Council Meeting - 27 Oct 2026

Topics

• Eltham property owners face proposed 10-year Reynolds Road special charge
  Council has started the statutory process to charge benefiting Reynolds Road property owners for a $171,000 sealing and upgrade project.
  Four of six property owners supported the scheme, but liable owners could face payments over 10 years with interest. Council will also spend about $38,000 on speed humps.
• Nillumbik replaces 2018 tree rules with new protection and management policy
  Council adopted a new tree policy after considering 132 written submissions and three verbal presentations.
  The policy places renewed emphasis on mature-tree retention, canopy protection, habitat and climate resilience across the shire.
• Council awards Graysharps Road car park construction contract
  A construction contract has been approved for works scheduled from November 2026 to April 2027.
  The project may affect parking and access, while the contract value includes more than $498,000 in reported tender and contingency costs before GST.

Decisions

• Reynolds Road special charge process advanced
  Council gave public notice of its intention to declare a special charge for sealing and upgrading Reynolds Road, Eltham. Property owners may pay their estimated contribution as a lump sum within 30 days or by quarterly instalments over 10 years, with interest. Council will separately fund approximately $38,000 for speed humps.
  Affected property owners may face a special charge, while the wider community will benefit from road sealing and speed management.
• Nillumbik Tree Protection & Management Policy adopted
  Council adopted the Nillumbik Tree Protection & Management Policy, with minor administrative corrections, revoked the 2018 tree policy and guidelines, and directed officers to develop an education and communication program about the value of trees.
  The policy establishes updated expectations for tree protection, canopy retention and tree-management decisions across Nillumbik.
• Graysharps Road car park contract awarded
  Council accepted the preferred tender for Contract 2526-033, Graysharps Road Car Park Construction Works. The contract is scheduled to run from 2 November 2026 to 30 April 2027. The reported tender amount was $415,511 plus $83,102.20 contingency, exclusive of GST, although parts of the resolution were redacted or inconsistently presented.
  Construction is expected to affect access and parking around the Graysharps Road project area during the works period.
• Nillumbik Art Museum petition referred for investigation
  Council received and noted a petition containing 686 signatures seeking allocation of 895 Main Road, Eltham for the Nillumbik Art Museum and investigation of government and philanthropic funding options. The petition was referred to the Chief Community and Integrity Officer for investigation and response.
  The petition does not allocate the site or approve funding, but it triggers an official investigation and response to supporters.
• Planning and Environment Act authorisations updated
  Council appointed and authorised the officers listed in the relevant instrument under section 147(4) of the Planning and Environment Act 1987. The instrument takes effect when signed by the Chief Executive Officer and remains in force until varied or revoked.
  The update enables authorised officers to undertake planning inspections and investigations, including a matter described as requiring urgent action.

Discussion

• September quarter finances
  Council reported a sound financial position at 30 September 2026, including $38.6 million in cash, $19.5 million in term deposits, $15.65 million in borrowings and $1.155 billion in total net assets. Year-to-date net operating performance was $1.01 million favourable against budget, and capital works expenditure was $3.28 million.
  The figures indicate Council's current financial capacity and spending progress, while rates collection and capital delivery remain areas to monitor.
• Rabbit-control program and wombat protection
  In response to public questions, Council said rabbit-management activities were suspended after an incident involving alleged harm to wombats. Council commissioned a contractor investigation, undertook its own review and provided information to DEECA. It acknowledged that existing procedures did not adequately address shared rabbit and wombat burrow systems and said future controls would include stronger identification, mapping, verification and protection measures.
  Residents raised concerns about wildlife deaths, contractor oversight and accountability. Council said responsibility and compliance findings remain subject to assessment.
• Reynolds Road project funding
  The Reynolds Road project is estimated at $171,000. Council's broader community-benefit contribution is estimated at $41,040, while the balance is proposed to be recovered through the special charge from benefiting property owners. The scheme would remain in force for 10 years.
  Four of six property owners supported proceeding, and liable owners may be required to contribute to the project cost.
• Public question time extended
  Council extended public question time by 30 minutes, allowing questions about the rabbit-control program, wombat protection, contractor supervision and disciplinary responsibility.
  The extended session provided a public forum for residents to seek answers about a contentious environmental incident.
• Park naming proposal
  The agenda included a proposal to name the park at 28 Campbell Street, Diamond Creek, Lions Park, but the supplied extraction does not include the decision outcome.
  The outcome and any implementation details cannot be confirmed from the available meeting extract.

Impacts

• Owners liable under the proposed Reynolds Road special charge may pay by lump sum or 10-year quarterly instalments with interest.
• Reynolds Road is proposed to be sealed and upgraded, with separate Council-funded speed humps to address through-traffic safety.
• The new tree policy may affect tree-retention, protection and management decisions across Nillumbik.
• Graysharps Road car park construction is scheduled from 2 November 2026 to 30 April 2027.
• The Nillumbik Art Museum petition will receive an officer investigation and response, but no site allocation or funding was approved at this meeting.
• Rabbit-management procedures are being strengthened following concerns about impacts on wombats and shared burrow systems.

Places

• Reynolds Road, Eltham (road/project area)
  Proposed sealing, upgrade, special charge and separate speed-hump works between Mount Pleasant Road and Laughing Waters Road.
• 895 Main Road, Eltham (site)
  Site proposed by petitioners for a Nillumbik Art Museum.
• Graysharps Road (road/car park project area)
  Location of the car park construction contract scheduled from November 2026 to April 2027.
• 28 Campbell Street, Diamond Creek (park site)
  Site of a proposal to name the park Lions Park.
• Nillumbik reserves (environmental service area)
  Areas affected by rabbit-control activities and revised wombat-protection procedures.
• Nillumbik Shire (municipality)
  Area covered by the tree protection policy, financial reporting and wildlife-management program.

Next

• Publish the Reynolds Road special charge public notice and send notice to people liable for the proposed charge.
  Following the 27 October 2026 resolution; submissions and objections will be considered before any final declaration.
• Investigate the Nillumbik Art Museum petition and advise the petition organiser of the outcome.
  By the Chief Community and Integrity Officer following referral; timeframe not stated.
• Implement and publish the adopted Nillumbik Tree Protection & Management Policy and develop an education and communication program.
  Following adoption; timeframe not stated.
• Execute the Graysharps Road car park contract and commence scheduled works.
  Contract term scheduled for 2 November 2026 to 30 April 2027.
• Continue wildlife incident reviews and strengthen rabbit-control safeguards, including mapping, verification and protection measures.
  Ongoing; DEECA assessment and Council review remain underway.

Extract

Council Meeting held at the Council Chamber, 32 Civic Drive, Greensborough on Tuesday 27 October 2026 commencing at 7:00 PM. Minutes Carl Cowie Chief Executive Officer Friday 30 October 2026 Distribution: Public Civic Drive, Greensborough PO Box 476, Greensborough 3088 Telephone 9433 3111 Facsimile 9433 3777 Website www.nillumbik.vic.gov.au Email nillumbik@nillumbik.vic.gov.au THIS PAGE WAS LEFT INTENTIONALLY BLANK Council Meeting Minutes 27 October 2026 i Nillumbik Shire Council Contents 1. Welcome 1 2. Acknowledgement 1 3. Good Governance Pledge 1 4. Prayer 1 5. Apologies\Leave of Absence 1 6. Declarations of conflict of interest 1 7. Presentations 1 8. Confirmation of Minutes 5 COM.001/2...