darebin City Council ...... 57 Motion 32.2 Aged Care Assessment Services ...... 58 Submitting Council: Bayside City Council ...... 58 Motion 32.3 Advocacy regarding the Regional Assessment Service and Commonwealth Home Support Program ...... 59 Submitting Council: Macedon Ranges Shire Council ...... 59 Consolidated Motion 33: Gambling ...... 61 Submitting councils: Darebin City Council, Maribyrnong City Council and Hobsons Bay City Council ...... 61 Motion 33.1 Gambling ...... 62 Submitting Council: Darebin City Council ...... 62 Motion 33.2 Reducing Harm for Gambling ...... 63 Submitting Council: Maribyrnong City Council ...... 63 Motion 33.3 Addressing gambling harm from electronic gaming machines ...... 64 Submitting Council: Hobsons Bay City Council ...... 64 Consolidated Motion 34: Homelessness ...... 66 Submitting councils: Port Phillip City Council and Frankston City Council ...... 66 Motion 34.1 Increased homelessness support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people...... 67 Submitting Council: Port Phillip City Council ...... 67 Motion 34.2 Everybody’s Home National Housing and Homelessness Campaign 68 Submitting Council: Frankston City Council ...... 68 Consolidated Motion 35 Support for Priorities and Specific Actions in the Victorian Freight Plan 2018-2050 ...... 70 Submitting councils: Horsham Rural City Council and Wyndham City Council ...... 70 Motion 35.1 Mode Shift Incentive Scheme ...... 71 Submitting Council: Horsham Rural City Council ...... 71 Motion 35.2 Support for priorities and specific actions in the Victorian Freight Plan 2018-2050...... 72 Submitting Council: Wyndham City Council ...... 72
4
October 2018 State Council
Consolidated Motion 36 Infrastructure Planning and Funding for Growth ...... 73 Submitting councils: Maribyrnong City Council and Darebin City Council ...... 73 Motion 36.1 Infrastructure Contributions ...... 74 Submitting Council: Maribyrnong City Council ...... 74 Motion 36.2 Infrastructure Contribution Plan ...... 75 Submitting Council: Darebin City Council ...... 75 Consolidated Motion 37 Planning Provisions for Car Parking ...... 76 Submitting councils: Manningham City Council and Maroondah City Council ...... 76 Motion 37.1 VC 148 Amendment ...... 77 Submitting Council: Manningham City Council ...... 77 Motion 37.2 Carparking issue arising from Amendment VC148 as part of the Victorian Government’s Smart Planning Program ...... 78 Submitting Council: Maroondah City Council ...... 78 Consolidated Motion 38 Funding and Development of Schools ...... 80 Submitting councils: Maribyrnong City Council and Surf Coast Shire Council ...... 80 Motion 38.1 Development of New Schools ...... 81 Submitting Council: Maribyrnong City Council ...... 81 Motion 38.2 Funding for ancillary school infrastructure ...... 82 Submitting Council: Surf Coast Shire Council ...... 82 Consolidated Motion 39 State Leadership on Affordable Housing ...... 83 Submitting councils: Maribyrnong City Council and Moreland City Council ...... 83 Motion 39.1 Affordable Housing ...... 84 Submitting Council: Maribyrnong City Council ...... 84 Motion 39.2 Inclusionary Zoning for Affordable Housing ...... 85 Submitting Council: Moreland City Council ...... 85
Motions that do not relate to the MAV SWP 2017-19 ...... 87
Motion 40 Review of planning framework for renewable energy facilities ...... 88 Submitting Council: Surf Coast Shire Council ...... 88 Motion 41 Default 80kmh maximum speed limit on gravel roads ...... 89 Submitting Council: Surf Coast Shire Council ...... 89 Motion 42 Extension of the EPA OPLE pilot program ...... 90 Submitting Council: Surf Coast Shire Council ...... 90 Motion 43 Pest Deer Advocacy ...... 91 Submitting Council: Macedon Ranges Shire Council ...... 91 Motion 44 MAV Electoral Reform ...... 92 Submitting Council: Whitehorse City Council ...... 92
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October 2018 State Council
Motion 45 Asset forfeiture laws ...... 93 Submitting Council: Frankston City Council ...... 93 Motion 46 Essential Services Commission Influence ...... 94 Submitting Council: Frankston City Council ...... 94 Motion 47 Government Assisted Drugs Programs ...... 95 Submitting Council: Frankston City Council ...... 95 Motion 48 Improved outreach with Local Government by/from EPA Victoria ...... 96 Submitting Council: Frankston City Council ...... 96 Motion 49 Localised Truancy Strategies ...... 97 Submitting Council: Frankston City Council ...... 97 Motion 50 Single Wide EBA for Victoria ...... 98 Submitting Council: Frankston City Council ...... 98 Motion 51 Use of Glyphosate and other Herbicides ...... 99 Submitting Council: Frankston City Council ...... 99 Motion 52 Private Building Surveyor Approvals - Increased Accountability and Compliance ...... 100 Submitting Council: Moreland City Council ...... 100 Motion 53 Fire Services Levy - Renewal of Infrastructure ...... 102 Submitting Council: Horsham Rural City Council ...... 102 Motion 54 Public Land Use ...... 103 Submitting Council: Maribyrnong City Council ...... 103 Motion 55 Mayor and Councillor Allowances ...... 104 Submitting Council: Maribyrnong City Council ...... 104 Motion 56 Age Friendly Environments ...... 105 Submitting Council: Maribyrnong City Council ...... 105 Motion 57 Public Housing Renewal ...... 106 Submitting Council: Boroondara City Council ...... 106 Motion 58 Advocating against changes to the Status Resolution Support Services Program impacting Victorian communities ...... 108 Submitting Council: Greater Dandenong City Council ...... 108 Motion 59 Control and Management of weeds throughout the State of Victoria ...... 110 Submitting Council: Banyule City Council ...... 110 Motion 60 Small Cell Installations ...... 111 Submitting Council: Moonee Valley City Council ...... 111 Motion 61 Rural and Regional Representation - Sustainability Fund Committee ...... 112 Submitting Council: Greater Bendigo City Council ...... 112 Motion 62 Staging Suburban Rail Loop and MMR2 efficiently ...... 113 Submitting Council: Port Phillip City Council ...... 113
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October 2018 State Council
Motion 63 Feral Pest Management ...... 114 Submitting Council: Towong Shire Council ...... 114
Late Motions ...... 115
Late Motion 1 Addressing the Increasing Complexity and Demand for Maternal and Child Health Services ...... 116 Submitting Council: Greater Dandenong City Council ...... 116 Late Motion 2 Rating System Review ...... 117 Submitting Council: Golden Plains Shire Council ...... 117 Late Motion 3 Planning for Parking at Schools ...... 118 Submitting Council: City of Casey ...... 118 Late Motion 4 Nurse Shortages ...... 119 Submitting Council: City of Casey ...... 119 Late Motion 5 Fire Fuel Reduction Process for Roadside Vegetation ...... 120 Submitting Council: Moyne Shire Council ...... 120
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October 2018 State Council
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Following a resolution at the May 2017 State Council meeting, the format for the presentation of member motions has changed.
The motions are now classified as: • Linked to the MAV Strategic Work Plan (SWP); or • Not linked to the SWP.
Those that are linked to the SWP are listed first, followed by the consolidated motions, those motions that are not linked to the SWP and then the late motions.
Each motion also indicates whether or not a like or similar motion has been submitted to the State Council for consideration from the May 2017 State Council meeting (i.e. the previous four State Council meetings). Where a like or similar motion has been considered, the paper indicates: • The title of the previous motion • The name of the submitting council • When the item was submitted to the previous meeting of State Council • Whether it was carried, consolidated or lost
Where there are multiple motions a numbering system is used to align the information applicable to each motion.
Please note: With regard to identifying like or similar motions, there are a number of motions that have been referenced that relate to some aspect of the motion.
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October 2018 State Council
Motions that relate to the MAV SWP 2017-19
9
October 2018 State Council
Motion 1 Advocacy Criminal Records Discrimination Project
Submitting Council: Glenelg Shire Council
Motion: That MAV advocate by writing to the Hon Martin Pakula MP, Attorney General in support of the Criminal Records Discrimination Project for the proposed introduction of a spent convictions scheme within Victoria and for the amendment to the Equal Opportunity Act 2010.
Relevance to MAV Strategic Work Plan: Is the subject matter of this motion/resolution included in the SWP? Yes Objective No. 1 Priority No.
Previous motions: Has a like or similar motion been submitted to the previous four State Councils: No
Submitting Council Rationale: Victoria remains the only state or territory in Australia without a spent convictions scheme, and is one of several states yet to enact equal opportunity protections for people with irrelevant criminal histories. Aboriginal people in Victoria are disproportionally impacted by the absence of a spent convictions scheme, alongside the deficiency of any protection from discrimination on the ground of irrelevant criminal record.
The Criminal Record Discrimination Project is seeking to achieve legislative reform to the following: 1. The introduction of a legislated spent convictions scheme in Victoria; and 2. An amendment to the Equal Opportunity Act 2010 (Vic) to prohibit discrimination against people on the basis of an irrelevant criminal record.
If successful, these changes will prevent Aboriginal people in Victoria from continuing to be disproportionately excluded from employment and limited from accessing many other opportunities for improved justice, health, social and economic outcomes.
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October 2018 State Council
Motion 2 Annual Valuation Process
Submitting Council: Glenelg Shire Council
Motion: That the annual valuation process include more appropriate timelines that enable Councils to review the rating data and consider further community consultation prior to the adoption of the Budget.
Relevance to MAV Strategic Work Plan: Is the subject matter of this motion/resolution included in the SWP? Yes Objective No. 1 Priority No.
Previous motions: Has a like or similar motion been submitted to the previous four State Councils: No
Submitting Council Rationale: The Glenelg Shire Council is concerned on the timing relating to the provision of valuation data during each valuation period. This issue was exacerbated recently with a change in methodology for timber plantation valuations which resulted in a significant rating increase for property owners within this sector.
The timing of the valuation process does not allow Council to undertake a robust community consultation process to consider the effects of such changes on Councils rating strategy. It is proposed that the annual valuation process include more appropriate timelines that enable Councils to review the rating data and consider further community consultation prior to the adoption of the Budget.
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October 2018 State Council
Motion 3 House and land contract terminations via sunset clauses
Submitting Council: Wyndham City Council
Motion: That State Council: • Congratulate the State Government for introducing the Sale of Land Amendment Bill 2018 which addresses a number of protections for purchases of houses and/or land, including restrictions on the improper use of sunset clauses by developers as recently advocated by both the MAV and Wyndham City Council • Requests the President write to the Premier, Opposition Leader, Leader of the Greens and all crossbench Members of Parliament urging them to urgently pass the Bill to protect purchasers from avoidable distress and higher prices.
Relevance to MAV Strategic Work Plan: Is the subject matter of this motion/resolution included in the SWP? Yes Objective No. 2 Priority No. P4
Previous motions: Has a like or similar motion been submitted to the previous four State Councils: No
Submitting Council Rationale: Wyndham City Council along with the MAV have advocated to the Minister for Consumer Affairs to protect purchasers of house and/or land from the improper termination of contracts via sunset clauses that have the effect of escalating prices. This advocacy is consistent with the overarching role of Councils to advocate for their communities.
Following growing community concerns and this advocacy, the State Government recently introduced a Bill to the Parliament to address this and other much needed protections.
This problem has already been addressed in other jurisdictions, and needs to be addressed in Victoria as there is ample evidence from many Councils of this practice causing real harm to people seeking to purchase housing.
By supporting this motion, Councils will be sending a clear message to all parties and crossbench Members of Parliament to support the Bill to better protect purchasers of house and/or land.
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October 2018 State Council
Motion 4 Rate capping categories to recognise the specific needs of growth, regional and small rural Councils
Submitting Council: Wyndham City Council
Motion: 1. That State Council:Notes the lack of commitment from any major party in Victoria to make significant changes to the rate capping regime since its inception 2. Supports the introduction of a more nuanced rate capping regime that recognises particular infrastructure and local capacity needs such as in growth, regional and small rural Councils, and 3. Requests the President write to all leaders, relevant Ministers, Shadow Ministers and Spokespersons of 4. Victorian parties to establish an independent, resourced public inquiry into: o the impacts of the rate capping regime on specific infrastructure and capacity constraints in growth, regional and small rural Councils, and o potential reforms to the rate capping regime linked to these specific needs and constraints.
Relevance to MAV Strategic Work Plan: Is the subject matter of this motion/resolution included in the SWP? Yes Objective No. 2 Priority No. P4
Previous motions: Has a like or similar motion been submitted to the previous four State Councils: No
Submitting Council Rationale: While the MAV State Council has previously supported the establishment of a growth category in the State Government's rate capping regime, this motion specifically links further reviews and reforms to two critical factors that affect liveability in growth, regional and small rural Councils - infrastructure and capacity constraints.
Regardless of advocacy from the MAV, growth as well as regional and small rural Councils, and a number of reports of the Parliament of Victoria's Environment and Planning Committee Inquiry Into Rate Capping, no major political party has committed to a structural review or any meaningful reforms.
This is despite growing evidence that the impact of rate capping can be felt more seriously by growth, regional and small rural Councils, particularly in relation to infrastructure and capacity constraints.
Rate capping in Victoria and rate pegging in New South Wales allow for variations above the annual rate cap or peg. However the variation process is not resourced to consider, test and report on the complex economic, social and environmental impacts of infrastructure and capacity constraints particularly in growth, regional as well as small rural Councils.
Supporting this motion would enable a more responsible and transparent review and reforms to occur.
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October 2018 State Council
Motion 5 Roadside Weeds and Pest Program funding
Submitting Council: Loddon Shire Council
Motion: That the Municipal Association of Victoria, advocate to the State Government of Victoria for the continuation of the Roadside Weeds and Pest Program funding beyond June 2019.
Relevance to MAV Strategic Work Plan 2017-19: Is the subject matter of this motion/resolution included in the SWP? Yes Objective No. 1 Priority No. 1
Previous motions: Has a like or similar motion been submitted to the previous four State Councils: Yes
Title(s): VicRoads Roads Maintenance Budget
Name of submitting council(s): Mitchell Shire Council
State Council meeting(s): May 2018
Outcome(s): Carried
Submitting Council Rationale: The Municipal Association of Victoria's Strategic work plan 2017 – 19 Objective 1, does include advocating for security of funding for the Roadside Weed and Pest Program. The program funding has been successfully extended to the end of the 2018 - 2019 financial year.
The State Government funding is vital support required to maintain the delivery of this program into the future. The funding support ensures that Councils deliver the roadside weed and pest programs in consultation with the Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport, & Resources and the Department of Environment, Land, Water & Planning. The endorsed control plan requires a proactive approach and for Councils to maintain this level of service the continuation of funding support beyond June 2019 is essential.
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October 2018 State Council
Motion 6 Electrification of the Frankston Train Line to Baxter
Submitting Council: Frankston City Council
Motion: That the MAV is to advocate for the electrification of the Frankston train line to include all railway stations to Baxter railway station to be included within the State Governments Rail Infrastructrure Program. The MAV notes the significant environmental and economic developments that this proposed extension of the Frankston line will achieve. The MAV also notes the commitment by the Federal Government to fund half the cost of the electrification project and calls on the State Government to stop obfuscating and match the federal funding to allow the project to become a reality
Relevance to MAV Strategic Work Plan 2017-19: Is the subject matter of this motion/resolution included in the SWP? Yes Objective No. 3 Priority No. 9
Previous motions: Has a like or similar motion been submitted to the previous four State Councils: No
Submitting Council Rationale: Advocating for the extension of Frankston Line electrification to Baxter has been a key policy of Council for some time and features as one of the four-year priorities in the Council Plan for 2107-18 (Priority 1.1.1). It is also one of the four Council advocacy priorities for the 2018 State election.
Electrification to Baxter benefits Frankston by freeing existing train stabling space for alternative land uses around Frankston Station. It will also reduce demand for over- subscribed parking at Frankston Station as residents of the southern and south eastern portions of our municipality, and Mornington Peninsula Shire residents, will be able to source more convenient park and ride options from Langwarrin and Baxter.
In addition, there is the opportunity to relocate the current Leawarra Station closer to the Frankston Hospital precinct and Monash University. Together with the construction of a substantially upgrade station, this will enhance public transport access to the hospital for patients, workers and visitors and make it easier for students to attend the university. Such improved access will encourage development in the hospital and university precincts increasing the attractiveness of Frankston as a place to live, work and study. This accords with Council's vision for the precinct outlined in Council's Frankston Metropolitan Activity Centre Master Plan.
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October 2018 State Council
Motion 7 Overreach of unelected bureaucratic entities
Submitting Council: Frankston City Council
Motion: That the MAV is to register concern to all tiers of government about the continued encroachment from unelected bureaucratic bodies on local government in Victoria.
The continued interference from both state government and state government bureaucratic bodies is eroding the democratic impetus and independence of local government decision- making.
Moreover, the MAV is to also express concern about the existing power imbalance between the Victorian Parliament and the bureaucratic branch of the Executive insofar the increasing 'executive creep' into democratic decision-making and funding allotments
Relevance to MAV Strategic Work Plan: Is the subject matter of this motion/resolution included in the SWP? Yes Objective No. 1 and 2 Priority No. 1 and 3
Previous motions: Has a like or similar motion been submitted to the previous four State Councils: Yes
Title(s): Establish a Growth Category (Two Tier System) for the Victorian Government's Fair Go Rates System (1), Rate Capping Advocacy Campaign (2), Alignment of VCAT Decisions with Community Expectations (3), Overreach of unelected bureaucratic entities (4).
Name of submitting council(s): Wyndham City Council (1), Whittlesea City Council (2), Port Phillip City Council (3), Frankston City Council (4)
State Council meeting(s): May 2017 (1), May 2016 (2), May 2017 (3), May 2018 (4)
Outcome(s): Carried (1), Carried (2), Carried (3), Lost (4)
Submitting Council Rationale: Council's are impeded in achieving integrated outcomes for their communities by the actions of State Governement agencies that appear to be set up to duplicate or constrain the decision-making of local government in core areas of service delivery. These unelected bodies, such as the Essential Services Commission (ESC) and Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) act to frustrate the effective operation of local government.Essential Services Commission(ESC) (which determines rate-capping).
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October 2018 State Council
Motion 7 Overreach of unelected bureaucratic entities (continued)
The ESC and the introduction of rate capping has significantly reduced local government autonomy in that it has essentially provided State Government control over the vast amount of revenue that Council raises and limit Councils role to only being a body that determines how scarce resources are then allocated. The ESC and State Government now determine over 80 per cent of the revenue raised (combination of rates, grants and statutory set fees and charges) by Frankston City Council. Council's ability to raise additional revenue from fees and charges are quite minimal. It would be the preference of Frankston City Council for the ESC's assessments of rate capping to be advisory in nature and not determinative.
In this manner, Council could remain accountable to its local community for its rating decisions and retain its autonomy.the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (which often overturns local government decisions on planning matters).
The overbearing intrusion of VCAT into the Council responsibility of detemination of planning applications under local government planning schemes needs to be overhauled to return the VCAT role to one of a technical review of administrative decisions, and not a 'de novo' assessment of planning applications. Instead of considering the material placed before Council by applicants, and reviewing the Council's resulting decision, VCAT goes significantly further and often invites and entertains entirely new development proposals for the subject site with material supplied by the applicant that was never seen by Council. This over-reach has lead to applicants and other sectoral interests 'gaming the planning system' and reserving information so that it can be decided by VCAT rather than dealt with at the local government level. This has the unfortunate effect of unnecessarily extending the time required to come to a final decision on a planning application while undermining trust in the transparency of the planning process.
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October 2018 State Council
Motion 8 State Government Levies
Submitting Council: Frankston City Council
Motion: That the MAV is to explore legal options, on behalf of its Council membership, on the legality of the State Government being able to impose levies for payment in lieu of rate notices. The legal advice is to explore the power of the State Government to do this, the power of local government to decline the collection of State Government rates, what basis local government has in seeking fair and concise reparations for taking on the collection of State Government rates and the ability for/of local governments to charge the State Government for the collection of State Government rates.
Further, the MAV is to express frustration to the relevant Minister (and Shadow Minister) about the unfair situation that is local government collecting state government based levies with unfair and insufficient compensation.
Relevance to MAV Strategic Work Plan: Is the subject matter of this motion/resolution included in the SWP? Yes Objective No. 1 Priority No. 2 and 3
Previous motions: Has a like or similar motion been submitted to the previous four State Councils: Yes
Title(s): Lack of Compensation Provided to Councils on State Government Fees and Levies
Name of submitting council(s): Frankston City Council
State Council meeting(s): October 2017
Outcome(s): Carried
Submitting Council Rationale: Local Government currently collects two levies on behalf of the State Government in the Landfill Levy and the Fire Services Levy. Council receives no funding from the State Government in respect of landfill levy collections and whilst it does receive funding for the Fire Services Levy, this remains subject to annual confirmation and potentially the withdrawal of funding at some point in the future.
There has been further speculation in recent years about the State Government adding further State levies on Local Government and this was particularly the case when consideration was being given to implementing a domestic violence levy on all Victorians. Historically Local Government was further used by the State Government to collect a State Deficit Levy.
Council residents find it difficult to distinguish between what is a Council charge and what is a State Levy with ratepayers essentially only looking at the bottom line figure on their rates notices and attributing all of these costs to Council. This causes Council significant reputational damage.
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October 2018 State Council
Motion 8 State Government Levies (Continued)
The State Government has its own property based utility in the State Revenue Office and access to all local government valuations via the Valuer General. The only realistic rationale that the State Government doesn't utilise the SRO to collect these State levies is the transference of the political fall out directly on to Local Government. Frankston City Council therefore recommends that the MAV seek to undertake steps to advocate for the removal of State levies from local government rate notices.
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October 2018 State Council
Motion 9 Taking a strategic approach to Environmentally Sustainable Development
Submitting Council: Hobsons Bay City Council
Motion: That the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) call upon the Victorian Government to take a strategic approach to the built environment and develop an Environmentally Sustainable Development policy supported by appropriate Building Regulations reforms that position Victoria as a leader in sustainable development in the built environment and address climate change. Benchmarking tools should be utilised to achieve consistent environmental standards (e.g. a minimum of 50 per cent BESS score for private developments).
Relevance to MAV Strategic Work Plan: Is the subject matter of this motion/resolution included in the SWP? Yes Objective No. 2 Priority No. 4
Previous motions: Has a like or similar motion been submitted to the previous four State Councils: Yes
Title(s): Environmental Sustainable Development in the Victorian Planning
Name of submitting council(s): Banyule City Council
State Council meeting(s): May 18
Outcome(s): Carried
Submitting Council Rationale: A number of councils, including Banyule, Darebin, Manningham, Monash, Moreland, Knox, Stonnington, Whitehorse and Yarra have developed an Environmentally Sustainable Development (ESD) policy in their Local Planning Policies (LPP) in the absence of a state- wide approach. Another group of councils are currently seeking an amendment to introduce a new LPP for ESD into their Planning Schemes, including Hobsons Bay City Council. Whilst all the ESD LPPs are identical to ensure consistency there is currently a sunset clause enforced by the Victorian Government. It is timely for the Victorian Government to introduce state wide legislation so that all Councils have the authority to enhance ESD outcomes in the built form.
It is noted with the recent introductions of Amendment VC148 to all planning schemes in Victoria there were some improvements to the reference to climate change and sustainability in the State Planning Policy section. However the reforms need to go further. The Sustainable Design Assessment in the Planning Process (SDAPP) framework has been developed and used by Victorian local governments for the past decade to provide a consistent method to identify opportunities for improved environmental performance for buildings and sites. The Built Environment Sustainability Scorecard (BESS) is the recommended tool under SDAPP.
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October 2018 State Council
Motion 9 Taking a strategic approach to Environmentally Sustainable Development (continued)
Not all development requires planning approval, for example many dwellings do not need planning approval but must require a building permit. Therefore it is important that appropriate reforms to the Victorian Building Regulations 2018 are made to ensure that all buildings consider how they can improve their ESD outcomes to reduce the impact on climate change.
The Victorian Government has a strong mandate to have regard to climate change in all their subordinate policies, regulations, plans and other measures. Enhancing the sustainability of the built form is an essential component of addressing climate change. Ensuring a consistent and authoritative approach to environmentally sustainable development will deliver certainty to developers and the community and enhance environmental outcomes for all Victorians.
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October 2018 State Council
Motion 10 Licensing/Permitting System under the Environment Protection Amendment Act 2018.
Submitting Council: Hobsons Bay City Council
Motion: That the Municipal Association of Victoria call upon the Victorian Government to require the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) and Department Environment Land Water and Planning (DELWP) to include local government representation on the Working Groups and to develop a formal consultation program that enables every council to be consulted in the development of the subordinate legislation, particularly the development of a tiered licensing/permitting system framework under the Environment Protection Amendment Act 2018.
Relevance to MAV Strategic Work Plan: Is the subject matter of this motion/resolution included in the SWP? Yes Objective No. 2 Priority No. 4
Previous motions Has a like or similar motion been submitted to the previous four State Councils: No
Submitting Council Rationale: Currently a loophole exists between EPA licensing and council planning permits. This can create a blind spot in regards to who is responsible for regulatory enforcement, increases risks to the environment and has significant adverse health and amenity impacts on the community.
A new tiered licensing/permitting system to be introduced under the Environment Protection Amendment Act 2018 (The Act) will introduce a risk based regulatory framework based to manage activities and operators across Victoria, based on the level of complexity of their operations and ability to control impacts to the environment.
The current pilot program whereby EPA has introduced the Officers for the Protection of the Local Environment (OPLE) into local government will have enabled some insight into the challenges being faced across Victoria in managing environmental impacts and protecting the health of the community. Furthermore, the recent fire in West Footscray, stockpiling issues associated with the recycling industry, unlicensed landfills and Material Recovery Facilities (ie. Lara tip) are all examples of industry operations that currently fall into the above mentioned loophole and must be better regulated through the new Act. It is hoped that the refresh of The Act will address this loophole.
Whilst The Act does not commence until 1 July 2020, there will be a requirement over the next two years for EPA to develop the subordinate instruments, guidance and systems that will underpin The Act. In this regard, DELWP and EPA will soon commence consultation on the development of the proposed subordinate legislation, including the establishment of working groups that will specifically be convened to discuss key matters.
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October 2018 State Council
Motion 10 Licensing/Permitting System under the Environment Protection Amendment Act 2018 (continued)
To ensure that community health and amenity is a priority, and to ensure robust subordinate legislation picks up the issues outlined herein, local government at a council, regional and statewide level, need to ensure they engage with DELWP and EPA as the new environmental framework is developed.
This will enable local government to outline current short circuits between the planning scheme/system and environmental regulation and flag high risk activities and operators given it is important that the EPA sets up the right framework. This will result in a better environmental and amenity outcome for the community and ensure that there is a robust and transparent licensing system.
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October 2018 State Council
Motion 11 Power Infrastructure & Solar Feedback
Submitting Council: Hepburn Shire Council
Motion: That the MAV lobby the State Government & Powercore to invest in power infrastructure in rural communities to support the transition to renewable energy including the installation of solar PV systems allowing for the feedback of electricity back into the grid.
Relevance to MAV Strategic Work Plan: Is the subject matter of this motion/resolution included in the SWP? Yes Objective No. 1 Priority No. P1
Previous motions: Has a like or similar motion been submitted to the previous four State Councils: No
Submitting Council Rationale: • Many local households are being told by their electricity distributor (particularly Powercor) that they are unable to install household solar PV systems and export any of the power to the grid. Under-investment in distribution infrastructure is impacting on the amount of renewable energy generation that is installed. • Future uptake of household battery systems and electric vehicles will also require upgrades to local networks to handle higher penetrations of distributed renewable energy, but this can also be beneficial if well managed. • Some localised areas have poor electrical voltage quality, with the electricity reaching high voltages that causes damage to residents' appliances. Again, network infrastructure to manage the quality of electricity is inadequate in many regional areas and is impacting residents and property owners financially.
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October 2018 State Council
Motion 12 Drainage Design Standards
Submitting Council: Hepburn Shire Council
Motion: That the MAV advocate for increased minimum drainage design standards to achieve greater drainage capacity to cater for greater intensity and frequency of rain events to provide a greater level of protection for residential properties.
Relevance to MAV Strategic Work Plan Is the subject matter of this motion/resolution included in the SWP? Yes Objective No. 1 Priority No. P1
Previous motions Has a like or similar motion been submitted to the previous four State Councils: No
Rational: Not provided.
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October 2018 State Council
Motion 13 Waste Services
Submitting Council: Hepburn Shire Council
Motion: That the State Council resolves to call on the State Government to leverage recent waste- related issues as an opportunity to reset waste legislation, policy and regulations for the waste management industry by: • Examining the status of waste and resource recovery as an essential service • Mandating supply-chain and end-point transparency among operators in the waste and resource recovery industry so that the 'down-stream' destination of waste materials is known • Commissioning a review of the economic potential for the circular economy and resource-stewardship approaches to waste management in Victoria
Makes circular economy and resource stewardship principles central to resource-recovery policy.
Relevance to MAV Strategic Work Plan: Is the subject matter of this motion/resolution included in the SWP? Yes Objective No. 1 Priority No. P3
Previous motions: Has a like or similar motion been submitted to the previous four State Councils: Yes
Title(s): Landfill Levy Distribution (1), Landfill Levy (2), Municipal and Industrial Landfill Levy Funds and Kerbside Waste Recycling (3), Landfill Levy (4), Supporting Recycling in Victoria (5),
Name of submitting council(s): Mildura Rural City Council (1), Darebin City Council (2), Bass Coast Shire Council (3), Latrobe City Council (4), Warrnambool City Council, Hindmarsh Shire Council, Maribyrnong City Council, Darebin City Council, Yarra City Council, Whitehorse City Council, Moreland City Council, Bayside City Council (5)
State Council meeting(s): May 2017 (1), May 2017 (2), October 2017 (3), May 2016 (4), May 2018 (5)
Outcome(s): Carried (1), Carried (2), Carried (3), Carried (4), Carried (5)
Submitting Council Rationale: Since the introduction of the National Sword policy in China, the shortcomings of the recycling and resource recovery systems have been made stark.
While efforts are currently under way to define "best practice" approaches to waste contracts, these may not be able to go far enough under competition and consumer law requirements. Particularly once waste materials come under the control of waste contractors it may be difficult to compel them to disclose the downstream destination for that waste.
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October 2018 State Council
Motion 13 Waste Services (continued)
In order to overcome this and other issues of transparency and inertia within the waste sector, the State Government should be encouraged to define waste services as an essential service and define the characteristics that make this market unique to other products, services and commodities.
Further the State Government should be encouraged wherever suitable to pursue an ambitious circular-economy approach to resource recovery on the grounds that it is the most job-rich, environmentally sound and economically advantageous approach to waste management and resource recovery.
Hepburn Shire Council, under its waste and recycling collection and disposal contracts, does not have access to the commercial arrangements between its contractor and the receivers/processors of its waste and recycling materials as well as how the receivers/processors dispose and/or treat the materials. This is largely due to 'commercial- in-confidence' practices of large operators across the waste and recycling industries.
Without this knowledge, councils have limited ability to adequately plan and ultimately implement initiatives that will have any meaningful influence on the circular economy and resource stewardship principles and programs.
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October 2018 State Council
Motion 14 Funding Model LG Sep 18
Submitting Council: Horsham Rural City Council
Motion: That the MAV advocate to the state and federal governments for a review of the funding model for local government as the burden on property rates as the main source of revenue is unsustainable, particulary for rural councils.
Relevance to MAV Strategic Work Plan: Is the subject matter of this motion/resolution included in the SWP? Yes Objective No. 1 Priority No. 3
Previous motions Has a like or similar motion been submitted to the previous four State Councils: No
Submitting Council Rationale: The reliance on revenue from rates as the principal source of income for most councils is becoming problematic as property values increase differently across the sectors and particularly for rural councils where farm values are increasing significantly higher than other sectors.
The State and Federal Governments need to take a more strategic approach when looking at how Local Government is funded. Increasing costs for local government to deliver the expanded number of services and meet the increasing regulatory & compliance environments has seen an increasing burden on property rates.
On top of this the tax burden has been shifting, as the Federal Financial Assistance Grants have reduced in real terms. When introduced in the 1970's they provided approximately 40% of the assessed needs for council and now due to the erosion in their value they are only meeting 16% of the assessed need. This has created a giant taxation shift across the decades, moving the tax burden from Federal Taxation Revenues to property based rates.
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October 2018 State Council
Motion 15 Infrastructure Contributions
Submitting Council: Maribyrnong City Council
Motion: That the Municipal Association of Victoria calls on the Victorian State Government to develop a funding stream for Councils that are experiencing significant population growth but are not considered part of the growth areas (GAIC).
Relevance to MAV Strategic Work Plan: Is the subject matter of this motion/resolution included in the SWP? Yes Objective No. 1 Priority No. 1
Previous motions: Has a like or similar motion been submitted to the previous four State Councils: Yes
Title(s): Infrastructure Funding
Name of submitting council(s): Yarra City Council
State Council meeting(s): May 2018
Outcome(s): Carried
Submitting Council Rationale: The growth areas infrastructure contribution (GAIC) was established to help provide infrastructure in Melbourne's expanding fringe suburbs.
It is a one off-contribution payable on certain events usually associated with urban property development. These are usually buying, subdividing, and applying for a building permit on large blocks of land.
With the population increasing by 80% by 2041, Maribrynong is also experiencing significant growth. A broader scheme based on projected population growth would assist the provision of vital infrastructure in Melbourne's inner west.
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October 2018 State Council
Motion 16 Penalty Units in Local Laws
Submitting Council: Boroondara City Council
Motion: That the Municipal Association of Victoria calls on the State Government to: 1. Review the penalty provisions set out in the Local Government Act, 1989 (the Act) for local laws. 2. To increase the maximum penalties set out in the Act for contravention of local laws.
Relevance to MAV Strategic Work Plan: Is the subject matter of this motion/resolution included in the SWP? Yes Objective No. 2 Priority No. 1
Previous motions: Has a like or similar motion been submitted to the previous four State Councils: Yes
Title(s): Local Laws Penalty Provisions
Name of submitting council(s): Boroondara City Council
State Council meeting(s): October 2017
Outcome(s): Carried
Submitting Council Rationale: The Local Government Act, 1989 (the Act) provides that a local law may prescribe a penalty not exceeding 20 penalty units (a penalty unit is $100) for a contravention of and for subsequent offences against a local law.
Councils may set penalty levels in relation to individual local laws as they see fit, but only up to this maximum.
It is Boroondara's experience that the maximum fine of $2,000 is no longer a sufficient deterrent for those persons who intentionally seek to contravene a local law. This is particularly the case when you compare the cost of a fine to that of the cost of some building projects that can often exceed 1 million dollars in value.
For example, a number of councils have introduced local laws that regulate tree removal, in response to loss of mature trees from residential areas as a result of urban development pressures. Loss of trees impact on the ecology, climate and the visual quality of neighbourhoods.
In urban areas with significant numbers of mature trees and substantial building activity, there have been significant impacts on the environmental quality and neighbourhood character of some residential areas, caused by people prepared to incur a fine rather than to retain trees or apply for the necessary approval.
Boroondara's experience in respect to prosecuting local law breaches in court is that Magistrates are extremely reluctant to convict and will generally hand down penalties that do not exceed the penalties set out in the Act.
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October 2018 State Council
Motion 16 Penalty Units in Local Laws (continued)
Council believes it is important that suitable deterrents are available under local laws in terms of the scale of fines. The current scale of fines is not commensurate with the value of certain building works and is no longer acting as a sufficient deterrent. In turn, communities are losing confidence in Councils' ability to enforce the local laws and protect what the community values.
Whilst the MAV has previously advocated to the State Government regarding this matter, it is considered that further advocacy should be made in respect to this.
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October 2018 State Council
Motion 17 Enforcement of Residential Noise
Submitting Council: Boroondara City Council
Motion: That the Municpal Association of Victoria advocate to the State Government to amend the Environment Protection Act 1970 enforcement provisions to allow authorised officers the power to immediately issue infringement notices for unreasonable noise emanating from residential premises, without the need for officers to first undertake a subsequent visit.
Relevance to MAV Strategic Work Plan: Is the subject matter of this motion/resolution included in the SWP? Yes Objective No. 2 Priority No. 4
Previous motions: Has a like or similar motion been submitted to the previous four State Councils: No
Submitting Council Rationale: Noise pollution is sound at a level that is annoying, distracting or physically harmful.
Research undertaken by the Environment Protection Authority has found that residential construction site noise is among the top three noise complaints received by Victorian councils. Specifically, issues surrounding construction site noise include: early morning concrete pours, work being undertaken in residential areas for extended periods and noise generating activities occurring within the prohibited times including renovations to existing dwellings or the construction of a single new dwelling.
However, Council officers are limited to the enforcement options available in the Environment Protection Act to respond to these complaints. This is at odds with the community expectation Council should have the ability to issue 'on the spot' fines immediately in response to their complaint.
The community and Council officers often experience frustration at the inability to hold uncooperative building contractors to account for continued sporadic breaches of the prohibited times. While the Regulations stipulate the times noise is 'prohibited', the enforcement options available for managing this issue under the Environment Protection Act are not easily applied by Council officers, requiring two visits within a 12 hour period for a Penalty Infringement Notice to be issued. This approach is problematic where there are sporadic breaches greater than 12 hours apart.
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October 2018 State Council
Motion 18 Cladding Rectification Agreement
Submitting Council: Boroondara City Council
Motion: That the Municipal Association of Victoria calls upon the State Government to review the current Cladding Rectification Agreement (CRA) and seek clarification on Council's role with regards to recovery of administrative costs including debt collection, guarantees and the option for Councils not to be a signatory as required by the proposed legislation.
Relevance to MAV Strategic Work Plan: Is the subject matter of this motion/resolution included in the SWP? Yes Objective No. 1 Priority No. 3
Previous motions: Has a like or similar motion been submitted to the previous four State Councils: No
Submitting Council Rationale: The Minister of Planning introduced legislation on Thursday 26 July 2018 to assist building owners to replace dangerous combustible cladding. The intent of the legislation is to enable building owners to access low interest bank loans to be paid back via Council rates to rectify buildings affected by combustible cladding.
The mechanism, known as Cladding Rectification Agreements (CRA), will be an agreement between owners (or owners corporations), lenders and local councils. Owners can apply for a long-term, low-interest loan to pay for the building work required to rectify the combustible cladding. Under the CRA, the owners will pay the funds back via their Council rates over a minimum period of 10 years with the CRA transferred to any subsequent purchaser of the property.
The 2nd reading of the bill was moved on 7 Aug 2018 and further details have been released with amendment to the new legislation (section 185J) of the Local Government Act specifies that Council enters into a cladding rectification agreement with the owner(s). The CRA will bind Councils, the lender and the owner in facilitating paying back cladding loans through the rates system for a minimum period of 10 years. Councils are required to play a significant role in the administration of the CRA and therefore will need to establish robust policies and procedures before becoming signatories to these agreements.
The implications and liabilities for Councils if enter into CR agreements need to be carefully analyzed and reviewed so that Councils are not further imposed with financial and resourcing issues.
The requirement for Councils to enter into CRAs was not consulted with local government adequately. It is considered that the involvement of Councils represent additional 'red tape' for all parties concerned and recommend an agreement between lenders and owners (or Owners Corporations) as being the only parties that need involvement in the administration of the loans.
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October 2018 State Council
Motion 19 MAV Rules of Association
Submitting Council: Boroondara City Council
Motion: That the MAV State Council resolve that before a motion can be put before MAV State Council concerning any proposed amendment to the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) Rules of Association that consultation has already been undertaken with the sector.
Relevance to MAV Strategic Work Plan: Is the subject matter of this motion/resolution included in the SWP? Yes Objective No. 2 Priority No. 6
Previous motions: Has a like or similar motion been submitted to the previous four State Councils: No
Submitting Council Rationale: Background The MAV Rules of Association establish the positions of representatives, board members, deputy presidents and president. The Rules are determined by State Council. Sixty per cent of representatives must vote in favour of any proposed amendment to the Rules. The governor in council must also approve the changes. The current MAV Rules 2013 were published in the Government Gazette on 7 February 2013.
Context It is arguable that any proposed amendment to the MAV Rules is significant in nature. In the interests of transparency, good governance and engagement it is appropriate that before any motion is put before State Council concerning any proposed amendment to the MAV Rules that consultation has already been undertaken with the sector.
Consultation with the sector provides opportunities to clarify information, identify and / or raise issues and discuss ideas and options. The sector feedback can then be collated into a final report to be presented at State Council. This will ensure that there is open, accountable and responsive decision making, which is informed by input form the local government sector.
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October 2018 State Council
Motion 20 Management of the spread of declared pest plants on arterial roads
Submitting Council: West Wimmera Shire Council
Motion: 1. West Wimmera Shire Council respectfully requests that MAV write to the Minister for the Environment – the Hon Lily D'Ambrosio and the Roads Minister the Hon Luke Donnellan, seeking assistance for rural shires, with the management of the spread of declared pest plants on arterial roads. 2. That the request for assistance be in the form of dedicated officers, specifically tasked with the monitoring and treatment of the problem. 3. That consideration also be given to the officers managing vegetation growth in roadside drains adjacent to the rural arterial roads.
Relevance to MAV Strategic Work Plan: Is the subject matter of this motion/resolution included in the SWP? Yes
Previous motions: Has a like or similar motion been submitted to the previous four State Councils: Yes
Title(s): VicRoads Roads Manitenacne Budget
Name of submitting council(s): Mitchell Shire Council
State Council meeting(s): May 2018
Outcome(s): Carried
Submitting Council Rationale: Rural Councils across Victoria are constantly reviewing their priorities with respect to where best invest renewal funds into their largest asset category, the local road network. The ability to service this critical asset category and this leads to items such as pest plant and animal management slipping down the list of priorities.
Access to small sums of money to assist with addressing the problem trickle through to Councils, but they do not enable suitable control measures or eradication to occur on the local networks. In addition to managing the local road network, Councils are responsible for large portions of the arterial network and due to resourcing and lack of funds these networks are largely neglected.
In highly productive valuable agricultural regions, the problem has a detrimental effect on regional economies as the spread from roadsides infiltrates farmland and waterways. The lack of control over vegetation growth in roadside drains also leads to access problems in some circumstances, where the drains lack sufficient capacity to cope with moderate volumes.
West Wimmera Shire is not purely looking for a financial investment in tackling the growing problem, it is also asking for an investment in resources via dedicated officers to monitor and act on reported outbreaks of pest plants on the arterial network.
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October 2018 State Council
Motion 20 Management of the spread of declared pest plants on arterial roads (continued)
Over the last decade, the government have significantly decreased the number of staff tasked with managing pest plants in rural Victoria. This has resulted in an uncontrolled spread that will take many years to rectify. With the volume of hay in particular moving across the country into drought effected areas, the spread will continue unabated if there is no government intervention.
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October 2018 State Council
Motion 21 Request to amend the Victorian Planning Scheme
Submitting Council: Mitchell Shire Council
Motion: That the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) call on the State Government to amend the planning scheme to ensure due consideration is given to connector roads and the provision of multiple vehicle entry and exit points on large subdivisions to improve connectivity and linkages within towns as well as safety in the event of fires, accidents or other unforeseen emergencies through: 1. Structure Planning processes; and 2. Seeking an amendment to the Local Planning Policy Framework as part of the next available general planning scheme amendment to include additional strategies to objective 1 at Clause 21.04-5 'Bushfire Risk' and to objective 1 at Clause 21.09 'Transport'
Relevance to MAV Strategic Work Plan: Is the subject matter of this motion/resolution included in the SWP? Yes Objective No. 1 Priority No. 1
Previous motions: Has a like or similar motion been submitted to the previous four State Councils: No
Submitting Council Rationale: From a planning perspective, there is need to have connectivity and linkages through the various subdivisions and our towns in general. There are many examples of limited connectivity in this Shire which results in increased safety concerns in the event of an emergency, in addition to time and fuel wastage causing impacts on the environment. Mitchell Shire Council is predominately rural and exposed to high risks from Emergency Management issues. In the event of a fire, floods or other unforeseen emergencies it is only common sense to have alternative vehicle points to enter and exit from within the subdivisions.
The Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal highlighted this concern and need for multiple access points in consideration of recent developments in Wallan. There have also been requests in other parts of the Shire for additional roads and fire access tracks through poor past planning.
Multiple access points within larger scale subdivisions provides increased safety and more options for future development, whatever form this may take.
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October 2018 State Council
Motion 22 Request for assistance in advocating for change in Bushfire Provisions following VC140
Submitting Council: Latrobe City Council
Motion: That MAV request the State Government to review Amendment VC140 (Bushfire changes) and the implementation impacts on Local Councils, in particular Regional Councils and their potential for growth and sustainability of towns and communities.
Background / Issue: Amendment VC140 was gazetted into Victorian Planning Schemes on 12 December 2018. Whilst we acknowledge that changes to the bushfire policy were required following the Bushfire Royal Commission, the full extent and implications of the changes were not communicated or consulted to Local Councils.
In particular changes to Clause 13.02 (previously 13.05) have significantly changed how Local Government can plan for settlement growth. The changes require significant investment through Bushfire Assessment which could be at a significant cost to some Councils.
In particular, some points which are considered to be restrictive in their application are: • Considering and assessing the bushfire hazard on the basis of: Landscape conditions - meaning conditions in the landscape within 20 kilometres (and potentially up to 75 kilometres) of a site; • Directing population growth and development to low risk locations, being those locations assessed as having a radiant heat flux of less than 12.5 kilowatts/square metre under AS 3959-2009 Construction of Buildings in Bushfire-prone Areas (Standards Australia, 2009) • Not approving any strategic planning document, local planning policy, or planning scheme amendment that will result in the introduction or intensification of development in an area that has, or will on completion have, more than a BAL-12.5 rating under AS 3959-2009 Construction of Buildings in Bushfire-prone Areas (Standards Australia, 2009).
Latrobe City Council has had to delay the progression of zoning Rural Living areas within the municipality due to the changes. Areas which had been strategically justified through various studies are now under threat of not being able to progress due to the changes. A further amount of work now has to be undertaken at a significant cost to progress these areas, especially when there is no guarantee of success. We believe the changes are going to significantly reduce the growth opportunities for regional areas and remove the choice from our community on where to live while not fully considering existing mitigation measures such as Municipal Emergency Management Plans and the Bushfire Management Overlay that covers areas that have a fire risk already.
The lack of direction and certainty being provided by the CFA and DELWP is also making it difficult to navigate this difficult space.
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October 2018 State Council
Motion 22 Request for assistance in advocating for change in Bushfire Provisions following VC140 (continued)
Relevance to MAV Strategic Work Plan: Is the subject matter of this motion/resolution included in the SWP? Yes Objective No. 1 Priority No. 1
Previous motions: Has a like or similar motion been submitted to the previous four State Councils: No
Submitting Council Rationale: The motion meets the following objective: Planning & Building 1b Influence planning and building reform agenda. Local government voice is heard in reform initiatives.
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October 2018 State Council
Motion 23 Redundant Telecoms Infrastructure Post NBN
Submitting Council: Manningham City Council
Motion: To secure a commitment from NBN Co to remove its own redundant telephone wiring and approve the decommissioning and removal by Optus of their redundant Hybrid Fibre Coaxial (HFC) aerial infrastructure.
Relevance to MAV Strategic Work Plan: Is the subject matter of this motion/resolution included in the SWP? Yes Objective No. 4 Priority No. 11
Previous motions: Has a like or similar motion been submitted to the previous four State Councils: No
Submitting Council Rationale: Council is concerned with the redundant aerial infrastructure, which appears to be abandoned on road reserves and private property, following the rollout of the National Broadband Network (NBN).
The aerial landscape includes Hybrid Fibre Coaxial (HFC) cables commissioned by telecommunications carriers Optus and Telstra. Following the introduction of the National Broadband Network, NBN Co took ownership of Telstra cables to carry Foxtel. However, NBN Co had no need for Optus cables; leaving them redundant.
Advice received from Optus is that they are supportive of removing the redundant infrastructure, to reduce their rental and operating costs. However, Optus is bound by a legal agreement with NBN Co not to remove the redundant infrastructure without consent, and is still waiting on NBN Co for this.
Council has sought advice from NBN Co as to whether there are any plans to remove redundant Optus infrastructure; but, in conflict with the legal agreement, were referred back to Optus for resolution. With no end date for the rollout of the NBN in sight (“8 million by 2021”), there is concern that municipal areas are remaining visually cluttered with reductant infrastructure.
Council would like the MAV to call on the NBN Co to secure a commitment to provide a decommissioning plan that will result in the timely removal of the redundant infrastructure
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October 2018 State Council
Motion 24 Non Fossil Fuel Financial and Banking Services
Submitting Council: Yarra City Council
Motion: That: 1. MAV investigate options for jointly procuring financial and banking services for local government that do not facilitate the funding of fossil fuel companies and projects; and 2. such investigations should include: 3. the formation of a mutual bank or credit union with the purpose of providing enterprise level banking services to local government and other organisations which require tailored banking services; and 4. working with an existing authorised deposit taking institution (other than those which facilitate the funding of fossil fuel companies or projects) to develop their services and systems to such a level that would allow them to provide enterprise level banking services to local government and other organisations which require tailored banking services.
Relevance to MAV Strategic Work Plan: Is the subject matter of this motion/resolution included in the SWP? Yes Objective No. 1 Priority No. 1
Previous motions Has a like or similar motion been submitted to the previous four State Councils: No
Submitting Council Rationale: Many individuals and organisations around the world have made the choice to not bank with financial institutions which fund fossil fuel companies or projects, however the options for enterprise level banking services in Australia are limited. Given the success of joint procurement initiatives such as the Melbourne Renewable Energy Project (MREP), an opportunity exists for local government and MAV to lead the way in facilitating the development of an enterprise level financial services offering without connections to the fossil fuel industry
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October 2018 State Council
Motion 25 Sustainable/Renewable Energy Powered Public Transport
Submitting Council: Yarra City Council
Motion: That the MAV State Council: 1. welcomes the State Government's recent action in transitioning Melbourne's Tram network to run on renewable power; 2. proposes that the State Government commits to transitioning the Melbourne Metropolitan train network to renewable power, noting that such initiative will assist in reducing the carbon footprint of travel within Melbourne; and 3. proposes in furtherance of the prior State Council motion of 18 May 2018, that the State Government convert the metropolitan bus network to E-buses, giving priority to bus routes with diesel buses shared with bike routes such as Rathdowne Street, North Carlton/Carlton.
Relevance to MAV Strategic Work Plan: Is the subject matter of this motion/resolution included in the SWP? Yes Objective No. 2 Priority No. 2
Previous motions: Has a like or similar motion been submitted to the previous four State Councils: Yes
Title(s): Electric Buses
Name of submitting council(s): Yarra City Council
State Council meeting(s): May 2018
Outcome(s): Carried
Submitting Council Rationale: The energy sector is undergoing a transition as investment moves away from coal, oil and gas towards clean sources of energy including wind, solar and energy storage. The transport sector is the second largest emitter of carbon pollution and Melbourne's trains are the second largest consumer of electricity in Victoria.
The Public Transport Users' Association estimates the train network currently consumes roughly 450-500 gigawatt hours of electricity annually. This is likely to increase in coming years as new train lines and services become active.
By contracting a combination of wind, solar and energy storage projects, Melbourne's Metropolitan train network can source its electricity from renewable energy sources. The train network is a significant part of Melbourne's transport infrastructure.
The initiative will assist the Metropolitan train network both to promote and to take advantage of the transition to renewable energy in the electricity sector, with cost savings as well as reduced pollution.
Diesel buses are another key source of emissions undermining arterial road air quality. This motion to transition to E-buses is re-iterating previous motions passed at MAV State Council, seeks ongoing advocacy by the MAV to this end.
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October 2018 State Council
Motion 26 Municipal and Industrial Landfill Levy
Submitting Council: Yarra City Council
Motion: 1. That the MAV enter into discussions with the Department for Land, Water and Planning with a view to exploring appropriate ways for a local government representative to be involved in the process for allocating funds from the Municipal and Industrial Landfill Levy fund; and 2. That this MAV State Council call on the State Government to to respond to the recommendations of the Victorian Auditor General and ensure that the revised Terms of Reference for the Municipal and Industrial Landfill Levy Sustainability Fund Committee enshrine a place for a local government representative in the process.
Relevance to MAV Strategic Work Plan: Is the subject matter of this motion/resolution included in the SWP? Yes Objective No. 1 Priority No. 3
Previous motions: Has a like or similar motion been submitted to the previous four State Councils: Yes
Title(s): Landfill Levy Distribution (1), Landfill Levy (2), Municipal and Industrial Landfill Levy Funds and Kerbside Waste Recycling (3), Landfill Levy (4), Supporting Recycling in Victoria (5),
Name of submitting council(s): Mildura Rural City Council (1), Darebin City Council (2), Bass Coast Shire Council (3), Latrobe City Council (4), Warrnambool City Council, Hindmarsh Shire Council, Maribyrnong City Council, Darebin City Council, Yarra City Council, Whitehorse City Council, Moreland City Council, Bayside City Council (5)
State Council meeting(s): May 2017 (1), May 2017 (2), October 2017 (3), May 2016 (4), May 2018 (5)
Outcome(s): Carried (1), Carried (2), Carried (3), Carried (4), Carried (5)
Submitting Council Rationale: In July 2018, the Victorian Auditor General's Office tabled the report Managing the Municipal and Industrial Landfill Levy, which presented the outcomes of its review of the financial management of the Municipal and Undustrial Lanfill Levy and the fund, processes for prioritising and selecting programs funded from the fund, project management and outcomes of funding.
That review found, among other things, that the process for determining the expenditure of the fund is overseen by a Committee that is primarily made up of representatives of government departments responsible for projects submitted for consideration. This arrangement, the Auditor Genral found, creates an inherent conflict of interest.
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October 2018 State Council
Motion 26 Municipal and Industrial Landfill Levy (continued)
The Department for Land, Water and Planning accepted VAGO's recommendation and committed to review the Terms of Reference for the Sustainability Fund Committee, including its roles, responsibilities, memberships and processes for managing conflicts of interest. DELWP also committed to establish an independent committee to manage the inherent conflicts of interest while maintaining access to subject-matter expertise.
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October 2018 State Council
Motion 27 Diverse Communities
Submitting Council: Darebin City Council
Motion: That MAV urges its member Councils to become Refugee Welcome Zones and Welcoming City Network members.
Relevance to MAV Strategic Work Plan Is the subject matter of this motion/resolution included in the SWP? Yes Objective No. 4 Priority No.
Previous motions Has a like or similar motion been submitted to the previous four State Councils: No
Submitting Council Rationale: Rationale: Local government plays a pivotal role in fostering a sense of belonging and socioeconomic participation for all people, including newly arrived migrants, refugees and people seeking asylum. This includes addressing discrimination and racism, which has direct and indirect negative consequences on the health and wellbeing of individuals and communities.
The Welcoming City Network supports councils to achieve these outcomes, working with community leaders to leverage the ideas and innovation that comes from being welcoming and inclusive, with a focus on cultural diversity and both newly arrived and receiving communities.
Further to this, the Refugee Welcome Zone Declaration demonstrates compassion for refugees and a commitment to enhancing cultural and religious diversity in the community. It can also assist in the development of a more coordinated approach to supporting refugee and newly arrived residents.
Both initiatives strongly support councils in their efforts to build strong, socially cohesive communities, where all residents feel that they belong and can participate in social, economic and civic life.
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October 2018 State Council
Motion 28 Public Housing
Submitting Council: Darebin City Council
Motion: That MAV calls on the State Government not to sell off any public housing estate land to private developers and instead increase public housing stock.
Relevance to MAV Strategic Work Plan Is the subject matter of this motion/resolution included in the SWP? Yes Objective No. 1 Priority No. 1
Previous motions Has a like or similar motion been submitted to the previous four State Councils: Yes
Title(s): 1. Increased Eastern Affordable Housing in Eastern Metropolitan Melbourne (1) 2. Homelessness and Affordable Housing (2) 3. Affordable Housing (3), Affordable Housing (4), Affordable Housing (5) 4. Public housing investment (6)
Name of submitting council(s): Darebin City Council
State Council meeting(s): May 2017 (1), May 2017 (2), May 2016 (3), May 2016 (4), September 2016 (5), May 2018 (6)
Outcome(s): Carried (1), Carried (2), Carried (3), Carried (4), Carried (5), Carried (6)
Submitting Council Rationale: Public housing is an important community asset which is intended to assist those most vulnerable in our society. Research from around the world shows quality housing delivers significant social and economic benefits and disadvantaged public housing tenants deserve the best accommodation possible. With more than 7,000 local families and individuals on an ever growing waiting list for public housing in Darebin, increasing the supply and quality is critical. Much of the land owned by the State Government in Darebin is located within areas well serviced by public transport, parks and community facilities which often support public housing tenants more broadly. Once this valuable public land is lost to the private sector, it is considered to be lost forever. The land cannot be recoverable except at great cost.
Across the state, Victoria should be leading by example by ensuring that the most vulnerable in our society can have equitable access to quality housing.
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October 2018 State Council
Motion 29 State Government Pension Rate Rebate
Submitting Council: Darebin City Council
Motion: That MAV calls on the State Government to increase by 50% the State Government Pension Rate Rebate for eligible card holders.
Relevance to MAV Strategic Work Plan Is the subject matter of this motion/resolution included in the SWP? Yes Objective No. 2 Priority No. 4
Previous motions Has a like or similar motion been submitted to the previous four State Councils: No
Submitting Council Rationale: Currently, for eligible card holders, the State Government Pension Rate Rebate is a 50% deduction on council rates up to a yearly maximum of $229.40 for 2018–19.
Increasing the base dollar amount rebate by 50% will help ease the financial burden for pensioner households and assist them to stay in their own home.
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October 2018 State Council
Motion 30 Social and Affordable Housing
Submitting Council: Darebin City Council
Motion: That MAV: 1. Coordinate with the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning to play a lead role in resourcing and supporting Councils to implement actions aligned to Plan Melbourne, Homes for Victorians and the Infrastructure Victoria 30-Year Plan with regard to social and affordable housing, including facilitating the provision of affordable housing through the planning system. 2. Advocate to the State and Federal Government to provide significant, consistent and ongoing funding for social and affordable housing. 3. Advocate to the State Government to significantly increase the social housing being provided through the Social Housing and Public Housing Renewal Program and Inclusionary Housing Pilot, so that the provision is linked to demand.
Relevance to MAV Strategic Work Plan; Is the subject matter of this motion/resolution included in the SWP? Yes Objective No. 2 Priority No. 4
Previous motions: Has a like or similar motion been submitted to the previous four State Councils: Yes
Title(s): Increased Eastern Affordable Housing in Eastern Metropolitan Melbourne (1), Homelessness and Affordable Housing (2), Affordable Housing (3), Affordable Housing (4), Affordable Housing (5), Planning for housing affordability (6).
Name of submitting council(s): Knox City Council (1), Moreland City Council (2), Manningham City Council (3), Hobsons Bay City Council (4), Moonee Valley City Council (5), Bayside City Council, Kingston City Council, Maribyrnong City Council (6)
State Council meeting(s): May 2017 (1), May 2017 (2), May 2016 (3), May 2016 (4), September 2016 (5), May 2018 (6)
Outcome(s): Carried (1), Carried (2), Carried (3), Carried (4), Carried (5), Carried (6)
Submitting Council Rationale: The State Government has introduced a number of policies and initiatives intended to increase the supply of social and affordable housing in the State. These include changes to the Planning and Environment Act 1987, policy initiatives such as Homes for Victorians and funding opportunities such as the Social Housing Investment Program. There is significant work being undertaken to further affordable housing, and the MAV is ideally positioned to play a lead role in coordinating and supporting this work.
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October 2018 State Council
Motion 30 Social and Affordable Housing (continued)
This coordination is necessary to ensuring that affordable housing outcomes are equitable across different local government areas, as well as enabling the sharing of resources, information and skills. In addition, the above initiatives rely upon coordination between numerous sectors and stakeholders, and there is an opportunity and a role for MAV to facilitate this coordination.
In order for the supply of affordable housing to be significantly increased, ongoing and substantial investment is required. Affordable housing requires subsidy, and the State and Federal Governments must appropriately invest in housing to ensure it is delivered.
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October 2018 State Council
Consolidated Motions
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October 2018 State Council
Consolidated Motion 31 15 Hours of Kindergarten
Submitting councils: Wyndham City Council and Nillumbik City Council
Motions that have been consolidated: Threat of no Federal Government funding for kindergarten after June 2020 [Wyndham City Council] Advocacy for the Continuation of Federal Government Funding for 15 hours of Kindergarten [Nillumbik City Council]
Relevance to MAV Strategic Work Plan 2017-19: Is the subject matter of this motion/resolution included in the SWP? Yes Objective No: 2 & 1 Priority No: P4 and P1
Proposed Consolidated Motion: That the State Council: 1. Notes the strong support of councils as well as State and Territory Governments over recent months for the Federal Government to continue its share of early childhood education funding, 2. Expresses its alarm at recent confirmation in Federal Budget Papers that the Federal Government intends to cut its funding after June 2020, and 3. Requests the MAV urgently: a. Writes to all leaders and relevant Ministers, Shadow Ministers and Spokespersons of federal parties; calling for a commitment to keeping kindergarten fees affordable through permanent Federal Government funding. b. Advocates to COAG, along with the Commonwealth and State Governments for an inquiry into the funding arrangements for four-year old kindergarten, to determine the long term funding requirements for all children
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October 2018 State Council
Motion 31.1 Threat of no Federal Government funding for kindergarten after June 2020
Submitting Council: Wyndham City Council
Motion: That State Council: • Notes the strong support of Councils as well as State and Territory Governments over recent months for the Federal Government to continue its share of early childhood education funding • Expresses its alarm at recent confirmation in Federal Budget Papers that the Federal Government intends to cut its funding after June 2020, and • Requests the President urgently write to all leaders and relevant Ministers, Shadow Ministers and Spokespersons of federal parties calling for a commitment to keeping kindergarten fees affordable through permanent Federal Government funding.
Relevance to MAV Strategic Work Plan: Is the subject matter of this motion/resolution included in the SWP? Yes Objective No. 2 Priority No. P4
Previous motions: Has a like or similar motion been submitted to the previous four State Councils: Yes
Title(s), Universal Access to Early Childhood Education Program (1), Universal Access (15 Hrs Kindergarten) (2),Universal Access to Early Childhood Education - 15 Hours Per Week Kindergarten Funding (3), Commitment to Recurrent Funding of Universal Access to 15 Hours of Kindergarten (4), Recurrent Funding and Infrastructure Support for Universal Access (15 HRS Kindergarten) (5), Recurrent Funding and Infrastructure Support for Universal Access (15 HRS Kindergarten) (6), 15 Hours Kindergarten (7)
Name of submitting council(s): Moonee Valley City Council (1), Manningham City Council (2)Maroondah City Council (3), Moreland City Council (4), Manningham City Council (5), Manningham City Council (6), Wyndham City Council (7)
State Council meeting(s): May 2017 (1), May 2017 (2), May 2017 (3), May 2017 (4), May 2017 (5), May 2016 (6), May 2018 (7)
Outcome(s): Carried (1), Carried (2), Carried (3), Carried (4), Carried (5), Carried (6), Carried (7)
Submitting Council Rationale: Media coverage on Federal Budget Papers reveal the Federal Government will exit the National Partnership Agreement and cut $440 million from funding that keeps kindergarten fees affordable for Australian families.
It is of serious concern that the end of the 10 year National Partnership Agreement will undo the support provided to 1.3 million children across Australia. Families will instead be faced with increased kindergarten and childcare fees, with many expected to stop sending their children to kinder.
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October 2018 State Council
Motion 31.1 Threat of no Federal Government funding for kindergarten after June 2020 (continued)
There is strong Australian and international evidence that shows for every $1 spent on early childhood education, there's a $2 to $4 return on this investment.
Australia's levels of investment are poor when compared with most other OECD countries. This, paired with Australia's population growth means it's time for the Federal Government to invest more money, not walk away from their obligation to give Australia's kids the best start in life.
While the most recent advocacy of the MAV President and the I Love Kinder Campaign initiated by Wyndham City Council has been valuable in highlighting our concerns, our advocacy needs to be taken to the next level given the imminent funding cut.
By supporting this motion, Councils will be sending a stronger and clearer message that the Federal Government has an obligation to reverse its intention to cut funding to 900,000 Australian families who use kindergarten as a quality, stable early start to education
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October 2018 State Council
Motion 31.2 Advocacy for the Continuation of Federal Government Funding for 15 hours of Kindergarten
Submitting Council: Nillumbik Shire Council
Motion: That the Municipal Association of Victoria advocate to COAG, along with the Commonwealth and State Governments for an inquiry into the funding arrangements for four-year old kindergarten, to determine the long term funding requirements for all children accessing kindergarten places, and provide certainty for kindergartens and parents into the future.
Relevance to MAV Strategic Work Plan: Is the subject matter of this motion/resolution included in the SWP? Yes Objective No. 1 Priority No. 1
Previous motions: Has a like or similar motion been submitted to the previous four State Councils: Yes
Title(s): Universal Access to Early Childhood Education Program (1), Universal Access (15 Hrs Kindergarten) (2), Universal Access to Early Childhood Education - 15 Hours Per Week Kindergarten Funding (3), Commitment to Recurrent Funding of Universal Access to 15 Hours of Kindergarten (4), Recurrent Funding and Infrastructure Support for Universal Access (15 HRS Kindergarten) (5), Recurrent Funding and Infrastructure Support for Universal Access (15 HRS Kindergarten) (6), 15 Hours Kindergarten (7)
Name of submitting council(s): Moonee Valley City Council (1), Manningham City Council (2), Maroondah City Council (3), Moreland City Council (4), Manningham City Council (5), Manningham City Council (6), Wyndham City Council (7)
State Council meeting(s): May 2017 (1), May 2017 (2), May 2017 (3), May 2017 (4), May 2017 (5), May 2016 (6), May 2018 (7)
Outcome(s): Carried (1), Carried (2), Carried (3), Carried (4), Carried (5), Carried (6), Carried (7)
Submitting Council Rationale: There is strong evidence linking kindergarten attendance to improved student results in numeracy, reading and spelling. However, the Federal Government has not committed to funding the additional five hours of kindergarten a week after the current National Partnership Agreement ends in December 2019.
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October 2018 State Council
Motion 31.2 Advocacy for the Continuation of Federal Government Funding for 15 hours of Kindergarten (continued)
As part of that agreement, the State Government provides funding for another 10 hours, to meet the national target of providing access to 15 hours of kindergarten a week for four year- olds. Parents and councils also provide funding to help to make up the shortfalls.
In November 2008, the Council of Australian Governments (COAG), as part of its early childhood reforms, endorsed the national agenda of universal access to 15 hours of kindergarten a week for four year-old from 2013. Prior to this, kindergarten funding was provided by State Government to the level of 10 hours per week.
Currently the State Government funds 10 hours ($204 million per annum state-wide), the Commonwealth funds five hours ($113 million per annum state-wide) and a combination of community fund raising and local government contributions provide for the remaining funds required to operate a viable kindergarten program.
The national agreement has come forward for review in 2014, 2015 and 2017 and through strong advocacy by State and Local Government for ongoing funding; the Federal Government extended its commitment until December 2019.
In February 2015, the Productivity Commission released its report into Childcare and Early Childhood Learning which supports continued Commonwealth investment in preschool programs. The report recommends that Federal funding for early childhood education and care should be combined and directed toward three priority areas, including the kindergarten universal access program. This motion proposes that the MAV now advocate to COAG, along with the Commonwealth and State Governments for an inquiry into the funding arrangements for four-year old kindergarten.
55
October 2018 State Council
Consolidated Motion 32 Community Care
Submitting councils: Darebin City Council, Bayside City Council and Macedon Ranges Shire Council
Motions that have been consolidated: "Aged Care Services", "Aged Care Assessment Services" and "Advocacy regarding the Regional Assessment Service and Commonwealth Home Support Program"
Relevance to MAV Strategic Work Plan 2017-19: Is the subject matter of this motion/resolution included in the SWP? Yes Objective No: 1 & 1 Priority No: P1
Proposed Consolidated Motion: That the MAV: 1. Immediately coordinates a campaign to maintain block funding to councils for the delivery of aged care services beyond June 2020, and request that the Commonwealth Government implements a moratorium until such time the Government conducts a comprehensive review of the potential cancellation of block funding to councils. 2. Advocates in partnership with the State Government to seek urgent advice from the Commonwealth regarding the funding arrangements for aged care assessment services. 3. Advocates for targeted response and financial assistance to ameliorate the impact of reform on rural and regional providers of homecare support services in Victoria, noting that the reforms place an unfair and unequitable burden on regional and rural councils.
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October 2018 State Council
Motion 32.1 Aged Care Services
Submitting Council: Darebin City Council
Motion: 1. That MAV immediately coordinates a campaign to: Maintain block funding to Councils for the delivery of aged care services beyond June 2020; and 2. Request that the Commonwealth Government implements a moratorium to such time the government conducts a comprehensive review of the cancellation of block funding to Councils
Relevance to MAV Strategic Work Plan Is the subject matter of this motion/resolution included in the SWP? Yes Objective No. 1 Priority No. 1
Previous motions Has a like or similar motion been submitted to the previous four State Councils: Yes
Title(s): NDIS & CHSP Implementation impacts on Rural and Regional Victoria (1), Home Care (2)
Name of submitting council(s): Greater Bendigo City Council (1), Darebin City Council (2)
State Council meeting(s): October 2017 (1), May 2018 (2)
Outcome(s): Carried (1), Carried (2)
Submitting Council Rationale: Local government in Victoria has a proud history of delivering aged care services to local communities. The Victorian system, supported with joint planning and delivery from local government, has been at the forefront of home support services which are responsive to local needs.
The Federal Aged Care Reforms in the home support sector is creating ongoing uncertainty for community members, the workforce and for service providers. The expected cessation of current Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) block funding in mid-2020 is adding to this uncertainty.
It is important that the federal reforms do not result in a lowest common denominator approach, where quality Victorian services may be affected because of an imposed national- wide system.
Block funding of local council services through the CHSP should be continued. That is, there should be a moratorium on ending CHSP block funding in Victoria. A federal review should be conducted to examine the potential impacts of removing block funding in favour of creating a competitive market of service providers in Victoria.
Victorian community members have benefited over decades from Victorian councils' leadership in the area of providing quality aged care services. Victorians should not be disadvantaged in the federal reforms.
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October 2018 State Council
Motion 32.2 Aged Care Assessment Services
Submitting Council: Bayside City Council
Motion: That the MAV advocates to the State Government and requests urgent advice regarding the funding arrangements for aged care assessment services, as current funding is due to expire in June 2019. Urgent advice is required to assist with planning and upcoming budget preparations for local councils.
Relevance to MAV Strategic Work Plan 2017-19 Is the subject matter of this motion/resolution included in the SWP? No
Previous motions Has a like or similar motion been submitted to the previous four State Councils: Yes
Title(s): NDIS & CHSP Implementation impacts on Rural and Regional Victoria (1), Home Care (2)
Name of submitting council(s): Bayside City Council
State Council meeting(s): October 2017 (1), May 2018 (2)
Outcome(s): Carried (1), Carried (2)
Submitting Council Rationale: The State Government manages assessment in Victoria through local government on behalf of the Commonwealth Government. Residents are required to undergo an assessment to determine eligibility prior to accessing services. Councils are at risk of losing qualified and experienced staff and 2019/2020 budget preparatory work will be significantly impacted if a decision regarding ongoing funding is delayed.
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October 2018 State Council
Motion 32.3 Advocacy regarding the Regional Assessment Service and Commonwealth Home Support Program
Submitting Council: Macedon Ranges Shire Council
Motion: That the Municipal Association of Victoria advocate for consideration of, and targeted response to, the impact of reform on rural and regional providers of homecare support services in Victoria noting: • Advice on the architecture and funding of RAS post 30 June 2019 and CHSP post 30 June 2020 is urgently required and should be achieved by 1 January 2019. • The reforms place an unfair and unequitable burden on regional and rural councils • Government should use its market influence and pricing mechanisms to ensure that equitable services are delivered to regional and rural areas. • Financial assistance should be provided to ease the burden of structural.adjustments, particularly for small to medium Councils where ongoing viability and cost to council require transition out of service delivery arrangements.
Relevance to MAV Strategic Work Plan 2017-19: Is the subject matter of this motion/resolution included in the SWP? Yes Objective No. 1 Priority No.
Previous motions: Has a like or similar motion been submitted to the previous four State Councils: Yes
Title(s): 1. NDIS & CHSP Implementation impacts on Rural and Regional Victoria (1) 2. Home Care (2)
Name of submitting council(s): Greater Bendigo City Council (1), Darebin City Council (2)
State Council meeting(s): October 2017 (1), May 2018 (2)
Outcome(s): Carried (1), Carried (2)
Submitting Council Rationale: The Commonwealth government is seeking a nationally consistent, sustainable aged care system to address the needs of a rapidly ageing population. This approach will see lesser roles for local and state government, and greater focus on market driven system - characterised by competition, high economies of scale and greater efficiency. There is a strong likelihood that local government will not be positioned to compete with these entities.
Local Government Victoria’s (LGV) Finance and Accounting Support Team (FAST) has recently funded a research project to forecast the financial impact of disability and aged care sector reforms on Loddon Mallee councils providing the CHSP and Home & Community Care Program for Younger People (HACC PYP). The project, instigated by Executives of the Loddon Mallee Group of Councils, has assessed the potential impact of sector reforms on rural and regional providers as distinct from those in the metropolitan areas.
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October 2018 State Council
Motion 32.3 Advocacy regarding the Regional Assessment Service and Commonwealth Home Support Program (continued)
The report identifies a disproportional impact of the reforms on rural and regional councils, including proportionally higher impact of redundancies, higher service delivery costs than metropolitan councils, risk of market failure and high ‘social contract’ values associated with home care services.
There is an identified need for advocacy regarding the fairness and equity of the relative impact of sector reform on rural and regional councils compared with metropolitan councils.
Strategic investment in change for any organisation requires a level of certainty which is not available to Victorian local government at this time. There is an increasing pessimism that any meaningful change or response to the reforms will be available to councils due to limitations of budget cycles and the degree of investment required.
There are potential political, reputational and financial risks for Council in decision-making and transition. The delivery of reliable and stable home support services has traditionally been associated with local government and it is highly likely that in the event of a future service failure, whether it is the responsibility of Council or not, the community will look to Council to solve the issue.
The financial impact on councils that are not in a position to stay in the sector as service providers is also significant due to redundancy provisions for employees, many of whom are long serving staff members. Strong advocacy for financial support to assist Council’s with this cost is essential and warranted.
This will be one of the more significant decisions before each council in this electoral cycle and there will need to be significant time and effort devoted to engaging with the policy and resource implications as well as the potential social and community impact.
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October 2018 State Council
Consolidated Motion 33: Gambling
Submitting councils: Darebin City Council, Maribyrnong City Council and Hobsons Bay City Council
Motions that have been consolidated: Gambling [Darebin City Council] Reducing Harm for Gambling [Maribyrnong City Council] Addressing gambling harm from electronic gaming machines [Hobsons Bay City Council]
Relevance to MAV Strategic Work Plan 2017-19: Is the subject matter of this motion/resolution included in the SWP? Yes Objective No: 2,2,2 Priority No: P2, P4 and P4
Proposed Consolidated Motion That the MAV: 1. Calls upon State Government to commit to strategies to reduce gambling losses, adopts a public health approach and implements increased allocation of support funds to more extensive harm measures and communities experiencing large gambling losses. 2. Specifically, calls on the State Government to reduce the number of electronic gaming (EGM) machines from all licensed premises by 2032, and lower EGM caps. 3. Engages with the Vision Super Board to advocate for full divestment of investments held in companies where more than 10% of earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) are derived from gambling including Woolworths, Crown Resorts, Aristocrat, Tatts Group, Tabcorp Holdings and Star Entertainment Group.
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October 2018 State Council
Motion 33.1 Gambling
Submitting Council: Darebin City Council
Motion: That MAV State Council: 1. Notes the serious health impacts that gambling is having in the Victorian community. 2. Notes that despite ample evidence of effective public health measures which could reduce harm, gambling companies are failing to deliver their products in a safe manner. 3. Authorises the MAV to engage with the Vision Super board to advocate for full divestment of investments held in companies where more than 10% of earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) are derived from gambling including Woolworths, Crown Resorts, Aristocrat, Tatts Group, Tabcorp Holdings and Star Entertainment Group.
Relevance to MAV Strategic Work Plan: Is the subject matter of this motion/resolution included in the SWP? Yes Objective No. 2 Priority No. 2
Previous motions: Has a like or similar motion been submitted to the previous four State Councils: Yes
Title(s): Poker Machines
Name of submitting council(s): Darebin City Council
State Council meeting(s): May 2018
Outcome(s): Lost
Submitting Council Rationale: In the last year, Victoria has lost $2.69 billion to Electronic Gaming Machine (EGM) gambling. This is the equivalent of $550 per adult in Victoria (Alliance for Gambling Reform 2018).
This impact is felt most strongly by Victoria's disadvantaged suburbs, which lose six times more to EGMs than the most affluent postcodes. This compounds the disadvantage and health inequity experienced by these communities, causing significant social harm for individuals, families and communities.
Local government can play a key role in reducing the harm caused by gambling through regulation, advocacy and community development. Local government must also demonstrate leadership through our organisational alignment and seek to divest our relationship with organisations and companies who derive earnings from gambling losses.
Undertaking action together will strengthen our capacity to overcome the harm that our residents and communities experience as a result of gambling.
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October 2018 State Council
Motion 33.2 Reducing Harm for Gambling
Submitting Council: Maribyrnong City Council
Motion: That the Municipal Association of Victoria calls upon State Government to commit to strategies to reduce gambling losses and harms and implements increased allocation of support funds to communities experiencing large gambling losses.
Relevance to MAV Strategic Work Plan: Is the subject matter of this motion/resolution included in the SWP? Yes Objective No. 2 Priority No. 4
Previous motions Has a like or similar motion been submitted to the previous four State Councils: Yes
Title(s): Prevention of Gambling Harm (1), Legislative Reform for Gaming Machines (2), Electronic Gaming Machines (3), Electronic Gaming Machines (4)
Name of submitting council(s): Moreland City Council (1), Whittlesea City Council (2), Cardinia Shire Council (3), Brimbank City Council (4)
State Council meeting(s): May 2017 (1), October 2017 (2), September 2016 (3), May 2018 (4)
Outcome(s): Carried (1), Carried (2), Carried (3), Carried (4)
Submitting Council Rationale: Maribyrnong City Council supports action to reduce the harm from pokies.
The losses from pokies in the City of Maribyrnong have increased by over $856,000 in the last financial year, to $54.9 million in 2017-18. In particular, losses from pokies are highest from venues in vulnerable communities and in convenient locations, such as shopping centres.
Strategies to reduce gambling losses and harm could include: • Introducing a cap on the number of pokies in vulnerable communities and in convenient locations. • Introducing a maximum $1 bet per spin and a maximum of $120 per hour. • Banning pokie venue design that encourages patrons to use gaming machines. This includes the location of the gaming room in proximity to venue food services and toilets. • Reintroducing 10 year terms for EGM entitlements to reduce the long term harm caused by pokies in local communities.
Changing the definition of what can be claimed as community benefit by pokies venues, to genuine philanthropic organisations or charities as defined by tax deductable status or grass roots activities, to ensure more of the revenue lost is returned to vulnerable communities.
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October 2018 State Council
Motion 33.3 Addressing gambling harm from electronic gaming machines
Submitting Council: Hobsons Bay City Council
Motion: That the Municipal Association of Victoria call upon the Victorian Government to reduce the number of electronic gaming machines from all licensed premises by 2032, and urgently address gambling harm in Hobsons Bay and all Victorian communities by: 1. adopting a public health approach 2. lowering EGM caps 3. introducing more extensive harm minimisation measures.
Relevance to MAV Strategic Work Plan: Is the subject matter of this motion/resolution included in the SWP? Yes Objective No. 2 Priority No. 4
Previous motions: Has a like or similar motion been submitted to the previous four State Councils: Yes
Title(s): Prevention of Gambling Harm (1), Legislative Reform for Gaming Machines (2), Electronic Gaming Machines (3), Electronic Gaming Machines (4)
Name of submitting council(s): Moreland City Council (1), Whittlesea City Council (2), Cardinia Shire Council (3), Brimbank City Council (4)
State Council meeting(s): May 2017 (1), October 2017 (2), September 2016 (3), May 2018 (4)
Outcome(s): Carried (1), Carried (2), Carried (3), Carried (4)
Submitting Council Rationale: Reduce the number of pokies by 2032 In November 2017, despite strong opposition, Victoria’s major parties passed the Gambling Regulation Amendment (Gaming Machine Arrangements) Act 2017. The legislation allows for 20 year extensions on gaming machine entitlements, beyond the current expiry date of August 2022. It is estimated that more than $50 billion will be lost on the pokies over this period, including $1 billion in Hobsons Bay. While entitlements have been offered until 2042, operators have been asked to pay the first 10 years. This provides an opportunity for the Victorian Government to reduce the number of pokies from all pubs and clubs by 2032. With more than a decade to prepare, the Victorian Government can plan for revenue impacts and transitional programs such as sporting club grant programs, low interest loans, business development advice and staff retraining and professional development. The business case for reducing EGMs is likely to be strong, with a recent study estimating the annual social cost of gambling in Victoria at $7 billion per year, including $1.2 billion directly borne by the Victorian Government.
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October 2018 State Council
Motion 33.3 Addressing gambling harm from electronic gaming machines (continued)
Adopt a public health approach A growing body of research is revealing the extent of gambling harm in our communities. We now know that gambling harm does not just affect problem gamblers. People considered moderate and low risk gamblers also experience harm, affecting their relationships, health, emotional state and financial circumstances. In terms of health impacts, moderate risk gambling is as harmful as mild alcohol use disorder, and low-risk gambling is similar to hearing loss or moderate anxiety disorders. Significantly, the vast majority (85 per cent) of all gambling harm is experienced by moderate and low risk gamblers, with 15 per cent experienced by problem gamblers. Council is calling on the Victorian Government to address gambling harm from a public health perspective (harm from both tobacco and alcohol has been reduced in Victoria using this approach) rather than focusing exclusively on the industry-friendly and often counter-productive narrative of ‘problem gamblers’ and ‘responsible gambling’. Strong consideration should be given to include reducing gambling harm as a priority area within the next Victorian Public Health and Wellbeing Plan and future state health initiatives.
Lower EGM caps Based on its 2017 estimated residential population, Hobsons Bay’s municipal cap allows for an EGM density of approximately 7.7 per 1,000 adult resident (well above the metropolitan Melbourne average of 5.1). Concerningly, some neighbourhoods in Hobsons Bay have much higher EGM densities, including Altona-Seaholme which has approximately 23.3 EGMs per 1,000 adult residents. Research has found that postcodes with an EGM density of 7.5 or more have 20 per cent more family incidents and 30 per cent more domestic violence assaults, when compared to postcodes with no EGMs. As such, we call on the Victorian Government to urgently investigate postcode-level caps and lower municipal caps to prevent concentration of EGMs.
More effective harm minimisation More extensive and evidence-based harm minimisation measures are urgently needed to prevent gambling harm. The Victorian Government’s suite of measures announced in September 2017 ignore critical evidence and miss an opportunity to effectively reduce and prevent harm. As such, we call on the Victorian Government to urgently introduce the following reforms: $1 maximum bets on all machines, restricted operating hours of 10am to midnight for gaming areas, prohibition of harmful machine features (e.g. free spins, losses disguised as wins) for all new approvals, and $200 daily EFTPOS limits within EGM venues.
65
October 2018 State Council
Consolidated Motion 34: Homelessness
Submitting councils: Port Phillip City Council and Frankston City Council
Motions that have been consolidated: Increaed homelessness support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people [Port Phillip City Council] Everybody's Home National Housing and Homelessness Campaign [Frankston City Council]
Relevance to MAV Strategic Work Plan 2017-19: Is the subject matter of this motion/resolution included in the SWP? Yes Objective No: 2 Priority No: P4
Proposed Consolidated Motion: That the MAV 1. Calls on the State Government to provide targeted support, including supportive accommodation, to address the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people at risk of homelessness 2. Supports the Everybody’s Home National Housing and Homelessness campaign to promote the campaign to all local government areas (enabling a shared voice on the issue and proposed solutions on this important matter).
66
October 2018 State Council
Motion 34.1 Increased homelessness support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
Submitting Council: Port Phillip City Council
Motion: That the Council recognises the risk of homelessness of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and calls on the State Government to provide targeted support, including supportive accommodation, to address those needs.
Relevance to MAV Strategic Work Plan: Is the subject matter of this motion/resolution included in the SWP? No
Previous motions: Has a like or similar motion been submitted to the previous four State Councils: No
Submitting Council Rationale: In June 2018, a joint Street Count was conducted across the cities of Melbourne, Yarra, Stonnington, Maribyrnong and Port Phillip, during which 392 people were recorded as sleeping rough, the most extreme and literal form of homelessness. Across the Victoria, on any given night, 1,100 people are estimated to be sleeping rough.
The 2016 Census indicated that 24,817 Victorians were homeless. An 11% increase in Victorian homelessness from 2011.
The join StreetCount by the five councils collected accurate and up to date information about people experiencing homelessness, to help identify and support pathways out of homelessness.
The information collected indicated an overrepresentation (14 per cent) of people sleeping rough identified as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander (which are 0.5% of the population in greater Melbourne – Census 2016).
This overrepresentation is a well understood fact, information collated by the Council to Homeless Persons also indicates that Aboriginal Australians are overrepresented in the homelessness system around Australia and Victoria. In Victoria 16 per cent (7,758) of the Aboriginal population sought help from homelessness services in 2014-15, the highest rate of any state or territory in the country. As with the non-Indigenous population, the single most cited reason for seeking help from a homelessness service was family violence.
67
October 2018 State Council
Motion 34.2 Everybody’s Home National Housing and Homelessness Campaign
Submitting Council: Frankston City Council
Motion: That the Municipal Association of Victoria as the peak body for Local Government requesting their support for the Everbody’s Home National Housing and Homelessness campaign to promote the campaign to all local government areas, enabling a shared voice on the issue and proposed solutions on this important matter.
Relevance to MAV Strategic Work Plan 2017-19 Is the subject matter of this motion/resolution included in the SWP? Yes Objective No. 2 Priority No. 4
Previous motions: Has a like or similar motion been submitted to the previous four State Councils: Yes
Title(s): Homelessness and Rough Sleeping (1), Homelessness and Affordable Housing (2), Everybody's Home National Housing and Homelessness Campaign (3)
Name of submitting council(s): Monash City Council (1), Moreland City Council (2), Frankston City Council (3)
State Council meeting(s): May 2017 (1), May 2017 (2), May 2018 (3)
Outcome(s): Carried (1), Carried (2), Carried (3)
Submitting Council Rationale: Homelessness is a significant and growing issue in Victoria (and Australia), that requires a radical multi sectoral, and multi strategy approach to address and reverse the breeding ground of homelessness pressure points if we are to see any reversal of this unacceptable upward trend.
Whilst Federal and State government fund and provide housing infrastructure and services, Local Government has a crucial role in advocating for the needs of the local community to increase affordable housing stock and improved services enabling community members to have reasonable access to safe and affordable housing.
TheEverybody's Home Campaign is a national campaign being led by a coalition of homelessness sector leaders from across Australia, who will strategically petition all State and Federal Governments in the lead up to the State and Federal Elections with five key asks that cut across the key housing and homelessness pressure points in Australia including:
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October 2018 State Council
Motion 34.2 Everybody’s Home National Housing and Homelessness Campaign (continued)
Support for first time buyers by resetting the tax system around housing.Developing a National Housing Strategy to meet Australia's identified shortfall of 500,000 social and affordable homes.Giving a better deal to renters through state law changes to protect against evictions, unfair rent raises, discrimination, and landlords who refuse to maintain properties.Developing a National Action Plan that commits to ending homelessness by 2030 by taking action to prevent homelessness and deliver rapid access to the housing and support needed by people who lose their homes.Providing relief for chronic rental stress by increasing Commonwealth Rental Assistance allowances to make eligibility and payments fairer.
Supporting the Everybody's Home campaign communicates a clear message to all levels of government and the local community that Frankston City Council is strongly committed to protecting the basic human right to secure and affordable housing.
69
October 2018 State Council
Consolidated Motion 35 Support for Priorities and Specific Actions in the Victorian Freight Plan 2018-2050
Submitting councils: Horsham Rural City Council and Wyndham City Council
Motions that have been consolidated: Mode Shift Incentive Scheme [Horsham Rural City Council], Support for priorities and specific actions in the Victorian Freight Plan 2018-2050 [Wyndham City Council]
Relevance to MAV Strategic Work Plan 2017-19: Is the subject matter of this motion/resolution included in the SWP? Yes Objective No: 1 Priority No: P3
Proposed Consolidated Motion: That State Council: 1. Congratulate the State Government for its release of the Victorian Freight Plan 2018- 2050: delivering the goods 2. Write to the Premier, Opposition Leader and relevant Ministers and Shadow Ministers to convey its support for the five priorities over the next 5 years to include: a. Manage existing and proposed freight corridors and places in conjunction with urban form changes b. Reduce the impact of congestion on supply chain costs and communities c. Better use of our rail freight assets, d. Plan for Victoria's future port capacity, and e. Stay ahead of the technology curve. 3. In addition to 2 above, request that all parties support the earlier completion of business cases for the Western and then Beveridge Interstate Freight Terminals as the future location for interstate freight in Melbourne, well before the planned completion of Inland Rail. 4. Specifically express support for the Mode Shift Incentive Scheme and advocate for an extension of the scheme beyond 30 June 2019.
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October 2018 State Council
Motion 35.1 Mode Shift Incentive Scheme
Submitting Council: Horsham Rural City Council
Motion: That the MAV make representations to the State Government seeking support for the retention of the Mode Shift Incentive Scheme (MSIS) designed to help keep more freight on rail.
Relevance to MAV Strategic Work Plan: Is the subject matter of this motion/resolution included in the SWP? No
Previous motions: Has a like or similar motion been submitted to the previous four State Councils: No
Submitting Council Rationale: Wimmera Container Line, a recipient of the MSIS, operates from the Wimmera Intermodal Freight Terminal (WIFT) at Dooen near Horsham. The MSIS has been a critical factor in helping the WIFT develop freight supply chain solutions since its establishment at Dooen in 2012.
Since the commencement of operation, throughput at the WIFT, expressed as numbers of twenty-foot equivalent container units (TEU, where a 40-foot long container counts as 2 TEU), has been as follows:
• 2012-13 8,916 TEU • 2013-14 11,724 TEU • 2014-15 13,706 TEU • 2015-16 11,670 TEU • 2016-17 23,567 TEU
This activity is especially pleasing as the recent level of use exceeds that projected in the 2006 Business Case for the WIFT, which was 22,900 TEU by the year 2020-21. Importantly, Wimmera Container Line has developed a customer base which is less vulnerable to variability in seasonal conditions. Still, despite this high level of activity, there are commercial barriers to rail freight. The charges for rail are higher than for road. As the fuel tax excise does not cover the cost of road freight transport, in effect a subsidy is being provided to road transport.
Rail track access charges are based on weight of the train and wagons for the round trip. This access fee equates to between $80 and $100 per 20 foot container. In contrast the road access fees for road transport equate to approximately $20 per 20 foot container. This cost differential places rail at a significant commercial disadvantage.
The Rail Futures Institute, in its 2016 Paper "Getting Freight Back on Track in Victoria" highlighted that: • The MSIS (due to expire on 30 June 2019) enables regional container trains to compete with trucks by offsetting the relatively high truck pickup and delivery costs of short haul rail. MSIS benefits include improved competitiveness of rail freight, retention of freight terminal jobs in regional areas and fewer trucks.
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October 2018 State Council
Motion 35.2 Support for priorities and specific actions in the Victorian Freight Plan 2018-2050
Submitting Council: Wyndham City Council
Motion: That State Council: 1. Congratulate the State Government for its release of the Victorian Freight Plan 2018-2050: delivering the goods 2. Write to the Premier, Opposition Leader and relevant Ministers and Shadow Ministers to convey its support for the five priorities over the next 5 years to include: a. Manage existing and proposed freight corridors and places in conjunction with urban form changes b. Reduce the impact of congestion on supply chain costs and communities c. Better use of our rail freight assets d. Plan for Victoria's future port capacity, and e. Stay ahead of the technology curve. 3. In addition to 2 above, request that all parties support the earlier completion of business cases for the Western and then Beveridge Interstate Freight Terminals as the future location for interstate freight in Melbourne, well before the planned completion of Inland Rail.
Relevance to MAV Strategic Work Plan: Is the subject matter of this motion/resolution included in the SWP? Yes Objective No. 1 Priority No. P3
Previous motions: Has a like or similar motion been submitted to the previous four State Councils: No
Submitting Council Rationale: The recent release of the Victorian Freight Plan 2018-2050: delivering the goods is welcomed, as is the specific commitment to priorities over the next five years.
The Plan rightly highlights the need to develop the Western Interstate Freight Terminal (WIFT) and then the Beveridge Interstate Freight Terminal (BIFT), as both are major freight hubs home to co-located distribution centres and warehousing, offering huge efficiency benefits to Victoria's supply chains. The Plan also highlights their critical role as being connected to Inland Rail, Victoria's container ports, and to suburban intermodal terminals located around Melbourne where rail shuttles are transferring import and export containers.
A number of factors support the earlier delivery of business cases for the WIFT then BIFT, including: • The backlog of major infrastructure projects • Continuing road congestion due to road-based freight, and • The planned completion of Inland Rail in 2025. • Business cases for the WIFT and BIFT must not be 'afterthoughts' to other priorities outlined in the Plan and should be completed with other priorities in the first five years.
72
October 2018 State Council
Consolidated Motion 36 Infrastructure Planning and Funding for Growth
Submitting councils: Maribyrnong City Council and Darebin City Council
Motions that have been consolidated: Infrastructure Contributions [Maribyrnong City Council], Infrastructure Contribution Plan [Darebin City Council]
Relevance to MAV Strategic Work Plan 2017-19: Is the subject matter of this motion/resolution included in the SWP? Yes Objective No: 1 Priority No: 1
Proposed Consolidated Motion: That the MAV advocate to the State Government that it: • Implement standard levies through Infrastructure Contribution Plans for growth areas in Victoria outside of the Metropolitan Greenfield Growth Areas including established areas of Melbourne and regional growth areas • Develop a funding stream for councils experiencing significant population growth which are unable to access GAIC funding
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October 2018 State Council
Motion 36.1 Infrastructure Contributions
Submitting Council: Maribyrnong City Council
Motion: That the Municipal Association of Victoria calls on the Victorian State Government to develop a funding stream for Councils that are experiencing significant population growth but are not considered part of the growth areas (GAIC).
Relevance to MAV Strategic Work Plan: Is the subject matter of this motion/resolution included in the SWP? Yes Objective No. 1 Priority No. 1
Previous motions: Has a like or similar motion been submitted to the previous four State Councils: Yes
Title(s): Infrastructure Funding
Name of submitting council(s): Yarra City Council
State Council meeting(s): May 2018
Outcome(s): Carried
Submitting Council Rationale: The growth areas infrastructure contribution (GAIC) was established to help provide infrastructure in Melbourne's expanding fringe suburbs.
It is a one off-contribution payable on certain events usually associated with urban property development. These are usually buying, subdividing, and applying for a building permit on large blocks of land.
With the population increasing by 80% by 2041, Maribrynong is also experiencing significant growth. A broader scheme based on projected population growth would assist the provision of vital infrastructure in Melbourne's inner west.
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October 2018 State Council
Motion 36.2 Infrastructure Contribution Plan
Submitting Council: Darebin City Council
Motion: That the MAV calls for the implementation of the Infrastructure Contribution Plan standard levies across established areas of Melbourne.
Relevance to MAV Strategic Work Plan Is the subject matter of this motion/resolution included in the SWP? Yes Objective No. 1 Priority No. 1
Previous motions Has a like or similar motion been submitted to the previous four State Councils: Yes
Title(s): Infrastructure Contribution Plan Standard Levies
Name of submitting council(s): Maribyrnong City Council
State Council meeting(s): May 2018
Outcome(s): Carried
Submitting Council Rationale: The current municipal-wide Development Contributions Plan (DCP) process, based on the need for a committed 10-year capital works program, represents a significant impost for councils. The current system lacks flexibility for Councils seeking to change the DCP and its infrastructure items and its preparation requires a significant resource effort from within the organisation. Based on Darebin's experience in administering a municipal-wide DCP in the past, there is significant difficulty in setting and fully complying with the capital spending initiatives over a decade long period. Councils can easily become non-compliant and often recognise the need to amend the DCP based on changes to forecasts over the years.
The approach of standardising development contributions is a preferred approach to collecting development contributions, provided that there is not a significant reduction in income and that the administrative requirements to justify the charges are not increased. Ideally, there would still be clear requirements for transparency and nexus between funds collected and the purposes for which they are used. Guiding principles for flexibility and transparency can be balanced to create a more workable system.
The approach to providing a fixed community infrastructure charge across Victoria is also a reasonable solution to addressing concerns around the variability of DCP charges from council to council. Community infrastructure requirements can be defined on a per capita basis and have a direct relationship to an increase in the population of the community.
75
October 2018 State Council
Consolidated Motion 37 Planning Provisions for Car Parking
Submitting councils: Manningham City Council and Maroondah City Council
Motions that have been consolidated: VC 148 Amendment [Manningham City Council], Carparking Issues Arising from Amendment VC148 as part of the Victorian Governments' Smart Planning Program [Maroondah City Council]
Relevance to MAV Strategic Work Plan 2017-19: Is the subject matter of this motion/resolution included in the SWP? Yes Objective No: 1 and 3 Priority No: 1 and 9
Proposed Consolidated Motion: That the MAV advocate that the State Government review recent planning scheme amendments reducing car parking requirements within the Principal Public Transport Network Area, and restore to councils the discretion to vary parking requirements within their municipality.
76
October 2018 State Council
Motion 37.1 VC 148 Amendment
Submitting Council: Manningham City Council
Motion: To advocate to the Minister for Planning to review the recent Planning Scheme Amendment VC148 (which applies to all metropolitan and regional planning schemes) regarding reducing car parking requirements in commercial and residential areas.
Relevance to MAV Strategic Work Plan: Is the subject matter of this motion/resolution included in the SWP? Yes Objective No. 3 Priority No. 9
Previous motions: Has a like or similar motion been submitted to the previous four State Councils: No
Submitting Council Rationale: The Planning Scheme Amendment VC148 was gazetted on 31 July 2018. The Amendment includes changes to car parking requirements (Clause 52.06 - Car parking) which will have a significant impact to established areas. Two key components of the Amendment are a reduction in the car parking requirements for new uses of existing buildings in commercial areas and the removal of the requirement for visitor parking in association with residential development within walking distance (400 metres) of the Principal Public Transport Network (PPTN).
As a result of the Amendment, Local Government has lost the authority to manage car parking requirements in many circumstances. A permit is no longer required to reduce the required number of car parking spaces for a new use of an existing building in a commercial area, provided certain requirements are met. In addition, new residential developments are no longer required to provide visitor car parking (previously 1 space per 5 dwellings) if the site is located within 400m of the Principal Public Transport Network (PPTN). In addition, it is noted, that this buffer applies to land along the Eastern Freeway, where although a high- frequency bus service operates, there is no pedestrian access to these bus services. The PPTN Area Map should also be changed to reflect this inconstancy.
The authority to assess car parking requirements should remain with each Council, as the waiver of car parking requires site-specific strategic consideration. In these cases, Councils as the Responsible Authority should have the ability to effectively manage parking requirements through adopted precinct Structure Plans, Parking Overlays or other suitable mechanisms.
This amendment has the potential to exacerbate car parking issues in many suburban commercial precincts, activity centers and residential areas.
Given these, perhaps unintended consequences, Council would like MAV to advocate to the Minister for Planning to review Amendment VC148 (particularly clause 52.06) in consultation with Council, business and the broader community. The aim would be to better understand and assess any potential negative impact to the development of thriving municipalities.
77
October 2018 State Council
Motion 37.2 Carparking issue arising from Amendment VC148 as part of the Victorian Government’s Smart Planning Program
Submitting Council: Maroondah City Council
Motion: That the Municipal Association of Victoria calls upon the state government to immediately make the application of the car parking rates specified in amendment VCD148 to the Victorian planning provisions, a voluntary inclusion by councils rather tna mandatoru
Relevance to MAV Strategic Work Plan: Is the subject matter of this motion/resolution included in the SWP? Yes Objective No. 1 Priority No. P1
Previous motions: Has a like or similar motion been submitted to the previous four State Councils: No
Submitting Council Rationale: Amendment VC148 introduced changes to the Victoria Planning Provisions (VPP) and all planning schemes on 31 July 2018 arising from the Victorian Government's Smart Planning program. The program aim was to simplify and modernise Victoria's planning policy and rules to make planning more efficient, accessible and transparent.
One of the more substantive changes arising from VC148 is the reduced car parking rates specified in the Victorian Planning Provisions at Clause 52.06 (Car parking). In particular, the introduction of significant car parking dispensations and reduced car parking rates for land uses and developments has been provided to automatically: • Reduce the car parking requirement for a new use in an existing building in the Commercial 1, Commercial 2 and Activity Centre Zones for up to 10 car parking spaces. • Reduce the car parking requirements for land identified within the Principal Public Transport Network Area as shown on the Principal Public Transport Network Area Maps (State Government of Victoria, 2018). This includes no visitor parking for developments that may be remote from train stations and regular multi-directional public transport, and only 3.5 cars to each 100m2 floor area for restaurants and convenience shops, regardless of patron and staff numbers.
The introduction of VC148 as a blanket reduction in the required amount of car parking fails to adequately recognise the enormous diversity of environments and activity centres across the State that are covered by the Principal Public Transport Network Area Maps, and the Commercial 1, Commercial 2 and Activity Centre Zones. For example, compare the myriad of access and transport opportunities of for those zones and areas in inner City Melbourne to those in the suburbs.
The ability of these very different mapped locations to encourage alternate transport modes, public transport use, and cater for various rates of overflow car parking from private land therefore varies enormously across the State.
78
October 2018 State Council
Motion 37.2 Carparking issue arising from Amendment VC148 as part of the Victorian Government’s Smart Planning Program (continued)
Moreover, the blanket planning control implemented by VC148 also fails to recognise that contemporary and best practice transport and car parking planning starts by first acknowledging that such strategies must be place based and not generic if they are to succeed, and in this regard Councils are best qualified to make these place making and changing decisions.
79
October 2018 State Council
Consolidated Motion 38 Funding and Development of Schools
Submitting councils: Maribyrnong City Council and Surf Coast Shire Council
Motions that have been consolidated: Development of New Schools [Maribyrnong City Council], Funding for Ancillary School Infrastructure [Surf Coast Shire Council]
Relevance to MAV Strategic Work Plan 2017-19: Is the subject matter of this motion/resolution included in the SWP? No
Proposed Consolidated Motion: That the MAV advocate to the State Government seeking: • Consultation on and development of a transparent, long-term plan for the development of new schools to meet the present and future needs of Victorian communities • A fairer approach to the funding of ancillary infrastructure associated with school developments
80
October 2018 State Council
Motion 38.1 Development of New Schools
Submitting Council: Maribyrnong City Council
Motion: That the Municipal Association of Victoria calls on the Victorian State Government to publicise a long-term plan for the development of new schools to meet the needs of growing communities.
Relevance to MAV Strategic Work Plan: Is the subject matter of this motion/resolution included in the SWP? No
Previous motions: Has a like or similar motion been submitted to the previous four State Councils: No
Submitting Council Rationale: Council acknowledges the importance of education as an employment and social venue.
With increasing population, an increase in demand for primary and secondary schools will also occur. Over the past decade, Government funding has not kept up with constantly increasing demand and as such, will be unable to keep up with future growth.
81
October 2018 State Council
Motion 38.2 Funding for ancillary school infrastructure
Submitting Council: Surf Coast Shire Council
Motion: That the MAV advocates to the State Government seeking a fairer approach to the funding of infrastructure associated with state school developments.
Relevance to MAV Strategic Work Plan 2017-19: Is the subject matter of this motion/resolution included in the SWP? No
Previous motions: Has a like or similar motion been submitted to the previous four State Councils: No
Submitting Council Rationale: Presently the State Government takes no responsibility for the provision of infrastructure outside of school gates. This includes roads, parking, footpaths and school crossings.
School developments require appropriate supporting infrastructure to ensure they can be accessed in a safe and practical manner. School developments in greenfield sites can require the development of significant infrastructure.
The Victorian School Building Authority is responsible for delivering school developments, on behalf of the Department of Education and Training. In the current model, neither the authority nor the department has any responsibility for the provision of infrastructure outside the school boundary.
The cost of providing such infrastructure can be considerable and is currently borne exclusively by councils. An alternative model exists in the case of private developments where costs are covered, at least in part, by developers.
Council welcomes consideration of a model where the costs of ancillary infrastructure necessary for school developments are shared between state and local government.
82
October 2018 State Council
Consolidated Motion 39 State Leadership on Affordable Housing
Submitting councils: Maribyrnong City Council and Moreland City Council
Motions that have been consolidated: Affordable Housing [Maribyrnong City Council] Inclusionary Zoning for Affordable Housing [Moreland City Council]
Relevance to MAV Strategic Work Plan 2017-19: Is the subject matter of this motion/resolution included in the SWP? Yes Objective No: 2 Priority No: 4
Proposed Consolidated Motion: That the MAV advocate to the State Government that it provides leadership in affordable housing through: • Developing inclusionary zoning provisions and other appropriate tools at a state level to ensure all planning schemes are equipped to encourage the delivery of affordable housing • Developing demonstration projects for affordable housing.
83
October 2018 State Council
Motion 39.1 Affordable Housing
Submitting Council: Maribyrnong City Council
Motion: That the Municipal Association of Victoria calls upon State Government to invest in demonstration projects which will deliver well designed, well connected affordable housing.
Relevance to MAV Strategic Work Plan: Is the subject matter of this motion/resolution included in the SWP? Yes Objective No. 2 Priority No. 4
Previous motions: Has a like or similar motion been submitted to the previous four State Councils: Yes
Title(s): Increased Eastern Affordable Housing in Eastern Metropolitan Melbourne (1), Homelessness and Affordable Housing (2), Affordable Housing (3), Affordable Housing (4), Affordable Housing (5), Planning for housing affordability (6).
Name of submitting council(s): Knox City Council (1), Moreland City Council (2), Manningham City Council (3), Hobsons Bay City Council (4), Moonee Valley City Council (5), Bayside City Council, Kingston City Council, Maribyrnong City Council (6)
State Council meeting(s): May 2017 (1), May 2017 (2), May 2016 (3), May 2016 (4), September 2016 (5), May 2018 (6)
Outcome(s): Carried (1), Carried (2), Carried (3), Carried (4), Carried (5), Carried (6)
Submitting Council Rationale: Many municipalities have ageing social housing stock that is poorly built. There is also a number of single dwelling social housing properties on large blocks of land.
The development of demonstration projects for affordable housing provides the opportunity to increase the stock of affordable housing and reduce the levels housing stress for vulnerable communities across Victoria.
It also presents the opportunity to revitalise local neighbourhoods and encourage housing design that supports the diverse needs of local communities, such as older people and people with disabilities.
84
October 2018 State Council
Motion 39.2 Inclusionary Zoning for Affordable Housing
Submitting Council: Moreland City Council
Motion: That in light of changes to the Planning and Environment Act 1987 to introduce an objective for Planning in Victoria to facilitate the provision of affordable housing, the MAV advocates for:
Insertion of an ‘Inclusionary Zoning’ or other appropriate tool for Affordable Housing’ in the Victorian Planning Provisions, to ensure Planning Schemes across Victoria are able to mandate the delivery of affordable housing
Relevance to MAV Strategic Work Plan: Is the subject matter of this motion/resolution included in the SWP? Yes Objective No. 2 Priority No. 4
Previous motions: Has a like or similar motion been submitted to the previous four State Councils: Yes
Title(s): Increased Eastern Affordable Housing in Eastern Metropolitan Melbourne (1), Homelessness and Affordable Housing (2), Affordable Housing (3), Affordable Housing (4), Affordable Housing (5), Public housing investment (6), Planning for housing affordability (7)
Name of submitting council(s): Knox City Council (1), Moreland City Council (2), Manningham City Council (3), Hobsons Bay City Council (4), Moonee Valley City Council (5), Knox City Council, Maribyrnong City Council, Boroondara City Council (6), Bayside City Council, Kingston City Council, Maribyrnong City Council (7)
State Council meeting(s): May 2017 (1), May 2017 (2), May 2016 (3), May 2016 (4), September 2016 (5), May 2018 (6), May 2018 (7)
Outcome(s): Carried (1), Carried (2), Carried (3), Carried (4), Carried (5), Carried (6), Carried (7)
Submitting Council Rationale: Plan Melbourne and Homes for Victorians acknowledge the role of planning mechanisms in contributing to the supply of social and affordable housing in Victoria. The Planning and Environment Act 1987 (the Act) was amended in June 2018 to include a new objective ‘to facilitate the provision of affordable housing in Victoria.’ This recognition of the role of planning in delivering affordable housing is significant and welcomed.
Despite these significant changes, delivery of affordable housing through planning mechanisms remains dependent on the success of ‘negotiated’ outcomes. Without a mechanism to mandate affordable housing delivery, all of the positive changes made by State Government lack strength to deliver affordable housing outcomes in private development.
85
October 2018 State Council
Motion 39.2 Inclusionary Zoning for Affordable Housing (continued)
Moreland has recently completed housing research to identify the affordable housing need in Moreland. To meet the need for affordable housing in Moreland, 350 new affordable homes will be needed each year (7,000 in total by 2036.) Other Local Governments across Victoria will also this year undertake detailed research to establish the affordable housing need within their municipality, with many municipalities (around 8 in total) receiving Social Housing Investment Plan (SHIP) funding from the State Government to undertake this research. Whilst this research will establish the amount of affordable housing that is needed – ‘on the ground’ delivery of affordable housing is most likely to occur if legislation exists to mandate that private development contribute to meeting this housing need.
In the absence of affordable housing outcomes being mandated through a VPP provision, the likelihood of housing being delivered through negotiation is minimal. Land owners and developers are likely to attest that delivering affordable housing will affect the viability of development, and as such will resist negotiating an outcome on this basis. It has been seen in other instances however, such as Public Open Space Contributions and Developer Contributions Plans VPP’s, that developers are able to absorb the implications of additional costs when these costs are mandated in a transparent manner through a VPP, rather than negotiated on a case by case basis.
While some DELWP funding will be made available to Councils assist in building capacity of Local Government to negotiate affordable housing outcomes, change to the VPP’s is required to mandate a requirement for private landowners to engage with community housing providers and contribute to meeting Victoria’s affordable housing needs. An Inclusionary Zoning tool could require the incorporation of a certain proportion of permanently affordable housing in development, or allow for an equivalent cash payment so that the affordable housing could be supplied elsewhere in the surrounding area.
The current objective in the MAV Strategic Plan related to affordable housing is to “Support councils’ advocacy efforts to increase the supply of social and more affordable housing.” It would be appropriate, given the changes to the Act, that MAV support councils to implement actions aligned to Plan Melbourne, Homes for Victorians with regard to social and affordable housing by advocating for amandated approach achieved through an Inclusionary Zoning VPP tool.
86
October 2018 State Council
Motions that do not relate to the MAV SWP 2017-19
87
October 2018 State Council
Motion 40 Review of planning framework for renewable energy facilities
Submitting Council: Surf Coast Shire Council
Motion: That the MAV advocates to the State Government for a review of the planning and regulatory framework for large scale renewable energy facilities so that individual components of these facilities including wind turbines, solar panels and transmission lines are considered together rather than separately as they are at present.
Relevance to MAV Strategic Work Plan 2017-19: Is the subject matter of this motion/resolution included in the SWP? No
Previous motions: Has a like or similar motion been submitted to the previous four State Councils: Yes
Title(s): Wind Farm enforcement
Name of submitting council(s): South Gippsland Shire Council
State Council meeting(s): May 2018
Outcome(s): Carried
Submitting Council Rationale: Presently the State Government takes no responsibility for the provision of infrastructure outside of school gates. This includes roads, parking, footpaths and school crossings.
School developments require appropriate supporting infrastructure to ensure they can be accessed in a safe and practical manner. School developments in greenfield sites can require the development of significant infrastructure.
The Victorian School Building Authority is responsible for delivering school developments, on behalf of the Department of Education and Training. In the current model, neither the authority nor the department has any responsibility for the provision of infrastructure outside the school boundary.
The cost of providing such infrastructure can be considerable and is currently borne exclusively by councils. An alternative model exists in the case of private developments where costs are covered, at least in part, by developers.
Council welcomes consideration of a model where the costs of ancillary infrastructure necessary for school developments are shared between state and local government.
88
October 2018 State Council
Motion 41 Default 80kmh maximum speed limit on gravel roads
Submitting Council: Surf Coast Shire Council
Motion: That the MAV advocates to the State Government to reduce the default maximum speed limit on gravel roads to 80kmh.
Relevance to MAV Strategic Work Plan 2017-19: Is the subject matter of this motion/resolution included in the SWP? No
Previous motions: Has a like or similar motion been submitted to the previous four State Councils: No
Submitting Council Rationale: The condition of gravel roads can change at short notice through factors such as weather and traffic volume. The current default limit of 100kmh does not allow for these factors.
A default 80kmh limit would improve safety on rural roads throughout Victoria. Unsealed roads make up a significant percentage of the road network. Currently unless otherwise signposted the default limit is 100kmh. There are many instances where such a speed is not appropriate on gravel roads.
The State Government has adopted a Safe System philosophy, which comprises four elements: safe roads, safe speeds, safe vehicles and safe people.
This motion aligns with this strategy.
Surf Coast Shire Council developed its own Surf Coast Road Strategy 2016-2021 in partnership with VicRoads and Victoria Police and a lower speed limit for gravel roads is a recommendation of this work.
The strategy takes into account VicRoads crash data across a five year period ending June 2015.
89
October 2018 State Council
Motion 42 Extension of the EPA OPLE pilot program
Submitting Council: Surf Coast Shire Council
Motion: That the MAV advocates to the State Government for the continuation of the Environment Protection Agency's Officer for the Protection of the Local Environment Pilot Program and for the program to be rolled out Victoria-wide.
Relevance to MAV Strategic Work Plan 2017-19 Is the subject matter of this motion/resolution included in the SWP? No
Previous motions Has a like or similar motion been submitted to the previous four State Councils: No
Submitting Council Rationale: The Minister for Environment and Climate Change recently extended the OPLE Pilot Program for a further seven months until 31 July 2019.
Surf Coast Shire is one of 13 Councils taking part in the pilot program, which is aimed at managing low to medium risk pollution. It involves an EPA officer being embedded within councils to respond to pollution reports and provide proactive education programs to business and the community.
The OPLE program is well regarded across the local government sector and in the pilot phase has already delivered positive community outcomes.
90
October 2018 State Council
Motion 43 Pest Deer Advocacy
Submitting Council: Macedon Ranges Shire Council
Motion: Pest deer are an increasing problem across Victoria, particularly in peri-urban regions. They destroy native vegetation, can have a negative impact on agricultural productivity and increase the risk of vehicle collisions. Accordingly, Macedon Ranges Shire Council has written to the Premier of Victoria and relevant Ministers seeking State Government leadership to tackle the problem. Council has also written to Manningham City Council, Nillumbik Shire Council, Yarra Ranges Shire Council and the Peri-urban Group of Councils.
To support Macedon Ranges Shire Council's advocacy, it is proposed that the MAV State Council resolves for the MAV to:
• Write to the Premier of Victoria and relevant Ministers seeking State Government leadership to tackle the pest deer problem currently impacting agricultural and biodiversity values across the state. This includes: o Declaring Sambar, Fallow and Red Deer as "pest species" under the Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994 o Delivering an effective Deer Management Strategy; and o Providing resources for cross tenure deer control projects in per-urban areas.
Relevance to MAV Strategic Work Plan 2017-19: Is the subject matter of this motion/resolution included in the SWP? No
Previous motions Has a like or similar motion been submitted to the previous four State Councils: No
Submitting Council Rationale: Pest deer are an increasing problem across Victoria, particularly in peri-urban regions. They destroy native vegetation, can have a negative impact on agricultural productivity and increase the risk of vehicle collisions. Accordingly, Macedon Ranges Shire Council has written to the Premier of Victoria and relevant Ministers seeking State Government leadership to tackle the problem. Council has also written to Manningham City Council, Nillumbik Shire Council, Yarra Ranges Shire Council and the Peri-urban Group of Councils.
To support Macedon Ranges Shire Council's advocacy, it is proposed that the MAV State Council resolves for the MAV to:
• Write to the Premier of Victoria and relevant Ministers seeking State Government leadership to tackle the pest deer problem currently impacting agricultural and biodiversity values across the state. This includes: o Declaring Sambar, Fallow and Red Deer as "pest species" under the Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994; o Delivering an effective Deer Management Strategy; and o Providing resources for cross tenure deer control projects in per-urban areas.
91
October 2018 State Council
Motion 44 MAV Electoral Reform
Submitting Council: Whitehorse City Council
Motion: 1) Call on the Municipal Association Victoria (MAV) Board to review, in conjunction with its member Councils, the processes and structure for the election of MAV Board and the President. 2) That the review examines, but is not limited to, the following: a) The eligibility rules that allow only the Council's MAV delegate to run for the Board or Presidency. b) Clarification of eligibility in the case of a Council's membership lapsing during a term. c) Introducing a single electorate for the Metropolitan and Interface Councils Board positions (from 6 to 1). d) Divide the Rural and Regional Board positions into three areas to represent the West, North and East of the state (from 6 to 3). e) The weighting of Melbourne and the Rural & Regional representation. f) The merits of Melbourne City Council having a designated Board position. g) Term limits for the Presidency. h) The appointment of the President whether it be by the Board or a vote of member councils. 3) That following the outcome of such a review that any recommendations for change, at the earliest practicable State Council, be brought for a membership vote.
Relevance to MAV Strategic Work Plan: Is the subject matter of this motion/resolution included in the SWP? No
Previous motions: Has a like or similar motion been submitted to the previous four State Councils: No
Submitting Council Rationale: It is vital for member Councils that the MAV remains in a strong position to represent the sector and that there is confidence in the representation. The MAV is best served if it has the best and the brightest talent available. There are currently some structural impediments in potentially achieving that end.
It has been quite some years since the electoral structures of the MAV have changed and to ensure that the organisation remains vital and Councils are fully engaged a review and engagement with members is certainly due.
92
October 2018 State Council
Motion 45 Asset forfeiture laws
Submitting Council: Frankston City Council
Motion: That the MAV is requested to advocate to both levels of government to reform existing asset forfeiture law. The MAV is to request that proceeds from local criminal forfeitures are to remain in the local area where forfeitures were made. How these proceeds are to be expended could either be determined by the local council and/or a special panel with predominantly local membership
Relevance to MAV Strategic Work Plan 2017-19: Is the subject matter of this motion/resolution included in the SWP? No
Previous motions: Has a like or similar motion been submitted to the previous four State Councils: No
Submitting Council Rationale: Currently, once relevant assets are identified and victims' claims satisfied, the proceeds are paid into consolidated revenue. These funds are then disbursed for the benefit of all Victorian and Victorian communities.
Those municipalities with higher crime rates, should the Confiscation Act 1997 be amended, would/could be beneficiaries of higher grants to address the impact of anti social behavior.
93
October 2018 State Council
Motion 46 Essential Services Commission Influence
Submitting Council: Frankston City Council
Motion: That the MAV is to express concern to the State Government about the level of influence the Essential Services Commission – an unelected body – has over local government insofar autonomy (i.e. rate-capping). The MAV is to recommend that the Minister of Local Government, as opposed to the Essential Services Commission, is to take on the duties that presently reside with the Essential Services Commission.
Relevance to MAV Strategic Work Plan 2017-19: Is the subject matter of this motion/resolution included in the SWP? No
Previous motions: Has a like or similar motion been submitted to the previous four State Councils: Yes
Title(s): Overreach of unelected bureaucratic entities
Name of submitting council(s): Frankston City Council
State Council meeting(s): May 2018
Outcome(s): Lost
Submitting Council Rationale: The Essential Services Commission is the price regulator for the Energy, Water and Transport sectors and in addition to these roles, has been allocated the task of administering the rate capping structure for local government.
The ESC has consistently demonstrated a lack of awareness and understanding of the complexity of providing local government services over the past three years. Local Government remains vastly different to the other industries regulated by the ESC who are essentially single product providers.
The recent restructuring of the ESC where the existing director administering the local government arm has been removed, and this role consolidated into the other sectors, will only serve to exacerbate this situation. Further the ESC, being an un-elected body, has no accountability to the Victorian community for the decisions it makes in respect of local government.
Frankston City Council therefore recommends that the MAV advocate for the Minister for Local Government to assume responsibility for the direct administration of the rate capping framework.
94
October 2018 State Council
Motion 47 Government Assisted Drugs Programs
Submitting Council: Frankston City Council
Motion: In light of the Richmond 'Medically Supervised Injecting Room' trial, the MAV is to advocate that - where there may be a desire to create more of these facilities – the State Government must seek the explicit permission of relevant local governments (where such a facility may be located) due to the potential public safety and public health implications. The State Government is expected to respect the wishes of local governments that do not authorise the placement of such a facility within their municipalities.
That the MAV is to request that the State Government allow greater powers to local government insofar the placement and issuance of licences to pharmacies that have pharmacotherapy programs.
Further, the MAV is to advocate to the Minister for Health, the Hon. Jill Hennessy MP, to conduct an audit of pharmacotherapy sites per municipality due to disparity in numbers.
Relevance to MAV Strategic Work Plan 2017-19: Is the subject matter of this motion/resolution included in the SWP? No
Previous motions: Has a like or similar motion been submitted to the previous four State Councils: No
Submitting Council Rationale: Frankston City Council supports harm minimization and efforts to facilitate drug withdrawal and rehabilitation whilst minimizing the congregation impacts.
Currently, significant efforts occur across health, Local Government and allied support Not for Profits to support residents with opioid/illicit drug dependency, however, the Local Planning Scheme precludes Councils' ability to influence location of facilities so as to reduce impact on traders and the general public
95
October 2018 State Council
Motion 48 Improved outreach with Local Government by/from EPA Victoria
Submitting Council: Frankston City Council
Motion: That the MAV is to advocate to the Minister of Environment to ensure improved reporting and consultative mechanisms by the EPA to Local Government. In addition, where matters that impact upon residents and/or amenity (such as air quality), the MAV is to request improved responsiveness by EPA Victoria.
Relevance to MAV Strategic Work Plan: Is the subject matter of this motion/resolution included in the SWP? No
Previous motions: Has a like or similar motion been submitted to the previous four State Councils: No
Submitting Council Rationale: Council has a concern regarding the need for clear legislative direction to ensure that all complaints in relation to all aspects of discharge from industries be investigated in a timely and thorough manner by the Victorian Environment Protection Authority (EPA).
While Frankston City Council appreciates the assistance that is provided by representatives of the EPA, concerns have been raised by the community that complaints to both Council and the EPA relating to alleged discharges from industrial properties have not been actioned in a timely and thorough manner.
An example of this issue was recently raised at a property in the industrial area of Seaford which took an extended period before any air monitoring was carried out by officers from the EPA.
Whilst Council appreciates that issues such as staffing and resources at times can be problematic, both Council officers and the general public rely on the expertise of officers from the EPA to provide appropriate investigations and guidance in these types of complaints.
It is noted that the EPA's 'Compliance and Enforcement Policy' states: • ‘EPA will allocate our resources where the biggest difference can be made, or where the biggest risks to environment, health, safety or wellbeing can be manage and; • EPA prioritises its compliance monitoring and inspection efforts towards the biggest risks of harm to the environment and to those people and businesses that are less likely to comply.'
While Council acknowledges the EPA prioritises its resources to investigate the higher risk complaints, it is important that community anxiety over complaints receives attention in a timely and thorough manner to address resident concerns. As such, concerns can exacerbate situations and service standards are strongly encouraged to improve understanding and service delivery.
96
October 2018 State Council
Motion 49 Localised Truancy Strategies
Submitting Council: Frankston City Council
Motion: That the MAV is to advocate to the Minister for Education, the Hon. James Merlino MP, seeking support for regional units of the Department of Education to work more closely with local stakeholders (Victoria Police, local governments etc) to implement localised strategies/solutions to ameliorate (any recorded) higher than average instances of truancy at secondary schools.
Relevance to MAV Strategic Work Plan: Is the subject matter of this motion/resolution included in the SWP? No
Previous motions: Has a like or similar motion been submitted to the previous four State Councils: No
Submitting Council Rationale: Frankston City Council plans services and programs to improve outcomes for its community.
Children of families impacted by poverty, mental health, drug related and family violence often experience increased levels of truancy which increases the risk of intergenerational harm.
97
October 2018 State Council
Motion 50 Single Wide EBA for Victoria
Submitting Council: Frankston City Council
Motion: That the MAV endorses, in principle, the concept of a single Enterprise Agreement for local government in Victoria, and that a Working Group be established with LG Pro to investigate: • strategies for implementing a single Enterprise Agreement • the relevant legislative, structural and salary matters • the development of an agreed industry log of claims. • other multi-employer Agreements (e.g. the Early Education Employees Agreement 2016).
The Working Group is to provide the outcomes to the MAV to the next MAV State Council in May 2019.
Relevance to MAV Strategic Work Plan: Is the subject matter of this motion/resolution included in the SWP? No
Previous motions: Has a like or similar motion been submitted to the previous four State Councils: No
Submitting Council Rationale: A discussion paper on the concept of a Single Enterprise Agreement for local government in Victoria was circulated by Frankston City Council to MAV members in April 2018 and again in August 2018.
A single Victoria wide Enterprise Bargain Agreement is proposed to achieve better outcomes for salaries and conditions in local government.
Presently, the bargaining process is time consuming, disruptive to organisations and the community. The consolidation and simplification of agreements presents an opportunity develop a consistent bargaining framework and a simple, plain English integrated document.
A single Enterprise Agreement would have the same effect as an industry wide award. It must be recognized that Councils have limited capacity to continue to pay salary increases without reducing the number of employee or the capacity of services to the community in a rate capping environment.
It is envisaged enterprise agreements negotiated with a common log of claims would achieve many benefits some of which include common conditions and relatively comparable rates of pay, reduced time and cost spent during the bargaining process; ability to attract and retain employees and more.
The Local Government sector could commission research to investigate the feasibility, practicability, and legal issues for a single enterprise bargaining framework for all Victorian local government Councils.
98
October 2018 State Council
Motion 51 Use of Glyphosate and other Herbicides
Submitting Council: Frankston City Council
Motion: That the MAV advocate to the State Government to undertake a thorough investigation of the effects and alternatives of glyphosate and other herbicides to ensure the health and wellbeing of all communities as well as Local Government's ability to provide well maintained and presented open space.
Relevance to MAV Strategic Work Plan 2017-19: Is the subject matter of this motion/resolution included in the SWP? No
Previous motions: Has a like or similar motion been submitted to the previous four State Councils: No
Submitting Council Rationale: A recent United States judicial verdict increased concerns about the toxicity and impact of glyphosate.
Currently, Victorian Councils have a heavy reliance and seek clarity about the safe use of general herbicides as well as effect alternative treatments.
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October 2018 State Council
Motion 52 Private Building Surveyor Approvals - Increased Accountability and Compliance
Submitting Council: Moreland City Council
Motion: That the MAV advocates for legislative change for: a) Increased accountability of private building surveyors to ensure compliance of building works they have approved. b) Greater Victorian Building Authority accountability to immediately take responsibility as the Municipal Building Surveyor to address building compliance issues related to private building surveyor approvals, in the circumstances when the Private Building Surveyor has failed to take appropriate action.
Relevance to MAV Strategic Work Plan Is the subject matter of this motion/resolution included in the SWP? No
Previous motions Has a like or similar motion been submitted to the previous four State Councils: No
Submitting Council Rationale: The examples of the non-complaint external cladding and a range of other serious cases receiving media attention in recent years have highlighted the system failure issues associated with the practices, accountability and absence of enforcement of the private building surveying industry.
The Greater Victorian Building Authority (VBA) receives a levy from every Private Building Surveyor (PBS) issued permit in Victoria to provide oversight and ensure the effective operations of the building surveying industry. The VBA is accountable for the oversight of the registration of private building surveyors. None of the levy is directed to Local Government.
The recent Victorian Cladding audits and other examples of building system failure, in the absence of clear VBA legislative responsibilities for compliance, have resulted on a call upon Municipal Building Surveyors (MBSs) to intervene to achieve compliance. This also places the burden and risk of legal action with Council’s for private building surveying matters over which (unlike the VBA) it receives no revenue or funding and has no oversight or influence).
While some funding from the VBA has ultimately been made available to Councils to cover the cost of contractors to undertake the physical auditing of buildings, such funds do not compensate for the significant time of the MBS and other expert building staff, administrative staff and fire engineers engaged by Councils to address these matters. It will also not address the costs and liability associated with ongoing future compliance activities and legal proceedings.
Funding aside, these audits of private building surveyor approved development and subsequent pursuit of compliance, together with the need to communicate activities including back with the VBA have also significantly impacted the other customer services and compliance operations that would otherwise have be undertaken by Council building departments in behalf of their local communities. This highlights the need for clear responsibilities and legislative change.
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October 2018 State Council
Motion 52 Private Building Surveyor Approvals - Increased Accountability and Compliance (continued)
After almost a year of auditing activity, recently Councils have been advised that they may request, on a case by case basis, for Ministerial intervention to appoint the VBA as the MBS for some aspects of compliance for a building. The criteria upon which the Minister may direct such intervention has not been disclosed. Such a solution creates further cost and uncertainty for Councils on what are extreme and high risk building compliance matters.
Legislative change is required to establish clear compliance responsibilities for those who received revenue for building work or are funded to have the oversight and accountability for the privatised building surveying industry. The high risk, life safety issues associate with the recent cladding cases as well as other building safety examples, highlight the importance of urgent action needed by the government.
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October 2018 State Council
Motion 53 Fire Services Levy - Renewal of Infrastructure
Submitting Council: Horsham Rural City Council
Motion: Lobby the State Government to change the relevant legislation so that funds from the Fire Services Levy are used for the maintenance and renewal of fire-fighting infrastructure across rural Victoria, including replacement of fireplugs, hydrants and tanks on rural water supply systems.
Relevance to MAV Strategic Work Plan: Is the subject matter of this motion/resolution included in the SWP? No
Previous motions: Has a like or similar motion been submitted to the previous four State Councils: No
Submitting Council Rationale: Construction of the Wimmera Mallee Pipeline in north-west Victoria has changed the water supply landscape in this region. It has also led to significant new costs for maintenance and renewal of infrastructure used for fire-fighting in the region.
Previously a network of dams provided water for fires, but now hydrants and tanks are the source of fire-fighting water. These assets will need gradual replacement over time – representing an increased burden on local government, according to the responsibilities identified in the Water Act (s165).
Farmers pay the Fire Services Levy, yet also provide a significant level of the volunteer resources that actually fight fires. There appears to be a limited return of the Levy funds to rural areas.The provision and maintenance of fireplugs, hydrants and tanks in rural areas should be funded through the Fire Services Levy.
A group of Councils in north-west Victoria unsuccessfully lobbied relevant Ministers in 2015. A statewide approach to this lobbying is considered important to achieve a positive outcome.
Changes may be required to the Water Act and CFA Act to facilitate this change.
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October 2018 State Council
Motion 54 Public Land Use
Submitting Council: Maribyrnong City Council
Motion: That the Municipal Association of Victoria calls on the Victorian State Government to develop an MOU with Local Government in relation to public land, its use and transfer for local government use.
Relevance to MAV Strategic Work Plan: Is the subject matter of this motion/resolution included in the SWP? No
Previous motions: Has a like or similar motion been submitted to the previous four State Councils: No
Submitting Council Rationale: Plan Melbourne 2017-2050 predicts Melbourne's west will become the city's fastest growing region in to the middle of this century. Current planning guidelines suggest high density living will occur in many locations across the City of Maribrynong.
Planning for this population increase, changed demographic and increased density will be crucial to maintaining our City's livability and access to usable open space is an absolute necessity. Land currently under the management of State Government and other authorities could cost effectively be transformed to meet critical shortages of public open space via a Memorandum of Understanding.
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October 2018 State Council
Motion 55 Mayor and Councillor Allowances
Submitting Council: Maribyrnong City Council
Motion: That the Municipal Association of Victoria advocate to the Minister for Local Government for a review of Councillor allowances to better reflect the time commitment, community expectations and minimum wage values.
Relevance to MAV Strategic Work Plan: Is the subject matter of this motion/resolution included in the SWP? No
Previous motions: Has a like or similar motion been submitted to the previous four State Councils: No
Submitting Council Rationale: Mayors and Councillors are entitled to receive an allowance while performing their duty as an elected official. The Victorian Government sets the upper and lower levels for allowances paid to Councillors.
The allowances ought to be reviewed in line with the Salary and allowances of Victorian parliamentarians and in accordance with the National Minimum Wage.
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October 2018 State Council
Motion 56 Age Friendly Environments
Submitting Council: Maribyrnong City Council
Motion: That the Municipal Association of Victoria State Council advocates to State Government and specifically to Minister Foley, Minister for Housing, Disability & Ageing, to commit a meaningful level of funding to a program to plan and deliver "age friendly" environments in all Local Government Areas and systematically reduce the isolation and loneliness experienced by a growing number of older Victorians.
Relevance to MAV Strategic Work Plan: Is the subject matter of this motion/resolution included in the SWP? No
Previous motions Has a like or similar motion been submitted to the previous four State Councils: No
Submitting Council Rationale: Broad consultations focusing on the needs of older Victorians have occurred throughout the State in recent years, and it is clear that there is commonly held concern regarding the levels of isolation and loneliness experienced by our ageing population. The Strengthening Seniors Inclusion and Participation pilot projects were funded and demonstrated a number of innovative initiatives, however funding for sustainable implementation has not been identified to date.
Aligning to the role of the Commissioner for Senior Victorians and to the Victorian Government's Age Friendly Declaration of 2016, there is a need to make resources available, in partnership with the Local Government sector, to develop robust and consistent approaches to secure quality of life outcomes for our more vulnerable ageing population.
Local Governments are in a position to plan for environments and programs that will better support liveability and well- being for senior Victorians.
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October 2018 State Council
Motion 57 Public Housing Renewal
Submitting Council: Boroondara City Council
Motion: That the Municipal Association of Victoria call upon the State Government to: 1. Replace its current model for the provision of public housing with a model that provides a substantially greater uplift in public housing than the minimum 10% proposed to reduce the large number of people on public housing waiting lists. 2. To make a commitment that all public housing constructed as part of a private/public model remain as public housing in perpetuity for as long as the building exists. 3. To make a commitment to meet neighbourhood character policy and design standards set out in Planning Schemes when redeveloping public housing estates.
Relevance to MAV Strategic Work Plan: Is the subject matter of this motion/resolution included in the SWP? No
Previous motions: Has a like or similar motion been submitted to the previous four State Councils: Yes
Title(s): Increased Eastern Affordable Housing in Eastern Metropolitan Melbourne (1), Homelessness and Affordable Housing (2), Affordable Housing (3), Affordable Housing (4), Affordable Housing (5), Public housing investment (6), Planning for housing affordability (7).
Name of submitting council(s): Knox City Council (1), Moreland City Council (2), Manningham City Council (3), Hobsons Bay City Council (4), Moonee Valley City Council (5), Knox City Council, Maribyrnong City Council, Boroondara City Council (6), Bayside City Council, Kingston City Council, Maribyrnong City Council (7)
State Council meeting(s): May 2017 (1), May 2017 (2), May 2016 (3), May 2016 (4), September 2016 (5), May 2018 (6), May 2018 (7)
Outcome(s): Carried (1), Carried (2), Carried (3), Carried (4), Carried (5), Carried (6), Carried (7)
Submitting Council Rationale: In December 2016, the State Government announced a $185 million Public Housing Renewal Program to "redevelop public housing properties at sites across metropolitan Melbourne, with an increase of at least 10 per cent in social housing". Stage 1 includes nine sites in Brunswick, North Melbourne, Heidelberg West, Clifton Hill, Brighton, Prahran, Hawthorn, Northcote and Ascot Vale.
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October 2018 State Council
Motion 57 Public Housing Renewal (continued)
The redevelopment of the sites proposes a mix of public and private housing. The private housing component will substantially exceed public housing on each site.The Department of Housing webpage for the Hawthorn Renewal Project, describes the project as follows: • "Hawthorn's Bills Street estate has older, rundown buildings that cost a lot to maintain. • The project will build new, modern buildings and increase the number of social housing properties on the estate by 10 per cent. • The estate will include private housing, which will help fund the Project"
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October 2018 State Council
Motion 58 Advocating against changes to the Status Resolution Support Services Program impacting Victorian communities
Submitting Council: Greater Dandenong City Council
Supported by: Brimbank City Council, Darebin City Council, Monash City Council, Moreland City Council, Yarra City Council, Wyndham City Council, Maribyrnong City Council, City of Mooney Valley
Motion: Given the impact on people seeking asylum living in our communities becoming destitute as a result of the changes to the Status Resolution Support Services (SRSS) program, MAV calls on the Federal Government to: 1) Reinstate the previous eligibility criteria, and provide adequate income and case management support for people seeking asylum while they seek sustainable employment; 2) Provide greater resourcing to reinforce the capacity of community service and voluntary organisations to assist people seeking asylum to: a) live safely in local communities; and b) receive emergency relief and material aid support until such time as they receive a substantive visa or are deported.
Relevance to MAV Strategic Work Plan: Is the subject matter of this motion/resolution included in the SWP? No
Previous motions: Has a like or similar motion been submitted to the previous four State Councils: No
Submitting Council Rationale: Support for people seeking asylum has been provided in previous years through the SRSS (Status Resolution Support Services ) program which provides a basic living allowance (typically 89% of Newstart allowance, or approximately $35 per day), casework support and access to torture and trauma counselling.
Changes by the Federal Government's to this program will cut all income and case management support of many people seeking asylum and dramatically increase the demand for material aid resources at the local municipality level. This action will leave many people destitute and requests for places to live, money for clothes, food and medicine, will only escalate. There is a genuine risk that people seeking asylum will increasingly fail to integrate as healthy and productive community members resulting in erosion to the social cohesion in local communities that Australia has invested so much in achieving.
According to the Refugee Council of Australia, based on the latest available date from the Department of Home Affairs, 13,299 people are at risk of losing support, 4,059 of those are children. Within Victoria alone, the number at risk from these changes is 5,863. In August 2018 the exiting of people seeking asylum from the SRSS program began with 400 removed from the program nationwide including 150 in Victoria with further exits to progressively role out in coming months.
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October 2018 State Council
Motion 58 Advocating against changes to the Status Resolution Support Services Program impacting Victorian communities (continued)
People seeking asylum were already seeking emergency assistance in increasing numbers from agencies and other charities throughout Australia given the limited support that the SRSS program currently provides. Many of these organisations receive no money from the government.
With now the Federal Government starting to remove all financial support, the Australian Government must recognise that local government and the community work together as key partners when addressing the complex needs of people seeking asylum in Australia. A wide range of community service and voluntary organisations offer essential assistance to people seeker asylum and many rely on philanthropic, voluntary or charitable contributions to enable them to deliver these services. They cannot be expected to provide the level of service required for the growing demand that changes to the SRSS program will bring.
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October 2018 State Council
Motion 59 Control and Management of weeds throughout the State of Victoria
Submitting Council: Banyule City Council
Motion: That the Municipal Association of Victoria advocates to the State Government for a consistent approach with Local Government to control and manage the eradication of weeds throughout the State of Victoria.
Relevance to MAV Strategic Work Plan Is the subject matter of this motion/resolution included in the SWP? No
Previous motions Has a like or similar motion been submitted to the previous four State Councils: Yes
Title(s): VicRoads Roads Maintenance Budget
Name of submitting council(s): Mitchell City Council
State Council meeting(s): May 2018
Outcome(s): Carried
Submitting Council Rationale: Weed management is critical to protect biodiversity and encourage indigenous flora and fauna. Throughout the State of Victoria there is an inconsistent approach across councils with the method in which weeds are managed and controlled.
A brief review of other municipality’s websites has revealed that some councils manage weeds through a Local Law, however this process isn’t consistent across all of Victoria. A lack of consistency in the application of weed management may lead to an unsuccessful outcome as neighbouring councils would not be able to enforce the same requirements.
If all councils were required to adopt and enforce a Local Law for the control and management of weeds there would be a more effective eradication rate.
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October 2018 State Council
Motion 60 Small Cell Installations
Submitting Council: Moonee Valley City Council
Motion: That the MAV call upon the State Government to lead a review of the cumulative impacts of 'small cell installations' on the residential community and, in light of the findings of this review, re-consider the appropriate planning referral process for the installation of small cells.
Relevance to MAV Strategic Work Plan: Is the subject matter of this motion/resolution included in the SWP? No
Previous motions: Has a like or similar motion been submitted to the previous four State Councils: No
Submitting Council Rationale: In response to the recent roll-out of 'small cells' in Melbourne and surrounds, Moonee Valley Councillors received many phone calls and emails from residents concerned about potential cumulative impacts of telecommunications technologies on their well-being.
While 'small cells' installations are deemed to be a low-impact facility as described in the Telecommunications (Low-impact) Facilities Determination 2018 and generally exempt from a planning permit (as the facilities usually meets the requirements of Clause 52.19 - Telecommunications Facility, of the Moonee Valley Planning Scheme), there is a concern from residents there is not an adequate line of sight as to potential cumulative impacts from multiple installations.
As such, Moonee Valley calls on member Councils to request the State to lead a review of the cumulative impacts of 'small cell installations' on the residential community and, in light of the findings of this review, re-consider the appropriate planning referral process for the installation of 'small cells'.
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October 2018 State Council
Motion 61 Rural and Regional Representation - Sustainability Fund Committee
Submitting Council: Greater Bendigo City Council
Motion: That the MAV calls on the State Government to appoint rural and regional municipal representation to the Sustainability Fund Committee as a further means of improving governance arrangements for the management of funds derived from the Municipal and Industrial Landfill Levy.
Relevance to MAV Strategic Work Plan: Is the subject matter of this motion/resolution included in the SWP? No
Previous motions: Has a like or similar motion been submitted to the previous four State Councils: Yes
Title(s): Sustainability fund disbersement
Name of submitting council(s): Brimbank City Council
State Council meeting(s): May 2018
Outcome(s): Carried
Submitting Council Rationale: Since 1992, Victorian municipalities have been collecting the State Municipal and Industrial Landfill Levy (MILL) imposed on residents and users when they dispose of waste to landfill. The levy aims to encourage recycling by putting a price on every tonne of waste that goes to landfill.
Since 2005, approximately $1.7 billion has been collected through the levy. These proceeds are used first to fund core activities of environmental agencies, with the balance being transferred to the Sustainability Fund (the fund) that was established in 2005.
The report by the Victorian Auditor General found "there is a potential risk that the MILL, and the fund, are not always used for their intended purposes, and that activities that receive fund monies are not achieving the legislative objectives of better waste management, reduced greenhouse gases or effective adaptations to climate change".The Auditor General also found the construct of the committee, which includes senior staff of DELWP —the main funding beneficiary —creates an inherent conflict of interest.
The Loddon Mallee Waste and Resource Recovery Group (LMWRRG) has written to the relevant Minister arguing that local government needs to have representation on the Sustainability Fund Committee. Support for this resolution would add weight to the argument by LMWRRG that the overall management of the fund would be improved and rural and regional Victoria's needs better reflected if regional and rural Councils were represented on the committee.
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October 2018 State Council
Motion 62 Staging Suburban Rail Loop and MMR2 efficiently
Submitting Council: Port Phillip City Council
Motion: Council call on the State Government to deliver the greatest social and economic benefits from their investment in metro rail infrastructure by ensuring that the proposed Suburban Rail Loop business case investigates the best staging and development options for both the Melbourne Metro Rail 2 and the Suburban Rail Loop, and that the Melbourne Metro Rail 2 Business Case is not delayed by the Suburban Rail Loop.
Relevance to MAV Strategic Work Plan: Is the subject matter of this motion/resolution included in the SWP? No
Previous motions: Has a like or similar motion been submitted to the previous four State Councils: No
Submitting Council Rationale: Victoria needs high-quality, integrated public transport delivered as soon as possible. We welcome the Suburban Rail Loop and believe its delivery should be complemented by the Melbourne Metro Rail 2, a missing link following Melbourne Metro 1.
Assessing both rail projects simultaneously will avoid unnecessary delay and ensure that the skills, resources and knowledge brought in to deliver Melbourne Metro 1, can be seamlessly transferred onto the first stage of either the Melbourne Metro Rail 2, the Suburban Rail Loop or both. It is highly likely that both rail projects will be delivered in multiple stages and can therefore be considered as a single pipeline of works to increase efficiencies. However, a delay in one project should not impact the delivery of the other.
The delivery of Melbourne Metro Rail 2 will increase the liveability, efficiency and productivity of growing communities across several municipalities, including the Cities of Melbourne, Yarra, Hobsons Bay, Darebin, Whittlesea, Wyndham and Port Phillip.
This rail line will provide fast access between the CBD and suburbs, improve east-west accessibility (by connect Clifton Hill and Newport Station), increase overall network capacity, relieve pressure on the City Loop, and connect with the Suburban Rail Loop.
Melbourne Metro 2 will also achieve economic benefits from increased high-value job creation and land value capture. It will connect growth areas to job rich precincts and support economic uplift along developing corridors and locations such as Fishermans Bend.
Melbourne Metro 2 should be considered as part of the State Government's $300M business case for the Suburban Rail Loop to ensure maximum benefits, efficiencies and savings can be achieved. \
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October 2018 State Council
Motion 63 Feral Pest Management
Submitting Council: Towong Shire Council
Motion: That the MAV establish a working group, comprised of key stakeholders to address the management of feral pests across the State.
Relevance to MAV Strategic Work Plan: Is the subject matter of this motion/resolution included in the SWP? No
Previous motions: Has a like or similar motion been submitted to the previous four State Councils: No
Submitting Council Rationale: The social, environmental and financial impact of feral pest animals, including foxes, rabbits, wild dogs and game deer is felt across the State. The current arrangements do not adequately address the impacts of growing numbers and increasingly the responsibility is falling to local governments to manage.
These growing numbers have resulted in the numbers of incidents increasing and the damage being more severe. Additionally, the incidents are no longer restricted to remote areas of state forest; there are increasing reports of camp sites being surrounded by feral animals and road accidents involving deer.
The significant impact on local natural flora and fauna extends to farming properties resulting in destroyed fences, consummation of fodder and the grazing in paddocks intended for domestic livestock.
While the immediate financial impact is felt by public and private land owners, it can lead to long term impacts on individuals and the broader community and economy.
A coordinated approach from all tiers of Government is required to address the immediate concerns felt by land owners and managers and to develop a plan that mitigates against increasing environmental, social and financial costs. The Municipal Association of Victoria is the organisation best placed to lead this approach.
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October 2018 State Council
Late Motions
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October 2018 State Council
Late Motion 1 Addressing the Increasing Complexity and Demand for Maternal and Child Health Services
Submitting Council: Greater Dandenong City Council
Endorsed by: Brimbank City Council, Hume City Council, Whittlesea City Council, Wyndham City Council
Motion: A joint Notice of Motion to the State Council of the MAV by CEOs to have the MAV: • Explore the support needs of culturally and linguistically diverse communities (CALD); • Advocate during the next round of MoU negotiations, to pursue cost sharing of the additional service delivery costs when using an interpreter.
Relevance to MAV Strategic Work Plan: Is the subject matter of this motion/resolution included in the SWP? No
Submitting Council Rationale: On Monday 10 September 2018, The City of Greater Dandenong presented a Council Report (attached) responding to Notice of Motion No. 41 - Addressing the Increasing Complexity and Demand for Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Services in Greater Dandenong.
In preparing this report, a joint working group was formed to address the needs of culturally and linguistically diverse communities for MCH. This group included councils from the Cities of Brimbank, Greater Dandenong (CGD), Hume, Whittlesea and Wyndham. The MAV also participated in the working group.
An initial data analysis focused on key areas in the CALD community including language spoken, birth place, additional consultations and referrals, compared to the additional hours of service offered. This highlighted the significant use of interpreters and the additional nurse time taken for the delivery of the service. The use of interpreters is fully funded, whereas the additional nurse time is a direct cost to council and is not included in the current funding model.
The complexities and costs of providing MCH in a CALD and low socio-economic community cannot be compared to service provision in other mainstream municipalities and needs to be acknowledged and appropriately resourced.
The current model for the provision of MCH funding is determined by a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between DET and MAV, where DET and local councils share responsibility of funding the Universal MCH service and contribute equally (50:50) to the hourly rate of the service. This MOU is in place from 2017 to 2020. The current MCH funding formula makes no allowances for the additional nurse time when utilising the interpreter service in culturally complex municipalities.
Accordingly, on behalf of councils from the Cities of Brimbank, Greater Dandenong, Hume, Whittlesea and Wyndham we write to have the MAV explore the support needs of culturally and linguistically diverse communities, and advocate during the next round of MoU negotiations, to pursue cost sharing of the additional service delivery costs when using an interpreter.
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October 2018 State Council
Late Motion 2 Rating System Review
Submitting Council: Golden Plains Shire Council
Motion: That the MAV lobby the Minister for Local Government to lead discussion on an alternative means of funding Rural and Peri-urban Councils rather than the outdated property tax based system of rates
Relevance to MAV Strategic Work Plan: Is the subject matter of this motion/resolution included in the SWP? NO
Submitting Council Rationale: Council has a responsibility to levy property rates in a manner that is equitable across the Shire. The current environment restricts Council’s ability to achieve that objective.
The State Government (via Federal funding) already provides partial funding to Councils to manage the business of local government which supplements the rating system. This funding could be increased to provide for little or no income from rates.
Council rates are a property based tax which bears no relationship to taxpayer income or to Council service delivery.
The growth in property values is causing inequitable taxing on farming land and high growth residential areas.
Many older residents are caught up in the property boom yet have lived in their modest home for many years, causing rates to be unaffordable for them.
While the collection of rates by Councils is capped by the State Government, the inequitable distribution of the rate burden means many properties are paying significantly more than the rate cap.
The mechanisms within the current legislation do not provide a convenient means for Councils to level out the rate burden in high growth areas.
The increase in rates in high growth areas is outstripping inflation and any increase in household earnings.
Annual revaluations are likely to cause more fluctuations in the rating calculations and compound the problem.
The MAV is Council’s peak body and is best placed to lobby on behalf of the whole sector in Victoria to seek alternative methods to provide a more equitable system into the future.
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October 2018 State Council
Late Motion 3 Planning for Parking at Schools
Submitting Council: City of Casey
Motion: The MAV advocate for planning for parking at schools, particularly Primary Schools using one or more municipalities as a trial (Casey nominating to be a trial municipality). Parking considerations should include:
• New school sites to provide an increase in the amount of on-site parking for teachers and staff • New school sites to provide on-site parking for parents and visitors to the school (with a focus on peak school times) • Kiss and Go areas to provide for on-site student drop-off and pick-up to reduce the peak time parking demand pressures on the local road network • Re instatement of State Government funding for active transport initiatives around schools such as walking school bus, walk to school month, and ride to school day
Relevance to MAV Strategic Work Plan: Is the subject matter of this motion/resolution included in the SWP? No
Submitting Council Rationale: The ongoing peak time parking demand pressures experienced on the local road network surrounding schools results in road safety concerns, particularly for pedestrians. Therefore consideration of better planning for parking at schools is an essential concern for State and Local Governments. On-site parking provisions in particular are an important element towards improving road safety and reducing traffic congestion around our schools. The support and uptake of active transport initiatives will also produce a safer road environment around schools.
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October 2018 State Council
Late Motion 4 Nurse Shortages
Submitting Council: City of Casey
Motion: The City of Casey put forward a motion that the MAV partner on an advocacy campaign to the State Government to address the shortage of MCH nurses across the City of Casey, City of Greater Dandenong and The Shire of Cardinia. That the advocacy considers funding of portability for nurses to move from hospitals to local government, expansion of scholarships with a focus on growth areas and the development of a workforce strategy for MCH nurses
Relevance to MAV Strategic Work Plan: Is the subject matter of this motion/resolution included in the SWP? No
Submitting Council Rationale: City of Casey have partnered with the City of Greater Dandenong and The Shire of Cardinia to address a current workforce shortage of Maternal & Child Health Nurses. Over the past six months the casual pool of staff at all three organisations has been depleted as a result of retirements, resignations and long-term sick leave. This is impacting on the delivery of service resulting in appointments having to be cancelled, rescheduled several times or priority given to young babies leaving very limited appointment availability for children 12 months and over.
The following actions have been undertaken by the Councils to address the workforce shortage: Offered current part time staff additional hours including Saturdays
Contacted other councils in the Southern and Eastern regions, asking if their permanent or casual staff would be interested in working additional hours
Contacted the Maternal and Child Health Agency seeking staff
Advertised permanent full time and part time Maternal & Child Health Nurse positions
Depleted the casual pool to fill vacancies in permanent positions
Spoke to Educational institution staff, and students who will qualify at the end of this year to encourage them to consider Local Government as an employment option
Encouraged Maternal & Child Health staff to promote our workplaces to other MCH colleagues as a workplace of choice
Following a teleconference with MAV on 25 September 2018, the three Councils are currently preparing an issues paper to inform advocacy with the State Government.
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October 2018 State Council
Late Motion 5 Fire Fuel Reduction Process for Roadside Vegetation
Submitting Council: Moyne Shire Council
Motion: That the MAV advocates to the State Government requesting a reduction in the need/process for Council and/or landowners to obtain permits to reduce vegetation from local and arterial roadsides and rail-side as a fire risk reduction strategy.
Relevance to MAV Strategic Work Plan: Is the subject matter of this motion/resolution included in the SWP? No
Submitting Council Rationale: In the wake of the devastating March 208 St Patricks Day fires in South West Victoria, Council views the reduction of roadside vegetation as an important fire fuel risk mitigation action.
It is important that the processes and approvals for the reduction of roadside vegetation be as streamlined as possible to ensure that the maximum benefit can be achieved by reducing
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