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SmithStreet.org « CAG « Media Releases « Community calls on Richard Wynne to save Smith St

The planning controversy that has plagued Smith Street for over a year has entered a new and dangerous phase for the community. While Yarra Council finally knocked back Banco's plans for a multi-storey high-rise tower block on Smith Street in February, the developer then appealed the decision to VCAT. A directions hearing is scheduled for 22nd April 2005.

Collingwood Action Group is now urging local MP Richard Wynne to make good his promise to save the community. Spokesperson Cliodhna Rae said Wynne is on the public record promising he will ask the Planning Minister to call in the application.

Wynne has been vocal about opposing Banco's proposal for Smith Street, referring to it as an ambit claim. He has argued it is too large and out of scale with Smith Street's built form; downgrades heritage; increases traffic; causes overshadowing and overlooking; and selectively uses Melbourne 2030's principles.

Ms Rae warned the community that CAG had received legal advice that we would lose if this case went to VCAT. The advice pointed to a string of recent VCAT decisions approving massive high-rise developments just like Banco's in inner Melbourne areas.

CAG believes Smith Street is even more vulnerable to over-development because of Yarra Council's planning vacuum. Some 2 1/2 years after Melbourne 2030's implementation, Yarra had done nothing to develop a Smith Street Structure Plan. Its efforts to rush the process were roundly condemned at a recent public meeting. The community rejected Yarra's draft Smith Street Urban Design Framework and the process as 'severely flawed', demanding a fresh start with a community driven Steering Committee. This week Yarra endorsed the Committee and it meets soon. Members include CAG, community groups, National Trust, traders and Councillors.

The only thing preventing Banco's development from going ahead is the Planning Minister Rob Hulls intervening and making a decision, based on a community-endorsed Interim Structure Plan for Smith Street. Ms Rae stated, "For this we need Richard Wynne's help to put pressure on the Planning Minister". CAG urged the community to lobby Richard Wynne and the Minister for Planning before it is too late. "People should start phoning, writing letters and emailing our politicians demanding they protect the community from rampant over development".

FOR MEDIA COMMENT

Collingwood Action Group, Cliodhna Rae ph 0414 268 579 or cag @ smithstreet.org
Yarra Councillors, Steve Jolly ph 0437856713
State Member for Richmond, Richard Wynne ph 9429 1813