SDL Inc. works in close alliance with Yarra Ranges Heritage Network YRHN. This is a SDL report to the the YRHN - 14th February 2026, prepared by SDL Inc. Secretary Carolyn Ebdon.
After enjoying the summer break, SDL Committee are preparing for our first committee meeting of the year next Wednesday 18th Feb.
SDL's 75th Anniversary - October 2025
In recognition of our recent milestone anniversary, the Member for Monbulk, Daniela De Martino gave a speech to the Victorian Parliament (recorded in Hansard) and this was followed by a congratulatory letter from the Premier Jacinta Allen. At our last committee meeting a staff member from Daniela De Martino's office came and presented us with a lovely Certificate of Appreciation Award.
Lysterfield Valley Landfill Proposal - 465 Lysterfield Rd
After approx. 22 days of hearing last year, spread out over several months, the VCAT Hearing concluded on 16th September. However, we have not yet received notification of the decision by the Tribunal.
Place of Worship YR-2024/765, 804 Belgrave-Hallam Road Narre Warren East
Use and development of land for a Place of Worship, associated vegetation removal and alteration of access to a Transport Zone 2.
SDL submitted an objection to YR Council on 1st October 2025, and Council's refusal was announced on 24th November. Last week we received notification of the VCAT appeal, with a compulsory conference to be held in April and hearing dates set down for early July.
Montrose Quarry - Proposed Extension of 30 acres
This application was lodged directly with the Minister for Planning, Sonya Kilkenny.
There has been a petition running :-
https://www.change.org/.../stop-the-montrose-quarry...
On 4th Feb 2026, the Minster determined that the proposed expansion of the Quarry will require a full Environmental Effects Statement (EES).
Birdsland - Memorial for Betty Marsden OAM
There has been no progress over the summer break with the proposed memorial and associated interpretative signage.
Betty's Memorial Tree - Plaque
The planting of Betty's tree took place last May (at Birdsland) and we are currently investigating options for a commemorative plaque which we hope will be installed soon.
Burnham Beeches
No further news.
Archive Storage - Monbulk Hub
We have been able to engage archivist Dr. Mike Jones to help us sort and catalogue the material in storage at the Monbulk Hub. He is due to begin on Monday 23rd February.
Ross Whitford (1940-2025).
We were saddened to hear before Christmas of the passing of Ross Whitford.
A resident of Monbulk for many years, he was an artist and an environmentalist, and a member of Sherbrooke Lyrebird Study Group as well as Save the Dandenongs League.
As a valued member of the League, he served on the committee for more than 20 years, first in the role of secretary and then treasurer and secretary. During that time he organised and ran our AGM, wrote submissions and letters to council, attended council meetings and VCAT hearings, and generally was of great support to our former president Betty Marsden, taking her to outings and forest walks, as well as many council meetings and community meetings they attended together over the years. He retired from the committee in 2021 when he moved into retirement accommodation in Burwood. He is sadly missed and will be remembered with love and appreciation.
SDL Facebook Page and Website
The SDL Facebook page continues to grow. We currently have 50 followers and have linked with more than 40 other environmental groups in the region.
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61564186203824
SDL's website was recently updated. Please look us up at sdl.org.au
Presented by Judy Wolff