Meeting Minutes - 19 March 2026

 

Greenvale Residents' Association

(A000 2795U)

Facebook: Greenvale Residents Association@GRA3059

Website: gra3059.blogspot.com

Email: gra3059@gmail.com

 

 

 

                                                    Minutes

                                               Minutes of Meeting – 19 March 2026 at 7pm          

 

Community Room 1

Greenvale West Community Centre ~ 7 Ventura Way, Greenvale

 

Attendance (In Person):

Tamara Nolan (Chair - President)	Caroline Dowling (Vice-President)	Stephen Woodhams (Secretariat/Treasurer)	Lidia Omisel
Sunil Perara	Leanne Pascoe	Jason Moore	Debra Phippen
Kevin Balaam	Frank Morabito	Mark LaBrooy	Helen Lanagan
Cr Jim Overend	Cr Steve Gagen	Daryl Canny

 

Meeting opened at 7:10 pm.

Apologies: Evan Mulholland MP, Iwan Walters MP; Vivien Miles, Kate Churven,

 

Minutes of the last meeting:

Tamara reviewed the previous minutes. The minutes of the last meeting were accepted as a true record.

Moved

Lidia Omisel

Seconded

Leanne Pascoe

Correspondence

Received

·        Invite for ‘Coffee with a cop’ at Greenvale Shopping Centre
·        Invite to meet Jess Wilson Leader of the Liberal Party ay Greenvale shops. (Lidia Omisel, Sunil Perera and Stephen Woodhams attended)
·        Various communications with Women’s Community Shelter
·        Various communications with Pask regarding new Providence Village shopping centre

  

Treasurer Report:

Opening balance:	1,757.59
Expenses:  Consumer Affairs	(49.00)
Closing balance	$1,708.59

 

 Guest presentation: Kate Churven – Parks Victoria  (Greenvale Reservoir Park Ranger)

·        Unfortunately, Kate became ill at the last moment and was unable to attend and present at this meeting.

·        It is anticipated that she will attend the next meeting in July.

 Councillor Report - Cr. Steve Gagen

 St Joseph’s School Proposal

·        Councillors were not aware of the proposal to build a school on Aitken Hill until we received an email in early November from Iwan Walters MP.

·        Subsequently, Cr Misho raised a Notice of Motion (NOM) asking Council to facilitate the proposal.

·        The response to Cr Misho’s NOM will come to council on April 13. Here are some dot points:

o   Given the rapid population growth within Hume City Council, it is important there are a range of public and private education options available to our growing community.

o   The State Government and school proponents have previously identified 3 Kosciuszko Drive, Craigieburn on the Mount Aitken Reserve, as potentially suitable. This was discussed at a council meeting in December.

o   Hume City Council Officers have confirmed that this site forms part of the Mount Aitken Regional Open Space and is identified in Council’s Adopted Open Space Strategy as a reserve that should be protected.

o   Hume needs both open space and more schools to meet the needs of our residents.

o   Hume City Council officers will work with the Victorian Government to assist them identify a suitable site, but the officer position remains that Kosciusko site is not an appropriate place for a school

Capital Works

·        Greenvale Tennis Club Upgrades

o   Council is upgrading facilities at Greenvale Tennis Club which aim to enhance player experience and support greater community use through modern, inclusive and sustainable infrastructure.

o   The construction of two new courts (Courts 10 & 11) and resurfacing of three existing courts (Courts 5, 6 & 7) including lighting upgrades are now completed.

o   We will soon commence the redevelopment of the existing tennis club pavilion, providing modern amenities for players, spectators, and wider community. The project is expected to be complete in early 2027.

·        Bradford Avenue Reserve Upgrade – located at 26 Bradford Avenue, Greenvale

o   Design is currently underway for a new pavilion, new soccer field including sports lighting, and

play space at Bradford Avenue Reserve that aims to support the growing demand of active

recreation in the Greenvale Community. The project is expected to commence construction in early 2027 and expected to complete in mid - 2028. Note: the timeline is pending any Grant Funding approval.

 

·        Barrymore Road Reserve Park Improvements

o   The first stage of works to install a new public toilet building is expected to commence within the next few months. This will be followed by a second stage of works which includes replacement of the old play equipment and furniture as well as improvements to the landscaping. The second stage of works is anticipated to take place and be completed in the 2026 – 2027 FY.

 

·        Kirkham Drive Park Improvements

o   Upgrade works at Kirkham Drive Reserve in Greenvale are progressing well, with majority of the new path around the future playground now complete. Fencing has recently been completed, with the new shelter and playground equipment scheduled for installation by early April. The project is currently on track for completion by May, weather permitting.

 

·        Update Re Sale of Land Kirkham Drive

o   In late 2019 Council approved sale of the 2,639 square metre Council owned site at 65 Kirkham Drive, Greenvale following a needs assessment identifying the land was surplus to community needs. Selling the land allows Council to reinvest funds into other community assets and projects, offsetting rate pressure. Works are underway to prepare the land for sale. Sale by public auction is expected by late 2026 once subdivision into four individual lots is complete.

 

·        1090 Mickleham Rd Development and New Shopping Centre

o   As residents are aware, a long-awaited new shopping centre is proposed at 1090 Mickleham Road in Greenvale. Council’s planning team are currently assessing an application for stage one of the development. The first stage of the project includes a major supermarket, a medical centre, several shops, cafes and restaurants, car parking, new access roads, landscaping, and public spaces. This development is planned as the first step in creating a larger town centre for the local community in the future.

o   Planning officers have completed their assessment, but the applicant is still working through technical aspects of the design of the future intersection with Mickleham Road with the

Department of Transport and Planning (DTP). Once that final approval is received from DTP, as they are a determining authority, and Council cannot issue the permit without their consent, the permit will be issued.

Presidents Report

 

Women’s Community shelter

 

·        The Women’s Community Shelter Forum held at Aitken College on 18 March 2026 at 6.30-8pm with ~ 45 attendees. 

      First Nations Elder, Annette Xiberras welcomed us to land and country and opened the event with very honest and quite humorous storytelling of life growing up and living as an aboriginal woman and what it is really like. 

      Then Acting Detective Sergeant, Vanessa Howell of the Broadmeadows Violence Investigation Unit provided some shocking statistics and reasons behind the increase in reports of domestic and family violence and its correlation with the cost-of-living pressures. 

      Peter Hunt AM, Founder of Women’s Community Shelter reflecting on the genesis of WCS and shared a heartfelt story of his wife who has passed and how she saw the desperate need to establish the first community led shelter for women in NSW. 

      Next CEO Annabelle Daniel spoke about the proposed establishment of a shelter in Hume, the important reasons why it is needed and how you can help. Tanya Corrie from Moonah House, Mornington Peninsula Women’s Shelter also spoke along with panel members answering questions from the audience.

Some statistics provided:

·        12 Detectives involved in Family Violence in Northern Suburbs,

·        The amount of family violence in their area is only just second to the Casey Dandenong area.

·        Hume is the 4^th highest in the state of Victoria with 3,635 incidents in 2024 mostly involving women aged between 25–44 years old their families with children.

·        Next steps: How you can help?

o   Women’s Community Shelter is looking for volunteers to join a Steering Committee of approximately 8-10 members. Each could expect around 8-10 hours per month commitment to the organisation. Contact: Sophie Panigirakis – WCS Service Development Manager (Victoria) if you wish to join sophie@womenscommunityshelters.org.au  

o   Help raise much needed funds to run the shelter: https://womens-community-shelters-hume-shelter.raiselysite.com/

o   Looking for skilled volunteers to help establish a community shelter in Hume once open

o   Connect WCS to your high school for the Walk the Talk program

 

Providence Village Shopping Centre – PASK, David Bills (email)

Pask update from 9 February 2026:

o   Pask are working on responses to meet the draft permit conditions with DTP and VIDA and are hopeful for a resolution in the next few weeks where DTP will issue draft conditions for inclusion in the permit. The Stage 1 permit will be issued following the receipt of DTP conditions. A second permit application was lodged with council by PASK at the end of last year for the southern end of Providence Village (Stage 2) and Pask is currently developing a response to the council's request for further information.'

o   David is invited to attend in person at the next GRA meeting on 23 July to provide a further update on the progress of the council planning permit.

 

 

Tullamarine Airport update – Frank Morabito

 

• The NAARM Way roadworks at the airport are scheduled for completion by September 2026. Once finished, this elevated road will provide easier access to Terminals 1–3. A new pedestrian link bridge will also be constructed to improve terminal connectivity.
• There are plans for the development of a Terminal 5.
• Runway upgrades are planned, including an extension of the east–west runway and the construction of a new third runway aligned north–south.
• A total of $7 billion in infrastructure works is planned for the airport in the next period.
• The airport precinct includes approximately 500 hectares dedicated to commercial and industrial use.
• A “Stacked Farm” is currently under construction. This cutting-edge facility aims to set a global benchmark for sustainability and efficiency, producing more than 3.4 million kilograms of leafy greens annually using 100% renewable energy and zero-waste systems.
• Melbourne Airport was named Best Airport in Australia and the Pacific at the annual Skytrax Awards in London. Travellers recognised its smooth operations and improved service offerings that enhance the passenger experience. The new CEO has also introduced a stronger customer-focused approach across the organisation.

·        The Melbourne Airport Rail Link project has commenced, with initial works underway at Sunshine Station, as announced by the Victorian Government.

 

Update from Iwan Walters, Labour Member for Greenvale

• Greenvale Reservoir Park reopened in December 2025, following upgrade works to deliver new walking and cycling paths, BBQs, toilets, parking facilities, and access points to neighbouring estates, while ensuring the safety and security of the drinking water supply.
• DTP carried out works from Sunday 1 March to Thursday 5 March to reseal the section of Mickleham Road between Barrymore Road and Greenvale Drive. Mowing and weeding has also occurred on the centre median.
• Work is continuing with the Minister for Roads and Road Safety on the roll out of smart traffic signal technology on the Mickleham Road corridor under the Signal Network Optimisation Program. Advise provided is that traffic light sequencing will be coordinated to prioritise southbound traffic in the AM peak and northbound traffic in the PM peak.
• Starting 16 March 2026, contactless payments will be trialled on the Craigieburn line. This means full fare paying customers taking a single or return journey on the Craigieburn line, including to or from the City Loop, will be able to “tap and go” with a Visa or Master Card.
• Mary Queen of Heaven Catholic Primary School Stage 2 was completed late last year with all new learning spaces now seeing use by the school community. This upgrade was supported by a $5 million contribution from the Victorian Government. A formal opening will be held later next month.
• Illegal dumping continues to be a major issue for our community. As part of a $21.5 million investment to tackle illegal dumping, the Victorian Government is providing $13 million for the EPA to work with agencies, including the Conservation Regulator, to establish an Illegal Dumping Taskforce to target dumpers and crackdown on those flouting the law and polluting the environment. An $8.5 million rebate program will also help councils and public land managers cover clean-up costs for illegally dumped and sometimes hazardous waste in public spaces. 

Update from Evan Mulholland, Liberal Member for Northern Metropolitan Region

 Recently in Parliament I have been advocating for:

• The duplication of Somerton Road
• Improved safety and lighting along Mickleham Road
• A women’s crisis shelter in the City of Hume
• Meadow Heights bus and road safety improvements
• Improvements to Greenvale Reservoir Park after reopening
• The choice of gas as an electricity source for residents in Greenvale
• More pride in our local area, including mowing the grass on Mickleham Road and removing graffiti.  

We have also closed nominations for the seat of Greenvale and hope to be able to announce our Liberal candidate soon. 

 Meeting closed at 8:37 pm

 2026 GRA Meeting Dates - 7pm GWCC

•  23 July 2026
•  19 November 2026

 

Meeting Minutes - 20 November 2025

 

Greenvale Residents' Association

(A000 2795U)

Facebook: Greenvale Residents Association@GRA3059

Website: gra3059.blogspot.com

Email: gra3059@gmail.com

 

 

 

                                                        Minutes

                                               Minutes of Meeting – 20 November 2025 at 7pm     

 

Community Room 1.

Greenvale West Community Centre ~ 7 Ventura Way, Greenvale

 

Attendance (In Person):

Tamara Nolan (Chair - President)	Caroline Dowling (Vice-President)	Stephen Woodhams (Secretariat/Treasurer)	Lidia Omisel
Joan Audino	Leanne Pascoe	Nesta Pardo	Vivien Miles
Teresa Whitmore	John Rutherford	Priscila Barbaro	Biance Barbaro
Jim Overend	Steve Gagen	Ethan Nolan	Sophia Kelso
Jeni Jackson	Danielle Prentice

 

Meeting opened at 7:05 pm.

Apologies: Evan Mulholland MP, Iwan Walters MP, Basem Abdo MP, Cr Carly Moore, Sophie Panigirakis (WCS)

 

Minutes of the last meeting:

Tamara reviewed the previous minutes. The minutes of the last meeting were accepted as a true record.

Moved

Vivien Miles

Seconded

Leanne Pascoe

 

Correspondence

Received

·        Women’s Shelter for Hume meeting update

·        Liberal Invite to “Shape Victoria”

·        Invite to reopening of Greenvale Reservoir on 9 December 2025

·        Opening of new car park area at Greenvale shopping centre

·        Advice that Aitken College will seek to apply for a permit/grant from HCC to host Christmas carols next year in 2026

·        Invite from Hume council to shape 2026/27 budget

·        Advice that the bus route 543 will now be extended to Craigieburn Central

·        Craigieburn Residents Association advice that monitors are on Mickleham Road checking for speed and counting cars.

Treasurer Report:

Opening balance:	1,757.59
Expenses:	0
Closing balance	$1,757.59

 

 AGM Nominations and Voting on Committee Members

 

All committee positions were opened for nominations. No nominations were received. Tamara Nolan stated that the current committee members will continue for 2026, however, the committee is seeking new members to volunteer for key committee positions in the future to assist. The development of the Hume Women’s Community shelter is an important project initiative for the current committee, and therefore, will continue for 2026.

If GRA and community members area unable to volunteer support for the running of the GRA, the current committee may consider ending meetings in 2027. Tamara mentioned that this would be disappointing as so much is happening in the Greenvale area.

Guest presentation: Bianca Barbero - Hume Youth Council

·        Bianca has been elected on the Hume Youth Council

·        She has been elected to serve the community and work alongside the Hume City Council

·        Hume council has donated $10k to invest in a program which benefits the community. The 12 people on the Youth Council are considering where the donated funds should be used.

·        Bianca sees her role to provide opportunities to others.

Guest presentation: Sophia Kelso, Jeni Jackson and Danielle Prentice – Hume Waste and Education Management Plan

·        Program created in 2024 on a permanent basis

·        The division is empowered to teach residents how to dispose of rubbish through pop-up stalls.

·        The division interviews Hume residents and provides workshops to determine the services that Hume offers and the services that the area needs.

·        There are posters translated into 5 different languages

·        There are media campaigns on CCTV footage

·        Fine levels are set by the EPA. There are 3 levels of fines depending on the amount dumped. The levels can be seen on the Hume website.

·        There are 14,500 reports of dumping a year. Most of the dumping is from people outside of the area.

·        Demolition / construction material dumping does not happen often, but it can contain asbestos.

·        From 2026, the council will run kerbside data collection. There will be visual inspection of bins on collection day. When wrong items are placed in bins it often results in the whole load being sent to landfill.

·        Dumping on Somerton Road near the Historical Park was discussed. This area is VicRoads responsibility.

·        Hume city council are not planning to introduce bins for glass. The State’s deposit scheme is working well.

President’s Report: 

Women’s Community Shelter – Hume (Sophie Panigirakis - by email)

By way of update on the Hume shelter for your report:

·        We are planning the Community Forum for the first quarter of next year. It’s difficult for us to commit firmly to March at this stage given how full the end of year period is.

·        We are currently working with the philanthropist regarding the vesting of land to WCS.

·        We’ve also been meeting with sector providers to process our operating approach for the Greenvale shelter.

 

Providence Shopping Village development (David Bills – by email)

 

In relation to Providence Village, I confirm the following key milestones associated with the current Stage 1 planning application before Council:

 

• Urban Design Framework (UDF) endorsed by Council on 6 March 2025, following VCAT proceedings
• Planning permit application formally lodged with Council on 8 July 2025
• Council’s Request for Further Information (RFI) received on 5 August 2025
• RFI response submitted to Council on 10 October 2025

 

We have since followed up with Council regarding the status of its review of the RFI response. In correspondence dated 28 October 2025, Council confirmed that it will be referring the application back to all relevant authorities and internal departments. As of 27 November 2025, Council’s internal referral departments that have provided further referral response have indicated no further concerns or provided draft conditions.

 

Outstanding items remain within Council’s own internal referral processes, specifically Urban Design, Traffic, Civil, Landscape, Subdivision, and Environment. Council officers have advised that responses are either being reviewed internally or for those not provided are expected early next week, with no major issues anticipated. Importantly, the Council officer has indicated that any outstanding matters can largely be conditioned, supporting the timely issuing of a permit.

 

Melbourne Water has confirmed it does not oppose the proposal or land acquisition that will be discussed post permit.

 

DTP has not raised concerns with the application and are committed to providing a formal response shortly.

As of 2 December 2025, Council is waiting on final comments from DTP who are the determining referral authority, so permit approval cannot be finalised until the response is received.

 

 

Iwan Walters MP update (email)

 

Mickleham Road Stage 2

 

Mickleham Road Upgrade Stage 2 from Greenvale to Craigieburn has been fully and jointly funded by the Victorian and Australian Governments with a $250 Million investment.

The upgrade will: 

·        add extra lanes, increasing Mickleham Road to three lanes in each direction

·        add traffic lights at the Mickleham Road and Dunhelen Lane and Cookes Road intersections

·        build walking and cycling paths. 

·        interface with the proposed signalisation of Garibaldi Road intersection (works undertaken others)

 

Planning work is continuing, as the upgrade moves towards construction. Key activities to be undertaken include: 

·        detailed on-site environmental investigations to further understand flora and fauna which might be impacted

·        on-site investigations including identifying underground utilities and testing ground conditions, refining the upgrade’s design;

·        preparing a Cultural Heritage Management Plan (CHMP)

·        Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act Referral

·        appointing a construction partner.

 

Greenvale Reservoir Park

 

Since prior to my election in 2022, I’ve been working on behalf of residents to secure the funding needed to bring the southern section of the park back to life. With that funding secured last year, works are progressing well with the southern section on track to be reopened in a couple of weeks. The works have delivered new and upgraded walking and cycling paths and roadways, shelters, BBQ facilities, toilets, and entry points.

 

Pedestrian and cyclist access only will remain possible from Venezia Promenade, and the works currently underway inside the park will enable pedestrians and cyclists to move between the southern and northern section internally via new paths, but not cars. 

 

Montenegro Rd

 

The connection between Providence and Aspect is designed to provide residents with better access to public transport and emergency services, while reducing the complete reliance on single access points to Mickleham Road. Importantly the new extended 543 bus route, which began in October, has been rerouted through this road, allowing residents in the Aspect Estate to access this bus route for the first time.

 

I understand the concerns about the increased traffic volumes and speeding on this connection and I have raised these with Hume City Council and the Mayor directly on behalf of residents who have shared concerns about dangerous driving behaviour. 

 

Mickleham Road traffic 

 

I continue to advocate regularly to the Minister for Roads and Road Safety and the Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) regarding the congestion on the southern section of Mickleham Road and the challenges that motorists are experiencing, especially during weekday peaks and when disruptions elsewhere on the network have a knock-on effect to Mickleham Rd users.

 

DTP is currently reviewing Mickleham Road under the Signal Network Optimisation (SNO) program. The review is almost finished and is expected to result in travel time improvements in weekday peak periods due to the following changes:

·        Coordination of traffic lights during peak periods along the section of Mickleham Road where VIDA Roads completed their works earlier this year (mostly through the suburb of Greenvale);

·        Improved traffic light coordination along the southern section of Mickleham Road (from Westmeadows to Gladstone Park) during peak periods; and

·        Improved traffic light coordination in the PM peak for traffic exiting the Tullamarine Freeway at Mickleham Road and heading north towards the Broadmeadows Road roundabout.

 

Aside from more efficient road use and better traffic flow, I am continuing the advocacy that we’ve previously discussed to seek further investment in local public transport, including exploring opportunities to connect key activity centres including Greenvale, Gladstone Park and Airport West.

 

Bus Route 543

 

The extended Route 543 commenced services in October. Buses are now running through Greenvale and Greenvale North all the way to Craigieburn Central, making it easier to get to jobs, shops, schools and services. This upgrade also delivers 183 extra services every week, buses every 20 minutes in peak times (6–9 am and 3–7 pm) and better train connections at Roxburgh Park Station. Many new stops were also constructed, including on Somerton Road. I’ve advocated strongly for these improvements and I’m pleased they’re now been delivered for our community.

 

Education

 

Stage 2 at Mary Queen of Heaven Primary School, supported with a $5M Victorian Government investment, is effectively complete and ready for students in 2026. 

 

Community Safety

 

The safety of our community in Greenvale is of paramount importance to me.  It's why I've been speaking regularly with the Police Minister and the Premier regularly about the need for both strong deterrents to crime and also real consequences for offenders. 

 

It’s why I was so supportive of recent major changes to bail laws, designed to prevent reoffending and reduce crime. It’s also why I’ve been advocating for further changes that increase penalties and consequences for brazen, violent and repeat criminal offending, including youth crime. 

 

Every person in Greenvale and across Victoria deserves to feel safe in their home and in their community. This type of legislative change takes time for its effects to be felt, and there remains more to do, but I do note that the numbers of people on remand have increased markedly across the past year. 

 

Greenvale Secondary College

 

At the time of the recent incident, the school enacted its safety procedures immediately. I’ve been working closely with the school leadership at Greenvale Secondary, which has also been strongly supported by specialist Department of Education case management teams, with a particular focus on impacted staff and students. I also visited Greenvale Secondary last week to speak with various year levels and classes. 

 

More Police and PSOs on the Ground

 

The new Chief Commissioner Mike Bush has requested more powers and more investment as part of the next phase of his major overhaul of Victoria Police – and the Government is backing it entirely. It includes:

a targeted policing operation which will see PSOs and Police inside major shopping centres over summer, for a visible police presence in the busy places where families and kids shop and spend time;

filling desk jobs with reservists to free up hundreds more frontline police, so they spend less time at their desk and more time in the community;

providing police with more than 800 handheld metal detectors to find more knives and machetes in public.

 

Adult Time for Violent Crime

 

The maximum length of a jail sentence that can be imposed in the Children’s Court is 3 years – for any offence. But the County Court can currently impose a jail sentence of up to 25 years for aggravated home invasion and aggravated carjacking, and up to 20 years for intentionally causing serious injury through gross violence. As part of this plan, the Government will further increase the maximum jail sentence for aggravated home invasion and aggravated carjacking. The following crimes will be subject to Adult Time for Violent Crime:

·        Aggravated home invasion

·        Home invasion

·        Intentionally causing injury in circumstances of gross violence (includes machete crime)

·        Recklessly causing injury in circumstances of gross violence (includes machete crime)

·        Aggravated carjacking

·        Carjacking

·        Aggravated burglary (serious and repeated)

·        Armed robbery (serious and repeated)

 

Retail crime

 

Every Victorian deserves to feel safe at work – that includes people serving customers, driving trams and buses, or working in restaurants and shops.The Crimes Amendment (Retail, Fast Food, Hospitality and Transport Worker Harm) Bill 2025 will deliver on new offences to crack down on rising abuse and violence in workplaces across Victoria. Ram-raids will be recognised as aggravated burglary – carrying a higher maximum penalty of 25 years and unlocking the powers of Adult Time for Violent Crime. Victoria will press ahead with Workplace Protection Orders against violent individuals – like a personal safety order but different: instead of protecting one person, it protects a whole workplace.

 

Violence Reduction Unit

 

Victoria will join Scotland and London as a world-leader in reducing violent youth crime through early intervention. Our Violence Reduction Unit is based directly on the VRU model in Glasgow and London, which successfully reduced violent crime over time by targeting the problems early. It will report directly to the Premier and:

·        use police intelligence and data to find and address the root causes of violent crime

·        coordinate all existing crime prevention programs across Government

·        take a different approach, and engage directly with the community and young people

·        develop and deliver new programs to address gaps and emerging crime trends – with the first VRU program about connecting at-risk kids with mentors who are former youth offenders now living positive lives.

 

Evan Mulholland MP update (by email)

 

Buses

 

We have had some great community wins regarding better buses recently. Thanks to my advocacy online, in Parliament and in the media, PTV closed the dangerous bus stop on the corner of Ravenhill Boulevard and Somerton Road to make much needed safety improvements on what was a particularly inaccessible bus stop. We also saw the government announce eight bus routes to see expanded services in the North, no doubt thanks to our advocacy.

 

Community Forum on Crime

 

It was great to hold a community forum and welcoming Shadow Minister for Police David Southwick to Craigieburn to listen to a great crowd of local residents, hearing concerns ranging from crime and local infrastructure.

 

I continue to hear from residents concerned about crime in Greenvale. Every 30 minutes a crimeis committed in Hume City Council, with a 20% increase in crime overall in the area. The Liberal's and Nationals have committed to a $100 million plan to restore community safety. That means getting weapons off our streets, giving police the powers they need, and toughening our state's bail laws. Alongside our 'Break Bail, Face Jail' policy, we recently committed to another policy in 'Jack's Law', which will give police more powers to crack down on machetes and other weapons.

 

Craigieburn Community Hospital

Thanks to our advocacy, the Craigieburn Community Hospital has also now opened. Well sort of. Despite Labor having promised that the Craigieburn Community Hospital would have after hours and urgent care service, the Northern Star weekly has reported neither of these services will be available. This is simply not good enough, and I will continue to advocate for these services to be included.

 

I have also continued my advocacy on Johnstone Street and Broadmeadows Road, which remains a significant safety concern for many residents in Westmeadows.

 

After our successful joint campaign on the issue, the Greenvale Reservoir Park is set to reopen

in late 2025 once upgrades are complete. This is good news, and a big win for residents,

particularly your association, to get it reopened.

 

 

Councillor Report - Cr. Steve Gagen

·        Bradford Avenue Reserve Upgrade – community engagement open 10 Nov – 19 Dec 2025 on the play space improvements.

·        Kirkham Drive Reserve Upgrade – construction contractor appointment underway. Construction to commence early 2026.

·        Splitter island on Greenvale Drive was installed to block illegal right turns out of the shopping centre.  We identified some problems with levels, and this is currently being rectified.

·        Designs being finalised with Department of Transport and Planning for:

·        Signalisation of Somerton Road/Section Road intersection

·        Pedestrian signals on Mickleham Road near Elphinstone Boulevard

 

·        Council’s planning team is assessing Stage 1 of the Providence Shopping Centre. The first stage of the project includes a major supermarket, a medical centre, several shops, cafes and restaurants, car parking, new access roads, landscaping, and public spaces.

·        Pathways to Clean Air program, partnership between Hume City Council and the Burnet Institute with CSIRO, Monash and Melbourne Universities. Five Hume sites, including Splash and several community centres.

·        Council is examining community budget ideas in the lead up to the 26/27 budget consideration.

·        Current priorities for council include Rubbish, improving Active Transport, Grass cutting, Shade in Parks, Traffic. Hooning. Barrymore Road proposals:

·        a raised treatment along the frontage of Greenvale Secondary College on Barrymore Road between Glencairn Drive and the POS 2027/28. 

·        Provide a raised pavement on the eastbound approach to the Barrymore Road / Norcal Court roundabout 

·        Council intends to expand the deployment of mobile CCTV by 65% to enhance detection and deterrence of littering and illegal dumping; dob-in-a-dumper campaign and Keep Hume Clean; Work with the Chain of Ponds Collaboration; Active Living Plan; Implement an updated approach to capturing community views through annual surveys and engagement practices.

·        Greenvale Reservoir Official Opening Date is Tuesday 9 December 2025. Visitor facilities are being constructed and upgraded as part of the reopening of the southern section. There will be vehicle access off Somerton Road and parking within the park. Toilets, tables, gas barbecues and sand pads (for cooking with your own portable grill) will be available.

 

Other business 

 

Greenvale Drive Median Strip – Vivien raised the issue that the Greenvale Drive Median Strip is inadequate and dangerous as motorists are still driving over the top of the median to turn right out of the shopping centre. It was also recently ripped up and replaced. Cr Gagen explained this was due to an incorrect level of the median strip. Residents are seeking for the median strip to be improved to stop cars from turning right when exiting from the shopping centre. Vivien asked Cr Gagen to follow up the issue of the median strip.

 

 

Mickleham Road Lane Closure - Vivien raised the issue that Mickleham Road has been reduced to a single lane for months now causing significant inconvenience and impacting thousands of drivers who use this road daily. There appears to be slip lane and road infrastructure delays for this project. Vivien asked Cr Gagen for follow up action to remove the barriers immediately. 

 

Meeting closed at 8:44 pm

 

2026 GRA Meeting Dates - 7pm GWCC

 

·        19 March 2026

·        23 July 2026

·        19 November 2026