LILYDALE & YARRA VALLEY EXPRESS EDITION Local and Independent. Not associated with any other publication in this area.
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www.LocalPaper.com.au WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2020
Local Councillors farewelled
■ Tributes to retiring Yarra Ranges Councillors who did not stand for re-election were paid at this month’s Shire meeting. Mayor Cr Richard Higgins presented highlights of the local government careers of Crs Terry Avery, Noel Cliff and Mike Clarke. Cr Avery thanked the Mayor and Councillors both past and present for their friend-
ship and hard work, stating it has been a joy to work for Council, as they achieved great things by excluding politics from business. Cr Cliff expressed gratitude toward the Mayor and the staff at Yarra Ranges who have been supportive during his time as Councillor. Cr Clarke also thanked the Mayor for his kind words.
RANGES CEO PAID $390,000 $7500 weekly pay packet for Council’s top executive
■ Yarra Ranges Shire Mayor Cr Richard Higgins told this month’s Council meeting of the death of Jim Reid who was a School Crossing Supervisor and a valued member of the community. Cr Higgins emphasised the genuine kind nature that Mr Reid portrayed toward the community and that he would be greatly missed by all.
13 objections lodged
■ Some 13 objections were lodged against Azura Investments Pty Ltd’s application to Yarra Ranges Council to construct six double-storey dwellings at 28 Central Ave, Mooroolbark. Councillors voted unanimously at the October 13 Shire meeting to allow a planning permit.
Safer Places OK
■ A total of 19 existing designated Bushfire Neighbourhood Safer Places in Yarra Ranges Shire have undergone audit. Three Community Fire Refuges managed by Emergency Management Victoria also remain designated for the 2020-21 fire danger period.
Report on tree
■ Yarra Ranges Council voted 5-4 that a tree be retained on a property adjacent to 2 Swansea Rd, Montrose. A resident’s complained that the tree is dangerous, causing damage to his fence, drains and driveway, and dropped leaves.
■ YARRA RANGES Council documents indicate that ratepayers are hiring its Chief Executive Tammi Rose for more than $1000 per day. The 2019-20 Annual Financial Report lists the Chief Executive’s annual salary at between $390,000-$399,999. Yarra Ranges listed eight other executives receiving annual packages of up to $311,000. The top Yarra Ranges Council earners include the Director Corporate Services Andrew Hilson, Director Communities Jane Price, Director Planning Design and Development Kath McClusky, and Director Environment and Inbfastructure Mark Varmalis. Some 24 other officers have been paid between $150,000-$200,000 annually. Mayor Cr Richard Higgins was paid $83,342 in allowances and expenses.
Vale Jim Reid
● Tammi Rose, Yarra Ranges CEO
FIREWOOD Murray River Redgum Yes! ... We Deliver. P: 1300 87 87 25 E: yarravalley@ brazzen.com.au