The City of Stonnington is deeply concerned that the State Government is not undertaking meaningful engagement and consultation with Council, residents and the community over the Victorian Planning Authority's proposed 'takeover' of planning controls around the Chadstone Activity Centre.
Deputy Mayor, Cr Mike Scott, said the Government has failed to provide clarity on the plans or provide reasons behind their decision. "This seems to be a giant mess in the making that misses the mark completely," Cr Scott said.
"We have said time and time again that State Government needs to listen to and work with Council so we can best represent our community."
Council's concerns include a lack of information from the State Government about what the plans are for the activity centre and the evidence base underpinning it, along with the proposed timeframes for the project plan.
"We don't have enough information from Government to help our community," Cr Scott said.
"Our City has worked hard to facilitate housing supply in Stonnington over many years, in appropriate locations and in close consultation with the community.
"It simply does not make sense that this is ignored."
Other concerns include a lack of efficient public transport infrastructure in the area and concerns around Government not giving community enough time to provide their feedback.
The consultation period was opened just before the Easter holidays and closes on 29 April. We don't think this is enough time for our community to have their say on something that is vital to them.
"Moreover, community and Council simply do not have enough information to give considered and informed feedback."
The City of Stonnington has today launched a draft Housing Strategy that draws on five years of community engagement and forms an evidence-based approach to meet the growing demand for housing.
"Our Housing Strategy identifies the opportunity to deliver well in excess of the number of dwellings that are forecast to be required by 2036," Cr Scott said.
"Council maintains that we are best placed to manage housing growth and change through our Housing Strategy and ongoing structure planning in activity centres."
