report from
the roundtable – 26 mar
I was
pleased to move the motion to adopt Yarra Ranges submission
for the new metropolitan planning strategy.
The
submission highlights key issues for Yarra Ranges including the need for an equitable
distribution of infrastructure investment in Yarra Ranges, particularly a new tertiary
education facility on the Swinburne site and improvements to the Belgrave and
Lilydale train lines.
Other key
issues include recognition as an iconic part of Melbourne that needs to be
protected and the need for a hard urban/rural edge with strong planning
controls to protect agricultural production, biodiversity and water catchments and
to preserve parks and recreational opportunities for greater Melbourne.
Cr Witlox
spoke against the motion saying that he thought a couple of things were a bit
strong in the submission including the need to strengthen the green edge and
the need for a permanent urban growth boundary. He mentioned the reference to
climate change and peak oil but suggested congestion on Maroondah Highway
should get a mention and that the submission doesn’t hit the mark.
In speaking
to the motion I highlighted that the draft submission had been before council
two or more times with ample opportunity to input. I also highlighted issues in
current growth areas of Melbourne with lack of infrastructure and enormous travel
costs that burden household budgets. I suggested that this wasn’t what we
should be aspiring to in Yarra Ranges. I also suggested that when peak oil hits
and the price of fuel escalates, that may well solve congestion issues, however
it will also highlight the lack of critical public transport infrastructure in
Yarra Ranges, a community that is already highly car dependent.
I’m pleased
to report the majority of councillors supported the motion.
Councillors
for: Crs Dunn, Cox, Avery, McAllister, Callanan, McCarthy and Child
Councillors
against: Cr Witlox
Councillors
absent: Cr Cliff
You can
read a copy of our submission here.
Labels: cr samantha dunn, metropolitan planning strategy, shire of yarra ranges
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