An update from the most recent Council Meeting that took place on 20 February 2024.
More information is available at 2024 Council Meeting Agendas and Minutes.
Planning Activity Update and Delegate Decisions including Planning Scheme Amendment Update – December 2023 and January 2024
This report provided Council with an update on:
- The status of Planning Permit Applications in December 2023 and January 2024
- Decisions made under delegated authority in December 2023 and January 2024 regarding planning permit applications
- The status of current Planning Scheme Amendments over the same period
In December 2023 Council made 78 planning determinations, 24 subdivision determinations, and 69 new planning permit applications were received. The value of development for these 69 applications is $30.6 million.
In January 2024 Council made 57 planning determinations, 13 subdivision determinations, and 30 new planning permit applications were received. The value of development for these 30 applications is $13.2 million.
At the end of January 2024, there were seven appeals lodged at the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal that had not yet been determined. This is four less than at the end of January 2023.
During the December 2023/January 2024 period, there were five Planning Scheme Amendments progressing where Council is the Planning Authority or has requested the Minister to prepare an amendment under section 20 (4) of the Planning and Environment Act.
Planning Compliance Activity Update – 1 October to 31 December 2023
This report showed:
- Council’s Planning Compliance Unit received 92 new requests for service between 1 October and 31 December 2023.
- The number of requests received is lower than the previous quarter, when 132 requests were received. This is thought to be because of the Christmas period.
- 210 requests were resolved by Officers during the quarter.
The most common requests received related to home-based businesses, which accounted for 26 per cent of the total requests. These requests were located throughout the municipality, with the majority being in the central and western areas.
Contravention of a planning permit and signage without a permit (both 17 per cent) were the next most common requests received.
Council issued 33 Planning Infringement Notices during this period. These related to:
- Breach of Planning Scheme/use of the land without a valid planning permit
- Erection and display of real estate signage in breach of the Planning Scheme.
Application to Amend Planning Permit P699/2017 for 322 Duke Street and 30A Riverview Link, Sunshine North
Council agreed to issue an amended Planning Permit P699/2017 for the construction of 85 dwellings in the form of two apartment buildings in addition to the existing development at 400A Duke Street, Sunshine North (originally known as 322 Duke Street), subject to certain permit conditions.
The amended permit allows construction of 85 dwellings in the form of two apartment blocks in this area and to delete the previously approved 19 townhouses. This would reduce the overall number of townhouses within the development from 256 to 237 and increase the number of apartments from 32 to 117.
An assessment of the proposal against the Brimbank Planning Scheme had indicated there was justification for the application in relation to the principle of supporting a more intense form of development on the site than was previously approved.
The assessment indicated the proposed development:
- would offer an acceptable level of amenity to future occupants without significantly impacting on the current occupants in the wider development
- achieves compliance with the mandatory height requirements of the General Residential Zone; and
- is an innovative and site responsive form of development.
Quarter 2 Budget Report (Oct/Nov/Dec 2023)
Council noted the Quarterly Budget Report and accompanying statements for the period ending 31 December 2023.
This quarterly report is a requirement under the Local Government Act 2020 and has been prepared in accordance with Australian Accounting Standards.
Quarterly reports are designed to identify major variances against the budget approved by Council on 20 June 2023. It demonstrates our commitment to the principles of sound financial management in a sustainable and responsible manner.
Governance Report February 2024
Council considered a summary of recent Governance activity.
This included a report on the exercise of delegated authority, Councillor representatives and delegates reports from committees and records of informal meetings of Councillors.
In addition, Council also:
- resolved to endorse changes to the terms of reference for the Sydenham Park Consultative Committee, which included increasing the representation of Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation from one to two positions
- noted the Minutes of the Audit and Risk Committee Meeting No.137 held on 24 November 2023
- adopted the Risk Management Policy that outline Council’s commitment to managing risks
- authorised the Chief Executive Officer to enter into a funding agreement with the State Government for $1.67 million to construct and seal part of Old Geelong Road, Brooklyn
- noted the updated Kindergarten Central Registration and Enrolment Guidelines.
Appointment to Committees 2024
Council appointed Councillor delegates to a range of committees.
A full listing will be available in the Council Minutes.
Local Government Reforms 2024 Consultation Paper
Council endorsed its feedback submission on the Local Government Reforms 2024 Consultation Paper. The submission will be provided to Local Government Victoria (LGV).
Council’s submission expresses support for all the reforms proposed by LGV under the three key areas of:
- Reforms to Strengthen Council Leadership, Capability, and Councillor Conduct
- Early Intervention and Dispute Resolution, and
- Oversight Mechanisms
Council’s and peak bodies had been invited to provide feedback to LGV by 29 February 2024.
Council Plan 2021-2025 – Year Three Quarter Progress Report
Council considered a quarterly progress report on the ‘Together we are Brimbank’ Council Plan (2021-2025) Year Three Action Plan developed for the community.
The report includes detailed information about the progress of Council’s 109 actions and service highlights aligned to each of the Council Plan Strategic Directions of People and Community, Places and Spaces, Opportunity and Prosperity, and Leadership and Governance.
Between October and December 2023, three actions were completed, one not yet commenced and 105 are in progress.
The completed actions were:
- Adopted and implemented the updated Sports Facility Development Plan.
- Updated Council’s Lifelong Learning Baseline Measures to monitor outcomes and support advocacy.
- Worked towards developing a technology innovation space at Deer Park library.
Draft Community Services and Infrastructure Planning Policy
The Community Services and Infrastructure Planning Policy was adopted by Council on 20 November 2018, and informs Council’s approach and decision-making in relating to planning, developing and maintaining community infrastructure.
An extensive review of the Policy has resulted in the identification of a number of potential updates and changes.
Council has endorsed a Draft Community Services and Infrastructure Planning Policy to be released for community consultation. Following the community consultation period, a report will be provided outlining the feedback received. A final draft Policy will be presented to Council for consideration and adoption in mid-2024.
Integrated Water Management Update
Council’s Brimbank Sustainable Management Strategy 2013-2023, developed to manage this precious water supply, is up for review and the community will have the opportunity to have their say about this plan. The strategy provided objectives and actions to facilitate Brimbank’s transition to a water sensitive city with healthy waterways.
At its February 2024 Council Meeting, Council noted the first stage of the review. This will include consultation with members of the Brimbank Community Voice to inform preparation of the new draft Strategy. After that, a draft Strategy will be presented to Council seeking support to undertake community consultation.
Council was also provided with the draft Maribyrnong and Werribee Catchment Integrated Water Management Plans. These plans have been developed through the Integrated Water Management Forums (IWM Forums), which are made up of representatives from local government, water corporations, Traditional Owners, and State Government agencies. The plans for the Maribyrnong and Werribee catchment areas have been developed over the past 12 months, with input from Brimbank Council. These plans will drive collaborative action to prioritise and oversee the implementation of collaborative water opportunities across Victoria.
Council will write to the Maribyrnong and Werribee Integrated Water Management Forum chairs giving its feedback on the report and in principle support for the Maribyrnong and Werribee Catchment Integrated Water Management Plans.
Notices of Motion
At the Council Meeting on 20 February 2024, six Notices of Motion were carried:
- Political Party Membership Registration – raised by Cr Virginia Tachos
- Improving Openness and Transparency – raised by Cr Virginia Tachos
- Taylors Road Upgrade – raised by Cr Maria Kerr
- Brimbank Aquatic & Wellness Centre Fees – raised by Cr Maria Kerr
- Ceasefire In Gaza – raised by Cr Virginia Tachos
- Funding For Automated External Defibrillators – raised by Cr Thomas O’Reilly
