Council Business Summary – March to May 2023

Your elected Councillors meet twice a month to debate Council business, set strategic objectives and make decisions on behalf of the community. Here are some of the decisions made and discussions held over the past few months.

28 March 2023

• The draft Community Grants Policy Report for community consultation was unanimously endorsed.
• Council resolved to request the State Government increase the annual pension rebate amount.
• Council to commence further consultation to inform a final Quinn Grove Precinct Master Plan. To be presented back to Council by August 2023.
• Council to undertake an Expression of Interest process in a Public-Private Partnership for the development of a highball stadium to service Moonee Valley.

11 April 2023

• Council resolved to fund an additional $103,000 (excluding GST) for the Moonee Ponds Creek Naturalisation project in Strathmore. A Funding Agreement between Council and Melbourne Water for a fixed cost of $946,000 (ex GST) to deliver the project was also unanimously endorsed.
• Council endorsed an operational model for Djerring Flemington Hub and the operations and services of the Djerring Flemington Hub will be reviewed after 6 months.
• Council resolved to commence a publicly advertised Expression of Interest process to determine the feasibility of expanding the cost-neutral electric vehicle charging network across Moonee Valley.
• The flagship Moonee Valley Festival Event will return to Queens Park in February 2024. Council also unanimously endorsed the development of an Events Program Framework and Events Policy to be brought back to Council before September 2023.
• Council notes the findings of an assessment of sites for future dog parks in Moonee Ponds and resolves to Include funding for a feasibility study for a fenced dog-only area in central Moonee Ponds, in the 2023/24 budget, subject to budget processes.

18 April 2023

• Council reaffirmed its advocacy position for the State Government to construct the Keilor East/Airport West Railway Station, as announced in 2022. Councillors resolved to request the State and Federal Government continue with the project without delay.

27 April 2023

• Council resolved to bring the draft Sports Infrastructure Policy back to Council for endorsement and subsequent consultation.
• Council unanimously endorsed the renaming of Boeing Reserve Oval 4 in Strathmore Heights to “Chris Lane Field”
• The expansion of the fortnightly kerbside Food Organics and Garden Organics to service an estimated additional 21,000 Single Unit and semidetached dwelling households during 2023/24.
• Council endorsed the continued advocacy for the removal of the two level crossings at Puckle Street / Holmes Road and Park Street, Moonee Ponds with relevant State Government agencies, Ministers and Members of Parliament.
• Council endorsed the updated Community Facilities Management Policy.

9 May 2023

• Council endorsed the draft Budget 2023/24 for community consultation. Hearing of any submissions received on the draft Budget 2023/24 will be held on Thursday 8 June 2023.
• Councillors unanimously endorsed the draft Council Plan and Health Plan initiatives for 2023/24. Following community consultation, a report for final endorsement will be brought to Council on 27 June 2023.
• Council declared the Special Rate and Charges for Flemington Chamber of Commerce, Niddrie Traders’ Association and Union Road Traders’ Association.
• Council resolved to progress a feasibility study for a ‘Greyhound only off-leash’ area in Moonee Valley with an aim to construct in the 2024/25 financial year.

23 May 2023 

• Council endorsed a further extension to the outdoor pool opening season at Keilor East Leisure Centre. The outdoor pool will be open for the Summer hours from the start of September school holidays to the end of April school holidays for the 2023/2024 season. 
• Council endorsed the draft Arts and Culture Strategy 2023-2027 and the draft Trial Commercial Events Policy for public consultation. Council will receive a report back by June 2023 for consideration of final endorsement of the Draft Arts and Culture Strategy 2023-27 and the Draft Trial Commercial Events Policy. 
• Council endorsed the proposal to implement an electric vehicle charging station at 31-33 Dudley Street, Essendon North.  
• Council resolved to provide further financial relief for flood impacted residents by waiving the 2022/23 fourth instalment rate amount to affected residents at Rivervue Retirement Village in Avondale Heights and Woods Street, Ascot Vale. 

• Council requested the CEO to provide a report by September 2023 on the current status of the FJ Davies (Centreway) Masterplan that was consulted on in 2019 for potential endorsement.  
• Council resolved to support the CEO, organisation and Moonee Valley community to hold inclusive activities and events that celebrate the diversity of gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, colour, disability, cultural and language backgrounds, and all protected attributes.  

View meetings, submit questions and read minutes on Council’s website.

We thank everyone for their contributions to Council meetings in 2022. Our first meeting for 2023 will be held on 31 January at 6.30pm. Please visit the Council meetings page for all planned meeting dates for 2023. We look forward to working with the community for a healthy and vibrant Moonee Valley in 2023.