Here is the summary we have attached to our submission -

SOS Submission on New Local Residential Zones

The proposed new zones are completely unacceptable, for the following reasons -

The State Labor Government is looking at scrapping the current residential zones (1,2, & 3) and replacing them with zones that allow developers to get planning permits much more easily. In many cases, the new zones will also REMOVE the rights you currently have to appeal the granting of a permit, and to even know that a permit has been applied for! In practice, even the proposed "Limited Change Zone" will offer less protection than the current Residential 1 Zone to over-development because -

1. It will be exempt from notice and review at VCAT if it meets a number of (unspecified) ResCode standards!
2. Even if it is subject to review, only the adjoining and opposite properties can object!!

And this is the limited change zone where new development is supposed to be minimised and most stringently controlled! The new zones are a fundamental attack on our democratic rights - we urge everone to put in a submission saying NO to these proposed changes and requesting more mandatory planning controls! Submissions close on 18 April, 2008 To download a copy of the zones' discussion paper and a response form, click here: or www.dpcd.vic.gov.au/planning/, or call 9637 8610 for more information about making a submission. Submissions can be lodged in online, by email planning.systems@dpcd.vic.gov.au, or by post to Planning Systems, DPCD, GPO Box 2392, Melbourne, VIC, 3001.

From the Flemington Association -

I attach for your urgent consideration a copy of the submission provided to the Moonee Valley City Council by the Flemington Association regarding the proposed development of the Lombards site on Mount Alexander Road, Travancore (see our web site).

SOS has received this from WERA (West of Elgar Residents’ Association) - they have had many many problems with Deakin University...

WERA:
Deakin Uni has 'struck again' without any community involvement.
They are suddenly on the Whitehorse Council Agenda for Monday night [3 days notice for us!], seeking to build their "Interconnect" -actually a high level bridge that will carry maintenance vehicles across the Gardiner's Creek valley parkland.

As reported in the media today, Attorney-General Rob Hulls has announced an 'audit' of VCAT. The Age Article SOS President Ian Quick on Jon Faine (774, wed 20th Feb) The first thing to note is that the terms of reference for the 'audit' seem to be quite narrow (a common trick by this State Government), and won't include issues such as whether VCAT should oversee council planning processes rather than taking over the role of councils and determining planning applications itself, as it does now. Also note that the 'audit' is being conducted by the new head of VCAT (Justice Bell) - typically, reviews are better undertaken by an external independent body (another thing this State Government doesn't like). That said, from what we have heard so far, we believe that Justice Bell is likely to be a good president of VCAT. However, there are still many issues even within the limited scope of the 'audit' that can be addressed, and we urge everyone who has been to VCAT and been unhappy with the process (ie, most people who have ever been party to a VCAT planning hearing) to put in a submission. In the official invitation to participate on the forums you will note that community groups will be heard last (13th October 2008) - probably after everything has been decided! So don't wait till then, write up a submission and send it in now! Here’s a non-exhaustive list of VCAT processes we would like changed -