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
MP Wynne delays decision on Smith Street development
Collingwood Action Group (CAG) representatives and Yarra Councillor Steve Jolly today met with local MP Richard Wynne requesting he urge the Planning Minister to intervene over Banco's proposed Smith Street development.
Securing Minister intervention is now seen as vital following Banco's appeal to VCAT and a possible Directions Hearing looming on 22 April 2005.
CAG called the meeting against the backdrop of Wynne's public promise of support for the community. In his March 2004 media release, Wynne claimed Banco's proposal selectively used Melbourne 2030's principles, and stated 'I will ask the Minister for Planning to call the matter in'.
At today's meeting Wynne appeared to contradict his previous position, saying 'I will reserve my judgment on what action to take' until after VCAT’s Directions Hearing on Friday. When pressed for clarification, Wynne explained Yarra Council met the Planning Minister on 1st April and assured him an Interim Structure Plan would be complete in 8 weeks. Wynne told CAG the Minister would make his decision then.
In the meeting, CAG pointed out recent precedents for Ministerial intervention in Camberwell, Wheeler's Hill and Glenroy, and questioned why the Minister would be reluctant to call in the Smith Street development. Ms Rae said CAG understood that ultimately the Minister will decide whether to call it in. However Wynne's apparent reluctance to honour his commitment was of concern. Ms Rae put the question 'Why can't Wynne, as our local member, support the community?'
Yarra Council has already asked the Planning Minister to intervene in the event Banco appeals Council's refusal to grant a planning permit to VCAT. Council also explained structure planning for the precinct was starting, and requested the Minister decide on the development with reference to a community endorsed plan. At the time, CAG wrote to the Minister supporting Council's request for intervention but emphasizing the need for proper community consultation in developing the interim structure plan.
According to Ms Rae, CAG is extremely concerned that a parallel process is now in train – the development of the Smith Street Interim Structure Plan and an appeal to VCAT. In CAG's view this is unnecessary, will waste community and Council resources, and cause undue anxiety in the community. 'The Interim Structure Plan will end up on the Planning Minister’s desk anyway', said Ms Rae.
CAG eventually extracted a promise from Wynne to review the situation in one week.
FOR MEDIA COMMENT
Collingwood Action Group, Cliodhna Rae ph 0414 268 579 or email cag [at] smithstreet.org
Yarra Councillors, Steve Jolly ph 0437856713
State Member for Richmond, Richard Wynne ph 9429 1813
Posted by CAG