Council Meeting

Minutes

Meeting No. 643

18 March 2025

Commenced at 7.00pm

Council Chamber

301 Hampshire Road, Sunshine,

Victoria

Fiona Blair

Chief Executive Officer

21 March 2025

Brimbank Council Meeting No. 643 - 18 March 2025

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Council

Cr Joh Bauch

Cr Victoria Borg

Deputy Mayor

Cr Thuy Dang

Mayor

Cr Maria Kerr

Cr Daniel Kruk

Cr Lucy Nguyen

Cr Katharine Nikolic

Cr Duyen Anh Pham

Cr Ranka Rasic

Cr Virginia Tachos

Cr Kim Thien Truong

Municipal Monitors

Ms Janet Dore

Municipal Monitor

Ms Penelope Holloway Municipal Monitor

Executive Leadership Team

Ms Fiona Blair

Chief Executive Officer

Ms Lynley Dumble

Director Community Wellbeing

Ms Kristen Gilbert

Acting Director City Futures

Ms Georgie Hill

Director People, Partnerships and Performance

Mr Chris Leivers

Director Infrastructure and City Services

Mr Mark Stoermer

Director Corporate Services

Governance Team

Mr Danny Bilaver

Manager Governance and Risk

Ms Natalie Horvatic

Council Business Officer

Ms Jessica Zelenbaba

Council Business Officer

Brimbank Council Meeting No. 643 - 18 March 2025

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Table of Contents

1 Opening (Including Acknowledgement Of Country) ......................................4

2 Council Commitment.....................................................................................4

3 Apologies/Leave Of Absence ........................................................................4

4 Disclosure Of Conflicts Of Interest ................................................................4

5 Designation Of Items As Confidential ...........................................................4

6 Confirmation Of Minutes Of Previous Council Meetings .................................4

7 Condolences .................................................................................................5

7.1 Tom Bowery ..........................................................................................5

7.2 Fr Peter Carrucan ..................................................................................5

8 Congratulations ............................................................................................5

8.1 Troodia Arcadiou ...................................................................................5

8.2 Clean Up Australia Day ..........................................................................5

8.3 Polish Sports Club .................................................................................6

8.4 Sunshine Heights Cricket Club...............................................................6

9 Public Question Time ....................................................................................7

10 Petitions .....................................................................................................11

11 Minutes/Reports Of Delegated Committees ................................................11

12 Officer Reports............................................................................................12

12.1 Planning Activity Update And Delegate Decisions And Planning Scheme

Amendments Update February 2025 ...................................................12

12.2 Governance Report March 2025...........................................................15

12.3 Quarterly Advocacy Update March 2025 ..............................................22

12.4 Vietnamese Museum Australia And Welcome Plaza – Project Update ..29

13 Notices Of Motion .......................................................................................39

14 Notices Of Rescission ..................................................................................39

15 Urgent Business..........................................................................................39

16 Confidential Business..................................................................................39

17 Meeting Closure ..........................................................................................39

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1 Opening (Including Acknowledgement Of Country)

The Mayor, Cr Thuy Dang, opened the meeting at 7.00pm and welcomed all in

attendance.

The Mayor stated:

On behalf of Brimbank City Council, I respectfully acknowledge and recognise the

Wurundjeri and Bunurong Peoples as the Traditional Custodians of this land and pay

respect to their Elders, past, present and future.

2 Council Commitment

The Mayor, on behalf of the Council, read the Council Commitment:

As the Council, we will act in the best interests of the Brimbank community and consider

the immediate and long term impacts of our decisions. We will make these decisions

fairly and without bias.

We will uphold all of our obligations under the laws of Victoria and Council’s local laws,

and will act in accordance with the Model Councillor Code of Conduct.

3 Apologies/Leave Of Absence

Motion

That Council approves a leave of absence for Cr Ranka Rasic for the period of 31 March

2025 date to 29 April 2025.

Resolution

Moved Cr Virginia Tachos/Seconded Cr Victoria Borg

That Council approves a leave of absence for Cr Ranka Rasic for the period of 31

March to 29 April 2025.

CARRIED

4 Disclosure Of Conflicts Of Interest

Nil.

5 Designation Of Items As Confidential

Nil.

6 Confirmation Of Minutes Of Previous Council Meetings

Motion

That Council confirms the Minutes of Council Meeting No. 642, held on 18 February

2025.

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Resolution

Moved Cr Ranka Rasic/Seconded Cr Daniel Kruk

That Council confirms the Minutes of Council Meeting No. 642, held on 18

February 2025.

CARRIED

7 Condolences

7.1 Tom Bowery

Motion

That Council notes the passing of Tom Bowery, and extends condolences to his family.

Resolution

Moved Cr Daniel Kruk/Seconded Cr Virginia Tachos

That Council notes the passing of Tom Bowery, and extends condolences to his

family.

CARRIED

7.2 Fr Peter Carrucan

Motion

That Council notes the passing of Fr Peter Carrucan, and extends condolences to his

family.

Resolution

Moved Cr Duyen Anh Pham/Seconded Cr Joh Bauch

That Council notes the passing of Fr Peter Carrucan, and extends condolences

to his family.

CARRIED

8 Congratulations

8.1 Troodia Arcadiou

Motion

That Council congratulates Troodia Arcadiou for celebrating her 100

th

birthday.

Resolution

Moved Cr Lucy Nguyen/Seconded Cr Duyen Anh Pham

That Council congratulates Troodia Arcadiou for celebrating her 100

th

birthday.

CARRIED

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8.2 Clean Up Australia Day

Motion

That Council congratulates all community groups which participated in Clean Up Australia

Day.

Resolution

Moved Cr Virginia Tachos/Seconded Cr Duyen Anh Pham

That Council congratulates all community groups which participated in Clean Up

Australia Day.

CARRIED

8.3 Polish Sports Club

Motion

That Council congratulates the Polish Sports Club for their 55

th

anniversary.

Resolution

Moved Cr Victoria Borg/Seconded Cr Daniel Kruk

That Council congratulates the Polish Sports Club for their 55

th

anniversary.

CARRIED

8.4 Sunshine Heights Cricket Club

Motion

That Council congratulates the Sunshine Cricket Club on their 70

th

anniversary.

Resolution

Moved Cr Virginia Tachos/Seconded Cr Kim Thien Truong

That Council congratulates the Sunshine Cricket Club on their 70

th

anniversary.

CARRIED

Resolution

Moved Cr Virginia Tachos/Seconded Cr Daniel Kruk

That standing orders be suspended for the Brimbank Community Panel to

present their report to the Council.

9.1 32/25

Question

D Vuong

Regarding 6-18 Alexandra Avenue Under Local Law 49, the council has the authority to

issue a Notice to Comply, requiring the owner to secure, fence, or repair a dilapidated

building. Why has the council not compelled the owner to either commence development

or demolish the structure?

9.2 33/25

Question

D Vuong

Regarding 6-18 Alexandra Avenue Local Law 51 allows penalties of up to 20 penalty

units for failing to maintain a property. Can the council provide a record of all penalties

or fines issued to the landowner in the past five years? If no fines have been issued, why

not?

Answer

The Mayor advised that Council’s City Compliance Unit has taken all appropriate actions

under the provisions of the Local Law regarding the property at 6-18 Alexandra Avenue,

Sunshine. This has included a number of Notices being issued seeking corrective works

to be carried out in regards to the site's appearance and perimeter security. Officers will

continue to monitor the site and respond to any complaints received.

Unfortunately, compelling an owner to commence development is beyond Council's

powers. Whilst the Municipal Building Surveyor has powers to order that a building be

demolished, these powers can only be used when strict tests outlined in the Building Act

are met.

For privacy reasons, Council will not provide specific information about compliance action

taken against landowners, or the number of penalties or fines issued.

10 Petitions

Nil.

11 Minutes/Reports Of Delegated Committees

Nil.

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12 Officer Reports

12.1

Planning Activity Update And Delegate Decisions And Planning Scheme Amendments Update February 2025

12.1

Planning Activity Update and Delegate Decisions and

Planning Scheme Amendments Update February 2025

Directorate

City Futures

Director (Acting)

Kristen Gilbert

Manager

Matt O’Mara (Acting) and Leanne Deans

Attachment(s)

1. Delegated Planning Permit Decisions - February 2025

[

12.1.1

- 21 pages]

2. Graphical Representation of Data From Last Four Years -

February 2025 [

12.1.2

- 3 pages]

3. Planning Scheme Amendment Status Summary February

2025 [

12.1.3

- 2 pages]

Purpose

To report to Council on:

•

The status of planning permit applications and trends in planning approvals in

Brimbank.

•

Decisions made under delegated authority in February 2025 regarding planning

permit applications and other matters.

•

The status of current Planning Scheme Amendments at 28 February 2025.

Officer Recommendation

That Council:

a. Notes the Planning Activity Update and Delegate Decisions – February 2025

report, and Delegated Planning Permit Decisions, at

Attachment 1

to this report.

b. Notes the Planning Scheme Amendment Summary – February 2025, at

Attachment 3

, and that this relates to amendments where Council has resolved

to request authorisation from the Minister for Planning to prepare and exhibit an

amendment or has requested that the Minister prepare an amendment under

section 20(4) of the Planning and Environment Act 1987

Background

Council is a Responsible Authority under the Planning and Environment Act 1987 (the

Act). In this role, Council administers the Brimbank Planning Scheme (Planning Scheme)

and, among other things, determines planning permit applications made for the use and

development of the land in the municipality. Certain planning permit applications, and

other matters, are determined by Council officers under the delegated authority of

Council.

The statistics presented do not represent all development activity in the municipality.

Many types of use and development do not require a planning permit and may take

place without being recorded as part of the planning approvals data. In addition, some

planning permits are not acted on, or there may be a delay between when the approval

is granted and when works take place.

Council is a Planning Authority for the Planning Scheme and undertakes amendments to

the Planning Scheme when authorised by the Minister for Planning (Minister), or in

accordance with section 8A(7) of the Act. Council undertakes amendments for a range of

Brimbank Council Meeting No. 643 - 18 March 2025

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reasons including to enhance or implement the strategic vision, to implement local

policy, to correct mistakes, to enable or restrict development, and to set aside land for

acquisition for a public purpose or remove such a reservation when it is no longer

required.

The Minister may prepare an amendment or authorise the preparation of an amendment

by another Minister, public authority or municipal council. For the purpose of this report,

the status of Planning Scheme Amendments will only include amendments where Council

is the Planning Authority, and where Council has resolved to request authorisation from

the Minister to prepare and exhibit an amendment or has requested that the Minister

prepare an amendment under section 20(4) of the Act.

Matters for Consideration

53 planning determinations and 22 subdivision determinations were made under

delegated authority in February 2025. 62 new planning permit applications were

received in February 2025. The value of development for these 62 applications is $108.5

million.

A list of the planning applications determined under delegation from Council during

February 2025, is at

Attachment 1. Attachment 2

provides a graphical representation

of the data over the last three years.

Feb 2025 Previous

month (Jan

2025)

Monthly

average for

past 12

months

Feb 2024

Applications

Received

62

35

58

46

Planning Permit

Approvals

45

27

54

54

Notice of

Decision to

Grant a Permit

8

2

6

4

Refusal to Grant

a Planning

Permit

0

0

1

2

Subdivision

Approvals

22

10

22

28

Cost of

development for

new

applications

(millions)

$108.5

$260

$84.3

$17.3

No planning appeals were determined by the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal

(VCAT) in this period; and one matter was withdrawn by the permit applicant:

•

An application contesting Council’s decision to refuse to grant an extension of

time to provide further information was withdrawn by the applicant (P333/2024

for 36A Church Street, Keilor)

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At the end of February 2025 there were four appeals lodged at VCAT that had not yet

been determined. This is two less than at the end of February 2024.

The Planning Scheme Amendment Summary is shown at Attachment 3 and includes two

Planning Scheme Amendments where Council is the Planning Authority or has requested

the Minister to prepare an amendment under section 20(4) of the Act.

Council submitted Amendment C219brim (Heritage Update) and C239brim (Housing and

Neighbourhood Character Strategy) to the Minister for Planning for authorisation on 20

December 2022 and 19 July 2024 respectively and continues to await a decision.

Community Engagement

Not applicable.

Resource And Risk Implications

Resource requirements can be met within the Annual Budget 2024/2025.

There are no Community, Environmental, Financial, Regulatory or Safety risks identified.

Legislation/Council Plan/Policy Context

This report complies with the Planning and Environment Act 1987, Local Government Act

1989 and the Brimbank Planning Scheme.

Council officers contributing to the preparation and approval of this report, have no

conflicts of interests to declare.

Resolution

Moved Cr Victoria Borg/Seconded Cr Maria Kerr

That Council:

a. Notes the Planning Activity Update and Delegate Decisions – February

2025 report, and Delegated Planning Permit Decisions, at Attachment 1

to this report.

b. Notes the Planning Scheme Amendment Summary – February 2025, at

Attachment 3, and that this relates to amendments where Council has

resolved to request authorisation from the Minister for Planning to

prepare and exhibit an amendment or has requested that the Minister

prepare an amendment under section 20(4) of the Planning and

Environment Act 1987.

CARRIED

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12.2

Governance Report March 2025

12.2

Governance Report March 2025

Directorate

People, Partnerships and Performance

Director

Manager

Georgie Hill

Danny Bilaver

Attachment(s)

1. Record of Informal Meeting of Councillors - For Council

Meeting 18 March 2025 [

12.2.1

- 10 pages]

2. Delegates and Representatives Report - For Council

Meeting 18 March 2025 [

12.2.2

- 5 pages]

3. Councillor Expenses - Quarters 1 and 2 of Financial Year

2024-2025 [

12.2.3

- 1 page]

4. Brimbank City Council Submission to WOMEDA

Consultation Paper [

12.2.4

- 9 pages]

5. Confirmed Minutes 27 February 2025 Meeting 142 [

12.2.5

- 10 pages]

Purpose

For Council to consider:

•

A summary of recent Governance activity.

•

Contracts entered into, and works orders approved in accordance with the S7

Instrument of Sub Delegation.

•

Councillor Declarations of Representations by Members of Parliament.

•

Councillor Support Expenses for Quarters 1 and 2 of Financial Year 2024/2025.

•

Proposal for a Sister Municipality Relationship.

•

Council’s Submission to the West of Melbourne Economic Development Alliance

Draft Consultation Paper – Towards an Economic Development Strategy for the

West of Melbourne 2025.

•

The minutes from the 27 February 2024 Audit and Risk Committee Meeting.

Officer Recommendation

That Council:

a. Notes the:

i. Governance Report March 2025.

ii. Contracts entered into, and works orders approved, in accordance with

S7 Instrument of Sub Delegation (25/3586Q; 25/3591; 25/3556; and

25/3581).

iii. Records of Informal Meetings of Councillors, at

Attachment 1

to this

report, for incorporation in the minutes of this meeting.

iv. Delegate’s and Representative’s Reports, at

Attachment 2

to this report,

for incorporation in the minutes of this meeting.

v. Councillor Declarations of Representations by Members of Parliament.

vi. Councillor Support Expenses for Quarters 1 and 2 of Financial Year

2024/2025, at

Attachment 3

to this report.

b. Writes to Hetauda Sub-Metropolitan City (Nepal) thanking them for their proposal

to establish a sister municipality relationship with Brimbank City Council and

advising them of Council’s position of not to entering into sister city relationship.

Brimbank Council Meeting No. 643 - 18 March 2025

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c. Notes and endorses the Submission to the West of Melbourne Economic

Development Alliance (WoMEDA) Draft Consultation Paper – Towards an

Economic Development Strategy for the West of Melbourne 2025, shown at

Attachment 4

, and submits it to WoMEDA.

d. Notes the minutes from the 27 February 2025 Audit and Risk Committee Meeting

as at

Attachment 5

.

Background

The monthly governance report is a standing report to Council, in accordance with best

practice and good governance principles, and to ensure compliance with the

requirements of the

and the Model Councillor Code

of Conduct 2024.

Matters for Consideration

Exercise of Delegated Authority

Council delegates powers, duties and functions to the Chief Executive Officer in order to

support efficient operation and delivery of Council services. The Chief Executive Officer

has sub-delegated some authority to Directors (and other Council officers). Significant

decisions made, or actions undertaken exercising delegated authority, are reported to

Council as a transparency and accountability measure.

The Chief Executive Officer has been delegated authority by Council to award contracts

up to $2,000,000 (exclusive of GST) through an Instrument of Delegation made on 23

April 2024 (S5 Instrument of Delegation to the Chief Executive Officer). The Chief

Executive Officer has sub-delegated authority to Directors to award contracts up to

$200,000 (inclusive of GST) through an Instrument of Delegation made on 12 December

2023 (S7 Instrument of Sub-Delegation by the Chief Executive Officer).

Contracts entered into, and works orders approved, in accordance with S7

Instrument of Sub-Delegation

Contract

No.

Description

Successful

Tenderer

Contract

Amount (inc

GST)

Date

Awarded

25/3586Q Provision of Road

Condition Survey 2025

Infrastructure

Management

Group

$196,542.74 10 February

2025

25/3591 Maintenance of Electric

Security and CCTV

Systems

Integrated

Security Services

$640,782.00 10 February

2025

25/3556 Underground Drainage

Upgrade Relining

Program 2024-25

Underground

Experts

$496,046.74 18 February

2025

25/3581 Construction of Cricket

Nets – Stadium Drive

Keilor Park

RMS

Groundworks Pty

Ltd

$336,787.00 3 March 2025

Records of Informal Meetings of Councillors

An Informal Meeting of Councillors includes meetings that are:

•

Scheduled or planned for the purpose of discussing the business of Council or

briefing Councillors,

•

Attended by at least one member of Council staff, and

Brimbank Council Meeting No. 643 - 18 March 2025

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•

Not Council meetings, Delegated Committee meetings or Community Asset

Committee meetings.

Written records of Informal Meetings of Councillors are kept and include the names of all

Councillors and Council officers attending, the matters considered, any conflict of interest

disclosures made, and whether a Councillor who has disclosed a conflict of interest

leaves the meeting.

These records, as soon as practicable, will be reported at a Council Meeting, and

incorporated in the minutes of that Council Meeting.

Records of Informal Meetings of Councillors

(Attachment 1)

were received for the

following meetings:

Date

Event

25 February 2025 Briefing

26 February 2025 Councillor Planning Workshop 2

3 March 2025

Briefing

4 March 2025

Councillor Planning Workshop 3

11 March 2025

Council Meeting Briefing

Delegate’s and Representative’s Reports

The participation on a range of local, specific issues, committees established by Council,

peak body/sector associations, and local and regional forums, is an essential part of the

representative role Council plays. Council nominates Councillors as delegates and

representatives to these committees annually.

The role, as the Council delegate or Council representative on these committees, is to

represent the position of Council, and report back to Council at a Council Meeting on the

issues or progress of the committees, and any recommendations made by the

committees.

Delegate’s and Representative’s Reports

(Attachment 2)

were received for the

following meetings:

Date

Event

Councillor/s

11 December 2025 LeadWest

Cr Katharine Nikolic

11 February 2025 LeadWest

Cr Katharine Nikolic

28 February 2025 Western Melbourne Tourism

Cr Duyen Anh Pham

Councillor Declarations of Representations by Members of Parliament

Councillors have a legitimate role in advocating on behalf of their communities. At times,

this may include the receiving of representations by a Member of State or Federal

Parliament, to Council or Councillors. Councillors will declare and record any

representations made to a Councillor by a Member of Parliament or their staff

representative.

Councillor Declarations of Representations by Members of Parliament were received for

the following meetings.

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Councillor Support Expenses for Quarters 1 and 2 of Financial Year 2024/2025

A summary of Councillor expenses for Quarters 1 and 2 of financial year 2024/2025 is at

Attachment 3

. All expenses reimbursed were reimbursed in accordance with the

Councillor Support Policy.

Date

Councillor Member of

Parliament

Matter Discussed

20 January 2025 Cr Thuy

Dang

Daniel Mulino

MP

Welcome Plaza

Melbourne Airport Rail

LeadWest delegation to Canberra

Sustainable Brimbank

JR Parsons Reserve

Suburban Study Hub

Melbourne Airport third runway

10 February 2025 Cr Thuy

Dang

Luba

Grigorovitch

MP

Melbourne Airport Rail

Taylors Road

Better Buses

Homelessness Support

Deer Park Library

11 February 2025 Cr Thuy

Dang

Sarah Connolly

MP

Melbourne Airport Rail/Sunshine

Precinct

Sunshine Energy Park

Better Buses for Brimbank

Homelessness Support

Sunshine Library

28 February 2025 Cr Thuy

Dang

Natalie

Hutchins MP

Fix the Calder

Taylors Road

Lionheart Oval and Keilor Recreation

Oval

Rail before Runway campaign

Homelessness Support

Libraries in Brimbank

Sydenham Station Old Building

Sydenham Dog Park

12 March 2025 Cr Katharine

Nikolic

Hon Catherine

King MP

Hon Tim Watts

MP

Senator Steph

Hodgins-May

Daniel Mulino

MP

As Deputy Chair of LeadWest I

joined the LeadWest delegation to

Parliament House Canberra on 11

and 12 February 2025 to meet

with Federal Government MPs from

various political parties. The purpose

of the visit was to boost the profile

of the alliance and to advocate

for commitments ahead of the

upcoming Federal Election. The visit

to Canberra provided a great

opportunity to discuss unlocking

investment to provide Melbourne’s

West with transport connectivity,

greater economic development,

employment opportunities, urban

renewal and improved well-being.

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Proposal for a Sister Municipality Relationship

In February 2025, the Mayor received a letter from Hetauda Sub-Metropolitan City

(Nepal) proposing to establish a sister municipality relationship with Brimbank City

Council. Council’s position has been not to enter into sister municipality relationships,

and Brimbank City Council has not entered into any such relationships to date. It is

recommended that Council not accept the proposal, and the Mayor will respond on behalf

of Council to advise accordingly.

Submission to the to the West of Melbourne Economic Development Alliance

(WoMEDA) Draft Consultation Paper – Towards an Economic Development

Strategy for the West of Melbourne 2025

In December 2024, WoMEDA released a consultation paper as part of a process to

develop their economic development strategy for the West of Melbourne. The WoMEDA

consultation paper seeks feedback from key stakeholders in the West of Melbourne about

priorities for the region over the decade ahead and follows on from their previous 2017

West of Melbourne Economic Development Strategy. Submissions are due by 31 March

2025.

WoMEDA is an alliance of public and private institutions across the West of Melbourne,

working in tandem with local government and engaging with industry. Its current board

comprises senior executive representation from Wyndham, Brimbank, and Maribynong

City Councils, Western Health, Greater Western Water and Victoria University, and is

chaired by Peter Dawkins, former Vice-Chancellor and President, Victoria University.

The submission, shown at

Attachment 4

, is broadly supportive of the direction, issues

and opportunities identified within the Consultation Paper and highlights a range of

Council priorities and matters for further consideration by WoMEDA. The key Council

priorities with the Consultation Paper are:

•

Elevate the importance for the State Government to urgently recommence

works to construct Airport Rail so it is completed before the third runway at

Melbourne Airport. This includes the Sunshine Super Hub and Albion Station

redevelopments and construction of a new rail station at Keilor East. The

construction of Airport Rail is a city shaping transport investment that will

deliver significant economic benefits to Brimbank and Melbourne’s west. Airport

Rail is essential infrastructure required to support an airport forecast to service

83 million passengers annually by 2046, which is more than double the current

activity levels.

•

Include Sunshine Energy Park as a key infrastructure investment in the

Consultation Paper in line with Council’s adopted vision for it to become a future

premium parkland for Melbourne’s west, which will include a state-significant

stadium and sports fields, a solar farm, an extensive urban forest and wetland

system, and new play spaces.

•

Maintain the Sunshine Employment Precinct as a stand-alone precinct in

accordance with the polycentric city model. This submission supports four

employment precincts within Melbourne’s west including Sunshine, Footscray,

Werribee and Melton, which is considered necessary to service the growth and

development of Melbourne’s west.

•

Emphasise the need for the State Government to develop a comprehensive

integrated transport strategy for Melbourne’s West that sets the vision for how

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the transport network will facilitate movement and connectivity in Melbourne’s

growing west. It should also identify regional transport priorities, projects, and

sequencing to confirm and drive funding commitments to rail, bus, State road

and other strategically important investments, and inform municipal transport

planning. The Transport Integration Act 2010 requires the Victorian Department

of Transport to prepare and periodically revise a Victorian transport plan that

defines the activities required to achieve the transport system objectives

outlined in the Act.

It is proposed that Council notes and endorses the Submission shown at

Attachment 4

and provides it to WoMEDA.

Audit and Risk Committee Meeting 142

Council held its quarterly Audit and Risk Committee Meeting on the 27 February 2025.

The confirmed minutes are provided in

Attachment 5

for noting

.

Resource And Risk Implications

Resource requirements can be met within the Annual Budget 2024/2025.

Regulatory:

legal, legislative or regulatory implications including the rights/obligations

of stakeholders

• This report fulfils legislative governance obligations, to provide transparent and

accountable reporting of governance activity.

There are no Community, Safety, Environmental or Financial risks identified.

Legislation/Council Plan/Policy Context

This report supports the Council Plan 2021-2025 strategic direction and objective of:

4. Leadership and Governance - A high performing organisation that enacts the

vision and decisions of Council through the delivery of quality and innovative

services - A fairer place for all

• High Performing and Accountable - Our workforce strives to enhance services and

liveability for the Brimbank community.

This report complies with the

, Council Plan 2021-2025, S5 Instrument of

Delegation to the Chief Executive Officer, S7 Instrument of Sub-Delegation by the Chief

Executive Officer, Model Councillor Code of Conduct 2024 and Procurement Policy.

Council officers contributing to the preparation and approval of this report, have no

conflicts of interests to declare.

Resolution

Moved Cr Katharine Nikolic/Seconded Cr Virginia Tachos

That Council:

a. Notes the:

i. Governance Report March 2025.

ii. Contracts entered into, and works orders approved, in accordance

with S7 Instrument of Sub Delegation (25/3586Q; 25/3591;

25/3556; and 25/3581).

iii. Records of Informal Meetings of Councillors, at Attachment 1 to

this report, for incorporation in the minutes of this meeting.

Brimbank Council Meeting No. 643 - 18 March 2025

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iv. Delegate’s and Representative’s Reports, at Attachment 2 to this

report, for incorporation in the minutes of this meeting.

v. Councillor Declarations of Representations by Members of

Parliament.

vi. Councillor Support Expenses for Quarters 1 and 2 of Financial

Year 2024/2025, at Attachment 3 to this report.

b. Writes to Hetauda Sub-Metropolitan City (Nepal) thanking them for their

proposal to establish a sister municipality relationship with Brimbank

City Council and advising them of Council’s position of not to entering

into sister city relationship.

c. Notes and endorses the Submission to the West of Melbourne Economic

Development Alliance (WoMEDA) Draft Consultation Paper – Towards an

Economic Development Strategy for the West of Melbourne 2025, shown

at Attachment 4, and submits it to WoMEDA.

d. Notes the minutes from the 27 February 2025 Audit and Risk Committee

Meeting as at Attachment 5.

CARRIED

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12.3

Quarterly Advocacy Update March 2025

12.3

Quarterly Advocacy Update March 2025

Directorate

People, Partnerships and Performance

Director

Georgie Hill

Manager

Elie Khalil

Attachment(s)

1. Motions for MAV SCM May 2025 [

12.3.1

- 3 pages]

2. Brimbank 2025 ALGA Motions [

12.3.2

- 6 pages]

Purpose

To provide a report on Council’s advocacy highlights from early December 2024 to early

March 2025 and seek endorsement for Council’s priorities ahead of the upcoming

Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) State Council Meeting and the Australian Local

Government Association (ALGA) National General Assembly.

Officer Recommendation

That Council:

a. Notes the major advocacy highlights as detailed in this report since the previous

Advocacy update at the December 2024 Council Meeting.

b. Notes the new $2b commitment by the Federal Government towards transforming

Sunshine Station as part of the Melbourne Airport Rail project.

c. Endorses the motions at Attachment 1 to this report, which have been submitted

for the next MAV State Council Meeting on 16 May 2025, pending Council

approval.

d. Endorses the motions at Attachment 2 to this report, to be submitted to the 2025

ALGA National General Assembly to be held in June 2025.

Background

Brimbank’s Advocacy Priorities

Council’s advocacy priorities are aligned to the Council Plan Strategic Directions and are

detailed in the Brimbank Advocacy Plan 2023-25. Our priorities are selected using a

rigorous process that identifies topics with strong community support as well as those

that provide benefits that span across Brimbank and beyond our boundaries and have

ongoing lasting effects well into the future.

These priorities are outlined below along with their level of importance.

•

Transforming Brimbank – Gold

•

Mental Health – Gold

•

Road Infrastructure – Silver

•

Climate Emergency – Silver

•

Addressing Unemployment – Bronze

•

Housing and Homelessness – Bronze

•

Melbourne Airport Third Runway - Maintain Influence

•

Gambling Harm - Maintain Influence

•

Major Parks - Maintain Influence

•

Libraries - Maintain Influence

•

Government Burden on Council - Maintain Influence

Major advocacy developments and highlights are reported to Council each quarter.

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MAV State Council Meeting and ALGA National General Assembly

Organised twice each year, the MAV State Council Meeting enables Brimbank City

Council to propose our priorities with state-wide significance for the MAV to advocate on

our behalf. At a national level, the ALGA National General Assembly is convened and

stands as the premier annual event for Local Government, attracting hundreds of Mayors

and Councillors from across the nation. The Assembly offers a platform for Local

Government to directly engage with the Australian Government, helping to influence

national policy for the betterment of local communities. The theme for the 2025 ALGA

National General Assembly is ‘National Priorities Need Local Solutions’.

In 2024, Brimbank City Council submitted three motions at the May MAV State Council

Meeting and two motions at the ALGA National General Assembly. These motions

addressed the following topics:

•

MAV State Council Meeting – May 2024

o

Upgrades to Major Highways

o

Mental Health Social Inclusion Action Groups

o

Improving Victoria’s Bus Network

•

ALGA National General Assembly – July 2024

o

Upgrades to Major Highways

o

Unemployment Support

While these motions are a tool among Council’s range of advocacy initiatives, it is worth

mentioning that Brimbank achieved noteworthy successes in the asks attached to a

number of these motions. For example, in August 2024 the State Government

announced that Brimbank will be included among the next tranche of five LGAs where

the State Government will establish Mental Health Social Inclusion Action Groups. In

addition, the State Government last month introduced new or improved school bus

services across the State, with a majority of them in Melbourne’s west.

Matters for Consideration

The whole-of-Council advocacy-related developments and highlights from early

December 2024 to the end of February 2025 are summarised below.

Transforming Brimbank – ‘Rail before Runway’ Advocacy Campaign (Gold)

A refreshed Transforming Brimbank campaign was relaunched on 18 February 2025. This

followed endorsement of the initiative at the December 2024 Council Meeting. The focus

of the campaign is to urge the Federal and State Governments to work together to fast

track both the construction of the Melbourne Airport Rail and the development of the

broader Sunshine Precinct, including the Albion Quarter. The campaign will promote the

opportunities that these projects will provide to Melbourne’s west and their necessity,

with a call to action on the wider community to write to senior political leaders urging

them to prioritise both projects.

Current infrastructure delays have created uncertainty in the west’s investment market,

obstructing economic development across the region. By fast-tracking the Melbourne

Airport Rail, the Federal and State Governments can send a strong signal to the

development market – driving the transformation of Melbourne’s west, including the

Sunshine CBD and the Albion Quarter urban renewal precinct. This is a catalytic

opportunity to reposition Sunshine as a key visitor economy hub and the centre of

Melbourne’s booming west, with an abundance of land ready for residential and

commercial development and the capacity to create 29,000 jobs and attract 43,000 new

residents by 2051.

Council’s campaign has been well-received by the community, with hundreds of letters

being sent to political leaders so far. The campaign has also attracted good media

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coverage across both print media and radio and has been referenced directly with key

decision-makers in live radio interviews.

Prior to the campaign launch, a LeadWest delegation travelled to Canberra on 11-12

February (more details below) and had very constructive meetings with several Federal

MPs, with a focus on the Melbourne Airport Rail and the Sunshine Precinct. This included

a meeting with the Hon Catherine King MP, Minister for Infrastructure, Transport,

Regional Development and Local Government.

On 26 February 2025, Prime Minister Albanese announced that an additional $2 billion of

Federal Government funding will be invested towards transforming Sunshine Station as

part of the Melbourne Airport Rail project. The Prime Minister also announced that the

Victorian Government will bring forward its Melbourne Airport Rail funding to enable the

works at Sunshine Station to begin earlier and transform it into a hub for regional rail

services connecting to Melbourne Airport. In addition, this will pave the way for the

electrification of the train line to Melton.

While this announcement is a positive step, the campaign remains focused on securing

clarity of timelines and advancing the development of the broader Sunshine precinct,

including the Sunshine Station Masterplan and the Albion Station redevelopment.

Transforming Brimbank – Sunshine Energy Park (Gold)

Following Council’s adoption of the Sunshine Energy Park Vision Plan at the May 2024

Council Meeting, we have been advocating for a partnership with both the Federal and

State Governments to help transform the former landfill into a new major parkland

destination. Successive Mayors have discussed the topic with relevant Ministers and local

MPs at both the State and Federal levels. The matter was also raised in our meetings

with Federal parliamentarians last July while in Canberra for the 2024 ALGA National

General Assembly.

On 24 January 2025, Brimbank Mayor Cr Thuy Dang joined Federal Member for Fraser Dr

Daniel Mulino for the Federal Government’s announcement that $500,000 will be

invested in a feasibility study and business case for the transformation of Sunshine

Energy Park. This funding forms part of the broader Sunshine Precinct activation and

was awarded following Council’s successful grant application under the Urban Precincts

and Partnerships Program.

Climate Emergency – More Trees for a Cooler, Greener West (Silver)

On 10 February 2025, The State Government announced a further round of the ‘More

Trees for Cooler, Greener West’ program. As a result, Brimbank will be awarded

$127,000 for 5,000 tubestock and 150 advanced trees. Given that Brimbank has one of

the highest heat island effects across Greater Melbourne, these tubestock and trees will

be planted across various parts of the municipality to help reduce the heat island effect

and contribute to achieving a canopy cover of 30% in Brimbank by 2050.

Housing and Homelessness - Homes First Program (Bronze)

On 3 January 2025, the Victorian Government announced the rollout of the new Homes

First program. This will help more than 500 households to receive secure housing in

eight regions of Victoria, including the Brimbank-Melton region. Homes First also gives

people access to programs and specialists that help break the cycle of homelessness,

offering services that support with mental health, drug and alcohol, financial counselling

and family violence.

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Melbourne Airport Third Runway (Maintain Influence)

Launched in September 2022 and running for two years, Council’s ‘Know the Facts on

the Third Runway’ campaign was successful in increasing community awareness of the

health risks of a third runway. The campaign was also helpful in conveying our concerns

to the Federal Government, including the Hon Catherine King MP, the Minister

responsible for the Transport portfolio and the key decision-maker with regards to

aviation matters.

Although a number of conditions were placed on the Melbourne Airport operator as part

of Minister King’s decision to approve the third runway’s Major Development Plan (MDP)

in September 2024, including noise attenuation measures, Council remains concerned

that the conditions may not be adequate. As a result, Council lodged an application for a

merits review of the Minister’s conditional approval of the MDP. A directions hearing was

held on 20 February 2025, and the Tribunal’s orders included that the matter be listed

for a mediation on 16 May 2025. Council is also required to file and serve a mediation

statement by 9 April 2025, while the Melbourne Airport operator and the Federal

Government are required to deliver their mediation statements by 5 May 2025.

Brimbank Council’s remains committed to ensuring that a third runway does not

unreasonably compromise the health, wellbeing and amenity of the community affected

by Melbourne Airport.

Other Successful Grant Applications

In addition to Council’s recent successful grant applications related to Sunshine Energy

Park and the ‘More Trees for Cooler, Greener West’ program, we have been awarded the

following grants over the past three months:

•

$120,000 under the State Government’s ‘FReeZA’ youth development program.

This will enable Council to deliver a comprehensive youth-led arts program

including regular and special arts workshops, music events, outreach and other

arts partnership events.

•

$8,800 for the Westvale Men’s Shed under the Federal Government’s ‘National

Shed Development Program’. The funding will allow for the installation of a new

dust extractor system that will lead to a decrease in noise levels, thereby

facilitating greater accessibility to the programs run by the Men’s Shed.

Update on LeadWest Initiatives

Following the recent appointment of new Councillor members to the LeadWest

Committee, including the election of Brimbank’s Cr Katharine Nikolic as the Deputy

Chair, LeadWest has started 2025 very positively. The major highlights so far this year

have included:

•

Better Buses Announcement for Melbourne’s West

On 10 December 2024, the State Government announced new or improved

school bus services across the State, but with a majority of them in Melbourne’s

west, particularly in the City of Melton. LeadWest has been advocating for bus

reform in Melbourne’s west since late 2023 and this announcement aligns with

the alliance’s advocacy efforts.

•

Launch of LeadWest’s Federal Election Priorities

On 23 January 2025, LeadWest launched its advocacy priorities for Melbourne’s

west ahead of the 2025 Federal Election. The event took place along the

Western Freeway in Grangefields, a major road that requires upgrades to

improve safety and traffic flow, one of LeadWest’s priorities. Other priorities of

LeadWest that were raised as part of the launch include the construction of MAR

and the development of the Sunshine Precinct. Brimbank was represented by Cr

Katharine Nikolic who is Brimbank’s LeadWest Councillor delegate as well as the

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LeadWest Deputy Chair. The event attracted significant media attention,

including LeadWest Chair Cr Dr Phillip Zada and Cr Nikolic both participating in

separate ABC radio interviews.

•

Funding Announcement for the ‘Creative West’ Cultural Precinct

On 23 January 2025, the Federal Government announced a $5m commitment to

support the design phase of ‘Creative West’ – a proposed new vibrant cultural

precinct in Footscray. LeadWest has been advocating strongly for this funding

for over two years and the announcement represents another highlight for the

alliance. The proposed development will include a large-scale performance

venue, a library, a learning and innovation hub, a civic open space, and

integrated spaces for arts, community groups and gatherings. Creative West will

support greater economic development, employment opportunities, urban

renewal and local small businesses in Melbourne’s west.

•

LeadWest Delegation to Canberra

A LeadWest delegation travelled to Canberra from 11-12 February 2025 to meet

with several Australian MPs from various political parties. The purpose of the

delegation was to boost the profile of the alliance and to advocate for

commitments ahead of the upcoming Federal Election. Brimbank was

represented by LeadWest Deputy Chair Cr Katharine Nikolic, who was joined by

Council’s CEO Fiona Blair. Transport and infrastructure projects were central to

LeadWest’s advocacy efforts in Canberra, including the construction of the

Melbourne Airport Rail, the development of the Sunshine Precinct and fixing the

Calder Freeway. One of the meetings held was with the Hon Catherine King MP,

Minister for Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and

Local Government. This meeting was an important opportunity to highlight to

the Minister that Brimbank’s priorities are not just crucial to our municipality,

but to the whole of Melbourne’s west. Other MPs that the delegation met with

while in Canberra included Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs the Hon Tim

Watts, Senator Steph Hodgins-May from the Australian Greens, Member for

Fraser Dr Daniel Mulino and Member for Hawke Mr Sam Rae. The delegation also

met with senior advisers from the offices of the Opposition Leader Mr Peter

Dutton as well as the office of the Hon Kristy McBain, Minister for Regional

Development, Local Government and Territories.

•

Funding Announcement for Upgrading the Western Freeway

On 6 March 2025, the Federal Government announced a funding commitment of

$1.1 billion to upgrade the Western Freeway. The freeway is in desperate need

of an upgrade to improve its safety and enhance its capacity. It is a critical

national road link and is the second largest freight carrier of any national

highway, carrying more than 5,400 trucks and around 86,000 vehicles each day

on the stretch of highway between Melton and Caroline Springs. This

announcement was highly welcomed by LeadWest as the funding is an important

LeadWest ask. It featured as one of the alliance’s Federal Election priorities that

were launched in an event along the Western Freeway itself, as described

above.

MAV/ALGA Conferences

The MAV has issued a request for its member Councils to present motions for potential

adoption at its State Council Meeting on 16 May 2025. The deadline for submitting

motions was 17 March. Officers have submitted motions pending Council endorsement.

Similarly, ALGA has invited members to submit motions for consideration at its annual

National General Assembly, scheduled to take place in Canberra from 24-27 June 2025.

The motions that Brimbank intends to submit reflect current Council priorities that are

identified in the Brimbank Advocacy Plan 2023-25 and are of either state-wide or

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national significance. They also include key priorities that Brimbank is jointly advocating

for in partnership with other LeadWest member Councils. These topics are listed below,

with the detailed motions shown in

Attachment 1

(MAV) and

Attachment 2

(ALGA).

•

o

Melbourne Airport Rail

o

Addressing Homelessness

o

Funding for Libraries

•

o

Addressing Homelessness

o

Online Gambling

o

Energy Upgrades for Low-Income Households

o

Supporting People Seeking Asylum within our Communities

▪

This motion will be jointly moved with other Councils who are

Executive Members of the Local Government Mayoral Taskforce for

People Seeking Asylum

Community Engagement

This report is consistent with the policy, evidence and current positions of Council, widely

informed by community engagement and insight and the Brimbank Advocacy Plan 2023-

25. Our Transforming Brimbank campaign is based on Council’s Sunshine Priority

Precinct Vision 2050 document that was conceived following extensive community

consultation.

Resource And Risk Implications

Resource requirements can be met within the Annual Budget 2024/2025.

There are no Community, Environmental, Financial, Regulatory or Safety risks identified.

Legislation/Council Plan/Policy Context

This report supports the Council Plan 2021-2025 strategic direction and objective of:

1. People and Community - A welcoming, safe and supported community - An

inclusive place for all

• Wellbeing and Belonging - Responsive services that support mental and physical

wellbeing

• Pride and Participation - Community and cultural connections built through social and

artistic expression

2. Places and Spaces - Liveable and connected neighbourhoods that support

healthy and sustainable futures - A green place for all

• Liveable and Connected - Inviting and liveable spaces and facilities, connected so

people can get around

• Sustainable and Green - Protect natural environments for current and future

generations

3. Opportunity and Prosperity - A future focused, transforming city where all

have opportunities to learn and earn - A prosperous place for all

• Growing and Transforming - Optimise community opportunities through infrastructure

innovation and investment

4. Leadership and Governance - A high performing organisation that enacts the

vision and decisions of Council through the delivery of quality and innovative

services - A fairer place for all

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• High Performing and Accountable - Our workforce strive to enhance services and

liveability for the Brimbank community.

This report complies with the priorities identified in the Brimbank Advocacy Plan 2023-

2025 and the Sunshine Priority Precinct 2050 Vision.

Council officers contributing to the preparation and approval of this report, have no

conflicts of interests to declare.

Resolution

Moved Cr Ranka Rasic/Seconded Cr Daniel Kruk

That Council:

a. Notes the major advocacy highlights as detailed in this report since the

previous Advocacy update at the December 2024 Council Meeting.

b. Notes the new $2b commitment by the Federal Government towards

transforming Sunshine Station as part of the Melbourne Airport Rail

project.

c. Endorses the motions at Attachment 1 to this report, which have been

submitted for the next MAV State Council Meeting on 16 May 2025,

pending Council approval.

d. Endorses the motions at Attachment 2 to this report, to be submitted to

the 2025 ALGA National General Assembly to be held in June 2025.

CARRIED

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12.4

Vietnamese Museum Australia And Welcome Plaza – Project Update

12.4

Vietnamese Museum Australia and Welcome Plaza –

Project Update

Directorate

City Futures

Director

Kristen Gilbert (Acting)

Chris Leivers

Manager

Aidan Mullen

Lisa Davis

Attachment(s)

1. VMA Welcome Plaza Landscape Concept [

12.4.1

- 1

page]

2. Wominjeka Plaza Targeted Consultation Results [

12.4.2

-

6 pages]

Purpose

To provide an update on the Vietnamese Museum Australia project, including the associated

welcome plaza and car park, and seek Council approval to consult the community on the

proposed name of the plaza.

Officer Recommendation

That Council:

a. Notes the sale of land to the Vietnamese Museum Australia Ltd (VMA) has been

completed and works on the building are scheduled to commence in March/April

2025.

b. Notes the indicative timeline for construction of the VMA, with construction of the

building planned to be complete in March 2026.

c. Notes that Council Officers have undertaken engagement with local multicultural

groups, Traditional Owners and other stakeholders in relation to the design of the

proposed new plaza and that a Concept Plan is now complete, with information to

be shared with the immediate neighbours as part of the plaza naming

consultation.

d. Notes that external funding opportunities have been explored for the plaza and

that to date, external funding has not been secured.

e. Notes that advocacy for external funding for the plaza will continue.

f. Notes that potential Council contribution to fund delivery of the plaza will be

considered as part of the 2025/26 Council Budget process.

g. Endorses the proposed name of the plaza as

, and notes that

community consultation will be undertaken in accordance with Council’s Place

Naming Policy and the

1998.

Background

At the Ordinary Council Meeting on 19 March 2024, Council considered a proposal to sell

part of the land known as Durham Road Car Park in Sunshine, directly to the Vietnamese

Museum Australia Ltd (VMA Ltd) for the purposes of operating a nationally significant

cultural museum. At this meeting, it was resolved:

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a.

b.

c.

d.

i.

ii.

iii.

iv.

v.

vi.

vii.

e.

i.

iii.

f.

i.

ii.

iii.

iv.

v.

vi.

g.

i.

ii.

iii.

iv.

v.

vi.

vii.

h.

i.

ii.

iii.

iv.

i.

ii.

iii.

j.

k.

l.

i.

ii.

iii.

iv.

v.

The Vietnamese Museum Australia (VMA) will become the sixth multicultural museum in

Victoria. It is proposed to become a prominent landmark and important cultural space

for the Vietnamese and wider Melbourne community, with potential for annual visitation

of 25,000-33,000 visitors, including school groups.

Responsibility for development and operation of the $25 million museum sits with the

VMA. Grants have been successfully obtained from the Federal Government ($10 million)

and the Victorian State Government ($6.5 million) the remainder is funded by VMA Ltd

($8.5 million). Approval for the development was granted by the Victorian Minister for

Planning through the Development Facilitation program. Once complete the museum will

be operated by independently by the VMA.

There are four elements to the project that Council is responsible for:

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1. Sale of part of the Durham Road Car Park to VMA Ltd and construction of the

Museum;

2. Construction of a plaza to serve as the forecourt to the Museum and attractive

gathering space that celebrates First Nations and all refugee and migrant

communities that call Brimbank home;

3. Reconfiguration of the retained section of the Council-owned carpark at Durham

Road; and

4. Addressing car parking concerns raised through 2023 community consultation

on the sale of part of the Durham Road Car Park for the Museum.

An update on each project element is provided below.

Matters for Consideration

1. Sale of the Durham Road land parcel to VMA Ltd and Construction of the

Museum

(a) Sale of land and land transfer

The VMA Ltd has met all the conditions outlined in the Contract of Sale, including

obtaining planning approval and showing evidence of adequate funding for construction.

As such the Contract of Sale has now been completed and the land transferred to the

VMA Ltd.

A Section 173 Agreement has been executed which governs the use and management of

the land going forward as outlined in previous Council reports.

(b) Construction timeline etc

Construction of the VMA museum will commence in March/April 2025 and is expected to

be completed in March 2026.

2. New “Welcome Plaza”

(a) Plaza Design

In accordance with the Council Resolution of 19 March 2024, a Concept Design for the

plaza has been completed, in consultation with Traditional Owners, multicultural groups

and internal stakeholders. The proposed plaza will be approximately 675 square metres

and will sit immediately adjacent to the museum (to the east) (refer to

Attachment 1

).

This plaza is intended to be a destination in its own right, open to the public at all times.

It will function as a forecourt to the Museum; be an attractive space that celebrates First

Nations, refugee and migrant communities that call Brimbank home; and a connection

between R T Pollard Gardens and Durham Road.

The plaza design aims to address several concerns and opportunities raised during the

consultation period, including:

•

Public safety and existing antisocial behaviour;

•

Recognition of all refugee and migrant communities; and

•

Providing a potential economic stimulus for local businesses.

The plaza will be a pedestrian-only space (i.e. closed to vehicles) and has been designed

to include generous public seating, lighting, garden beds, public art, tree planting and a

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table structure around the large existing gum trees. Officers have worked closely with

the VMA to ensure the plaza appropriately integrates with the Museum.

Detailed Design of the plaza will commence in March 2025. Officers will work closely with

a selected local indigenous artist (member of BATSICC) for the public art component

within the plaza and will undertake additional engagement with specific groups including

Wurundjeri and BATSICC on the art element.

The Concept Design will be available to the community via Council’s website and will be

incorporated into the engagement material shared with the immediate neighbours as

part of the plaza naming consultation.

(b) Plaza cost and funding opportunities

The current cost estimate for the plaza is $1.1 million (excluding GST).

Officers have pursued external funding opportunities through advocacy to both the

Victorian State Government and the Federal Government, in accordance with the 19

March 2024 Council Resolution. Funding for the plaza is included in Brimbanks advocacy

material leading into the Federal election, with ongoing discussions continuing at the

Federal level. Advocacy to the State Government has also been regularly pursued with

relevant Ministers and Local Members.

An application was made to the Federal Government’s Thriving Suburbs Program

however this application was not successful.

As construction of the Museum building will commence in March/April 2025 and the plaza

needs to be built immediately adjacent, it is proposed that Council considers potential

funding of the plaza as part of the 2025/26 Council Budget process.

Officers will continue to advocate for funding and apply for grants as opportunities arise.

(c) Proposed plaza name

The new plaza is proposed to be named

. This name was recommended

by the Wurundjeri Elders during consultation on the plaza design.

Wominjeka means ‘welcome’ in the Woiwurrung language of the Wurundjeri people.

Council has been granted official permission to use this word for the name of the plaza

by the Wurundjeri Elders. There has been no objection to the proposed name during the

consultation sessions held to date.

To officially name the plaza, Geographic Places Victoria (GPV) requires a statutory

process be followed, which includes a 30-day period of community consultation. Any

objections to the name must demonstrate how the proposal fails to comply with the

Naming Rules for Places in Victoria (the Naming Rules) specified in Section 7. If it can

be proven that the proposal does not comply with the Naming Rules, Council must alter

or abandon the proposed name.

Council’s endorsement to consult the community on the name

as part

of this statutory process, is sought via this report.

3. Durham Road Car Park Reconfiguration (western end)

Design of the retained section of the car park at the western end has progressed,

ensuring integration with the VMA building and access designs. Landscaping elements

will include an adequate garden bed for the existing eucalypt, retention of as many other

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existing trees as practical, and an appropriate interface treatment between the car park

and the proposed museum building. Officers are also conscious of managing circulation

of traffic to and around the site utilising Durham Road, Watt Street and the rear

laneway.

Officers have submitted proposals to the Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) to

relocate the bus stop adjacent to the proposed access to the reconfigured car park.

Negotiations are continuing and a decision pending.

The existing eucalypt will be protected during the occupation of the site for construction

of the museum by ensuring the Construction Environmental Management Plan

incorporates a Tree Protection Zone.

The final number of carparks, as well as, detailed costings, procurement and budget

allocation will be finalised once the bus stop relocation is determined, and the

engineering documentation is complete.

4. Durham Road Car Parking Management Plan – actions to resolve the

identified car parking issues

Council Officers are investigating the most effective way to improve parking efficiencies

in the area. Changes to parking restriction are yet to commence. It is considered that

the most critical time to focus on restrictions and enforcement is when construction

commences and access to the existing off-street parking will be limited. As mentioned

above, this is expected to occur with the next month.

Officers have progressed the creation of the additional 5 car parking spaces in Sun

Crescent. Works are expected to be complete and spaces available by mid-2025.

Correspondence with Minister Pearson in accordance with Council’s resolution to explore

options to address car parking concerns in the precinct, commenced in April 2024. The

response, received from Minister Brooks (Minister for Development and Minister for

Precincts), expressed congratulations and encouragement for Council and in particular

identified that the DTP:

•

will update Council on the scope and timelines for delivery of the Sunshine

Station masterplan and spur line project when internal planning is complete;

•

is exploring car parking across the Sunshine CBD which will include further local

engagement;

•

is reviewing the location of bus stops in Durham Road and Sun Crescent,

changes to which will be considered in the context of the VMA proposal.

Officers continue to liaise with DTP to further Council’s interest in these matters. Council

has also committed to monitor car parking impacts once the museum is open and take

action as necessary.

Community Engagement

Engagement on the plaza design

From July to September 2024, Officers undertook targeted engagement with key

external stakeholders including Wurundjeri Council; Brimbank Community Voice;

Brimbank Youth Council; Multicultural Women’s Leadership Group; and Interfaith

Leaders.

The engagement was in the form of workshops to incorporate the ideas of welcoming

and belonging for the Traditional Owners and people from migrant backgrounds to allow

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these stories and ideas to be woven into the design and to create a culturally safe space

for all.

There was an engagement session proposed with BATSICC but this was deferred to allow

a clear focus on the public art component, which was a recommendation by Council’s

First Nations office. This will be scheduled in due course.

Outcomes of the engagement are included in the report at

Attachment 2

and

summarised below.

There were four emerging themes expressing cultural commonalities:

Theme 1: First Nations first - Participants emphasized the importance of

embedding First Nations values in design to honour Aboriginal and Torres Strait

Islander culture.

Theme 2: Tangible expressions of culture - Cultural expression was central, with

strong connections to memory, identity, and belonging.

Theme 3: Nature - Sustainable design should preserve nature, engage the

senses, and reflect cultural connections to water and greenery.

Theme 4: Design that enables or invites connection -Thoughtful design should

foster “third spaces” that strengthen community resilience, wellbeing, and shared

experiences.

The Concept Design will be available to the community via Council’s website and will be

incorporated into the engagement material shared with the proposed plaza’s immediate

neighbours as part of the plaza naming consultation.

Engagement on the proposed plaza name

Subject to Council’s endorsement of the name

, community

engagement will be conducted within the coming months with results reported to Council

once completed.

If the name

is found to be non-compliant with naming rules, approval will be

sought for consultation on an alternative name, followed by a second round of

community engagement. Council will be notified before community consultation begins.

Resource And Risk Implications

Community:

During construction of the museum, car parks and the new plaza, there will be some

disruption to the streetscape and movement of traffic and pedestrians. These will be

managed through information to the community, signage and updates on Council’s

website.

The Contractors are required to have Traffic Management Plans in place.

Environmental:

In the new plaza, significant trees will be retained and additional vegetation will be

planted in garden beds, to create shade and increase local biodiversity.

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Surface stormwater runoff will be captured in large raingardens, providing passive

irrigation for garden beds and reducing the impact of flash flooding.

Natural and resilient materials will be used for all surfaces, furniture, and fixtures to

minimise maintenance costs, enhance longevity, and reduce overall environmental

impact.

Financial:

Funding for the Museum has been provided by the Commonwealth and State

Governments, and via the VMA.

The current cost estimate for the plaza is $1.1 million. Despite a grant application and

advocacy, external funding has not yet been secured.

As construction of the Museum building will commence in March/April 2025 and the plaza

needs to be built immediately adjacent, it is proposed that Council considers potential

funding of the plaza as part of the 2025/26 Council Budget process.

The ongoing operational costs of maintaining the plaza will be calculated following

detailed design and incorporated into future Council budgets.

Council and the VMA have agreed to share the costs of the car park works, and Officers

will make allowance for this in future budgets as required. Council’s contribution is

expected to be in the order of $200,000 for this component.

Regulatory/Agreements:

The plaza’s name and the process to formalising this will comply with the requirements

of the Geographic Place Names Act (1998), as outlined in this report.

Ongoing maintenance responsibilities of the VMA Ltd and Council in relation to shared

spaces will be documented in a formal Agreement. Work on this will commence once

final designs are complete.

Safety

:

During the engagement process for the Museum and plaza design, feedback was

received about the importance of public safety in the public realm areas.

To achieve this, Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles

have been embedded into the design of the building and the plaza, with a focus on

maintaining clear sight lines, lighting, seating areas and design of garden beds.

Legislation/Council Plan/Policy Context

This report supports the Council Plan 2021-2025 strategic direction and objective of:

1. People and Community - A welcoming, safe and supported community - An

inclusive place for all

•

Wellbeing and Belonging - Responsive services that support mental and physical

wellbeing

•

Pride and Participation - Community and cultural connections built through social

and artistic expression

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2. Places and Spaces - Liveable and connected neighbourhoods that support

healthy and sustainable futures - A green place for all

•

Liveable and Connected - Inviting and liveable spaces and facilities, connected

so people can get around

•

Sustainable and Green - Protect natural environments for current and future

generations

.

This report complies with the

,

, Brimbank Community Engagement Policy 2021, Sunshine Priority Precinct 2050,

Brimbank Economic Development Strategy 2022, Experience Brimbank Visitor Strategy

2018 – 2023, and Sunshine Rising Action Plan 2019-2024.

Council Officers contributing to the preparation and approval of this report, have no

conflicts of interests to declare.

Resolution

Moved Cr Kim Thien Truong/Seconded Cr Lucy Nguyen

That Council:

a. Notes the sale of land to the Vietnamese Museum Australia Ltd (VMA)

has been completed and works on the building are scheduled to

commence in March/April 2025.

b. Notes the indicative timeline for construction of the VMA, with

construction of the building planned to be complete in March 2026.

c. Notes that Council Officers have undertaken engagement with local

multicultural groups, Traditional Owners and other stakeholders in

relation to the design of the proposed new plaza and that a Concept Plan

is now complete, with information to be shared with the immediate

neighbours as part of the plaza naming consultation.

d. Notes that external funding opportunities have been explored for the

plaza and that to date, external funding has not been secured.

e. Notes that advocacy for external funding for the plaza will continue.

f. Notes that potential Council contribution to fund delivery of the plaza will

be considered as part of the 2025/26 Council Budget process.

g. Endorses the proposed name of the plaza as

, and notes

that community consultation will be undertaken in accordance with

Council’s Place Naming Policy and the

.

CARRIED