Welcome to this week’s update on our recent projects, results achieved and continued work in making a better and safer community.
Statutory Planning
The Statutory Planning team achieved another amazing result in May, with 81.67% of planning permit decisions issued on time. Well done to the team.
Building and Compliance Services
Poo in Pool Case Study
Recently our Environmental Health Officers (EHOs) Terry Martin and Mel Howes presented a case study at the Environmental Health Professionals Association annual conference. This case study was titled Poo in Pool and spoke of Council’s EHOs investigating claims of faecal matter observed within a swimming pool at a learn to swim centre in Greater Dandenong.
Our EHOs provided an overview of their investigation and possible learnings they could pass on to their peers to assist them in ensuring swimming pools are a healthy and safe place for our community. There was lots of interest and questions from the room, and overall, the session went swimmingly.
Well done Terry and Mel for representing Council so well and highlighting the great work you do.
Business, Development and Investment
In April, the Business Permit Support Service (BPSS) handled 52 inquiries, with the average since July 2024 being 59.5 enquiries per month.
May Digital Month was held with a series of workshops focusing on starting a business, setting up a website, ecommerce, developing marketing strategies and using technology to automate business processes.
In April the Federal Government announced a generous $1.5 million funding for an employment hub in Dandenong as part of their election commitment. This is a result of ongoing advocacy spearheaded by GameChange, the Business Development and Investment team, CGD Advocacy team, GSEM and other Community Revitalisation sites. This is a significant milestone for our community.
The Frank Street Open Space official launch was held on 15 May. The vacant block has been transformed into a vibrant community space, offering the community a place to gather, relax, picnic and host events and markets.
A small pocket along Douglas Street, Noble Park will soon be brightened with a colourful, flower-themed art installation by artist James Voller as part of the Flower Decoration Art Installation. Inspired by the area’s strong sense of community pride, the artwork will include a refreshed seating area designed to encourage locals and visitors to pause and enjoy this inviting location of the street.
The flower panels will be decorated with laser-cut aluminum elements, matching the design used on the pyramid structure (shown in image below). All materials will be treated to resist graffiti and UV damage. Installation is scheduled for June/July 2025.
Chief Engineer and Major Projects
The Waste team ran our second Reuse and Recycle Drop Off Day for the year at Greaves Reserve, Dandenong on Saturday 24 May. The event was a success with 452 vehicles in attendance.
Various items accepted for recycling included e-waste, scrap metal, mattresses and soft plastics, and items accepted for donations included clothing, household bric-a-brac, bicycles and scooters, furniture and car seats.
Sanjay Manivasagasivam, Executive Director City Futures