LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT 1989 SECTION 223 COMMITTEE REPORT

REPORT ON RECEIVAL AND CONSIDERATION OF SUBMISSIONS ON

DRAFT BUDGET 2013/14 & COUNCIL PLAN 2013-2017 Held 7:30pm, Tuesday 11 June, 2013 Council Chamber, Civic Centre

1. APOLOGIES: Cr Nolan, Cr Lo, Cr Dimopoulos, Cr Klisaris 2. LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT 1989 (THE ACT) SECTION 223 SUBMISSIONS

The following submitters gave a verbal response to their submission:

Shashi Kant Kochhar (JP)

Monash Ratepayers Incorporated (MRI) Des Olin & Chan Cheah & MRI Finance Director Damian Lobo

VERBAL SUBMISSIONS Mr Shashi Kant Kochhar (JP) gave a verbal presentation in support of his submission. The key points raised in his submission included:

o 6 % Rate increase combined with other direct State and Federal Taxes is closer to 15-20% increase to residents,

o Plans are not proactive and only reactive, no checks to see if we have achieved

o Only creating more Red Tape and no new jobs, o No indication of how to fight and minimise environment issues, o No real effort on training in areas of Alcohol abuse, gambling, drugs causing

family violence issues and other family problems, o Does not address issues with emerging communities, and o Tasks are not being completed first-time requiring repeat visits by Council.

Representatives from Monash Ratepayers Incorporated, Mr Des Olin President, Dr Chan Cheah and Mr Damian Lobo made verbal presentations to the committee in support of their written submission. The key points raised by MRI related to their submission and included these concerns:

o MRI Draft Budget 2013/14 comments; Supportive of the 2013/14 Draft Budget process, Council should consider current economic conditions and struggling

families, Rate rises should be limited to CPI or 3 %, Recommends adopting a best practice zero based budgeting

approach in future Councils budget planning cycles, Public review of the draft budget session is an excellent idea and a

value adding customer service worth continuing, o MRI Council Plan 2013-2017 comments;

KPI’s of strategic outcomes are non-compliant with Local Government Act,

KPI’s should also be linked to financial data, staff numbers and time-frames,

Meeting Adjournment: Following hearing of the verbal submissions the Chair, Cr Drieberg (Mayor) thanked the submitters and adjourned the meeting to allow the submitters to leave the meeting.

Meeting resumed “In Camera”:

3. COMMITTEE OF COUNCIL CONSIDERATION OF SECTION 223 SUBMISSIONS All written submissions were provided to the Committee (refer attached summary of submissions, copy of submissions and the responses to the issues raised by Council Officers). Also attached for information is the record of the Draft Budget and Draft Council Plan public information sessions held on 23rd May at Oakleigh Training Centre and the Civic Centre. The Committee, having heard the verbal submissions and considered the written submissions on the Draft Budget 2013/14 and the Draft Council Plan 2013-2017, as required under Section 223 of the Act, recommends that following the Council consideration of the Draft Budget and Draft Council Plan on 25 June 2013 that each submitter is advised in writing of the outcomes from that meeting related to their submission.

4. MEETING CLOSED

Submissions - Draft Budget 2013/14 & Council Plan 2013-2017 All correspondence has been acknowledged and each submitter was invited to verbally present to the S223 meeting (if details were provided they were also contacted by phone).

No Name Organisation Issue File & Folio Verbal Submission

1 Geoff Duncan

Population issues/ Shop Signage FIN95(1) Letter sent, no RSVP

2 Ray Evans

In support of the EGM Land Differential FIN95(2) Letter sent, no RSVP

3 Peter Filby

The Rate increase in the Council Plan of 6% is too high (difficult for self-funded retirees) and should be linked to CPI within two years. FIN95(3) Letter sent, no RSVP

4 Melissa Grimes Bicycle Network Requesting improvements to Monash bicycle infrastructure/ network FIN95(4) Letter sent - no RSVP

5 Same as submission 4

6 Chuen-Tat Kang Library Services- Internet/Interfaith activities/ DGR Status FIN95(6) Not attending - confirmed

7 Shashi Kant Kochhar

Various Budget/Plan matters FIN95(7) Made a verbal presentation on his submission

8 James Wong

Footpath Issues - footpath extension at Batesford Reserve FIN95(8) Not attending - confirmed

9 Debbie Brown

Requesting more expenditure on Council’s playgrounds and improved accessible Toilet facilities. FIN95(9) Letter sent, no RSVP

10 Mr Des Olin Monash Rate Payers Inc EGM Differential Rate FIN95(10) Attending - confirmed

11 (Non submission) Request for removal from mailing list

12 Chan Cheah & Des Olin & Damian Lobo Monash Rate Payers Inc Various Budget/Plan matters FIN95 (12)

Made a verbal presentation on their submission

13 Mr D McGrath

Various Budget/Plan matters – Dissatisfaction with rate increases FIN95 (13) Email sent/ no RSVP

NOTE: Copies of the submissions on the Draft Budget 2013/14 and Council Plan 2013-2017 were circulated to Councillors and the S223 Committee members. In the interests of privacy (submitters residential address and/or email details are on the submissions) copies of the submissions will not be made public. The key summary points from each submission is included in the following pages with the officer responses provided to the S223 Committee and Council.

Page 5 11 June 2013

COUNCIL DRAFT BUDGET 2013/14 & COUNCIL PLAN 2013-2017 SUBMISSION SUMMARY & OFFICER RESPONSES

File No Submitter Submission Summary Officers Response

FIN95 (1) G Duncan Population issues/ Shop Signage Council acknowledges that the Duncan’s have concerns

regarding the suburb and municipality they have resided

in 1968. As stated the increase in popularity of Monash

amongst Asian residents is due to the attractiveness of

amenities in Monash including schools. Census

population data indicates a trend of increasing numbers

of Asian born residents. The ethnicity of residents of

Monash is driven by market forces and is beyond the

control of Council.

The signage does not contravene any conditions Council

places on advertising. Council deals with health issues

regardless of the ethnic origin of the owners of the

establishment and is happy to hear of specific issues that

may be of concern. A concerted effort has been made by

Council to address the presentation and amenity of

Kingsway.

FIN95 (2) R Evans In support of the EGM Land Differential

The draft budget 2013/14 included provision for a

differential rate for rateable properties on which

electronic gaming machines are operated. Soon after the

Page 6 11 June 2013

draft budget was advertised Council was notified by the

Minister for Local Government of her intention to seek

an Order in Council under section 161(4) of the Act to

prohibit Council from declaring such a rate due to its

inconsistency with the Ministerial Guidelines for

Differential Rating. The Order was issued on 30 May

2013.

FIN95 (3) P.Filby The Rate increase in the Council Plan of 6% is too high (difficult for self-funded retirees) and should be linked to CPI within two years.

Many of our costs increase above CPI each year so that

means we have to increase our revenue above CPI. If we

didn’t increase our revenue, we’d find it hard to keep

our heads above the water. We’d have to look at cutting

services instead.

Each year, our electricity and gas charges increase by an

amount well above CPI. In the next financial year alone,

the amount we have to pay to the State Government to

dispose of our community’s rubbish at landfill will

increase by 15% to $2.3 million. Staff wages are usually

increased above CPI, which is standard across the

government sector.

Monash has the lowest average rates in metropolitan

Melbourne. We’ve got a strong record on keeping our

rates low. If we pushed rates any lower, you would start

Page 7 11 June 2013

to notice a real deterioration in the services we provide.

FIN95 (4) Bicycle Network Requesting improvements to Monash bicycle infrastructure/ network particularly;

Glen Waverley Rail Trail

missing link

Ringwood to Notting Hill

pipe track

Scotchmans Creek Trail

connecting to Gardiners

Creek Trail

Review of Oakleigh Station

missing link

Monash CC expenditure in 2013/2014 has been prepared in-line with the Walking and Cycling Strategy adopted on 30 April 2013. The Strategy has identified the completion of “missing links” and the upgrading of existing paths that don’t meet current standards as highest priorities. In relation to Bicycle Network’s priorities the following relates;

Rail Trail – high priority. Council is currently seeking

approval from VicTrack who own the land where the

path will be constructed,

Melbourne Water pipe track – not an immediate priority

for Council ahead of other priorities identified,

Scotchmans Creek Trail connecting to Gardiners Creek

Trail – works listed as part of 2013/2014 Budget

Oakleigh Station approach from west – signage to be

upgraded in 2013/2014 to improve identification of

existing route

FIN95 (5) Bicycle Network Same submission as FIN95 (4) As above

FIN95 (6) Chuen-Tat Kang Library Services;

Requesting internet access

for longer than 1 hour,

Internet access

Whilst bookings for library PC’s are taken in 1 hour

blocks, it is possible to extend the period of time a PC

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Seeking information on

Interfaith activities

specifically a special

religious reading corner

Library should have

Deductible Gift Register

(DGR) Status

user can access a library computer if no one else is

waiting. Library staff would be happy to extend the time

when there is not a very high demand for the use of PCs.

Interfaith activities

The library does not have a plan to allocate space solely

for multi-faith activities; however the submitter will be

advised that Council’s Manager Community Information

and Arts will contact them to discuss this idea further.

DGR Status

The library does not currently have Deductible Gift

Register (DGR) status. Monash Gallery of Art is registered

as a Deductible Gift Recipient as Public Art Gallery, and is

also a participating institution under the Cultural Gifts

Program. This means that the Gallery itself is able to

receive donations that are tax deductible to the donor.

However, the Gallery is not endorsed by the ATO as a tax

concession charity due to its connection with local

government. There are no plans to seek DGR status for

the libraries however Council’s Manager Community

Information and Arts will investigate if this would be of

value to the library services.

FIN95 (7) Shashi Kant Kochhar (JP)

Various Budget/Plan matters including;

The purpose of the SRP (and Draft Budget) is to ensure

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Rate increase of 6%

combined with State and

Federal Taxes will make us

“Feel the Difference”,

Red Tape jobs and no plan

to create real jobs

No plans to cut expenses

and Red Tape

Environment issues not

addressed

No real effort on training

and education to combat

problems related to alcohol

abuse/drugs & family

violence

that Council is well positioned to meet its short and long-

term responsibilities and challenges. A number of

external pressures have put enormous pressure on this

Council’s Budget/Plan prpeparations, however, these

have successfully been absorbed within the projected 6%

p.a. rate increase as adopted in the SRP. The detail of the

justification of the 6% increase is explained in the Budget

document.

The Council Plan allows for the necessary administration

to implement the actions detailed in the Plan.

The Council Plan lists the Environmental Road Map

implementation as means to address environmental

issues.

Social issues are tackled as part of the implementation of

the Access and Equity program that includes many

initiatives in the areas stated.

FIN95 (8) James Wong Footpath Issues - footpath extension at Batesford Reserve

The suggestion to extend the path along the eastern side

of Batesford Reserve to Power Avenue is not supported

in 2013/2014.

Pedestrians walking along the existing path from Amaroo

Street down the eastern side of Batesford Reserve are

able to walk to Power Avenue using the stadium car park

and an existing path from the car park to Power Avenue

via the playground with minimal diversion. The

Page 10 11 June 2013

construction of a 140m length of parallel path to bypass

the car park and playground, although beneficial, is not

considered a high priority.

FIN95 (9) Ms Debbie Brown Requesting more expenditure on Council’s playgrounds and improved accessible Toilet facilities.

Council has 133 playgrounds within its reserves. In 2008

Council reviewed it’s five accessible playgrounds and

committed to redeveloping them over a 5-year program.

Council then conducted extensive consultation as part of

the Playground and Playspace Strategy 2010-2015 and

used the data from over 1000 residents to develop local

design standards and classifications.

Council is committed to ensuring play spaces are

responding to the needs of local children and current

trends in play. Research by the Heart Foundation

supports that children benefit from play in spaces that

enable imaginative play, getting back to nature and

interaction with their parents, grandparents, and other

children. During the design process the project team

considers associated infrastructure such as shade,

fencing, pathways, planting and landscaping. We are

happy to explore the use of themes and the proximity of

public toilets as part of this process.

Council has varying budgets for playground upgrades

Page 11 11 June 2013

and redevelopment. Our recent improvements to

playgrounds include a number of elements including

nature play, imaginative, explorative, and sensory play to

provide a wide variety of experiences. Council typically

upgrades six to seven playgrounds per year with some

recent examples including Southern Reserve (Mulgrave),

Warrawee Park (Oakleigh), Pinewood Reserve (Mount

Waverley), Federal Reserve (Mount Waverley), and the

almost completed Brickmakers Park (23-29 Stamford

Road, Oakleigh). Council has continued to increase its

investment in playgrounds in recent years which

provides an opportunity to continue to improve play for

the community.

Council has committed over $300K next financial year to

improve the paths and trails within the city. Part of this

upgrade will include signage and line marking.

FIN95 (10) & CNCL10 (405 & (406) see attached Council Question Response

Mr Des Olin Monash Ratepayers Incorporated (MRI)

MRI have queried the legality of Council’s resolution regarding the EGM Differential Rate and the conflict between Council and the Local Government Ministry.

The draft budget 2013/14 included provision for a

differential rate for rateable properties that operated

electronic gaming machines. Soon after the draft budget

was advertised Council was notified by the Minister for

Local Government of her intention to seek an Order in

Council under section 161(4) of the Local Government

Act 1989 (the Act) to prohibit Council from declaring

such a rate due to its inconsistency with the Ministerial

Page 12 11 June 2013

Guidelines for Differential Rating. The Order was issued

on 30 May 2013. Council believes it has acted in

accordance with the Act.

Council’s response to the Order in Council will be

considered with the Adoption of the 2013/14 Budget

report on 25th June.

FIN95 (11) (Non submission response)

n/a n/a

FIN95 (12) Monash Ratepayers Incorporated (MRI)

Draft Budget 2013/14 matters;

1. Council conduct related to

the EGM Differential Rate

2. Feedback Comments:

Supportive of the 2013/14

Draft Budget process,

Recommending adopting a

best practice zero based

budgeting approach in future

Councils budget planning

cycles

1. Refer response FIN95 (10)

2. Feedback Comments;

Noted

Council does not prepare its Budget in a zero based

budgeting format. Under the Local Government Act 1989

(‘the Act’), Council is required to prepare and adopt an

Annual Budget, Council Plan and 4 Year Strategic

Resource Plan (SRP). The 2013/14 Annual Budget

represents the first year of the SRP for the period

2013/14 to 2016/17. Council reviews every facet of

Page 13 11 June 2013

Public review of the draft

budget session is an

excellent idea and a value

adding customer service

worth continuing,

current service delivery; capital works renewal

requirements, new initiatives for operating services and

new capital projects and then determines how much is

required to be raised in rate revenue and other revenue

sources within the parameters set out in the SRP.

Noted. This is the first time Draft Budget/Council Plan

public information sessions (in recent years) have been

conducted during the S223 consultation phase. Although

attendance numbers were low it would be expected

that, if this was a regular occurrence, numbers would

increase. Consideration will also be given to a public

consultative process/information session prior to the

start of the 2014/15 budget process.

FIN95 (12)

Chan Cheah Monash Ratepayers Incorporated

Mayors Message disjointed The Mayors message is a general introduction written in

a simple prose avoiding jargon and bureaucratic words.

The main points are divided into the subheadings to

assist the reader to follow the points the Mayor

considers important. The ‘feel the difference’ theme is

based on the community feedback received during

consultation on what made Monash a special place and

an invitation to all to enjoy what Monash has to offer.

The message serves it purpose as an introduction.

Back to Basics – be more explicit An underlying theme that the new Council expressed as

part of Councillor workshops during the induction

Page 14 11 June 2013

process was a focus on the basic services of Council. The

key directions and community outcomes outline the

priorities and other foci are mentioned to show how

they support the delivery of the key directions.

The Plan at a glance section (refer submission)

The community outcomes that are funded by State

Government and other sources will be reviewed upon

completion and further work will be determined as part

of the review.

The employee values section is included for the first time

and underpins the successful delivery of the key

objectives. Adding them to the Plan at a glance section

would create duplication.

The principles support the successful implementation of

the key directions. They are listed as principles to show

that delivering our key directions will require focus on

task and internal processes and approaches.

There are a number of principles that could have been

chosen but the ones listed are considered necessary in

the context of Monash improving and achieving

community outcomes.

The alternative reforms structure presented is not

without merit. Council is satisfied that the structure used

in the Council Plan will deliver the reform necessary for

successful delivery of the key directions.

Council’s Plan for 2013-2017 This section is designed to highlight input from the

Page 15 11 June 2013

section (refer submission) community as an input into the Plan. The key directions

are mentioned to emphasise the focus. The vision and

mission are previously articulated in the Plan at a glance.

Values mentioned are employee values as Councillors

have a separate Code of Conduct. These values underpin

successful delivery of the key objectives. These values

are the ones the organisation has chosen to focus on.

The principles are included as part of the Plan at a

Glance. The Plan is not intended to show a detailed

connection and statement of Health and Well being or

Municipal Strategic Statement priorities as this would

increase its size and readability. The community

outcomes are included as broad expectations as a result

of implementing programs/projects.

Other Comments (refer submission)

The Plan has been structured using the Victorian Auditor

- General’s Report on Performance Reporting in Local

Government (2012) as a guide. The actions will be

further specified in the Annual Business Plan and Service

Operational Plans of the organisation. Council is satisfied

that the approach which has been consulted widely

internally will achieve successful outcomes.

FIN95 (13) Mr D McGrath Budget/Plan dissatisfaction with rate increase

Council reviews every facet of current service delivery;

capital works renewal requirements, new initiatives for

operating services and new capital projects and then

determines how much is required to be raised in rate

Page 16 11 June 2013

revenue and other revenue sources within the

parameters set out in the SRP. The Budget and Council

Plan documents detail the services provided by Council

and the resouces required to manage those services.

Page 19 11 June 2013

Question: “This is about the Differential Rate conflict between Council and the Local Government Ministry. Assuming Council has obtained legal advice, what did the legal experts say about the chance of success when Council continues to pursue challenging the Local Government Minister and possibly risk going above the rule of law in representing the community of Monash” Des Olin, President Monash Ratepayers Inc. Response: The Minister has given Council notice regarding her intention to exercise her power under S161(4) of the Local Government Act 1989 to make a recommendation to the Governor-to-Council to make an Order-in-Council to prohibit the Council from applying the Monash EGM Rate. The Order in Council, as indicated by the Minister, has not yet been issued. If, and when, the Order issues Council, will consider its position when adopting the 2013/14 Budget. Until that time my legal/advice must remain confidential to Council. The Draft Budget 2013/14 is currently on display and Council has invited submissions on any proposal contained in the proposed. It has acted in accordance with the Act. TOM EVANS Director, Corporate Planning & Finance

Page 20 11 June 2013

Record of Public Meetings about Draft Budget 2013/14 and Draft Council Plan 2013-2017

Meeting 1 @ Oakleigh Training Centre, 23rd

May 2013

2 Attendees :

Mr. Miller Goodwin (Mt Waverley) & Mr. Bill Zaras (Clayton) (Personal contact details provided to enable communications by Council to these community members about further

meetings or adoption of Budget/Plans)

Comments provided by attendees:

Public Amenity

Regarding local parks- found generally in good condition, continue to invest in them: o Jells Park important – great places for outdoor recreation, activities for families and

groups of people. Could add more points of focus for people. Trees need ongoing

maintenance. Gardeners Creek – important tree corridor after stormy weather

problems; creek should be cleaned and opened up to allow run off.

o Bayview Park – very popular in Mount Waverley. Needs some general maintenance, basketball ring needs repair and oval needs refurbishment (Mr Goodwin would be

interested in meeting with Council reps to discuss needs).

o Ferguson Park - workers do a particular job and ignore other areas which need maintenance/attention

Footpaths are not always in good condition

Trees along Wellington Road should have been pruned at a young age as they are now too heavy and breaking down. General concern with tree maintenance.

Generally happy with facilities, especially bowling greens, however, footpath trading areas can be restrictive for elderly residents (walkers, wheel chair access).

Social & Community Development

Question the sense of funding specific community groups (e.g. $ for Greek Festival; community garden, or a small number of Clubs) when should be bringing together all

Monash residents & all backgrounds, rather than selectively funding. Want community

grants to be seen to be benefiting all of community; encouraging everyone to get involved.

Public transport advocacy

Recommending as priority Bus lane & service from Huntingdale Station along North Rd/Wellington Rd. to Rowville (e.g. Stud Park Shopping Centre) – with reduced number

of stops close to large car parks – to improve efficiency & patronage of the service. With

express buses during University peak hours. This is important to be acted on now as it

looks like the train line may take 20 years. Full proposal sketched (to be passed onto our

Transport Planners.)

Communications with ratepayers

Changes regarding the Fire Services Levy should be highlighted in the Monash Bulletin. (Council also expecting State Government to be undertaking public communications

program about this in June-August 2013).

A resident in Mt Waverley reported that not received the Bulletin in more than a year; so would prefer that it was posted.

Council Budget

Liked the aim of keeping rates “low”

Also explained were Council’s aims of no borrowings & meeting the Superannuation “debt” (arising for Council from new rules in this area).

Page 21 11 June 2013

Meeting 2 @ Civic Centre Meeting

2 Attendees: Mr. Des Olin (Wheelers Hill) & Ms. Chan Cheah (Notting Hill) - both were representing Monash

Ratepayers Incorporated (MRI). (Personal contact details provided to enable communications by Council to these community members about further

meetings or adoption of Budget/Plans)

Comments provided by attendees and matters discussed:

Community Consultation

Appreciation for Council holding these public meetings as opportunity to discuss Drafts – not had this opportunity in previous years.

Council Budget Generally

Overall this budget shows real improvement and pleased that sticking to the original 6% rate increase and maintaining status as the lowest rating council in Metro Melbourne.

Concern regarding 6% rate increase considering current financial climate and added pressures on households. Hoping & recommending that this is not committed to for every

one of next 4 years.

Would prefer that Council introduce zero-based budgeting to eliminate the ad hoc rollover of programs/services with a CPI increase. Acknowledged that Councillor Rob Davies is

introducing this line of thought at Monash Council. Concern about lack of zero-based

budgeting by Councils in Victoria.

Director, Tom Evans explained Budget has embedded savings, a $12M superannuation scheme payment with no additional borrowings. Development of a 10-year Financial Plan

is also scheduled for 2013/14. Director also explained why zero-based budgeting would

be difficult to introduce for the whole organisation, but might be applied in small number

of areas or new programs.

Expressed appreciation of Councillor Rob Davies experience in financial matters

MRI prefers Council staff to guide Councillors strongly on financial & budgeting matters - to manage the risk of councillors not having strong financial skills/competence.

MRI is of view that ratepayers/people are struggling financially and in response, incremental or slower changes should be pursued at this time, to minimise the impacts on

ratepayers.

Council should not involve itself in activities outside of its sphere of influence, i.e. in Federal/State matters that don’t affect Council.

Detailed Budget items – where some concerns discussed and clarification sought: o Reconciliation of Income Statement with Divisional Summary not clear o Requested breakdown of Councillor allowances and reimbursements (current cost

centre includes salaries of support staff) and requested confirmation that sufficient

controls were in place to prevent any abuse of funds in this area (Manager, Danny

Wain explained segregation of duties and current control mechanisms)

o Chart of Accounts don’t match service names. The listing of services in each divisional summary could not be related to the various cost centres listed.

Community Services items in particular need better disclosure including arts.

o Felt that services tended to grow in an ‘ad hoc manner’ (without review of other services).

o Clarification provided Re. staff numbers – it was explained that the total E.F.T. staff had not changed but some shifts in structure of the workforce. Clarification

also about total Government Grants – and change in totals over time.

Page 22 11 June 2013

o Some questions about art acquisitions and capital expenditure, security of paintings. Wanted to ensure that there was an updated inventory of the

MGA/Council collection.

o Explanations were provided on increases to School Holiday Program (associated with additional income), Clayton Project and accounting for Community Hubs

(where a number of programs share a facility), Strategic Planning and District

Centres (all related to new initiatives & one-off costs for 2013/14).

o Explanation of Monash Pride Crew provided.

Draft Council Plan 2013-2017

Plan at Glance: (Pg.5)

Use of term ‘Principle’ to be reviewed eg Modernising Systems is an activity not a principle.

Why “progressive” governance – when should be using State Govt guide for achieving “good governance”.

Explanation of Council Plan (Pg.7)

Should be about the strategic planning framework, including the Vision & Mission (not the methodology for development of Plan) and also explain links between MSS , Council

Plan and Health & Wellbeing Plan as this not explained well enough in the diagram on

Pg.9.

Create stronger links/alignment between your Principles &your Values.

Why are the health & wellbeing priorities in here? – like a red herring. Values (Pg. 8)

Need to be rephrased to connect to community/customers eg service responsiveness; accountability to community & stakeholders. Always mention community before Council

(eg Impartiality).

Respect is required already in law/through code of conduct – is it needed here again? Detailed Plan (Pg.10+)

Under each Key Direction need a paragraph to introduce before launch into list of detailed outcomes and strategies.

Performance Measures are not strong enough – refer to Program Logic- want to see measures of cost, efficiency, or a list of social or environmental outcomes. Ideally there

should be a $ cost/budget against each strategy. Alternatively take out the word

“Performance measures”.

Process from here

Director advised that submissions/comments would be received up to 4th June. Persons have right to be heard at the Council meeting on 11

th June.

Apologies & Feedback received from another resident: Mr. Bernie Brell, resident of Oakleigh

Mr. Brell was unable to attend the public meetings but wanted the following noted:

Footpaths in disrepair, in Oakleigh.

Attending to this will be an important action to take for our future wellbeing.

Often trees have damaged the older footpaths, but inadequate maintenance to resolve damage and reinstate paths. Although I have requested works here (Oxford Street,

Oakleigh)– at least 3 years ago, nothing has been done. Council must take this

seriously and urgently. Some footpaths are in very bad state- uneven and rugh near the

edges – which is dangerous for older people – especially Atherton Rd to Burlington

Street, Oakleigh).

Care of Street Trees

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Concern that street trees have suffered from lack of water as suddenly dropping leaves – which are blocking drains. Hopes the trees are not dying. I have spoken to Council about

this.

Parks & trails

Agrees Council’s done a great job with Parks & Trails in Monash and believes keeping these places/facilities in “good nick” will encourage families to use these spaces and

equipment.

Social & Community activities

Very pleased with success of Men’s Sheds concept – very good for men who are isolated or lonely.

Agrees with efforts to help community to become resilient to harms from gambling (both horses and gaming machines). As believes some members of the community are being

very badly affected and need help to develop protective strategies.

2 - Budget Council Plan Submissions - 2013-14.pdfFIN95 (1)FIN95 (2)FIN95 (3)FIN95 (4)FIN95 (4).pdf4.pdf

FIN95 (6)FIN95 (7)FIN95 (8)FIN95 (9)FIN95 (10)FIN95 (10)Ratepayers1.pdfRatepayers2.pdf

FIN95 (12)FIN95 (13)1

FIN95 (12)FIN95 (12)Chan Chea reportFeedback Comments:Areas for ImprovementCouncil Plan Sections & ReadabilityOther comments:Summary of Recommended Council Plan Changes

FIN95 (13)