Maroondah in Focus – June to August 2017Mayors messageIt’s been a busy end of summer in the community with Council at work consulting and delivering on projects across Maroondah. I was pleased to see so many people take part in the International Women’s Day breakfast event, Tri Maroondah, Earth Hour at Ringwood Town Square and this year’s Youth Awards. These popular, annual events bring the community together to participate, learn and celebrate the people and places that make Maroondah a great place to live.

Recent capital works projects that have been completed include the new athletics pavilion at Proclamation Park, new multipurpose pavilion at East Ringwood Reserve, new fenced dog park at Eastfield Reserve, Render art project in Croydon and the redevelopment of Lipscombe Park Kindergarten. You can read about these, and a number of other projects, in the following pages. I’m very proud that we are able to provide such great new facilities for our community, providing benefits that will continue well in to the future.

As the new financial year approaches, Council has prepared our proposed Budget2017/18 and Draft Council Plan 2017-21, both of which are available for community feedback. Page 10 and 11 of this edition of Focus highlight these important documents that outline Council’s operational budget in line with the strategic direction identified over the next four years in the new 2017-2021 Draft Council Plan.

Information from the proposed budget is broken down to demonstrate how rates and charges will be spent per $100 and we also highlight some of the proposed significant capital works projects planned for the 2017/18 Council year.

Even though we’re heading in to the cooler months, there’s still plenty on offer in Maroondah: take some time to view some exciting art at our three galleries; attend a show at Karralyka; visit Realm and explore all that’s on offer across the three levels; or explore the many parks and reserves around our great city.

Looking forward, don’t forget to put Sunday 12 November in your calendar and spend the day at Maroondah Festival in Croydon. Planning is underway for another great celebration of all things Maroondah and this is an event that you don’t want to miss.

Did you knowCouncil meetings are held monthly and community members are encouraged to attend.

26 June 17 July 28 August

Meetings start at 7.30pm and are held in the Council Chambers, Braeside Avenue, Ringwood.

Did you know you can also now watch Council meetings live from the comfort of your own home? All public Council meetings will be filmed and available to watch via a live stream on Council’s website. An archive will also be available for those who would like to look back on past meetings. To find out more visit Council’s website.

Get to know your CouncillorsWith this edition of Maroondah in Focus comes the release of new short videos featuring updates from our Maroondah Councillors.

In the videos the Councillors share with the community news from their wards; some of the things they are currently working on; and what they are looking forward to over the coming months.

To view the videos, visit the Councillor page on Council’s website.

Supporting our older communitySupporting our ageing population to live safely, with dignity and respect, is the aim of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) on Thursday 15 June.

WEAAD is an opportunity to raise awareness that many older people experience mistreatment from people close to them, including family members.

Council is supporting the initiative by encouraging the community to be aware of the warning signs and seek advice if they think a friend or family member may be impacted.

Unfortunately, most elder abuse occurs behind closed doors, which is why it is so important for loved ones to watch out for signs, listen and offer help. For more information, support, or advice on how you can support someone impacted by elder abuse, contact Seniors Rights Victoria on 1300 368 821 or visit www.seniorsrights.org.au

Fast factsCouncil offers a range of programs that encourage active and healthy ageing to support and include seniors in the community. For more information, visit www.maroondah.vic.gov.au

It’s a dog’s life!Hundreds of dogs of all shapes and sizes joined us to mark the opening of Maroondah’s first fully fenced dog park in Eastfield Park, in early May.

To stay up to date with Council news, activities and events visit Council’s website, connect with us on social media, or call 1300 88 22 33 or 9298 4598.

The facility has proven to be a huge success, with people coming from far and wide to be amongst the first to explore the new facility. Wagging tails proved how excited our four-legged visitors were to be exploring the park.

The fully fenced dog park features:

double gated entrances time out zone for young/quieter dogs rock mounds sand pits agility equipment seating drinking fountain bag dispensers and bins extensive screen planting.

Come on down and enjoy the new facility at the front of Eastfield Park, Eastfield Road, Croydon.

Improving MaroondahEastfield Park is also set to benefit from a new toilet facility next to the dog park, new car parking and upgrades to the playground. These works will be undertaken in the coming months.

Looking after our furry friendsCouncil is preparing a new Domestic Animal Management Plan, which will provide the framework for our future animal management services.

During June, the community will have a chance to tell us what they would like to see as Council’s main focus for animal management over the next four years.

We want to hear from a range of pet owners, as well as those who don’t own pets, to ensure we hear varied points of view.

We encourage everyone to take the time to have their say and assist in the development of the plan.

To find out more, or have your say, visit Council’s website.

Get involved in Maroondah FestivalDon’t miss out on your chance to be involved in this year’s Maroondah Festival on Sunday 12 November.

Local community groups and service providers who want to take part in the event are being asked to submit an Expression of Interest.

Maroondah Festival is a great way for local groups or organisations to raise awareness of what they offer, as well as providing a great fundraising opportunity.

Expression interest forms must be received by Friday 30 June.

We also offer a grants program, which allows community groups to apply for funding to offer a fun and interactive activity at the festival. These may be craft workshops, ‘come and try’ sports activities, demonstrations or music based activities. Council will contribute up to $500 from a total pool of $2500, to eligible groups that meet the selection criteria. Applications are due by Friday 28 July.

To find out more about Maroondah Festival contact 1300 88 22 33 email maroondahfestival@maroondah.vic.gov.au or visit www.maroondahfestival.com

Did you know?

Last year’s Maroondah Festival attracted more than 30,000 people, and more than 120 community groups and organisations took part in the event.

Celebrating our young achieversThe contribution Maroondah’s young people make to our community was recognised during National Youth Week, with Council presenting awards to 50 young people.

The annual Maroondah Youth Awards, held in April, are a chance for us to formally recognise the commitments and achievements of young people aged 12 to 25 years.

The awards were presented under five categories: Arts; Personal Journey; Young Leader; Super Citizen; and Innovation.

Each recipient is a credit to Maroondah’s diverse community of young people and highlights the many ways they are applying their vision and skills as leaders.

To find out more about the recipients read the 2017 Maroondah Youth Awards booklet at www.maroondahyouthservices.com

The Coopersmith Pavilion openingThe new Coopersmith Pavilion at East Ringwood Reserve will be officially opened later in June, marking the completion of the two year project.

Council will be joined by representatives from the Victorian and Federal governments, to officially open the newly named $2.7million mulitpurpose pavilion.

The pavilion will be home to the Ringwood Cricket Club, Ringwood Football Club, East Ringwood Netball Club and the Victoria Chin Community.

During the day the pavilion will be a community centre for the Victoria Chin Community, who will conduct a range of activities including settlement support, activity programs, education and language classes.

In the evenings the facility becomes the home of the East Ringwood football, cricket and netball clubs for their sporting and social activities.

The pavilion has been named for Brian Coopersmith OAM, in recognition of his services to the community through fundraising, philanthropy and long term involvement in East Ringwood Football Club, the Eastern Football League and Maroondah Sports Club.

Improving MaroondahRoad improvement works are underway on Dublin Road, between Mt Dandenong Road and Patterson Street, Ringwood East.

The works will see the current north-bound lane formed into two clearly identified traffic lanes, as well as the creation of new kerb and channel, new drainage, vehicle crossovers and line marking.

Works are expected to be completed by the end of July, subject to weather conditions.

Get to know your CouncillorsCr Tony Dib JP, MayorMobile: 0438 515 089

Plans for the HE Parker Sporting Pavilion are in development, with the local clubs set to benefit from an upgrade that will improve accessibility and provide more opportunity for multi-purpose use.

Four new unisex change facilities will be constructed, catering for the increased demand at the facility. Upgrades will also be done to the existing accessible toilet, the social room, kitchen and store rooms. A new multipurpose room will mean the facility can also be used by other community groups for other activities.

This is an exciting project for both Heathmont cricket and football clubs. I was also privileged to attend the Young at Heart mural launch at Yarrunga Community Centre recently. The young artists who were involved in the project should be extremely proud of what they have achieved, as it’s a beautiful piece of community artwork.

Cr Paul MacdonaldMobile: 0436 001 760

It was great to see so many people participate in TriMaroondah in March. The annual event continues to grow, with more people participating every year.

These sporting events are a great way to set your fitness goals, with training opportunities available throughout the year.

Each week Council hosts Maroondah Runners Club sessions at Croydon Athletic track. These guided training sessions cater for beginner to professional runners, with a running coach providing support to help you achieve your goals.

It was great to attend a session to see the support the group provides, while making it easier for people to train safely.

The next community fitness event is the Maroondah Duathlon on July 23. So now is the time to start training! To find out more about the Maroondah Runners Club or upcoming events, visit Council’s website.

Cr Kylie SpearsMobile: 0436 003 660

Congratulations to the Maternal and Child Health Services for achieving a century of commitment to family health and wellbeing across the nation. In early March, I was thrilled to attend the Maroondah International Women’s Day breakfast that included displays, presentations and panel discussions with retired and active MCH nurses. Through their informative and entertaining discussions they provided a fascinating insight into the growth and development of MCH services.

Today, families can access a wide range of MCH programs across Maroondah. Our nurses support families with a range of services including help with feeding and sleeping; a breast feeding program; support for refugee families to integrate into the community; healthy eating programs and support for post-natal depression and difficulties adjusting to parenthood.

HE Parker project updateThe detailed design for the new HE Parker multi-sports complex is now underway, with input from key stakeholders and the local community.

The $13.5 million project is funded by the Australian and Victorian governments, and will provide a much needed new indoor and outdoor multi-use facility for netball, volleyball, badminton, table tennis, basketball and wheelchair sports.

Construction is expected to start later this year.

Yanggai Barring gets a makeoverMaroondah’s waterways play an important role in our local ecology, supporting our indigenous flora and fauna.

Council is currently working within Yanggai Barring in Warranwood to ensure the quality of the waterway is maintained. This area is popular with native animals who frequent the reserve and rely on the waterway as a food source or shelter.

The reserve is on the border of Maroondah, and provides a habitat corridor to Andersons Creek and The 100 Acres Reserve in Manningham.

As part of the wetlands improvement program, Council has installed a flow control valve to help maintain the water levels as well as conducting desilting works that will improve the dam’s ecology.

These initial works form part of a long term series of Waterways Rehabilitation projects for Yanggai Barring, which will be undertaken over the next two years.

Changing the globeMaroondah’s streetlights are getting an environmentally-friendly makeover – resulting in each light using 77 per cent less energy.

Council’s Changing the Globe initiative is a bulk streetlight replacement program that has already seen more than 2172 of Council’s streetlights replaced with energy efficient LED alternatives, north of Maroondah Highway.

The new globes perform better, last longer and are more efficient than existing 80-watt mercury vapour lights. This third stage of the initiative, will result in a reduction of around 440 tonnes of carbon per year – putting Council on track to achieving its goal of being carbon neutral. During this stage, Council will be replacing another 1152 globes.

For more information about the street lighting bulk change project, visit Council’s website or contact Council on 1300 88 22 33.

CCTV camera projects completedTwo CCTV camera projects have been completed, which will assist in improving community safety in East Ringwood and the Ringwood Central Activities Area.

Cameras have been installed in the East Ringwood shopping and public transport precinct in seven locations, with thanks to funding from the Australian Government. This complex project saw Council working with VicTrak and Metro ,as well as East Ringwood traders, to ensure a high quality outcome that supports the existing traders’ network of six cameras.

The Ringwood Central Activities Area has two further camera locations within the Maroondah Highway and Charters Street area. Cameras are linked to Ringwood Police Station, providing improved coverage of this busy area of Ringwood.

A third CCTV camera project is currently being designed for the Croydon Town Centre precinct, with installation planned to start later this year. These cameras will build on the existing network of 14 cameras and will also be linked back to Croydon Police Station.

Improving MaroondahA section of the Tarralla Creek Trail in Croydon, adjacent to Long View Road, is being realigned to improve safety along the length of path.

The project will improve sight lines for path users by creating a new retaining wall along the embankment and new pedestrian fencing.

Works are expected to be completed in June, subject to weather conditions.

Lights on!The much-anticipated traffic signal project at the intersection of Bedford Road and Great Ryrie Street, Ringwood, has seen an improvement in pedestrian safety and access to the intersection since they were turned on in March.

The completion of the complex $1 million rail and traffic signalisation project, which was fully funded by the Australian Government under its Infrastructure Investment Programme, came as a win for local residents, schools and pedestrians.

A school crossing supervisor is located permanently at the intersection to help school students who are using the new pedestrian crossing which was created as part of the works. This is in addition to the school crossing further east along Bedford Road.

This project has been a high priority for Council and it’s wonderful to see our community is benefiting from safety improvements at this busy intersection.

Improving MaroondahImprovement works continue along the Mullum Mullum Creek Trail, with a recent project seeing the trail lights between Acacia Court and Suda Avenue upgraded to LED’s. This trail starts at Sherbrook Park and provides great connections to the EastLink trail and through to the Dandenong Creek Trail.

Get to know your CouncillorsCr Nora Lamont, Deputy MayorMobile: 0428 394 581

Our indigenous heritage is something that we can all be proud of in Maroondah. We have strong links to the Wurundjeri Tribe, with many of our places and spaces named in honour of their history.

In April, I had the pleasure of opening the first exhibition of the Mullum Mullum Indigenous Gathering Place (MMIGP) Art Collective at Maroondah Federation Estate, titled Cultural Connections. This exhibition featured traditional painting, weaving and language blended with contemporary artistic vision.

MMIGP was established in 2005 as a cultural hub for indigenous families and community members to share, learn and connect. Council is working with the Gathering Place and wider stakeholders on a number of initiatives, including the development of our first Maroondah Reconciliation Action Plan. The plan is currently being reviewed for endorsement by Reconciliation Australia and will be launched later this year.

Cr Samantha MarksMobile: 0408 145 110

It was wonderful to have our young people take part in the consultation to help Council prepare its new Youth Strategy.

Hearing directly from young people has helped us create a plan to better support our young people into the future.

We are lucky to have a generation of dedicated and talented young people who are already contributing great things to our community. This was highlighted recently by the calibre of young people recognise in our recent Youth Awards, which saw 50 young people recognised with awards for the commitment they have made to the community, or the positive way in which they have overcome hardship.

Congratulations to those who participated in the Pure Talent Showcase, and shared their talents on stage at Karralyka or as part of the art exhibition at Wyreena.

The Youth Strategy will be available for community comment during June.

Cr Mike SymonMobile: 0436 002 080

It’s been great to be able to get out and about in the community and meet with our very active local groups to discuss their needs and future plans.

Two organisations I’ve caught up with recently include the Ringwood Bowls Club, where Council has completed the construction of a new outdoor social space and redeveloped a former storage area into a kitchen and servery to accommodate the growing membership.

And at the North Ringwood Senior Citizens Centre I had the opportunity to tour the extension to their main hall, along with a new kitchen, library and reading room.

Both projects received funding from the Federal Government and from Council’s capital funding program, which aims to assist community organisations to improve their existing facilities, which in turn assists them to increase community participation.

Flood preventionTwo major flood prevention projects are currently underway in Ringwood and Croydon to better prepare drainage systems for heavy storm events.

The Acacia Catchment project is currently in stage 4 of completion, with works underway in Nelson Street, Browns Avenue, and Bourke Street, Ringwood.

This will connect into the newly created drainage outfall to the Mullum Mullum Creek at Acacia Court.

The final stage of the project is street beautification works, including a rain garden which will help to capture stormwater runoff and improve water quality before it enters Mullum Mullum Creek.

And, the final stage is now underway on the Civic Square Flood Mitigation Works in Croydon. Lusher Road is being reconstructed into a V-shaped profile to divert storm water, via Birdwood Road, through the car park, and into the overland flow channel at the south side of Aquahub.

For more information on flood mitigation projects in Maroondah, visit Council’s website.

Did you knowWorks have recently been completed on the construction of a new retarding basin in Brentwood Park, Croydon, which will capture stormwater during larger storm events and help to reduce potential flooding in the area.

Come and have a wordOur next Arts Incubator is on at Realm and is all about words!

Whether you’re a fan of writing, reading or story telling you won’t want to miss Word Me Up!

The three-week celebration of words will include interactive text installations, workshops and performances.

There will be opportunities for people to test their creativity in short story writing and flash fiction workshops, as well as group writing sessions and ‘write-offs’ a no-holds-barred creative writing experience.

Local writers can also take to the stage in an Open Mic night on Wednesday 14 June from 6-7.30pm. Word Me Up! is on at ArtSpace in Realm until Sunday 18 June. To find out more visit www.artsinmaroondah.vic.gov.au

Being active and healthy in Maroondah has never been easier!Did you know that Maroondah has six leisure facilities, including three aquatic and leisure centres, two golf courses and a multi-sports pavilion?

For those who like to be challenged, Virtual Cycle is now available at Aquahub, Croydon.

These express 30-minute cycle classes feature a virtual instructor on the big screen leading you through hills, flats, peaks, time trials and interval training.

Golf enthusiasts now have access to carts and Golf Skate Caddies at both Ringwood and Dorset Golf. The motorised caddies provide a unique skateboard type experience, which sees you scooting around the greens in record time.

Or if you’re looking for something to keep the children active, The Rings multisports stadium has introduced a new soccer program for children. The programs are for ages 3 to 4 and 5 to 12. Expert coaches teach soccer skills in a fun, indoor, social environment.

Walking trails given thumbs up from communityA big thanks to everyone who took the time to share their favourite walking routes with us via the WalkSpot survey.

We received some great feedback, with respondents highlighting the diversity of walking experiences that are available across Maroondah’s parks and reserves.

The feedback has provided a better understanding of our community’s perceptions of safety and amenity while they are walking in Maroondah. All of these comments will help to inform future projects and advocacy campaigns to ensure Maroondah remains a great place to get out and about.

To find out more about Maroondah’s park and paths, visit Council’s website or visit a service centre and pick up a copy of our Parks and Paths brochure.

Croydon Connects and RENDER project launchThe Croydon Connects safety initiative has been completed, providing a more user friendly pedestrian route through Croydon Town Centre.

The project built on past work in the precinct and has created better pedestrian connections between Croydon Station, Main Street, the various surrounding community and recreational facilities, and Swinburne University.

Improved lighting, street furniture and landscaping complete the $445,000 project, which received $250,000 in funding from the Victorian Government.

If you’re taking a walk through this precinct, you’ll find that a number of young people have been busy painting murals, as part of the Render Art Action against Graffiti project, also funded by the Victorian Government. The seven high quality public art murals depict portraits, colourful characters and abstract shapes that have been inspired by nature, people and literature. You can see them at the rear of properties abutting Croydon Park, X Space and Y Space and on the public toilet facilities.

Council, in conjunction with other levels of government, has made a significant investment in Croydon with these and other projects. Keep an eye out for more updates on a range of projects taking place in Croydon over the coming months.

Improving MaroondahWalking around Wyreena Ward has never been easier with two new walking paths at Lispcombe Park and Candlebark Reserve as well as improved signage and seating at Warranwood Reserve. And for those of you who like to combine a visit to a park with a workout - the Yarrunga Reserve in Croydon Hills has a new fitness station as well as a new $90,000 playground.

Get to know your CouncillorsCr Marijke GrahamMobile: 0418 109 015

As a Maroondah resident, I care, just as I know you do, about our local environment. It’s been a ‘green’ few months with the 10th anniversary Earth Hour celebrations at Realm, where I met with the Trash Puppets and enjoyed the range of informative displays and activities.

We’ve also appointed two new community members to the Maroondah Environment Advisory Committee and I attended the Knowledge Banquet where Maroondah was officially recognised as new members of the Port Phillip and Western Port Catchment Management Authority.

We’ve committed to setting some critical targets to maintain our beautiful native vegetation. It was also great to see so many Wyreena Ward residents passionate about preserving the green-leafy characteristics of Croydon during a number of planning consultations we’ve had in recent months. Why not explore some of our stunning natural environment like the best-kept Maroondah secret, Hochkins Ridge reserve in Croydon North, this weekend?

Cr Michael MacdonaldMobile: 0436 001 852

It’s been a very busy time over recent months, representing Council on the Metropolitan Local Government Waste Forum and also on the Eastern Transport Coalition (ETC).

As Deputy Chair of the ETC we are working with our neighbours to develop a policy document on transport needs for the region, including carparking across the public transport network.

It’s great to see that design is progressing for the intersection upgrade at Dorset Road and Maroondah Highway, and that Council is progressing a number of projects within the Croydon Town Centre, including finalising the design for the new Croydon Town Square that will become the heart of this busy precinct. Look out for community consultation on these projects over the coming months.

Cr Rob SteaneMobile: 0407 519 986We’re extremely lucky in Maroondah to have our own radio station – Eastern FM 98.1FM. The station operates from Wyreena Community Arts Centre.

In April, I had the pleasure of being a guest on Eastern FM, with presenter Russ Read for a half hour program. This is a great opportunity for us to discuss some of the upcoming projects and services being delivered by Council. If you miss the live broadcast, transcripts and recordings of the monthly program are available on Council’s website.

I’d also like to thank everyone who has taken the time to have their say on the development of the Wyreena Masterplan. Council is using your feedback to develop concept plans, which will be

available over the coming months. If you haven’t already, I encourage you to visit this great community arts centre and discover the range of programs and activities.

Cr Rob SteaneMobile: 0407 519 986

We’re extremely lucky in Maroondah to have our own radio station – Eastern FM 98.1FM. The station operates from Wyreena Community Arts Centre.

In April, I had the pleasure of being a guest on Eastern FM, with presenter Russ Read for a half hour program. This is a great opportunity for us to discuss some of the upcoming projects and services being delivered by Council. If you miss the live broadcast, transcripts and recordings of the monthly program are available on Council’s website.

I’d also like to thank everyone who has taken the time to have their say on the development of the Wyreena Masterplan. Council is using your feedback to develop concept plans, which will be available over the coming months. If you haven’t already,

I encourage you to visit this great community arts centre and discover the range of programs and activities.

Relief in sight for Maroondah Highway/Dorset Road trafficCouncil has worked closely with VicRoads to develop a solution to the traffic congestion at the intersection of Maroondah Highway and Dorset Road, Croydon.

During 2016, Council advocated with local Members of Parliament, resulting in a Federal Government commitment of $8 million to the project.

The proposed works will reduce congestion and travel times through this busy intersection, which is noted as the second worst for evening peak travel times in Melbourne.

VicRoads will be managing the final design and completion of the intersection works. Over the past few months, VicRoads has been undertaking local resident and community consultation on the proposed design, with construction expected to commence in December.

New playspace to explore!A new playspace in Barngeong Reserve in Croydon is open and ready to be explored.

The $110,000 redeveloped playspace brings new life to the play area with a range of new equipment including a spinning rope climb unit, monkey bars, elevated platform with slides, a rock and logs balance trail and a hexagon shaped six-way swing station – the first in Maroondah.

Did you know? Playspace works are planned for Cheong Park in Croydon South, with Council currently undertaking community consultation.

To have a say on what you’d like to see included in the park, visit Council’s website.

Croydon kinder works completedThe redeveloped Lipscombe Park Kindergarten in Croydon will be officially opened on 7 June, and it will be a double celebration, with the kinder also notching up its 50 year anniversary.

Council invested $550,000 towards major improvement works, which commenced at the end of Term 4 last year, and continued through Term 1 of this year.

The works included an enlarged kinder room to cater for additional children in the 3 and 4 year programs, as well as a new staff office, meeting room, kitchen, store rooms and toilets. External works have provided a new accessible ramp to the building and resurfacing under the covered structure at the rear of the building.

While the works were underway, the kinder programs operated during Term 1 from the Yarrunga Community Centre.

Planning has also started for the redevelopment of the Kurboroo Kindergarten and Maroondah Pre School Centre.

Taming toddlersUnfortunately there’s no instruction manual for parenting. But Council’s Maternal and Child Health (MCH) nurses offer a range of information sessions to support families along the journey.

Families who are interested in learning more about their toddler’s behaviour are invited to attend a Terrific Toddler Talk workshop, with the next session on Friday 28 July.

The workshops are a great source of information for parents, grandparents and caregivers, of children aged 18 months to three years old, who want to know more about difficult behaviour including fussy eating, sleep disturbances and toileting.

The free workshops are led by qualified MCH nurses, with sessions offered four times per year. Sessions are free to Maroondah parents and family members and are held from 2.30pm to 4pm at Norwood Family and Children’s Centre, Notlen Street, Ringwood.

For bookings and further information, visit Council’s website or call 9294 5586.

Greening our suburbsDo you think your local street could be brightened up with the addition of a naturestrip tree?

If you answered yes, why not contact us to request a new planting in your street?

Council’s Street Tree Planting Program is a simple but effective way to add many environmental benefits to the community.

Residents can request a street tree and Council will investigate to see if the site is suitable for new planting, and if so, identify the best plant species.

To request a street tree, contact Council on 1300 88 22 33 or email maroondah@maroondah.vic.gov.au

A bright and sustainable future for our communityThe draft Council Plan 2017-21 and proposed Budget 2017/18 set the scene for Council’s long-term sustainability.

The Council Plan has been developed based on the community directions in Maroondah 2040 – Our future together, and a range of community consultation activities undertaken in recent months.

The Council Plan sets the key directions and priority actions for the medium term to work towards the aspirations of the Maroondah community looking ahead to the year 2040.

The proposed Budget for 2017/18 links to the achievement of the Council Plan as part of an integrated planning framework. It delivers the provision of financial resources for the next 12

months and details how these resources will provide the more than 120 services and extensive range of programs and activities Council provides to the Maroondah community.

The proposed Budget and the Long Term Financial Strategy have been developed through a rigorous process of review, and will ensure Council continues to meet the high level and range of service expected by our community, while also ensuring our long term financial sustainability. With a growing population and increasing pressure placed on Local Government to extend its provision of services this remains an ongoing challenge.

We are confident that the proposed Budget 2017/18 represents a balanced, sustainable and responsible platform that will see enhanced services; protection of Council’s $1.5 billion in net assets; the delivery of extensive capital projects to continue transforming Maroondah; and a surplus of $6.57 million, which ensures a financially prudent future for our ratepayers.

You can view the draft Council Plan 2017-21 or proposed Budget 2017/18 on Council’s website or visit Council’s Service Centres. Submissions to both documents close on Friday 9 June. Both documents will be considered for adoption at the Council Meeting on Monday 26 June.

Priority actionsThe proposed Budget 2017/18 contains 35 initiatives, including 15 major initiatives, as identified in the draft Council Plan 2017-21. These initiatives respond to the wants and needs of the community and will contribute to the achievement of the four-year Council

Plan key directions and ultimately deliver the preferred outcomes in Maroondah 2040. Below are some of the major initiatives outlined for 2017/18:

Commence construction to redevelop both the HE Parker Sporting Pavilion in Heathmont and the Silcock Sporting Pavilion in Croydon.

Complete the design works, undertake operational readiness planning, and construct the new HE Parker Multi Sports Complex.

Create a new Croydon Town Square, including community engagement, completion of detailed design and construction.

Continue the upgrade of drainage including flood mitigation works in Acacia Court catchment in Ringwood and the Scenic Avenue catchment in Ringwood East.

Develop a climate change and risk mitigation strategy. Work in partnership to implement intersection improvement works at the corner of

Maroondah Highway and Dorset Road in Croydon North.

Serving our CommunityMaroondah City Council provides many more services than meets the eye. In fact many people don’t realise there is a LOT more to Council than rates and rubbish!

Council provides more than 120 different services to the 113,944 strong Maroondah community. These services include:

Maternal & Child Health services through seven centres across the municipality. More than 250 hours of support to residents of Maroondah Supported Residential Services

annually. Close to 15,500 hours of Social Inclusion and Wellbeing programs for older residents and

people with a disability. A fully accredited immunisation service, which delivers more than 10,000 vaccinations

annually.

In 2016, our Youth Services provided 11 core programs and 11 events for young people aged 12 to 25, as well as information, support & referral services for young people and their families.

The creation and delivery of more than 32,000 Meals on Wheels meals every year. 94 school crossing supervisors helping children and families safely get to and from

kindergarten and school at 76 school crossings across Maroondah.

Capital work highlightsThe proposed 2017/18 Capital Works program is extensive and allocates a $24.254 million investment towards asset renewal and development across Maroondah. The proposed program of works will ensure Maroondah’s assets continue to meet the needs of the community.

Highlights of the Capital Works Program include:

• $2.440 million for drainage works, including stormwater drainage infrastructure renewal works in Dublin Road, East Ringwood and Stage 5 Flood Mitigation works in Acacia Court, Ringwood that will include water sensitive urban design and streetscape works.

• $4.467 million on recreational and open space improvements across Maroondah including a new Croydon Town Square, sports field surface renovation at Jubilee Park, Ringwood and playground renewal at Ringwood Lake Park and Cheong Park.

• $7.843 million on buildings and renewal works to ensure the community has access to well maintained, safe and appropriate facilities. The program includes the redevelopment of the HE Parker sports pavilion in Heathmont, the Bedford Park Scout Hall, Kurboroo Kindergarten in Warranwood, East Ringwood Senior Citizens Centre, Benson’s Pavilion, Croydon and Quambee pavilion in Ringwood North.

• $7.097 million on roads, footpaths, local area traffic management and commercial centres including reconstruction of Caroline Street, Ringwood; Taralla Creek Trail improvement works and $2.16 million on footpath replacement and construction at various locations across the municipality.

Rates and charges per $100How your rates and charges will be spent in the proposed 2017/18 Budget per $100:

• Leisure and culture: $23.25• Environment: $23.22• Capital works: $18.14• Community Sport: $16.04• Transport and access: $11.48• City Development: $7.88

BizWeek 2017– from ordinary to extraordinaryMonday 7 to Friday 11 August

Council’s popular BizWeek program is back and bigger than ever for 2017 with a range of inspirational speakers and workshops.

The highlights of the week will be the Eastland Experience, on Monday 7 August which will see participants treated to a morning with Dianne McGrath, who is one of 100 finalists in the Mars-one project, which could see her become a coloniser on to Mars – it’s a one-way ticket! Dianne also has a diverse background in sustainability, consultancy, biohacking, blogging and as a company director.

Then on Tuesday 8 August you can meet some young entrepreneurs at a networking session. Our entrepreneurs are Phillip Kuochof Goldelucks Bakery; Cam Greenwood of Monsta Surf; and Jake Wilson of Double Park Sidecar Coffee.

Across the week there will also be workshops at BizHub at Realm aimed at helping participants build their businesses from the ordinary to extraordinary!

The program includes: women in leadership; switching mindsets for performance; creating powerful speeches; an ‘own your throne’ masterclass with the Queen of Confidence; financials for tradie wives; and a LinkedIn masterclass.

There are also 20 free mentoring sessions available for businesses.

Bookings for events and the workshops open on Wednesday 14 June visitwww.bizhubmaroondah.com.au or phone 9298 4320.

Dates for your diary Bakersfield Mist8pm, Friday 2 JuneKarralyka, Mines Road, Ringwood East

Inspired by true events this comedic drama, starring John Wood and Julie Nihill, asks the question, is the true value of art in the eye of the beholder?

For tickets or to find out more, visit www.karralyka.com.au

Juan Ford exhibitionWednesday 28 June to Sunday 20 August ArtSpace at Realm, 179 Maroondah Highway, Ringwood

This large site-specific artwork, Threshold, is made of reclaimed materials that have been sourced from recycling depots throughout Maroondah.

For more information on the exhibition, visit www.artsinmaroondah.com.au

DuathlonSunday 23 JulyMerrindale Drive precinct, Croydon South

Don’t miss the chance to challenge yourself and the family in this fun event. The main event includes a 4km run, 15km cycle and 4 km run. There will also be a family event of a 1km run, 4km ride and 1km run.

Keep an eye out on Council’s website and Facebook page to see when registrations open.