Meeting Notes

Dear DADA folk,

Please find attached notes from last nights meeting, and the final charter.

Also, a link to an article in today’s Age newspaper about ‘dog box’ apartments.

Happy reading.
Maria
DADA

• 20150513-DADA-notes
• 20150513-DADA-Charter-Draft-Final

Meeting Notes: 13th of May, 2015

Present: Marion Coffey, Keith Coffey, Chris Erlandson, Maria Poletti, Craig Walters, Mandy Baird, Stewart Midgley, Rosie Moffat, Tim Laurence
Apologies: Sally Mendes, Laara Eames

1. Business Arising:
a. New Zoning wash-up: Meeting with Robin Scott on 27th Feb. Chris, Craig and Maria attended. We
asked him to organize a meeting with the Planning Minister, Richard Wynne. Action: Maria to
follow up re: minister meeting. Done. Reply received: No meeting planned. Decided to wait till
next meeting before we act to organize a meeting with the Minister.
b. Golden Guys seem a popular idea but not at the moment, perhaps another time. Chris has
suggested we go to council with the idea of an award for best sustainability practice Action: Chris
to research other councils and bring back ideas to us to then take to council. Scrap book idea for
DADA web site where people can send in photos of poor development, before and after shots,
basic details like address, developers names, details of faults, what is planned.etc. Action: Maria
c. Council flooded with planning applications; Action: Nola sending a further letter asking for some
clarification of money collected and spent. Action: Maria to seek out FOI process.
d. New, permanent, Preston Leader reporter is Harrison Tippet. Editor Andre is also new.
Action: Maria to contact both. Spoke to Harrison and gave him contact details
e. Question to council about developers recycling as many materials as possible. We will begin to
talk and form more ideas on the quality of demolition as well as the quality of the build. Action:
Craig will formulate and ask questions at a council meeting.
f. For the Blog, before and after photos, Gone but not forgotten, RIP houses, Action: Craig to send
photos to Maria.
g. Closing off Gourock Street, in Reservoir to create an extra bit of park, perhaps trying to increase
green space. Action: Keith and Marion to reply suggesting particular conditions for an urban
forest.
h. Discussed other city councils plan for buying up houses to eventually convert into public open
space. Action: Maria to do more research to bring back to the meeting. Stonnington Council
i. Plenty Road; 2 houses just past aquarium, music shop on east side, big significant trees taken
out. Action: Mandy to look at Darebin GIS to check past geography and alert council to tree
removal. Done: Mandy bought info to meeting and will keep an eye out for the application.
j. Action: Maria to follow with Mary Drost re: meeting with the Minister for environment to discuss
the issue of street trees and loss of trees in Darebin due to over development. Done: on the list
of participants for the meeting. No date as yet.
k. The Age April 8th; Comments page Developers stealing amenity from Kew. Action: Maria to add to
blog. Done; Blog 9
l. DADA charter: Action: Maria to send out draft for further feedback, then bring to next meeting.
Done: Charter completed Maria to circulate final copy.

2. New Business:
a. House in Murphy Grove sold for 1.76 million, apparently bought by developers looking to put 16
units on it. Rosie passed on contact details of concerned neighbour.

3. Council Report:
a. Amendment C136 and C137 – status update says it is off the council agenda for now.
b. Leader article re CEO’s new contract and Mayor’s unilateral decision which is putting important
council business/decisions relating to development behind

c. Preston Market: Action: Craig to look at special meeting video and bring back to next meeting. Salter Group are the developers. Ask questions to Council regarding the discussions with the minister about Preston Market.
d. CEO and Mayor in talks with Dick Wynne regarding the NRZ outcome in Darebin. Seems there has been some agreement to use then with Moreland model. Wynne has agreed to a process without consultation. Planning Officers have prepared a plan with approx 88% protection under 3 zones. The 88% includes 62 % of NRZ 1 and NRZ 2. Action: Attend Council meeting and ask what does the new map look like and when will it be public for comment? What is the process for consultation? Next council meeting Monday night 18th of May, 7pm. Chris and Maria, Keith and Mandy. Always ask for a written reply. Please explain the difference between NRZ 1 and 2?
e. Food van proposal for site across from Croxton Pub.

4. Other:
a. From Jon McLeod: Just found your website. My wife and I live at 65 Mansfield Street.
We support the work you’re doing and thank you for your efforts on the behalf of all Darebin residents. We will show up at a meeting over the next few months and introduce ourselves. I have added myself to your mailing list. b. From Mary Drost: Just picked up this flyer from VCAT they are running a free session – called understanding the VCAT process, 12 – 1pm for planning disputes, Saturday 16th May at 223 William Street, William Cooper Justice Centre. c. SOS Planning Update: Circulated and discussed

5. Press:
a. Maria had a phone interview with Julia Erwin of The Leader regarding the review of the new zones. She was specifically asked what percentage of NRZ we would want to see, answer 80%.

6. Objector Updates:
a. 629 Plenty Road, Preston, Chris, both members were great, gave us a very fair hearing and on top of everything. The hearing was originally set for 2 days but extended to 3 ½ days. Rachel Naylor (chair) and Susan Porter were hearing the case. We feel cautiously optimistic about a result.
b. 24 Mutimer St, Preston from Rohan Davies, 4 double story dwellings on a house block. Maria sent information on process and then followed up with a draft list of objections as per Stewart’s suggestion. Maria and Stewart working on the list of vague objections.
c. A big ‘thank you’ to Mandy for the planning alerts website info.
d. 748 to 750 Plenty Road, 4 stories, 22 apartments with some at 40 square metres. Mandy to keep an eye on it.

7. Strategy Ideas 2015

Next Meeting: 7.00pm, Wednesday, June 3rd at 33 Dean Street, Preston.

Dear DADA Folk,

We met and chewed the fat.  Attached are the notes.

I have worked further on a DADA Charter.  It is also attached a draft*.  Suggestions are most welcome.

The aim is to ratify the charter next meeting so we can move ahead with incorporation.

Below is a link to a site called Planning Alerts.  It will send you emails of planning applications submitted for sites near you.  Very handy and saves all that walking!!  Thank you Mandy.

www.planningalerts.org.au

Cheers, Maria

DADA

• 20150415-dada-notes
• 20150402-DADA-Charter-Draft-2

Meeting Notes: 15th of April, 2015

Present: Marion Coffey, Keith Coffey, Chris Erlandson, Maria Poletti, Craig Walters, Sally Mendes, Mandy Baird, Stuart Midgley, Laara Eames

Apologies:

1. Business Arising:
a. New Zoning wash-up: Meeting with Robin Scott on 27th Feb. Chris, Craig and Maria attended. Robin was very sympathetic to our concerns and has talked to the Mayor and CEO about the allocation the NRZ. He also indicated that the new Planning Minister was going to review the result. He said he was aware of the issue of the oversupply of one and two bedroom dwellings in Darebin. One of the things we asked him to do for us was to organize a meeting with the Planning Minister, Richard Wynne. Also Robin indicated that the government is moving with legislation to allow VCAT members to take into account the number of objections. Action: Maria to follow up re: minister meeting.
b. Golden Guys seem a popular idea but not at the moment, perhaps another time. Chris has suggested we go to council with the idea of an award for best sustainability practice Action: Chris to research other councils and bring back ideas to us to then take to council. Scrap book idea for DADA web site where people can send in photos of poor development, before and after shots, basic details like address, developers names, details of faults, what is planned.etc. Action: Maria
c. Council flooded with planning applications; Action: Nola sending a further letter asking for some clarification of money collected and spent. Action: Maria to seek out FOI process.
d. New, permanent, Preston Leader reporter is Harrison Tippet. Editor Andre is also new.
Action: Maria to contact both.
e. Darebin’s Draft Water Strategy: Chris sent in a submission. Craig also sent in a submission that focused on water versus development issues, and got a reply of thanks.
f. Question to council about developers recycling as many materials as possible. We will begin to talk and form more ideas on the quality of demolition as well as the quality of the build. Action: Craig will formulate and ask questions at a council meeting.
g. For the Blog, before and after photos, Gone but not forgotten, RIP houses, Action: Craig to send photos to Maria.

2. New Business:
a. DADA charter: Action: Maria to send out draft for further feedback, then bring to next meeting for ratification.
b. In the model rules we need to have a president, vice president, a secretary and a treasurer and an ordinary member. For record keeping purposes best to keep membership numbers low until there is a need to protect.

3. Council Report:
a. Special meeting after Easter in camera looks like it was to discuss CEO salary.
b. Further postponed decision on C137 next meeting is 20th of April. We are due back in VCAT on 629-631 Plenty Road on 22nd.
c. Application for Community Grants are due 27th of April
d. Planning Minutes of 13th of April has the details of a Regent Street site.
e. Paul Crapper has gone from council.

4. Other:
a. Closing off Gourock Street, in Reseviour to create an extra bit of park, perhaps trying to increase
green space. Action: Keith and Marion to reply suggesting particular conditions for an urban
forest.
b. Discussed other city councils plan for buying up houses to eventually convert into public open
space. Action: Maria to do more research to bring back to the meeting.
c. New Summerhill complex parking problems discussed
d. Plenty Road; 2 houses just past aquarium, music shop on east side, big significant trees taken
out. Action: Mandy to look at Darebin GIS to check past geography and alert council to tree
removal.
e. Shaftsbury Parade, Thornbury, Folk trying to build in back yard, behind proposed development in
St George’s Road, applied for approval but have been stonewalled by council.
f. Action: Maria to follow with Mary Drost re: meeting with the Minister for environment to discuss
the issue of street trees and loss of trees in Darebin due to over development.

5. Press:
a. Vic Roads: Traffic noise have your say. Chris made a submission.
b. The Age; Friday 10th of April; Boroondara have limited height to three stories across the whole
city
c. The Age; Minister knocks back Grocon’s plan for city tower. Minister’s comments on effects on
daylight and surrounds, overshadowing, overwhelm the area etc.
d. The Age April 8th; Comments page Developers stealing amenity from Kew. Action: Maria to add to
blog.

6. Objector Updates:
a. 60 Mansfield St, Thornbury at VCAT Mon 01/06/2015
b. 137 Mansfield St, Thornbury at VCAT Fri 19/06/2015
c. 672 Plenty Road, drycleaners site. Council officer has met with the applicant but still no indication
if or when it will go to Planning Committee.

7. Strategy Ideas 2015

Next Meeting: 7.00pm, Wednesday, May 13th at 33 Dean Street, Preston.

Dear DADA Folk,

We are still busy beavering away on over-development issues in Darebin.  Lots of actions in this months notes.  I will be asking for your help to help others in subsequent emails.

Cheers, Maria

• 20150311-DADA-notes

Next Meeting: 7.00pm, Wednesday, April 15th at 33 Dean Street, Preston | Details

Meeting Notes: 11th of March, 2015

Present: Marion Coffey, Keith Coffey, Chris Erlandson, Maria Poletti, Craig Walters, Sally Mendes, Mandy Baird, Stuart Midgley, Laara Eames Apologies: Susan Rennie

1. Business Arising:
a. New Zoning wash-up: Meeting with Robin Scott on 27th Feb. Chris, Craig and Maria attended. Robin was very sympathetic to our concerns and has talked to the Mayor and CEO about the allocation the NRZ. He also indicated that the new Planning Minister was going to review the result. He said he was aware of the issue of the oversupply of one and two bedroom dwellings in Darebin. One of the things we asked him to do for us was to organize a meeting with the Planning Minister, Richard Wynne. Also Robin indicated that the government is moving with legislation to allow VCAT members to take into account the number of objections. Action: Maria to follow up re: minister meeting.
b. Golden Guys seem a popular idea but not at the moment, perhaps another time. Chris has suggested we go to council with the idea of an award for best sustainability practice Action: Chris to research other councils and bring back ideas to us to then take to council. Scrap book idea for DADA web site where people can send in photos of poor development, before and after shots, basic details like address, developers names, details of faults, what is planned.etc. Action: Maria
c. Craig suggested we should become incorporated for our own protection and that it is very important to include in the charter for an incorporated body everything that covers objecting to over-developments. Also need to consider directors insurance. Action: Craig will organize papers for next meeting. Maria to look up charter ideas/examples.
d. Council flooded with planning applications; Action: Nola sending a further letter asking for some clarification of money collected and spent. Action: Maria to seek out FOI process.
e. New, permanent, Preston Leader reporter is Harrison Tippet. Editor Andre is also new.
Action: Maria to contact both.
f. From Mandy Baird: 672 Plenty Road, Initial distribution done. Action: Maria to send objection form to network with an explanation as to why they should send in their objection.
g. Darebin’s Draft Water Strategy: Chris sent in a submission. Craig also sent in a submission that focused on water versus development issues, and got a reply of thanks.
h. Preston Market: planning meeting, planners have come back to Darebin insisting on 28 stories at Preston Market. To be heard at council meeting next Monday 16th of February. Debate can be seen from webcam capture on Darebin website. Action: Mandy to ask her kids how we can capture from the webcam. Craig will also investigate possibilities to capture.
i. Amendments C136, C137 & C138 to the Darebin Planning Scheme.
Action: Questions to council about C138. What percentage of NRZ was requested of the minister? What is the height limit on Plenty Road? Council recommend only 35% NRZ Chris asked about the height restriction on Plenty Road around Tyler Street and further north. Also asked why even after the community consultation meetings, where it was made clear that the community didn’t want 6 stories, council didn’t take any notice. Chris has not as yet had a written reply.

2. New Business:

3. Council Report:
a. Meeting 16th of February council postponed making a decision on C137 and C138 and the Preston Market development.

4. Other:
a. East Preston Primary, urban farm people want to put in a garden. Council has approached the principal about developing a garden and community space on the open land. Craig thinks as part of the open space 10 year plan. We will see what comes of it but looks as though the school is amenable.
b. Question to council about developers recycling as many materials as possible. We will begin to talk and form more ideas on the quality of demolition as well as the quality of the build. Action: Craig will formulate and ask questions at a council meeting.
c. For the Blog, before and after photos, Gone but not forgotten, RIP houses, Action: Craig to send photos to Maria.
d. Community Development Reference Group: an idea via email from Kelly Wickham

5. Press:
a. This week’s leader the Preston new housing frontier by Julia Irwin. Median house prices on the rise.

6. Objector Updates:
a. 629-631A Plenty Road, VCAT Hearing, Chris, Stewart, Maria. We divided the work on this and targeted expert reports. That section of Plenty Road is bicycle hostile. Discussed internal amenity and ESD. Action: Maria to send to network the 2 letters and encourage people to also write before the meeting on the 16th re: C137.
b. 3 and 7 Harold Street, Preston update: Susan Rennie spoke at Council Monday night against the proposed 13 units for 3 Harold Street. Council officer had recommended granting permit. Fortunately Council voted against this overwhelmingly. Same story re 7 Harold Street a fortnight ago – officer recommended granting permit, Council voted against 5-2. Action: Maria to ask Susan which 2 councilors voted for the development.
c. Park end of Madeline Street block flattened. This was one we fought but lost at VCAT. Laneway issue involved a key issue. Discussed laneways as strategic spaces that will help block lot consolidation and over development.
d. 80 Darebin Boulevard, second application. 3 dwellings on the block, 2 x 2 story buildings and a single, 2×2 bedrooms and a three bedroom dwelling. Objections due soon. Action: Keith will send Maria the info to send to the network.

8. Strategy Ideas 2015

Next Meeting: 7.00pm, Wednesday, April 15th at 33 Dean Street, Preston.

Dear DADA Folk,

Please find attached the notes from our meeting last week.

For immediate attention is the Darebin Draft Water Strategy. Follow the link if you would like to have your say. Comments are due Monday the 16th of February!!!

Cheers, Maria
DADA

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Next Meeting: 7.00pm, Wednesday, March 11th at 33 Dean Street, Preston.  | Details

Dear DADA folk,

Attached are the notes of our last meeting.

You will see we planned to meet with the new planning minister Richard Wynne, who now, unfortunately, is ill and has been replaced by our local  rep Robin Scott.

I have emailed his office today but will not get a meeting until after Christmas.

Wishing you all and your loved ones a safe and happy festive season.

Maria

DADA

• 20141210-DADA-notes

Next Meeting: 7.00pm, Wednesday, January 14th with No Shade for A Decade to prepare for protest (cancelled)
and February 11th at 33 Dean Street, Preston.  More..