InsideMoreland

Jan. Feb. Mar 2016

Designing a more sustainable future

What is happening on Barrow Street Brunswick?

19 Cobourg

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A cooler Moreland Oak Park: an update

A glimpse of the new gambling strategy

In this issue:

inside moreland Jan | Feb | Mar 16

Hello and welcome to the first Inside Moreland for 2016. I was elected Mayor in October 2015 and I am excited about working with you in the year ahead to make Moreland even better. We live in a great city and have so much to be grateful for. There is also much to be done to improve our city and to ensure that everyone is able to participate in the life of our wonderful community. In 2015 we saw some great projects come to life across our municipality. Bush Reserve opened in June – a truly beautiful new park for Coburg featuring a tree house, flying fox, table tennis table, olive grove, barbecues and a picnic area. We are also very proud of the new public space in Wilson Avenue, Brunswick. With its amazing urban bouldering wall, green landscaping and seating, the space has won a swag of awards and is already buzzing with life. Other new public spaces include a new community hub and garden at Saxon Street in Brunswick and seating and shelter at Morgan Court in Glenroy. Residents can also enjoy the fabulous new skate and BMX facility in Clifton Park in Brunswick, the impressive new sport and education precinct at Fawkner’s CB Smith Reserve and the Multipurpose Courts in Gowanbrae.

Welcome to Inside MorelandA message from your Mayor

Published by Moreland City CouncilJanuary 2016. DisclaimerInformation and events contained in this publication are current at the time of printing. Subsequent changes to events/information may occur. Although the publication may be of assistance to you, Moreland City Council does not guarantee that it is without flaw of any kind or is wholly appropriate for your particular purposes. It and its employees do not accept any responsibility, and indeed expressly disclaim any liability, for any loss or damage, whether direct or consequential, suffered by any person as the result of or arising from reliance on any information contained in the publication.

© All applicable copyrights reserved for Moreland City Council. Except for any uses permitted under the Copyright Act 1968 (Cth), no part of this publication may be reproduced in any manner or in any medium (whether electronic or otherwise) without the express permission of Moreland City Council. This document is also available as a PDF file on Moreland’s website at moreland.vic.gov.au. We care about the environment. Inside Moreland is printed on 100% recycled carbon neutral paper made from post consumer waste using biodegradable vegetable based inks.

Cover image: Murray Road, Coburg.

Moreland City CouncilLocked Bag 10, Moreland, VIC, 30589240 1111 | info@moreland.vic.gov.aumoreland.vic.gov.au

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Contents3 Designing a more sustainable

future

4 Pushing the water-wise barrow

5 Making a splash in Oak Park

6 Hot in the city

6 Be WaterSmart and save on your bills!

7 New gambling strategy tackles public health issue

8 Live at the library

8 Your Councillors

8 Upcoming Council Meetings

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For 2016, we are focused on delivering more projects and improving the streets and spaces that our residents live, work and play in. These include further planning for the redevelopment of the Oak Park Aquatic Centre and Sports Pavilion, upgrades to Fleming Park in Brunswick East and concept designs and community consultations for the former Glenroy Primary School site. We are committed to strengthening the way we work by making sure all our residents have the opportunity to interact with our Councillors and stay up to date with what’s happening in their local area. Holding three new Councillor meetings in 2016 on top of our usual monthly meetings – in Glenroy, Fawkner and Brunswick – is just one way we will achieve this. We will continue our strong focus on sustainable design in planning and building, supporting public transport and cycling and developing ways to prepare Moreland for the future, including working to make Moreland a carbon neutral city, responding to the Urban Heat Island Effect and encouraging more urban agriculture and food production. We are excited about exploring new housing development models to make housing more affordable, more sustainable and to adapt to our rapidly changing city. Finally, and most importantly, we are dedicated to you – our residents – and will continue to improve our services and deliver on our vision for a sustainable Moreland that provides an attractive, accessible and safe environment to meet your diverse and growing needs. We look forward to hearing from you in 2016.

Cr Samantha RatnamMayor of Moreland

inside moreland Jan | Feb | Mar 16

Designing a more sustainable futureIn every part of life, better planning means better outcomes. It makes sense that a community that wants to have more energy-efficient and environmentally sustainable buildings will ensure this is prioritised in the planning process.

Moreland City Council is one of six Victorian councils to have introduced best-practice environmental sustainability regulations for developers following the approval of a new planning policy by the State Government last November.

Sustainable Design Assessment in the Planning Process will be implemented throughout Moreland for residential and non-residential developments, both small and large scale. It acknowledges the reality that key decisions affecting the sustainability of a new building are made early in the design process.

By addressing environmental considerations from the outset rather than waiting for the permit

stage, new buildings typically cost no more to construct while delivering energy and water savings. The overarching objective is best-practice in environmentally sustainable development from the design stage through to construction and operation.

New buildings are required to maximise the use of the sun for heating and natural ventilation for cooling and air quality. Wherever possible they must use renewable energy generation such as solar power, have efficient fixed appliances and fixtures such as taps and lighting, include rainwater tanks and incorporate dedicated spaces for recycling and green waste. Large developments may also need to provide a green travel plan, which could encompass car sharing or electric car charging facilities. These initiatives will reduce costs over the life of the building, as well as improve amenity and liveability.

“The community has been asking for better environmental outcomes in new

developments and these regulations will help this happen,” Moreland Mayor Cr Samantha Ratnam said.

“Every building commenced in Moreland will be better designed, more energy and water efficient than the buildings of the past. That’s real progress.”

Moreland City Council is one of six Victorian councils to have introduced best-practice environmental sustainability regulations for developers following the approval of a new planning policy by the State Government last November.

For more information visit moreland.vic.gov.au/sdapp

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Brunswick’s Tip Top development. Image courtesy Little Projects and Peter Clarke.

inside moreland Jan | Feb | Mar 16

Two important ways to improve sustainability are enhancing the health of our trees and waterways and optimising use of existing resources such as rainwater. These imperatives came together in an innovative experiment taking place in Barrow Street, Brunswick.

Moreland City Council, together with the University of Melbourne, is trialling five different planting methods for street trees to assess passive irrigation techniques. The different designs include variations on the type of soil the tree is planted in, connection to drainage and positioning. For example, many of the trees have been planted in positions suitable for diversion of water from the road directly to the tree roots.

The Council research team is looking for options that maximise tree health and growth as well as improve the quality of stormwater runoff, which will contribute to improved water quality in

local creeks. Other potential benefits include lateral tree root growth, reduced footpath cracking and more stable street trees.

Data will be collected during the trial with close monitoring of trees and water over the first 12 months leading to the first study results in August 2016. These results will be reported to residents and will help inform future street tree planting in Moreland and further afield.

For more information visit: moreland.vic.gov.au/cleanwaterways

Pushing the water-wise barrow

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Tree pits on Barrow Street in Brunswick with different designs for rainwater harvest.

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Council is undertaking a trial in Barrow Street, Brunswick for harvesting rainwater runoff from our streets in the best possible way to enhance the growth of street trees.

Water Wise Trees

inside moreland Jan | Feb | Mar 16 5

Making a splash in Oak ParkGenerations of Oak Park and neighbouring residents have spent their summers at the local pool: splashing in the shallows, swimming laps for exercise or just enjoying the warm weather. In more recent times, the exciting descent on the waterslide has become a rite of passage for local youngsters. The pool has always been an important part of the recreational landscape in Oak Park, but its value will only increase as the Oak Park Aquatic Centre redevelopment becomes fully realised. Over the past five years, various design concepts have been considered. Now, a project scope has been endorsed by Moreland City Council with the following key components to be included within the redevelopment:

» New 50-metre x 8-lane outdoor heated pool with entry ramp

» New outdoor heated learn-to-swim pool

» New outdoor heated children’s play pool with water play equipment

» Two new waterslides, including tower and run-out pools

» Wet and dry change facilities » Accessible changing rooms » Reception and back-of-house

facilities » Kiosk and retail space

» New gymnasiums » Multi-purpose community room for

group fitness » Studio and new sporting pavilion » New concourse and spectator

seating » Shade sails for all water areas and

spectator seating » Landscaped areas » Additional car parking and

improvements to traffic flow. There is an environmentally sustainable development budget allowance of approximately five per cent of the total project cost. There will be onsite power generation of at least 20 per cent of the facility’s electricity requirements. An Ultrafine filtration system will provide high water quality and significant reductions in pool water use. Other water-sensitive design features include rainwater catchment off roofs, plus recycling of pool waste water for toilet flushing and garden irrigation. There is also a strong focus on accessible design for users of all ages and abilities through Universal Design Principles. “This facility has always been loved by the people of Oak Park and I am

delighted that it is being upgraded,” North-West Ward Councillor John Kavanagh said. “This is not just an important recreational facility but also functions as a community hub. “We are increasingly aware of the importance of health and physical fitness for all age groups and sectors of the community. The upgrade will provide access to a range of exercise options, as well as plenty of fun.” Council has allocated funds in the 2015–16 Budget to progress design works. The establishment of a detailed design will enable Council to pursue external funding opportunities, such as government grants, to assist in delivering this large-scale project. Full tender documentation will be completed by the end of June 2016, and construction is currently forecast to commence in April 2017, subject to funding confirmation. Construction is expected to take between 18 to 24 months.

Stay informed on the project by registering for the Oak Park Aquatic Centre redevelopment newsletter at activemoreland.com.au/oakparkredevelopmentnews

inside moreland Jan | Feb | Mar 16

Hot in the cityIt is more than 200 years since a British scientist first observed and documented the Urban Heat Island effect, which refers to the way built-up areas trap heat.

Factors including climate change and an ageing population make the Urban Heat Island effect a significant issue in Moreland, and Moreland City Council has been proactive in seeking ways to reduce this problem. Council is developing an Urban Heat Island Action Plan to help prepare Moreland

for a hotter future, with municipality-wide strategies to reduce overall temperatures and projects targeting specific locations.

Meanwhile, if you want to help make Moreland cooler, greener and safer in extreme heat, you can:

» Plant trees in your garden to provide greater shading

» Apply a coat of cool roof paint to your roof

» If reroofing, consider Colourbond

Coolmax, which has heat reflecting properties.

» Install insulation and shading » If renovating, access free advice

on sustainable design, material and product choices from Moreland Energy Foundation at www.mefl.com.au.

For more information on the Urban Heat Island Action Plan, visit moreland.vic.gov.au/urban-heat-island

The Watts family plant trees to increase shade at their home in Pascoe Vale South.

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WaterSmart Moreland is a Council initiative, delivered in partnership with Moreland Energy Foundation, designed to help residents better manage water in their home. The program can help keep your garden healthy, lower your water bills and help the environment.

WaterSmart Moreland provides participating residents with a free home inspection and advice on improving water efficiency, as well as access to cheaper water efficient products and installation, such as rainwater tanks and internal fittings. An average house can save up to $200 worth of water every year if

rainwater is harvested from the roof correctly. When rainwater is not harvested, excess stormwater runs off and can damage local waterways. If you are interested in participating, register at moreland.vic.gov.au/watersmart or by calling 9385 8555. Get in quickly as places in the initial pilot program are limited.

Be WaterSmart and save on your bills!

inside moreland Jan | Feb | Mar 16

New gambling strategy tackles public health issueLast year, $63,500,000 was lost on pokies in Moreland. To put that in perspective, Council could fund the construction of 13 multi-purpose community centres with that amount of money. Gambling is a source of significant social harm, which is why Moreland City Council has developed the Gambling Strategy in Moreland 2015–20. Poker machines are the single major cause of gambling addiction in Moreland, with around 40 per cent of income earned by venue operators coming from problem gamblers. The social impact of these machines, which are designed to be addictive, can be catastrophic. A Victorian Coroner’s Report noted 128 gambling-related suicides between 2000 and

2012, and there is growing evidence of links between family violence and problem gambling.

The good news is that something can be done. Residents and community groups are invited to join the Alliance for Gambling Reform, of which Council is a founding partner, to lobby for effective consumer protection in the regulation of poker machines. Get involved at: pokiesplayyou.org.au/moreland.

“There are simple reforms to poker machines which we know will make a substantial cut in rates of gambling addiction, which continue to be resisted by the gambling industry,” Moreland Mayor Cr Samantha Ratnam said. “The most obvious example is the need to introduce $1 bet limits and losses capped at $120 per hour. Council will lobby for these reforms because they will make a big difference to gamblers most at risk of addiction.”

Council is acknowledged as a leader in local government gambling policy, advocacy, community education and support. The new gambling strategy calls for focused and coordinated action in concert with other community agencies, service providers and gambling venue operators, with an evidence-based approach to planning, regulation, advocacy and education.

For help or more information visit: responsiblegambling.vic.gov.au

Gambler’s Help: 1800 858 858Gambler’s Help Youthline:1800 262 376

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Council and Urban Planning Committee meetings are public meetings and all residents are welcome to attend. For more information visit moreland.vic.gov.au.

Urban Planning Committee Wednesday 27 January

Council meeting Wednesday 10 February

Urban Planning Committee Wednesday 24 February

Council meeting Wednesday 9 March

Urban Planning Committee Wednesday 23 March

Council meeting Wednesday 13 April

Cr Sue Boltonsbolton@moreland.vic.gov.au0417 583 664

Cr Michael Tetimteti@moreland.vic.gov.au0435 105 368

Cr Lenka Thompsonlthompson@moreland.vic.gov.au0417 353 020

Cr Rob Thompsonrthompson@moreland.vic.gov.au0409 760 436

Cr Helen Davidsonhdavidson@moreland.vic.gov.au0403 709 948

Cr John Kavanaghjkavanagh@moreland.vic.gov.au0427 550 935

Cr Oscar Yildiz JPoyildiz@moreland.vic.gov.au0413 850 357

Cr Lita Gillies Deputy Mayorlgillies@moreland.vic.gov.au0418 213 777

Cr Samantha RatnamMayorsratnam@moreland.vic.gov.au0433 275 434

Cr Lambros Tapinosltapinos@moreland.vic.gov.au0433 419 075

Cr Meghan Hoppermhopper@moreland.vic.gov.au0409 694 937

Inside MorelandJan. Feb. Mar 2016

Council meetings Upcoming meeting dates and times

North-East WardCoburg | Coburg North | Fawkner

North-West WardGlenroy | Gowanbrae | Hadfield | Oak Park | Pascoe Vale | Pascoe Vale South

South WardBrunswick | Brunswick East | Brunswick West

Your Councillors