Dig for victory- John Rosser took action last week to clear one of what he says are many blocked drains in Healesville. Joining him in forming an ‘action group’ are Arthur Harford, Jim Melrose, Alan M

By Kath Gannaway
A GROUP of Healesville residents will form an action group to address what they say is growing discontent with Yarra Ranges Council’s maintenance of roads and drains.
John Rosser, a former Shire of Healesville roadworks employee and one of the drivers behind the move said a public meeting last month was attended by 32 people who supported the proposal, and 20 people who were concerned enough to phone and put in an apology.
Mr Rosser said the group would meet to form a committee this week with a further public meeting scheduled for later this month to hear from residents and consolidate an action plan.
Jim Melrose, a former Shire of Healesville councillor said Healesville had not been getting the attention it deserved and that it was reflected in the state of the roads and drains around Ryrie Ward which takes in Healesville, Badger Creek and Chum Creek.
“We don’t want Healesville to be the backwater of the shire,” he said adding that the size of the shire, and the individual wards was part of the problem.
“We had nine councillors for three ridings (in the old Healesville Shire) and the whole shire was smaller than the existing Ryrie Ward,” he said.
“Even if the ward councillor was super efficient, they could not possible reach everyone and get on top of all the problems,” he said.
Mr Rosser told the Mail the original direction of forming a ratepayer’s group to look at the bigger picture of what Yarra Ranges Council spends ratepayers’ money on, and the services they provide, has been put on hold.
“We are just focusing on roads, drainage and maintenance at this stage,” he said.
“We know the wet weather is unavoidable, but what we are saying is that it has shown up the problems and lack of maintenance and nobody seems to be listening.”
Val Owen said the group would have a ‘watchdog’ role but would start with the basic issues affecting residents. “We want to make people aware of issues within the council and as residents, not just ratepayers, how we can effect change.
“Having this type of watchdog group I think will make council more aware that there are people out there who do take an interest in what’s going on,” Ms Owen said.
Ryrie Ward councillor Jeanette McRae said council had not received any formal advice of a ratepayers or action group but welcomed community involvement and feedback.
“If such a group is established and they wish to get in touch with council, we will be happy to sit down with them and discuss any issues they may wish to present, and possible solutions,” Cr McRae said.
The public meeting will be held at the Badger Creek Old School Building, Wednesday, 25 May, at 7.30pm.