Darebin Appropriate Development Association Charter
(November, 2022)
Since 2005 Darebin Appropriate Development Association DADA, is a group of residents of Darebin concerned with inappropriate development. DADA represents and provides assistance to residents who might feel unheard and powerless when development is happening near them. DADA acts to preserve the nature and character of our welcoming community and influence planning at all levels of government to ensure appropriate future development.
We acknowledge: we live and meet on unceded lands of the Wurundjeri peoples of the Kulin nation and pay our respects to elders past, present and emerging. DADA supports the call for a voice, treaty and truth telling.
We believe: The city of Darebin is losing its heritage, local identity and amenity and open space. We fear for the local characteristics and for our historic streets and parks and for families to have adequate living space, backyard amenity and space for urban food gardening.
The impact of inappropriate development has already had a negative effect on the livability and diversity for which this city is known and loved. Successive waves of over-development continue to erode remaining amenity. All Strategic planning must be developed in collaboration with the community and these strategic plans must be adhered to in all land-use development decision making. We support a strong and viable open space & public transport network.
We commit to work with respect, integrity, transparency and empathy to support and represent Darebin residents at all levels of government.
We will advocate through public discussion forums, submissions and direct action;
- against inappropriate, poorly designed development;
- against proposed inappropriate development applications at Council and VCAT for fairness in the State and local planning systems;
- against simplistic planning solutions that disadvantage specific community groups, including indigenous, culturally and linguistically diverse residents and those with a disability;
- against the sale of public owned land to developers;
- for protection of the human scale of the built environment;
- for real heritage protection;
- for genuine consultation on all planning matters
- to preserve the character, identity and amenity of the city;
- for better community resources;
- for increased inclusion of sustainability principles in planning law to manage traffic and negative impacts on residents, pedestrians and road users to preserve and increase public open space i.e. roads, laneways and footpaths;
- to protect habitat in public open space, i.e. parks, nature strips, along creeks;
- to protect significant trees and vegetation on private land;
- to preserve and protect streetscapes (front gardens and nature strip) from the loss of trees and encroaching dwelling setbacks;
- to ensure the provision of adequate separate family housing for the future;
- to ensure adequate provision of low income rental housing for the future;
- against forced rezoning for development that is unable to respond the challenge of climate change and energy scarcity;
- for the elimination of barriers to obtaining planning information;
- for improved community connectedness;
- for complete transparency of the outcomes of the planning process.
DADA will at all times work with Darebin Councilors and Darebin Council officers to support and represent Darebin residents. DADA does not do the work of Councilors or for Councilors.