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Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Adjournment Debate
I call on the Minister for Housing to postpone the commencement of the social and affordable housing development on Tram Road, Doncaster, until members of the Doncaster community have been appropriately consulted and their views have been taken into account.
Four days ago this government announced, with the barest of details, plans to build 98 social and affordable housing units in the Doncaster Hill precinct. The paucity of detail of the announcement has already raised suspicions that this government, true to form elsewhere, is likely to steamroll ahead with this project, with very little consideration for the input of Doncaster residents.
Regrettably I believe this housing development will be yet another chapter in the sorry saga of planning under the Brumby government.
This government has a shocking track record of removing the rights of locals to have a say in major developments. It has shown scant regard for the community's views and involvement.
Firstly, the government proposed new residential zones, removing third-party objections. Then it sought to remove the Manningham City Council's right to make planning decisions by bringing in a development assessment committee to take over major planning decisions. Local residents have also been up in arms about the complete lack of consultation or even information related to the building of new supported accommodation in Doncaster East. As if this were not enough, last week there were suggestions of charging residents to object to proposed developments in their own neighbourhood. This government marches on, thumbing its nose at the rights of the people in this community.
Now recent government amendments, under the banner of the federal stimulus package and promoting government-funded education facilities and social housing, have removed councils' planning powers in relation to those projects. Members of the community are also excluded from having a say on large social housing developments. The community is unlikely to have a say about the design, the appropriateness of the location or the impact it will have on local residents and the local community. How the leopard has changed its spots! As Leader of the Opposition Mr Brumby said:
- There is massive concern and unrest at the dictatorial use of planning powers by the Minister for Planning to override community interest and concern.
He also said:
- The Victorian planning process is being undermined and replaced by a system of ministerial discretion ... It should permit consultation, negotiation and independent adjudication on proper planning principles.
In contrast to those fine words our Premier and this government now ride roughshod over Victorians. The rights of our community to have our views heard, considered and taken into account are being eroded by a government which is out of touch and uncaring. Additional social housing is needed in our community, but the minister should let residents be heard on this important matter. He should let them have a say. He should not do this at the expense of community consultation.
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