Skip to main content

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to some of the more frequently asked questions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Follow the links below to find out more about the following topics: 

Rates 

4 September 2023: Council's rates notices have been mailed. If you have not yet received your rates notice, you should receive it within the coming days. For further information on your rates, please click the link above. 

Kangaroo management at O'Herns Road, Epping

Cat confinement and desexing

Glass recycling

 

The City of Whittlesea, as with many other councils in Victoria, has in recent months experienced an increase in questions during Public Question Time at its Council Meetings. Many of these questions relate to the same few topics.

In the interests of ensuring all residents have the opportunity to ask questions in accordance with the rules governing Public Question Time, Council refers questioners to the following previously supplied responses.

Please select each item to read more.

The 20-minute neighbourhood is a Victorian Government planning framework based on the idea that well-planned and well-designed communities should offer as many services as possible for people at all stages of life as close to home as possible.

Council is always working to improve connectivity, accessibility and freedom of movement for all people whether they are driving, cycling, walking or taking public transport. This commitment is enshrined in Council’s long-term vision Whittlesea 2040: A Place for All.

Council wants to make it easier for residents to go about their lives without having to spend excessive time or money on travel, which is why it is an advocate for regional road and rail projects to improve safety and efficiency.

In no way does the 20-minute neighbourhood framework seek to restrict movement.

The use of Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) surveillance for public safety and protecting public assets is now quite common place.

The City of Whittlesea does have CCTV cameras located in public spaces such as council offices, pools, libraries, performing art centres and waste management facilities.

Council’s CCTV Policy governs the use of these cameras in line with the Privacy and Protection Act 2014 which sets out information privacy principles that apply when public sector agencies including councils collect personal information that enables individuals to be identified.

Telecommunication facilities in Australia must meet strict requirements set by the Australian Communications & Media Authority (ACMA) and Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA).

The City of Whittlesea does not own any 5G infrastructure.

The Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) sets limits for exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic energy (EME) from mobile phone networks and wireless devices. These limits are based on extensive scientific analysis.

It is the role of the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) to regulate communications equipment and devices that emit EME to ensure emissions meet ARPANSA standards.

In Australia, under the constitution, the states are granted powers to govern and make laws. This power includes the creation of Victoria’s Constitution Act 1975 under which local government councils are established.

The City of Whittlesea is one of 79 councils in Victoria. Councils are a tier of government under the Constitution Act 1975 and the Local Government Act 2020.

As a local government, Council has roles and responsibilities under more than 100 acts and regulations. Local laws can be developed by Council to deal with important community safety, peace and order issues such as public health, management of council property, environment and amenity.

The City of Whittlesea has no affiliation, membership or agreement with the United Nations and receives no financial support or benefits from this organisation.