Fiona McAllister (quote from her FaceBook Page)

After a tense election weekend I am pleased and honoured to now be your councillor for the next 4 years. Thank you to everyone who supported me and of course voted for me! I'm already thinking about the key issues and priorities and very aware of the need to get them on the agenda straight away! The key issues I ran on - consultation, planning reform, spending efficiencies and of course commonsense ... are all front of mind and action as the 'induction' process commences... I will keep you all posted

Minister's blueprint for the future - Government - News - Lilydale & Yarra Valley Leader

Minister's blueprint for the future - Government - News - Lilydale & Yarra Valley Leader:

 "STATE Planning Minister Matthew Guy today released a discussion paper about planning for Melbourne's future.

The discussion paper called Melbourne, let's talk about the future, will shape the Government's Metropolitan Planning Strategy.

It includes nine key principles on what could be done to plan for population growth up until the year 2050.

Mr Guy said the discussion paper focused on the positives of past planning strategies as well as new ideas to make Melbourne one of the world's "most livable cities"."

Comment:  Worth a read...
Get the full paper here  

Fiona McAllister, Independent

Fiona McAllister, Independent Candidate: 

"My business is advising councils across the state to help them ensure good governance and to deliver better outcomes for their communities. My 12 years experience in this area means I have a strong knowledge of council systems, finance, and governance and can ask the hard questions of council officers straight away. I have also seen the best of what local government can achieve in the innovations of other councils and could put this knowledge to good use here."



Comment:  Re read her campaign policy by clicking the link above.

Yarra Ranges Council elections 2012 - Elections - News - Lilydale & Yarra Valley Leader

Yarra Ranges Council elections 2012 - Elections - News - Lilydale & Yarra Valley Leader: 

"UPDATE 5PM SUNDAY: THERE were shock results in the Yarra Ranges elections, with two popular councillors booted out.

Former councillors Tim Heenan and Richard Higgins were defeated, meaning the council is in for a big makeover"

'via Blog this'

Matthew Guy's nine-step plan to addressing housing affordability in Melbourne

He says affordable living could be addressed by:

1. Increasing housing supply;
2. Reducing the cost of building;
3. Reducing barriers to affordable housing development;
4. Preserving or offsetting the loss of existing low-cost housing;
5. Encouraging new affordable housing with planning scheme controls or incentives;
6. Securing dedicated social housing – housing rented at below market cost;
7. Increasing the number of jobs in suburban areas, to reduce commuting distances and times for suburban residents;
8. Reducing the need to own a second car and even any car per household by improving cycling, walking and public transport options; and
9. Other incentives to integrate affordable housing into new developments.

Reference:  Click Here

Comment: How many can we use to expand Coldstream?

Fiona McAllister wins Ryrie

FIONA McALLISTER

our new member for RYRIE

Comment:  Congrats from COLDSTREAM  2020

Who's in!

Hi All,

Final results

Billanook-          Maria McCarthy

Chandler-          Jason Callanan

Chirnside-         Andy Witlox

Lyster-              Samatha Dunn

Melba-               Terry Avery

O'Shannassy-     Jim Child

Ryrie-                Fiona McAllister

Streeton-           Noel Cliff

Walling-            Len Cox

We have five new Councillors. 

Final Results for Ryrie

Well done to all who tried to get in, but as they say, there can only be one winner.

Ryrie raw results

Home - Metropolitan Planning Strategy

Home - Metropolitan Planning Strategy:


 "METROPOLITAN PLANNING STRATEGY


A new Metropolitan Planning Strategy is being prepared to provide a blueprint to guide Melbourne's future over the next 30-40 years. It will ensure the valued aspects of Melbourne are protected while allowing for future needs. The strategy will include links with the Regional Growth Plans and together these plans will provide a long-term vision for Victoria. For more information visit the About Us page."

Metropolitan Planning Strategy - Discussion Paper Released for Comment

Metropolitan Planning Strategy - Discussion Paper Released for Comment: "


Dear Mario

The Minister for Planning, Matthew Guy, has released a Discussion Paper – Melbourne, let’s talk about the future.

The paper has been prepared by the Victorian Coalition Government's Ministerial Advisory Committee to prompt debate around the challenges and ideas for Melbourne's future.

The Discussion Paper is available online via the Plan Melbourne website and all Victorians are invited to have their say. 

You can have your say by:
Filling in the online submission form
Joining the discussion via the online forums; or
Registering to attend the events in early 2013.
Comments on the Discussion Paper close on Friday 1 March 2013.  We look forward to hearing your feedback.

Visit www.planmelbourne.vic.gov.au for more information.

Sincerely
The Plan Melbourne Team
"

'via Blog this'

Drought-proof food bowls proposed as integral to Melbourne future planning

Drought-proof food bowls proposed as integral to Melbourne future planning:

 "Controversial changes to Melbourne's planning system are under way and Planning Minister Matthew Guy will release his proposals tomorrow for public comment."



Comment:  Can't wait

Protesters threaten to chain themselves to Tecoma McDonald's site to stop development | Herald Sun

Protesters threaten to chain themselves to Tecoma McDonald's site to stop development | Herald Sun:


 "Some protesters have vowed to chain themselves to the site to prevent the fast-food giant from building the restaurant in Burwood Highway, after Yarra Ranges Council last night rejected pleas to take the battle to the Supreme Court."

'via Blog this'

McDonald's avoids court challenge over Tecoma plan | Yarra Ranges

McDonald's avoids court challenge over Tecoma plan | Yarra Ranges:

'via Blog this'

Anger boils over as council rejects Tecoma Maccas fight - Business - News - Lilydale & Yarra Valley Leader

Anger boils over as council rejects Tecoma Maccas fight - Business - News - Lilydale & Yarra Valley Leader:

'via Blog this'

Alister Osborn on the Tecoma MCDonald's Issue

Hi All

Last night we had a win, a win because Yarra Ranges RatePayers has put this current Council under scrutinee & demanded it explain itself.

  What happened was Council in caretaker mode voted 6 to 3 to not take VCAT to the Victorian Supreme Court and waste possibly hundreds of thousands of ratepayers money on a frivolous court cases.

 .      

To explain McDonalds want to open an outlet in Tecoma. The site is permissible and use permissible under the planning scheme. Only the building required a planning permit. At a Council meeting where a Green rent a crowd turned up Council voted 9 to 0 to ignore the Yarra Ranges Planning Scheme and reject the proposal. Of course it went to VCAT, of course VCAT were scathing in their judgement of course Maccas got their planning permit. Of course we just wasted thousands on defending Green dogma.

So then what happens is Crs Dunn & Cliff try to bully, with another rent a crowd intimidating Council, into putting an urgent motion through the last meeting of Council before the  election to commit YRC to spending money on ideology. Forget governance forget the moral obligation of an outgoing Council. The Greens were only interested in themselves. All I can say it thank you to all of you who have been part of this campaign to raise Council standards and stand up for us the Rate Payers. I can only hope that come next week we have some balance on Council.

best regards

Alister Osborn

Comment:  Alister is standing for council at the upcoming elections.

Macca at Tecoma: Shire ponders VCAT's rebuff | Maroondah Weekly - Yarra Ranges Weekly

Macca at Tecoma: Shire ponders VCAT's rebuff | Maroondah Weekly - Yarra Ranges Weekly:

"OBJECTORS to the plan for a McDonald's restaurant in Tecoma are now looking to the Supreme Court to try to stop the golden arches from lighting up.

But legal professionals have estimated that an appeal against McDonald's could cost as much as $100,000 and any appellants may be liable for further costs should they lose the case."

'via Blog this'

Tecoma McDonald's fight may go to Supreme Court

Tecoma McDonald's fight may go to Supreme Court:

 "Councillor Samantha Dunn said she would urge her Yarra Ranges Shire Council colleagues to challenge a ruling in favour of the fast-food giant by the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal."

'via Blog this'

Coalition invests $3.4 million in local manufacturing - Premier of Victoria

Coalition invests $3.4 million in local manufacturing - Premier of Victoria:


Comment :  Can SYR be a part of this?
'via Blog this'

Final phase of CFA radio replacement rollout begins - Premier of Victoria

Final phase of CFA radio replacement rollout begins - Premier of Victoria


: "“The $56.7 million Radio Replacement Project is almost complete and complies with one of the recommendations of the 2009 Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission,” Mr Ryan said.

“More than 11,000 digital radios have already been deployed to 1,220 fire brigades. A further 3,500 radios are held for replacement spares and growth in demand.

“The new digital radios have a range of technical and safety benefits that will support CFA personnel during emergencies, and enhance interoperability with other emergency response agencies, once new digital networks become available,” Mr Ryan said.

Mr Ryan said the Victorian Coalition Government was committed to ensuring Victoria’s emergency services were equipped with the right tools and technology to carry out their important role in the community."

Comment:  Where the FSL (fire service levy) goes. :)

Elections to revitalise Victorian local government - Premier of Victoria

Elections to revitalise Victorian local government - Premier of Victoria:

"Victoria’s local governments will be revitalised by the elections currently underway across the state, Minister for Local Government Jeanette Powell said today.

Mrs Powell said postal voting will close at 6.00pm on Friday 26 October 2012 and voting in attendance elections will be conducted on Saturday 27 October 2012.

 “More than 2,000 candidates have nominated for the 2012 Victorian local government elections, so I urge all eligible voters to have their say, as voting is compulsory,” Mrs Powell said."

'via Blog this'

Lilydale, Chirnside Park standouts in real estate - Real Estate - News - Lilydale & Yarra Valley Leader

Lilydale, Chirnside Park standouts in real estate - Real Estate - News - Lilydale & Yarra Valley Leader:

 "In Lilydale, the median house price jumped from $412,500 in the June quarter to $435,250 in the Septem- ber quarter, an increase of 5.5 per cent.

In Chirnside Park, the median house price rose from $423,225 in the June quarter to $438,000 ending last month, up 3.5 per cent."

Comment:  Great if you own land, but what about the effect on renters, store keeper leases and the family unit.  

Yarra Ranges mayor attacks vote change - Council - News - Lilydale & Yarra Valley Leader

Yarra Ranges mayor attacks vote change - Council - News - Lilydale & Yarra Valley Leader:

"YARRA Ranges councillors will be able to pick and choose when to vote under rules that have been blasted as a "failure of governance".

State government changes, expected to be in place by the end of this month, remove the requirement for councillors to vote on matters before them.

But for a motion to be passed, a majority of councillors at a meeting, including those choosing to abstain, have to vote in favour.

For example, in a meeting of nine councillors, five would have to vote in favour and four could abstain."

Comment:  Just crazy in my opinion.

Golden arches bulldoze Hippie

Golden arches bulldoze Hippie:

'via Blog this'

Residents continue fight against McDonald's - Yahoo!7 News

Residents continue fight against McDonald's - Yahoo!7 News:


"VCAT overruled the Yarra Ranges Shire Council's decision to block the restaurant's development last week."

'via Blog this'

Sit-in at proposed McDonald's site

Sit-in at proposed McDonald's site:

 "Yarra Ranges councillor Samantha Dunn said the shire had the option of fighting the proposal in the Supreme Court, similar to the action the City of Stonnington had taken after VCAT gave the go-ahead to a large residential development in Armadale.

"We're seeking further advice on the decision to see what action might be possible or not ... you need to have grounds and it's not apparent yet whether there are grounds," Cr Dunn said."

'via Blog this'

comment:  Are we in caretaker mode at the moment?  I wonder how the new council will treat this and who will pay to go to the High Court?

Senior Lib admits green wedge fears

Senior Lib admits green wedge fears:

"The Baillieu government's proposed changes to Victoria's planning zones, including green wedge areas is believed to have generated thousands of submissions. It is unclear if the submissions will be made public.

Planning Minister Matthew Guy said the appointment of a hand-picked advisory committee to review the submissions was part of ensuring the big planning overhaul ''delivers productivity growth and drives investment and liveability outcomes for Victorians''.

The advisory committee will report back to Mr Guy by November 30."

'via Blog this'

2012 - CFA ANNUAL DINNER

☆Coldstream CFA Members enjoying our Annual Dinner at Chateau Wyuna.. ☆ ★ ☆ CONGRATS to Frank Roche (Life Membership), Paul Janssen (15yr Medal), Julie Asquith (10yr Medal) & Paul Dent (10yr Medal) on receiving their medals. ☆

Comment: Well done gang!

BRIAN PHILLIPS : BILLANOOK WARD

Should the urban growth boundary be extended further in the Yarra Ranges? What sort of development would you allow? 

Yes I support development that will not harshly affect areas that are environmentally sensitive; there are many locations within the Shire that could withstand further development such as Coldstream. Since the first development there was completed in the 60’s it was always the plan to open additional stages. This would assist in increasing numbers in the Primary School and help the local businesses that have been suffering for many years. As part of this development it could be assisted by the reinstatement of the Lilydale to Healesville railway as I stated previously.

http://www.maroondahweekly.com.au/story/371534/yarra-ranges-council-elections-billanook-ward/?cs=1469

Growth = Wealth & Opportunity

Ref Leader 16/10/2012

comment:  If you get into council I hope you will act on this.

Develop Land to get more rates.

Ref: page 23 Leader Oct 16 2012

Comment:  Great idea, where have I heard that before?

Back Paddock Talkback Guy - Weekly Times Now

Back Paddock Talkback Guy - Weekly Times Now:

"WITH shock jock Alan Jones on the wane, there might be an opening for Victorian Planning Minister Matthew Guy.

Mr Guy gave a sample of the barbs within when he responded to criticism of his planning laws by a Melbourne academic, labelling them "crap" and borne out of "professional jealously".

"This is typical, baseless and dated political ideology from a socialist predicting the end of the world, a Melbourne-based academic trying to tell country people how to live their lives."

Keep that up, and the advertisers will be flocking to the Matthew Guy Show."

'via Blog this'

Comment:  GO GUY!

More cost to the ratepayers

Tecoma McDonald's - At what Cost to the Ratepayer

I posted on 13 Oct 2011 in a leader comment "The York on Lilydale Council meeting was only the first round and I believe a round the applicant was prepared to lose. The VCAT appeal will see a far better prepared legal represented applicant. At great cost to all Yarra Ranges RATEPAYERS Council will now have to defend the York on Lilydale decision." 
The present Yarra Ranges Council turned down the application at the 'York on Lilydale' meeting against Council Officer recommendation to allow the development. Well that appeal has happened and McDonalds have won. And yes we as ratepayers have to foot the bill.
VCAT has showed strong conviction in its processes to make a decision on the relevant planning issues only. This Council, in its last days must inform all ratepayers the cost incurred to defend this unnecessary VCAT action.
A VCAT reason for Tecoma McDonald's decision - "The Tribunal has consistently found that planning decisions are not to be based on the numbers of objections. Our decision must be based on the planning merits of the planning arguments and the evidence for and against this proposal. We must be guided by the policies and requirements of the Scheme." Pity Yarra Ranges Council could not abide by the same principles. Costs to Us the ratepayers would be minimal if they did!

JIM CHILD

http://jimchild.blogspot.com.au/2012/10/tecoma-mcdonalds-at-what-cost-to.html

Comment:  This was taken from Jim Child's site. Let's hope the new council will learn from the mistakes of the old and not be so eager to go to VCAT.

Labor’s disastrous plan to reinstate Melbourne 2030 - Premier of Victoria

Labor’s disastrous plan to reinstate Melbourne 2030 - Premier of Victoria:

The Victorian Labor Party won’t bother to write a planning policy for the 2014 election and will instead simply ‘reinstate core elements’ of the failed Justin Madden Melbourne 2030 and Melbourne @ 5 Million plans.

The bizarre and shameful admission was made by the Labor planning spokesman Brian Tee, in the Saturday 13 October 2012 edition of The Saturday Age.

read more....

'via Blog this'

From Coldstream animal shelter, just purr-fect | Maroondah Weekly - Yarra Ranges Weekly

From Coldstream animal shelter,  just purr-fect | Maroondah Weekly - Yarra Ranges Weekly:



'via Blog this'

Field of dreams from under-used land | Star Dandenong | Star News Group Local News, Sport, Entertainment

Field of dreams from under-used land | Star Dandenong | Star News Group Local News, Sport, Entertainment:

KEYSBOROUGH is home to a new $1 billion housing development, one of the largest infill projects undertaken in the south-east. 

Planning Minister Matthew Guy officially opened the new development named Somerfield and said the transformation of 120 hectares of under-utilised land into a new neighbourhood will pave the way for up to 2000 homes and more than 7000 residents.




Comment:  I hope we can do similar in Coldstream soon.  It would reduce the rate burden and create jobs and keep families together and and and and...   

Historic fire services levy reform passes Parliament

The Victorian Coalition Government’s fire services legislation is set to become law after it today passed the Victorian Upper House.

The changes will see the inequitable insurance-based fire services levy abolished from 1 July 2013 and a fairer, more transparent property-based levy introduced.

Treasurer Kim Wells said the passing of the legislation through Parliament was an important milestone for Victoria.

“The abolition of the fire services levy was an important election commitment and a recommendation of both the Bushfires Royal Commission and the Henry Tax Review,” Mr Wells said.

“It is also, arguably, the most important state taxation reform undertaken in Victoria since the early 1970s.

“Victorians have been calling for this change for many years and the Coalition Government has long acknowledged that the existing system was unfair and lacked transparency.

“The Coalition Government’s reforms will ensure everyone contributes a fair share to the fire services, not just those who adequately insure their properties,” Mr Wells said.

“Households and businesses across Victoria will save more than $100 million a year, with a $20 million concession scheme for pensioners.

“The unfair tax-on-tax, which slugged people for GST and stamp duty on the fire services levy component of their bill, will also be abolished. This resulted in some people, particularly those in regional Victoria, paying up to double for their insurance.”

Mr Wells said the reforms were already starting to take effect, with some insurance companies tapering their insurance premiums so customers only paid for the fire services levy for the months they were covered under the current scheme.

“Now the Fire Service Property Levy Bill has been passed, legislation will soon be introduced to Parliament to establish new consumer protection powers,” Mr Wells said.

“Those powers will give the Fire Services Monitor the power to investigate and impose penalties on insurance companies who engage in false, misleading or deceptive conduct or try to exploit customers.”

Yarra Ranges election: Sharp split over rate rises | Maroondah Weekly - Yarra Ranges Weekly

Yarra Ranges election: Sharp split over rate rises | Maroondah Weekly - Yarra Ranges Weekly:

Comment:  They maybe split but we need some rate relief.

'via Blog this'

Press Release by Michael Matthews

M I C H A E L M A T T H E W S                                                                             PO Box 1351

Healesville 3777

Victoria Australia

Press Release

Contact: Michael Matthews

Phone: 0448 470 111

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

4 P.M. EDT, October 9th, 2012

MATTHEWS SUPPORTS SAVING SWINBURNE

Independent council candidate for Yarra Ranges Ryrie Ward, Michael Matthews, has joined with other independent council candidates to support efforts to develop an Education Precinct on the former Swinburne TAFE and University Campus in Lilydale.

Mr. Matthews, along with Alister Osborn in Melba Ward, Maria McCarthy for Billanook and Jim Child in O’Shannassy Ward, said he supported Council’s CEO Glenn Patterson, who is leading the way in efforts to seek interest from potential education providers.

“It is good to see a Council officer standing up for what is in the best interests of the community,” Mr. Matthews said.

“I am concerned that some Councilors have not been interested enough in the most important issues facing our local community: education for our children and future generations, the hard infrastructure needed to support our growing population, and ensuring we get value from money for our council rates.

“The coming election provides an opportunity for a new Council with a new start, which can better represent the community’s interests and needs.”

The campus was compulsorily acquired by the State of Victoria for approximately $3 million in 1993 and gifted to Swinburne for tertiary education in the outer east, and the vast majority of the buildings on the site were funded by the State and Federal Governments.

Mr. Matthews said now Swinburne was seeking to walk away from the site and attempting to obtain a substantial financial windfall from selling the site leaving the people of the Yarra Ranges and the most disadvantaged parts of the outer east without a local higher education provider.

“How will a tertiary institution located in Hawthorn cater for the needs of the population of the outer east, the Indigenous population and people with accessibility needs?” Mr. Matthews asked.

“Higher education can be a life changer, it allows aspirations and having a local education provider is vital for many people if they are to build a better future.

Mr. Matthews and his fellow independent Council Candidates have called for the continued use of the Lilydale education precinct for the delivery of tertiary, vocational and community education services for the outer east.

Independent Candidates Alister Osborn and Maria McCarthy are working with community members including School Principals and Council Officers on the Yarra Ranges Educational Precinct Committee.   A plan has been mooted to bring new providers of University and TAFE courses to Lilydale incorporating a site development plan which will also create quality community infrastructure.

Mr Matthews and his fellow candidates understand by working together we can stand up for the Yarra

Ranges community and ensure the site remained a place of education and training.

-

Authorised by M Matthews 6 Christie Parade Healesville 3777 Victoria