Community remains at the heart of our advocacy to the State Government in these times of significant growth and change.
This was again reflected by Council unanimously committing to reinforce the importance of putting local communities in the centre of projects including the Suburban Rail Loop (SRL), Plan Victoria, and the government's challenging new housing targets at the August meeting.
Mayor Jenna Davey-Burns said we continue to always put the best interests of Kingston forward.
"The housing targets will almost double the number of homes in Kingston and the SRL will create profound change in Highett, Cheltenham and Clayton South especially, so it's essential we are at the table," Cr Davey-Burns said.
"Housing is a critical issue for all levels of government and innovative solutions are needed to deliver much-needed housing supply, while retaining all the things our residents love about Kingston.
"We know Melbourne can't keep sprawling outwards and have worked hard to channel this required growth into the right places – near train stations, activity centres and major roads, while protecting quieter residential streets."
The Suburban Rail Loop Authority is currently developing a structure plan for Cheltenham, Highett and Clayton/Clayton South that is due for release in early 2025 and community submissions will be sought on the plan.
Community submissions will go before an independent advisory committee review, which will be the primary chance for the community to have their say before the new planning rules will come into force.
Among the anticipated changes is that the State Government will be looking to increase building heights around the SRL precincts to provide for more housing and jobs.
"With this in mind, we are assembling a team of experts to lead our response to the independent review," Cr Davey-Burns said.
"Our absolute focus is on ensuring the right balance between growth and liveability is achieved.
"We have also undertaken a comprehensive analysis and developed a detailed response to the Victorian Government's Plan Victoria and new housing targets.
"The work provides a confidence that Kingston can accommodate the envisaged housing, though it critically draws out that new parks, drainage upgrades, sporting fields, cycle paths and community services must be supercharged to keep up with the anticipated population growth.
"We have worked closely with our community over the past six years to deliver updated planning rules for our city as part of developing our Housing Strategy.
"We are well placed to continue to enable growth, while ensuring our communities are liveable, safe, connected, and healthy.
"Our Council has also been a very strong advocate on the importance of providing environmentally sustainable and affordable housing and Government can play a key leadership role with the significant land parcels it has in close proximity to the SRL."
