By KATH GANNAWAY
YARRA Ranges has released its mid-year report tracking its performance in the first half of 2013/14.
The report, endorsed at Yarra Ranges Council’s meeting on 25 March, covers areas including engagement with communities, infrastructure, the environment, economy, agriculture and tourism, the overall performance of the organisation and a financial overview.
It summarises key achievements against commitments set out in the Council Plan 2013-2017 and performance against key performance indicators (KPIs).
Broadly, the reports shows Council Plan actions in relation to the five strategic objectives as being pretty much on target with variances in actual and target performance of around 2 to 4 per cent.
Major infrastructure targets included the Healesville Reconciliation Centre for Families and Children and the Pinks Reserve Regional Netball Facility which were on schedule.
Footpath delivery was on schedule with work on Riversdale Road Yarra Junction and Don Road, Don Valley already commenced.
Actions around simplifying and improving transparency of the Yarra Ranges Planning Scheme were also rated as being on schedule.
Highlights of the Active and Engaged Communities included adoption of the 2013-2017 Health and Wellbeing Strategy, the development of a draft Equity, Access and Inclusion Strategy and the designation of Community Refuges at East Warburton and Ferny Creek along with the addition of four Neighbourhood Safer Places across shire.
The half-year report is delivered in response to community feedback that there was a need to provide more regular reporting on the council’s performance. The report follows a similar format to the Annual Report and is available to the public at the council’s community links and on their website www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au .
