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DADA Blog 5 – Objector Numbers at Council

In case you wonder why I make comment on the Councillor statements about objector numbers, let me explain a little.  It is because I feel it is totally inappropriate for a Councillor to attempt to dissuade folk from exercising their democratic right to object, by telling them that it makes no difference to Council deliberations and decisions.  Is this the sort of representative you want in Council?   I want to feel Councillors have my interests at heart, not just the developers, who are unlikely to be ratepayers and community members anyway.

Cheers, Maria.

 

DADA Blog 4 Meeting the Minister

Last week a small delegation of DADA folk meet with our local member, Minister for Finance and Multicultural Affairs, Robin Scott.  We had tried to get a meeting while he was acting Planning Minister to discuss the outcomes of the new zoning policy that left Darebin with approximately only 10% protection under the Neighbourhood Residential Zone (NRZ).   We had 2 pieces of good news and a chance to share ideas often discussed at DADA Meetings.  The good news is that it looks like there will be a review of the new zoning wash-up and given we really can’t do much worse it is hopeful that we will do better with increased protection from over-development under more of a share of the NRZ.  Also the State Government is moving ahead with the legislation to allow VCAT Members to include the number of objections in their deliberation on development proposals.  Once this is in place it will make it impossible for Darebin Councillors to argue that the number of objectors makes no difference to planning decisions.  This is something Vince Fontana has claimed on more than one occasion, in Planning Meetings.  You can check the archived video footage from the meetings online at the Darebin website.   Robin Scott also promised to get us a meeting with the Planning Minister, Richard Wynne.  Stay tuned but don’t hold your breath!!

Cheers, Maria.

DADA blog 3, New Mayor Falls at First Hurdle

Within a few weeks after being elected new Darebin Mayor, Steven Tsitas fell at the first test of his willingness to consult with the community. He failed to attend a meeting with ‘No Shade for A Decade’ representatives to discuss saving the majestic Melaleucas in East Preston and across the City of Darebin. The meeting was by invitation from the mayor’s office and was also to be attended by the CEO Rashiv Dev, who also failed to attend. Thank goodness for Daniel Freer who was in attendance and willing to listen.  A more appropriate way to operate would be to reschedule meetings called by the Mayor rather than not attend.  I hope there will be an improvement in the future.

Cheers, Maria.

DADA blog 2, Darebin Council Planning Meeting

Darebin Council Planning Meeting

Last year I was sitting in a Darebin Council Planning Meeting where Councillors and planning officers were discussing a retrospective planning application.  A  resident spoke eloquently of the negative impact of the development on local residents. Councillors on the other hand were more upset by the disrespect shown to the process and themselves. I was very disappointed that at no stage in this discussion did any of the Councillors comment on the the disrespect to local residents as a reason for rejecting the application.  I feel that it showed that they put their position and the process above the folk they are supposed to represent at council.  I think this demonstrates how Councillors have really lost their way and need to be reminded of their obligations of representing the rate-payers of Darebin.

Cheers, Maria

DADA blog 1 “Welcome”

Welcome to the Darebin Appropriate Development Association (DADA) blog.  I hope to use this forum to share thoughts on over-development issues that we don’t always have a chance to discuss at DADA meetings.

I recently had a poignant reminder of the importance of quality designed and built environment.  I had dashed home from the USA to say  goodbye to my Mum. It was a very stressful time for me but I went to my Pilates class at The Melbourne Museum.  I have always loved the Exhibition Building and adjacent Carlton Gardens and as I entered that precinct I could feel the tension drain from my body. There is nothing, in my local area, to match that environment for the calming effect it can create, except maybe my own backyard.  It is really important that we keep working together ensure improved quality of the built environment and to fight the over-development of our neighborhoods that will swallow our backyards.

 Cheers, Maria

Meeting Reminder | 10/12/2014

Dear DADA folk,
A friendly reminder of the last DADA meeting of the year, this Wednesday the 10th at 7pm, 33 Dean Street, Preston. We will have a little celebration with food to share, hope to see you then.

There is plenty of food for thought from last weeks Catalyst program on Future Cities. Here is the link, http://www.abc.net.au/catalyst/stories/4141820.htm

Or for a laugh, Clarke and Dawe on growth, http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-11-20/clarke-and-dawe–growth-first-then-these-other/5906410

If I don’t see you at the meeting have a safe and joyous holiday season.
All the best for 2015.
Maria
DADA