Darebin Appropriate Development Association

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.

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

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.