A KALLISTA woman is furious that the Shire of Yarra Ranges’s draft housing strategy has suggested bringing high-density developments into the hills.
Jo Tenner, president of the Upper Yarra and Dandenong Ranges Environment Council, said it was outrageous that the draft strategy was encouraging high-density development in areas such as Monbulk, Belgrave, Tecoma, Upwey, Montrose and Warburton.
She said high-density housing goes against the views and wishes of people in the Dandenong Ranges and Upper Yarra regions.
“It puts us on a distinctly different path to where we have been heading for the last 25 years,” she said.
But the council said at this stage the strategy was only being released for public comment and nothing had been decided.
At a meeting last Tuesday night, the council voted to put the draft strategy out for public comment.
But Ms Tenner said the council was being very brave in putting this new strategy out for two months of consultation with the recommendation for medium or higher density developments.
“The State Government’s long term strategy is very clear on this.
“Higher density housing is to be located in Lilydale and Chirnside Park only, not the other locations included in council housing strategy.”
Shire of director of planning building and health James Lamour-Reid said although the strategy suggests that there should be an increase in density close to town centres, it doesn’t propose ‘high’ density in small townships.
Mr Lamour-Reid said the strategy also proposes to provide additional planning protection to neighbourhood character areas.
“It also strongly supports the urban growth boundary, protecting the green wedge including the Dandenongs and its villages from residential development,” he said.
Mr Lamour-Reid said the council developed the draft strategy for public discussion so that residents can have their say on problems associated with the lack of housing in the shire.
He said a public consultation program would commence in September for a period of two months and that the plan would be well publicised.
“There will be a range of opportunities for members of the public to review and comment on the document,” he said.
Mr Lamour-Reid said although there has been a significant amount of consultation already on the strategy, the next stage was for the community to evaluate the draft plan.
“The outcomes of the consultation will be reported back to the council prior to any final decisions being made about how the strategy will be reflected in the planning scheme,” he said. – Tania Martin
“The council welcomes the interest and involvement of the entire community about this important issue.”
Ms Tenner is now urging the council to heed the community’s views and restrict medium and higher density housing to Lilydale and Chirnside Park.
The draft strategy will be released on Saturday, 1 September and will be followed by a series of community meetings to discuss the report.
