Friends
of Nillumbik asked Council: Supporters of Friends of Nillumbik have drawn our attention to the appalling outcome for the Nillumbik community regarding a 2005 case involving the poisoning of a large stand of 70 magnificent trees on land currently being developed at the corner of Diamond Creek Road and McLaughlans Lane, Plenty. For any such acts of vandalism in the future, how will Council require the full environmental reinstatement of affected area so that the development on the remainder of the site is respectful of it and that the development affords sufficient public open space around it? Ransce Salan, General Manager Environment and Planning, responded: In any future circumstance where Council observes such an offence contrary of the Nillumbik Planning Scheme, Council would have regard to the Infringements Act 2006, the Planning and Environment Act 1987, the nature of the offence (such as what provisions of the Planning Scheme had been breached), the evidence obtained as a result of the contravention, and the circumstances relating to the particular offence. Depending on these factors, an outcome of reinstatement may or may not occur on the land on which the offence occurred. Friends of Nillumbik asked Council: Supporters of Friends of Nillumbik have complained that by granting a permit for the erection of an electrical sub-station box abutting the iconic War Memorial Gates in Plenty, Council has paid scant regard to the sanctity and sacrifice associated with these Memorial Gates. Will Council immediately initiate action to have the sub-station relocated to an area further away from the Gates in order to preserve the previous amenity of the area? Clem Gillings, General Manager Community and Leisure, responded: The question refers to the installation of a larger switchboard to accommodate the power upgrade required on site to service new field lights and the pavilion extension. A planning permit was not required. The location was determined on technical advice requiring the box to be aligned to the mains power supply. The trees on site limited the choice of location. Council officers met with Plenty Historical Society to discuss their concerns and consider the best approach to minimise the visual impact. Whilst a minimal shift in location would be possible (of one to two metres) the cost to do so would be prohibitive. There is agreement to develop a landscape plan to effectively screen the switchboard and enhance the site more broadly. The landscape plan will be further discussed with concerned stakeholders once it is prepared, prior to proceeding to implementation. Friends of Nillumbik asked Council: Friends of Nillumbik often receive complaints about illegal tree removal and we have passed on Council's advice about reporting such incidents to Council immediately as they are occurring. Another constant complaint is that the fines exacted by Council are woefully inadequate and should be increased. Will Council consider increasing the fines for the illegal removal of trees? Cr Helen Coleman, Mayor, responded: Fines for illegal removal of trees are not set by Council but are set in a variety of State Government legislation. A motion is to be put at the Municipal Association of Victoria State conference on 26 May to substantially increased penalties for unauthorised removal of significant trees under the Planning and Environment Act 1987 and Local Government Act.1989. It is Council’s intention to support this motion. Friends of Nillumbik asked Council: Friends of Nillumbik note that with the switch from analogue to digital TV other councils are preparing for a large increase in e-waste put out for hard rubbish collection and are determined to keep e-waste out of landfill by proactively providing collection days for e-waste. Does Nillumbik Shire Council have similar plans and if not why not? Conal Creedon, General Manager Infrastructure Services, responded: Council is considering how it can provide e-waste collection or drop off facilities, including how these may be incorporated into the hard waste collection service or how it may be offered in partnership with the Metropolitan Waste Management Group. The Federal Government is also working on the introduction of a Television and Computer Product Stewardship Scheme which would broaden opportunities for the public to recycle these materials. It is understood that this scheme could be in operation in the next 12 to 18 months. Council would also recommend to any resident who has any working products that they no longer require to make use of the Reuse Shop located at the Transfer Station in Yan Yean Road. |