Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Meeting on Public Transport - the Rowville Rail Link
IS THE ROWVILLE RAIL-LINK POSSIBLE IN OUR LIFETIME?
Linking the CBD, Monash University and Stud Park, rail to Rowville has long been acknowledged as the missing link of Melbourne’s train network and now is the time to commit to its expansion and provide for the removal of 2400 cars an hour off local roads.
The Rowville rail ine would also service Monash University which has over 23,000 students and a scientific precinct that includes Australia’s first synchrotron.
The City of Monash alone accounts for 6% of all metropolitan jobs within Melbourne, with the majority of employees living in neighbouring municipalities such as Knox.
As a prominent industrial hub (contributing 40% of Melbourne's manufacturing base) it is imperative that Melbourne's eastern and south eastern suburbs are provided with an efficient and readily available public transport system to reduce overall traffic congestion.
Find out moreon MONDAY 4ND AUGUST 2008
7.30-9.00 pm, Notting Hill Neighbourhood House,
37 Westerfield Drive, Notting Hill.
Mick Van De Vreede
Knox City Councillor and
Chairman of the Eastern Transport Coalition will speak on
‘How public pressure can achieve the rail link to Rowville’
And John Shrives of the Brandon Park Residents’ Group will lead a discussion of how to work for better livability in the City of Monash during the council elections in November 2008
For more information on public transport needs check out the
Link Eastern Transport Coalition
The Eastern Transport Coalition (ETC) consists of Melbourne’s seven eastern Metropolitan Councils and represents approximately one million residents.
The ETC advocates for sustainable and integrated transport services to reduce the level of car dependency to secure the economic, social and environmental wellbeing of the Melbourne’s outer east and aims to work in partnership with Federal and State Government’s to ensure the future sustainability of Eastern Melbourne
Monday, June 30, 2008
Light and Signs of Happiness
I like this sign and its essential John Lennon - ism
Art in urban spaces
Art in urban spaces
Monday, June 23, 2008
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
NEWS FROM MONASH COUNCIL MEETING, 3RD JUNE 2008
Objections to developments in Notting Hill
Three developments have sparked objections from Notting Hill residents in the last few weeks: two proposals to erect/maintain industrial buildings on the Road Traffic Authority land at the rear of premises in Longbourne Avenue and Risdon Drive, and one proposal to build a residential hotel on Blackburn Road and Finch Street. All of these have now been considered by Council, with mixed results from a resident’s point of view.
The two proposals concerning the RTA land – ‘the horse paddock’ – have both been reviewed by the Planning Department and refused – a good result, though it seems that one of the rejected proposals will be appealed to VTAC. The hotel proposal was considered by Council at its meeting this evening, 3rd June, and accepted without a dissenting vote. The report before Council recognised the number and substance of objections received, but Council was satisfied that the provisions of the proposal met the issues raised. The only outstanding issue was the objection that a residential hotel might become a venue for gambling and poker machines; the report noted that while this was possible, a further permit was required to install a gambling machine, and that this was unlikely to be supported by Council.
This is not a good result for residents, but it seems unlikely that further action – an appeal to VTAC – would have much hope of success. You can find the full report in item 5.9 of the papers presented to Council, 3rd June 2008: at www.monash.vic.gov.au/reports/papers125.htm.
Monash Domestic Animal Management Plan
Item 5.10 on the Council Agenda concerned the Council’s Domestic Animal Plan, a matter of some concern to Notting Hill residents, several of whom made submissions during the drawing-up of the plan about the lack of dogs-off-leash areas in the Notting Hill vicinity. Of the total of 9 written submissions received by Council, 4 were from Notting Hill. The report recognises ‘the lack of off leash opportunities in the Westerfield Drive area’ (page 159), also that ‘Westerfield Dog Walking Club needs a dedicated area to exercise their dogs (page 161), even that
The residential area bounded by Ferntree Gully Road, Blackburn Road, Monash Freeway and Duerdin Street/Dunlop Road does not have good access to an off leash park nor are there options for creating an off leash park in this area. (page 165)
But the relevant recommendation is that ‘No change in the number of Off Leash areas is proposed’.
Perhaps there is still ground here for further community action.
Monash Liveability Coalition
In one of the few personal interventions in a meeting almost free of discussion, Councillor Denise McGill rose to inform Council that on the evening of Monday 2nd of June she had attended a meeting at the Notting Hill Community House of the Monash Liveability Coalition, and had been impressed by the speakers, the issues and the audience. She suggested to that Council might consider supporting more such meetings in order to help residents understand the implications of current Government planning proposals.
Thank you Councillor McGill!
A 3-storey apartment building on your fenceline?
The chances of someone building a three-story apartment block next door to your house – without you having any rights to complain about it – will greatly increase in the few months if the Government succeeds in bringing in its new residential zones planning proposal. The proposal will require municipal councils to allocate residential areas under their control into planning zones within which new developments must be multi-storied and residents’ rights to be informed and to protest will be severely restricted.
Mary Drost, for the Planning Backlash – a comprehensive coalition of residents’ groups from across
The next meeting of the Monash Liveability Coalition, on Monday 4th August, will consider practical ways and means of defending residents’ rights to a liveable city.
WATCH THIS SPACE.
(For further information contact Marian Quartly marian.quartly@arts.monash.edu.au)
Friday, May 23, 2008
Thursday, May 15, 2008
The Big Sprawling Debate
A matter of interest for all residents
MONASH LIVEABILITY COALITION FORUM – PLANNING FOR GROWTH: THE NEW RESIDENTIAL ZONES AND YOU
MONDAY 2nd JUNE 2008
7.30-9.00 pm, Notting Hill Neighbourhood House,
37 Westerfield Drive, Notting Hill
Bob Birrell
Centre of Urban Planning and Population Research
Monash University
‘Population increase in Melbourne and its impact on
Melbourne 2030’
and
A panel discussion on the New Residential Zones
led by
Matthew Guy MP
Shadow minister for Planning
David Gates
Notting Hill resident
and representatives of the Greens and the ALP
Contacts: Marian Quartly on 0403 182 701, or Vince Leveridge on 0413 882 191
MONASH LIVEABILITY COALITION FORUM – PLANNING FOR GROWTH: THE NEW RESIDENTIAL ZONES AND YOU
MONDAY 2nd JUNE 2008
7.30-9.00 pm, Notting Hill Neighbourhood House,
37 Westerfield Drive, Notting Hill
Bob Birrell
Centre of Urban Planning and Population Research
Monash University
‘Population increase in Melbourne and its impact on
Melbourne 2030’
and
A panel discussion on the New Residential Zones
led by
Matthew Guy MP
Shadow minister for Planning
David Gates
Notting Hill resident
and representatives of the Greens and the ALP
Contacts: Marian Quartly on 0403 182 701, or Vince Leveridge on 0413 882 191
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Recent Developments Bring Out Objectors in Notting Hill
Some recent planned and not so planned developments have upset local residents.
More than 30 locals turned out on a cold night last week to consider the latest assault on the grace of the suburb by developers and the merely opportunistic.
Residents in the eastern streets of Notting Hill are concerned that the Monash Council may be about to authorise the activities of businesses that are encroaching into the buffer zone between houses and the industrial area. This is the strip known locally as the “horse paddock”.
It is actually a road reserve owned by VicRoads and set aside for an outlet to the Monash Motorway running down to Westall Road. The reserve has been there for years and the motorway extension may never be built, given the financial woes of VicRoads. Meanwhile businesses on the far side have been using the land as a dump. They have been doing this for years but recently became more brazen.
They appear to be aided in this by Vicroads, which is offering leases through a real estate agent apparently without any requirement that the leaseholder obtain planning approval.
Residents recently alerted the Council to the moves on the reserve, involving the construction of a large workwork, and the erection of hard stands and security fences to store construction equipment and containers. Apparently this was news to Council who asked the infiltrators to cease.
Now they have applied for retrospective permits that will legitimise their land grab.
No one has heard from VicRoads. How is it that a State Government agency can lease land without letting the public know? There are many possible uses the road reserve land could be put to, such as forms of recreational use by the residents, but they are not offered leases.
The other development is still in the proposal stage and seeking planning approval.
It is an extension of the Gateway Motel on Blackburn Road onto several housing blocks along Blackburn to Finch Street, already acquired by the Motel. The current plan is for a three-story residential hotel development on the side of the existing motel with conference rooms, more than 20 units and car parking.
The neighbours are not happy, fearing further congestion in the residential streets, noise and disturbance. In addition the planned building overlooks their homes and gardens, and destroys the current street landscape. Other residents of Notting Hill will find it looming on the western horizon.
The Notting Hill Community Association will put in to council objections to all three of these proposals.
More than 30 locals turned out on a cold night last week to consider the latest assault on the grace of the suburb by developers and the merely opportunistic.
Residents in the eastern streets of Notting Hill are concerned that the Monash Council may be about to authorise the activities of businesses that are encroaching into the buffer zone between houses and the industrial area. This is the strip known locally as the “horse paddock”.
It is actually a road reserve owned by VicRoads and set aside for an outlet to the Monash Motorway running down to Westall Road. The reserve has been there for years and the motorway extension may never be built, given the financial woes of VicRoads. Meanwhile businesses on the far side have been using the land as a dump. They have been doing this for years but recently became more brazen.
They appear to be aided in this by Vicroads, which is offering leases through a real estate agent apparently without any requirement that the leaseholder obtain planning approval.
Residents recently alerted the Council to the moves on the reserve, involving the construction of a large workwork, and the erection of hard stands and security fences to store construction equipment and containers. Apparently this was news to Council who asked the infiltrators to cease.
Now they have applied for retrospective permits that will legitimise their land grab.
No one has heard from VicRoads. How is it that a State Government agency can lease land without letting the public know? There are many possible uses the road reserve land could be put to, such as forms of recreational use by the residents, but they are not offered leases.
The other development is still in the proposal stage and seeking planning approval.
It is an extension of the Gateway Motel on Blackburn Road onto several housing blocks along Blackburn to Finch Street, already acquired by the Motel. The current plan is for a three-story residential hotel development on the side of the existing motel with conference rooms, more than 20 units and car parking.
The neighbours are not happy, fearing further congestion in the residential streets, noise and disturbance. In addition the planned building overlooks their homes and gardens, and destroys the current street landscape. Other residents of Notting Hill will find it looming on the western horizon.
The Notting Hill Community Association will put in to council objections to all three of these proposals.
Friday, April 25, 2008
Latest News: Monash Council and Primary School Site
Laurel, Melinda,their kids and I attended the meeting last night. Very interesting. Half the councillors got up and said that they supported our position on the primary school site - that a school on the site was the best outcome and that the education department was performing with enormous selfishness and greed - and then they all voted against our position. No that isn't fair; they voted for a compromise which got as much public land for us in one spot as they thought possible, and which preserved as much as possible of the school buildings so that a community school may still buy the site (though at market rates they would need to be a rich community). I attach here the maps showing the reserved land and the land saved for trees. The full report is at Monash Council (click on this link or directly on) http://www.monash.vic.gov.au/reports/papers123.htm
And we have made it very clear that we don't consider ourselves bound by any agreement between the council and the department concerning the secondary school site. We aren't doing too badly. Marian
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Responding to the Council about the Primary School
Statement from the Notting Hill Community Association
The Notting Hill Community Association believes that the best future use for the Monash Primary School site would be as a school – either government or private.
Therefore the Association and its members believe that the Education Department should make every effort to ensure the site is sold to or leased for a school and respond positively to groups interested in re-establishing a school facility on the site.
If the area is to be transferred for continued school use, the Association believes that residents would support the whole area of the school being transferred and no land being retained by council for public access.
The community would seek to have a co-operative arrangement with any new school facility and seek to transfer the extra public access land or space needed by the community, to the site of the Monash Secondary College.
The Association, at no stage, has ever suggested that the areas of the Monash Secondary College used for sport and recreation, should be sold for development and removed from community use, and cannot support plans by Monash Council to do this.
Background
On Tuesday night (11 March) the Monash Council meeting was due to consider the rezoning application made by the Department of Education to have the school rezoned as residential, making the site more valuable for developers, and ensuring that the land would be sold at current very lucrative market prices.
The item was unexpectedly withdrawn from the Council agenda.
The Council has already ruled that any rezoning and development should include the preservation of a number of old growth trees (native to this region) on the eastern boundary and across the east-west axis of the site.
The Council papers reveal that the Council is planning to recommend that a Panel should be appointed by the Minister for Planning to consider the application, and that all submissions before the Council – that is, the request from the Education Department and all submissions already received from residents – should be referred to the Panel.
The Council documents also include an agreement that the Department of Education will be asked to sign.
The agreement included the following principles:-
plus 5% of 17 Duerdin Street (former Monash Secondary School) - an area of 3950 square metres approximately.
2. The Public Open Space is to be located at the North East corner of the site with frontage to Samada Street. This is the most central location for access via the surrounding residential area.
3. All pavement and buildings, located within the area to be set aside as Public Open Space, are to be demolished and removed and the site is to be left in a clean state.
4. Ownership of the land to be set aside as Public Open Space is to be transferred to Council.
While many aspects of the situation remain unclear, the bottom line in the Council’s recommendations seems to be that:
• At the Primary school almost 4,000 square metres of land for public use would be retained off Samada Street (approaching the size of a hockey fi eld), and trees to the east and in the centre of the development site should be retained by the developer.
• The community would retain nothing from the Monash Secondary Collage for public use.
All comments and suggestions are very welcome, either in the Neighbourhood House letter-box, or by email: nottynews@gmail.com. A full copy of the recommendations and original Council
papers is available at the Neighbourhood House.
The Notting Hill Community Association believes that the best future use for the Monash Primary School site would be as a school – either government or private.
Therefore the Association and its members believe that the Education Department should make every effort to ensure the site is sold to or leased for a school and respond positively to groups interested in re-establishing a school facility on the site.
If the area is to be transferred for continued school use, the Association believes that residents would support the whole area of the school being transferred and no land being retained by council for public access.
The community would seek to have a co-operative arrangement with any new school facility and seek to transfer the extra public access land or space needed by the community, to the site of the Monash Secondary College.
The Association, at no stage, has ever suggested that the areas of the Monash Secondary College used for sport and recreation, should be sold for development and removed from community use, and cannot support plans by Monash Council to do this.
Background
On Tuesday night (11 March) the Monash Council meeting was due to consider the rezoning application made by the Department of Education to have the school rezoned as residential, making the site more valuable for developers, and ensuring that the land would be sold at current very lucrative market prices.
The item was unexpectedly withdrawn from the Council agenda.
The Council has already ruled that any rezoning and development should include the preservation of a number of old growth trees (native to this region) on the eastern boundary and across the east-west axis of the site.
The Council papers reveal that the Council is planning to recommend that a Panel should be appointed by the Minister for Planning to consider the application, and that all submissions before the Council – that is, the request from the Education Department and all submissions already received from residents – should be referred to the Panel.
The Council documents also include an agreement that the Department of Education will be asked to sign.
The agreement included the following principles:-
24 Samada Street
plus 5% of 17 Duerdin Street (former Monash Secondary School) - an area of 3950 square metres approximately.
2. The Public Open Space is to be located at the North East corner of the site with frontage to Samada Street. This is the most central location for access via the surrounding residential area.
3. All pavement and buildings, located within the area to be set aside as Public Open Space, are to be demolished and removed and the site is to be left in a clean state.
4. Ownership of the land to be set aside as Public Open Space is to be transferred to Council.
Duerdin Street
5. The public open space contribution requirement for the whole of the site has been satisfied.
6. No further public open space contribution is to be made for all or any part of the site.
But this did not happen. The Council deferred voting on the rezoning. No reason has been given for the deferment, but it appears that the Department has requested more time to
consider the proposal.
The Council’s comments on its recommendations make interesting reading:
“The Department has advised that the site is to be sold with the existing buildings to retain fl exibility for the future owner. It may be redeveloped for residential purposes however, a number of existing school groups have indicated interest in the site. The future use of the site will be a decision of the future owner. It should be noted that it has been the Department’s decision to rezone the land prior to sale, and not to treat with any of the interested school groups. The primary objective of the process adopted by the Department would appear to be designed to only achieve maximum financial return. Definition of the Public Open Spaceprovision to the north east corner of the site and its impact on the existing buildings does not prohibit the potential use of the site for school purposes or any other permissible use in a R1Z-Residential 1 Zone.”
While many aspects of the situation remain unclear, the bottom line in the Council’s recommendations seems to be that:
• At the Primary school almost 4,000 square metres of land for public use would be retained off Samada Street (approaching the size of a hockey fi eld), and trees to the east and in the centre of the development site should be retained by the developer.
• The community would retain nothing from the Monash Secondary Collage for public use.
All comments and suggestions are very welcome, either in the Neighbourhood House letter-box, or by email: nottynews@gmail.com. A full copy of the recommendations and original Council
papers is available at the Neighbourhood House.
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