Tara Murray
Some Brimbank residents and councillors have expressed concern about the state government taking increased planning powers on key projects.
In recent weeks, residents have raised concerns about two projects, a Keilor Downs social housing project and a 41 hectare development in Cairnlea.
The government has planning controls over the first project, while Development Victoria is urging the government to give the planning minister control over the Cairnlea development.
Cr Victoria Borg raised a notice of motion at last week’s council meeting, stating that council wants to be the planning authority on Cairnlea development.
The council, who will write to Planning Minister Richard Wynne, has been informed that Development Victoria has requested that Mr Wynne becomes the planning and responsible authority for the development and Amendment C222 to the Brimbank Planning Scheme.
This leaves the council with little say over the development of the 41-hectare site.
Cr Borg was among a number of concerned residents who were recently part of an online community meeting.
“Development Victoria recently provided an update and briefing to the Cairnlea community on the ongoing development of the area,” she said.
“The local community is concerned about the proposed erosion of the decision making by council in relation to the planning and development of Cairnlea.
“At last month’s council meeting, a number of community members asked public questions about our views.
“The questions clearly indicated that there is heightened concern among the Cairnlea community that they would be cut out.”
Cr Bruce Lancashire said it was a worry that the state government was increasingly taking on more planning controls right across Melbourne.
“The loss of planning and responsible authority powers to the state government on any site, is unfortunate as it does a couple of things,” he said.
“It removes the ability of the community to be engaged through their council in the planning process and It also removes our ability to negotiate the best deal possible.”
Council’s city development director Kelvin Walsh said the removal of any legislative powers from council, such as of its planning and responsible authority powers, is concerning.
“Removing council’s planning authority powers erodes one of the fundamental obligations of local government.
“Council is obliged to ensure the major projects or developments are considered from the perspective of local benefit and are in keeping with the Brimbank Planning scheme requirements.”
A state government spokesperson said the government was striving to strike the right balance between building for Victoria’s needs, hearing council and community voices in decision making, and protecting environment and heritage values.
“The new state projects provisions require public consultation, including consultation with relevant public authorities and council before a use or development commences. This must be done to the satisfaction of the minister for planning.”
