Kingston Council is committed to keeping the community informed about significant planning matters in our municipality.
We know there has been strong local interest in the future of the former Kingswood Golf Course site in Dingley Village, and we want to ensure the community has every opportunity to have your say on the new development plans.
What's happening?
The Victorian Government is about to release updated plans from the new owners of the Kingswood Golf Course site for community consultation - before the Government decides on what will be included when the site is developed.
While we welcome this, we are concerned that notification is only required to be sent to immediate neighbours - not the broader Dingley Village community.
Given the impact of this proposal on our entire suburb, Council is taking action to ensure you are kept informed.
Why is this important?
This project could increase Dingley Village's population by 20-25%, bringing major changes to traffic, local services, and open space.
When a previous plan for the site was exhibited, over 8,000 objections were received, highlighting the level of community concern.
Council is also worried that the Victorian Government's consultation process won't allow enough time for residents and Council to properly review and provide feedback on the updated plans.
Council and the Dingley Village Community Association was recently given an early look at the plan, but the developer is still making changes, and we need time to assess the final version once it's complete.
Our early concerns include: more homes than previous plans, the very small size of some of the blocks, little detail on community facilities, and whether previous concerns raised by the expert Advisory Committee have been properly addressed.
What is Council doing?
Kingston Council has written to the Victorian Planning Minister requesting:
- That all Dingley Village residents be notified about the plans, not just a select few.
- That the Dingley Village Community Association have input into the government's planned consultation process.
- That the community and Council be given enough time to review the detailed final plans and provide meaningful feedback.
What happens next?
We will continue to push for a fair and transparent process that allows you to have a say in the future of your community.
In the meantime, Council will keep you updated and will provide information on how you can make a submission once the consultation period opens.
