An Exciting Year 2014

Sunbury out of Hume

Chronology

Prepared by Lawrence Seyers

Sunbury Residents Association

10 December 2014

INTRODUCTION
Sunbury is a proud town. Having been the seat of local government for the Shire of Bulla from 1956,
Sunbury is a proudly parochial town.
In 1994 the Victorian Government undertook Council amalgamations. In their haste to push through
the long awaited local government reforms, they inadvertently left Sunbury in limbo and created
Hume City Council.
The October 1994 Middle and Outer Melbourne Interim Report of the Local Government Board
recommended Sunbury not be considered as part of Hume City Council and should instead be
considered in a future North-Central Victoria Review.
Unfortunately the Government had already established the Terms of Reference for the North-Central
Victoria Review in August 1994, and such a recommendation was unable to be considered.
Sunbury fell through the cracks during amalgamations and led to a twenty year campaign for Sunbury
out of Hume.
As a post-graduate student in 2009 I completed a Masters of Business research thesis on the
governance of Sunbury. It is available through Victoria Universitys online thesis database.
The conclusion of my research was that Sunbury was a wicked problem and could never be fixed.
However as with all wicked problems they can be managed in a way that delivers better outcomes.
It is my strongly held view that Sunbury City Council will deliver the Sunbury community a better
outcome than the status quo. It will not be perfect, it will not satisfy everyone, but that is the nature of
wicked problems.
It is in this context that I agreed to become the Vice President of the Sunbury Residents Association in
December 2013 as 2014 was destined to be an exciting year in the history of Sunbury. It was a
privilege to work with a number of tireless and passionate Sunbury residents who never gave up,
particularly long standing President Bernie OFarrell.
This chronology of events demonstrates that the Sunbury community achieved a great deal in a short
time. This last year has been the culmination of a twenty year battle.
Having given life to Sunbury City Council it is the task of Administrator Joanne Anderson and inaugural
Chief Executive Officer Vince Haining to guide the new Council to the point whereby Councillors will be
returned in October 2016.
I would like to thank all of those who participated in this historic year. Sunbury will be richer for their
efforts.
Regards
Lawrence Seyers
Sunbury Residents Association, Vice President (2014)
2

Monday 3 February 2014 Minister seeks Expressions of Interest for membership of the voluntary
Sunbury Community Consultative Committee:

http://www.premier.vic.gov.au/media-centre/media-releases/9014-community-consultation-onsunbury-separation.html
Community consultation on Sunbury separation
Monday, 03 February 2014
Minister for Local Government Jeanette Powell is calling for volunteers to join a Community Consultative
Committee (CCC) to advise the Local Government Panel which will be responsible for the separation of
Sunbury from Hume City Council.
Mrs Powell said the Victorian Coalition Government is acting to implement the will of the Hume
community, which saw more than 60 per cent of participating residents and ratepayers vote in favour of
separating Sunbury from the Hume City Council at a special poll held last October.
To ensure broad community consultation and engagement in the Panels investigation, I will be
establishing a Consultative Committee that will give advice directly to the Panel on matters the
community believes should be investigated and considered by the Panel," Mrs Powell said.
The Committee will be able to refer issues to the Panel for investigation, including; possible boundary
suggestions, communities of interest, distribution of assets and delivery of municipal services.
Importantly any community recommendations to the Panel from the CCC will be formally investigated
by the Panel and reported to me as a requirement of the Panels terms of reference.
The Sunbury community very successfully campaigned during the poll and I want to harness that energy
and commitment towards ensuring extensive community engagement and consultation as we begin the
process of Sunbury separating from Hume.
Community Consultative Committee Expressions of Interest close on Monday 17 February 2013 and
appointments will be announced by the end of February.
The CCC will be chaired by Member for Northern Victoria Region Amanda Millar MLC who said the
committee would comprise up to eight community volunteers.
Mrs Millar said they are looking for committee members to represent broad interests in the community
and who are prepared to listen and engage with the people of Sunbury.
The CCC will strengthen and complement the work of the Sunbury Local Government Panel and ensure
any decisions regarding the separation of Sunbury and implications for the remaining Hume City Council
are fully informed by the desires of the local community, Mrs Millar said.
The Government will soon announce the membership and terms of reference for a Local Government
Panel to investigate and make recommendations on the separation of Sunbury from Hume City Council
as is required by the Local Government Act 1989, Mrs Powell said.

Thursday 6 February 2014 Hume City Council writes to the Minister for Local Government seeking a
Councillor briefing. In the letter, Hume states it looks forward to working collaboratively with you [the
Minister] to ensure the Hume community is not disadvantaged by the proposed changes.

Sunday 16 February 2014 Minister for Local Government writes to Hume City Council advising a
Councillor briefing will occur on Monday 17 February 2014 and notes the cooperation of the Council
with the Panel will be essential to achieving the best outcome for the community and is very much
welcomed.

Monday 17 February 2014 Minister for Local Government announced the composition of Sunbury out
of Hume Local Government Panel and Expressions of Interest for Sunbury Community Consultative
Committee close.

Monday 17 February 2014 Minister for Local Government Press Release:

http://www.premier.vic.gov.au/media-centre/media-releases/9149-panel-appointed-to-advise-on-newsunbury-shire.html
Panel appointed to advise on new Sunbury shire
Monday, 17 February 2014
The establishment of the Sunbury out of Hume Local Government Panel is the next big step in the
Victorian Coalition Governments commitment to implement the local communitys desire for a new
municipality, Minister for Local Government Jeanette Powell said today.
Speaking at the Sunbury Library, Mrs Powell announced the appointment of panel members Brian
Haratsis, Kelvin Spiller and Maxine Cooper to provide expert advice on the most effective way to achieve
the successful separation of Sunbury from the City of Hume.
Over the coming months the panel will investigate new municipal boundaries and transition
arrangements including the distribution of assets and delivery of municipal services while having regard
to the economic sustainability of the two restructured councils, Mrs Powell said.
The panel will work closely with the recently announced Community Consultative Committee (CCC) to
ensure widespread community input into separating Sunbury from Hume.
The CCC will be chaired by Member for Northern Victoria Region Amanda Millar MLC who said the
committee would comprise up to eight community volunteers.
Recommendations from the Community Consultative Committee will be formally considered by the
Sunbury out of Hume Local Government Panel and reported to me as a requirement of the panels terms
of reference, Mrs Millar said.
Panel members:

Brian Haratsis (Panel Chair) is an economist and strategist with over 30 years experience as an
adviser to governments and major corporate clients throughout Australia. He was recently a
member of the Ministerial Advising Committee providing advice to the Planning Minister on Plan
Melbourne;

Kelvin Spiller was recently Acting Chief Executive Officer with the Wangaratta Rural City Council and
has around 35 years of experience in local government in Victoria and Queensland. He has specific
skills in restructuring of local governments, including planning and managing transitions; and

Maxine Cooper has considerable experience in social research, community development and
planning in a range of organisations in both the private and public sectors. She is currently a
Sessional Member of Planning Panels Victoria.

Mrs Powell said that in October last year 60 per cent of Hume residents and ratepayers who participated
at a voluntary poll voted in favour of Sunbury separating from the City of Hume.
The establishment of a Local Government Panel to investigate and make recommendations on the
separation of Sunbury from Hume City Council is required by the Local Government Act 1989, Mrs
Powell said.
The panels report and recommendations are expected to be submitted to the Minister by 30 June 2014.

Monday 17 February 2014 Local Government (Sunbury out of Hume City Council) Review Panel Terms
of Reference released:
http://www.dpcd.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/word_doc/0005/219992/Sunbury_Panel_Terms_Of_Referen
ce.doc
1. The Panel is to conduct a review and make recommendations to the Minister on the following:
a. A proposed boundary for a new Shire of Sunbury;
b. An appropriate and equitable method for division and distribution of assets and liabilities
between a new Shire of Sunbury and a restructured Hume City Council that has regard to
sustainability and economic development objectives;
c. A process for establishing an administrative structure to support the new Shire of Sunbury
including if appropriate recommendations regarding appointment and proposed terms for a
panel of Administrators;
d. A process for ensuring the orderly transfer of responsibility for delivery of services from the
existing Hume City Council to the new Shire of Sunbury in a way that provides for efficiency
and innovation and minimal interruption in service delivery to residents of either
municipality;
e. A process for establishing appropriate rates, fees and charges for residents and ratepayers
of the new Shire of Sunbury;
f. Matters referred to the Panel for consideration by the Community Consultative Committee;
g. Any other transitional requirements associated with establishing a new Shire of Sunbury.
2. In making recommendations, the Panel is to have regard to:
a. the economic sustainability of a new Sunbury Shire and restructured Hume City Council; and
b. reflect communities of interest and the sociological, demographic, topographic, economic
and employment factors relevant to the establishment of the new Sunbury Shire,
restructured Hume City Council, and adjoining municipalities.
3. In undertaking the review the Panel is to have regard to:
a. The views of the communities affected by the change and in this regard will consult broadly
to ensure community issues and concerns are effectively heard and addressed;
b. The opportunities arising from this municipal reform to contribute to achieving the vision of
the relevant initiatives and policies of the Victorian Planning Provisions, Plan Melbourne and
relevant Regional Growth Plans;
c. Previous and relevant research and reports into the impact of the establishment of a new
Shire of Sunbury;
d. The intention to conduct an election for councillors of a new Shire of Sunbury at the same
time as general local government elections due to be held in October 2016; and
e. Any other relevant matters that may arise as a result of the review. This may include
consequential impacts to adjoining municipalities.
4. The Panel may also make recommendations to the Minister on any action which may need to be
taken on any other matter as a result of the review.
5. Any written submissions or other supporting documentation provided to the Panel must be available
for public inspection, unless the Panel specifically determines that the material is to remain
confidential. The Panel must disclose the identities of all individuals and organisations that make
submissions, even where the content of submissions is determined to be confidential.
6. The Panel is to report to the Minister by 30 June 2014.

Monday 17 February 2014 Hume City Council publishes the following press release:
http://www.hume.vic.gov.au/About_Us/Your_Council/Media_Publications_Forms/Media_Releases/Med
ia_Releases_2014/Council_to_work_with_new_Local_Government_Panel_on_Sunbury_split
Council to work with new Local Government Panel on Sunbury split
Hume City Council welcomes the Victorian Governments commitment to ensure Council and the whole
of the Hume community is given a voice during the separation of Sunbury.
Hume Mayor Councillor Casey Nunn said Council looked forward to providing constructive and valuable
input during the transition and would support the new Local Government Panel to ensure a fair and
balanced outcome for both communities.
Hume is committed to working co-operatively with the Local Government Panel made up of Brian
Haratsis, Kevin Spillar and Maxine Cooper to ensure the process is smooth and transparent, Cr Nunn
said.
The Sunbury Project will be complicated and many factors will need to be taken into account, especially
the future of our valued staff and Councils $1.8 billion in community assets.
We will continue to deliver the services our community needs throughout the transition process and are
committed to ensure that our community is not disadvantaged.
While Council respects the decision and the vote of the Hume community for separation, we are also
proud of our long history of delivering programs, services and projects and our record for advocating for
the whole Hume community.
Cr Nunn said Council also looked forward to a positive working relationship with the Sunbury Project
Community Consultative Committee Chair, Amanda Millar.
Hume Chief Executive Officer Domenic Isola said the organisation would continue to operate as normal
through the transition.
I expect that the panel will provide an appropriate basis for this to occur so as not to disadvantage the
community, staff, businesses and stakeholders, Mr Isola said.
We have a strong commitment to ensure our staff are well-supported throughout the transition process
and ensure that any changes that might affect them are conveyed to them respectfully and with
complete transparency.
Hume City Council employs more than 1500 staff and provides more than 100 different services and
programs to more than 170,000 people as well as engaging with and supporting some 12,500 business
who also call Hume home.
For more information on the Sunbury Project, go to www.dtpli.vic.gov.au/localgovernment

19 February 2014 Matthew Guy, Minister for Planning in State Parliament Hansard, Legislative Council:
http://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/images/stories/daily-hansard/Council_2014/Council_FebJun_2014_Daily_19_February_2014.pdf
For too long our growth areas have been ignored in terms of the ability to get new infrastructure within
them at a time that suits those people who are moving in.
The Liberal-Nationals coalition will not turn its back on Melbournes growth areas. We are going to
make sure that everything we can do we will do.

10

26 February 2014 Minister for Local Government and Member for Northern Victoria hold a listening
post in Gisborne and are inundated with residents wanting to discuss Sunbury out of Hume.

11

Thursday 13 March 2014 Premier announces a Ministerial reshuffle following the resignation of senior
National Party Ministers including the Minister for Local Government (Jeanette Powell). New Local
Government Minister Tim Bull nominated.
http://www.premier.vic.gov.au/media-centre/media-releases/9378-premier-announces-a-new-cabinetteam-to-continue-building-a-better-victoria.html
Premier announces a new Cabinet team to continue building a better Victoria
Thursday, 13 March 2014
In light of recent announcements about Ministerial retirements, I have consulted with Deputy Premier
Peter Ryan, and today announce a refreshed and rejuvenated Cabinet team to continue building a better
Victoria.
These changes reflect the depth of talent across the Victorian Coalition Government. The new Ministers
and Parliamentary Secretaries have a breadth of skills, bring different life experiences and backgrounds
and fresh ideas and new thinking to our already strong Cabinet.
I thank my Ministerial colleagues and friends Ministers Powell, Delahunty, Hall and Kotsiras, for their
tremendous service to Victoria in their portfolios.
The Ministerial and Parliamentary Secretary changes are as follows:

The new Ministers are Tim Bull as Minister for Local Government and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs;
Damian Drum as Minister for Sport and Recreation and Minister for Veterans Affairs; Russell Northe
as Minister for Energy and Resources and Minister for Small Business; and Nick Wakeling as Minister
for Higher Education and Skills.

Minister Guy will have the added responsibilities of Multicultural Affairs and Citizenship.
Minister Asher will now have portfolio responsibility for Innovation, Tourism, Major Events,
Employment and Trade in addition to being Leader of Government Business and Deputy Leader of
the Parliamentary Liberal Party. To assist Minister Asher, I have asked Tim McCurdy to become
Parliamentary Secretary for Tourism and Trade.

Minister Dixon will assume responsibility for the teaching profession within his education portfolio.
To assist Ministers Dixon and Wakeling, I have asked Clem Newton-Brown to take on the role of
Parliamentary Secretary for Education.

Inga Peulich will become Cabinet Secretary. Inga, with my Parliamentary Secretary Craig Ondarchie,
will support Minister Guy in his role as Minister for Multicultural Affairs and Citizenship.

In addition, Peter Crisp will become Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Development supporting
the Deputy Premier with his portfolio areas.
I have been advised that the Governor will conduct the swearing in ceremony of the new Cabinet on
17 March 2014.

I am confident that this new team will continue the work already underway to build a better Victoria to
build key infrastructure, to create jobs, to grow business opportunities, to improve health, education and
services for all Victorians and their families.

12

Friday 14 March 2014 Minister announces composition of Sunbury Community Consultative

Committee.
http://www.premier.vic.gov.au/media-centre/media-releases/9385-sunbury-community-consultativecommittee-appointed.html
Sunbury Community Consultative Committee appointed
Friday, 14 March 2014
Minister for Local Government Jeanette Powell today announced the membership of a new committee to
drive community consultation on the establishment of Sunbury as a new local government municipality.
Mrs Powell said the Sunbury Community Consultative Committee (CCC) will now consult broadly by
engaging with the community on matters it believes need investigation and consideration.
Issues such as possible boundary suggestions, communities of interest, distribution of assets and
delivery of municipal services will no doubt be topical, Mrs Powell said.
I wish to thank all those who nominated and congratulate the successful nominees who represent the
broad interests of the community and have indicated they are prepared to listen and engage with the
people of Hume.
Chaired by Amanda Millar MP, members of the committee include:

Catherine Borazio extensive local government and industry experience, currently completing
masters in urban planning and development;

Susan Duncan former president of Lions Club of Sunbury, member of Bulla Cemetery Trust;

John Hennessy strategic planning consultant with experience in strategic local government
directions;

Elizabeth Kosanovic president Broadmeadows Progress Association;

Phillip Lithgow president of Sunbury Football Club, former local business owner;

Peter Ralph local business owner and past member Sunbury Chamber of Commerce, Sunbury
Village Traders and Sunbury Community Health Centre Board;

Phillip Ripper chief executive officer of Sunbury Community Health Centre, extensive experience in
public policy including health and service development and community engagement; and

Lawrence Seyers vice president of Sunbury Residents Association, 2011 Victorian Planning and
Environmental Law Association Young Professional award recipient.

Mrs Millar said she was looking forward to working with the committee to achieve the best outcomes for
Sunbury and Hume residents.
Under the Local Government Act 1989, Mrs Powell has also appointed the Sunbury out of Hume City
Council Panel who are charged with the responsibility of recommending the most effective way to
achieve the successful separation of Sunbury from the City of Hume.
The committee will complement the work of the Sunbury out of Hume Local Government Panel and
ensure the separation of Sunbury is informed by the community, Mrs Powell said.

13

14

Monday 17 March 2014 Sunbury Weekly reports:

http://www.macedonrangesweekly.com.au/story/1796436/sunbury-secession-economist-to-headbreakaway-panel/?nav=Y2F0X2lkLzE=
Sunbury secession: Economist to head breakaway panel
By Helen Grimaux 16:24:PM 17/02/2014

Opposed to secession: Sharon Phillips and fellow No supporter Raz de Vito. Photo: Supplied
Economist and private sector property strategist Brian Haratsis will chair the panel charged with
Sunburys secession from the city of Hume.
Other panel members are Kelvin Spiller, who acted as chief executive of Wangarratta rural council after
administrators took over from councillors late last year, and Swinburne University social researcher and
Victorian planning panel member Maxine Cooper.
Mr Haratsis was, until recently, a member of planning minister Matthew Guys advising committee on
Plan Melbourne.
Local government minister Jeanette Powell visited Sunbury yesterday to announce the panel members
and said they would provide expert advice on the most effective way to separate Sunbury from the city
of Hume.
The panel will investigate new municipal boundaries and transition arrangements, including the
distribution of assets and delivery of municipal services, while having regard to the economic
sustainability of the two restructured councils, she said.
Locals are now waiting to hear who will be on the eight-member community consultative committee to
work alongside the panel after expressions of interest closed this week.
Their role will be to advise the panel and refer issues to it for investigation.
Former Bulla shire councillor and Sunbury local Sharon Phillips has nominated, although shes unsure
whether her membership of the No group which opposed Sunburys secession will work in her favour.
Ms Phillips said her main concern was that there was not the population base in Sunbury to support a
stand-alone council, saying ratepayers already received above if not the same level of service as the
rest of Hume. She predicted Sunburys secession from Hume would not be achieved before state elections
at the end of November.
dtpli.vic.gov.au/localgovernment

15

Monday 17 March 2014 new Minister for Local Government Hon. Tim Bull MP sworn in at Government
House.

16

Tuesday 18 March 2014 Advertisements seeking submissions to the Local Government (Sunbury out of
Hume) Panel appear in Sunbury newspapers.

17

Thursday 20 March 2014 inaugural meeting of the Sunbury Community Consultative Committee held
at the Sunbury Community Health Office. All eight members of the committee and Chair Amanda
Millar in attendance.

Items discussed included the adoption of a Terms of Reference, definition of the scope of consultation
not to revisit whether should Sunbury separate, which was the question posed by the plebiscite, but
to answer the question of how should it separate, engagement of the community through the Panel
receiving submissions, undertaking listening posts (sessions in a number of communities on Saturday
mornings) and four traditional town hall meetings (two in Sunbury, one in Craigieburn, one in
Broadmeadows).
An interactive consultation game was
adopted, titled Its Your Move Sunbury based
on a Vancouver consultation model that sought
to deliver genuine community consultation at
the highest level of Sherry Arnsteins Ladder of
Citizen Participation (citizen control). The two
page A3 flyer asks participants to draw a
Sunbury Shire boundary on a map and describe
how they would deliver a Sunbury Shire. This
would then be collated, summarised and
delivered to the Local Government Panel.

18

19

Friday 21 March 2014 Sunbury Community Consultative Committee Chair distributes media release:
Sunbury Out of Hume Community Consultative Committee Up and running
Friday, 21 March 2014
The first meeting of the Sunbury Out of Hume Community Consultative Committee took place at Sunbury
Community Health on Thursday, 20 March.
The committee discussed ideas to ensure strong participation by community members in a range of
planned opportunities to have your say, including:

Public forums

Listening posts

Written submissions

The committee is chaired by Mrs Amanda Millar, MLC for Northern Victoria.
Mrs Millar welcomed the significant progress made at the committees first meeting.
Mrs Millar said, All committee members are excited about this important opportunity to ensure that
community members are given a real and effective voice in this process. The committee is looking at
both innovative and more traditional ways of engaging the community and harnessing their thoughts,
ideas and input.
Written submissions addressing the Sunbury Out of Hume Terms of Reference have already opened and
can be sent to: local.government@dtpli.vic.gov.au until 11 April.
Dates and venues for the public forums and listening posts to be conducted during April will be available
shortly

20

Tuesday 25 March 2014 Sunbury Weekly reports Cr Potter and Hume CEO:
http://www.macedonrangesweekly.com.au/story/1798741/sunbury-secession-councillor-wants-newvote-on-leaving-hume/?nav=Y2F0X2lkLzE%3D
Sunbury secession: Councillor wants new vote on leaving Hume
Helen Grimaux, Sunbury and Macedon Ranges Weekly
12:45:PM 25/03/2014
Sunburys secession from Hume should go to a new vote alongside Novembers state election, according
to Hume councillor Ann Potter.
Cr Potter, who represents Sunbury voters, said locals were increasingly confused by the governments
Sunbury-out-of-Hume process.
She said many were still under the impression last years non-compulsory poll of all Hume ratepayers
was meant to ascertain interest in creating the new municipality.
Then a panel would be appointed to determine the viability and then the decision would be taken, Cr
Potter said.
People still think the panel is looking at the viability [of the split] not that this is it.
Cr Potter said while she was not against Sunburys secession from Hume, she believed the process so far
had been flawed.
I just want to make sure due process is followed and the community is fully informed, she said.
Cr Potter said a new poll should set municipal boundaries that achieve a viable rate base for the new
municipality while not leaving the rest of Hume struggling.
Hume chief executive Domenic Isola said the vote taken by all Hume residents was based on two
independent KPMG reports commissioned by the government. These reports provided parameters for
people to decide on the viability of Sunburys secession and also underpinned the information on which
the community voted
One of these parameters was that Sunbury did not include the airport. Hume residents voted on that
basis, Mr Isola said.
If there are substantial, material changes to any of these parameters, that would cause significant
financial impact and a change to where the airport sits would be a substantial change, he said. Then
community expectations of the vote, and the basis on which residents cast their vote, may not hold
true.
It has been estimated the impact of losing the airport on Humes rate base would push rate rises into
double figures.
Meanwhile, the first meeting of the Sunbury-out-of-Hume community committee was held last Thursday.
It was chaired by Northern Victoria MP Amanda Miller. Responding to concerns that some committee
members had their own views, Mrs Miller said she demanded a commitment that they park their own
opinions and properly listen to community feedback.
She said the inclusion or otherwise of the airport was a matter for the panel.
Written submissions to the panel are due by April 11 and can be emailed to
local.government@dtpli.vic.gov.au
The community committee is due to hold four public forums and six listening posts, with its report due to
be with Local Government Minister Tim Bull by April 30.

21

Tuesday 25 March 2014 Sunbury Weekly reports:

Tuesday 25 March 2014 Sunbury Weekly Letter to the Editor:

22

Thursday 27 March 2014 new Minister for Local Government writes to Hume City Council to introduce
himself and this exciting time for the portfolio.

23

Friday 28 March 2014 the Sunbury Community Consultative Committee public forum dates announced

24

Friday 28 March 2014 public forum dates reported in the Leader Newspaper.
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/north/public-forums-to-give-residents-a-say-about-sunbury-splitfrom-hume-council/story-fnglenug-1226867589396
Public forums to give residents a say about Sunbury split from Hume Council
Natalie Savino
Hume Leader
March 28 2014 1:43pm
A SERIES of public forums will give residents the chance to provide input on Sunburys imminent
departure from Hume Council.
The Sunbury out of Hume Community Consultative Committee will spend the next month hearing the
communitys views before reporting back to the recently-appointed Local Government Panel.
Committee chair and state Member for Northern Victoria Amanda Millar said the group would take into
account a range of views from across Hume.
Five listening posts will run on April 4 from 4-5pm at the Diggers Rest General Store; April 5 from 9amnoon at Sunbury Square Shopping Centre; April 8 from 10-11am at Tullamarine Neighbourhood House;
April 9 from 1-3pm at Sunbury Community Health Centre and April 12 from 9am-noon at the Sunbury
council offices.
There will also be public forums on April 8 from 2-4pm at Sunbury Memorial Hall; April 9 from 7-9pm at
Sunbury Football Club; April 14 from 10am-noon at the Hume Global Learning Centre in Craigieburn and
Broadmeadows from 2-4pm.
Residents will be able to complete feedback forms to be included in the committees report.
The committee is looking forward to getting out into the community and hearing from residents about
their ideas for a new shire, including Sunbury, Ms Millar said.
Those unable to attend have until April 11 to lodge written submissions.
They can be mailed to Panel Secretariat, Local Government (Sunbury out of Hume Council) Panel, GPO
Box 2392, Melbourne 3001, or emailed to local.government@dtpli.vic.gov.au
Details: dpcd.vic.gov.au/localgovernment/projects-and-programs/sunbury-shire-council-project

25

Monday 31 March 2014 (6pm) second meeting of the Sunbury Community Consultative Committee
held at the Sunbury Community Health Office. All eight members of the Committee and Chair Amanda
Millar in attendance.
Presentation from Dr Leighton Vivian, Manager Legislative Policy at the Department of Transport,
Planning and Local Infrastructure.

Spoke about the mechanics of how de-amalgamation will unfold

Unchartered territory for the Department

Only precedent has been Mansfield and Benalla

Minor boundary readjustment between City of Melbourne and Moonee Valley

Mentioned there was no requirement in the legislation for the Minister to follow the Panel
recommendations

2000 Panel process recommended against de-amalgamation

Coalition election commitment to conduct a vote

Poll conducted by the Victorian Electoral Commission

Coalition has made it publicly clear they want to establish a Shire of Sunbury

There is no obstacle in bringing in Diggers Rest

The Consultative Committee task is to gather information and make recommendations to the Panel

It was discussed that it is important for the Consultative Committee to remain objective.
The forums, listening posts and written submissions provide a range of forums and mechanisms for
consultation.
The Its Your Move consultation flyer was discussed and the Committee determined to modify some
of the questions to elicit residents perceptions about the boundary, the services delivered, how they
would best describe the community residents want qualitative information.
The map would also be modified to include the creeks (particularly Deep Creek), emphasise the main
roads and include a link to the Departments webpage and a postal address for the return of forms.
Committee Chair explained the process for the public forums, a PowerPoint presentation has been
developed and Amanda Millar will present.
Committee members will be contacted to determine if the biography information needs to be
expanded.
Amanda Millar and Lawrence Seyers to undertake Community Radio on Friday morning and members
would be sent express post copies of the listening post and forum session flyer to distribute.

26

27

Tuesday 1 April 2014 Sunbury Leader reports:

http://leader.newspaperdirect.com/epaper/
viewer.aspx

Have your say on council split

Sunbury Leader
April 1 2014
A SERIES of public forums will give residents
the chance to provide input on Sunburys
imminent departure from Hume Council.
The Sunbury out of Hume Community
Consultative Committee will spend the next
month hearing the communitys views
before reporting back to a local government
panel.
Five listening posts will run on Friday from
4-5pm at the Diggers Rest General Store;
Saturday from 9am-noon at Sunbury Square
Shopping Centre; April 8 from 10-11am at
Tullamarine Neighbourhood House; April 9
from 1-3pm at Sunbury Community Health
Centre and April 12 from 9am-noon at the
Sunbury council offices.
There will also be public forums on April 8
from 2-4pm at Sunbury Memorial Hall; April
9 from 7-9pm at Sunbury Football Club;
April 14 from 10am-noon at the Hume
Global Learning Centre in Craigieburn and
Broadmeadows from 2-4pm.
Those unable to attend have until April 11
to lodge written submissions.
They can be mailed to Panel Secretariat,
Local Government (Sunbury out of Hume
Council) Panel, GPO Box 2392, Melbourne
3001, or emailed to local.government
@dtpli.vic.gov.au

28

Tuesday 1 April 2014 Northern Weekly reports:

http://www.northernweekly.com.au/story/1799043/sunbury-secession-mp-to-answer-questions-atpublic-meetings/
Sunbury secession: MP to answer questions at public meetings
By Helen Grimaux
1/4/2014
Woodend-based MP Amanda Millar will answer questions from the public face-to-face on Sunburys
secession from Hume.
She will hold a series of public forums and listening posts over the next two weeks, although forums at
Craigieburn and Broadmeadows will be after April 11, the closing date for written submissions on the
secession.
The listening posts will be held at Diggers Rest general store from 4-5pm on April4, at Sunbury Square
shopping centre from 9am-noon on April 5, at Tullamarine Neighbourhood House from 10-11am on April
8, and at Sunbury community health centre from 1-3pm on April 9.
A spokeswoman for Mrs Millar told the Weekly: A listening post is when Amanda goes out into the
community usually setting herself up in a shopping mall or some other popular spot and members of
the public talk to her about whatever issues they have.
In this case, it will be about the Sunbury-out-of-Hume issue.
It was not made clear whether the community representatives appointed to Mrs Millars committee
planning the secession would join her at the listening posts.
There will be two public forums in Sunbury prior to the submission deadline: at Sunbury Memorial Hall
from 2-4pm on April 8 and Sunbury Football Club from 7-9pm on April 9.
Three further events are scheduled after the deadline a listening post at Sunbury on April 12 (9amnoon), and public forums at Craigieburn Global Learning Centre on April 14 (10am-noon) and on the
same day at Broadmeadows Global Learning Centre from 2-4pm.
Submissions can be posted to the panel secretariat, Local Government (Sunbury out of Hume) panel,
GPO Box 2392, Melbourne, Victoria, 3001, or emailed to local.government@dtpli.vic.gov.au
For information on the process, go to http://bit.ly/1jcregF.

29

Tuesday 1 April 2014 Amanda Millar MP posts on Facebook:

30

Friday 4 April 2014 (9am) Community Consultative Committee Chair Amanda Millar and Committee
Member Lawrence Seyers spoke on local community radio station 3NRG with Mike Cherriman.
Spoke about the process of the Community Consultative Committee, the listening post sessions and
the public town hall forums. Noted that anyone can make a written submission at any time up to the
11 April.

31

32

Friday 4 April 2014 (4-5pm) first listening post held at the Diggers Rest General Store. Approximately
30-40 locals attended and everyone had the opportunity to speak with one of the three CCC members
present (Phillip Ripper, Susan Duncan, Lawrence Seyers) and Committee Chair Amanda Millar. A mix of
residents, predominately older residents. Some of the comments included:

Diggers Rest was happy to be included in Melton

Concern at the impact of rates should Diggers Rest be included in Sunbury
Suggested for the boundary:
o Deep Creek
o Inclusion of Melbourne Airport
o Calder Freeway
o Inclusion/exclusion of Diggers Rest

All participants took an Its Your Move feedback form, none submitted on the day.

33

34

35

Saturday 5 April 2014 listening posts and forums promoted on the Vote No Facebook page:

36

Saturday 5 April 2014 (9am-12pm) second listening post held at the Sunbury Square Shopping Centre.
Five Committee members in attendance (Catherine Borazio, Peter Ralph, Betty Kosanovic, John
Hennessy, Lawrence Seyers) and Committee Chair Amanda Millar. Mix of older and younger
demographic, some of the comments received:

Concern at the possible rate increases

Perception that it is a done deal, unable to contribute
Melbourne Airports inclusion is considered impossible
Mix of views about inclusion/exclusion of Diggers Rest
Suggestion of Sunbury/Gisborne Council

The Committee agreed that 250-300 Its Your Move feedback forms distributed.

37

38

Tuesday 8 April 2014 Sunbury Leader regular Hume News advertisement includes details of the
Sunbury out of Hume Community Consultative Committee:

39

Tuesday 8 April 2014 Sunbury Leader Letters to the Editor:

40

Tuesday 8 April 2014 Sunbury Weekly reports:

41

Tuesday 8 April 2014 Sunbury Weekly reports:

http://www.northernweekly.com.au/story/1799674/sunbury-secession-separation-anxiety-as-questionsasked/?nav=Y2F0X2lkLzEy
Sunbury secession: Separation anxiety as questions asked
By Helen Grimaux
8/4/2014
There is a growing outcry about the legitimacy of state government processes in separating Sunbury
from Hume municipality.
An increasing number of Hume councillors are questioning the governments mandate to force the
separation on the basis of an ill-defined election promise, which will result in significant rate rises in
both Hume and the new Sunbury shire.
Cr Helen Patsikatheodorou said she was concerned the government had overstated last years poll of
Hume voters as an overwhelming result in favour of Sunbury standing alone.
I think the vote and count was misinterpreted, she told the Weekly.
Meadow Valley ward colleague Cr Geoff Porter agreed. People voted on a given scenario put forward
by the government and, in my mind, theres no reason why there should be any deflection from that.
Cr Porter said Tullamarine residents did not vote to be included in a new Sunbury shire, with the poll
stipulating Deep Creek as the boundary. Diggers Rest residents, who pay rates to Melton council, were
not even included in the vote and yet might be subsumed into the new Sunbury shire.
Last year, Hume council wrote to then local government minister Jeanette Powell, asking her to confirm
that boundaries would accord with what was put to voters at last Octobers poll. Ms Powell deflected
this decision to the three-person panel she appointed to oversee the division.
The panel will undertake extensive community consultation and consider growth projections,
communities of interest, distribution of council assets and potential boundaries in making its
recommendation to the government, she said in December.
Community consultation began last Friday in Diggers Rest and Sunbury. Theres a listening post at
Tullamarine from 10-11am today at the neighbourhood house and another public forum at Sunbury
Memorial Hall at 2-4pm.
Tomorrow, therell be a listening post at Sunbury community health centre,1 -3pm, and a forum at
Sunbury Football Club, 7-9pm.
Three more forums will be held after receipt of public submissions.

42

Tuesday 8 April 2014 (10-11am) third listening post held at the Tullamarine Neighbourhood House.
Approximately 30-40 locals attended and everyone had the opportunity to speak with one of the three
CCC members present (Peter Ralph, Betty Kosanovic, Phillip Ripper) and Committee Chair Amanda
Millar. Some of the comments received:

Concern at the possible rate increases

Confusion regarding the Jacksons Creek ward and a possible Council boundary
Tullamarine should not be included in a Sunbury Shire
Melbourne Airport should remain in Hume

Its Your Move feedback forms were distributed.

43

44

Tuesday 8 April 2014 (2-4pm) first public forum held at the Sunbury Memorial Hall. In attendance was
four CCC Members (Peter Ralph, Phillip Ripper, Susan Duncan, Lawrence Seyers), Committee Chair
Amanda Millar, dignitaries included Minister for Local Government Hon. Tim Bull MP, Member for
Western Metropolitan Region Mr Andrew Elsbury and Hume City Councillor Ann Potter. Approximately
50-60 attended and had the opportunity to put their views forward. A mix of residents, predominately
older residents. Some of the comments:

Comment from Barry Huxley that the Victorian Government should be congratulated for
delivering on its promises
"Sunbury Council services could be put to public tender such as maternal health services to
local service providers"
"Victorian University Sunbury campus has been terribly neglected by many governments &
Council should utilise this facility"
"Asset sales should be frozen pending the outcome of this Sunbury out of Hume process"
"The Sunbury Global Learning Centre should go ahead" which is currently at feasibility study
stage
Several comments on appointing Commissioners to bed down the changes, not run the
scheduled elections in 2016
A Sunbury Shire to look at services delivered "from the ground up" and work backwards from
the dollars available to spend
Comment on Sunbury's identity as separate to Melbourne, in the green belt, links to Melbourne
Airport and reluctant to introduce industrial parks
Several comments on keeping rates low due to cost of living pressures on young families and
those on low incomes
"Sunbury lost our leaders when we amalgamated, we had 10 Councillors in Shire of Bulla now
Sunbury has just 3 of 10 "
"We never had a choice when Hume City was created"
Comment from Chair that the Panel terms of reference states it must consider "the economic
sustainability" of both Sunbury Shire and remaining area of Hume
"Melbourne Airport has always been in with Sunbury, it's known as an airport town and it does
not have industry rate base like the rest of Hume"
"It's logical that Diggers Rest should be in Sunbury, but Diggers Rest residents are concerned at
change"

45

46

Many participants took an Its Your Move feedback form, some were submitted on the day.

47

48

49

(photos published on Sunbury Weekly webpage 15/4/14)

50

Tuesday 8 April 2014 Amanda Millar MP posts details of the Tullamarine Listening post and the
attendance of the Minister at the afternoon Sunbury Town Hall forum.

51

Wednesday 9 April 2014 Committee Chair Amanda Millar publishes the following press release:

52

Wednesday 9 April 2014 (1-3pm) fourth listening post held at the Sunbury Community Health Centre.
Three Committee members in attendance (Betty Kosanovic, Phillip Ripper, Lawrence Seyers) and
Committee Chair Amanda Millar. Mix of older and younger demographic, some of the comments
received:

Concern at the possible rate increases

Perception that it is a done deal, unable to contribute
Melbourne Airports inclusion is considered essential
Mix of views about inclusion/exclusion of Diggers Rest

The Committee agreed that 15-20 individuals attended and Its Your Move feedback forms
distributed. More feedback forms received.

53

54

Wednesday 9 April 2014 (7-9pm) second public forum held at the Sunbury Football Club. In
attendance was seven CCC Members (Peter Ralph, Betty Kosanovic, John Hennessy, Phillip Ripper,
Susan Duncan, Phillip Lithgow, Lawrence Seyers), Committee Chair Amanda Millar, dignitaries included
Member for Western Metropolitan Region Mr Andrew Elsbury, Member for Macedon Joanne Duncan
and Hume City Councillor Ann Potter. Approximately 40-45 attended and had the opportunity to put
their views forward. A mix of residents, predominately older residents. Some of the comments
included:

That the Community Consultative Committee report should be made publicly available
A new Sunbury Shire staff be appointed through public Expression of Interest process to get
best staff
Suggestion from Macedon MP Jo Duncan at Sunbury out of Hume forum that the Sunbury Shire
boundary be set now and elect new Councillors in 2016
Suggestion that existing Council services be contracted by a Sunbury Shire from the existing
Hume City Council in the interim
Several comments at Sunbury out of Hume forum that Commissioners should be appointed and
be the best in their fields to ensure effectiveness
Concern raised that development of the Sunbury Urban Growth areas would take too long to
develop and the rates expected not eventuate
A long de amalgamation process would be unsettling for existing Hume staff, whom are
talented and respected
Any costs involved in de-amalgamation should be funded by State Government
Sunbury's Green Wedges are its biggest asset and should be maintained
"If the Racecourse Road land is sold, all revenue should be allocated to Sunbury Shire"
Concern that a Sunbury Council would require a "massive rate rise to support the required
services"
Suggestion that a Sunbury Shire focus on tourism, wineries and its rich history that includes
"Birthplace of The Ashes" at Rupertswood
"I want a Sunbury that my grandchildren will want to live, where they can find a job and be self
sufficient"
"Sunbury's youth services have been badly served by Hume"
The Sunbury community of the future is sustainable, equitable, fair, agricultural, community
that supports one another
Rod Quarrell commented "it's up to you to suggest a boundary - no one is saying what's in and
out, it's up to you"
Several comments "Sunbury needs the Airport rate base to survive"
Comment from Committee Chair that "there are no predetermined boundaries"
Boundary suggestions included in/exclusion Diggers Rest, Bulla & Melbourne Airport

55

56

57

58

Wednesday 9 April 2014 (10pm) Councillor Ann Potter posts on the Sunbury Community Facebook
page dont blame me:

59

Friday 11 April 2014 written submissions to the Sunbury out of Hume Panel closed.
Sixty five submissions received at the close of business on 11 April 2014. The release of the Panel
Report on 9 September 2014 revealed in Appendix C that a total of 70 submissions were received (five
late submissions).
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.
30.
31.
32.
33.
34.

35.

Lawrence Seyers
Peter Free, President Sunbury Historical &
Heritage Society Inc
Robyn Oehms (Blair)
Arnie Azaris, Coordinator Sunbury
Maribyrnong Valley Green Wedge Defenders
Don Hampshire
Kelvin Tori, CEO Melton City Council
Sue Wilkes
Peter Johnston, CEO Macedon Ranges Council
Renee & Anthony Janssen
Henry Budz
Jeffrey and Susan Vessey
Frank and Bernadette Buza
Andrew (Drew) Jessop
Bill Collins
Robert and Lydia Szymanski
Gordon and Elizabeth Reid
Prue Hicks
Wesley Old, General Manager Kernow
Environmental
Bernie OFarrell, President Sunbury Residents
Association
Tony Smith
Liz Beattie MP, MLA for Yuroke
Paulette Ryan (Refer also 27)
(Mrs) Clare Rawson
John Rowe
Trevor Turner, GM Sunbury Bowling Club Inc
Alfred & Marina Khoury
Also refer 22 - George & Paulette Ryan
Helen van den Berg, Secretary Tullamarine
Toxic Dump Action Group
Cheryl Hildebrandt, Manager Tullamarine
Community House Inc
John Hennessy
Jennifer Szulik
Tony Smith
Peter Gavin
John & Helen Patsikatheodorou (President),
George Xinarios (Secretary), Greek Orthodox
Community of Broadmeadows & Districts
Phillip Ripper, Mary Rush (Board Chair),
Sunbury Community Health Centre

36.

37.
38.
39.
40.
41.
42.
43.
44.
45.
46.
47.
48.
49.
50.
51.
52.
53.
54.
55.
56.
57.
58.
59.
60.
61.
62.
63.
64.
65.
66.
67.
68.
69.
70.

60

Greg Wood, Senior Principal Town Planner

and Jason Jones, Tract Consultants Pty Ltd on
behalf of Brookfield Residential Properties
Maureen Reed
Rosa McCall
Bryce Letcher
Louise Attard
Don Gamble
John & Sonja Rutherford
Tamara Frantz
Stuart Hodgson, President Highlands
Community Residents Group Inc
Shirley Kociuba
Craig Garrioch
Janifer Ewan
Elizabeth Kosanovic (also refer 69)
Bogolijub Kosanovic
Cheryl & Thomas Hewitt
Rosetta Hoban
Daryl Whitfort, Director - City Governance &
Information Hume City Council
Trevor Dance
Anita Barnard, Coordinator Sunbury
Neighbourhood House
Matthew L Houston
Wendy Walters
Alan Lennox
Barry & Carolyn Gipp
Melbourne Airport
Jim & M Anderson
Luke Reddan
Melissa Jeal
John McKerrow
Jessie Turner
Jodie Jackson
Alan McKenzie
Gavan ONeill, General Manager Waterways
and Land Melbourne Water,
Andrew & Jo Park
Elizabeth Kosanovic de Vries (also refer 48)
Minority Report
Alan Lennox

Saturday 12 April 2014 (9am-12pm) fifth listening post held at the Sunbury Customer Service Centre.
In attendance was four Committee Members (Catherine Borazio, John Hennessy, Susan Duncan,
Lawrence Seyers). The Committee agreed 7-10 locals attended and everyone had the opportunity to
speak with one of the three CCC members present. A mix of residents, predominately older residents.
Key themes include:

concern around rates going up

concern of not getting Melbourne Airport
inclusion of Diggers Rest which currently has to travel to Melton for some Council services
lack of transport between Diggers Rest and Melton

61

Monday 14 April 2014 (10am-12pm) third public forum held at the Craigieburn Global Learning
Centre. A mix of residents, predominately older residents. In attendance was two CCC Members
(Lawrence Seyers, Betty Kosanovic), Committee Chair Amanda Millar, dignitaries included Member for
Yuroke Liz Beattie, Mayor of Hume City Council Casey Nunn. Approximately 30-35 attended and had
the opportunity to put their views forward. All participants took an Its Your Move feedback form,
some submitted on the day. Some of the comments included:

Concern at the distribution of current Hume City Council superannuation liabilities

All costs in establishing Sunbury Shire should be borne by Victorian Government not ratepayers
Craigieburn is a lovely place to live and Hume has done a "fantastic job"
Craigieburn residents happy with the current services delivered by Hume Council
Concern that Council should be reducing rates and a split will inevitably increase rates in both
new Councils
Residents want a cohesive community and Deep Creek is a big obstacle for Sunbury residents to
engage with Craigieburn
Liz Beattie (Member for Yuroke) mentioned that it was disrespectful that the Minister had not
attended Sunbury out of Hume forum in Craigieburn
Several comments that the 2013 plebiscite was determined on a Deep Creek boundary and the
goal posts had shifted
Liz Beattie encouraged submitters to use the Deep Creek boundary
"This is the most important decision of this community"
The Sunbury Shire boundary should be along Deep Creek (excluding the Airport)
Concerns at lack of information to explain secession costs

62

63

64

65

It was noted that the entire Craigieburn audience had green flyers which had been prepared by the
Broadmeadows Progress Association. This was also distributed at the Broadmeadows meeting that
afternoon.

66

Monday 14 April 2014 (2-4pm) fourth public forum held at the Broadmeadows Global Learning Centre.
A mix of residents, predominately older residents. In attendance was three CCC Members (Lawrence
Seyers, Betty Kosanovic, Susan Duncan), Committee Chair Amanda Millar, dignitaries included Hume
City Councillor Geoff Porter, Department of Transport Planning and Local Infrastructure staff Dr
Leighton Vivian and Shaan Bajwa. Approximately 25-30 attended and had the opportunity to put their
views forward. All participants took an Its Your Move feedback form, many submitted on the day.
Some of the comments included:

Hume City Council is "just getting too big"

Concern that a Sunbury Shire without the Airport would not be viable
Comment that whenever a community is on "the outer" it gets neglected eg. Tulla in Keilor
Comment that "those assets that sit in Sunbury remain in Sunbury and any debts incurred in
Sunbury remain in Sunbury"
Suggestion that assets be allocated based on what happened during amalgamations in the mid
1990s
Suggestion that "Sunbury people could have learnt to engage with Hume" and avoid alienation
Residents are fearful of rate increases & rates should recognise cost of living pressures
Residents want a community that " is able to have a fair say" with money spent locally and be
able to influence decision making
Strong message from Tullamarine residents that they do not want to be included in a Sunbury
Shire
"Sunbury wants out that's ok - just don't take the airport"
The Sunbury out of Hume process was "a bit vague" & suggested the Panel nominate a
boundary that be put to another vote
Sunbury is 25km away and has "not much in common with Broadmeadows"
Several comments on the inclusion/exclusion of Melbourne Airport and lack of information
from Victorian Government
Comment that the 2013 KPMG reports looked at the impact of secession based on a
"hypothetical" Deep Creek boundary
The Local Government Panel has been asked to determine a boundary for a "sustainable" Shire
of Sunbury
Several comments on the Oct 2013 Victorian Electoral Commission postal ballot boundary

67

68

69

70

71

Monday 14 April 2014 (7pm) Hume City Council Ordinary Council Meeting held. A submission to the
Sunbury out of Hume Panel process is considered and adopted.

72

73

74

75

76

77

78

79

Monday 14 April 2014 (7pm) Hume City Council Ordinary Council Meeting held in Sunbury. During the
debate on Councils Sunbury out of Hume submission the meeting was suspended for 30 minutes due
to offensive comments from Sunbury resident Trevor Dance.
Upon resumption of the meeting Hume Mayor Casey Nunn and Council CEO Domenic Isola interrupted
Sunbury resident Arnie Azaris during her 2 minute allocated time for irrelevant comments and stated
under the Summary Offenses Act if she does not leave the premises she will be trespassing and face
25 penalty units fine or 6 months jail.
The legal definition of trespassing:
Trespass: Under Victorian law it is an offence to willfully trespass in any place and neglect or refuse to
leave that place after being warned to do so by the owner, occupier or a person authorised by the owner
or occupier (s 9(1)(d) SOA). The maximum penalty is 25 penalty units or six months jail

80

81

Tuesday 15 April 2014 Macedon Ranges Weekly reports:

http://www.macedonrangesweekly.com.au/story/1800083/sunbury-secession-petition-seeks-halt-toout-of-hume-move/
Sunbury secession: Petition seeks halt to out-of-Hume move
By Helen Grimaux
10:25:AM 14/04/2014
Residents groups are circulating a petition calling for a halt to the state governments Sunbury-out-ofHume process.
The petition, organised by the Broadmeadows Progress Association (BPA) and Tullamarine Action Group,
calls for a review of the process. It is aimed at Premier Denis Napthine.
BPA spokeswoman Sonja Rutherford said the petition cited increasing confusion because of a lack of
clear and accessible information and impossible timelines.
There are significant changes to the criteria on which residents voted in the Sunbury poll, the petition
says.
In a letter to the Weekly editor last week, the pro-split Sunbury Residents Association president Bernie
OFarrell said a key issue for his group was the inclusion of Melbourne airport in the new Sunbury
municipality.
We need to be ready to counteract the few who have not accepted the democratic wishes of the
majority of Sunbury residents, the letter said.
But Ms Rutherford said including the airport in a new Sunbury shire did not have a mandate from
residents and ratepayers.
This is like a divorce where only one side is being heard, she said. We dont want an unhappy parting,
but they cant take the family jewels. She said the current consultation was blatantly biased towards
Sunbury residents.
The consultation meetings allow for 12 hours, including day and night meeting times, in Sunbury and six
hours during daytime-only in Diggers Rest, Tullamarine, Craigieburn and Broadmeadows, Ms
Rutherford said.
She said people who wanted to know more about the petition could phone 9309 6296.
Northern Victoria MLC Amanda Millar, who is overseeing the consultation, did not return requests for
comment by deadline.

82

83

Tuesday 15 April 2014 Sunbury Leader reports:

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/north/diggers-rest-residents-grapple-with-new-sunburyboundary-amid-hume-council-split/story-fnglenug-1226883784177
Diggers Rest residents grapple with new Sunbury boundary amid Hume Council split
BARRY KENNEDY
SUNBURY LEADER
APRIL 15, 2014 12:00AM
DIGGERS Rest residents are grappling with the prospect their town could be included in a new Sunbury
municipality.
Reality dawned when a listening post about Sunburys imminent split from Hume Council was held in the
town on April 4.
Given residents of the town, currently in Melton Council, were not included in the Sunbury out of Hume
plebiscite, many are only becoming aware of the possible scenario now.
But Melton Council says it will not give up the town.
About 15 people attended the April 4 session, with most opposed to joining the new Sunbury council.
But some Diggers Rest residents told Leader there was logic in aligning the town with the new
municipality.
Diggers Rests David OConnor said it was important residents started familiarising themselves with the
Sunbury out of Hume issue.
Diggers Rest is part of the Sunbury growth corridor and in the boundaries of the new state seat of
Sunbury, but there hasnt been enough discussion here if thats what people want, he said.
While the recent forum at the Diggers Rest post office seemed to favour sticking with Melton Council, Mr
OConnor conducted his own survey in October that suggested otherwise.
Fellow Diggers Rest resident John Rowe said he didnt mind the town sticking with Melton, but said there
was logical connectivity with Sunbury.
Very few people would access shops and medical and dental services in Melton, its quicker to get to
Niddrie than Melton by public transport, he said.
Melton Council chief executive Kelvin Tori said it had made a submission to the Sunbury out of Hume City
Council Panel suggesting Diggers Rest not be included in the new council.
Council is of the view that the plebiscite conducted clearly related only to areas existing within the
current City of Hume boundaries and in no way can be transposed onto any area forming part of the City
of Melton, particularly the Diggers Rest area, he said.
Council is aware of a degree of local speculation in relation to the possibility that the panel may
recommend that an area currently within the City of Melton, most probably the Diggers Rest area, ought
to form part of the new Shire of Sunbury.
There has been no consultation to date and certainly no plebiscite conducted of residents of the City of
Melton, and until such consultation and plebiscite is held, the council believes it would be most
inappropriate for any recommendation from the panel to in any way impinge upon the current
arrangements within the City of Melton.
Local Government Minister Tim Bull will consider the make-up of the new Sunbury municipality in July.

84

85

Thursday 17 April 2014 Sunbury Community Consultative Committee submissions close with 101 Its
Your Move submissions received by 22 April 2014.

86

Friday 18 April 2014 Macedon Weekly reports:

http://www.macedonrangesweekly.com.au/story/1800505/lobbyists-outbursts-force-hume-councilmeeting-shutdown/
Lobbyists' outbursts force Hume council meeting shutdown
By Helen Grimaux
22:43:PM 18/04/2014
A 30-minute shutdown failed to calm tensions that escalated to swearing and shouting at Hume
councils meeting at Sunbury last Monday.
Local residents and pro-secession lobbyists Arnie Azaris and Trevor Dance were both asked to leave the
public podium during question time. Both are expected to be issued with a three-month ban from
attending future meetings after mayor Casey Nunn, and later chief executive Domenic Isola, were forced
to read the rule book about good manners and constructive debate.
The showdown was sparked by the councils formal adoption of its own submission to the Sunbury out
of Hume panel inquiry, which wants to ensure Melbourne Airport remains part of Hume. The submission
also sought confirmation that Hume councillors would not be replaced by administrators once the panel
inquiry is submitted after June 30.
Its a crisis of identity, one woman in the gallery noted during the half-hour in which councillors retired
behind closed doors to determine proper procedure in the face of accusations that the council had
breached their own code of conduct by speaking to the media beforehand.
The build-up had started earlier in the day when Craigieburn locals attended a public forum on the
secession process.
Those gathered supported a motion led by Yuroke MP Liz Beattie, criticising the lack of information and
clear intent by the government after a poll of ratepayers last October was determined as giving
overwhelming support to the division of Sunbury from Hume, based on a boundary interface along
Deep Creek.
This would have left Melbourne Airport within Hume, but subsequent comments made by the Sunbury
Residents Association and councillors Jack Medcraft and Jack Ogilvie suggest the airport is very much in
the sights of supporters of the new municipality.
Former Local Government Minister Jeanette Powell said the boundary question would be addressed by
an expert panel.

87

Monday 21 April 2014 Sunbury Leader reports:

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/north/hume-council-submission-requests-bulla-be-included-innew-sunbury-border-not-melbourne-airport/story-fnglenug-1226887903810
Hume Council submission requests Bulla be included in new Sunbury border, not Melbourne Airport
by: Barry Kennedy
April 21, 2014 12:00AM
HUME Council will make a detailed submission to the State Government examining Sunbury forming its
own municipality.
The nine-part submission includes demands the costs of separating from Hume be covered by the State
Government, or failing that, the new Sunbury Council.
It also requests the boundary of the new municipality be the same as what was implicated at the
November plebiscite, which includes Bulla in the Sunbury Council, but not Melbourne Airport.
Last weeks council meeting was closed by Mayor Casey Nunn for half an hour in the middle of Sunbury
resident Trevor Dance opposing the councils submission.
Another ratepayer speaking out against the submission, Arnie Azaris, was ordered to leave the building
on the meetings resumption or risk trespassing charges.
Cr Nunn had warned both people to keep their submissions relevant to the matter.
Two Sunbury councillors, Jack Medcraft and Jack Ogilvie, opposed the councils submission.
Cr Ogilvie questioned whether any costs had yet been borne by Hume Council during the process.
I cant accept the costs should come to Sunbury, Cr Ogilvie said.
I dont think it should be Hume or Sunburys problem, as it is a State Government process.
Cr Medcraft said deciding on the boundaries of the two municipalities should be decided by the
government-appointed panel.
We are just jumping at shadows in regard to the boundaries, Cr Medcraft said.
Several councillors implied the council had been neutral in the lead-up to the Sunbury out of Hume vote
and in the formation of the panel, but it was appropriate to make a submission now as an affected
party.
Sunbury councillor Ann Potter said while she was not opposed to a new Sunbury municipality, she had
concerns people had little understanding of the process.
The submission also urged appropriate distribution of assets; retention of the Hume name and brand;
the current council to serve its full term; appropriate staffing redistribution; rating outcomes consistent
with last years KPMG report; costs incurred in assisting KPMG in 2013 be returned to Hume Council; and
ongoing talks with the Local Government Minister.

88

Tuesday 22 April 2014 Sunbury Leader reports:

89

Tuesday 22 April 2014 Sunbury Weekly reports:

90

91

Tuesday 22 April 2014 Melton Weekly reports:

http://www.meltonweekly.com.au/story/1800439/diggers-rest-split-over-joining-sunbury-shire/
Diggers Rest split over joining Sunbury shire
By Priscilla Moca
13:40:PM 22/04/2014
The Diggers Rest community remains divided about the possibility of the town being included in a new
Sunbury municipality.
Diggers Rest resident Alex Jinks has attended several listening posts about the Sunbury out of Hume
issue, including one in Diggers Rest on April 4.
He is among those who believe the town would be a logical inclusion for the new shire.
Diggers Rest is presently split between the municipalities of Melton and Hume.
Were not service-rich here, and Melton has looked after our town, but thats history, Mr Jinks said.
An eight-member community consultative committee was appointed in March to help the state
government develop Sunbury as a new local government municipality.
In a submission to the panel, the Melton council vowed to fight against any plans to include all of
Diggers Rest in the new municipality.
Melton chief executive Kel Tori sought to hose down speculation that the panel may recommend that all
of Diggers Rest should form part of a Sunbury shire.
There has been no consultation to date and certainly no plebiscite conducted of residents of Melton,
he said.
The council believes it would be most inappropriate for any recommendation from the panel to in any
way impinge upon the current arrangements within the City of Melton.
Diggers Rest resident Christine Finlay feared her rates could increase if her property was included in the
new municipality.
We dont want to be pushed into a new municipality that cant provide adequate service, she said.
But fellow resident Paul Tyquin said Sunburys proximity to Diggers Rest made it more appealing.
The bus, train, shopping centre and pool are all five minutes up the road, whereas Melton is 20 minutes
away, Mr Tyquin said.
Melton council has never really looked after its outer-fringe suburbs like Diggers Rest. Resident Lynette
Stanye said the entire consultation process had been a bit confusing.
It couldve been managed better, because I think the people of Diggers Rest werent aware of the
ramifications, she said.
The listening post was run at 4pm, a time most people werent able to attend.
Mr Jinks believes Sunburys secession is inevitable.
People are getting out of shape over the emotional aspects, but the reality is Sunbury will stand alone.
Local Government Minister Tim Bull will decide on the matter in July.

92

Tuesday 22 April 2014 fourth meeting of the Sunbury Community Consultative Committee held at the
Sunbury Community Health Office. All members of the committee and Chair Amanda Millar in
attendance, except for Phil Lithgow.
Items discussed included:

Conclusion of the community consultation sessions

101 submissions received to the Consultative Committee by 22 April
Consideration of late submissions due to Easter (final feedback forms to be collated 23 April)
Reviewed a draft report prepared by Committee Chair Amanda Millar, several amendments
agreed and consensus reached on attendances at each public forum and listening post
Possible recommendations and key themes from feedback

It was noted that the role of the Committee was to simply report what was said by participants.
It was agreed to have a draft format report prepared by 30 April 2014, to release the report publicly
the following week and to present the report to the Minister for Local Government at a ceremony at
Queens Hall in Parliament House, followed by a dinner.
The feedback forms received to date were distributed to Committee members with the proviso that
the information is not to be used for anything other than this Committees deliberations.

93

Wednesday 23 April 2014 Hume Leader reports:

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/north/residents-launch-petition-to-halt-sunburyhumeseparation-process/story-fnglenug-1226892456645
Residents launch petition to halt Sunbury-Hume separation process
NATALIE SAVINO
HUME LEADER
APRIL 23, 2014 12:00AM
SUGGESTIONS a second plebiscite be held to determine whether Sunbury splits from Hume have been
slammed by the towns residents group.
In a voluntary Hume-wide poll last October, residents voted in favour of Sunbury forming its own
municipality.
But Broadmeadows Progress Association says the process, run by the State Government, has been a
rushed sham.The group has started a petition to halt and review the secession process.
It comes as a recently-appointed Sunbury out of Hume Community Consultative Committee, chaired by
Member for Northern Victoria Amanda Millar, held a series of listening posts and public forums earlier
this month in Sunbury, Tullamarine, Broadmeadows, Craigieburn and Diggers Rest.
But the Craigieburn and Broadmeadows forums were held three days after the closing date for public
submissions.
BPA member Sonja Rutherford said there was confusion over which assets and boundaries would be
affected by the split, with former Local Government Minister Jeanette Powell last year saying KPMG
report findings were based on key assumptions such as Hume retaining Melbourne Airport and Sunburys
eastern border to be Deep Creek.
However, some Sunbury residents have indicated the airport should go with them.
(We) should have been presented with actual details of what assets would go, what finances are going
to be involved, what is going to be the precise boundary, Ms Rutherford said.
Tullamarine has the prize and that is Melbourne Airport.People have to become aware of what is really
entailed.
Diggers Rest residents, currently part of the Melton Council, have also faced the prospect of forming part
of the new municipality even though they did not take part in the October poll.
But Sunbury Residents Association president Bernie OFarrell said the process had been extensively
advertised and opponents were pushing a political agenda.
It was made clear that the boundary would be established after the poll was taken, he said.
The economic analysis that the accountants did was based on an assumption by them purely an
assumption and not an expectation that for the purposes of carrying out their exercise they decided
to select the boundary of Deep Creek.
The information was presented to people and to have a minority take the view that people didnt
really understand it its complete nonsense.
Local Government Minister Tim Bull will consider recommendations and a report from the Local
Government Panel by July.
Leader has sought comment from Ms Millar.
The BPA will hold a meeting at 10am on Saturday at the Hume Global Learning Centre, Broadmeadows.
For a copy of the petition, call 9309 6296.

94

Saturday 26 April 2014 Spring Street Source reports:

http://www.springstsource.info/hume-city-council-threatens-residents-with-6-months-jail-springst/

95

96

97

Tuesday 29 April 2014 Sunbury Leader reports:

98

Wednesday 30 April 2014 in response to a question posted on 23 April 2014 Josh Bull, Labor candidate
for Sunbury posts on Facebook:
Thank you for contacting me about the State Governments decision on Sunbury out of Hume. As you
would be aware the Panel established by the Local Government Minister is due to hand down its
recommendations by June 30, 2014. The new State Electorate of Sunbury, which I would be delighted to
represent if elected, includes many suburbs that will be impacted directly or indirectly such as Sunbury
itself, Gladstone Park, Westmeadows, Attwood, Diggers Rest, Clarkefield, Oaklands Junction, Wildwood
and Bulla. As a candidate, I feel it is my role to ensure that all of these areas are represented fairly and
equally. I have previously stated that I respect the will of those who have voted in favour to establish a
new shire of Sunbury, although I do have some concerns about the long term financial viability of a new
shire. I accept that the State Government are going to go ahead with this process and create a new shire
and I eagerly await the Panel's report. If you would like to discuss further please call me at any time on
0437 819 201.

99

Wednesday 30 April 2014 fifth and final meeting of the Sunbury Community Consultative Committee
held at the Sunbury Community Health Office. All members of the committee (except Catherine
Borazio) and Chair Amanda Millar in attendance.
Items discussed included:

Further review and comments on the draft report prepared by Committee Chair Amanda Millar
Noted the Diggers Rest listening post was strongly in favour of staying in Melton, as was
Tullamarine to staying in Hume
Revisited the attendance numbers at the request of Betty Kosanovic (which resulted in a
downgrade of the Diggers Rest Listening Post from 35-40 to 30-35)
Reviewed a conclusion and recommendations on the key themes from feedback

Sunbury Community Consultative Committee agreed to finalise and submit its report to the Sunbury
out of Hume Panel and Local Government Minister at a ceremony at Queens Hall at Parliament House
on Tuesday 5 May 2014, followed by a celebration dinner (which is also State Budget week). The report
would also be made publicly available on the Department of Transport Planning and Local
Infrastructure webpage.

100

Monday 5 May 2014 Sunbury Leader reports:

Secession progress continues apace while others follow suit
THE Sunbury Out of Hume Consultative Committee is drafting a report to give to a three-person Local
Government Panel.
It comes after more than 500 community members attended nine public forums and listening posts in
Sunbury, Diggers Rest, Craigieburn and Broadmeadows.
Chairwoman Amanda Millar said the public contribution had been valuable.
The committee has been delighted by both the response and the input of local residents on a new
shire, she said.
Ms Millar said her committee was collating the response to help form the final report, to be handed
down in the coming weeks.
The report will help inform deliberations by the Government-appointed planning panel which is also
receiving individual public submissions including from Melton and Hume councils.
Both are due to report their findings by July.
Sunburys secession from Hume is expected to be formalised later in the year.
Following Sunburys lead, a residents group in Philip Island last month made public their request to
secede from Bass Coast Council.

101

Monday 5 May 2014 Leader of the Opposition (Labor Party) Hon. Daniel Andrews announces Victorian
Labor will force Councils to cap rate increases at Consumer Price Index and justify any further rate
increases to the Essential Services Commission.

102

103

Tuesday 6 May 2014 Sunbury and Macedon Star Weekly contains a Letter to the Editor:

104

Tuesday 6 May 2014 (State Budget day, 5.30pm) Sunbury Community Consultative Committee
submitted its report to the Sunbury out of Hume Local Government Panel (Maxine Cooper and Kelvin
Spiller) and the Local Government Minister Hon. Tim Bull MP at a ceremony in the Vestibule at
Parliament House, followed by a brief discussion in the National Party Room and a celebration dinner
in the Speakers Corridor Dining Room. The report was also made publicly available on the Department
of Transport Planning and Local Infrastructure webpage.

105

(full report provided as Appendix 1)

106

107

108

Wednesday 7 May 2014 Committee Chair Amanda Millar publishes the following press release:

109

110

Sunday 11 May 2014 Sunbury Leader reports:

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/north/hume-council-wants-to-retain-airport-when-sunburysplit-goes-ahead-sunbury-wants-it-to-use-rates-to-help-establish-new-council/story-fnglenug1226911934825
Hume Council wants to retain airport when Sunbury split goes ahead, Sunbury wants it to use rates to
help establish new council
Barry Kennedy
From: Sunbury Leader
May 11, 2014 12:00AM
A REPORT handed to a State Government planning panel overseeing Sunburys split from Hume shows
major divisions on where Melbourne Airport should lie.
The Sunbury out of Hume Community Consultative Committee presented the report to Local Government
Minister Tim Bull and three panel members last week.
It highlighted 10 conclusions and recommendations, including the positioning of Melbourne Airport.
The report sums up a month-long consultation process including nine community forums and listening
posts attended by more than 500 residents in Sunbury, Craigieburn, Broadmeadows, Tullamarine and
Diggers Rest.
Last December, Sunbury-based Hume councillor Jack Medcraft told Leader rates from the international
airport would provide the financial base to start the new Sunbury councils programs and improve
facilities for residents.
What the airport would generate and what Sunbury would do for the airport, its a win-win situation for
everyone, he said.
But in a recent submission to the panel, Hume Council outlined it wanted to retain the airport.
The report said while most in attendance at meetings supported the succession of Sunbury, it was on the
proviso that Craigieburn, Broadmeadows and Tullamarine remained in Hume.
The report also highlighted the appointment of independent commissioners was the preference of many
residents to ensure assets were equitably split.
Committee chair and Northern Victoria Liberal MP Amanda Millar said it was now up to the panel to
decide if the split was economically viable.
The Committee recommends that the Local Government Panel be strongly guided at all times by the
community views expressed in this report to ensure more effective and representative local government
across all areas covered by the current Hume Council into the future. Mrs Millar said.
Meanwhile, Cr Ogilvie said a feasibility study into a Sunbury Arts and Cultural Precinct in the 2014-15
Hume Council draft budget should be broadened to consider the establishment of a new Civic Centre.
The Government has decided that Sunbury will be out of Hume, he said.
At the moment we have a Sunbury Global Learning Centre and a Sunbury Arts and Cultural Precinct
study, wheres we could be looking a Civic Centre project that contains both of these and council offices.
According to the report, 64 per cent of the 124 submissions to the committee came from Sunbury
residents.

111

Monday 12 May 2014 Planning Minister Matthew Guy releases press release:
http://www.premier.vic.gov.au/media-centre/media-releases/9936-first-projects-to-benefit-from-9-3million-community-fund.html
First projects to benefit from $9.3 million community fund
Monday, 12 May 2014
Community, health, sport, arts and education hubs in Melbournes growth areas will benefit from a $9.3
million injection as part of Plan Melbourne, Planning Minister Matthew Guy said today.
Mr Guy announced the first 14 projects to receive funding under the new Community Infrastructure
Fund, an initiative of Plan Melbourne to provide funding for multi-functional facilities.
The Victorian Coalition Government is committed to investing in areas of high population growth. This
funding will directly benefit local community groups, not-for-profits organisations and most importantly
the residents who live in these communities, Mr Guy said.
It is vital that we continue to invest in our growing communities to enable access to local services and
facilities. A number of much needed services will be delivered in the one location, making it easier and
cheaper for families to access them.
This is a direct result of state and local government partnering with the private and not-for-profit
sectors to deliver fantastic outcomes for our neighbourhoods.
Integrated facilities can deliver enormous benefits in terms of safety, accessibility and more active
neighbourhoods. It also encourages the skills development of our children, leading to success at school
and better employment outcomes, Mr Guy said.
The first round of projects amount to funding of $3.15 million and include:

$1 million towards kindergartens, child health, family support and sports buildings in Melton;

$1 million towards a new scouts and community building and a remodelled sports pavilion in
Doreen;

$872,000 towards an arts theatre, sports stadium, public space and services in Officer;

$60,000 towards plans for a global learning centre and renewed arts and cultural facilities in
Sunbury;

$60,000 towards plans for a new learning centre and an Aboriginal service and community hub
in Wyndham;

$50,000 towards plans for a school, health and recreation precinct in Fishermans Bend; and

$45,000 towards planning for a thriving jobs and residential centre in the Preston-Northland
Activity Centre.

Grants are available to local government for projects that include planning and delivery of multi-purpose
community facilities, improved pedestrian connections, public open spaces and precinct master planning.
Initial priority will be given to areas experiencing significant growth identified in Plan Melbourne,
including projects in Melbournes outer urban growth corridors, and significant urban renewal locations.
Priority will also be given to Metropolitan Activity Centres in Dandenong, Footscray, Fountain
Gate/Narre Warren, Epping, Sunshine, Ringwood, Broadmeadows, Box Hill and Frankston.

Other project proposals will be considered in areas identified in Plan Melbourne such as Health and
Education Precincts, National Employment Clusters and Urban Renewal sites including transit oriented
development and Activity Centres, if significant forecast population growth is evident.

112

For further information on the Community Infrastructure Fund go to www.dtpli.vic.gov.au/communityinfrastructure-fund

Fast Facts

The Community Infrastructure Fund directly relates to the new city structure outlined in Plan
Melbourne.

The Community Infrastructure Fund implements Plan Melbourne Direction 4.4 Plan for Future
Social Infrastructure and Initiative 7.3.3 Prioritise State Investment.

Victoria in Future forecasts approximately 75 per cent of Victorias population growth in

metropolitan Melbourne.

Victoria in Future forecasts approximately 64 per cent of Melbournes population growth is

expected to be in the growth areas of Wyndham, Melton, Hume, Whittlesea, Casey and Cardinia.

The growth is increasing demand for community infrastructure and services in

Interface councils including Mitchell, Nillumbik, Yarra Ranges and the Mornington Peninsula
Shire.

Victoria in Future forecasts approximately 36 per cent of population growth in established areas
of Melbourne where facilities are already at capacity and need to expand or be redeveloped to
accommodate growing communities and their changing service needs.

Regional and rural Local Government Areas are able to access the Putting Locals First Program
managed by Regional Development Victoria.

113

Monday 12 May 2014 Sunbury Leader reports:

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/north/state-planning-minister-matthew-guy-announces-cash-toinvestigate-arts-and-cultural-precinct-at-jacksons-hill/story-fnglenug-1226914660127
State Planning Minister Matthew Guy announces cash to investigate arts and cultural precinct at
Jacksons Hill
BARRY KENNEDY
SUNBURY LEADER
MAY 12, 2014 2:34PM
THE former Victoria University site at Jacksons Hill could be transformed into an arts and cultural precinct.
State Planning Minister Matthew Guy today announced $30,000 towards investigating the concept,
which would regenerate the former site of the Sunbury asylum.
An $80,000 feasibility study in Hume Councils 2014/15 draft budget, which councillors will decide
whether to place on public exhibition tonight, adds to the Governments commitment.
Mr Guy, who also announced a $30,000 contribution to investigating a Global Learning Centre for
Sunbury, said the contributions were part of the Governments planning blueprint, Plan Melbourne.
With an anticipated 71,000 more people moving to the Sunbury/Diggers Rest area by 2050, it is vital
that we continue to invest early in our growing communities to make sure residents can easily access
important local services and facilities, Mr Guy said.
This important funding for the people of Hume and its neighbours includes $30,000 toward plans to
transform part of the former Victoria University Sunbury campus into a bustling community arts and
cultural precinct.
This historical site has the potential to become a huge drawcard for visitors and a wonderful meeting
place for residents, as well as community and not-for-profit groups.
Community groups such as 3NRG community radio and the Boilerhouse Theatre Group have been longterm tenants at the campus, but have remained in the dark over the long-term future of the site.
There has been continued speculation over the future of the sprawling and historic Jacksons Hill site
since VU ended its involvement in the campus in 2010.
Private schools have been linked to the site, while in 2012 Hume Council submitted a proposal to place a
police training centre there.
Although tenants such as the Sunbury Macedon Ranges Specialist School and local arts group have remained using the site, concerns have been raised over the campus falling into disrepair.
Victoria Universitys 2011 annual report, tabled in parliament, had floated selling the site.

114

Monday 12 May 2014 Hume City Council considers their 2014/15 Budget and Council Plan:
http://www.hume.vic.gov.au/About_Us/Your_Council/Minutes_Agendas/12_May_2014?agenda

Hume rates up 6.5% in 2013-14, proposed to increase again by 4.5% 2014-15, 5.3% each year for the
next two years (p.281)

Hume loans increased from $14.3m in 2013/14 to an expected $26.4m in 2014/15 increasing again to
$40.6 million by 2016/17 (p.284)

Hume Council monitors the number negative news articles (p.19)

Hume Council considers it has made significant progress in facilitating further development of Sunbury
Town (p.23)

115

Hume has been investigating options for a crossing of Jacksons Creek for 3 years & made only some
progress (p.27)
Hume has made no progress regarding commuter parking in Sunbury during 2013-14 (p.32)
Hume has made only some progress regarding the Sunbury GLC study in 2013-14 (p.42) note: should
have been completed in 2012 and had $50,000 allocated-LTP3 Action Plan 2010-13 Objective 3.2
Hume has a target to plant at least 5,000 trees in 2013-14 and 3134 trees have been planted to date
(p.73)
Draft Council Plan 2013-2017 (2014/2015 Actions) ignores the potential for Sunbury out of Hume
Submissions are invited until 11 June 2014 on the Draft Council Plan 2013-2017 (2014/2015 Actions)
(p.87)

116

Tuesday 13 May 2014 Sunbury Leader reports:

117

Tuesday 13 May 2014 Sunbury Leader reports:

118

Tuesday 13 May 2014 Sunbury Macedon Ranges Star Weekly reports:

119

Tuesday 13 May 2014 Sunbury Macedon Ranges Star Weekly reports:

120

Wednesday 14 May 2014 Sunbury Residents Association lodges a submission to Hume City Council
2014/15 Budget (see Appendix 2).

Thursday 15 May 2014 Sunbury Candidate Jo Hagan on Facebook:

121

Tuesday 20 May 2014 Sunbury Leader reports:

Tuesday 20 May 2014 Sunbury and Macedon Ranges Star reports:

Tuesday 20 May 2014 Sunbury and Macedon Ranges Star Letters to the Editor:

122

Wednesday 21 May 2014 Sunbury Liberal candidate Jo Hagan and Amanda Millar Listening Post:

123

Thursday 22 May 2014 Hume Mayor Casey Nunn, Jacksons Creek Councillor Jack Medcraft, Sunbury
Liberal candidate Jo Hagan, Member for Northern Victoria Amanda Millar join Minister for Crime
Prevention Hon. Edward ODonohue MLC in announcing $250,000 for lighting of Sunburys laneways:

124

http://edwardodonohue.com.au/minister-announces-250000-to-light-the-way-for-a-safer-humecity/#.U5BCJvmSwmp
Minister announces $250,000 to light the way for a safer Hume City
Humes busy Sunbury, Broadmeadows and Craigieburn town centres will receive a major community
safety boost under a new Victorian Coalition Government crime prevention initiative announced today.
Minister for Crime Prevention Edward ODonohue, visiting Sunbury with Liberal candidate for Sunbury
Joanne Hagan and member for Northern Victoria Region Amanda Millar, said funding of $250,000 would
help upgrade laneways in Sunbury, Tanderrum Way in Broadmeadows and the Craigieburn Gardens.
Mr ODonohue said the project was one of 27 to receive funding under the latest round of Public Safety
Infrastructure Fund grants.
The project will see new lighting installed in recognised blackspots in Hume to give residents safer
access to the three town centres, Mr ODonohue said.
Encouraging greater access to, and more activity around, these key community areas will help prevent
anti-social and violent behaviour, and will give residents more confidence to use these areas.
Melbournes northern suburbs are booming and the Coalition Government is proud to partner with
Hume City Council to support safer, more vibrant town centres in Sunbury, Broadmeadows and
Craigieburn.
The funding is part of a $2.5 million rejuvenation of Humes major activity centres, with Hume City
Council contributing $150,000 to the project and $2.1 million provided by the Department of Transport,
Planning and Local Infrastructure.
Mr ODonohue said the Coalition Government was working closely with local councils and communities
across Victoria to prevent crime and improve community safety.
We are building a safer Victoria, and believe the best way to solve local public safety issues is to support
and encourage local solutions, Mr ODonohue said.
Local communities play a vital role in crime prevention by identifying local problems and possible
solutions, and todays announcement includes further excellent examples of that.
Ms Hagan commended the funding decision, which builds on the Napthine Governments $200,000
investment in CCTV for Sunburys city centre. The new 20 camera system was launched by Mr ODonohue
and the council in April.
Good crime prevention means government working with communities to find local solutions to local
problems, Ms Hagan said.
Im proud that the Coalition Government has recognised this here in Sunbury, and has funded projects
which are of genuine benefit to this community.
The Public Safety Infrastructure Fund is part of the Coalition Governments $35 million Community Crime
Prevention Program and provides grants of up to $250,000 for councils to redevelop public safety and
security infrastructure.
Mr ODonohue noted that a frontbench reshuffle by Daniel Andrews late last year saw the crime
prevention portfolio removed from the shadow ministry.
There could be no starker indication of how little Labor cares about community safety and community
crime prevention, Mr ODonohue said.
For more information on the Community Crime Prevention program, including details of all the successful
Public Safety Infrastructure Fund projects, visit www.crimeprevention.vic.gov.au

125

Friday 23 May 2014 Member for Northern Victoria Amanda Millar releases Letter to the Editor in
response to Broadmeadows Progress Association Member Betty Kosanovics comments in Sunbury
Macedon Ranges Star:

126

Thursday 29 May 2014 Member for Macedon Joanne Duncan speaks in Parliament:

127

Tuesday 3 June 2014 Sunbury Leader reports:

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/north/sunbury-asylum-alliance-campaigns-for-newabbotsford-convent-style-hub-at-jacksons-hill/story-fnglenug-1226940299611
Sunbury Asylum Alliance campaigns for new Abbotsford Convent style hub at Jacksons Hill
BARRY KENNEDY

Alison Cunningham and Julie Davenport want an Abbotsford Convent style art hub at Jacksons Hill.
Pictures: Dennis Manktelow Source: News Limited
A NEW community group wants to regenerate the former Victoria University site at Jacksons Hill into a
space similar to Abbotsford Convent.
Alison Cunningham and Julie Davenport formed the Sunbury Asylum Alliance following a meeting with
the management and board of Abbotsford Convent.
In March, they started a Facebook group which has attracted close to 400 followers.
The pair have also approached local politicians, businesses and community groups, finding widespread
support for their plan.
They have continued to consult management at Abbotsford Convent on how they ambitiously
reimagined their heritage-listed site.
The Jacksons Hill land is currently for sale by VU, but longstanding not-for-profit tenants such as the
Boilerhouse Theatre and 3NRG community radio station appear to have a future after recent Hume
Council and State funding to investigate an arts precinct at the site.
Ms Cunningham said a future Jacksons Hill could house a mix of youth training facilities, start-up
businesses paying affordable rent, cafes, backpacker accommodation and artisans based in studios.
Once established I think we could attract 200,000 visitors a year and if each of those visitors spends
$20, you have $4 million generated for the Sunbury economy a year, she said.
People have said, How would Sunbury cope with all the extra visitors?, but I think Sunbury would come
alive and the very destination could provide leverage for infrastructure like rail crossings and
roundabouts.
Abbotsford Convent was once earmarked for residential development, but after a seven-year fight was
handed to a foundation and board by the State Government.
Meanwhile, Hume Mayor Casey Nunn said she had been delighted to receive a State Government grant
worth $30,000 to investigate an arts precinct at the site.
It will be combined with a council commitment of $50,000.
The council also has a memorandum of understanding to work with VU in developing an integrated
learning centre in Sunbury.
Cr Nunn said whatever the outcome of the study, it would be the future Sunbury Councils role to decide
what the final direction for the site should be.
Details: facebook.com/pages/sunbury-asylum-alliance

128

Monday 16 June 2014: Hume City Council considered the 2014-15 Budget submissions (six submissions
received). No change to the recommendation. Council resolved on 23 June to adopt the budget
unchanged. On 1 July 2014 Sunbury Leader reports:
Budget aims to be fair: Porter
RETIREES SEEK RATES HELP
HUMES 2014-15 budget is as fair as we can make it, a councillor says.
The budget, adopted last week, features almost $200 million in spending, with a capital works program
of more than $71 million, including about $46 million for new projects.
But rates will rise by 4.5 per cent, including a 0.3 per cent Environment Protection Authority landfill levy.
Cr Geoff Porter said while nobody liked a rate hike, the challenge was to continue to build the city and
rebuild where needed.
He said Hume was one of the fastest-growing areas in Australia and needed extra services, with the
budget being as fair as we can make it while still delivering a range of capital works.
Seven submissions to the budget were received, including one by the Bridgewater Lake Estate Residents
Committee to lower rate rises for retirement villages.
However, councillors agreed there should be no differential rate for retirement homes.
They decided council rates were levied individually based on property values; that all property owners
should pay a fair share of rates, regardless of their choice to use council services; and that buying a
retirement property was often a lifestyle choice.
Residents committee president Keith Herring said the fight would continue, with petitions urging the
Government to make differential rates for retirement villages compulsory.
Five councils are already giving differential ratings at the moment and two of them are giving a 25 per
cent discount, so it is very disappointing, Mr Herring said.
Yes, its a lifestyle choice, but when you look at (it), a lot of the further services were getting here
were paying for with our fees and are not being provided by council, yet council are expecting us to pay
the rate for the full services.
Highlights of the budget in Sunbury include upgrades to change rooms and a pavilion at Clarke Oval and
footpath works on Riddell Rd, Station St and Gap Rd, part of a $4.31 million footpath program.
There will also be pavement rehabilitation and widening of Duncans Lane, Diggers Rest and an $80,000
feasibility study into a proposed arts precinct at Jacksons Hill.

129

Tuesday 24 June 2014: Member for Broadmeadows Frank McGuire mentions in State Parliament:

130

Friday 27 June 2014: Premier Denis Napthine addresses Liberal Party State Conference with the theme
Real Action, Sunbury Residents Association calls on the Minister for Local Government to take Real
Action after he receives the SOOH Panel Report on 30 June.

131

Monday 30 June 2014: Minister for Local Government received the Sunbury Local Government Panel
report, Sunbury Residents Association calls on the Minister to act immediately and decisively.
Media Release: Sunbury Residents Association
30 July 2014
Sunbury Residents call for real and immediate action
The Sunbury Residents Association today called on the Victorian Government to immediately release the
Sunbury out of Hume Local Government Panel Report together with the public submissions.
Minister for Local Government Hon. Tim Bull MP today receives the Sunbury out of Hume Local
Government Panel Report.
Over sixty submissions were received by the Panel and a Community Consultative Committee was
established that included representatives from the Sunbury and Hume community.
We call on the Minister and the Victorian Government to act immediately and decisively Mr Bernie
OFarrell said.
The Minister must get on with business, set a timeline for secession and put in place measures to make
it happen.
2014 is shaping up to be one of the most significant years in Sunburys history.
The first half of 2014 was exciting and we look forward to the Victorian Government continuing that
momentum
The Sunbury Residents Association was formed in 1974 and includes a broad range of members, all of
whom are passionate Sunbury residents.
This year, Sunbury is located in its own State Electorate and the Sunbury Residents Association will be
ranking Sunbury candidates according to a number of policy areas, with a heavy weighting in favour of a
response to Sunbury out of Hume.
The scorecard can be found at tinyurl.com/SRAScorecard
The Sunbury Residents Association looks forward to working with Liberal, Labor and other parties on
the realisation of Sunbury out of Hume, Mr OFarrell said.
In October 2013, the Sunbury and Hume communities delivered a decisive response to the Victorian
Electoral Commissions Sunbury Poll.
This is a mandate that no political party can ignore Mr OFarrell said.
The postal ballot posed the question are you in favour of the proposal to establish a new Shire of
Sunbury?
Over two thirds of Sunbury residents who voted want their own Shire (67%) and 60 percent across the
broader Hume municipality.
Further information: Bernie OFarrell 0409 254 785

132

Tuesday 1 July 2014: Sunbury Weekly reports:

http://www.macedonranges.starweekly.com.au/story/1805328/sunbury-secession-airport-grabblasted-by-broadmeadows-mp/
Sunbury secession 'airport grab' blasted by Broadmeadows MP
Helen Grimaux
01/07/2014
Broadmeadows MP Frank McGuire has accused the Napthine government of being negligent by not
stopping the controversial grab for Melbourne Airport by supporters of Sunburys secession from Hume.
Community leaders, Hume council and Melbourne Airport management have confirmed the importance
of the airport to the economy of Melbournes north and the good working relationship between the
airport and the current Hume council.
But Sunbury-out-of-Hume advocates argue Sunbury was the traditional owner of the airport prior to
the Kennett-era council amalgamations that saw the town become part of the new city of Hume.
The Coalition government has been negligent in allowing the debate to run, Mr McGuire told
Parliament.
It has turned into a tug of war between Hume council and the breakaway faction over Melbourne
airport. The risks are too high for authority over Melbourne Airport to be handed over to a new council
without the experience or nous to deal with the complexity of such a major and significant asset.
Mr McGuire said the government had allowed itself to become embroiled in controversy because of an
election promise prior to winning power in 2010.
The action I seek is an end to the triumph of politics over common sense in the Coalitions pre-election
promise, Mr McGuire said.
The promise he referred to was extracted from the incoming Liberal government by former state upper
house MP Donna Petrovich, who stood down from the Victorian Parliament last year to contest the
federal seat of McEwen in September.
She is now the Liberal candidate for the Labor-held state seat of Macedon.
Given the folly of this debate, the airports future has ended up being argued throughout the area, with
claims it should be handed over and that the rate base and money it provides more than $10 million
should be given to this new council, if it emerges, Mr McGuire said.
Resident groups in Broadmeadows and Tullamarine have also called on the Premier to stop the
disruption.
Broadmeadows Progress Association spokeswoman Sonja Rutherford said the groups had asked to meet
both Dr Napthine and Labor leader Daniel Andrews to present them with a petition and discuss details.
Both leaders referred the request to relevant ministers and Mrs Rutherford said Local Government
Minister Tim Bull had said a meeting would be organised soon. Mrs Rutherford said the two resident
groups would meet at Broadmeadows Global Learning Centre on Saturday to finalise the petition.
Meanwhile, the government panel appointed to oversee the division of assets between Hume and the
new shire was due to hand in its long-awaited report to the minister on Monday.

133

Monday 7 July 2014: Tim Bull, Minister for Local Government replies to Sunbury Residents Association
on Twitter regarding the next step in Sunbury out of Hume process:

134

Tuesday 8 July 2014: Herald Sun reports:

135

Tuesday 8 July 2014: Sunbury Star Weekly reports:

http://www.macedonranges.starweekly.com.au/story/1805784/sunbury-out-of-hume-group-seeksswift-action-on-report/
Sunbury out of Hume: Group seeks swift action on report
Helen Grimaux 08/07/2014

Bernie OFarrell.
Photo: Penny Stephens
The Sunbury Residents Association has called for the immediate release of the Sunbury out of Hume
panel report so the town can divorce itself from Hume as soon as possible.
Association president Bernie OFarrell urged the state government and Local Government Minister Tim
Bull to act immediately and decisively.
The report was due to be handed to Mr Bull last Monday.
The minister must get on with business, set a timeline for secession and put in place measures to make
it happen, Mr OFarrell said.
He said with Sunbury being the central town of a new state electorate, the Sunbury Residents
Association would rank candidates at Novembers state election with a heavy weighting in favour of a
[favourable] response to Sunbury out of Hume.
Mr Bull said he would consider the panels recommendations and provide a government response in the
near future.
Under the terms of reference, written submissions or other supporting documentation provided to the
panel must be available for public inspection, unless the panel specifically determines that the material is
to remain confidential, Mr Bull said.
Submissions are expected to be made public after I have had the opportunity to consider and respond to
the report.
Mr OFarrell said more than 60 submissions had been received by the panel.

136

Monday 14 July 2014: Sunbury Leader reports:

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/north/local-government-minister-tim-bull-to-consider-sunburyout-of-hume-panel-report-recommendations/story-fnglenug-1226985778741
Local Government Minister Tim Bull to consider Sunbury out of Hume panel report recommendations
Barry Kennedy 14/6/14

Local Government Minister Tim Bull has received the Sunbury out of Hume Panel Report.
Pictures: Eugene Hyland
LOCAL Government Minister Tim Bull has been handed the Sunbury out of Hume Panel Report.
The report, received on June 30, will play a key role in shaping what the new Sunbury municipality will
look like, particularly in regards to boundaries and division of assets.
The report was formed by a three-person panel following a strong Sunbury out of Hume yes vote last
October.
The Sunbury out of Hume Local Government Panel has submitted its report, Mr Bull said.
I will consider the panels recommendations and provide a government response in the near future.
A series of public forums were held in April presided over by a Sunbury Community Consultative
Community formed to ensure thorough community input was received.
Sunbury councillor Jack Ogilvie said he was looking forward to hearing the views of Mr Bull.
Ive said from day one that the Minister would need a month to consider the report as there are some
fairly big decisions to make, he said.
Some Sunbury municipality advocates have been staunch in suggesting Melbourne Airport is included in
the new boundary, but that position has been heavily opposed, including a submission from Hume
Council to the process.
The possible inclusion of Diggers Rest has also been floated, a move that would affect Melton Council
boundaries.
Under the panels terms of reference, all written submissions or other supporting documentation
provided to the panel must be made available to the public, unless the panel specifically requests it to
remain confidential.
Submissions are expected to be made public after Mr Bull formally responds to the report.

137

Wednesday 16 July 2014 Sunbury Residents Association tweets:

138

139

Thursday 17 July 2014 Sunbury Residents Association tweets:

140

Tuesday 22 July 2014 Daniel Andrews, Leader of the Opposition joins Sunbury Labor candidate Josh
Bull in announcing $3 million for a new science wing at Sunbury College.

141

Tuesday 22 July 2014 Sunbury Residents Association meets with Liberal Sunbury Candidate Jo Hagan
and afterwards tweets:

142

Wednesday 23 July 2014 Sunbury Residents Association meets with Labor Sunbury Candidate Josh Bull
and afterwards tweets:

143

Friday 25 July 2014 Sunbury Residents Association tweets:

144

Monday 28 July 2014 Sunbury Residents Association tweets:

145

Thursday 31 July 2014 Sunbury Residents Association attends Australian Labor Party session with Hon.
Daniel Andrews MP, Leader of the Opposition (Labor Party) and tweets:

146

147

Friday 1 August 2014 Sunbury Residents Association tweets:

148

Monday 4 August 2014 Sunbury Star Weekly reports:

http://www.macedonranges.starweekly.com.au/story/1807805/sunbury-out-of-hume-cabinet-toconsider-panel-report/
Sunbury out of Hume: Cabinet to consider panel report
Helen Grimaux
04/08/2014
The Sunbury out of Hume panel report is likely to go before the Coalition cabinet before it sees the light
of day publicly.
In a statement to Star Weekly on Monday, Local Government Minister Tim Bull says he hopes to release
the governments response to the Sunbury out of Hume panel report in the near future.
He did not mention when or if the panel report itself would be released but has previously indicated it
would be, along with almost 200 submissions about the proposed separation, once the government had
considered it.
The panel report was delivered to the government on June 30.
The panel has submitted its report and the government is currently carefully considering the complex
issues involved, Mr Bull said.
He said the government had delivered on its commitment to give the people of Sunbury a say as to
whether to remain part of Hume council, citing a controversial poll held in October last year.
Some 67 per cent of participating Sunbury voters in the poll and 60 per cent of all participating voters
from across Hume said they supported establishing a separate council, Mr Bull said.
These figures are disputed by some locals and deemed unrepresentative by others, particularly
communities from Diggers Rest and Tullamarine, which face being subsumed into the new shire based
around Sunbury even though they never voted for this to happen.

149

Wednesday 6 August 2014 Member for Northern Victoria Amanda Millar MP raises Sunbury out of
Hume in Legislative Council Adjournment Debate:

150

Wednesday 6 August 2014 Member for Northern Victoria Amanda Millar MP tweets:

151

Monday 18 August 2014 Herald Sun Editorialises:

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/opinion/coalition-put-on-notice/story-fni0ffsx-1227027294800
Coalition put on notice
EDITORIAL
HERALD SUN
AUGUST 18, 2014 12:00AM
VICTORIANS have put Denis Napthine on notice.
The message voters are sending the Premier and his government in todays Herald Sun/Galaxy poll could
not be clearer: Lift your game or well kick you out on November 29.
If Labors 52-48 per cent two-party preferred lead is replicated uniformly on election day Daniel Andrews
will be propelled into No.1 Treasury Place with a commanding 12-seat majority. The Liberal-National
Coalition would be the first government since the middle of last century not to win a second term.
Its a stark equation for the accidental Premier who was plucked from nowhere for the top job after the
fall of premier Ted Baillieu almost 18 months ago.
Underlining the current plight of the Napthine government is the fact that some Liberals were yesterday
describing the four-point gap as a better than expected result that gives them a shot at a come-frombehind election victory.
Dr Napthines first six months in office was all action as he emptied Mr Baillieus in tray. He committed
to the $8 billion East West Link and many other policies in trapped in a holding patten were acted on.
But Mr Andrews seized the initiative late last year by announcing Labor would sell of the Port of
Melbourne and use that cash to remove 50 of the states worst train level crossings. Todays Herald
Sun/Galaxy poll confirms this could be an election winning policy, with 62 per cent of voters backing it,
compared to just 28 per cent who favour East West.
The May Budget, with its long term planning for a road an rail revolution, should have been enough for
Dr Napthine to wrest control from Mr Andrews, but it was utterly crushed by the controversial Abbott
Governments first federal Budget.
Victorians would also appear to be punishing the Premier for the long-running shambles surrounding
rogue ex-Liberal MP Geoff Shaw, that has left parliament in chaos and the government humiliated.
Daniel Andrews knows the election is his to lose.
But todays poll also sends a clear message to the Opposition Leader. Victorians are concerned about
how a Labor government would handle the CFMEU, the states most militant union. A strong 47 per cent
of voters believe the Premier would be best positioned to keep the union in check, compared to just 23
per cent who backed Mr Andrews on this question.
For Dr Napthine, the election is far from lost. But he and his government need to lift their game. New
policies and a new energy in selling them are needed.
If he is to mount a fightback, its critical that Dr Napthine increases his political pace as soon as possible.
Remarkably, as the days and weeks have ticked by the government has been anything but frantic. At
times, its behaved like a government content to cruise to defeat, rather than fight for its future.
The election is just 102 days away. Time is running out for the Premier.

152

Thursday 21 August 2014 Liz Beattie, Member for Yuroke in Parliament:

153

Monday 25 August 2014 The Australians Newspoll finds Daniel Andrews Labor Party (Opposition)
ahead in opinion polls:

154

Tuesday 9 September 2014 Minister Tim Bull releases the Sunbury out of Hume Local Government
Panel Report (Appendix 3) at the Sunbury Village Green:

http://www.premier.vic.gov.au/media-centre/media-releases/10892-new-sunbury-city-council-to-beestablished-in-2015.html
New Sunbury City Council to be established in 2015
Tuesday, 09 September 2014
Minister for Local Government Tim Bull has accepted the Sunbury out of Hume Panel report, which
recommends the establishment of a new municipality, Sunbury City Council.
Releasing the report today with the Liberal candidate for Sunbury, Jo Hagan, Mr Bull said the
Government was committed to implementing the majority of the panels recommendations including the
new boundary, timeline and method proposed for establishing the municipality next year.
Following considerable consultation with residents and ratepayers of the Hume City Council, I am
pleased to announce a new era for local government in this area, Mr Bull said.
The Victorian Coalition Government is delivering on an election commitment and will establish a new
municipality to be known as the Sunbury City Council by 1 July 2015.
Ms Hagan said the Victorian Coalition Government is committed to implementing the intent of the
panels recommendations. This includes a boundary between the new municipality and Hume that runs
along Deep Creek including the township of Bulla.

155

Following the establishment of the Sunbury City Council, and as recommended by the panel, at a future
time the government will consult with and consider the inclusion of Diggers Rest, Ms Hagan said.
Mr Bull said administrators and an interim chief executive officer will be appointed and in place by 1 July
2015 to establish and run the new council until the election of councillors at the 2016 general council
elections.
The boundary of Hume City Council will be revised accordingly, however all existing Hume councillors
will remain in place until the 2016 elections, Mr Bull said.
Melbourne Airport will remain within the Hume City Council with annual payments representing a
share of airport rates in lieu transferring from Hume to the new Sunbury council over the first 10 years.
Mr Bull noted the panel advised that the minimum projected population capacity for a new municipality
to be sustainable is around 100,000 and forecasts for the new Sunbury City Council estimates it will
reach this level post 2035.
Hume City Council will have a population of more than 156,000 after it is restructured, growing to an
estimated 230,000 in 2031.
The Government has also accepted the panel recommendations regarding the method to be used for
the division of assets, which means full proceeds from the development at Racecourse Road in Sunbury
will be available to the new Council, Mr Bull said.
Mr Bull said only three recommendations were not supported by Government. These relate to a
suggested cap on rates for the new municipality, the name of the new Council and the amount and
timing of revenue from the Melbourne Airport to be transferred from Hume City Council to Sunbury City
Council.
I wish to thank the panel for its thorough work and commitment as well as the work of the Community
Consultative Committee which was chaired by Member for Northern Victoria Region, Amanda Millar,
Mr Bull said.
Panel members Brian Haratsis, Kelvin Spiller and Maxine Cooper provided expert advice on the most
effective way to achieve the successful separation of Sunbury from the Hume City Council.
It has investigated in detail options for the new municipal boundaries and transition arrangements
including the delivery of municipal services while having regard to the economic sustainability of the two
restructured councils.
The panel has also worked with the Sunbury Community Consultative Committee and received over 70
submissions directly from interested individuals and groups to ensure community input into its
recommendations about forming a new municipality.
The Sunbury out of Hume Panel report is available at www.dtpli.vic.gov.au/localgovernment

156

Tuesday 9 September 2014 Department of Transport, Planning and Local Infrastructure webpage:
http://www.dpcd.vic.gov.au/localgovernment/projects-and-programs/sunbury-out-of-hume
Sunbury out of Hume
The October 2013 Sunbury Poll result demonstrated credible
support in the community for a separate Shire of Sunbury.
The results of the poll are available on the VECs website.
New Sunbury City Council in 2015
Sunbury and Bulla will become a new municipality to be
known as Sunbury City Council from 1 July 2015.
The State Government has accepted the Sunbury out of Hume
Panel report recommending the establishment of a new
municipality around Sunbury. The Government has decided
this will be called the Sunbury City Council.
The government has accepted the great majority of the panels recommendations - including the new
boundary, timeline and method proposed for establishing the municipality will be implemented by 1 July
2015. Only three of the panel's recommendations were not supported by government. These relate to a
suggested cap on rates for the new municipality, the name of the new council and the amount and
timing of revenue from the Melbourne Airport to be transferred from Hume City Council to Sunbury City
Council.
The new boundary between the new municipality and Hume will run along Deep Creek including the
township of Bulla.
The boundary of Hume City Council will be revised accordingly, however all existing Hume councillors will
remain in place until the 2016 elections.
Melbourne Airport will remain within the Hume City Council with annual payments representing a share
of airport rates in lieu transferring from Hume to the new Sunbury council over the first 10 years.
The panel has advised that the minimum projected population capacity for a new municipality to be
sustainable is above 55,000 and preferably around 100,000. Forecasts for the new Sunbury City Council
estimate it will reach around 100,000 post 2035.
Financial modelling undertaken by the panel and subsequently by the government indicates that both
Sunbury City Council and Hume City Council will be financially sustainable following separation.
Administrators and an interim chief executive officer for Sunbury City Council will be appointed and in
place by 1 July 2015 to establish and run the new council until election of councillors at the 2016 general
council elections.
The Sunbury out of Hume Local Government Panel was established in February 2014 to examine the
local communitys desire for a new municipality.
The panel has worked with the Sunbury Community Consultative Committee. It also received over 70
submissions directly from interested individuals and groups ensuring widespread community input into
its report.

157

Sunbury report (PDF 1.6 MB) or (DOCX 1.5 MB)

Appendix A - Instrument of Appointment and Terms of Reference (PDF 302.3 KB) or (DOCX 22.3 KB)
Appendix B part 1 (PDF 1.8 MB) or (DOCX 1.5 MB)
Appendix B part 2 (PDF 1.9 MB) or (DOCX 2.2 MB)
Appendix C - Listing of Submissions Received (PDF 302.6 KB) or (DOCX 21.3 KB)
Appendix D - Summary of Issues and Concerns Raised in Submissions by the Panel (PDF 512.0
KB) or (DOCX 32.7 KB)
Appendix E - 'Community of Interest' and Restructuring (PDF 1.8 MB) or (DOCX 1.8 MB)
Appendix E attachment 1 - Publicplace Community Service Analysis and Planning (PDF 1.5 MB) or (DOCX
2.0 MB)
Appendix E attachment 2 - Demographic Characteristics (PDF 798.9 KB) or (DOCX 1.5 MB)
Appendix F - Innovations in Local Government (PDF 600.3 KB) or (DOCX 24.2 KB)
Appendix G - Indicative Financial Analysis (PDF 2.0 MB) or (DOCX 2.1 MB)
Appendix H - Victorian Auditor General's Office Sustainability Indicators (PDF 312.7 KB) or (DOCX 22.1
KB)
Appendix I - Comparative Councils (PDF 451.6 KB) or (DOCX 22.9 KB)
Appendix J - Media Release (PDF 316.9 KB) or (DOCX 22.8 KB)
Appendix K - Bibliography (PDF 588.2 KB) or (DOCX 21.3 KB)
Following receipt of the Panel's Report the Department undertook further financial modelling by CT
Management Group. This Financial Analysis: Sunbury out of Hume Options 5 and 6 (PDF 1.9
MB) or (DOCX 2.5 MB) provided more detail on the impact on Hume City Council of the proposed
changes.
Maps
Maps showing the boundaries of the new Sunbury City Council and the restructured Hume City Council:
Sunbury City Council map (DOC 697.5 KB)
Hume City Council map (DOC 802.5 KB)

158

Tuesday 9 September 2014 Social Media coverage:

159

160

161

162

163

Tuesday 9 September 2014 Herald Sun/Sunbury Leader reports:

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/north/sunbury-city-council-to-include-bulla-diggers-rest-but-notmelbourne-airport/story-fnglenug-1227052662048
Sunbury City Council to include Bulla, Diggers Rest but not Melbourne Airport
NATALIE SAVINO
HUME LEADER
SEPTEMBER 09, 2014 1:20PM

The City of Hume is set to retain Melbourne Airport amid Sunbury split. Picture: Kris Reichl
HUME Council will retain its greatest asset when Sunbury leaves and forms its own municipality, but
Melbourne Airport rates will guide the new councils establishment for the next decade.
Local Government Minister Tim Bull today accepted the Local Government Panel report handed down in
June, which detailed municipal boundaries and asset splits for the new Sunbury Council.
While the report recommended the new municipality be named the City of Calder, Mr Bull said it would
be established as Sunbury City Council.
It will include Sunbury, Bulla and current Hume Council parts of Diggers Rest, but not Melbourne Airport.

Proposed boundary of the new Sunbury municipality. Pictures: Local Government Panel Report

164

A section of Diggers Rest thats currently in the City of Melton will be considered for inclusion in the
future following community consultation, Mr Bull said.
While the airport will remain in Hume, the panel considered it reasonable for the new council to access a
proportion of the annual rates in lieu payment by Melbourne Airport for the next 10 years, reflecting
the fact that the new municipality already receives its equitable share of this income.
This will assist in establishing and providing some flexibility with delivery of the known infrastructure
priorities of the new municipality, the report stated.
Mr Bull said the government did not support the timing and amount of airport revenue to be transferred
from Hume Council to Sunbury Council detailed in the report.
Meanwhile, a split of council assets will be determined by location, meaning any revenue received in the
current Sunbury boundary will belong to the new municipality.

Proposed boundary of Hume City Council.

The panel recommended that through a combination of airport rates, an annual rates increase of 5.5 per
cent over the next 10 years and the retention of funds from the Racecourse Rd project, the new
municipality would be financially viable.
A suggested cap on rates has not been supported.
Sunbury Council will be established by July 1 next year and chaired by a panel of three administrators
and an interim chief executive until local government elections are held in October 2016.
The panel indicated the minimum projected population capacity for a new municipality to be sustainable
was about 100,000, with forecasts for the new municipality to reach this level after 2035.
Hume will have more than 156,000 residents after it is restructured, reaching an estimated 230,000 by
2031.
The panel was made up of members Brian Haratsis, Kelvin Spiller and Maxine Cooper, who worked
alongside the Sunbury Community Consultative Committee to finalise their recommendations.

165

Earlier today, Hume Mayor Casey Nunn said she would remain steadfast in my absolute support for the
city (of Hume).

Hume Mayor Casey Nunn. Picture: Glenn Daniels

In principal I support the formation of a new Sunbury shire, but it cannot be at the detriment of the rest
of Hume, Cr Nunn said.
She said residents had gone to the ballots in October last year based on the assumption that rates would
go up for the Sunbury area and down for those living in the rest of Hume.
I just hope thats whats now going to be replicated, Casey Nunn said.
(I want to) make sure the rest of the community is not paying (for) popping up a new Sunbury council.
MORE TO COME

166

Tuesday 9 September 2014 Herald Sun/Sunbury Leader reports:

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/victoria/sunbury-city-council-gets-cash-boost-thanks-tomelbourne-airports-riches/story-fni0fit3-1227052580107
Sunbury City Council gets cash boost thanks to Melbourne Airports riches
ANDREW JEFFERSON
HERALD SUN
SEPTEMBER 09, 2014 12:30PM

Planes come into land at Melbourne Airport over Sunbury Rd.

SUNBURY is about to get a lot richer with its newly formed council set to net a near 25 per cent share of
Melbourne Airports rates for its first 10 years.
The airport, which generates about $8-10 million a year from rates and charges, would be a financial
windfall for the new Sunbury City Council.
Sunbury residents will get their own council next year after a Hume-wide ballot last October showed 60
per cent of voters were in favour of Sunbury going it alone.
Local Government Minister Tim Bull today released an independent panels report on the most effective
way to achieve the separation of Sunbury from Hume.
The new boundary between Sunbury and Hume will run along Deep Creek, meaning Bulla will form part
of Sunbury as expected.
The Government says it will consult with Diggers Rest residents in the future to see if they wish to leave
Melton for Sunbury.

Travellers carry luggage at Tullamarine Airport. Picture: Kris Reichl

167

All assets and liabilities including cash and investments will be allocated on a ratio of 76.4 per cent to
Hume and 23.6 per cent to Sunbury.
Melbourne Airport will remain in Hume with annual payments representing a 23.6 per cent share of
airport rates going to the new Sunbury council for its first 10 years.
Mr Bull said administrators and an interim chief executive officer will be appointed and in place by July 1,
2015 to establish and run the new Sunbury council until the election of councillors at the 2016 council
elections.
The boundary of Hume City Council will be revised accordingly, however all existing Hume councillors
will remain in place until the 2016 elections, Mr Bull said.
Melbourne Airport will remain within the Hume City Council with annual payments representing a share
of airport rates in lieu transferring from Hume to the new Sunbury council over the first 10 years.

The airport generates $8-10 million a year in rates and charges. Picture: Kris Reichl
The Government has also accepted the panel recommendations regarding the method to be used for
the division of assets, which means full proceeds from the development at Racecourse Rd in Sunbury will
be available to the new council.
Mr Bull said only three recommendations were not supported by the Government.
These relate to a suggested cap on rates for the new municipality, the name of the new council, and the
amount and timing of revenue from Melbourne Airport to be transferred from Hume to Sunbury.
The three-person panel recommended that the new council be named the City of Calder.
Sunbury is forecast to reach a projected population of around 100,000 in 20 years time.
Hume will have a population of more than 156,000 post restructure growing to an estimated 230,000 in
2031.

168

Tuesday 9 September 2014 Macedon Ranges Star Weekly reports:

http://www.macedonranges.starweekly.com.au/story/1810296/sunbury-to-leave-hume-for-newmunicipality-rates-in-lieu-anger/
Sunbury to leave Hume for new municipality | 'Rates in lieu' anger
David Bonnici
13:33:PM 09/09/2014
The Sunbury Out of Hume Panel has recommended removing Sunbury from the City of Hume to create a
new municipality from July next year.
The Panel has recommended the new municipality be centred on the Sunbury area.
The report has already been accepted by Minister for Local Government Tim Bull, who said the
Government was committed to implementing the majority of the panels recommendations including the
new boundary, timeline and method proposed for establishing the municipality next year.
Mr Bull said administrators and an interim chief executive officer would be appointed and in place by
July 1, 2015 to establish and run the new council until the election of councillors at the 2016 general
council elections.
The boundary of Hume City Council will be revised accordingly, however all existing Hume councillors
will remain in place until the 2016 elections, Mr Bull said.
Melbourne Airport will remain within the Hume City Council with annual payments representing a share
of airport rates in lieu transferring from Hume to the new Sunbury council over the first 10 years.
Hume mayor Casey Nunn told Star Weekly it would be over my dead body to accept a situation where
the people of Hume would have to subsidise Sunbury for 10 years.
Mr Bull said the Government has also accepted the panel recommendations regarding the method to be
used for the division of assets, which means full proceeds from the development at Racecourse Road in
Sunbury will be available to the new council.
He said only three recommendations were not supported by Government. These relate to a suggested
cap on rates for the new municipality, the name of the new Council (the panel wanted City of Calder) and
the amount and timing of revenue from the Melbourne Airport to be transferred from Hume City
Another contentious issue was the inclusion of the emerging suburb of Diggers Rest, half of which is in
the City of Melton. The panel recommends that it be earmarked to be part of the municipality but only
after local consultation.
More to come.

169

Tuesday 9 September 2014 The Age reports:

http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/sunbury-and-bulla-split-from-hume-city-council-2014090910egg8.html
Sunbury and Bulla split from Hume City Council
A spat has emerged over the distribution of lucrative Melbourne Airport council rates, after it was
decided the newly created municipality of Sunbury would take an estimated $35 million slice of airport
revenue.
After a 20-year campaign, the state government on Tuesday announced the towns of Sunbury and Bulla,
north-west of Melbourne, would be allowed to break off from the Hume City Council.
Hume will keep the airport within its boundaries, but Local Government Minister Tim Bull ruled the new
Sunbury City Council should receive a 23.6 per cent cut of the airport's rates over the next 10 years.
The Hume Panel, chaired by economist and MacroPlan founder Brian Haratsis, had recommended that
cut be even greater as high as 50 per cent in the first year.
Hume City Council has estimated they will lose more than $35 million in revenue over the next decade as
a result of sharing the airport income.
Chief executive Domenic Isola said the lost revenue was an unfair hit on an area that includes some of
the most disadvantaged postcodes in Melbourne.
He said the council had no problem with Sunbury residents wanting to leave the municipality. "But you
can't split and then take advantage of what we have in Hume," Mr Isola said.
Agitation for a breakup had been largely instigated by residents in semi-rural Sunbury who argued their
metropolitan neighbours in Craigieburn and Broadmeadows had no appreciation of their needs.
A poll held with all residents in October last year found 61 per cent of participants supported the
separation.
Sunbury Residents Association president Bernie O'Farrell said while the group wanted the entire airport
to be included in a new Sunbury council as it used to be within the now defunct Shire of Bulla he
thought the government had reached a good compromise.
"It will help us ensure Sunbury will be able to support itself financially as a separate municipality," he
said.
The new boundary dividing Sunbury from Hume will largely follow the meandering path of Deep Creek
and encompass the small township of Bulla.
The minister said administrators and an interim chief executive for Sunbury City Council would be
employed before July 2015.
"The boundary of Hume City Council will be revised accordingly, however all existing Hume councillors
will remain in place until the 2016 elections," Local Government Minister Mr Bull said.
In other areas of Victoria, there have been rumoured rumblings calling for the division of the councils of
Latrobe and Bass Coast.
But Municipal Association of Victoria president Bill McArthur said he did not expect Tuesday's
announcement to set off a wave of campaigns for new councils.
"I don't think there is a huge appetite for it. The Sunbury-Hume split was an election promise from the
government," he said.
In 1994 the Kennett government drastically reduced the number of councils, from 210 to 78.
The Sunbury decision marks only the second time in 20 years that a new council has been introduced in
Victoria, bringing the total number of municipalities to 80.

170

Tuesday 9 September 2014 Hume City Council issues the following press release:
http://www.hume.vic.gov.au/About_Us_Contact_Details/Your_Council/Media_Publications_Forms/Med
ia_Releases/Media_Releases_2014/Hume_community_hit_hard_by_Sunbury_split
Hume community hit hard by Sunbury split
MEDIA RELEASE
Tuesday, 9 September 2014
One of Melbournes most disadvantaged communities has been short-changed by a Local Government
Panel report outlining how Sunbury would separate from Hume City Council.
Under the proposed changes, Hume residents would be forced to bankroll a new breakaway Sunbury
Council by handing over more than $35 million in rates revenue from Melbourne Airport over the next
decade.
Hume Mayor Councillor Casey Nunn said Council had serious concerns with the Sunbury out of Hume
Local Government Report, as it unfairly supported the establishment of Sunbury Council at the great
expense of Hume residents, ratepayers and business owners.
The report was released by Local Government Minister, Tim Bull, in Sunbury today.
"Hume City Council acknowledges our communitys vote for Sunbury to separate from Hume and form its
own Council, however not at the expense of Hume residents a community that can least afford it," Cr
Nunn said.
"To ensure a fair and balanced outcome for both communities, Council worked closely with Local
Government Victoria and the Panel to provide full and open access to ensure the appropriate, equitable
and viable distribution of assets and liabilities between the two Councils.
"Hume City Council has serious concerns with the Panels Sunbury out of Hume report as it stands it is
unfairly weighted to supporting the establishment of a new City, but will severely disadvantage the
Hume community in the process.
"The Panels Terms of Reference are clear they specifically state that the impact to Hume City Council
should be considered. The report, as recommended by the Panel, does the opposite.
"Nowhere in the Local Government Panels report does it consider how the recommendations proposed
would affect the Hume community and, for that, the Panel has been negligent in its role.
"The report fails to consider how actions outlined would affect Hume City Council and its 151,000
residents, compared to 35,000 residents of the new breakaway Council."
Cr Nunn said Council had advocated strongly for the retention of the Melbourne Airport within Humes
boundaries and the Panels recommendation for it to do so was a logical and obvious decision that is
supported by Council and the wider Hume community.
"However, the Panels recommendation impacts Hume residents by taking income that would have been
spent on local Hume programs, services and projects, to keep a new Sunbury Council afloat is a serious
concern," Cr Nunn said.
"When the Hume community voted for a Sunbury secession, they did not vote to be worse off.

171

"The Local Government Panel should be embarrassed that they did not meet the Terms of Reference
outlined by the Victorian Government in compiling their report.
"While we are grateful that the Minister has intervened and not accepted the Panels recommendations
on the Melbourne Airport, there will still be a significant impact on the Hume community a community
that can least afford it."
Hume Chief Executive Domenic Isola said Council would now consider all options and urged the Minister
for Local Government to reconsider the recommendations.
"We look forward to working through these issues with the Victorian Government and Local Government
Victoria to ensure the Hume community is not disadvantaged, Mr Isola said.
Mr Isola said Council would continue to deliver services, programs and projects to the community
throughout the transition process and would support Hume City Council staff through this next period of
change.
"Hume City Councils biggest asset is its people who work passionately and tirelessly to deliver better
outcomes for our community.
"We will keep our staff updated regularly throughout the transition and work with them to ensure they
are supported throughout the transition of administration.
"Council is proud of our strong record in delivering programs, services and projects and for advocating
for the whole Hume community.
In February 2014, the Victorian Government announced that the Local Government Panel would be
established to review the feasibility and viability of Sunbury separating from Hume City Council. It
followed a Victorian Electoral Commission poll of Hume residents October 2013, with preliminary results
finding that about 60 per cent of participants voted in favour of a separation.
The government also announced the establishment of a Community Consultative Committee to help
advise the Local Government Panel throughout the separation process.
Hume City Council provided nine key recommendations as part of its submission to the Local Government
Panel set up to determine the establishment of a new Sunbury Council.
Council adopted to provide a formal written submission advocating that the costs of de-amalgamation,
including separation are not borne by Hume residents and ratepayers.
The Local Government Panel was made up of Brian Haratsis, Kelvin Spiller and Maxine Cooper.
For more information on the project, visit www.hume.vic.gov.au/sunburyproject

172

Tuesday 9 September 2014 Hume City Council webpage provides the following information:
http://www.hume.vic.gov.au/About_Us_Contact_Details/Your_Council/Sunbury_Project
Sunbury Project
September 2014
The Victorian Government has announced that it will establish a new Sunbury City Council to come into
effect from 1 July, 2015.
Victorian Local Government Minister Tim Bull said the Government had accepted the Sunbury out of
Hume Local Government Panel report, which recommends the election of a new Council from October
2016.
Key changes to take place include:
The new municipality will be known as the Sunbury City Council and will incorporate the towns of
Sunbury, Bulla, Wildwood, Clarkefield and Diggers Rest;
A panel of three Administrators and interim CEO will be appointed by 1 July, 2015 to head the new
Council until local government elections in October 2016;
The existing Hume City Council to remain in place until elections in October 2016;
The division and allocation of non-physical and moveable assets and liabilities will be on a ratio of 23.6
per cent of value to the new Sunbury Council and 76.4 per cent to Hume;
Hume City Council to prepare a Budget for the new Council prior to the start of the 2015/2016 financial
year, with declared rates and charges;
The pending subdivision and sale of the Racecourse Road project to be allocated to the new municipality;
and
The Melbourne Airport to remain within the boundaries of Hume.
While accepting the majority of the recommendations, Hume City Council will continue to advocate to
the Victorian Government to re-consider the report.
Under the proposed changes, Hume residents would be forced to fund a new breakaway Sunbury Council
by handing over more than $35 million in rates revenue from Melbourne Airport over the next decade.
Council has serious concerns with the Sunbury out of Hume Local Government Report, as it unfairly
supported the establishment of Sunbury Council at the great expense of Hume residents, ratepayers and
business owners.
Read Hume City Council's Media Release for more information.
For more details on the project and to view the Local Government Panel Report, visit the Local
Government Victoria website.
You can also read the Minister for Local Government's Media Release.

173

Wednesday 10 September 2014 Sunbury Leader reports an update:

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/north/sunbury-city-council-to-include-bulla-diggers-rest-but-notmelbourne-airport/story-fnglenug-1227052662048
Sunbury City Council to include Bulla, Diggers Rest but not Melbourne Airport
NATALIE SAVINO
HUME LEADER
SEPTEMBER 09, 2014 1:20PM

The City of Hume is set to retain Melbourne Airport amid Sunbury split. Picture: Kris Reichl
UPDATE: HUME Council has urged the State Government to reconsider supporting recommendations in a
report detailing Sunburys secession from municipality.
The council has slammed the report by the Local Government Panel, which earlier today was endorsed,
except for three recommendations, by Local Government Minister Tim Bull.
The council says Hume residents have been left short-changed, with $35 million in rates revenue from
Melbourne Airport to be handed over to the new Sunbury Council over the next decade.
Hume Mayor Casey Nunn said the report unfairly supported the establishment of Sunbury Council at the
expense of Hume residents, ratepayers and businesses a community that can least afford it.

Hume Mayor Casey Nunn. Picture: Glenn Daniels

To ensure a fair and balanced outcome for both communities, council worked closely with Local
Government Victoria and the panel to provide full and open access to ensure the appropriate, equitable
and viable distribution of assets and liabilities between the two councils, she said.
The panels terms of reference are clear they specifically state that the impact to Hume Council should
be considered. The report as recommended by the panel does the opposite.

174

Cr Nunn said the council had advocated for the retention of Melbourne Airport and that the panels
recommendation for this to happen was a logical and obvious decision.
But she said splitting the rates would remove income that would have otherwise been spent on Hume
programs, services and projects.
Chief executive Domenic Isola said Hume Council would consider all options and urged Mr Bull to
reconsider the recommendations.
He said they looked forward to working through the issues with the State Government and Local
Government Victoria to ensure Hume was not disadvantaged.
The council will continue delivering services to the community through the transition process and keep
staff regularly updated.
UPDATE: A HUME Councillor fears Sunbury residents wont be democratically represented during the 13
months the new Sunbury Council is run by administrators.
Current Jacksons Creek ward councillor Ann Potter said she has concerns over the hand over process.

Hume Councillor Ann Potter

We dont even have a clue who they (administrators) are, she said.
How will decisions be made?
She also raised concerns the Sunbury could now not afford to build a new library, which would have been
built if it remained in Hume.
The panel recommended that 50 per cent, 40 per cent and 30 per cent of Melbourne Airports rates in
lieu would be given to Sunbury Council in the first three years, and then 23.6 per cent for the next six
years in line with distribution service costs.
But Cr Potter said the minister had wanted the rates in lieu to be transferred at 23.6 per cent each year
for the full 10 years.
The ministers knocked that on the head because that would be extremely detrimental to Humes
balance sheet, Cr Potter said.
Its clear that the panel recognised that to basically build the library, we need a lot more money.
Meanwhile, fellow Jacksons Creek councillor Jack Medcraft said the new Sunbury Council will become a
powerful city.
I think the report is a fair balance, Cr Medcraft said.
Theres winners on both sides.

175

We (Sunbury) were never going to get the airport, but Im sure the community of Sunbury (will be
happy).
He said rates increases of 5.5 per cent annually over 10 years was reasonable.
At the end of the day, were going to keep all the money in Sunbury, Cr Medcraft said.
The thing about the birth of Sunbury City is its now going to be one of the biggest growth areas in the
west of Melbourne.
He said Sunbury was anticipated to reach a population of 90,000 by the year 2030, larger than major
country towns including Shepparton and Wodonga.
This is going to be an activity centre; this is going to be self-sufficient, Cr Medcraft said.
Hume would not have been able to cater for Sunbury because the growth that its got on its northern
corridors.
Melbourne Airport spokeswoman Anna Gillett said the airport did not have any views on the rates split
but it was pleased to be staying in Hume.
Weve had a longstanding relationship with the Hume Council and believe that they are well-resourced
and well-qualified to manage the complexities of handling an international airport, Ms Gillett said.
(We will) remain an active part of the local Hume community.
EARLIER:
HUME Council will retain its greatest asset when Sunbury leaves and forms its own municipality, but
Melbourne Airport rates will guide the new councils establishment for the next decade.
Local Government Minister Tim Bull today accepted the Local Government Panel report handed down in
June, which detailed municipal boundaries and asset splits for the new Sunbury Council.
While the report recommended the new municipality be named the City of Calder, Mr Bull said it would
be established as Sunbury City Council.
It will include Sunbury, Bulla and current Hume Council parts of Diggers Rest, but not Melbourne Airport.

Proposed boundary of the new Sunbury municipality. Pictures: Local Government Panel Report
A section of Diggers Rest thats currently in the City of Melton will be considered for inclusion in the
future following community consultation, Mr Bull said.

176

While the airport will remain in Hume, the panel considered it reasonable for the new council to access a
proportion of the annual rates in lieu payment by Melbourne Airport for the next 10 years, reflecting
the fact that the new municipality already receives its equitable share of this income.
This will assist in establishing and providing some flexibility with delivery of the known infrastructure
priorities of the new municipality, the report stated.
Mr Bull said the government did not support the timing and amount of airport revenue to be transferred
from Hume Council to Sunbury Council detailed in the report.
Meanwhile, a split of council assets will be determined by location, meaning any revenue received in the
current Sunbury boundary will belong to the new municipality.

Proposed boundary of Hume City Council.

The panel recommended that through a combination of airport rates, an annual rates increase of 5.5 per
cent over the next 10 years and the retention of funds from the Racecourse Rd project, the new
municipality would be financially viable.
A suggested cap on rates has not been supported.
Sunbury Council will be established by July 1 next year and chaired by a panel of three administrators
and an interim chief executive until local government elections are held in October 2016.
The panel indicated the minimum projected population capacity for a new municipality to be sustainable
was about 100,000, with forecasts for the new municipality to reach this level after 2035.
Hume will have more than 156,000 residents after it is restructured, reaching an estimated 230,000 by
2031.
The panel was made up of members Brian Haratsis, Kelvin Spiller and Maxine Cooper, who worked
alongside the Sunbury Community Consultative Committee to finalise their recommendations.
Earlier today, Hume Mayor Casey Nunn said she would remain steadfast in my absolute support for the
city (of Hume).

177

In principal I support the formation of a new Sunbury shire, but it cannot be at the detriment of the rest
of Hume, Cr Nunn said.
She said residents had gone to the ballots in October last year based on the assumption that rates would
go up for the Sunbury area and down for those living in the rest of Hume.
I just hope thats whats now going to be replicated, Casey Nunn said.
(I want to) make sure the rest of the community is not paying (for) popping up a new Sunbury council.
MORE TO COME

178

Thursday 11 September 2014 Sunbury Residents Association writes to Daniel Andrews, Leader of the
opposition:

179

Thursday 11 September 2014 Sunbury Residents Association writes to Hon. Tim Bull MP, Minister for
Local Government:

180

Monday 15 September 2014 Sunbury Macedon Ranges Star Weekly reports:

http://www.macedonranges.starweekly.com.au/story/1810701/sunbury-out-of-hume-diggers-resttorn-between-two-councils/
Sunbury out of Hume: Diggers Rest torn between two councils
Yasemin Talat
17:01:PM 15/09/2014
Melton council has dismissed a report recommending Diggers Rest become part of a new independent
Sunbury municipality.
The state government Sunbury-out-of-Hume panel delivered its plan for Sunbury to secede from the City
of Hume in July next year.
One of the panels recommendations was that the whole of the township of Diggers Rest be included in
the new municipality at a future date, subject to consultation with the towns residents.
Melton mayor Bob Turner said he didnt believe Diggers Rest should be part of Sunbury. I dont believe
they would be any better supported within a new municipality, with its new problems, than in an
established community like Melton, he said.
We value the people of Diggers Rest the same as we value the people in any part of Melton and we try
to support them the best we can. Theyre an integral part of our community.
Watts ward councillor Renata Cugliari said it was appropriate the Diggers Rest community be able to
decide.
And Melton chief executive Kelvin Tori said community sessions held by a ministerial panel indicated the
people of Diggers Rest favoured staying in Melton.
Diggers Rest resident David OConnor said there was merit in including the town within the new Sunbury
municipality.
He said the move made sense with Diggers Rest now part of the expanded urban growth boundary for
Sunbury and being included within the new state electorate of Sunbury.
Given Diggers Rest has no direct access to Melton CBD and many residents in Diggers Rest feel more
connected with Sunbury than Melton, it would seem logical for Diggers Rest to become part of the new
municipality of Sunbury, Mr OConnor said. But he said he was pleased the panel had accepted the
recommendation that Diggers Rest residents be consulted about possible boundary realignments.
In my opinion, Diggers Rest does very well through Melton council and it would be my personal desire to
remain with Melton, he said.
But Im happy to support the majority of residents on this issue.

181

Monday 15 September 2014 Sunbury Macedon Ranges Star Weekly reports:

http://www.macedonranges.starweekly.com.au/story/1810634/sunbury-out-of-hume-council-s-35mcash-shock/
Sunbury out of Hume: Councils $35m cash shock
Angela Valente
09:58:AM 15/09/2014
A shocked Hume council has been told it will have to pay $35 million to prop up a new Sunbury council.
The money, to be paid over 10 years, was one of the key measures announced by Local Government
Minister Tim Bull when he released the Sunbury-out-of-Hume panel report last week.
But Hume mayor Casey Nunn said the council would explore all legal avenues, including a possible
injunction, to block Mr Bulls move. The main points of the Sunbury secession plan are:

Hume will retain its biggest asset Melbourne Airport but pay $35 million to Sunbury as
compensation.

Administrators and an interim chief executive will be in place in Sunbury from July 1 next year
until council elections in 2016.

All Hume councillors will remain in place until 2016.

Cr Nunn said she was dreadfully shocked at the proposals and said the council was exploring all
options to counteract them.
The ability of Sunbury to become a sustainable city is beyond reality, she said.
There have been at least four staff briefings and a lot of staff are very angry; they want to work for
Hume.
The state opposition is also considering its options.
Labor has consistently said we did not oppose creating a new Sunbury council, provided it was viable, a
spokesman said.
Were concerned the report shows this proposal isnt viable in the short to medium term.
Sunbury Residents Association president Bernie OFarrell said the association wanted to see the airport
in the new Sunbury council, but agreed it was a reasonable compromise for Hume to pay $35 million.
He said residents were excited about Sunbury standing alone. The boundary between Sunbury and Hume
will be Deep Creek and it will take in the town of Bulla. Diggers Rest residents will be surveyed on
whether they want to join Sunbury or stay in Melton.

182

Monday 15 September 2014 Hume City Council writes to Minister Tim Bull:

183

184

Tuesday 16 September 2014 Sunbury Leader reports:

185

Tuesday 16 September 2014 Sunbury Leader reports:

186

Tuesday 16 September 2014 Melton Leader reports:

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/west/diggers-rest-could-join-the-new-sunbury-council-residentsto-be-consulted-first/story-fngnvmj7-1227058953244
Diggers Rest could join the new Sunbury Council, residents to be consulted first
AMI HUMPAGE
SEPTEMBER 16, 2014 12:00AM
THE door has been left wide open for Diggers Rest to join the new Sunbury City Council, if residents want
to.
But Melton Council says the township is a valuable part of its growing city.
The Sunbury out of Hume City Council Local Government Panel Report, accepted by Local Government
Minister Tim Bull last Tuesday, shows those parts of Diggers Rest which currently fall under Hume City
Council will become part of the new Sunbury council.
The report also recommends, In time, the entire township of Diggers Rest should be included and that
the residents should be consulted to consider whether the remainder of the suburb should also be within
the proposed municipality.
Long-term Diggers Rest resident David OConnor said many residents felt more connected to Sunbury
than Melton.
Given Diggers Rest is now part of the Sunbury expanded urban growth boundary and is included within
the new state seat of Sunbury, it seems logical that the township of Diggers Rest be included in the new
municipality of Sunbury, Mr OConnor said.
However, in my opinion Diggers Rest would be better serviced by Melton in terms of infrastructure.
Melton Council chief executive Kelvin Tori said in its submission to the panel, the council stated Diggers
Rest should not form part of any new municipality.
It is my view that it is important to the community of Diggers Rest to remain part of the City of Melton,
and the council sees Diggers Rest as a valuable part of the city.
He said the council has spent considerable time and effort on planning for the future of Diggers Rest.
The Diggers Rest Residents Association did not respond to calls from Leader and Coburn Cambridge
Watts Residents Association and Friends president Angela Scarpaci declined to comment.
Sunbury Council will be established by July 1 next year and chaired by a panel of three administrators
and an interim chief executive until local government elections are held in October 2016.
Details: dpcd.vic.gov.au

187

Tuesday 16 September 2014 Hume City Council publishes a Press Release:

www.hume.vic.gov.au/About_Us_Contact_Details/Your_Council/Media_Publications_Forms/Media_Rel
eases/Media_Releases_2014/Sunbury_out_of_Hume_have_your_say_on_the_verdict
Sunbury out of Hume: have your say on the verdict
Local residents are invited to an interactive information session on how the Victorian State Government
decision to separate Sunbury from Hume City Council could affect them.
Hume Mayor Councillor Casey Nunn encouraged the local community to attend at the Broadmeadows
Town Hall on Monday, 29 September from 7pm-8pm.
In response to numerous community enquiries, the meeting will provide attendees with an opportunity
to see presentations, maps and boundaries, ask questions and provide feedback on the proposed
changes.
"Hume City Council has been quite clear in acknowledging and accepting the communitys vote for
Sunbury to separate from Hume and form its own Council, however not at the expense of Hume
residents our community that can least afford it," Cr Nunn said.
"The interactive information session will provide our community with an opportunity to get a better
understanding of how the establishment of a new Sunbury Council will affect them."
Local Government Minister Tim Bull announced last week the Victorian Government would implement
recommendations from a Local Government Panel and create a new Sunbury Council.
The new Sunbury City Council will be established in July 2015 with new Councillors elected in October
2016. This follows a Victorian Electoral Commission poll of Hume residents October 2013, with
preliminary results finding that about 60 per cent of participants voted in favour of a separation.
A key recommendation in the report is a requirement of Hume City Council to transfer more than $35
million in rates from the Melbourne Airport directly to the new Sunbury Council over the next 10 years
this is despite the airport remaining within the reconstituted Hume boundary.
Cr Nunn said Council had raised serious concerns with the Panels report, as it unfairly supports the
establishment of Sunbury Council at the great expense of the wider Hume community.
"The Victorian Government has adopted a report that is heavily weighted towards supporting the
establishment of a new Sunbury Council, but will severely impact Hume in the process," she said.
"The Panels Terms of Reference were clear and outlined that the creation of a new Sunbury Council
should not disadvantage the Hume community but the report does just that.
"The report fails to consider how actions outlined would affect Hume City Council and its 151,000
residents, compared to 35,000 residents of the new breakaway Council."
Sunbury out of Hume Interactive Information Session
Monday 29 September 2014
7pm - 8pm
Broadmeadows Town Hall 1079 Pascoe Vale Road, Broadmeadows
For more information, visitwww.hume.vic.gov.au/sunburyproject

188

Tuesday 16 September 2014 Labor MP for Yuroke Liz Beattie states in Parliament:

189

Tuesday 16 September 2014 Labor MP for Broadmeadows Frank McGuire states in Parliament:

190

Tuesday 16 September 2014 Labor MP for Broadmeadows Frank McGuire states in Parliament:

191

Wednesday 17 September 2014 Liberal Candidate for Sunbury Jo Hagan at Sunbury Railway Station:

192

Wednesday 17 September 2014 Liberal MP for Western Metro Bernie Finn states in Parliament:

193

Thursday 18 September 2014 Liberal Candidate Jo Hagan hands out leaflets at Sunbury Railway Station
stating Sunbury City Council will be delivered by the Napthine Liberals:

194

Thursday 18 September 2014 Liberal MP for Northern Victoria Amanda Millar states in Parliament:

195

Friday 19 September 2014 Hume City Council writes to Premier Napthine:

196

197

Monday 22 September 2014 Hume Leader reports:

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/north/concerns-tullamarine-may-be-left-out-in-the-cold-amidsunbury-split-from-hume-council/story-fnglenug-1227064297630
Concerns Tullamarine may be left out in the cold amid Sunbury split from Hume Council
NATALIE SAVINO AND BARRY KENNEDY
HUME LEADER
SEPTEMBER 22, 2014 12:00AM

Warren McKelvie is unhappy with the Sunbury out of Hume decision. Picture: Kylie Else
A POCKET of Tullamarine residents fear they could be left out in the cold when the new Sunbury Council
kicks off next year.
From July 1, administrators will run the new council until local government elections in October, 2016.
The interim plan means Tullamarine will be represented for more than a year by Sunbury-based Jacksons
Creek ward councillors Jack Ogilvie, Jack Medcraft and Ann Potter.
Humes 11 councillors each look after about 11,000 residents, but Sunburys departure will mean the
three Jacksons Creek ward councillors will only cater for 5000 people between them.
But some residents say they will be forgotten.
Warren McKelvie, who voted no to Sunbury leaving in last years optional ballot, said he was
disappointed the process had not been done in a more thorough and considered way.

Tullamarine resident Warren McKelvie is among the unhappy residents.

198

The councillors who represent my area all live in the Sunbury area so they all have a personal interest in
looking after their own (suburb) as opposed to the wider community. - Warren McKelvie
Tullamarine is not just the gateway to the airport its where people live, Mr McKelvie said.
Broadmeadows Progress Association president Betty Kosanovic, a member of the Sunbury out of Hume
community consultative committee, agreed Tullamarine had been poorly represented and that Hume
had been sold a lemon.
Broadmeadows state Labor MP Frank McGuire said public interest had not been upheld.
But Hume Mayor Casey Nunn, although unhappy with the overall way the split was handled, said the
panels oversight was a good situation for Tullamarine residents to be in.
All councillors are pretty busy but all of a sudden there will be a councillor for every 1700 people from
next July for Tullamarine residents, Cr Nunn said.
She also sympathised with the three Sunbury-based councillors, who are set to be torn with a foot in
Hume Council and a great interest in the new Sunbury Council.
Cr Potter was unsure how the arrangement would work, but vowed to see out the end of her term.
Its my impression we wont be involved at all with Sunbury decision making but this is part of the whole
community I was elected for, Cr Potter said.
Cr Ogilvie expects to consult with Sunburys administrators, but said he would not walk away from Hume
and ensure the council did the right thing.
Any decision which could have repercussions for Sunbury is also an area Im going to have a great
interest in, Cr Ogilvie said.
Cr Medcraft said he would divide his time from next July between bringing Sunbury issues to the
attention of administrators and representing Tullamarine.
He is also set to stand as an independent for a third time in the upcoming state election should State
Labor not show support for the Sunbury out of Hume process.
Local Government Minister Tim Bull did not respond before Leaders deadline.

Residents say Tullamarine is not just the gateway to Melbourne Airport. Picture: Stuart Milligan
AN INFORMATION session for residents to find out how the Sunbury Out of Hume campaign affects them
will be held in Broadmeadows next week.
Hume Mayor Casey Nunn said there will be opportunities to ask questions, give feedback and view
presentations, maps and boundaries.
Cr Nunn reaffirmed Hume Council had acknowledged and accepted the communitys vote for Sunbury to
separate, but not at the expense of Hume residents.

199

She told Leader she had received about 200 phone calls, many of them from residents concerned about
the cost of the proposal.
People are concerned over the financial implications and many people are saying this is not the type of
arrangement they imagined when they voted.
Cr Nunn, who voted for Sunbury to go it alone, said the meeting was in response to the huge amount of
questions and concerns.
People have a right to feel betrayed. - Casey Nunn
We want to find a way forward so separation is fair for everyone, Cr Nunn said.
The community information session is on Monday from 7-8pm at the Broadmeadows Town Hall,
1079 Pascoe Vale Rd, Broadmeadows.
For more details, visit the Hume Council website.

200

Monday 22 September 2014 Hume City Council webpage states:

http://www.hume.vic.gov.au/About_Us_Contact_Details/Your_Council/Sunbury_Project
Sunbury Project

September 2014
The Victorian Government has announced that it will establish a new Sunbury City Council to come into
effect from 1 July, 2015. Victorian Local Government Minister Tim Bull said the Government had
accepted the Sunbury out of Hume Local Government Panel report, which recommends the election of a
new Council from October 2016.
In response to numerous community enquiries, Hume City Council will host an interactive information
session at the Broadmeadows Town Hall on Monday, 29 September to provide residents with an
opportunity to see presentations, maps and boundaries, ask questions and provide feedback on the
proposed changes.
Sunbury out of Hume Interactive Information Session
7pm - 8pm, Monday 29 September 2014
Broadmeadows Town Hall 1079 Pascoe Vale Road, Broadmeadows
Key changes to take place include:
The new municipality will be known as the Sunbury City Council and will incorporate the towns of
Sunbury, Bulla, Wildwood and areas of Diggers Rest and Clarkefield.
That the northern boundary of the new municipality extend along the existing boundary between Hume
City Council and Macedon Ranges Shire, the western boundary extend from Jacksons Creek on the
northern boundary to the Calder Highway along the existing Hume City Council boundary, the southern
boundary extend along Holden Road to Jacksons Creek and along the northern boundary of Melbourne
Airport and the eastern boundary extend along Deep Creek until it deviates along Wildwood Road and
then back along Deep Creek.
That this boundary incorporates the township of Bulla within the municipality but excludes the land on
which Melbourne Airport is located.
That the portion of the suburb of Diggers Rest which is located in the City of Melton be considered for
inclusion in the proposed municipality at a future date, but only after consultation with the local
community.
A panel of three Administrators and interim CEO will be appointed by 1 July, 2015 to head the new
Council until local government elections in October 2016;
The existing Hume City Council to remain in place until elections in October 2016;
The division and allocation of non-physical and moveable assets and liabilities will be on a ratio of 23.6
per cent of value to the new Sunbury Council and 76.4 per cent to Hume;

201

Hume City Council to prepare a Budget for the new Council prior to the start of the 2015/2016 financial
year, with declared rates and charges;
The pending subdivision and sale of the Racecourse Road project to be allocated to the new municipality;
and
The Melbourne Airport to remain within the boundaries of Hume.
Council's position
While accepting the majority of the recommendations, Hume City Council will continue to advocate to
the Victorian Government to re-consider the report.
Under the proposed changes, Hume residents would be forced to fund a new breakaway Sunbury Council
by handing over more than $35 million in rates revenue from Melbourne Airport over the next decade.
Council has serious concerns with the Sunbury out of Hume Local Government Report, as it unfairly
supported the establishment of Sunbury Council at the great expense of Hume residents, ratepayers and
business owners.

202

Monday 22 September 2014 Sunbury Leader coverage includes:

203

Monday 22 September 2014 Sunbury Leader has whole page advertisement:

204

Tuesday 23 September 2014 Sunbury Macedon Ranges Star Weekly reports:

http://www.macedonranges.starweekly.com.au/story/1811104/sunbury-secession-face-us-nunn-daresminister-bull/
Sunbury secession: Face us, Nunn dares Minister Bull
Helen Grimaux | 15:25:PM 23/09/2014

Tim Bull. Photo: Wayne Hawkins

Hume mayor Casey Nunn has challenged Local Government Minister Tim Bull to face the people of Hume
in person.
She has called a public meeting at Broadmeadows next Monday to send a message of outrage to the
government about using Hume rates to prop up a new Sunbury municipality and challenged Mr Bull to
hear peoples reactions for himself.
Hume council has been ordered to transfer more than $35 million of the fees it receives from Melbourne
Airport directly to the new Sunbury council $3.5 million a year over the next 10 years despite the
airport remaining fully within the City of Hume.
If 500 people turn up, well go to the Premier; if only 50 show, well know people dont care, Cr Nunn
said.
Hume council has organised an interactive presentation, including boundary maps and financial
comparisons, to show how the decision to separate Sunbury from Hume will affect them.
The Victorian government has adopted a report that is heavily weighted towards supporting a new
Sunbury council but will severely impact on Hume in the process, Cr Nunn said.
The panels terms of reference outlined that the creation of a new Sunbury council should not
disadvantage Hume but the report does just that.
It fails to consider how actions outlined would affect Hume council and its 151,000 residents, compared
to 35,000 residents of the new breakaway council.
Hume council has been quite clear in acknowledging and accepting the community vote for Sunbury to
separate from Hume, but not at the expense of Hume residents.
The community protest will take place at 7pm next Monday at Broadmeadows town hall.
For more information, visit www.hume.vic.gov.au/sunburyproject.

205

Wednesday 24 September 2014 flyer distributed at Sunbury Railway Station by Concerned Hume
Residents Group (which is organised by Broadmeadows Residents Association members):

206

207

Thursday 25 September 2014 Minister Tim Bull wrote to Hume City Council:

208

209

Thursday 25 September 2014 Amanda Millar MP press release:

210

Monday 29 September 2014 UniPoll Watch reports:

http://www.unipollwatch.org.au/sunbury-voters-favour-new-council
Sunbury voters favour new council
by latrobeadmin | Sep 29, 2014 | Sunbury, unipollwatchnews | 0 comments

Since the late 1990s Sunbury has pushed for its own city council. It is an idea whose time might finally
have arrived. Declan Boffa looks at what could be one of the key issues for Sunbury voters during the
2014 State Election.
The Sunbury out of Hume (SOOH) campaign is fighting to have Sunbury secede from Hume City Council
and form the new Sunbury City Council. Sunbury has been part of Hume since its establishment in 1994,
however many feel it is time for the growing town to breakaway.
Sunbury residents have been in favour of the move and reports tabled to review the proposal have been
positive, however SOOH has yet to receive state-level support from the incumbent Coalition government
or any support from the Labor opposition.
The party that steps up and supports Sunburys separation from Hume could benefit from a major swing
factor for the newly formed state seat, which is being contested for the first time in an election.
The debate flared up in May 2013 when the Coalition government announced a non-compulsory
referendum would be held in Hume on whether Sunbury should succeed from its city council.
The October referendum found a majority of 67% were in favour of the move, although despite the
apparent strong support, only 60,576 voters in the Hume City Council took part in the vote. That
represents a little over half of all registered voters in the area.
However, Bernie OFarrell, who is the president of the Sunbury Residents Association, believes support
for the move is widespread.
Theres no community interest at all between Sunbury and the metropolitan part of the municipality.
He says that although 49% of the entire Hume City council didnt take part in the referendum, 60% of
voters who live in Sunbury did take part.
In a non-compulsory vote, 60% who chose to vote, of which 67% of that 60% support it, means it was a
good result.
The most frustrating part for residents in favour of the proposal has been the lack of action from the
state government. Local Government Minister Tim Bull was handed the Sunbury out of Hume Community
Consultative Committee Report on the 30th of June; however Bull didnt make his response public until
early September.
It was their policy at the last election to proceed with the separation of Sunbury from Hume and give
people a say in the matter and theyve been somewhat slow in implementing their promise.

211

A major sticking point has been drawing up of boundaries if the SOOH campaign was successful.

Both Councils would have a claim on income from the airport.

Hume has broadly consisted of three regions, one being Sunbury with the other two being the suburbs of
Craigieburn and Broadmeadows. A July 2013 report compiled by KPMG looked at the possible impact
Sunburys secession would have on both Sunbury and Hume drew up a hypothetical boundary along
Deep Creek.
The major controversy of the secession has been whether Melbourne Airport will remain within the
boundaries of Hume. The KPMG report did not include the airport in the new municipality.
Jack Medcraft who is a Hume councillor based in Sunbury believes the airport would provide a financial
base for the new Sunbury City council. However, Hume have campaigned to maintain the airport if the
succession went ahead, citing the need to retain the financial income the airport provides.
While OFarrell doesnt feel it is a necessity, the residents association does believe the airport should be
included within the new city council boundary.
A lot of people who live in Sunbury work at the airport and they have that affinity with it, they
somewhat regard it as part of Sunburys landscape.
As part of Bulls response, it was announced Sunbury City Council would receive 23.6% of all revenue
stemming from Melbourne airport.
The financial impacts all revolve around the changes in council rates a secession would bring. KPMGs
report estimates the total cost of separation would be somewhere between $3.5 and $4.4 million.
They also estimated Sunburys rate rises would be around 14.2% per annum over the first four years
after succession. This would be an increase of 8.9% over what Hume council rates increase by now.
OFarrell says the numbers in the KPMG report cant be considered exact indicators, as many other
factors have to be considered.
Were just saying the increase of rates that will occur in a normal way will be no greater than what
they would have been had we stayed in Hume.
Whether rates do increase or not, support from either side of government for the new city council is
going to be a major issue for voters in Sunbury.
Based on the poll we took last year, I would have to take the view that it would rate very highly in their
voting intentions.
Experts are predicting a Labor win in Sunbury; however support of SOOH could change residents minds
at the ballot box. A view which OFarrell shares.
We are very confident that theyre will be strong support for the party who supports Sunbury out of
Hume.

212

FACTS
New Sunbury City Council would include Sunbury, Bulla, Wildwood, Diggers Rest and Clarkfield
Estimated population 36,000+
Possible rate rises 14.2% over the first four years.
October referendum results 67% of voters were in favour of succession, 51% voter turnout
Declan Boffa is a third-year Bachelor of Journalism student at La Trobe University.

213

Monday 29 September 2014 Hume Leader reports:

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/north/bernie-finn-warns-of-open-revolt-in-new-stategovernment-reverses-sunbury-split-decision/story-fnglenug-1227071574396
Bernie Finn warns of open revolt in new State Government reverses Sunbury split decision
NATALIE SAVINO HUME LEADER
SEPTEMBER 29, 2014 12:00AM

Bernie Finn MP has warned of a revolt if the Sunbury split is reversed. Pictures: News Limited
A STATE Liberal MP has warned there will be open revolt if a new government overturns the decision
to separate Sunbury from Hume.
Speaking in Parliament this month, Western Metropolitan Region state Liberal MP Bernie Finn said there
was deep concern that a change of government at the November 29 election could dump the concept
of the City of Sunbury and deny the people of Sunbury their democratic wish.
Local Government Minister Tim Bull announced the conditions around Sunburys imminent split from
Hume on September 9.
While Melbourne Airport will stay in Hume, about $35 million in airport rates will help prop up the new
Sunbury Council.
At the time, Hume Council said its residents had been short-changed by the plans.
But Mr Finn said the council had been petty and urged the minister to have the new council gazetted as
quickly as possible.
This has been a long journey for a lot of people, he said.
If there was a new government and if they overturned that decision, I think there would be open revolt.
I think for them (council) to be quibbling over the sort of money that they are quibbling over is just,
quite frankly, unfair.
A Bulla resident, Mr Finn backed the transfer of airport rates, saying many Sunbury and Bulla residents
also deserved the benefits.
But Hume mayor Casey Nunn said the goalposts had changed, with many still seeking information on the
complicated issue.
If anyone thinks Im being petty over $35-$40 million then they must have rocks in their head, she said.
No one is a bigger advocate for Sunbury to have its own council than me.
I wish them good luck and goodwill.
But not at the expense of another community.

214

Sunbury Residents Association president Bernie O'Farrell.

But Sunbury Residents Association president Bernie OFarrell fears an official gazette may not safeguard
the decision and agreed there would be uproar if it doesnt go ahead.
Well be encouraging people to vote for those candidates who support Sunbury out of Hume, he said.
If the Labor Party is not going to commit themselves to it they may well suffer some significant
electoral consequences.
An Opposition spokesman said Labor never opposed a new Sunbury Council, provided it was viable.
Sunbury Labor candidate Josh Bull said the local government panels report suggested years of rate
increases at 7 per cent or twice inflation and floats the unprecedented concept of one council crosssubsiding another.
He said Labor was speaking with concerned residents and considering our options.
A public meeting for concerned residents will be held tonight at Broadmeadows Town Hall, 1079 Pascoe
Vale Rd, at 7pm.

215

Monday 29 September 2014 Hume City Council Sunbury Project Broadmeadows Town Hall session,
with Sunbury 3NRG recording of Cr Nunn (Mayor Hume City Council):
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=IZ52me3GCb4

216

Monday 29 September 2014 Hume City Council Community Forum held at Broadmeadows Town Hall:

217

218

Monday 29 September 2014 Broadmeadows Progress Association leaflets handed out at the
Broadmeadows Town Hall:

219

220

221

Monday 29 September 2014: Hume City Council flyer distributed at the Broadmeadows Forum:

222

223

224

Monday 29 September 2014 Sunbury 3NRG reports:

225

Monday 29 September 2014 Sunbury 3NRG reports:

226

Tuesday 30 September 2014 Melbournes Herald Sun reports:

http://m.heraldsun.com.au/news/victoria/hume-residents-fuming-over-plan-for-sunbury-to-splinterinto-separate-council/story-fni0fit3-1227074471136
Hume residents fuming over plan for Sunbury to splinter into separate council
ANDREW JEFFERSON HERALD SUN
SEPTEMBER 30, 2014 12:00AM

Hume Mayor Casey Nunn addresses ratepayers during the public meeting held tonight at the
Broadmeadows Town Hall. Picture: Mark Dadswell
FURIOUS Hume residents have called on the State Government to rescind its decision to set up a
separate Sunbury council at a heated meeting on Monday night.
About 300 residents packed Broadmeadows Town Hall as Hume Council laid out the financial
ramifications of the governments decision, which could leave Hume more than $25 million worse off.
Tempers flared during the hour-long meeting as Hume and Sunbury residents argued over the merits of
the split, even going toe-to-toe at one stage.
Some Hume residents even tried to hijack the meeting after a welcome from Mayor Casey Nunn, forcing
Hume Council staff to quickly turn off the microphone.
Sunbury ward councillor Steve Medcraft claimed he was forced to leave the meeting after he was
threatened.

Sonia Rutherford of the Concerned Hume Residents Group attempts to address the crowd during the
public meeting. Picture: Mark Dadswell
An independent panel has recommended that Hume pass on more than $25 million in rates from
Melbourne Airport over the next 10 years to help subsidise the new Sunbury council despite the airport
remaining in Hume.

227

But Hume residents fear the actual cost to Hume over the next decade could be closer to $60m including
other subsidies.
They say it is wrong that their council is forced to finance a Sunbury council when they were promised
they would not be financially worse off.

Frank McGuire, Ros Spence, Jack Ogilvie and Jack Medcraft have a heated discussion during the public
meeting. Picture: Mark Dadswell
Concerned Hume Residents Group spokesman John Rutherford says the Governments decision had
serious consequences for both councils as Sunbury would also struggle to be financially viable.
He raised a motion calling on Hume Council to explore its legal options to ensure that the interests of
Hume residents and businesses were protected.
Hume has got the raw end of the stick, weve got no objection to Sunbury leaving Hume but what we do
object too is having to subsidise them, he said.
Humes a battling city and for Hume to subsidise Sunbury to the tune of $35 million is a disgrace.

Hume Mayor Casey Nunn speaks with a ratepayer during the public meeting. Picture: Mark Dadswell
The Napthine Government brought down a quick decision which is really designed to try and win the
new seat of Sunbury.
It should have been a win-win decision but its actually a lose-lose.
Sunbury councillor Jack Ogilvie claimed half the meeting attendees were Hume Council staff.
They were terrified that no one was going to turn up, he said.
Theyve got parks and garden staff here, people from reception, many of them are still wearing their
Hume Council jumpers.
andrew.jefferson@news.com.au

228

Tuesday 30 September 2014 Melton Leader reports:

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/west/melton-council-wants-more-information-from-the-stategovernment-on-proposal-for-diggers-rest-to-join-new-sunbury-council/story-fngnvmj7-1227074094511
Melton Council wants more information from the State Government on proposal for Diggers Rest to
join new Sunbury Council
CAITLIN RYAN
SEPTEMBER 30, 2014 12:00AM
MELTON Council has requested the State Government provide more information on its proposed
consultation process after a report recommended the Diggers Rest township be included in the new
Sunbury Council.
The Sunbury out of Hume City Council Local Government Panel Report, accepted by Local Government
Minister Tim Bull on September 9, shows parts of Diggers Rest which currently fall under Hume Council
will become part of the new Sunbury council.
The report also states, in time, the entire township of Diggers Rest should be included and that the
residents should be consulted to consider whether the remainder of the suburb should also be within the
proposed municipality.
Should Diggers Rest remain part of Melton or join the new Sunbury City Council? Have your say below.
Melton mayor Bob Turner said the report was the first the council had heard of the proposal, and that
they wanted more information on the proposed consultation process.
Cr Tuner said there were more benefits to Diggers Rest staying in Melton.
Diggers Rest Residents Association president Bob Rau said the proposal was not surprising and that
there are no benefits in moving to Sunbury.
Mr Rau said the dollars spent by Melton Council had been favourable.
Weve had footpath improvements, the recreation reserve substantially improved, recognition of our
history, monuments and a small rotunda constructed, he said.
The Diggers Rest Residents Association is out to protect the Diggers Rest people by ensuring that we are
not lulled into sweet talk by the people of Sunbury.
Diggers Rest resident Katherine Michell wrote on the Melton Leader Facebook page that the township
was pretty much part of Sunbury already, while Melissa Ray said it makes sense to be a part of
Sunbury because of location.
The report recommends consultation be undertaken via a plebiscite.
One consultation session has already been held but it was poorly attended by residents.
Mr Rau said any plebiscite must encourage residents to take part and inform them of consequences.
Cr Turner said he did not expect a response from the minister prior to the November 29 state election.

229

Tuesday 30 September 2014 Hume Leader reports:

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/north/outrage-at-broadmeadows-public-meeting-over-loomingsunbury-split-from-hume-council/story-fnglenug-1227074841716
Outrage at Broadmeadows public meeting over looming Sunbury split from Hume Council
NATALIE SAVINO HUME LEADER
SEPTEMBER 30, 2014 9:41AM

Hume Mayor Casey Nunn addresses the public meeting. Pictures: Mark Dadswell
OUTRAGED residents have dubbed last nights town meeting to discuss Sunburys looming split from
Hume Council a failure.
Hundreds gathered for the, at times heated, forum run by Hume Council at Broadmeadows Town Hall.
But fuming residents say their questions about the separation remain unanswered.
The meeting came after the State Government recently released a report detailing the finer details of the
split, which includes a large amount of rates from Melbourne Airport being set aside to prop-up the new
Sunbury Council in its formative years.
The creation of Sunbury should not happen at the expense of my community. - Casey Nunn

Hume Mayor Casey Nunn speaks with a ratepayer.

Hume Mayor Casey Nunn, chief executive Domenic Isola, councillors and politicians attended the
meeting, as did James Martin from the office of Local Government Minister Tim Bull and Local
Government Victorias Colin Morrison.

230

Attendees could fill out an optional online survey, provide written feedback to each of the 30
recommendations made in the Local Government Panels report and direct their questions to council
officers.
Addressing the crowd briefly, Cr Nunn said the decision to secede would have significant implications for
both municipalities, with council staff also experiencing uncertainty.
She said relationships between both areas should exist regardless of boundaries, but said the creation
of Sunbury should not happen at the expense of my community.
Clearly the vote taken was based on Sunbury going on its own, Cr Nunn said.
(Whats happening now is that) Sunbury is still going on its own, but requiring the support of the Hume
community and Im not sure thats fair.
She also expressed concern for Sunbury residents and the potential for rising debt levels.
Tempers flared during the meeting as the Concerned Hume Residents Group attempted to pass a
proposed resolution, prompting Jacksons Creek ward councillor and staunch Sunbury advocate Jack
Medcraft to snatch away the groups posters.

Frank McGuire, Ros Spence, Jack Ogilvie and Jack Medcraft during a heated discussion.
But Sunbury Residents Association president Bernie OFarrell said there was no purpose to the meeting,
saying Hume wasnt at any disadvantage.
Sunbury is entitled to have their share. - Bernie OFarrell
Financially theres no disadvantage to (Hume) at all. Theyre no worse off, he said.
Sonja Rutherford, a member of the Concerned Hume Residents Group, said the meeting was a terrible,
lost opportunity, with people not given a chance to debate.
Everyone wanted to hear; they wanted to hear explanations, she said.
People are very, very angry.

231

Sonia Rutherford attempts to address the crowd.

Jackson Creek ward Cr Ann Potter said people remained confused about the process and had many
unanswered questions.
I still say the process was fundamentally flawed. (We need to) make sure that its viable for both
municipalities, she said.
While it was declared Hume would lose $35 million in Melbourne Airport rates to Sunbury over the next
10 years, a letter from Minister Bull to Cr Nunn stated he would recommend an Order in Council be
made, including a direction that a flat rate of $2.47 million each year over the decade be transferred
instead, equating to a total $24.7 million.
According to the letter, the council currently subsidises Sunbury by about $3.89 million annually, with the
arrangement to cease on July 1.
Sunbury resident Bryce Letcher said he was disappointed by the councils response.
For years theyve told us that rates that Hume collects have been equitably distributed to Sunbury,
which I would assume includes the rates from Melbourne Airport, he said.
Mr Isola praised the turnout.
Some of the comments are strong, as youd expect, he said.
Its an emotive issue. The reality is theres no great winner.
For more, see next weeks Leader.

Many people left the meeting saying their questions remained unanswered.

232

Wednesday 1 October 2014 Melbourne Herald Sun reports:

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/victoria/inquiry-launched-after-complaints-lodged-againstbehaviour-of-hume-councillor/story-fni0fit3-1227076176975
Inquiry launched after complaints lodged against behaviour of Hume councillor
ANDREW JEFFERSON
HERALD SUN
OCTOBER 01, 2014 11:25AM

Frank McGuire, Ros Spence, Jack Ogilvie and Steve Medcraft have a heated discussion during the public
meeting at Broadmeadows Town Hall Picture: Mark Dadswell
HUME Council has launched an investigation into the conduct of one of its councillors after a fiery
meeting this week.
The Herald Sun understands that five formal complaints have been lodged with the council over the
behaviour of Sunbury-based councillor Steve Medcraft.
The complaints follow a heated public information meeting on Monday night to discuss the breakaway
Sunbury council and the financial impact its loss leaves on Hume.

Cr Jack Ogilvie.

Cr Steve Medcraft.

During the meeting, another Sunbury-based councillor Jack Ogilvie became embroiled in an ugly slanging
match with a photojournalist after he objected to having his picture taken.

233

The councils chief executive officer, Domenic Isola, stepped in and calmed down Cr Ogilvie as tempers
became frayed.
In a separate incident, Cr Medcraft tried to grab a sign from a Hume resident that depicted him dressed
in a Santa suit.
As the pair became embroiled in a grappling match, a small part of the sign ripped.
Hume Council spokeswoman Laura Chodowski said the council received notification on Monday night
that a complaint would be raised regarding the conduct of a Hume councillor.
That complaint was formalised the next day.
She later admitted that there may be more than one complaint.
I cannot confirm which councillor or councillors are involved as the matters are still to be investigated,
she said.
Those involved are entitled to privacy and for due process to take place.
We are currently in the initial investigation stage and cannot comment further at this stage.
Cr Ogilvie said he had yet to hear anything from the council.
I havent heard anything but it wouldnt surprise me if they tried to pin something on myself or Jack
(Steve), he said.
They will try and beat up on everything.
Cr Medcraft said he had been asked to attend a meeting with Mr Isola on Monday at 5pm.

234

Thursday 2 October 2014 Labors Shadow Minister for Local Government Richard Wynne releases
press release:
https://www.viclabor.com.au/media-releases/serious-questions-remain-about-napthines-sunbury-split/
SERIOUS QUESTIONS REMAIN ABOUT NAPTHINES SUNBURY SPLIT
The Government is set to separate Sunbury from Hume, setting the wheels in motion for a new City of
Sunbury.
Labor would support a proposal for a City of Sunbury if it is viable for ratepayers, but Labor is concerned
about the details of the separation that the Napthine Government will enforce. Issues include:
The cross-subsidy of the rate paid by the airport is unprecedented and unsustainable.
The population, both current and forecast, isnt large enough in Sunbury to ensure financial
sustainability.
The quality of services that will be delivered into the new council area.
The Government has not guaranteed the security of existing employment conditions in any transfer of
staff from Hume to Sunbury.
Quotes attributable to Mr Wynne:
We are very concerned that the proposal, which the Minister is set to enact, isnt financially viable for
ratepayers in Sunbury.
Labor in office will take more care well monitor the situation and make sure that locals in Sunbury
and Hume arent left behind.

Quotes attributable to Labors candidate for Sunbury, Josh Bull:

The Liberals expect us to cop a seven per cent increase in our council rates, every year, for ten years.
Locals wont stand for it.
If this isnt done right, our rates will go up, our services will fall away and our community wont be the
same.

Key Facts
The Liberals promised to de-amalgamate Sunbury and Hume at the 2010 State Election. In a letter to
the Council, Local Government Minister Tim Bull has confirmed that he will gazette the separation of the
two council areas shortly.

235

Monday 6 October 2014 Northern Weekly reports:

http://www.northernweekly.com.au/story/1812034/hume-councillors-jack-medcraft-jack-ogilvie-inforum-uproar/
Hume councillors Jack Medcraft, Jack Ogilvie in forum uproar
Helen Grimaux | 13:46:PM 06/10/2014

Cr Jack Medcraft confronts BPA secretary John Rutherford. Photo: Helen Grimaux
Two Hume councillors involved in ugly confrontations with Broadmeadows Progress Association
members and others at a public forum were summoned to appear before a special council meeting.
Cr Jack (Steve) Medcraft allegedly tussled with a BPA supporter over a sign and yelled at a number of
people.
Cr Jack Ogilvie was accused of intimidating behaviour during the brief confrontation that ensued.
Councillors were due to decide on further action after several formal complaints were submitted. More
than 350 people attended the forum at Broadmeadows Town Hall to discuss the new city of Sunbury.
Residents can submit feedback on the proposed changes via survey forms, with the option of making
their views known online.
Opening the forum, mayor Casey Nunn said the council had been inundated with calls and emails from
residents since Local Government Minister Tim Bull announced Sunbury would be separated from Hume
last month.
There are significant implications for the people and staff of both Sunbury and Hume, Cr Nunn said.
Let me make it clear council accepts the vote to separate, but we believe the creation of Sunbury
should not be at the expense of the rest of Hume.
The mayor said she had received further correspondence from Mr Bull indicating he would be amending
the amount of money Hume would contribute to the new Sunbury municipality from monies it received
for being home to Melbournes international airport.
Mr Bull inherited the controversial Sunbury-out-of-Hume project from retiring Nationals MP and former
minister Jeanette Powell.
Cr Nunn said Mrs Powell had promised a one-off separation cost rather than the annual $2.47 million
payment for the next 10 years that Mr Bull has proposed. She said the panel appointed by the former
minister to oversee the separation process had failed to meet the criteria of its own terms of reference
and had failed to ensure the viability of the new Sunbury municipality.
Comments from last weeks forum and the ongoing online survey will be collated and submitted to Mr
Bull later this month.

236

Tuesday 7 October 2014 Sunbury Leader reports:

237

238

Monday 13 October 2014 Hume Leader reports:

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/north/hume-councillor-refuses-to-discuss-code-of-conductcomplaint-with-mayor-and-ceo/story-fnglenug-1227086559124
Hume councillor refuses to discuss code of conduct complaint with Mayor and CEO
NATALIE SAVINO
HUME LEADER
OCTOBER 13, 2014 12:00AM

Frank McGuire, Ros Spence, Jack Ogilvie and Jack Medcraft have a heated discussion during the public
meeting at the Broadmeadows Town Hall. Picture: Mark Dadswell
A HUME councillor under investigation for an alleged code of conduct breach has refused to meet council
staff to discuss the complaint.
Leader understands Jacksons Creek ward councillors Jack Ogilvie and Jack Medcraft had complaints
lodged against them for separate incidents at a public meeting about Sunburys move from Hume last
month.

Cr Jack Ogilvie intends to plead his case to an independent panel. Picture: News Limited
But Cr Ogilvie told Leader he has refused to attend a meeting with mayor Casey Nunn and chief
executive Domenic Isola, preferring to take the matter directly to an independent panel.
Because I refused to be interviewed by Domenic and Casey, (the) only way they can go forward is to
send it to a panel, which Im happy to do, Cr Ogilvie said.
The complaint is believed to have been made over a verbal argument he had over his photo being taken.

239

He plans to plead his case to the Municipal Association of Victorias councillor code of conduct panel.
Because I refused to be interviewed by Domenic and Casey, (the) only way they can go forward is to
send it to a panel, which Im happy to do, Cr Ogilvie said.
Cr Medcraft is understood to have had complaints made against him over a scuffle in which a poster
depicting him and Cr Ogilvie in elf suits was ripped.
If Id been caught drink-driving or being drunk and abusive at a function, I think Id have grounds for
breach of councillor conduct, Cr Medcraft said.
But to grab a poster to see what was on it considering it had my picture on it without my authority
I think I was entitled to see what it said.
Cr Nunn said the council was dealing with the complaint.
As mayor, I take it very seriously if residents have complained to me, she said.
Cr Ogilvie has made his decision not to come and meet and hes made that intention clear and thats
okay, thats (his) decision.
Notwithstanding this, the complaints will still be dealt with.

240

Monday 13 October 2014 Hume City Council webpage states:

http://www.hume.vic.gov.au/About_Us_Contact_Details/Your_Council/Sunbury_Project
Sunbury Project

Latest news - September 2014

The Victorian Government has announced that it will establish a new Sunbury City Council to come into
effect from 1 July, 2015.
Victorian Local Government Minister The Hon Tim Bull said the Government had accepted the Sunbury
out of Hume Local Government Panel report, which recommends the election of a new Council from
October 2016.
Over 350 Hume residents, Council staff and stakeholders attended the Interactive Information Session
held at Broadmeadows Town Hall on Monday 29 September.
The session encouraged attendees to provide feedback on the proposed changes, ask questions, watch
presentations and view maps and boundaries.
Community comments have been collated and submitted to the Minister for Local Government, the Hon.
Tim Bull MP, for his consideration.

241

Tuesday 14 October 2014 Sunbury Leader reports:

242

Tuesday 14 October 2014 Liberal MP for Western Metro Bernie Finn states in Parliament:

243

Tuesday 14 October 2014 Labor MP for Broadmeadows Frank McGuire states in Parliament:

244

Tuesday 14 October 2014 retiring Labor MP for Yuroke (Craigieburn), Liz Beattie tables a petition in
Parliament and states:

245

Wednesday 16 October 2014 Hume City Council writes to Minister Tim Bull (refer also Appendix 4):

246

247

Tuesday 21 October 2014 Sunbury Leader reports:

http://leader.newspaperdirect.com/epaper/iphone/homepage.aspx#_articlecd920373-4c5b-4942-88fb3b9f55381806

248

Monday 13 October 2014 Notice of Motion presented at Hume City Council meeting:

Monday 13 October 2014 Question raised at Hume City Council meeting:

249

Monday 22 October 2014 Sunbury Residents Association tweets:

250

Sunday 26 October 2014 Liberal Candidate for Sunbury Jo Hagan opens Brook Street shopfront and
commences campaigning with the message "Sunbury out of Hume - Delivered"

251

252

Monday 27 October 2014 Hume City Council adopts the 2013-14 Annual Report:

253

254

Tuesday 28 October 2014 Sunbury Star Weekly reports:

Victoria University looks to rezone historic Sunbury campus site
Matt Crossman
13:54:PM 28/10/2014
http://www.macedonranges.starweekly.com.au/story/1813355/victoria-university-looks-to-rezonehistoric-sunbury-campus-site/
Victoria University is being urged to keep its former Sunbury campus for education or community
purposes after lodging an application to rezone the historic site.
Hume council last week confirmed it had received a proposal to change the Jacksons Hill sites zoning
from public use zone 2education to a comprehensive development zone, sparking fears of future
residential development.
The buildings have been used for various activities, including a church and a gym, since VU closed its
campus in 2008.
Sunbury Residents Association president Bernie OFarrell said the group didnt want the former 19th
century mental institution on the hill above town sold to developers.
Over the past few years theres been suggestions of it being used as a police training centre, a TAFE or a
possible administration centre for a Sunbury council, he said.
VU vice-president Professor Peter Creamer said the university was continuing to explore options for the
site.
VU is committed to providing outreach educational activities in Sunbury for the foreseeable future, but
not at the Jacksons Hill site, he said.
Hume councils city sustainability director Kelvin Walsh said officers were assessing the application.
Once the application is in a suitable form, council will receive a report and may choose to request
authorisation from the minister for planning to prepare the amendment and place it on exhibition for
community input, Mr Walsh said.
There is currently no anticipated timeframe on reporting this initial stage to council.

255

Tuesday 28 October 2014 Sunbury Star Weekly reports:

http://www.macedonranges.starweekly.com.au/story/1813346/state-election-traffic-and-stationupgrades-on-hume-wish-list/
State election: Traffic and station upgrades on Hume wish list
Matt Crossman
13:56:PM 28/10/2014
The duplication of Sunbury Road, a long- awaited Bulla bypass and upgrades to the Sunbury railway
station carpark are among items on a state election wishlist released by Hume council.
Mayor Casey Nunn said the introduction of traffic lights at Sunburys Gap Road and Horne Street was
also among 10 priority projects identified by the council in the lead-up to the November 29 poll.
Our community is experiencing rapid growth and for this to be sustainable we need state and federal
governments to continue to invest in key projects for our city, she said.
The council wants Sunbury Road between Bulla and Melbourne Airport duplicated by 2021 to address a
high incidence of serious crashes and cater for population growth in Sunbury.
The existing road, used by about 20,000 vehicles a day, is an undivided rural road that is predominantly
one lane in each direction.
The proposed bypass would relieve pressure on Sunbury-Bulla Road and improve connections between
Sunbury and employment centres in the citys northern growth corridor.
A lack of car spaces at Sunburys railway station is forcing commuters to park at nearby shopping
centres.
The station has 550 spaces.
The council said the shortage would be magnified in the next few years, with Sunburys population
expected to increase from 36,789 in 2014 to 73,463 in 2036. Former Bulla councillor and long-time
Sunbury resident Hector Bugeja said urgent action was needed. You see cars overflowing into the
streets around the station very early in the morning, he said.
The intersection of Gap Road and Horne Street, which is serviced by a small roundabout, is a traffic
hotspot, with a nearby railway level crossing on Station Street causing cars to bank up and block the
roundabout.
Sunbury Residents Association president Bernie OFarrell said infrastructure and services were not
keeping up with population growth.
Id certainly agree all those things require improvement, he said. But I think its curious to put out a
wishlist now these are things the council should have been pushing more for in the past few years.
Cr Nunn hopes some election
commitments will be forthcoming through- out Hume. It shouldnt matter what margin there is in the
seat.
She urged residents to have their say by completing an online survey.
To take part, visit www.hume.vic.gov.au/advocacy.

256

Thursday 30 October 2014 Victorian Government Gazette published

http://www.gazette.vic.gov.au/gazette/Gazettes2014/GG2014G044.pdf

257

258

259

260

261

262

263

264

265

266

Thursday 30 October 2014 Minister Tim Bull Media Release:

267

268

Thursday 30 October 2014 Sunbury Leader reports:

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/north/state-government-signs-off-on-new-sunbury-councilinterim-ceo-administrator/story-fnglenug-1227107206542
State Government signs off on new Sunbury Council interim CEO, administrator
NATALIE SAVINO
HUME LEADER
OCTOBER 30, 2014 1:56PM

Former Brimbank Council administrators Joanne Anderson and Meredith Sussex. Pictures: News Limited
THE State Government has today officially signed off on a new Sunbury council, but the towns spilt from
Hume could still be halted if there is a change in government at next months state election.
The long-awaited Sunbury out of Hume campaign was today gazetted by the State Government, with an
interim chief executive and an administrator appointed.
But a State Government spokeswoman told Leader plans for the new council could still be thrown out if
Labor wins the November 29 poll.
However, the gazettal will mean Hume Council cannot sell off physical, fixed assets destined for Sunbury.
It also means Hume Council can start putting a Sunbury budget in place by July next year.

269

Vince Haining has been named interim chief executive for Sunbury.
Should the council go ahead, former Maribyrnong Council chief executive Vince Haining will be the
interim chief executive from July 1 next year and will remain in the position until a permanent chief
executive is appointed.
Mr Haining most recently spent four years at the helm of Maribyrnong before resigning in July, saying at
the time he had achieved his goals and wanted to focus on health and family.
He was previously the general manager of infrastructure services at Maribyrnong and, over 14 years, has
held senior executive positions at both Boroondara and Melbourne councils.
Meanwhile, Joanne Anderson has been appointed administrator and will serve there until council
elections.
Ms Anderson has worked at an executive level on several councils and was chief executive of
Wangaratta Council from 1995-97.
From 2002-03 she served as administrator on Benalla Council, repeating the role in Brimbank alongside
Peter Lewinsky and Meredith Sussex from 2009-2012.
She has also been on the board of a number of groups for government matters including the Municipal
Electoral Tribunal, Victoria Grants Commission and Local Government (Councillor Remuneration Review)
Panel.
Elections for the new council are set for October 22, 2016.
The government confirmed a further two administrators will be appointed ahead of July 1, 2015.
For more see next weeks Leader.

270

Thursday 30 October 2014 Sunbury Star Weekly reports:

http://www.macedonranges.starweekly.com.au/story/1813643/sunbury-city-council-state-parliamentissues-formal-orders/
Sunbury City Council: State Parliament issues formal orders
Matt Crossman
| 14:46:PM 30/10/2014
Formal orders to establish Sunbury City Council were gazetted in State Parliament on Thursday.
Local Government Minister Tim Bull said the signing of the order meant Sunbury would break away from
the existing Hume Council and set official boundaries for both municipalities.
Liberal candidate for Sunbury Jo Hagan said Thursday was a red-letter day for residents who have
lobbied for their own municipality for many years.
Sunbury-based Hume Cr Ann Potter said while not unexpected, the gazettal led to great emotion.
Im still digesting it, especially what it means for [Hume council] staff.
But Cr Jack Medcraft said the move was a long-awaited breakthrough.
Im really excited that Sunbury can now do what its been wanting to do for many years, that is become
a really vibrant place.
More to come

271

Thursday 30 October 2014 Amanda Milllar MP tweets:

272

273

Friday 31 October 2014 Sunbury Residents Association tweets:

274

Friday 31 October 2014 Sunbury Leader reports:

http://m.heraldsun.com.au/leader/north/state-government-signs-off-on-new-sunbury-council-interimceo-administrator/story-fnglenug-1227107206542
State Government signs off on new Sunbury Council interim CEO, administrator
NATALIE SAVINO
HUME LEADER
OCTOBER 30, 2014 2:22PM

Former Brimbank Council administrators Joanne Anderson and Meredith Sussex. Pictures: News Limited
UPDATE 4.46pm: LABOR has confirmed it will uphold the State Governments decision to split Sunbury
from Hume if elected this November.
Shadow Local Government Minister Richard Wynne told Leader the Labor Party would stand by the
decision, recognising that it is unprecedented for one municipality to be subsidising another for 10
years.
But he said they would not be seeking to remove the transfer of rates from Hume to Sunbury.
What wed be saying is were going to look at this very carefully going forward because we want to see
that there are quality services ... that existing conditions for staff are maintained, that the population
growth that is predicted happens, and that there are quality services and ratepayers are not being
charged exorbitant rates, Mr Wynne said.
He said it was a job for the Local Government Minister to come up with ways to achieve this, and that
they would be looking at annual reports provided by the auditor general.
Earlier this month, Mr Wynne said they were concerned the proposal was not financially viable.
Labor in office will take more care well monitor the situation and make sure that locals in Sunbury
and Hume arent left behind.
Earlier:
THE State Government has today officially signed off on a new Sunbury council, but the towns spilt from
Hume could still be halted if there is a change in government at next months state election.
The long-awaited Sunbury out of Hume campaign was today gazetted by the State Government, with an
interim chief executive and an administrator appointed.
RELATED:
Hume residents fuming over plan for Sunbury to splinter into separate council
Sunbury City Council to include Bulla, Diggers Rest but not Melbourne Airport

275

DO YOU THINK THE SUNBURY SPLIT WILL GO AHEAD: TELL US BELOW.

But a State Government spokeswoman told Leader plans for the new council could still be thrown out if
Labor wins the November 29 poll.
However, the gazettal will mean Hume Council cannot sell off physical, fixed assets destined for Sunbury.
It also means Hume Council can start putting a Sunbury budget in place by July next year.

Vince Haining has been named interim chief executive for Sunbury.
Should the council go ahead, former Maribyrnong Council chief executive Vince Haining will be the
interim chief executive from July 1 next year and will remain in the position until a permanent chief
executive is appointed.
Mr Haining most recently spent four years at the helm of Maribyrnong before resigning in July, saying at
the time he had achieved his goals and wanted to focus on health and family.
He was previously the general manager of infrastructure services at Maribyrnong and, over 14 years, has
held senior executive positions at both Boroondara and Melbourne councils.
Meanwhile, Joanne Anderson has been appointed administrator and will serve there until council
elections.
Ms Anderson has worked at an executive level on several councils and was chief executive of
Wangaratta Council from 1995-97.
From 2002-03 she served as administrator on Benalla Council, repeating the role in Brimbank alongside
Peter Lewinsky and Meredith Sussex from 2009-2012.
She has also been on the board of a number of groups for government matters including the Municipal
Electoral Tribunal, Victoria Grants Commission and Local Government (Councillor Remuneration Review)
Panel.
Elections for the new council are set for October 22, 2016.
The government confirmed a further two administrators will be appointed ahead of July 1, 2015.
For more see next weeks Leader.

276

Friday 31 October 2014 Andrew Elsbury posts on Facebook:

277

Monday 3 November 2014 Minister for Planning Matthew Guy issues press release:
http://www.premier.vic.gov.au/media-centre/media-releases/11649-funding-boost-for-new-sunburycouncil.html
Funding boost for new Sunbury Council
Monday, 03 November 2014
This week, Planning Minister Matthew Guy announced the approval of Amendment C164 to the Hume
Planning Scheme.
This will amendment rezone 275 Racecourse Road, Sunbury from Farming Zone to General Residential
Zone, enabling much needed land to be unlocked for residential housing.
Mr Guy said 100 per cent of the funds raised from the sale of this land will go directly to the new Sunbury
City Council.
Last month, the Napthine Government accepted the Sunbury out of Hume panel recommendations
regarding the division of assets for the new Sunbury Council. This means the proceeds from the
development at Racecourse Road in Sunbury will be available to the new council.
"The rezoning and sale of this land will put the new Sunbury Council on a firm financial footing," Mr Guy
said.
A $200,000 grant for the Sunbury Town Centre Place-making Project has also been announced.
Liberal candidate for Sunbury Jo Hagan welcomed the funding.
"This will assist with an upgrade to O'Shannassy Street footpaths and improvements to the Sunbury
Village Green with new lighting, plantings, and a memorial garden bed," Ms Hagan said.
"The Napthine Government is helping to provide welcoming public spaces that will benefit everyone who
visits central Sunbury.This funding will help provide an attractive, safe and integrated connection
between community facilities and public spaces in the Sunbury Town Centre, to support our growing
community."
The Community Infrastructure Fund provides funding to local councils in metropolitan Melbourne to plan
and develop infrastructure for Melbourne's fastest growing communities.
Amendment C164 will be gazetted next month. For more information please go to
www.dtpli.vic.gov.au/community-infrastructure-fund

278

Monday 3 November 2014 Northern Weekly reports:

http://www.northernweekly.com.au/story/1813844/sunbury-city-s-birth-an-exciting-day-all-round/
Sunbury City's birth an exciting day all round
Matt Crossman
15:37:PM 03/11/2014

Sunbury City will come into existence on July 1 next year after formal orders were gazetted in State
Parliament.
Local Government Minister Tim Bull said last Thursdays move meant Sunbury would break away from
Hume.
Acting in the final days before the state government went into caretaker mode, Mr Bull also set official
boundaries for both municipalities.
The new city will include Sunbury township, Bulla and parts of Diggers Rest.
The orders also provide for a share for Sunbury of Melbourne Airport rates in lieu revenue for the next
10 years.
The orders formalise the distribution of assets and liabilities between Hume and the new Sunbury
council, as well as ensuring the full proceeds of Racecourse Road Reserve go to the new municipality,
Mr Bull said.
The new council will initially be led by administrator Joanne Anderson, formerly of Brimbank and Benalla
councils, and interim chief executive Vince Haining.
Council elections will be held in 2016.
Sunbury-based Hume councillor Ann Potter said the move was not unexpected but was nevertheless an
emotional one.
Im still digesting it, especially what it means for our [Hume council] staff, she said.
Long-time secession proponent Jack Medcraft said it was the culmination of a 20-year battle.
Im really excited that Sunbury can now do what its been wanting to do for many years: that is,
become a really vibrant place, Cr Medcraft said.
He said he didnt foresee any challenges that a Sunbury council couldnt overcome.
Fifty per cent of Victorian councils are smaller than Sunbury and they survive just fine. Its an exciting
day all round.
Labor has indicated it will not seek to wind back the Sunbury decision should it win next months state
election.
Hume chief executive Domenic Isola said the council accepted Mr Bulls decision. But he said the Sunbury
project remained complicated and many factors had to be worked through.

279

Monday 3 November 2014 Northern Weekly reports:

http://www.northernweekly.com.au/story/1813850/adem-atmaca-takes-charge-as-hume-s-newmayor/
Adem Atmaca takes charge as Hume's new mayor
Lexi Cottee
| 16:43:PM 03/11/2014

Meadows ward councillor Adem Atmaca was sworn in as Humes new mayor last week, a role he has
held previously in his 12 years on the council.
Aitken ward councillor Alan Bolton will serve as deputy mayor.
Their appointments came the day before the Napthine government formally gazetted orders to establish
a new Sunbury City Council from July next year.
Cr Atmaca, affectionately known as Cyclone by fellow councillors for his bull at a gate approach, spoke
of the ongoing challenges the splitting of Sunbury from Hume will pose.
This year will be one of great change for our community, the city and the organisation with the new
Sunbury council taking effect in 2015, Cr Atmaca said.
But I am confident we will continue to operate through this period of change as we have always done
with transparency, sound governance, strong leadership and an unwavering focus on the job at hand
delivering services, projects and programs for our community.
He also foreshadowed his priorities for the year ahead: planning, job creation and sprucing up the
municipality.
I commit to deal with and provide solutions for those issues the community tells us about constantly,
including parking on nature strips, waste disposal and traffic management.
Broadmeadows staggering unemployment rate of 26.4 per cent was also on his agenda.
These unemployment rates are what you would see in Third World countries, yet its here in Hume, he
said, pledging to knock on doors at all levels of government to provide local jobs.
In closing his acceptance speech, Cr Atmaca said to his fellows, in good humour: Lead me or follow me,
or get out of my way.

280

Tuesday 4 November 2014 Sunbury Leader reports:

281

Tuesday 4 November 2014 Sunbury Star Weekly reports:

282

Wednesday 5 November 2014 Jo Hagan posts a Letter to the Editor on Facebook:

283

Friday 7 November 2014 Shadow Local Government Minister writes:

284

Sunday 9 November 2014 Clive Palmer announces candidates to run in the Legislative Assembly at the
State Election, Sunbury Residents Association member Trevor Dance tops the Western Metro ticket:

285

Monday 10 November 2014 Hume City Council passes following motion:

286

Tuesday 11 November 2014 Uni Poll Watch reports:

http://www.unipollwatch.org.au/jo-hagan-liberal-sunbury/
Jo Hagan | Liberal | Sunbury
by latrobeadmin | Nov 11, 2014 | candidate, Sunbury | 0 comments

By Madeleine Luppino, Ned Hunt, Blake Gray and Jackson Baker

Hagan began her first foray into politics a number of years ago. But it was in her role as a member of
Donna Petrovichs McEwan campaign last year that she came to notice. As a key component of the now
Macedon Ranges Liberal candidates assault, Hagan developed a reputation as a motivated individual
and was recognised for her work ethic behind the scenes.
Rhys Evans, a volunteer staffer currently working with the team assisting Hagan in her tilt at the Sunbury
electorate, believes the Liberal party rewarded Hagan for the positive impression she made in 2013.
She really stood out and she really proved herself as someone who was enthusiastic and passionate and
someone who really wanted to win, Evans told UniPollWatch.
Since completing her studies in the early 90s Hagan has immersed herself in a number of different
industries. Tourism, small business, property development and ambulance services all represent
vignettes in Hagans life, enabling her to speak on these topics with authority. Hagans broad line of
work throughout her life has allowed her to better recognise and understand the demands of the
Sunbury community.
A Bachelor of Business and Tourism degree obtained from Charles Sturt University in 1992 kick-started
Hagans passion for the small business and tourism sectors.
She went on to use these skills most recently as secretary of the Romsey Region Business and Tourism
Association (RRBATA) and as a board member of the Daylesford and Macedon Ranges Regional Tourism
Board, until she resigned last year to pursue her political interests.
The RRBATA is a not-for-profit board consisting of a number of local business owners who aim to
promote tourism and growth among small businesses in the Romsey area.

287

Reflecting upon Hagans time as secretary for the RRBATA, President Jenny Stillman distinctly recalls
Hagans active role in initiating community events.
She liked talking to other community groups in town which was great because thats what the RRBATA
aims to do is to promote ties and work together with other groups, Stillman said.
One of the reasons behind joining the RRBATA was for Hagan to continue developing small businesses in
the area which she continues to advocate for as part of her campaigning.
In June 2012 the Sunbury Liberal candidate founded her own small business, Dietary Menu Cards, a
business designed to accommodate for people with food allergies or intolerances when eating out.
Ultimately a decision that has seen her passion for small business flourish and her relationship with local
business owners strengthened.
Underlining Hagans passion for small business was her recent involvement in the Support Small Business
Day which was held in October. A Victorian Government initiative that celebrates the big difference that
small businesses make to local communities
Being a candidate is not easy. Access to funding is a challenge and your life is virtually put on hold. For
six months Jo Hagan has been 100% focused on campaigning for the people of Sunbury.
Shes prepared to sacrifice her business which is what shes done over the last six months thats really
taken a hit, Evans said.
Recently Hagan enjoyed her first taste of success in the political sphere, with a positive outcome in
the Sunbury out of Hume campaign, of which she was a key proponent of.
The reporters are Bachelor of Journalism students at La Trobe University.

288

Tuesday 11 November 2014 Northern Weekly reports:

http://www.northernweekly.com.au/story/1814226/sunbury-council-set-to-have-solid-financial-start
Sunbury council set to have solid financial start
Matt Crossman
09:59:AM 11/11/2014

Sunbury City Council administrator Jo Anderson, member for Western Metropolitan Region Andrew
Elsbury, Jo Hagan, Carmel Scerri and councillor Jack Medcraft. Photo: Supplied
Sunbury council will have a solid financial foundation for its debut following a state government
amendment that guarantees millions of dollars from the sale of 50 hectares of land on Racecourse Road
will go to the new municipality.
Planning Minister Matthew Guy also promised last week $200,000 for town centre upgrades and
improvements to OShannassy Street and Sunbury Village Green.
The now-caretaker government approved an amendment to rezone 275 Racecourse Road, Sunbury, from
farming zone to general residential, allowing much-needed land to be unlocked for residential
housing.
Mr Guy said 100 per cent of money raised from the sale of the land would go to Sunbury council, and not
Hume.
The government recently confirmed Sunbury council will come into existence on July 1 next year. The new
city will include Sunbury township, Bulla and parts of Diggers Rest.
The rezoning and sale of this land will put the new Sunbury council on a firm financial footing, Mr Guy
said.
Sunbury Residents Association president Bernie OFarrell welcomed Mr Guys decision, given that an
initial report by KPMG recommended only 25 per cent of proceeds from the sale go to a Sunbury council.
Were pleased that all the money will go to Sunbury council, Mr OFarrell said. It will contribute
significantly to putting the council on sound terms financially.
Liberal candidate for Sunbury Jo Hagan welcomed funding for town centre upgrades saying it would
provide attractive, safe and integrated community facilities and spaces.

289

Tuesday 11 November 2014 Sunbury Leader reports:

290

Tuesday 11 November 2014 Hume City Council updated webpage states:

http://www.hume.vic.gov.au/About_Us_Contact_Details/Your_Council/Sunbury_Project
November 2014
The Victorian Government has announced that it will establish a new Sunbury City Council to come into
effect from 1 July, 2015.
Victorian Local Government Minister The Hon Tim Bull has issued the changes to the boundaries of Hume
and proclaimed a new municipal district of Sunbury in the Victorian Government Gazette.
The official legislative change was adopted by an Order in Council and signed by the Governor in Council,
which established the change in Victorian law.
For more information, visit the Department of Transport, Planning and Local Infrastructure website.
Key changes to take place include:

The new municipality will be known as the Sunbury City Council and will incorporate the towns of
Sunbury, Wildwood, part of Bulla and areas of Diggers Rest and Clarkefield.

That the northern boundary of the new municipality extend along the existing boundary
between Hume City Council and Macedon Ranges Shire, the western boundary extend from
Jacksons Creek on the northern boundary to the Calder Highway along the existing Hume City
Council boundary, the southern boundary extend along Holden Road to Jacksons Creek and
along the northern boundary of Melbourne Airport and the eastern boundary extend along Deep
Creek until it deviates along Wildwood Road and then back along Deep Creek.

That this boundary incorporates some of the township of Bulla within the municipality but
excludes the land on which Melbourne Airport is located.

That the portion of the suburb of Diggers Rest which is located in the City of Melton be
considered for inclusion in the proposed municipality at a future date, but only after consultation
with the local community.

A panel of three Administrators and interim CEO will be appointed by 1 July, 2015 to head the
new Council until local government elections in October 2016;

The existing Hume City Council to remain in place until elections in October 2016;

The division and allocation of non-physical and moveable assets and liabilities will be on a ratio
of 23.6 per cent of value to the new Sunbury Council and 76.4 per cent to Hume;

Hume City Council to prepare a Budget for the new Council prior to the start of the 2015/2016
financial year, with declared rates and charges;

The pending subdivision and sale of the Racecourse Road project to be allocated to the new
municipality; and

The Melbourne Airport to remain within the boundaries of Hume.

Council's position
While accepting the majority of the recommendations, Hume City Council advocated to the Victorian
Government to re-consider the report.
Under the proposed changes, Hume residents would be forced to fund a new breakaway Sunbury Council
by handing over more than $24.7 million in rates revenue from Melbourne Airport over the next decade.
Council has serious concerns with the Sunbury out of Hume Local Government Report, as it unfairly
supported the establishment of Sunbury Council at the great expense of Hume residents, ratepayers and
business owners.

291

In September 2014, more than 350 Hume residents and stakeholders attended an Interactive
Information Session held at Broadmeadows Town Hall on the issue.
The session encouraged attendees to provide feedback on the proposed changes, ask questions, watch
presentations and view maps and boundaries.

292

Wednesday 12 November 2014 Jo Hagan press release issued:

293

Wednesday 12 November 2014 Sunbury Residents Association tweets:

294

SUNBURY RESIDENTS ASSOCATION

Established 1974
At our November 2014 meeting, the Sunbury Residents Association decided against preparing a Sunbury Candidate
Scorecard and instead to release this list of Victorian election commitments impacting the Sunbury District. It is as
comprehensive as any volunteer organisation can achieve and the database was sent to Liberal and Labor Candidates on 12
November 2014 seeking additional information to inform position unknown areas (highlighted). No responses were
received at 28 November 2014.
It is only a comparison of the Liberal and Labor announcements.
V/Line Services in Sunbury
25 March 2013

Coalition announces Sunbury passengers are to be encouraged to catch Metro services from Sunbury to
Melbourne. However, passengers should not be prevented from boarding V/Line services and there are
currently no plans to alter this agreement.
http://www.macedonranges.starweekly.com.au/story/1386834/mulder-clears-up-sunbury-vlineconfusion/
Labor position unknown.

Public transport fare reform

26 March 2014

Coalition commits to a $100 million policy effective 1 January 2015 to enable commuters in Zone 2 to
travel into Zone 1 at Zone 1 fares.
http://www.premier.vic.gov.au/media-centre/transcripts/9476-full-transcript-of-media-conference-bypremier-denis-napthine-26-march-2014.html
In March 2014 Labor matches the policy.
http://www.theage.com.au/comment/denis-in-drivers-seat-20140329-35qbx.html
In July 2014 Labor withdraws Zone 2 only fare (creating a 44 percent increase for Sunbury commuters
travelling within Sunbury on Sunbury bus lines or on Metro/VLine services as far as Albion, or
Broadmeadows on a Zone 2 fare only)
http://www.premier.vic.gov.au/media-centre/media-releases/10431-labor-reveals-it-will-increase-outersuburban-fares-by-44-per-cent.html

Airport Rail
13 April 2014

Coalition commits to Airport Rail (Sunbury benefits through reduced traffic on Tullamarine Freeway).
http://www.premier.vic.gov.au/media-centre/media-releases/9617-coalition-government-commits-tomelbourne-airport-rail-link-in-state-budget.html
ALP position not to build Airport Rail until after Melbourne Metro built.
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/victoria/herald-sungalaxy-poll-reveals-airport-rail-link-our-toppriority/story-fni0fit3-1226843123689

295

St Albans Grade Separation

27 April 2014

Coalition commits to $200m grade separation of St Albans level crossing (Sunbury benefits by improved
rail services on Sunbury line).
http://www.premier.vic.gov.au/media-centre/media-releases/6617-main-road-st-albans-next-stop-forlevel-crossing-blitz.html
ALP position also supports this removal through their Project 10,000 which was announced 19
November 2013.
http://www.danielandrews.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Victorian-Labors-Project-10000.pdf

Tullamarine Freeway widening

28 April 2014

Coalition commits to Tullamarine Freeway widening (between Melrose Drive and Bolte Bridge) to be
completed by 2017, with construction starting 2015, $850m project funded by Transurban and includes a
freeze on toll increases during construction.
http://www.premier.vic.gov.au/media-centre/media-releases/9727-citylink-tulla-widening-paves-way-toease-congestion.html

9 November 2014 Commonwealth Government commits $250 million for the section north of the existing Transurban
Tullamarine Freeway widening project (see above)
http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/victoria-state-election-2014-premier-denis-napthine-announces250m-for-tullamarine-freeway-20141108-11j0rn.html
ALP position also to widen Tullamarine Freeway announced 19 November 2013 with $250 million
government funded project between Western Ring Road and Melbourne Airport.
http://www.danielandrews.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Victorian-Labors-Project-10000.pdf
Local government rates
4 May 2014

ALP commits to a Fair Go For Ratepayers policy to cap rate increases below inflation and introduce an
independent review mechanism through the Essential Services Commission.
http://www.danielandrews.com.au/media/releases/andrews-announces-fair-go-for-ratepayers/
Coalition position stated in December 2012 Securing Victorias Economy policy they would explore
opportunities to extend the Essential Services Commission regulatory oversight to monopoly entities
including local government. The Coalition has no policy on rate caps below inflation.
http://www.premier.vic.gov.au/images/stories/documents/mediareleases/2012/December/SecuringVict
oriasEconomy.pdf

296

Melbourne Metro/Melbourne Rail Link

6 May 2014

Coalition commits to the $8.5-$11 billion Melbourne Rail Link, including a rail link to Melbourne Airport.
This will see Sunbury services run direct from North Melbourne to Southern Cross, Flinders Street and
onto Pakenham as part of a strategy to segregate Metro train operations creating a 30 per cent capacity
boost. Early works to commence 2016 and be under construction 2017-2026.
http://www.transport.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0016/121255/Melbourne-Rail-Link-Projectoverview.pdf
Labor commits to the original Melbourne Metro alignment that includes underground stations at Arden,
Parkville, CBD North, CBD South and Domain. This will see Sunbury services operate through a new
underground Metro line and onto Pakenham as part of a strategy to segregate Metro train operations
creating rail network capacity boost.

Coalition Metro

Labor Metro

Water rates
11 May 2014

Coalition commits to the Fairer Water Bills initiative funded through water authority savings creating a
bill refund of $100 a year for Melbourne households for each of the next four years.
http://www.premier.vic.gov.au/media-centre/media-releases/9929-coalition-delivers-lower-householdwater-bills-0.html?highlight=YToyOntpOjA7czo1OiJ3YXRlciI7aToxO2k6MTAwO30=
Labor policy unknown.

297

Former Victoria University Sunbury campus

12 May 2014

Coalition commits $60,000 towards plans for a Global Learning Centre in Sunbury and a renewed arts and
cultural facilities at Jacksons Hill.
http://www.premier.vic.gov.au/media-centre/media-releases/9936-first-projects-to-benefit-from-9-3million-community-fund.html

19 Nov 2014

Liberal candidates Jo Hagan and Donna Petrovich (Macedon) publish press release that states both
candidates would push for the site to be used for education and community use.

25 Nov 2014

Labor Candidate Josh Bull states in Sunbury Leader he would push for the site to be used for educational
and community use.
http://leader.newspaperdirect.com/epaper/services/PrintArticle.ashx?issue=68842014112500000000001
001&paper=A3&key=ic7RJQfb+MlVQTpaKkmQE

Lighting Sunburys laneways

22 May 2014

Coalition commits $250,000 towards plans for improved lighting of Sunburys laneways (shared with
Tanderrum Way in Broadmeadows and the Craigieburn Gardens).
https://twitter.com/AmandaMillarMP/status/469331549825945600
http://edwardodonohue.com.au/minister-announces-250000-to-light-the-way-for-a-safer-humecity/#.U47mRfmSwmo
Labor policy unknown.

Calder Park Train Stabling

18 June 2014

Coalition announced construction commenced on $65 million Calder Park train stabling facility.
http://www.premier.vic.gov.au/media-centre/media-releases/10225-65-million-stabling-projectunderway-to-boost-sunbury-line-services.html
Labor position unknown (works are being completed).

Sunbury Secondary College

22 July 2014

Labor commits $3 million to a new Science wing at Sunbury College

http://www.danielandrews.com.au/media/releases/only-labor-will-upgrade-sunbury-college/
Coalition policy unknown

Local Employment & Training

7 August 2014

Labor commits $32 million to Victorias Local Leaning and Employment Networks (LLEN)
http://m.theage.com.au/victoria/state-labor-promises-to-rescue-learning-employment-networks20140807-101hwp.html
Coalition policy unknown

298

St Andrews Kindergarden
30 Sept 2014

Coalition announces $11,000 grant to St Andrews Kindergarten for an upgraded playground and IT admin
support.
https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?id=759392784094717&story_fbid=838503016183693
Labor position unknown.

Sunbury City Council

30 Oct 2014

Coalition Gazettes establishment of Sunbury City Council, effective 1 July 2014.

http://www.premier.vic.gov.au/media-centre/media-releases/11601-napthine-government-delivers-newsunbury-council.html

7 Nov 2014

Labor position outlined in letter from Shadow Minister Richard Wynne who states that whilst Labor has
some concerns about the details of separation the separation has been gazetted by the State
Government and the matter has now been finalised.

OShanassy Street Streetscapes

3 Nov 2014

Coalition announces $200,000 grant for the upgrade of the OShanassy Street footpaths and
improvements to the Sunbury Village Green through the Community Infrastructure Fund.
http://www.premier.vic.gov.au/media-centre/media-releases/11649-funding-boost-for-new-sunburycouncil.html
Labor position unknown.

Vineyard Road Avenue of Honour

12 Nov 2014

Coalition announces $20,000 grant for a feasibility study for an ANZAC Memorial Walk along Vineyard
Road.
https://www.facebook.com/JoHaganSunbury/photos/pcb.871994436167884/871994166167911/?type=1
Labor position unknown.

Womens & Childrens Hospital, Sunshine

12 Nov 2014

Labor committed to build a new $200 million Western Womens and Childrens Hospital in Sunshine.
https://www.viclabor.com.au/media-releases/labor-to-build-womens-and-childrens-hospital-for-thewest/
Coalition policy unknown

299

Boardman Reserve
18 Nov 2014

Coalition commits $50,000 to upgrade lighting at Boardman Reserve to phase-three power

http://www.northernweekly.com.au/story/1828036/sunbury-boardman-reserve-oval-upgrade-fundspromised/
Labor position unknown.

Sunbury Bus Services

20 Nov 2014

Labor Shadow Minister for Transport, Jill Hennessy announced Bus Route 486 Sunbury-Rolling Meadows
will have added frequencies under the $100m 'Bus Boost to fill Gaps in Growth Areas fund'
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Josh-Bull-For-Sunbury/460482267395695?hc_location=timeline
https://www.viclabor.com.au/media-releases/labors-100-million-bus-boost-to-fill-the-gaps-in-growthareas/
Coalition policy unknown

Melb Uni Shuttle Bus

20 Nov 2014

Labor announces a new, off-peak shuttle from Footscray station to Parkville, improving access for
students travelling to Melbourne University, RMIT University and the health precinct. This shuttle will also
improve access for commuters travelling on V/Line services on the Bendigo, Ballarat and Geelong lines
which no longer stops at North Melbourne (and connected to the highly popular North MelbourneParkville bus service).
http://www.danielandrews.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/Labors-Plan-for-Victorias-BusNetwork-FINAL.pdf
Coalition policy unknown

300

Thursday 13 November 2014 Palmer United press release issued:

http://palmerunited.com/2014/11/pledge-improve-tertiary-campus-numbers-west-2/

Pledge to improve tertiary campus numbers in the west

Media Release
Palmer United candidate for the Western Metropolitan Region, Trevor Dance, says he will press for a
complete review of tertiary facilities if elected to the Legislative Council on 29 November.
Mr Dance said a lack of access to tertiary education campuses in the west was a major impediment to
fair and equitable education in Victoria
Fewer than six operating university, TAFE or higher education campuses currently exist west of the
Hume Highway. East of the Hume that number is five times greater with more than 30 campuses in
operation, Mr Dance said.
The Palmer United Party will ensure a review of unused campuses in the west is undertaken and that
many, if not all, will be re-opened as well as new ones proposed.
Committed to improved tertiary education options for all Victorians, Mr Dance said the Palmer United
Party will also push to have the Victorian University Campus in Sunbury reopened as a first step in this
process.
ENDS
For further information please contact Trevor Dance on 0413 822 214

301

Sunday 16 November 2014 Palmer United launches campaign with focus on education:
http://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2014/nov/16/victorian-election-clive-palmer-targetseducation-health-and-zonal-tax-system
Victorian election: Clive Palmer targets education, health and zonal tax system
Leader says Victoria needs the PUP in a kingmaker role to pressure the main parties to invest in
education and says corruption commission Ibac needs more teeth
Sunday 16 November 2014 16.40 +11:00
The Palmer United party (PUP) has named education and health its top priorities in launching a Victorian
election campaign focused on gaining the balance of power in the upper house.
Party leader Clive Palmer said he wanted to duplicate what the PUP had done in the federal Senate.
It doesnt matter which party forms government in the lower house of Victoria, Victoria needs Palmer
United party to hold the balance of power [in the Legislative Council], he said.
If PUP achieves its aim it will do all that it can to push Labor and the Liberals to invest in education,
Palmer said.
He said he also wanted to see hospital waiting lists cut.
A previously flagged PUP policy of reintroducing a zonal taxation system to reduce income tax rates in
rural and regional areas could get a start in Victoria, Palmer told the launch.
There was a time in Australia where we had zonal taxation which meant people living in remote areas
or disadvantaged areas of the country received a lower level of personal income taxation, Palmer said.
We think that we could work with our senators in Victoria and pressure the state government and the
federal government to bring that change about.
He said an elected Victoria PUP member would also introduce a private members bill to strengthen
Victorias Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (Ibac).
We want to change Ibac into [NSW body the Independent Commission Against Corruption] Icac and give
it some more teeth, Palmer said.
We think that there should be more powers there because whats been demonstrated in NSW is
probably also true in Victoria.
Ibacs been spectacularly unsuccessful.
The party has not nominated a Victorian leader, but its Western Metropolitan candidate, Trevor Dance,
has been appointed the representative for all candidates.
He said the PUPs Senate performance showed the party had a track record of delivering results.
Dance said: Palmer United will scrutinise legislation carefully and be prepared to upset the agenda of
whichever government is elected.
Victorians will go to the polls on 29 November.
The premier, Denis Napthine, said he wasnt interested in Palmers intervention in Victorian politics. He
said: My message would be to Clive Palmer: concentrate on Queensland, concentrate on doing your job
as a member of the federal parliament and perhaps he should turn up to parliament occasionally.

302

Monday 17 November 2014 Sunbury Leader reports:

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/north/future-funding-for-sunbury-council-high-priority-ahead-ofstate-election/story-fnglenug-1227124012540
Future funding for Sunbury Council high priority ahead of state election
BARRY KENNEDY
SUNBURY LEADER
NOVEMBER 17, 2014 12:00AM
HOW a future Sunbury Council will be funded remains high on the priority list for candidates in new
electorate Sunbury.
All seven candidates, including two independents, were drawn on their opinions on the Sunbury out of
Hume issue when quizzed by Leader in pre-election questions without notice.
For some, the existing proposal of a 23.6 per cent share of Melbourne Airports revenue redirected from
Hume Council to Sunbury for a decade was the ideal model.
Independent candidate and Hume councillor Jack Medcraft said he would fight for that funding model to
be maintained irrespective of which party won office.
Thats the model and I do not want it played with either and we cannot get answers from certain
parties, Cr Medcraft said.
Im going to be saying thats what was gazetted, thats what we want coming through and I will be
demanding it to be done.
Labor candidate Josh Bull said Sunbury out of Hume would go ahead should the party be elected, but
would not be drawn on whether airport rates would support it.
A Labor government will ensure we get the fairest possible outcome for everyone, Mr Bull said.
As weve stated to you guys and others: we are not opposing it but we will certainly monitor it if we are
lucky enough to be elected on November 29.
Australian Christians candidate Charles Williams, from Tullamarine, said his constituents wanted the
idea scrapped, claiming pensioners and the unemployed in the Hume municipality were already
struggling with the burden of high rates.
Liberal candidate Jo Hagan said from her perspective the commitment was already delivered while Voice
for the West candidate Vern Hughes agreed the process seemed a soundly considered one, given the
need for extra money in the separations transition.
South Melbourne-based Greens candidate Ella Wood was less certain when quizzed on what is
arguably the Sunburys seats major issue, she said she would need to refer to the partys media adviser
before commenting.

303

Monday 17 November 2014: UniPoll Watch reports:

http://www.unipollwatch.org.au/josh-bull-labor-sunbury/
Josh Bull | Labor | Sunbury
by latrobeadmin | Nov 17, 2014 | candidate | 0 comments

By Ingrid Vaughan
Josh Bull cuts a sharp figure as he enters the caf wearing a cool dark suit and sunglasses. As he sits
down he explains that hes come from a meeting with a local farmer about a sewerage problem on his
property.
I should have worn jeans and a t-shirt. I feel more comfortable in jeans and a t-shirt, he says modestly.
When Bulls parent first moved to the area in 1970, the family home sat amid vast green paddocks. As
communities expanded around this early development, Sunbury began to flourish. In the last 10 to 15
years Sunbury has experienced massive growth, with more predicted to follow. Bull believes witnessing
this growth first hand will help him in his campaign.
I think that having experienced Sunbury as a resident, student, worker and now as a candidate does
give me a unique insight into what the community wants and needs, says Bull. Ive grown up on its
streets with my friends, learnt in its schools, worked locally and played my heart out on the sports field.
At first sight, the most obvious thing about Bull is his relative youth. At 29, hes one of the younger
candidates in the state race. Like most people his age, he supports same-sex marriage and gender
equality but he sees himself as having much more to offer.
In the past, Bulls youth may have been viewed as a political liability. However, rather than shying away
from it, Bull embraces it as a positive aspect of his campaign.
To be a progressive and effective Parliament, its members need to reflect our community as a whole
whether youre 28 or 68, male or femaleSociety is not made up entirely of wealthy, middle-aged white
men and its important that our members of parliament reflect that, he says.
What Bull lacks in age, he makes up for in political experience. He got his first real taste of politics at the
tender age of 15 when he opted to spend his grade 10 work experience in Liz Beatties office. Beattie
the current Member for Yuroke was the Member for Tullamarine in those days and she remembers Bull
fondly:
Josh was and is a confident, engaging young man even in year 10. He was a self starter and was
highly motivated. I always thought that whatever his chosen path, it would involve working with
people.

304

For Bull, the die was cast. He had experienced firsthand the difference politics could make in peoples
lives and it left a lasting impression. After graduating from Deakin University in 2008 with a degree in
science and education, Bull worked for a couple of years before the lure of politics became too hard to
resist.
He worked as secretary of the ALPs Craigieburn branch and volunteered on several Labor campaigns. In
2013 he worked full-time on Rob Mitchells campaign for the Federal seat of McEwan.
It was an experience that helped me grow personally and professionally and, while it was certainly not
the first campaign that Ive run, it was the largest and perhaps the hardest. To be able to walk away with
a close win in an extremely marginal seat was definitely a highlight, he says.
The redivision that created the new electorate of Sunbury also provided Bull the perfect opportunity to
fulfil his political ambition. He was nominated unopposed by the ALP at the end of 2013 and has been in
campaign mode ever since.
Unsurprisingly, Bulls background in education means he has strong ideas about education policy and
how it should benefit Sunbury. He and the ALP have been highly critical of the Liberal governments cuts
to TAFE. In Sunbury, 17.2 per cent of the workforce is employed in a trade so further cuts to TAFE could
have negative effects on the local economy and lead to a higher unemployment rate.
The ALPs Back to School policy hopes to address this by building 10 new tech schools across the state to
support students in Years 7 to 12. Well also set up a $320 million TAFE Rescue fund to re-open closed
campuses, bail out stricken institutes and upgrade TAFE buildings, workshops, labs and classrooms.
As a way of assuring the success of these policy developments, Labor will also conduct a funding review
to ensure stable funding methods to improve Victorias training system, something Bull feels is an
absolute necessity for Sunbury. This review will also include a crackdown on dodgy training providers
who misuse public funds to grant meaningless qualifications.
Bull is aware that Sunburys location on the outer edge of suburban Melbourne means public transport is
an important issue for locals. The Napthine governments proposed changes to the rail network would
divert Sunbury trains from the city loop and Bull is less than impressed.
I have been campaigning very hard on this issue. Currently services from Sunbury travel directly through
the city loop. Under Denis Napthines plan, services from Sunbury will terminate at Southern Cross and
commuters will be forced to change trains, he says.
Labors transport policy will ensure commuters from Sunbury and Diggers Rest still have access to the
city loop something Labor has identified as needing improvement.
Our Melbourne Metro Rail will solve one of the biggest problems facing public transport in the state:
the capacity of the city loop. Well double the size of the city loop and build five new underground
stations in and around the CBD and also near the Parkville precinct, he says.
While education and transport are two important election issues, Bull knows there are other concerns
that are equally important to his constituents. Throughout his campaign, he and his team have
canvassed thousands of homes to ask exactly what those concerns might be. The positive response to
this engagement is a sure sign that hes on the right track. Coupled with his extensive knowledge of local
politics, Bull should feel quietly confident.
I have spent the last eight years working day in and day out with the people in our state, on both a local
and federal level. I feel confident in my ability to effectively represent our community.
Bulls engagement with the community has made him aware of what the residents of the Sunbury
electorate expect from their elected member. With his extensive local knowledge and his personable
approach, he is ready for anything.
Additional reporting by Declan Boffa, Sarah Burns and Jordan Witte. The reporters are Bachelor of
Journalism students at La Trobe University.

305

Tuesday 18 November 2014 Sunbury Leader reports:

306

Tuesday 18 November 2014 Sunbury Leader advertisements from Liberal & Labor candidates:

307

Tuesday 18 November 2014 Sunbury Leader published online Candidates Database:

http://m.heraldsun.com.au/leader/north/victorian-election-candidates-feel-the-heat-during-statewideonthespot-questioning/story-fnglenug-1227124812949#hs-candidate-db

308

309

310

311

312

313

314

Tuesday 18 November 2014 Sunbury Leader reports:

315

Tuesday 25 November 2014 Sunbury Leader reports:

316

Tuesday 25 November 2014 Sunbury Leader reports:

317

Tuesday 25 November 2014 Sunbury Leader reports:

318

Tuesday 25 November 2014 Sunbury Leader includes advertisement from Australian Services Union
and their campaign Sunbury and Hume Better Together:

319

Sunbury and Hume Better Together begins posting photos on Facebook page of mobile election
campaign trailer:

320

321

322

Thursday 27 November 2014 Sunbury and Hume Better Together posts on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/sunburyandhumebettertogether

323

Saturday 29 November 2014 State Election with 29 year old Labor candidate Josh Bull elected the
inaugural Member for Sunbury District (in a newly created seat) and Andrews Labor Government
elected.

324

Saturday 29 November 2014 Sunbury Star Weekly reports:

http://www.macedonranges.starweekly.com.au/story/1828906/state-election-sunbury-labor-s-joshbull-tipped-to-win/
State election | Sunbury: Labors Josh Bull tipped to win
Matt Crossman
| 19:49:PM 29/11/2014

Josh Bull . Photo: Supplied

Jo Hagan. Photo: Supplied

UPDATE: The ABC has declared that ALP candidate Josh Bull will win the new seat of Sunbury.
Electoral commission figures show Mr Bull, with 46 per cent of first preference votes, leads Liberal
candidate Jo Hagan (36 per cent) with about 10 per cent of votes counted.
Sunbury Liberal candidate Jo Hagan voted prepoll earlier this week.
A spokeswoman says shes exhausted after an extremely busy day, but pleased to receive a fantastic
reception, especially in Tullamarine where she handed out more than 500 how-to-vote cards.
Shes worked that southern part of the electorate, which has been forgotten about by Labor, very hard
indeed.
More to come

325

Sunday November 30 2014 Successful Labor candidate for Sunbury posts:

326

Monday 1 December 2014 Daniel Andrews, Premier-Elect on ABC television interviewed by 730
Reports Leigh Sales, some of his comments retweeted by Sunbury Residents Association:

327

Tuesday 2 December 2014: Sunbury Residents Association tweets:

328

Wednesday 3 December 2014: Daniel Andrews in his first Caucus Meeting as Premier-Elect states:
Now more than ever, Australia needs political leadership that keeps its word

Wednesday 3 December 2014: Daniel Andrews writes in the Herald Sun:

He (Tony Abbott) encouraged me to break my promise not to proceed with the East West Link. Thats
old politics and I wont have a bar of it. I wont say one thing before an election and another after it.

329

Thursday 4 December 2014: Andrews Labor Government sworn in at Government House, key changes
include the promotion of long standing Local Government Shadow Minister Richard Wynne to become
Minister for Planning and the elevation of Member for Sydenham Natalie Hutchins as Minister for
Local Government, Aboriginal Affairs, Industrial Relations.

330

Wednesday 10 December 2014: Sunbury Residents Association Annual General Meeting considers the
year in review an exciting year and elects a new 2015 Committee to build on a year of growth.
www.tinyurl.com/SRA2015Committee
Media Release: Sunbury Residents Association
10 December 2014
Sunbury set for growth in 2015
The Sunbury Residents Association today elected new office bearers for 2015 which is shaping up as a
year of growth for Sunbury.
The Sunbury Residents Association was formed in 1974 and includes a broad range of members, all of
whom are passionate Sunbury residents.
The new office bearers for 2015 are:
President
Vice President
Secretary
Assistant Secretary
Treasurer
Publicity Officer
Committee positions

Bernie OFarrell
Wendy Walters
Bryce Letcher
Peter Free
Louise Attard
Trevor Dance
Malcolm Thompson
Roy Weir
Don Gamble
Dwayne Barker
William Hewitt
Jack Medcraft

Building on the October 2013 Sunbury Poll where over two thirds of Sunbury residents who voted want
their own Shire (67%) and 60 percent across the broader Hume municipality supported Sunburys
secession, 2014 was an exciting year in Sunburys history, highlights included:

The Victorian Government established a Sunbury out of Hume Local Government Panel on 17
February 2014

The Sunbury Community Consultative Committee was formed and held public forums and reported
on 30 April 2014

The Local Government Panel received 70 public submissions and reported on 30 June 2014

The Government Gazette was published on 30 October 2014

The State Election for the newly created Sunbury District was held on 29 November 2014

With Sunbury in its own new electorate and Sunbury City Council to be operational on 1 July, 2015 is
shaping up as a year of growth for Sunbury, Mr OFarrell said.
The Sunbury Residents Association looks forward to working the Administrator and Chief Executive
Officer of Sunbury City Council on the realisation of Sunbury out of Hume.
Sunbury Residents Association President Bernie OFarrell thanked retiring Vice President Lawrence Seyers
for his contribution throughout 2014.
Further information: Bernie OFarrell 0409 254 785

331

Appendix 1:

Sunbury out of Hume Community Consultative Committee Report, May 2014

Available at: http://tinyurl.com/SOOHCCC (2.3MB)

Appendix 2:

Sunbury Residents Association Hume Council 2014/15 Budget submission, 14 May 2014
Available at: http://tinyurl.com/SRAHCCbudgetsubmission (5.1MB)

Appendix 3:

Sunbury out of Hume Local Government Panel Report, 9 September 2014

Available at: http://tinyurl.com/SunburyPanel2014 (1.64MB)

Appendix 4:

Hume City Council Sunbury Project Community Survey, 15 October 2014

Available at: http://tinyurl.com/HCCcommunitysurvey (3.12MB)

Appendix 5:

Gazettal Notice to establish Sunbury City Council, 30 October 2014 (pages 2574-2581)
Available at: http://tinyurl.com/SCCgazette (2.95 MB)

Appendix 6:

Sunbury out of Hume Chronology (pre-2014)

Attached

332

Sunbury out of Hume Chronology (pre 2014)

Historical
September 1862

Bulla Road District established (celebrated 150th anniversary in 2012)

March 1866

Bulla Road District became Shire of Bulla

February 1956

Shire of Bulla offices moved from Bulla to Sunbury

1994-1997 Amalgamations
October 1994

Local Government Boards Middle and Outer Melbourne: Interim Report recommended
part of the Shire of Bulla east of Deep Creek become part of the proposed Hume City
Council, and the part of the Shire of Bulla west of Deep Creek (including the Sunbury
township but excluding the Diggers Rest area west of the Calder Highway) be
considered as part of the North-Central Victoria Review.
During the fast pace of local government amalgamations, a decision had already been
made in August 1994 (prior to the Local Government Boards Middle and Outer
Melbourne: Interim Report) to not include Sunbury in the Terms of Reference for the
North-Central Victoria Review.

November 1994

Middle and Outer Melbourne: Final Report released recommending all of the present
Shire of Bulla, with the exception of the area west of the Calder Freeway at Diggers
Rest, should be included in the proposed Hume City Council. Following the release of
the North-Central Review Interim Report, 1,200 letters were received from Sunbury
residents seeking inclusion of the township in the proposed Macedon Ranges.

15 December 1994

Hume City Council was gazetted, Councillors dismissed, Commissioners appointed

described by the Minister for Local Government as the most significant structural
change in the history of Victoria.

By May 1997

All Councils had re-elected Councillors.

333

1999 Election
November 1999

Bracks Government elected and in a letter to the Sunbury Residents Association,

promised a poll of Sunbury residents about de-amalgamation (see below).

334

2000-2004
June 2000

State Government commissioned a Local Government Panel with two commissioners to

consider de-amalgamation, thirty-five submissions received.

October 2000

Panel report completed, concluding that a Sunbury Shire would only be viable if rates
were increased by 63 percent or services reduced significantly. Further conclusions of
the report were that a Sunbury Shire would:
Have an operating deficit of $2.13 million and after capital works a total deficit of
$3.74 million;
Require an increased rate of $363 per property (all classes of property); and
Require a one-off establishment cost of $2.06 million for considerable legal,
industrial and accounting hurdles.
NOTE: All these conclusions were later challenged and since 2000, Average Rates and
Charges in Hume increased well beyond the 63 percent expected to support a Sunbury
Shire.

March 2002

Sunbury Residents Association engaged Jon Hickman to prepare a critique of the Panel
report. Mr Hickman was the Deputy Secretary of the Department of Infrastructure and
was responsible for planning and local government functions during the period 19961999. Report concluded:
The methodology used by the Panel was deficient in a number of aspects,
particularly the financial analysis which was based on questionable assumptions
and often lacked supporting evidence.
The forecasts of revenue and expenditures was deficient in detail and content and
the Panel conclusions are based on a one year snapshot of Hume budget
estimates, that later proved to be inaccurate.

August 2004

Hume City Council sponsored a telephone survey of 350 Sunbury residents in

conjunction with Leader Newspapers found 80 percent supported the creation of a
Shire of Sunbury.

2000-2004

The plebiscite of Sunbury residents (promised in 1999) was never held.

2006-2007
November 2006

Liberal Party State Election campaign policy A Liberal Plan to Revitalise Local
Government stated:
In the City of Hume, a long campaign has sought to separate Sunbury from Hume City
Council due to major differences between the residents of Sunbury and Broadmeadows.
The Liberal Government will:
Appoint an independent panel to investigate and report within 12 months on
potential municipal restructure of Sunbury as a stand-alone Council;
Submit final recommendations, including costs of de-amalgamation, to residents to
enable informed decisions to be made before a plebiscite is conducted; and
If restructures are supported by residents, submit final recommendations of
potential municipal restructures to the State Government for implementing
changes to the Local Government Act to permit election of councillors in Sunbury at
the November 2008 elections.

January 2007

Hume City Council consolidated all staff in the Broadmeadows office, closing the
Sunbury Administration Centre, which had been home to the Shire of Bulla since 1956.

335

2009 Research Thesis

October 2009

Research thesis completed by Lawrence Seyers from Victoria University that looked at a
number of aspects of local government reform, particularly the governance of Sunbury
and the arguments surrounding de-amalgamation.

2010 Election
November 2010

Coalitions Victorian Election campaign adopted the policy Sunbury out of Hume: Your
say guaranteed which sought to provide Sunbury residents with a vote on deamalgamation.

2011
October 2011

Minister for Local Government commissions the Sunbury Project:

Thursday 27 October 2011
Sunbury services under scrutiny
Minister for Local Government Jeanette Powell has announced an independent audit of
the level of local government services provided to the residents and ratepayers of
Sunbury by Hume City Council.
The independent audit is part of the Coalition Governments election commitment to
allow the community of Sunbury to decide if it should remain part of the Hume City
Council.
A state government tender will be let to assess the level of services provided to Sunbury
in comparison with those provided to the rest of the municipality.
The audit will use an evidence-based approach to look at whether Sunbury residents
are receiving an appropriate share of the Hume City Councils overall delivery of services
and infrastructure, Mrs Powell said.
This review is about establishing the facts on service delivery for Sunbury and is
designed to ensure the people of Sunbury are able to make an informed decision about
their future.
The co-operation of the Council was essential in this process and Im pleased the Hume
City Council will willingly open its books for independent assessment of the level of
services it delivers to the people of Sunbury, Mrs Powell said.
Member for Northern Victoria Donna Petrovich welcomed the announcement of the
tender.
An independent review is an important step in fulfilling the Coalition Governments
election commitment to provide the people of Sunbury with a vote on the possible
secession from Hume City Council, Mrs Petrovich said.
The independent review will help ensure equity in the delivery of services for the
community of Sunbury.
The independent audit will be conducted following a select tender process and it is
anticipated the project will commence in November and conclude in 2012.

336

2013
February 2013

Minister for Local Government released the Stage 1 KPMG report Hume City Councils
Service Provision in Sunbury 2012 (NOTE: this report has been discredited in a number
ways, including its assumptions, lack of independence, lack of peer-review, its selective
use of data/case studies and misrepresentation of key indicators such as strategic
planning indicator).

May 2013

Minister for Local Government announced a 25 October 2013 plebiscite date

May 2013

Hume City Council adopts the 2013-14 Budget forecasting a 6.5% rate increase in
2013/14 and 5.3% for each of the following three years (total increase over four years of
22.4%). Rates increases justified to support an extra $20 million on employee costs and
an extra 37 staff (p. 92 and p. 97 of Councils 13/5/13 agenda papers). In addition, debt
expected to balloon from $14 million in 2012/13 to $36 million in 2016/17 - with $20.7
million of new borrowings (p. 98 of agenda papers). This increase comes as the standard
measure of Average Rates and Charges per Assessment at Hume City Council has risen
from $684 in 1998-99 (the last year of the Kennett Government) to $1,669 in 2012-13
(see attached graph). An increase of 144% - when CPI in that same timeframe has only
risen by 50%.

Source: Hume City Council Annual Reports (to 2012-13), Hume City Council 2012-13 Budget (forecasts), 13/5/13.

337

Source: ABS Cat. 6401.0 Consumer Price Index, Australia, Time Series Index Numbers; All groups CPI.
28 May 2013

Minister for Local Government invites the community to make submissions to a key
report on the cost of establishing a separate Sunbury Shire which was described as a
review into the cost and feasibility of establishing a separate shire.

4 July 2013

Minister for Local Government invited all Hume residents and ratepayers to comment
on three potential ballot paper questions.

31 July 2013

Minister for Local Government releases the KPMG report entitled Impact of Potential
Secession of Sunbury from Hume, which was intended to help inform Sunbury and Hume
residents and ratepayers of the potential cost of separating Sunbury from the City of
Hume. Based on a number of untested assumptions the report found:
a one-off cost of establishing a new Sunbury shire of between $3.5 million and $4.4
million;

5.3 per cent projected annual rate rise for current Hume City Council over next four
years;

an additional 8.9 per cent annual rate rise for Hypothetical Sunbury (total 14.2 per
cent);

a reduced 1.5 per cent annual rate impact for Hypothetical Hume (total 3.8 per
cent).

(NOTE: This report has been questioned, particularly its assumptions and testing of only
one hypothetical scenario).
28 August 2013

Minister for Local Government announced the Sunbury Poll question will be: To
establish a new Shire of Sunbury. Are you in favour of the proposal? Yes or No.

338

17 September 2013

Sunbury Residents Association holds community meeting at packed Sunbury Memorial

Hall. Facilitated by former Sunbury Traders Association President Lance Futcher,
speakers included Sunbury Residents Association President Bernie OFarrell, former
Sunbury Place Manager Lawrence Seyers, former Shire of Bulla Engineer John
McKerrow, and current Sunbury Ward Councillors Jack Ogilvie, Jack Medcraft and Ann
Potter.
https://soundcloud.com/3nrg-fm/vote-yes-4-sunbury-meeting

26 October 2013

Victorian Electoral Commission counted the Sunbury Poll ballots and over two thirds of
Sunbury residents want their own Shire with the Sunbury postcode recording a
resounding 67 percent Yes vote. The remainder of Hume Council also voted a
resounding Yes vote with a 60 percent across the municipality. Key suburbs and their
Yes vote are shown below:

Bulla
64 percent

Diggers Rest
64 percent

Craigieburn, Roxburgh Park

59 percent

Keilor, Gladstone Park

58 percent

Attwood, Westmeadows
57 percent

Broadmeadows
56 percent

Campbellfield
56 percent

Coolaroo, Meadow Heights

56 percent

Greenvale
55 percent
Over 60,000 votes were received by the Victorian Electoral Commission to the voluntary
postal ballot from an eligible enrolment of 118,665. Voter turnout was much higher
than expected. The postal ballot was tallied by postcodes to identify the level of support
in various areas of Hume.

29 October 2013

Minister for Local Government announced she is considering the results.

27 November 2013

Minister for Local Government announces the Victorian Government would deliver on
the wishes of the Sunbury community to separate from the City of Hume and that an
announcement would be made in the New Year on the composition of the panel and its
terms of reference.

339