Inner urban conservation and development - An independent panel report on a proposal for Smith Street, Collingwood, under Melbourne 2030. Edited by Miles Lewis, August 2004. Info + Order your copy

About the Collingwood Action Group (CAG)

The Collingwood Action Group works for the community to get the right development for Smith Street, in Collingwood and Fitzroy.

CAG was formed in March 2004 in response to resident concerns about inappropriate development on Smith Street and in particular, Banco's proposed mixed-use development on Smith Street (PL03/1407 at 132-172 Smith Street and 63-71 Little Oxford Street Collingwood). CAG seeks to represent community views about this to all levels of government.

CAG's campaign efforts galvanized the community, triggering a record 1500 objections to the City of Yarra.

Objections were raised in relation to design; traffic management; heritage; environment and pollution; amenity; infrastructure; and health and safety.

During this campaign, CAG's activities have included establishing a website, letterboxing, conducting email campaigns, holding petitions, issuing media releases, convening a public meeting, lobbying politicians, and consulting experts.

Although the City of Yarra finally rejected Banco's planning application on 4 March 2005, the proposal could still go ahead. The developer has 60 days to appeal against Council's decision to VCAT, which expires on 7 April 2004.