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SmithStreet.org « CAG « Media Releases « COLLINGWOOD RALLY SAYS NO TO BANCO

CAMPAIGN AGAINST THE DESTRUCTION OF SMITH STREET ROLLS ON

COMMUNITY PICKET PLANNED

Close to 300 people rallied in Smith Street Collingwood on Saturday 4th March to voice their protest against the proposed Banco construction of the seven-storey apartment towers in Smith Street.

Despite 1500 objections to it, and the continued opposition of the community, Yarra Council and local MLA for Richmond Richard Wynne, the Banco plan was recently approved by Planning Minister Rob Hulls.

"Minister Hulls' approval of the plans has re-fired community opposition" said Collingwood Action Group spokesperson Louise Grace. "The approvals process was skewed against the community, ignored community wishes, and we’re going to fight on."

Speakers at the rally, hosted by Rod Quantock, included Collingwood Action Group's Louise Grace, Save Our Suburbs Ian Quick, Socialist Party Yarra Councillor Steve Jolly, Union Solidarity's Dave Kerin, former Yarra mayor Greg Barber from the Greens, and Richmond MLA Richard Wynne.

The rally unanimously approved a motion demanding that Yarra Council seek legal advice on a challenge to Minister Hulls' approval of the plans (full motion attached). The motion requested that the building unions use their lobbying power with Banco to hold talks with the community to work out an equitable solution; and that in the event of a community picket on the site, they respect the campaign and not cross the line.

"People are angry that Collingwood is being treated as a development site rather than a living, breathing community – it has reinvigorated the community's resolve to band together and fight for a development that is in step with their needs." said Louise Grace.

In his speech Ian Quick noted that Collingwood could accommodate the whole of the population expansion proposed in Melbourne 2030 by development of former industrial sites. "There is no need to wreck streetscapes with supersize spec building" Mr Quick said.

"We want development in Smith Street, but it should be good development, which respects the heritage of the street and conforms to local planning controls" said Louise Grace, "and we'll fight on to get that".

More information contact: Louise Grace
Collingwood Action Group Spokesperson
cag@smithstreet.org
(0410) 686 971

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PUBLIC RALLY – SAY NO TO BANCO!
SATURDAY 4 MARCH 2006 AT 1PM
CORNER SMITH & WEBB STREETS, FITZROY

MOTION

Move a motion that:

a) City of Yarra obtains legal advice from senior counsel on the validity of the Planning Minister's decision to give Banco's plans the go ahead; whether residents were denied natural justice; and how local laws could modify the worst impacts of the approved development;

b) City of Yarra funds and initiates and active campaign working with the community to oppose the approval of Banco's plans and rejection of Amendment C76 based on Wyndham Council's successful campaign to defeat a proposed toxic waste dump at Werribee.

c) Unions and specifically the building unions use their power to help get Banco to the table to reach a better outcome for the community; respect any community picket in the future; and slap green bans on Banco site if necessary.

Moved:
Seconded:
Endorsed: