Yarra Ranges Council’s Annual Report for 2024/25 has been released, following a brief discussion and endorsement at the Tuesday 14 October council meeting.
The report details the council’s operational achievements and financial position following the end of the financial year.
In his ‘Mayor’s message’, Yarra Ranges Council mayor Jim Child said the year brought exciting progress and some challenges for our community.
“We continue to feel the impact of severe weather events, such as the Montrose fire in March, while the cost-of-living crisis has placed ongoing pressure on service delivery, energy and construction costs,” he said.
“Yet, despite these challenges, our Yarra Ranges communities have demonstrated their ongoing strength and resilience in navigating emergencies. Our energy resilience projects are helping transform facilities into reliable hubs during crises while reducing operating costs.
“Council teams are also working hard to improve infrastructure and plan for a changing climate, delivering projects identified in our budget and strategic plans.”
A number of key plans progressed:
A staged rollout of the 150 Cambridge Road Masterplan began, as well as adopting masterplans for Lillydale Lake, Morrisons Reserve and Kilsyth Recreation Reserve, the Yarra Junction Place Plan, and Innovate Reconciliation Plan 2024-2026 were adopted, and the Disability Action Plan 2025-2029 and Stormwater Management Plan 2024-2034 were developed.
Cr Child said the progress made is a testament to the dedication of our people and the strength of our community.
“While the past year has had its share of surprises and setbacks, I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished and can confidently say that the infrastructure and services we’ve delivered will benefit our community now and for generations to come,” he said.
“We know the work is never truly done however we remain committed, passionate and proud to serve this community.”
From a financial perspective, Yarra Ranges Council over doubled it’s surplus to $16,203,000 while also seeing cash reserves rise to $39,429,000, up over $20 million. However, for the first time in a number of years the Council’s debt increased substantially, from only $640,000 the year prior to $37,511,000. The council’s asset portfolio also rose in value to $1,852,381,000, up almost $230 million from the year prior.
In the ‘CEO’s message’, chief executive Tammi Rose said the report provides an update on their progress in the last 12 months and marks the completion of the 2021-25 Council Plan.
“As we reflect on the past year, there is a genuine sense of pride in what we’ve achieved together at Yarra Ranges,” she said.
“Our work continues to be shaped by a shared vision – to build a community where the people of Yarra Ranges can thrive, with services and support available at every stage of life.
“All the work we do is shaped by the 2021-25 Council Plan, which was developed in partnership with our community and outlines our strategic priorities.”
Yarra Ranges Council delivered 257 capital works projects over the year, for a total investment of $61.4 million. The majority of the spending was on roads projects, totalling $19.4 million ($11.7 million and another $7.7 million from the final Roads for Community projects). The council also spent $12.2 million on buildings projects, $10.2 million on parks, open spaces and trails, $3.7 million on community and recreation spaces and $3.6 million on computers and communication in other major expenditure areas.
Only one of the Council’s actions set out in the Council Plan wasn’t completed within the four-year period, with the development of a municipal-wide Development Contributions Plan intended to help fund infrastructure projects deferred.
A grand total of $145,655,000 was spent delivering the council’s services.
No councillor missed more than one council meeting over the course of the year.
