The City of Boroondara Mayor, Sophie Torney, has expressed her community's concern and frustration following the government's recent planning announcement where Kew Junction, Ashburton, Willison and Riversdale were listed as new 'activity centres' for increased development.
Mayor Torney highlighted that local councils are being sidelined in decision-making processes despite promises of consultation.
"Today's announcement demonstrates that when the government says we have a seat at the table on planning, we're only there to be seen, not heard," Mayor Torney said. "To have decisions imposed without meaningful consultation makes it difficult to work constructively with the government, despite our commitment to do so."
Mayor Torney emphasised that the City of Boroondara has already developed plans that balance growth with the preservation of its heritage and character. "We will continue to engage and advocate for increased density that respects the heritage and character of this city. We already have plans that show how we can achieve growth while conserving those aspects of our city which are important to our community."
The Mayor also voiced broader concerns about the lack of long-term planning for Melbourne's history and how the government's current approach undermines heritage areas the council has worked to protect from inappropriate development. "Retaining neighbourhood character and heritage isn't about blocking growth - it's about ensuring we don't lose what makes areas like Boroondara unique. With this government's indifference for heritage, I have real fears for how its sledgehammer 'one size fits all' activity centre approach will affect neighbourhoods and communities across Boroondara."
The City of Boroondara is also concerned about the lowering of development standards for new developments following State Government changes to ResCode for townhouses and small apartment blocks. Mayor Torney said she believes these changes will have significant negative consequences for residential areas. "New multi-storey buildings and townhouses in our residential streets will be built with reduced boundary setbacks, increased site coverage, significantly reduced open space requirements, and reduced protection for neighbours from overshadowing and overlooking. When these reduced standards are in force, residents will have no right to challenge a decision before an independent umpire - VCAT."
She went on to warn that these changes would permanently alter the city's character. "The impact of these changes, when viewed together, will change the heritage and character of our city forever. The disregard for the need to balance growth with respecting the quality of Boroondara's living environments is inexcusable, particularly when we have demonstrated our commitment to planning for increased housing supply."
Looking forward, Mayor Torney called for a greater focus on infrastructure investment to support future growth.
"What the government should be doing is working with us to invest in the infrastructure and services that support future growth in the right locations. Immediate opportunities include the redevelopment of the VicRoads site in Kew to include more affordable and public housing, progressing both the long-awaited Box Hill to Hawthorn rail trail and a cycling link between Kew and Hawthorn, and open space upgrades in Camberwell."
