Brimbank residents have been left disappointed in light of the planning minister’s response to a community petition calling for new inclusions to Development Victoria’s proposed development in Cairnlea.
Addressed to Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny – the responsible authority for the planning approvals – the petition calls for two conditions for the Cairnlea Estate masterplan at 147a Cairnlea Drive and 265 Glenbrook Avenue.
One petition condition urges the plan to include a diverse range of housing options that aren’t solely high-density dwellings.
The second condition calls for plans to include an indoor multi-purpose sports and recreational facility incorporating aquatic facilities.
In her response, Ms Kilkenny said the development plan overlay (DPO) did not require such a facility to be included in the plan.
She pointed to 6.4 hectares of open space in the plan, which she said comprised areas to support recreation, environmental values, and community amenity.
Ms Kilkenny also mentioned a landscape plan under consideration, which she said will include playgrounds, teenage play equipment, picnic areas with shelters, barbecues, tree planting and lawns.
Advocate and Cairnlea resident Graeme Blore said the community felt Ms Kilkenny had disregarded the 2119 people who signed the petition.
“We’re extremely disappointed that the minister has failed to grasp the fantastic opportunity that there would be for the community,” Mr Blore said.
“It’s a derisory response that we feel lacks absolutely any insight and any boldness or vision, and that is what we need to actually improve the future of this community.”
Mr Blore said he felt the response lacked clarity.
“The minister refers to DPO [schedule] 4 yet we don’t have any idea what DPO4 actually means, what areas it covers, so it’s a highly misleading response,” Mr Blore said.
He said the petition sought to incorporate additional services and facilities into the plan to better engage community members, particularly those who are disadvantaged, and to help deter at-risk residents from gambling at nearby venues, which he noted are just a short walk from the proposed estate.
“We need to provide opportunities. We need to provide training, jobs, education and pathways that actually engage our young people and the rest of our community, and a sports facility and recreation centre, including aquatics, is an ideal opportunity,” he said.
“This is not a wish list, this is a must to actually improve outcomes and a golden opportunity for the government to actually seize upon, but we need them to have the boldness and vision to do that.”
Brimbank mayor Virginia Tachos said council’s position on the Cairnlea development remains unchanged since council was removed as the responsible authority in June last year.
“It’s very clear that there are significant gaps in the Cairnlea Estate master plan, and these are of major concern to the community and council,” Cr Tachos said.
“Council strongly believes that further community engagement on the draft development plan is critical before decisions are locked in.
“We strongly believe local governments are best placed to ensure that local planning and development meets community needs and expectations.”
