Jo Tenner

Time to tell VCAT no Maccas for the hills!

2012-01-25T22:11:00.004+11:00

Our friends over at No Maccas in the Hills are alerting the community about the VCAT hearing for the proposed McDonalds in Tecoma.

If you made a written objection to the Yarra Ranges Council that included your contact details you should by now have received papers from McDonald representatives that will enable you to lodge an objection as part of the VCAT decision making process.

No Maccas in the Hills has put together some guidelines on to how to go about this, you can find them here http://nomaccasinthehills.info/

And most importantly the Deadline is Midnight the 30th of January.

Belgrave Survival Day 2012

2012-01-25T18:52:00.003+11:00

Bird feeding Bylaw Proposed

2011-12-14T12:25:00.000+11:00

The Shire of Yarra Ranges is proposing a by-law banning cockatoo feeding in residential backyards. It has been well documented that people who feed cockatoos are putting their neighbours properties at risk of being damaged.

The Shire introduced an education campaign to inform the community of the problems associated with feeding these wild birds. Not only is it bad for the birds' health it also interferes with their natural behaviour to forage for food. The less foraging cockatoos do the more time they have to chew on trees and people’s houses.

Tree Damage caused by overfed Cockatoos

Unfortunately the message has not been received and many residents continue to feed cockatoos in the Shire. Many residents are still having their properties damaged and lives disrupted when cockatoo feeding is occurring in close proximity to their properties.

This proposed by-law will give residents who endure this nuisance (often on a daily basis) recourse and if the behaviour is not rectified fines will be incurred.

Please consider writing a submission outlining your personal support for a by-law banning cockatoo feeding and if it has affected you personally remember to include details of the impact it has had on your life.

Submissions can be sent to:

The Chief Executive Officer Yarra Ranges CouncilPO Box 105 Lilydale, 3140
or email mail@yarraranges.vic.gov.au

Please note deadline 16th December 2011

Our Wedge is safe - for now

2011-12-14T10:46:00.001+11:00

As reported in my earlier post here, Council had a proposal before it to reaffirm its policy position on the protection of the Green Wedge.

To remind you the motion was as follows:

That Council:1. Supports the retention of the Urban Growth Boundary without amendment.

2. Authorises officers to write to the Minister for Planning and all submitters advising them of this position.

I am delighted to report that this motion received majority support last night.

The vote was as follows:

For the motion: Crs Cox, Cliff, McRae, Dunn & Heenan.

Against the Motion: Crs Templer, Avery, Higgins & Warren.

It is great to see that the majority of council recalls the recent commitments it made to protect Green Wedge. It is once again disappointing that some Councillors continue to act against something they unanimously supported not too long ago. I wonder if they should have declared this at the time they were singing the praises of (and formally endorsing) the Yarra Ranges Green Wedge Management Plan which was in adopted July 2010?

Council demands proper process before accepting 10/50 rule

2011-12-14T09:57:00.000+11:00

Great news - Council heard your concerns about the adoption of the new 10/50 rule. Well done everyone who send a letter or contacted the Councillors!!

Their decision was:

"That Council endorse the Minister for Planning undertaking an amendment to the Yarra Ranges Planning Scheme and changes to the Upper Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges Regional Strategy

Plan, to implement the new bushfire planning provisions recently introduced through Amendment VC83 subject to the Minister for Planning:

* Undertaking full public consultation through the amendment process

* Providing the evidence and science behind the proposed changes to Council and the community."

Now lets see how the Minister/Department responds.
Will he allow the consultation process or ride roughshod over our rights? And will the Government actually do what it said it would and implement the recommendations of the Victorian Bushfire Royal Commission?

10/30 had problems 10/50 makes them worse

2011-12-13T13:02:00.000+11:00

Busy agenda at Council this week, another item that is to be decided tonight relates to the extension of the controversial 10/30 rule to a 10/50 rule. The Minister has asked Council to support an amendment to the Yarra Ranges Planning Scheme that among other things would see the 10/30 rule extended to a 10/50 rule. It is called Amendment VC83 and VC86 you can read the details here - be warned this is in planningalese!

In a nutshell, this would mean that in a Bushfire Management Overlay (replacing the wildfire management overlay) it would be permissible to remove all vegetation within 10m of a residence and all vegetation excluding trees within 50m.

Bulldozing the Regional Strategy Plan - a risky move

These changes would also require a amendment of an act of parliament (to amend the Regional Strategy Plan) surely something as significant as this deserves a full and proper public exhibition process? We also must be provided with a solid justification of these changes that includes the scientific basis the 10/50 rule.

It hard to believe that our Councillors would take such a huge political risk by supporting Spring Street to rip away the communities right to have a say on this amendment.

The Regional Strategy Plan was created to protect the Yarra Valley and the Dandenongs, there is a very good reason that it can only be amended by a vote in both houses of parliament - it is because our region has been long recognised as having special significance deserving of the highest level of protection.

The proposed change must not just be undertaken by Ministerial amendment, items of lesser importance are subject to public scrutiny. Council should ask the Minister to submit this to a full planning scheme amendment process.

Implementing the Royal Commissions recommendations? I don't think so!

The State Government says that it is doing this in order to implement the recommendations of the Victorian Bushfire Royal Commission (VBRC). However the Royal Commission referred to the 10/30 rule as an arbitrary measure and they were critical of its potential impact on both the community and the environment.

Specifically the RC had the following to say about the 10/30 rule:

"There is, however, concern that, in an effort to achieve simplicity, clause 52.43 [the 10/30 rule] might permit the destruction of vegetation to the overall detriment of the community and the environment because it overrides any environmental and landscape overlay that has been applied in a planning scheme.

It is a one-size-fits-all solution, and there is concern about whether the rule could be used to permit widespread clearing to the detriment of important environmental or landscape values."

To ameliorate these detrimental impacts the VBRC proposed that "councils will be able to identify areas where this provision should not apply and a permit is required" and that "exceptions to the general provision should be included in a schedule to the Bushfire-prone Overlay". They proposed this approach such that it provided a "more evidence-based and robust approach" than the 10/30 rule allows.

"Although the Commission considers the 10/30 rule has been a useful interim measure, the rule should not continue to be used once clause 44.06 and the CFA’s assessment guidelines are revised and comprehensive bushfire-prone area mapping is completed."

The proposed amendments have no regard to the recommendations of the Bushfire Royal Commission to 'give due consideration to biodiversity conservation' which they specified in recommendation 39. Further no schedule is provided that would allow council the capacity to determine that a permit is required where the land has high biodiveristy values. A permit process would allow a rigorous process to establish the best way to achieve the protection of human life and avoid unnecessary destruction of vegetation. This would remove any uncertainty that a landowner might have about the best way to ensure their safety whilst maintaining some of the natural values of their property that drew them to this area in the first place. Indeed some vegetation removal may prove counter productive and expose buildings to greater levels of risk.

Remember Council's response to 10/30?

Then Mayor of Yarra Ranges, Cr Cox speaking on behalf of the council responded to the introduction of the 10/30 rule:

"While the council supports the idea of greater consistency in vegetation management, the fact is there are many areas of the shire and the state that, because of their unique environmental values and state significance, require a more sophisticated approach ..."

Cr Cox warned that the application of the 10/30 vegetation removal provision, in the absence of detailed scientific research, could result in a range of unintended consequences including significantly increasing landslip risks, the destruction of important biodiversity, lifestyle and scenic values and the possibility of increased bushfire intensity."

It would be entirely consistent with their previously stated position for councillors to continue to have concerns about 10/30 and thus its expanded application via 10/50.

Act now

Please write to all councillors ask them to refuse the ministers request and demand a full and proper public consultation process be conducted with respect to this amendment.

Write to mail@yarraranges.vic.gov.au 'Attention all councillors'

For more background on the 10/30 rule visit the Living with Bush website: http://livingwiththebush.org/dp/

Yarra Range's Green Wedge - still not safe from urban sprawl!

2011-12-08T21:56:00.003+11:00

Will Council reaffirm commitment to Green Wedge?
In response to the Minister knocking back the Council's request for an extension of time to consider change to the boundary of the Yarra Range's Green Wedge, Councillor Cox has made the following proposal to council for next Tuesdays meeting -

That Council:
1. Supports the retention of the Urban Growth Boundary without amendment.
2. Authorises officers to write to the Minister for Planning and all submitters advising them of this position.

This would reaffirm Councils published position that was put in to question by a few councillors last meeting and I commend Cr Cox for taking this action.

Given that Crs Cox, Dunn, McCrae and Cliff voted for the retention of the current urban growth boundary (UGB) we can only hope that they will support this motion. It is unlikely that the other councillors who were very open to reviewing the location of the UGB will change their minds. Now is the time to get in touch with the supportive Councillors and remind them that they need to follow up on their previous comments and recommit to keeping the UGB where it is.

Cr Noel Cliff 5968 9853 or n.cliff@yarraranges.vic.gov.au

Cr Samantha Dunn 9752 6869 or s.dunn@yarraranges.vic.gov.au

Cr Jeanette McRae 5962 3847 or j.mcrae@yarraranges.vic.gov.au

Cr Heenan, who was absent from the previous decision, will have the crucial vote in this matter (if all councillors are present). So I encourage you to drop him an email or give him a call. Let him know how important it is for him to support the protection of our Green Wedge.

Cr Tim Heenan 9737 1264 or t.heenan@yarraranges.vic.gov.au

However, of some concern is Cr McCrae, who in this local paper report, seems to be wavering.

If you want some background material to assist you please have a look at my earlier post on this topic here.

Maccas - Next Steps

2011-12-01T21:00:00.001+11:00

'No Macca's in the Hills' is spearheading an effort to encourage McDonalds not to appeal Council's decision to knock back their planning application for a store in Tecoma.

They are asking you to write to the CEO of McDonalds and tell them to respect the wishes of the people of the Dandenong Ranges who have overwhelming said that they do not want McDonalds in our area.

Visit their website for lots of great tips on what to include in your letter.

http://nomaccasinthehills.info/

In the News - Time's up for wedge submission, says minister

2011-11-30T18:00:00.001+11:00

Time's up for wedge submission, says minister
BY NATALIE KOTSIOS
29 Nov, 2011 04:00 AM
Yarra Ranges Weeekly

ENVIRONMENTALISTS enjoyed a 'default' win when the state government refused an extension on Yarra Ranges Council's urban growth boundary submission, leaving existing green wedge boundaries in place.

Planning Minister Matthew Guy last week wrote to the nine councils in charge of Melbourne's green wedge zones in July this year and asked for submissions on proposed boundary changes to accommodate residential growth.

Submissions were due yesterday but the council voted at last Tuesday's meeting to apply for an extension until February to consult with the community and receive reports back from an independent consultant.

The council received notification the next day - in response to a separate query sent independently by a council officer on November 14 - that no extension would be granted.

Upper Yarra and Dandenongs Environment Council member Jo Tenner said the group was pleased with the minister's decision as it stopped any speculation about overdevelopment in the shire.

She said the council's extension request went against 20 years of community consultation and planning aimed at containing the urban boundary.

The council was split 50-50 on the issue, with councillors Graham Warren, Richard Higgins, Terry Avery and Chris Templar voting in favour of the request.

Cr Warren said it was "time to go back to the community to see if the values of the '70s are still relevant today".

Councillors Samantha Dunn, Len Cox, Jeanette McRae and Noel Cliff voted against the motion, saying a clear green wedge policy was already in place in the Yarra Ranges.

Cr Tim Heenan was absent from the meeting, leaving the mayor, Cr Avery, to cast the deciding vote, which he registered in favour.

Cr Warren told the Weekly last Thursday that such a decision should not have been left in the hands of councils alone.

Reprieve for Glenfern Cattle Run Green Wedge

2011-11-25T18:04:00.001+11:00

It was great news to hear that the dedicated community in the Glenfern Valley Green Wedge have succeeded in their battle to prevent inappropriate subdivision of their little piece of paradise (Picture: if you had this view from your living room - wouldn't you fight to keep it too?)

Here is an extract from the VCAT decision:(to read the full decision go here.)

"We are not persuaded that allowing subdivision of the land into seven lots at or just above the minimum lot size for the Green Wedge Zone 2 is an

acceptable planning outcome. Any environmental and land management

benefits arising from creating seven lots are not so great as to override our

concern that the strategic direction for this part of the green wedge will be

compromised by this proposal. In our view, the fact that the Green Wedge Zone 2 allows lots of at least 4 hectares in size must be read in the context that the policy framework places a strong emphasis on maintaining the low density character, the rural environment and rural landscape character. We are also of the view that a less intensive subdivision will provide more satisfactory outcomes for waste water disposal.

In rejecting this particular proposal we want to make it clear that we do not

agree with any suggestion that this land should remain unsubdivided or, in

the absence of any proposals for public ownership, that it should be given

over to some community purpose."

So what next?

As far as I can see there are three possibilities.

1. Knox council revises it minimum lot size for subdivisions in this part of their green wedge zone. This would make it consistent with land of a similar nature just across the road in the Yarra Ranges Shire.

From the VCAT decision again: "We accept that a minimum subdivision lot size of 4 hectares for the review site suggests a different outcome to those Green Wedge Zones with higher lot minimums such as the GWZ1 on the western side of Lysterfield Road which has a 20 hectare minimum lot size. "

2. The land is purchased and added to the public estate (in such a way as to extend and consolidate the adjoining Glenfern Valley bushland reserve) to be enjoyed and protected in perpetuity.

3. The owner submits a new application for subdivision taking the 'advise' of the VCAT panel member and reducing the number of lots in the plan.

I know which options I prefer, if you are interested in making the first two a reality, consider lending your support to the Save the Glenfern Valley/Cattle Run Green Wedge group. You can contact them via their facebook page here.

Green Wedge - how your councillors voted

2011-11-24T22:20:00.002+11:00

At the 22nd November 2011 Yarra Ranges Council meeting, where Council decided to request an extension of time to consider whether they would go against their firm, clear and often stated support for the Green Wedge, this is how they voted.

The division was
For reconsidering the location of the UGB: Warren, Higgins, Templer, Avery
Against: Dunn, Cox, Cliff, McCrae
Casting – For

Decision - to apply for an extension

I am disappointed that we now have to fight again for something which this very council was such strong advocates for.

One of the key claims made last night was that it would ‘do no harm to find out whether our community is happy with the location of the UGB’ and that the current location represents the views of people from the 70s! (This is an extraordinary claim, the speaker seems to be implying that there has been a significant failure in the council's consultation process it engaged in to develop an number of policies related to this issue over the last three years! Which I believe in some instance, the speaker was responsible for overseeing the development of at least one of these policies.)
I sat in that Council chamber, not too long ago, where I heard that speaker effusively endorse the Green Wedge Management Plan (GWMP), the one they now seek to undermine.
Further they claimed that when the GWMP and housing strategy were developed the opportunity to reconsider the location of the UGB ‘was not on the table’. This claim is bogus, in the GWMP they highlight areas where they will advocate for changes in the allowable activities – so if there were ‘significant anomalies’ in the location of the UGB it would have been very easy to note these as issues for future review or advocacy.

Another Councillor, provided a less than clear rationale for their position and claimed that we cannot pretend to think that our towns will remain static and not evolve and shared their fears that if this did not happen theat business would be lost downstream to the major activity centres. My response to this is that a few extra hundred house across the shire will not revitalise local businesses or townships alone, this would required development of a significant scale - maybe on the 10,000s. So why threaten what makes our region so special for an economic benefit that is very unlikely to follow?

Most bemusing of all one Councillor declared that they did not have the experience of the other councillors being relatively new to council (3 years is not enough time!!), and said because of this they had not had the opportunity to directly participate in the debates to date and would like to find out what the community thinks. This is despite their being on Council during the development and unanimous endorsement of both the GWMP and the Housing Strategy.

The Mayor, did not provide any reasoning for his vote and this was despite the fact that he had two votes (one of them a casting vote due to the absence of Cr Heenan)!

The Against councillors were highly supportive of knocking back the Ministers offer straight away. However both Cox and McCrae qualified this with comments that perhaps there were one or two areas that could benefit from revision but that was not sufficient enough reason for them to undermine the basis of the UGB. We can only hope that they will continue to support the protection of the Green Wedge into the future.

URGENT: Time to Act as Yarra Ranges wavers in its support for Green Wedge Protection

2011-11-21T19:16:00.000+11:00

Would you believe that Yarra Ranges Council, the great champions and advocates of the Green wedge protection have engaged consultants to help them determine what their view is on retaining the current boundaries of our Green Wedge!

It boggles the mind!

How does council not know where they stand on this matter? Why are they wavering? And in the process generating room for the very speculation and uncertainty that they recognise degrades the very green wedge values they have espoused.

To quote the Green Wedge Management Plan:

"The shared vision for the Yarra Ranges Green Wedge is:The Yarra Ranges community will encourage and support sustainable farming, ahealthy biodiversity, and valued landscapes in its Green Wedge. These are the primary green wedge values and are what make it attractive for other activities such as tourism, recreation, and rural living. Council will work with the community and otherstakeholders to protect and enhance these primary values. Other activities will only beaccommodated if they positively contribute to the primary values. In real terms adopting this vision means that Council will actively discourage furthersubdivision or development of rural land that does not uphold the primary values andonly support sustainable land management practices."

Many Council documents and statements have been crystal clear that they support the retention of the existing UGB, why is this principle now uncertain? Council has also affirmed the current urban growth boundary (UGB) in its Green Wedge Management Plan adopted in 2010 and Housing Strategy adopted in 2009 both of which uphold widely held community support for the Green Wedges.

YRC has been a leading proponent of Green Wedge Protection and some would say that we would not have Green Wedge protection enshrined in legistation were it not for the advocacy of this council. It is a pity to see that this leadership position falter when put to the test.
Manningham City Council, Nillumbik Shire Council and Mornington Peninsula Shire Council have not hesitated in rejecting the Ministers offer to redefine the UGB. It is time for Yarra Ranges Coucil to join them and tell the Minister that the UGB was not made for moving!

I urge you to contact the councillors prior to tommorrow nights council meeting to ask them how they can't know their much stated and documented position on this matter?
And given their longstanding support for certainty in the location of the Green Wedge Boundaries - why are they even entertaining the Planning Ministers offer to rectify any anomalies? Tell them that the answer to the Minister's offer to review the UGB is simple - No, thanks!

Tell our Councillors that it is far from OK to go backwards on their longstanding support for the location of our UGB!

To read the report that will be decided on by Council tommorrow night go to: http://www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au/files/3cb2278f-e980-4caa-9f75-9f9c0100442c/11-11-22Item8-1.pdf

Councillor Contacts:
Mayor Terry Avery 9727 0347or t.avery@yarraranges.vic.gov.au
Cr Noel Cliff 5968 9853 or n.cliff@yarraranges.vic.gov.au
Cr Len Cox 9761 9356 or l.cox@yarraranges.vic.gov.au
Cr Samantha Dunn 9752 6869 or s.dunn@yarraranges.vic.gov.au
Cr Tim Heenan 9737 1264 or t.heenan@yarraranges.vic.gov.au
Cr Chris Templer 9727 5994 or c.templer@yarraranges.vic.gov.au
Cr Jeanette McRae 5962 3847 or j.mcrae@yarraranges.vic.gov.au
Cr Richard Higgins 9727 3093 or r.higgins@yarraranges.vic.gov.au
Cr Graham Warren 9735 3417 or g.warren@yarraranges.vic.gov.au

Or send an email Attention all Councillors to mail@yarraranges.vic.gov.au

More details:.
It is baffling that Council would have such a difficult time determining what their position is on this matter. Previously it was reported that at a council meeting in August, http://free-press-leader.whereilive.com.au/news/story/yarra-ranges-green-light-bid/ that they had rejected any changes to the location of the green wedge (they did request some amendments to the rules of activities permitted but this is a different matter)
"But the council has resisted pressure to open up Green Wedge land for housing developments, and has written to the State Government asking for its Green Wedge land to be preserved"
Did the local paper get it wrong? If so where is the retraction? Clarification?

From the Yarra Ranges Green Wedge Management Plan

from pg 19:

A VISION FOR THE GREEN WEDGE

Defining a Vision

The long term recognition of the Yarra Ranges Green Wedge has clearly benefitted the

region; providing planning certainty which limited land speculation and minimised

incursions into the green wedge which have afflicted many other green wedge areas.

It also means people who live in the Green Wedge or nearby are those who value the

area for what it has to offer.

Defining and committing to a long term vision is critical in ensuring the Green Wedge

continues to be valued and protected. This requires vigilance and conviction where

there is no room for compromise or ‘trade offs’. A shared approach is required where all

stakeholders - government, industry, landholders and the wider community share a

common understanding that they are the custodians of the Green Wedge for future

generations can also enjoy.

The vision must also reflect the articulated priorities to strengthen and improve the

planning and land management of the Green Wedge and ensure that it is not eroded

by incremental incompatible activities.

Backwards March - Baillieu taking us backwards

2011-11-14T18:03:00.001+11:00

After 12 disappointing months where the Baillieu Government has taken Victoria's environmental policy backwards, I joined with about 1000 others and marched backwards to demonstrate the direction the Premier is taking us. It was lots of fun!

Here's why we were marching:

In just one year Premier Baillieu has taken Victoria backwards on the environment:

• Cattle trampling our national parks
• New wind farms blocked
• CO2 emissions target ignored
• Endangered species habitat logged
• New coal-fired power station approved
• Green Wedges threatened
• Westernport destruction fast-tracked

Premier Baillieu said he would ‘fix the problems, and build the future’, but when it comes to our environment his government has created new problems and is threatening our future!

His government has no formal environment or climate change policy, and no clear vision for a more sustainable Victoria.

Green Wedges Protest

2011-10-12T23:13:00.000+11:00

Today I joined over 200 people on the steps of parliament to protest against the Baillieu Government's attack on Melbourne's Green Wedges. This also coincided with the tabling of the petition (as covered in a previous post here and here) which had been signed by 819 people.

Shadow Minister for Planning, Brian Tee put to the meeting the following five-point proposal for the planning scheme:

1. planning should be driven by the voices of the community and not by the

wallets of developers;

2. planning should be determined by the long-term needs of the community and not by political donations or who you know in government;

3. that green wedges and open spaces should be honoured, protected and enhanced for future generations and not be bulldozed for short-term development outcomes, because once they are gone they are gone forever;

4. planning should enshrine and embrace the character and history of local communities and should protect against the destruction of communities which is associated with inappropriate development; and

5. planning should be about listening to the community.

Mr Tee further proposed to call upon Minister Guy to set up "an ongoing community forum that would provide a voice for the community and restore public confidence. The forum would be an advisory committee to balance the advisory committee which the minister has set up, which is headed by the former head of the development community. The forum would be there to bring balance and decency to the planning system."

There was a great line up of speakers, showcasing the diversity and dedication of Green Wedge Champions these included:

RosemaryWest, who has coordinated theGreen Wedges since its formation in 2002, jointly with Arnie Azaris since 2003 andworked with the the Bracks Government for the Green Wedge Protection package which put the Urban Growth Boundary in place in 2003, to protect all Melbourne’s GreenWedges

Helen Angusand Lisa Lawrence, representing the Laurimar Estate residents who are fightinga so-called Logical Inclusion of Plenty riverbank land in the Whittlesea Green Wedge

David Bell, is here from Torquay, to talkabout how his coastal community managed to get Matthew to back down;

SherylGoatman of the Township of Lara Care Group has been fighting for eightyears a proposal for residential development next to Serendip WildlifeSanctuary, on land that should remain a grassland buffer to the sanctuary;

Colleen Miller, of the Western RegionEnvironment Centre is her to support the residents of Point Cook, 200 of whommet in a local hall last week to oppose the development of environmentallysignificant wetlands on their doorstep. WREC represents the Werribee South & Western Plains Green Wedges;

This Government is not just over-ruling residents of greenwedges and coastal communities but also those who are fighting over-development in the City.

Jenny Nolan is representing Moonee Valley residents opposed to high-rise development on the Racecourse;

Arnie Azaris &/or Trevor Dance of the SunburyMaribyrnong Valley Green Wedge Defenders are opposing huge proposals for Logical Inclusions all aroundSunbury and south, to link Diggers Rest and Sunbury to the City in what wasnever meant to be ;

We also had a speaker from Doncaster RAIDAD (ResidentsAgainst Inappropriate Development at Doncaster) spoke against high rise onDoncaster Road;

Clifford Hayes, a Bayside City Councillor and executive member of the Coalition of Concerned Councillors;

Cr David Ellis, a Manningham Councillor willtalk about the impact of Matthew Guy’s invitation to “rezone anomalies” isputting pressure on non-growth councils that have historically stronglysupported their green wedges.

https://www.facebook.com/SaveOurGreenWedges

Stringybark Suburban Sustainability Festival

2011-10-07T22:09:00.001+11:00

Saturday 15 & Sunday 16 October 2011
10am - 5pm
Rowville Community Centre,
Fulham Road, Rowville (Melway 81 K1)

You’ll find over 80 FREE kids workshops and activities delivered by community groups, business partners, Knox City council staff and volunteers.

Activities include:
* Extensive market of fair trade and locally produced goods
* Handmade crafts
* Children’s fairground (with a low environmental impact)
* Roving performers
* Native animal displays
* Skate course
* Event kitchen cooking demonstrations
* Fabulous food from around the world
* Live music and performances across two stages – one sustainability powered by Solar and Wind (from the Big:Red:Bus)
* AND… tons of ways to save money whilst saving the environment

Here is a copy of the map and program.

Green Wedge Petitions to be tabled next week

2011-10-06T22:44:00.002+11:00

The response to the Green Wedge Petition has been huge and Brian Tees, Shadow Minister for Planning will be tabling the petition next week.
To support this action you are invited to rally on the steps of parliament Gon Wednesday October the 12th.

GATHER AT 1PM ON WEDNESDAY 12 OCTOBER
ON THE FRONT STEPS OF STATE PARLIAMENT (Corner Bourke and Spring St, Melbourne.)

This is also an opportunity to highlight the way the State Government is riding roughshod over local planning decisions.

The question is 'Will Matthew Listen to the community?" or will big developers continue to have his ear?

With the recent exposure of Liberal Party fundraising debacles and the linking of donations from developers with planning decisions made in their favour (and then backed down on when Miley Cyrus complains!). It is high time to hold the Minister for Planning, Matthew Guy accountable for his decisions.

Too many local planning decisions are being over-ruled by the Planning Minister. Rosemary West, Convenor of the Green Wedge Coalition, summarises some of the most recent as "including high-rise in Maribyrnong, a bitumen plant at Langwarren, and of course coastal developments in Western Victoria, and in Torquay and at Ventnor, on Phillip Island, where local protests led Planning Minister Guy to back down, apparently under pressure from the Premier."

The concern now is that even if local councils do not accept the Minister invitation to rezone Green Wedge land, they will be summarily over turned.

McDonald Decision Imminent - Your attendance vital

2011-10-06T22:15:00.001+11:00

Next Tuesday night (Tues 11 Oct at 7:45pm) Yarra Ranges Council will be making its decision on the planning application for a McDonalds in Tecoma.

Due to the anticipated large community turnout, the shire has moved the meeting to York on Lilydale, Cnr York and Swansea Roads, Mt Evelyn.

Your attendance on the night will be vital as the Council's planning officers have recommended that the Council approve the application. So this will be our last chance to demonstrate to the Councillors that this project is not wanted.

You can read the reasoning behind the planning officers recommendation here.

And don't be shy in letting the coucillors know how you feel about this recommendation. Email them via mail@yarraranges.vic.gov.au and attention it to all councillors.

Upate: Green Wedge Petition

2011-09-16T17:49:00.005+10:00

Brian Tees, the Opposition Planning Minister, has decided not to table the petition till the next sitting. Which gives us more time to gather signatures. So please print out a copy of the petition that was linked to in the previous post and get some signatures!

And return them to Julian Campbell, Office of Brian Tee MLC | Shadow Minister for Planning, 128 Ayr St, Doncaster VIC 3108

Green Wedges need your help - Petition

2011-09-01T00:30:00.000+10:00

Melbourne’s green wedges are under a triple-pronged attack from State Government:
* the so-called “logical inclusions” review for growth areas, in which 180 submissions to the Growth Areas Authority that were refused in 2009 are to be re-considered. Really they are illogical incursions
* Non-growth area councils have been invited to put in applications to extend the Urban Growth Authority to take more Green Wedge land for urban development; and
* An audit of the green wedge uses, which the Coalition says will allow more tourist facilities, religious facilities, schools and even residential development in the Green Wedges.

To head off this attack, we need to let the government know that we value the green wedges for our own and future generations and don’t want them carved up for subdivision and suburban sprawl.

Can you collect a dozen signatures?
1. The Green Wedges Coalition is circulating the attached self-explanatory petition (links to pdf file) to help try and save the Green Wedges.

Please take this to any meetings of interested people, forward to your lists and get as many signatures as you can over the next week.

And return these to Rosemary West, Joint Co-ordinator of the Green Wedges Coalition, at: rowest@ozemail.com.au or fax to 9776 2819.

Talk to your MP and local councillors2. Please talk to you local MPs and councillors. Even if they have a good record of support for the green wedges they should be asked to support the other green wedges as well.

We remember the dark days of 2002, when the green wedges, with councils in charge of their protection, were rapidly disappearing. At that time, we had bipartisan support from both major parties for the Green Wedge Protection Policy which the Bracks Government introduced. Then Ted Baillieu took over as Planning spokesman and the Liberal Party weakened its support for green wedges. By last year, neither major party saw any problem with rezoning 43,600 ha of green wedge land for urban development, though it was opposed of course by the Greens. But while this affected four green wedges ( Minister Madden did say there would be no need for the UGB to move again in his lifetime), the Coalition Government is now proposing a catalogue of disasters that will threaten all green wedges. Furthermore, there seems to be little or no opportunity for community input into any of these reviews.

Yarra Ranges response to the review: http://free-press-leader.whereilive.com.au/news/story/yarra-ranges-green-light-bid/
The following is Age coverage of UGB expansion plans, and the links between government fundraising and lobbying activities.
Tuesday:
http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/liberals-broke-poll-cash-laws-20110725-1hx8n.html
Wednesday:
http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/business-first-held-fundraiser-at-parliament-20110726-1hyn7.html
Saturday:
http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/review-threatens-to-destroy-melbournes-lungs-20110729-1i4f3.html?from=age_sb
http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/driving-a-green-wedge-between-the-locals-20110729-1i48f.html3.From

McDonalds - Objection Time!

2011-09-01T00:12:00.001+10:00

Two opportunities are coming up for you to furnish yourself with the latest information about the planning application submitted by McDonalds for a 24hr - 7 day a week 'family restaurant' in Tecoma.

The shire is hosting a drop in with you questions session on Thursday the 8th of September between 5 -7 pm at the Monbulk Community Hub, planners from council and McDonalds will be there.

The Tecoma Village Action Group is holding a public meeting on Sunday the 11th of September at Tecoma Primary School.

Council is aiming to decided on this application at its Tuesday 27th September Meeting, so your submission should make it in by about the 20th in order for the planning staff to review it and incorporate it in their recommendations to the councillors. Although, strictly speaking you can make you objection right up to the moment the decision is made - the later you leave it the less likely it is that it will be taken into account, or even read.

Over 500 objections have been received to date, so if you are planning to attend the council meeting on the 27th it is likely to be standing room only - so aim to get there early. If there is overflow to the carpark and hallways, the meeting will probably be broadcast over the speaker system so that everyone attending can hear the decision (at least this is what has happened in the past).

If you don't have a chance to go to any of the information sessions you can find out more about how to object and get some information to assist you with your objection at www.tvag.org.au

Amnesty International- Hills Branch Trivia Night

2011-06-17T20:51:00.000+10:00

The local branch of Amnesty International are hosting their trivia night fundraiser next month.

I attended last years and can highly recommend it as a fun filled event and all for a worthwhile cause.

What do you think about our train stations?

2011-06-17T20:41:00.000+10:00

pt4me2 is a group that is collecting views on various aspects of the publics experience of the Melbourne public transport system. At the moment they are seeking your opinions about train stations. You can find their online survey here.

I am aware that in the Dandenongs there are a number of stations that have the bare minimum of facilities and are of great concern such as the Tecoma station. And only one station is staffed full time.

So often the great work that groups like pt4me2 focus on the inner city suburbs concerns, well now we have a chance to have our say and our experience incorporated into their reports and advocacy work for better stations. I encourage you to fill in the very brief survey (about 1 minute). And if you like why not share you thoughts by commenting on this post?

McDonalds in Tecoma

2011-06-16T20:49:00.003+10:00

McDonalds has lodged is planning application for 24 hour, 7 days a week restaurant to be build in Tecoma. The proposal is for 56-seat restaurant, a 28-seat outside terrace overlooking the hills (which they propose to enclose to address noise issues), a drive-through and a playland. The following pictures are a mock up of what the proposed development would look like from the Burwood Hwy.

When to write your objection - WAIT!!
I strongly recommend that people wait until the details of the application are available to the public to view, prior to submitting an objection. It is most likely that the application supplied to the council will require McDonalds to produce further information - this could even take the form of expert studies that take some time to complete. And the information from these studies will be vital in determining the basis of any objection. I will be reviewing the documents as they become available and will post, what I see, as the key planning concerns here at a later date. You can then apply this items to your own situation and write an individualised submission.

How to write an objection

The most important thing about an objection is to remember that the council will be basing its decision and will be limited to the criteria defined within its planning scheme. So as vehemently as you may oppose McDonalds for their approach to food, for example, objections that focus on this element will provide no basis for the council to reject the application. Planning issues relate to things such as visual impact, neighbourhood character (how it fits in with the surrounding developments/environment), built form, impact on abutting properties and their residents quality of life, traffic, noise and odour. But the detail of these will only be revealed upon reviewing the actual application.

Now one of the key things to take into account with this proposal is that the subject land is zoned Business One. What this means is that a restaurant is an permitted use. So the focus of the planning decision will be based upon matters related to the building and works rather than the use of the site.

Check back here later for some guidelines on how to make the most of your objection.

Blog Hiatus

2011-02-16T20:50:00.000+11:00

Just to let you know that I am on extended leave at the moment and will resume blogging at this site sometime over the next few months. My focus will be on climate change, gender and group facilitation with few other odd bits and pieces thrown in for fun.

Catch you then!

Jo

Planning Forum

2010-10-21T21:39:00.000+11:00

Bushfires and Climate Change Forum

2010-10-21T21:35:00.001+11:00

LaTrobe Q&A

2010-08-11T01:45:00.000+10:00

A Non-Partisan Meet the Candidates Forum for the seat of Latrobe
Upwey Community Hall. Thursday August 12th, 7:15pm

A group of local community organisations, in partnership with the national organisation GetUp!, have organised “La Trobe Q&A”, a political Meet The Candidates Forum for the electorate of LaTrobe.

The forum will be conducted in a similar format to the Popular ABC TV program Q&A, which will allow discussion on relevant issues in a well organised format. All six LaTrobe candidates have been invited to attend. The Panel for the evening includes Labor’s Laura Smyth and The Greens Jim Reiher, with Liberal Jason Wood MP yet to confirm. State candidates for the seat of Monbulk have also been invited to attend.

The expert Panel will be moderated by local educator and futurist Brian Lennon, and will include contributor to The Age and co-editor of DISSENT Kenneth Davidson, local Biodiversity Expert and President of Johns Hill Landcare Karen Alexander, and a leading climate scientist.

The public are invited to ask questions of the panel by submitting their question by email or video with their name and contact details to latrobeqanda@yahoo.com.au before the event.

Belgrave - Mental Health Candlelight Vigil

2010-08-03T19:00:00.000+10:00

Winter Warmer Dinner - You're invited

2010-07-20T15:02:00.001+10:00

One Act Play Festival

2010-07-08T22:38:00.000+10:00

From The Gemco Players website:

"Known as the ‘Friendly Festival’, this annual weekend attracts theatre companies from across Victoria to compete against each other with plays of 20 – 45 minutes in length.

The weekend showcases many plays of many genres and styles, a highlight of the weekend being the many youth entries for which there are separate awards.

This year the festival will have over fifteen plays performed – six of them being in the Youth category and over 5 different theatre groups participating.

With the cost of a season ticket being only $20 that works out at less the $1.50 per play which is amazing value, but seats are limited. There will be 15 awards given out at the judging session at 7pm Sunday 18^th April with valuable feedback given from the Judges.

Going from past festivals the standard is extremely high with an amazing cross-section of styles from comedy to drama that will keep the audience enthralled.

This is your chance to experience different styles of plays in a boutique theatre that boasts a “wow” factor, you have to see it to believe it!

Whether you come along for one session of plays, or the whole season the experience is a feast for theatre lovers that will leave you laughing and crying, all at a bargain price. Hearty winter food and delectable wines are available from the bar."

Oxfam Refugee Fundraiser

2010-07-07T01:06:00.000+10:00

Oxfam Australia Dandenong Ranges Group is holding a concert to support Oxfam’s work for and with refugees called Hear the Voices.
Oxfam works in refugee camps around the world helping to provide clean water and sanitation.
In Australia, Oxfam advocates to hold the government to its obligations under international humanitarian law towards people seeking asylum.

This concert draws on a mixture of local Hills a capella groups, plus the
Pan African Choir, Melbourne-based choir with songs and drumming from across Africa. Directed by Jen Skate and Chris Lesser
Folkus String Ensemble : Fiona and Will, a new local accomplished duo, featuring voice, violin and multiple guitars, play ethereal and energetic world music.
Ending with an exciting duo, Quashani Bahd and Creole : singing of life and love in melodic blues and reggae.

The concert is set for Sunday afternoon 18th July from 2-4.30pm
Venue is the very comfortable Baptist Church, cnr Burwood Hwy and Darling Ave , Upwey, just at the station’s north exit.

Tickets are just $13. At interval, you can buy the group’s renowned coffee and cakes, plus the chance to win at the raffle.

Tecoma Village Community Planning Workshop

2010-07-07T01:01:00.001+10:00

Maybe you’ve thought to yourself that something should be done to make the town’s main intersection safer, perhaps you had chats with friends about the need for certain community facilities in Tecoma, or possibly you want to take action to stop the graffiti.

You may just have a general concern for the future development of Tecoma and a desire to see positive things happening.

Whatever it is, if you have an interest in the future of Tecoma then you will be most welcome to come along to the community workshop being held on Sunday, 18th July 2010 from 1:30 - 3:30pm at Tecoma Primary School.

'Your Tecoma' - out now!

Check out the first edition of Tecoma's community newsletter here.

National Day of Action to Replace Hazelwood - Belgrave

2010-07-07T00:55:00.000+10:00

REPLACE HAZLEWOOD CAMPAIGN

Saturday July 17, Belgrave

10.30 am to 11 am

Meet outside James Merlino’s office (near Safeway)

2010 is a very important year for people concerned about Climate Change. Being an election year it is a big opportunity to pressure our State and Federal politicians to take important first steps towards reducing Australia’s emissions.

Replacing Hazelwood power station would be an important first step for the reasons outlined below. July 17 is a day of national action in the replace Hazelwood campaign.

Join other concerned hills residents for a short, novel and mostly silent event which will send a clear message to our elected representatives and increase local awareness of the need for action on Hazelwood.

It is critical that everyone brings a folding chair and if possible an A4 or A3 sign about replacing Hazelwood. Please don’t be put off by rain as the event will be undercover.

Did you know......?

Hazelwood was scheduled to close down in 2005.

In 2005 it was rated as the dirtiest power station in the industrialized world.

It puts out 16 million tonnes of greenhouse pollution every year. That is about 15% of Victoria’s annual greenhouse gas emissions.

It uses 27 billion litres of water annually

Two recent studies have shown how Hazelwood could be replaced with clean energy by 2012 or 2016. They show that many more jobs would be created in the transition compared with the 500 currently employed at Hazelwood.

How to run a community campaign

2010-06-11T04:45:00.000+10:00

An Invitation from Karl, who runs all sorts of interesting forums at Selby Community House: (plus I'll be on the panel - hope you can come!)
"I trust you all know of the wonderful victory of that valiant little band of ordinary citizens over the cashed-up developer who tried to bulldoze his way through planning authorities, disaffected locals and VCAT in order to have a monstrous Coles supermarket built in Tecoma. But do you all know the inspiring tale of how these people came together, organised themselves, informed the public and prepared their legal case?

You don’t? Then you oughta, ‘cos it’s an inspirational story with a feelgood ending!

Not only will next week’s gig at Selby Community House be an education to anyone who wants to protect his/her community, but it will also be a celebration of sorts. Thanks to the support of Yarra Ranges Council, there will be a savouries, dessert and a cauldron of home-made chai laid on.

There’ll be no less than 7 members of the aptly-named Tecoma Village Action Group sharing in a carefully-prepared presentation, covering invaluable topics such as:

-         the forms of publicity utilised to get community support

-         how they founded their committee

-         effective fundraising

-         seeking support from Council and other organisations

-         the preparation and presentation to VCAT

This should only interest people with a functioning heartbeat. If you know of any such people, please forward them this email.

Details:

Venue: Selby Community House, Wombalana Road, Selby – Melways 75 K10 (enter from Charles St.)

Time: 7 pm until 9 or 9:30, with plenty of time for questions and comments along the way.

Supper and refreshments provided, no charge. All warmly welcome.

Please note: For catering purposes, would you please notify Selby CH at 9754-2039 or selby@selbyhouse.com.au

Another Blog

2010-01-22T17:27:00.002+11:00

I have a new blog dedicated to my election campaign for the State seat of Monbulk at November's elections.

http://jotenner.org.au

There you will find my latest post about live music, alcohol fuelled violence and B&Bs - if you are curious about the connection between these three things then I encourage you to go and have read.

As always I welcome your comments or suggestions.

Copenhagen Climate Summit

2010-01-07T18:55:00.003+11:00

As part of my work with the Women's Environment Network Australia, I attended the recent United Nations Climate Conference in Copenhagen. I want to share with you a small part of my extraordinary experience there, in particular the speech I was able to give as part of the meeting.

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The following was presented in the closing plenary of the working group that had been set up to explore the future of the Kyoto Protocol:

"Mr Chairman, my name is Jo Tenner, I come from Australia which is among the world’s highest per capita emitter of greenhouse gas. I speak today on behalf of GenderCC, the Gender and Women’s Constituency and the Women’s Caucus.

Gender is about all of us, men and women, it is critical to understanding the social and economic context in which policies, programs and legislation are constructed. This is no less true in the case of a global climate change agreement.

The focus of my comments is the mitigation dimensions of climate change. As we know the vast majority of emissions have come from developed countries, when we examine the attitudes of their people we find that mitigation is gendered.

Significantly, in the countries that will have to undertake the greatest mitigation efforts, women express higher levels of concern about climate change as well as greater levels of willingness to take action in their own lives to mitigate climate change.

Unfortunately, this level of concern is not matched by women's representation in decision making on climate change, nor are women adequately enabled to take actions in our own lives to abate emissions.
Many women have undertaken activities to lessen their carbon footprint but in the absence of an effective international framework, these efforts are negated by the continued growth in emissions.

An acceptable outcome from these negotiations includes both: very ambitious, effective commitments from developed countries in the form of emission cuts and funding for mitigation and adaptation in developing countries, as well as strong language on gender. Only one of these two is not sufficient. Developed nations must resolve to do this, the women of your countries expect nothing less.

Thankyou."

crochet and the mathematics of coral reefs

2010-01-07T18:18:00.003+11:00

Margaret Wertheim is crocheting a coral reef, she is joined in this exercise by many people from all around the world, totalling tens of thousands of hours of work. Motivated by a concern about the fate of coral reefs in a warming world and an understanding that the only way that mathematicians have to model the intricate structures of coral reefs is by crocheting them.

If you are intrigued by this I encourage you to follow this link and watch Margaret talking about this project - Margaret Wertheim on the beautiful math of coral | Video on TED.com

Her final comment is about appreciating alternative ways of knowing:

"We live in a society now where we have lots of think tanks, where great minds go to think about the world. They write these great symbolic treatises called books, and papers, and op-ed articles. We want to propose, Chrissy and I, through The Institute For Figuring, another alternative way of doing things, which is the play tank. The play tank, like the think tank, is a place where people can go and engage with great ideas. But what we want to propose, is that the highest levels of abstraction,things like mathematics, computing, logic, et cetera -- all of this can be engaged with, not just through purely cerebral algebraic symbolic methods, but by literally, physically playing with ideas."

I really like this notion of there being many ways that we can engage with ideas beyond the purely academic. It also opens these experiences up to more of the community than those with a science or maths background. If you want to read more about this project visit the website for "The Institute of Figuring" at http://www.theiff.org/main.html

If you live in the Dandenong Ranges and would like to have a go at crocheting some coral, there is a group running a workshop on the 30th of January. More details in the flyer below.

Survival Day - Belgrave

2010-01-07T16:58:00.001+11:00

On Australia Day 2010 the Belgrave Community is coming together for an exciting Survival Day concert to celebrate survival of indigenous culture locally and nationally.

The third annual event will include Judith Durham OAM performing her version of the Australian National Anthemn, and involve indigenous artists including Kutcha Edwards and Band, the Stray Blacks, Healesville Traditional Dance Troupe and Sparkleland an indigenous children’s entertainer. Indigenous Elders Aunty Dot Peters and Uncle Henry will also speak at the event. Stalls selling indigenous craft and bushfoods will be present.