Pompei Landing
DM gave a report on negotiations undertaken by Council in order to gain control as Committee of Management of the strip of land on Mordialloc Creek Bank now occupied for boat hire and maintenance. Regional Director of DWELP had issued instructions that the licence issued by Council was invalid and a new licence would be required. A survey by the Surveyor General was also to be carried out. This wasn’t done but the State Government has now given the Council Committee of Management of the site. To add drama to the situation, on the 26 August two boats moored at the site were set alight at 4.30am. Investigations are continuing.
Mordialloc Bypass
A search for VicRoads plans for this project was undertaken because of the freeways impact on the Green Wedge should it go ahead. However the plans reveal that this freeway is not considered necessary according to Nigel Smith, Planning Studies Manager.
At most an arterial road may be thought necessary sometime in the future but this will depend on the volume of traffic using the Dingley bypass which may remove the need for any further road building.
Rubber Tree
Unfortunately relocated into George Woods Playground site although plans for the playground clearly shows that locally indigenous species would be planted around this area. It seems that the rubber tree was in the way of drainage works at Edithvale and the engineers decided to save the tree by relocating it. However there are many other local parks which would benefit from more trees and are not restricted to locally indigenous species in revegetation programs,
Statewide Assessment of Public Land
Draft Proposals. VEAC is inviting comments on their recommendations. It is pleasing to note that Climate Change and its impact on coastal areas around Port Phillip Bay is on the list as is the importance of groundwater protection , National Parks and Crown Land.
Supporting community based committees of management are encouraging recommendations contained in this document. Legislation is being reviewed and in some cases may be consolidated or simplified for improved administration purposes. Submissions invited until Nov 7th
Chain of Parks
Victory Road landfill is due to close in 2018 and there is a draft masterplan for an impressive new park on the site in the Green Wedge. However the operators want to raise the height of the contours to save themselves the trouble of moving solid inert material and this is causing some concern about the height and the dust problem as material is being relocated.
Tree Removal
As a result of residents requesting the removal of healthy, significant trees from their backyard or nature strip, Cr Gledhill moved that council review the street tree management policy and Local Law for trees on private land to make it easier for council to permit tree removal. It is reassuring to find that the majority of residents would like council to plant more trees.
Better Apartments Draft Design Standards
The Planning Minister has released this document for public consultation. The standards respond to key issues raised by the community about the size, design and poor workmanship of units in tower blocks but also in unit developments in our middle ring suburbs. The aim of this project is to “deliver liveable housing options that meet the long-term need of Victorians, enhance Victoria’s liveability and leave a positive legacy for future generations”. Not before time!
Open for public submissions until 5pm Monday 19 September.
How Regional Rail Re-Balance Population Groth & Create a State of Cities in Victoria
Guest Speaker The Hon Tim Fischer, RMIT, University Storey Hall Green Brain, Building 16, Level 7, 336-348 Swanston Street, Melbourne, Monday, 5 September 4.30pm-6.30pm.
Inland Rail Line
The rail freight line may be receiving more favourable treatment from State Government Ministers according to a reliable source who has been working assiduously on a report on this important matter. Should the line go ahead it may remove the need for increasing the size of Victoria’s ports.