Legislation to remove consultation on development applications

Dear Darebin Appropriate Development Association,

I am writing to warn of impending Baillieu Government Planning legislation to remove the right of the public to be consulted about development in their community. I hope you will distribute this information to your local community members.

In March 2012, the Minister for Planning told a development community lunch that Code Assess legislation would be introduced this financial year. The announcement was reported in the Herald Sun and in The Age newspaper.

For communities, Code Assess is frightening. They can come home from work to find their neighbour’s house knocked down to be replaced by a high rise development. As long as the Code Assess standards are met, local residents have no right to be given any notice, they cannot object to Council and they have no rights to appeal to VCAT.

Looking at each block of land without reference to a broader vision is a threat to the fine grain of the neighbourhood generated by our historic built environment. What is at stake here is the very liveability of Melbourne.

A fast track planning process for developers could add additional burdens to already struggling social and community infrastructure like roads, schools, public transport and health services.

I am particularly concerned that the Minister is about to introduce legislation without any consultation in circumstances where the Government controls both houses of parliament. This means there may be limited opportunity to scrutinise and consult on the legislation prior to it being rammed through the Parliament.

I urge you to contact your members and ask them if they want to contribute to the campaign to stop this attack on the rights of Victorians. More information and a campaign petition can be found by visiting http://www.springst.com.au/

As the legislation has already been drafted and could be introduced any day now I ask that this issue is given your urgent attention.

It is important to ensure that the community is fully aware of what is being proposed, so if there are any issues that you wish to discuss or any concerns you have, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Yours sincerely,


Brian Tee MP
Shadow Minister for Planning & Sustainable Growth
Member for Eastern Metropolitan Region
128 Ayr St, Doncaster VIC 3108
Ph: (03) 9850 8600
Fax: (03) 9850 8611

Next DADA Meeting | Tuesday 1st May

The next DADA meeting is planned for Tuesday the 1st of May at 7pm at

33 Dean Street Preston.

Some agenda items follow;

1. Darebin Strategic Statement

2. Council Consultation as part of the planning process
3. Grants
4. Council Elections
5. Objector Updates
6. Other

Hope you can make it.   

Maria.

Save Our Tree

PRESTON RESIDENTS TREE SITTING TO STOP ITS DESTRUCTION
Sunday 1st April East Preston Sustainability St meeting.

Love real estate agent Mr Ken Kang has lost at VCAT his plans for a four unit development at 48 Murphy Grove.

He is now preparing to cut down the 20 metre high lemon scented gum that is a notable feature of our skyline and which attracts large flocks of birds to our area (as well as a home for the magpies).

We need your support from 11 am whilst banners and a tree sitting platform are to be installed in the tree (and a tree sitter - any volunteers?). We are hoping that this timing will be suitable to attract TV coverage of the event as well as radio and newspapers.

LETS PUT EAST PRESTON ON THE MAP FOR ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS!

The usual - bring food to share for lunch and we will have the BBQ going; and bring gusty cheers.

And please feel free to invite others that you know are willing to support this cause (and besides save the tree, don't forget daylight saving - move clocks back one hour)

DADA Auction Action Tomorrow

83 Miranda Road, Reservoir is a prime site for redevelopment. It is going to auction tomorrow, the 17th at 12pm and we have planned an auction action to keep the pressure on Darebin Council, real estate agents and developers.

It would be great if you can support the action. Save Our Suburbs placards will be available or you can bring your own message.

Hope to see you there, Maria.

Meeting Reminder

Just a gently reminder that out next DADA meeting is
Tuesday 2nd August, 7.30pm at 27 Kitchener Grove.

Topic: Councils new Strategic Statement

Hope to see you there.

Cheers, Maria.

Beavers Road Development

I am a resident of Beavers Rd and have just noticed a planing application notice placed on what is currently a mechanics business near the corner of Beavers Road and High St, Northcote. [map]

According to the application notice, the site is to be developed into 2 six story blocks containing 95 apartments and an unspecified number of shops/retail.

A significant amount of this frontage will be on Beavers Rd.

While I don't object to the site being developed, the scale of it would seem to be a little large, particularly the 6 story height in what is a residential street.

Objections need to be in by the 30th of July 2011. I intend to object, as will many of our neighbors, but felt that the DADA might also be interested in looking over this.

Auction Action Pic

Here is a photo from out first 'Auction Action' yesterday at St David Street Thornbury. We thought the action was very positive, not only because the house sold to a family who intend to renovate, but also because there was so much interest and support for what we were doing.

I ran out of pamphlets very early.

Further to the work on 48 Murphy Grove, we have decided to meet on Tuesday night, the 12th. Be at Chris's place on the corner of Plenty Road and Josephine Grove, Preston (enter from Josephine Grove) at 7.30pm, to discuss our approach to VCAT.

Hope you can make the meeting.
Cheers, Maria.