Minutes of the 23 June 2009

To read the full story click on the TITLE above.

But here are some extracts:
The following questions were received from Jack Russell:
2. Why are the rates increasing (proposed) by 6.9% - and as being over twice the MAV recommendation to exercise restraint? And why have you ignored your own advice of 10 December 2008?
3. What is the current status of the Master Planning Process in respect to the expenditure of $20 million on improvements to the Shire offices at Anderson St, Lilydale and what planning process is currently in place?

Rebecca McKenzie, Director Corporate Services responded:
2. The Municipal Association of Victoria recognises that Councils will adopt locally appropriate rating strategies that reflect plans for maintenance and renewal of local infrastructure, collective agreement outcomes and other external cost pressures. This Council proposes a 6.9% increase in 2009/10 to act as a vehicle to stimulate the local economy as well as reducing our renewal gap for ageing infrastructure and planned new major projects. As was outlined in the Council’s correspondence to Mr Russell of 18 June 2009, the extension of the Council’s 10 year capital works program will stimulate local construction and help support local jobs. This is entirely consistent with the Council’s letter to Mr Russell of 10 December, 2008 which indicated that the impact of the global financial crisis on local economic conditions would be one consideration taken into account when Council considers the 2009/10 Council Budget and rating strategy.

3. The Council is currently in the planning process and will soon seek to select a consultant to prepare the Masterplan for the project. Total funds allocated to this project is $10.1m – made up of approximately $5.1m in funding carried over from previous years’ budgets, while the remaining $4.995M is new funds. This budget also includes provision for the relocation of the existing Library.


8.4 Adoption of Policy – Protecting Human Rights

SUMMARY
The Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006 places a responsibility on
public authorities to ensure that they do not, in their actions, unreasonably limit, restrict or
impinge on the specified human rights of individuals or groups as defined under the Act.
This requirement is in addition to not discriminating against any individual or group on the
basis of a protected attribute under any anti-discrimination legislation (State or Federal).
This paper proposes that Council adopts a Policy on Protecting Human Rights as a symbol
of its commitment to the Charter.

Resolved on the motion of Crs McRae and Avery
That Council:

1. Adopt the proposed policy statement on Human Rights as outlined in Attachment 1 below.
2. Commit to future reviews of the policy statement every four years, within six months of an election.

Attachment 1



PROTECTING HUMAN RIGHTS POLICY
Yarra Ranges Shire Council is committed to the implementation of the
Victorian Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities and to assisting all
people within the Shire to live with freedom, respect, equality and dignity. All
Council decisions, policies and actions will take into consideration and
assess whether, and the extent to which they may limit, restrict or impede the
Human Rights of any person.

Council undertakes that in all its decisions, actions and policies it will only
limit, restrict or impede the Human Rights of any person or group to the
extent that is reasonable, taking into consideration the benefits for the
majority of residents, ratepayers and employees of and visitors to the Shire of
Yarra Ranges.
Further, Council, in all its actions, decisions and policies, will not deliberately
unreasonably limit, restrict or impinge on the Human Rights of any individual
or group.
…………………………………………....
………………………………………….
Cr Len Cox, Mayor
Glenn Patterson, CEO
Date: _____/ _____/ ________