Moreland must review development objection process–ratepayers deserve better says Residents Assoc

MELBOURNE, Australia - Feb. 6, 2018 - PRLog -- Moreland Council's property development objection process may have been acceptable years ago, but today it fails to reflect the realities of ratepayers says Fawkner Residents Association's Mr Joe Perri.

When a new property development comes to a suburban street, only the immediate /direct neighbours receive a standard letter from Council to advise them that they can object.  Even though every other resident in the street will be impacted in some way.

For the other residents, all they get is a sign on the site (for as long as it remains upright) with equally scant information.

The notification process doesn't take into account the academic, comprehension, multi-cultural circumstances of residents or even if they have access to Council's website.

Nor does it explain the potential impact on property values and quality of life matters such as street parking, services, safety, street scape, potential hazards, or the number of additional rubbish bins that will clutter nature strips.

But most importantly, how to properly challenge the development.

Mr Perri affirmed, in every walk of life with respect to the rights of the individual, there is one paramount principle

– 'has the individual made an informed qualified decision free from bias, misinformation, omission or influence'

"Council's objection process doesn't pass these basic principles of care that most corporates and businesses abide by today", said Mr Perri.

"Developers on the other hand, have the full resources of the Council's planning department to help them meet the very minimum requirements and standards for construction in order to squeeze every possible dollar from a building block.

"Objecting ratepayers don't even have a dedicated help desk!"

So, is it any wonder at Council's Urban Planning Committee (UPC) meetings that developers smugly reference the low number of objections to their projects?

Mr Perri continued, "The poor ratepayer can only voice their protest in an intimidating environment with a three-minute time limit to plead their case to Council".

"Then there are the privacy implications and potential for objectors to be intimidated and this vulnerability makes many think twice before contemplating an objection".

But who are these developers?

They come into our suburbs under a cloak of anonymity with not even a website to verify and validate themselves.  To build appalling constructions and leave a legacy of community and social harm for Council and residents to deal with in the future.

Ratepayers aren't afforded the dignity and respect to have their names and objection included in the UPC minutes.

Nor is the number of objections listed as a running total on the Council's website despite it proudly displaying population projections, number of new constructions, etc.

The Fawkner Residents Association is very concerned that Council is now contemplating a proposal to 'fast track' development projects of 'architectural' or 'environmental' merit.

Moreland Council should not contemplate such a proposal without first providing residents with an equal playing field by remedying the current imbalance in the development objection process.

Mr Perri concluded, "With a dysfunctional objection process that dissuades and fails to prominently register/support grass roots opposition to development – Minister for Planning Richard Wynne and his Department can continue squeezing more upright dormitories into Moreland suburbs with no capacity to accommodate the forced growth – referencing low ratepayer opposition to their past and current practices as justification!"

ENDS

Issued by the Fawkner Residents Association

Media enquiries:          Mr. Joe Perri
        Mobile:          +61 412 112 545
        Email:          joe.perri1@gmail.com