Watch "Insight" on SBS, Tuesday March 2 at 7.30pm for this discussion on what a growing population boom will mean for house prices and the way we live. Australian current affairs forum program, presented by Jenny Brockie.

As you've no doubt been hearing in the media for weeks now, the Planning Minister has embarked on a "call-in" spree to give "strategically important projects" a permit without any transparent process or community input. Local councillors as well as residents are becoming increasingly outraged.

A COALITION OF CONCERNED COUNCILLORS WILL JOIN FORCES WITH RESIDENTS IN A PROTEST RALLY ON THE STEPS OF PARLIAMENT ON WEDNESDAY 10TH JUNE AT 1 PM.
This action is being organised by the Planning Backlash Coalition - 9882 2829 or 0401 834 899

Premier Brumby and Planning Minister Madden are by-passing planning laws to fast track the building of hundreds of apartment complexes and school extensions without council planning permits.

NOTE: if you need more time, contact the Dept. of Planning and Community Development on 9637 2000. Ask for the section handling submissions for the Review of the Planning Act and request an extension. Or you could email them at PEActreview@dpcd.vic.gov.au. SOS is aware of many individuals and professionals who have already done so, and it is also possible that the deadline will be officially extended.

So now's your chance to tell the government how you think the Planning & Environment Act should be improved!

MORE PLANNING TAKEOVERS

Planning Minister Madden's recent actions in taking control of more major strategic development sites is undemocratic and unnecessary, but unfortunately just what the community has come to expect.

With the politically sensitive Amcor site in Alphington, the minister simply imposed a mixed use zone (MUZ) but left the City of Yarra in charge of the site. A MUZ leaves the council with much more limited options in trying to turn the site into a sustainable development showpiece with community input. The re-zoning also includes an "incorporated plan overlay" that removes residents' rights to be notified or to appeal about any part of the development.

Eddington tunnel - a fait accompli?

The secretary of the Victorian Labor Party's transport policy committee has resigned in disgust because of the committee's support for more freeways ("The Age" October 11). The committee reportedly endorsed all the Eddington Report's recommendations, including a controversial road tunnel linking the city's east and west.

The proposed East-West Tunnel may improve short-term traffic congestion for many people in the west but it will further entrench their car dependence and lead to more greenhouse gas emissions from transport in Melbourne.

Community consultation on the Eddington Report has been minimal, with critics barred from recent government forums that were "by invitation only" to "selected" residents' groups!