The Cairnlea community has had a win following Places Victoria’s decision to remove industrial use from its controversial plans for the Cairnlea Mixed Use Precinct.
The Weekly revealed in October angry Cairnlea residents had formed a community group amid concerns the gateway to Cairnlea was in danger of becoming a “concrete city”, with 146 townhouses, 50 apartments and 80 commercial sites planned for the vacant lot adjacent to Cairnlea Drive.
It strongly rejected PV’s plans to set up industry and also had concerns with the proposed removal of over 300 sugar gum trees, which were deemed a “safety risk” according to an arborist’s report organised by PV.
“It’s a good win for the community, power of the people,” said community group leader Peter Brandecker, who spearheaded a local petition calling for PV to drop industry from their plans.
“Removing industrial use was the main focus, so that’s a pretty big box ticked. We’re now focusing on the removal of the trees.
“We are also seeking an independent arborist’s report, and we’re also going to seek an impact report to see what kind of effect this development will have on the environment.”
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The tweaked masterplan now includes “increased proposed open space” and commercial areas located close to the main Ballarat Road and Cairnlea Drive intersection.
Places Victoria Acting Chief Executive Officer Peter Armstrong said improvements to the plan were in response to community feedback following consultation in September and October.
“It has always been our vision to develop a mixed use precinct integrated with the Cairnlea community that provides diverse jobs, retail and housing opportunities and we believe the changes made to the draft masterplan will achieve this,” he said.
Places Victoria will now finalise a Planning Scheme Amendment for submission to government in early 2014.
The revised masterplan is available at www.places.vic.gov.au
The Cairnlea community group, No Industrial 4 Cairnlea, will meet on Monday, December 2 from 6.30pm at Cairnlea Soccer Club to discuss the latest developments.
The Weekly has put in a Freedom of Information request to see PV’s arborist’s report.
