Tara Murray
Western Metropolitan MP Bernie Finn is calling for Planning Minister Richard Wynne to meet with residents concerned about a social housing development in Keilor Downs.
Speaking in state Parliament, the outspoken Liberal member said he had received a number of complaints from residents about the development.
As reported by Star Weekly, residents in the surrounding streets have raised concerns about the 47 dwellings in Copernicus Way, which are being built as part of the Big Housing Build.
The group of residents against the proposal have raised a number of concerns about the development, including increased traffic from the development, access to services and public transport, lack of consultation and a lack of resources including mental health.
The state government is overseeing the project, which is being run by Baptcare.
Brimbank council has made a submission on the project, but the council had found that the development complies with its requirements, subject to recommended changes to the plans and associated documents.
Mr Finn said residents had felt like they were being left out of the process.
“I have received a number of emails from constituents, some expressing concerns about the size of the development and all expressing anger about the lack of consolation with local residents,” Mr Finn said in Parliament.
“I’m going to make sure the people of Keilor Downs are heard on this occasion.
“Minister, the concerns of Keilor Downs residents must be heard. Will you join me and councillor [Maria] Kerr at a meeting with locals so they can have their say on this proposed development?”
Mr Finn recently also raised concerns about the planning decisions being made in Melbourne’s west.
He said residents were becoming angry.
“The west of Melbourne is one of the major growth centrs of the nation, planning decisions impact on the lives of many of my constituents,” he said.
“Many locals are becoming increasingly angry about the [planning] minister’s apparent refusal to listen to them at all.
“Minister this is not good enough, my constituents need and deserve better.”
