Frequently Asked Questions

Why am I required to hold 200 shares in Hamilton Park and what does this mean?

Hamilton Park was originally established as a private estate under the Victorian Co-operatives Act. Today, under the current Co-operatives National Law Application Act (Victoria) 2013, ‘…every member shall hold at least one group of 200 shares for each separate allotment registered in his or her name.’

How much is the annual maintenance fee and what is it used for?

The annual Maintenance fee ($230 in 2021) is set by the Hamilton Park Board of Management under their powers set out in the above 2013 Act.  This fee is used, together with the water rates collected from residents, for general maintenance of the Common Lands.  The fee is also used to buy fuel and maintain equipment for: mowing of the Common Lands; for the upkeep of assets owned and used by the Board; to pay for insurance; to help maintain our private roads; and for power, fuel and pumping of water to and from our three major dams on the estate.

We have over 20 hectares of common parkland with three large dams and a reticulation system that needs to be maintained.  Help out by coming to a Working Bee

What is the water supply to Hamilton Park residences?

The Hamilton Park Board has a licence to pump water from the Fifteen Mile Creek on the east side of the Hume Highway to our dam system located on Hamilton Park Common Land.  Every household is supplied with a water meter and residents are charged according to their use of this water for garden purposes.

How much will I have to pay for water for the garden and how is this calculated?

In 2021 the charge was $1.03 per kilolitre used.  The amount charged is agreed annually by the Board of Management according to the revenue required to maintain the water licence, the pumping costs, and the maintenance of the water system to each residential block of land.  Income from annual water revenue must at the minimum, meet the annual water-related expenditure.

What are the building restrictions which apply to the Hamilton Park residences?

Covenants exist on the Hamilton Park residential blocks to ensure that any development is appropriate to our location.  For example, these covenants take into account the location of the house on the block, the height of houses and trees and the types of open fencing required.

What animals can I keep on my residential block?

Dogs must be kept in a secured fenced area and walked on leads or under effective voice control.  Cats must be kept inside at night-time in order to reduce the impact on wildlife.  Chickens can be kept on your own property, but the keeping of cloven hoofed animals is prohibited on your property.  Please refer to the Wangaratta City Council Community Amendments Local Law No. 1 (2014) for information on barking Dogs, wandering pets, secure confinement of animals and the effective control of animals http://www.wangaratta.vic.gov.au/living/pets-animals/
What is the Hamilton Park policy for domestic animals?

See Question 6 above.  The Hamilton Park policy is in line with the Rural City of Wangaratta’s ‘Responsible Pet Ownership’ policy.  Please refer to the Rural City website.

What is the responsibility of the Hamilton Park Board of Management?

The Board of Management operates under the current Co-operatives National Law Application Act (Victoria), 2013 states:
Part 4:    Objects
The objects of the co-operative shall be
(a)     to operate as the Service Co-operative in respect of the proprietors of the separate allotments in the sub-division;
(b)     to provide services to the members;
(c)     to control and maintain the common property in the sub-division;
(d)     to supply any services, goods and commodities to the members and other persons as the board may decide can be conveniently supplied by the co-operative.”

You can view the Co-operative rules here.

How do residents become a member of the Board of Management?

The Board is always seeking new members or co-opted members who are willing to contribute to the wellbeing of the Hamilton Park community. An Annual General Meeting is held in October each year, at which there is an election and re-election of Board members. Nominations for the Board are advertised in the Hamilton Park Newsletter and through a letter drop and email to all residences. It is usual that volunteers are elected and there has rarely been the need for the implementation of formal election procedures. The Co-operatives National Law Application Act (Victoria), 2013 states:
Clause 27:     Annual General meetings
(2)    must be held within:    (a) 5 months after the close of the financial year of the co-operative
Clause 30:     Business at annual general meetings
(1)     The ordinary business of the annual general meeting shall be-
(a)     to confirm minutes of the last preceding general meeting
(b)     to receive from the board, auditors, or any officers of the co-operative reports upon the transactions of the co-operative during the financial year and the state of affairs at the end of that year;
(c)     to elect directors
(2)    The annual general meeting may also transact special business of which notice has been given to members in accordance with these rules.

How are the common land areas maintained in Hamilton Park?

The Hamilton Park Common Land Management Plan is the guiding force behind the park’s maintenance.  This plan was created after consultation with the Country Fire Authority, the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, the Hamilton Park Board and local environment consultants. Recommendations from this plan inform the work done by volunteers during working bees. Usually, a series of advertised working bees are scheduled through the year on Saturday or Sunday mornings, followed by a BBQ and time for socialising.  The Garden Club maintains the Common Land garden areas and there are rosters for the mowing of the park’s Common Lands.  The Board members whose portfolios are ‘Water’, ‘Infrastructure and Maintenance’ and ‘Bushland/Parkland’ oversee their specific areas of the Common Lands.

Who is responsible for maintenance of the roads in HP?

A historic agreement with the Rural City of Wangaratta ensures a small amount of annual funding to cover the repair and maintenance of Henley Road, Hamilton Park. The maintenance of all other roads in Hamilton Park is the responsibility of the residents, through the HP Board of Management. Funds levied from residents as part of the ‘HP Maintenance fee’ may be adjusted, to ensure that adequate funds are available in the HP budget to cover ongoing road repairs and maintenance costs.

What is the expectation of me as a resident of Hamilton Park?

The minimum expectation of residents is that they pay the water rates and general maintenance charge when required.
Outcomes from the 2016 Hamilton Park Survey, based on responses from over 80% of residents, included:

• Residents of Hamilton Park value the space and tranquil location close to the Warby Ranges;
• Residents of Hamilton Park enjoy the natural environment and appreciate the blend of bushland and parkland;
• As Hamilton Park is an area of special interest with regard to its flora and fauna, residents have an interest in the management of domestic animals and non-native species;
• The community spirit of Hamilton Park is important to residents.

New residents therefore, should understand and respect these values and sentiments expressed by those who have also made the decision to live in this environment. Volunteering in some way to assist the Hamilton Park Community is an excellent way to become involved, to make a difference to our community and to build community spirit.  As a new resident, you are encouraged to attend working bees and to be part of the many community social events.

“While volunteering provides substantial benefits to society, importantly it also provides significant benefits to the volunteers themselves.

The personal benefits of volunteering need to be recognised and fostered” (Volunteering Australia).