I hope that this column finds you all ready to take some time to relax over the holiday break.
We’ve had a big year as a council, and I’m proud to have stepped into the mayoral role in November.
As highlighted in our 2024-25 Annual Report, our teams answered more than 100,000 calls, we’ve reconstructed 35,000 square metres of road, processed more than 1100 planning applications and diverted 45,000 tonnes of rubbish from landfill. All of this work has been done on behalf of, for and with our vibrant and diverse community.
We’ve had some great projects finish this year, a highlight is the opening the first 30 kilometres of the Warburton Mountain Bike Trail, and are continuing the work towards finalising the Yarra Valley Trail and ngurrak barring.
There are now even more reasons to get out and explore our beautiful backyard, and I hope you take a chance to see more of the Yarra Ranges this summer.
I’m sure it will be another big year ahead, and I look forward to working with our staff, my fellow Councillors and the wider community to make it one of our best yet.
Just a reminder that our bin collections continue every public holiday, including Christmas and New Year’s Day. Make sure to put your bins out and don’t forget to check your hard waste collection date, as collections will run from late-January to March next year.
With the warmer weather and the approaching bushfire season, everyone should have a plan for what to do when the worst happens. An emergency plan should always factor in your trigger to leave early and what happens with pets and livestock.
On behalf of my fellow councillors and council staff, I’d like to wish you all a safe and merry Christmas, and an excellent new year.
