Nillumbik Shire Council
Council Meeting - 28 Apr 2026
Council noted the March financial report, declared a special charge scheme for Jayson Avenue road works in Eltham, adopted two governance policies, received a resident petition about View Hill Crescent, and closed the meeting for a confidential CEO employment matter.
Article-worthy topics
- March quarter financial report noted
Council received and noted the financial report for the period ended 31 March 2026. Rates revenue was tracking largely as anticipated, 70.12% of the third instalment had been collected year-to-date, capital works expenditure totalled $20.6 million, and loan repayments year-to-date were $2.0 million.
This gives residents a snapshot of Council's financial position and progress on capital works delivery.
Key decisions
- Jayson Avenue Special Charge Scheme declared
Council declared a special charge under the Local Government Act for the sealing and upgrade of Jayson Avenue, Eltham, applying to specified properties on Jayson Avenue and Homestead Road. The estimated total project cost is $389,000.
Affected property owners in the scheme area will be levied charges to help fund the road upgrade. - March quarter financial report noted
Council received and noted the financial report for the period ended 31 March 2026. Rates revenue was tracking largely as anticipated, 70.12% of the third instalment had been collected year-to-date, capital works expenditure totalled $20.6 million, and loan repayments year-to-date were $2.0 million.
This gives residents a snapshot of Council's financial position and progress on capital works delivery. - Ward meeting and communications policy adopted
Council endorsed the Councillor Ward Meeting and Ward Communications Policy to formalise processes for ward meetings and ward-based communications, including transparency around costs and staff resourcing.
Residents may see a more consistent and transparent approach to councillor-led ward meetings and local communications. - Councillor recognition and bereavement policy adopted
Council endorsed the Councillor Recognition and Bereavement Policy with an amendment clarifying recognition for councillors who finish their term and do not return to office, and revoked the Good Governance Policy 2017.
This updates Council's formal approach to recognising service and acknowledging bereavements in the community and among councillors. - View Hill Crescent petition referred for investigation
Council received a petition with 29 signatures seeking urgent sealing of View Hill Crescent between numbers 1 and 21 in Eltham, along with drainage, flooding and safety works, and referred it to the Chief Operating Officer for investigation and response.
Residents in the area can expect officer review and a response on the road, drainage and safety concerns raised.
Important topics
- Advisory committee minutes noted
Council noted minutes from the Environment & Sustainability Advisory Committee meeting held 18 February 2026 and the Inclusion and Access Advisory Committee meeting held 27 February 2026.
This signals the issues being considered through Council's advisory committees, including sustainability and accessibility matters. - Informal meetings records received
Council received records for recent informal meetings of councillors, including a councillor briefing, a council meeting pre-meet, and a planning and consultation committee pre-meet.
This supports transparency about non-decision-making councillor meetings. - Confidential CEO employment matter considered in closed session
Council resolved to close the meeting to the public to consider a confidential item titled 'CEO Employment Matters - Mid Year Review'.
The matter was handled in confidential session due to personal information protections, so no public detail was provided.
Resident impacts
- Property owners in the Jayson Avenue special charge area will contribute financially to the road sealing and upgrade project.
- Residents of View Hill Crescent, Eltham may receive follow-up on requested road sealing, drainage and safety improvements after officer investigation.
- Residents may experience more structured ward meetings and ward communications under the newly adopted policy.
- Council reported ongoing delivery of capital works projects across the municipality, with $20.6 million spent year-to-date.
Places affected
- Jayson Avenue, Eltham
Special charge scheme declared for sealing and upgrade works. - Homestead Road, Eltham
One affected property in the Jayson Avenue special charge scheme is located here. - View Hill Crescent, Eltham
Resident petition sought urgent sealing, drainage remediation and safety works between numbers 1 and 21. - Greensborough
Council meeting was held at the Council Chamber on Civic Drive. - Eltham
Location of the road works scheme and resident petition.
Next steps
- Investigate the View Hill Crescent petition and provide a response to the petition organiser
After the meeting - Implement and levy the Jayson Avenue Special Charge Scheme for affected properties
Following declaration by Council - Apply the new ward communications policy to future ward meetings and communications
Ongoing - Apply the new Councillor Recognition and Bereavement Policy and revoke the Good Governance Policy 2017
From endorsement
Extracted minutes text
Council Meeting held at the Council Chamber, 32 Civic Drive, Greensborough on Tuesday 28 April 2026 commencing at 7:00 PM. Minutes Carl Cowie Chief Executive Officer Friday 1 May 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 Council Meeting Minutes 28 April 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 2 8. Confirmation of Minutes 5 COM.001/26 Confirmation of Minutes Council Meeting held T...