Urban Growth Boundary (UGB)

Comment:   Its a small world.  This article was from Portland (not in Victoria) but in Oregon USA.

It's a great article and it can be read in full by clicking on the title.  I wonder if our Cox is related!

Growth boundaries stop sprawl, but author argues they stop dreams, as well

 Proponents of compact development point out that urban growth boundaries such as in the Portland area have stopped sprawl and preserved farms and forests at the city's edge. But free-market partisans have always had a countering view: Because it restricts development outside the boundary line, the UGB artificially inflates the value of property within it. That, in turn, pushes housing prices beyond the reach of many residents.

The latter argument has an ally in author Wendell Cox, a professor and former three-term member of the Los Angeles County Transportation Commission. Writing at the blog "Newgeography," Cox says compact development polices have increased home prices.

"For example, even after hitting bottom earlier this year, house prices in compact development markets such as California, Seattle and Portland remained as much as twice as expensive related to income than in less strongly regulated markets," he writes.

Coldstream CFA REPORT

Hi Mario,

Last night I attended a CFA Community Meeting at Coldstream Primary School. This was the third meeting held in our area. There were a number of interested people in attendance as well as members of the Coldstream Fire Brigade.

The meeting was designed to give residents of our town some idea on what to expect should we have the misfortune of having another Black Saturday inflicted upon us.

Items discussed included “Understanding your Environment” – how to determine the level of risk to you and your family.

“Preparing your Property”. Making your house fire ready.

How to decide whether you should leave early or stay and defend your property.

How to interpret the new Fire Danger Ratings.

Unfortunately, the number of residents who attended indicated a total lack of appreciation of the dangers that the town faces, with fewer than 5% of the community bothering to attend to find out how to save their life and/or property.

Compare this with the number of people who seem to be more interested in whether an extra few houses can or can’t be built in our estate.

For those people who would still like to find out more about the program, you can visit the web CFA site at:

http://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/residents/summer/firereadykit.htm

Robert Bethell.

“52 Hot Spots” Community Rally

Hi All, (from Jo & Mel)

We are doing very well!.....Laying strong foundations for the implementation of Neighbourhood Safer Places in the "52 Hotspots" throughout Victoria!

Our combined efforts have raised NSPs to be an election issue. 

Some organisations spend millions to achieve this feat!

See  links below:

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/breaking-news/government-shirked-bushfire-responsiblities/story-e6frf7jx-1225806394208

http://news.theage.com.au/breaking-news-national/victorians-await-bushfiresafe-areas-20091201-k3n4.html

http://free-press-leader.whereilive.com.au/news/story/dandenong-ranges-bushfire-group-demand-safer-places/ 

We need your full support in attendance to strike while the iron is HOT!!!

Please schedule into your day:
Tuesday the 8th of December, 1pm at Spring Street Melbourne on the steps of Parliament House.

We are arranging a bus from The Dandenongs, let us know if you are interested please asap, refreshments to be provided.
For your community please decide to be one who is counted!

There is likely to be full news coverage.


Dont forget to wear red!!

Speaking at the rally will be:

Peter Ryan, Nationals Leader. MLA Gippsland South
Christine Fyffe, MLA Member for Evelyn
Peter Marshall, United Firefighters Union National Secretary

Look forward to rallying with you! 

For more information, please contact the President of the Dandenong Ranges Community Bushfire Group Inc, Ms. Jo Hirst on 0427 494 831

Minister alters view on sprawl 

JASON DOWLING  December 3, 2009  The Age

PLANNING Minister Justin Madden has conceded there may have to be changes to Melbourne's urban growth boundary.

Less than a month ago, Mr Madden predicted that the boundaries would not be moved ''in my lifetime''.

'There are anomalies that come up from time to time and we have to deal with them,'' he said. ''There are logical inclusions [of land] that might need to be considered.''

'I am willing to look at that and develop a body of work around that, because I think there is a need for it, because I get a growing sense that there are from time to time local governments and landholders who believe there should be some slight adjustments,'' he said.

To read the full story click on the TITLE above.

COMMENT:  Does this give the go-ahead to start a serious discussion on increasing the UGB around Coldstream 3770.  I think it does!

The Dual Occ Debate

Here is the link to the 9 comments (so far) made to the Leader Newspaper online.

Makes good reading if you are involved.

Council Agenda 8 12 2009

To read the full story click on the TITLE above.

Comment:  Now that Coldstream has some dual occs will it reconsider the Draft Housing Policy?

More Photographs of our First Dual Occ

The first photo is from the front of the block and it indicates that from the front you can’t see the new house.

The second photo shows that you can just see the house when you look down the driveway.

 “CAN YOU SEE THE DUAL OCCUPANCY BEHIND THIS HOUSE?” “What is all the fuss about?”

 This was sent to me via e mail.  Sender asked not to be named.

Christmas Decorations

WHAT DO YOU THINK:

Should ratepayers pay for Lilydale Christmas decoration?

or for any other of the 55 townships in the Yarra Ranges

A LACK of yuletide spirit in Lilydale has prompted calls for Christmas decorations to make a return to Main St.
Coldstream resident Joy Gray told the Leader she was disappointed the decorations had not made an appearance for at least five years.

To read the full story click on the TITLE above.

 

 

New Mayor and Deputy

Drum roll.......

Len Cox returns as Mayor

.........................................................

Tim Heenan is deputy

Congrats to both of you. 

Mario

Coldstream Comments on Dual Occs

Coldstream Comments on Dual Occs

a comment from Brenda:

Mario


I made this comment in the local paper if you want to put it on your blog

Brenda writes:


Posted on 1 Dec 09 at 02:42pm


I disagree with Julie, the reason we have lost classrooms, petrol stations, doctors, chemists and lots of other businesses is not because the population has grown but because the population has grown up and they have been forced to move out of Coldstream as there is no land available for them.

Hotting Up In Coldstream

Here are the November Weather statistics. Despite the rain we were still below average.

Averages\Extremes for the month of November 2009

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Average temperature = 19.6°C
Average humidity = 62%
Average dewpoint = 10.9°C
Average barometer = 1014.1 hPa
Average windspeed = 3.1 km/h
Average gustspeed = 5.6 km/h
Average direction = 360° ( N )
Rainfall for month = 62.4 mm
Coldstream Average = 71.0 mm
Rainfall for year = 556.8 mm
Maximum rain per minute = 1.0 mm on day 22 at time 10:58
Maximum temperature = 37.0°C on day 20 at time 14:13
Minimum temperature = 3.6°C on day 05 at time 05:42
Maximum humidity = 96% on day 22 at time 07:02
Minimum humidity = 13% on day 20 at time 12:25
Maximum dewpoint = 21.4°C on day 26 at time 14:39
Minimum dewpoint = -1.1°C on day 24 at time 19:07
Maximum pressure = 1027.6 hPa on day 08 at time 09:37
Minimum pressure = 997.1 hPa on day 22 at time 09:08
Maximum windspeed = 27.8 kmh from 023°(NNE) on day 02 at time 01:10
Maximum gust speed = 37.0 km/h from 045°( NE) on day 20 at time 14:41
Maximum heat index = 35.1°C on day 10 at time 14:03
Avg daily max temp :27.9°C
Coldstream Long Term Avg :23.0°C
Avg daily min temp :12.2°C
Total windrun = 2105.3km
Max Fire Danger Index (CFA measurement) 18.3 - High, on 20/11/09

Max FWI (A NZ measure of fire danger) 34.6 - Extreme, on 20/11/09
-----------------------------------
Daily rain totals
-----------------------------------
01.0 mm on day 2
01.0 mm on day 3
00.2 mm on day 4
14.6 mm on day 21
16.0 mm on day 22
00.8 mm on day 25
06.6 mm on day 26
11.4 mm on day 28
06.4 mm on day 29

Thanks Robert

Dual Occ Comment

I have been a resident of Coldstream for over 35 years and have watched businesses come and go in our town (approx 15 in the last 5 years). Why don’t they stay? Because there is not the population here to support them. This is the first time Council have done something positive toward boosting the population.

As Mario says, council should be looking at expanding the UGB to accomodate a larger population.

Most residents would agree that we do not want to become part of Lilydale township but the town could easily double its size and still maintain its individual identity.

Robert (comment via email)

Compost stench to linger

BY GILBERT GARDINER Maroondah Journal.  1/12/2009

 

RESIDENTS overcome by a stench emanating from a Coldstream composting facility may be forced to endure the smell for longer.

Australian Native Landscapes, operators of the Maroondah Highway facility, want a five-month extension to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal's deadline (January 25) to clear all composting materials from the site.

In line with VCAT's decision the site stopped receiving compost material from October 25.

Cathy Butler, a Mooroolbark resident forced out of Coldstream by the smell, is amazed it has dragged on for so long.

 To read the full story click on the TITLE above.

Crowded house

By Kath Gannaway  from The Mail

• Mountain Views Mail

COLDSTREAM residents opposing second-dwelling development say they have been underarmed by five Yarra Ranges councillors.

................ ............

Residents are frustrated also that other options are not being considered – such as rezoning of the green-wedge parcel of land between the railway line and the highway which they say could provide the revitalisation it is being argued Coldstream needs to survive.

That, the residents say, could only be done with Yarra Ranges Council on their side.


To read the full story click on the TITLE above.

Minutes of the 24/11/2009

The minutes are out.

To read the full story click on the TITLE above.

FYI Coldstream Dual Occs

The following was sent to me via e mail to post here to add discussion to the Dual Occ Debate. 

It should be noted that the current "PROPOSED- Adopted Housing Strategy" has only been "adopted" by Council. 

As it has not yet gone through the rigor of the Planning Scheme Amendment process it does not form part of the current Yarra Ranges Planning Scheme.
 

Since this current Housing Strategy falls considerably short of the State Government Planning Policy Framework requirements, this adopted Housing Strategy has "limited weight", as stated in the Planners Reports for the recommendation of these Dual Occupancies in Coldsteam.
 

Clearly those Councilors who approved these applications recognised this, as did VCAT in previous similar Applications For Review both in Coldstream and other areasas it was pointed out in the Council meeting.
 

As also pointed out in this Council meeting, Coldstream has lagged behind other areas which also experienced the same reaction (from the existing residents) when similar developments were approved.
 

Coldstream is now catching up to these other areas.
 

Whilst there is a minority group, who are opposed to the dual occupancies there are still many residents who see the wisdom in this to ensure the ongoing viability of the Coldstream township.

Hope this helps

Rumor

I was told that a dual occ in or near Kelso St was approved without going to a Council meeting.

Can anyone shed any light on this rumor?


Mr A. >>>   Can you post your comment again, there was a computer glitch.

Brumby forced to review Fire Services Levy

Brumby forced to review Fire Services Levy

As many of you know by now I have been asking this to be done for a long time now.  I just hope that Brumby is serious about reforming the system by which the CFA is funded expecially for farmers and businesses.

I wish to thank Christine Fyffe, our local State member, for presenting a speach in parliament regarding this issue.

Below is the full copy of her speach.  She gives me a special mention and I hope that we may find a fairer system to fund the fantastic work carried out by the Victorian CFA.

Title FIRE SERVICES FUNDING (FEASIBILITY STUDY) BILL

House ASSEMBLY  Activity Second Reading

Members FYFFE

________________________________________

26 November 2009 ASSEMBLY

________________________________________

 

Mrs FYFFE (Evelyn) -- I am pleased to rise to make a brief contribution on the Fire Services Funding (Feasibility Study) Bill. Whenever taxation is mentioned in the context of the Brumby government, I am reminded of the lyrics to the George Harrison song, Taxman. I will spare the chamber any attempt by me to put it to a melody, but the song says:

Let me tell you how it will be,

There's 1 for you, 19 for me ...

... If you drive a car, I'll tax the street,

If you try to sit, I'll tax your seat,

If you get too cold, I'll tax the heat,

If you take a walk, I'll tax your feet.

...

'Cos I'm the Taxman.

I know government members know the words; it is their anthem.

I most definitely support the amendments to be proposed by the member for Scoresby to curtail any attempt by this government to secretly put in place an agenda to be able to change powers to investigate any tax. However, in the case of the fire services levy, this is an unquestionably necessary tax. The problem, though, lies in the degree of burden being felt by those who pay insurance, which incorporates the fire services levy, versus those who do not pay insurance but still benefit from the services of the MFB (Metropolitan Fire Brigade).

It is an issue that is of great concern to many in my electorate of Evelyn. Black Saturday resulted in 173 deaths, 6180 injuries and thousands made homeless by an unrelenting fire storm that felt as if we had been plunged into the very depths of hell. In fact I personally felt we had been plunged into the depths of hell. It was a disaster that the state of Victoria was not prepared for. I pray we will not experience a repeat of such devastation during this fire season, which has already begun.

In terms of the fire services levy, the Black Saturday bushfires revealed that 30 per cent of property owners did not have insurance -- in other words, 70 per cent of property owners are carrying the 30 per cent who perhaps cannot afford insurance or who do not want to pay for it. The fire services levy is paid as a percentage of house and business insurance premiums and funds the CFA (Country Fire Authority) and MFB.

Mr Mario Galteri, who has a business in Coldstream, has been passionately campaigning for a system that would see the fire services funded by the state government. Businesses are now being made to pay an increased rate of 68 per cent of the premium while homeowners pay 26 per cent. It is simply not fair when everyone receives the same service.

While the CFA is technically able to charge a fee to property owners for their services, as one volunteer, Don Bigham, from the Gruyere CFA said to me -- and forgive me for paraphrasing -- 'We don't want to have to present some poor bugger with a bill when he has just lost everything'.

Since every premium requires GST and stamp duty to be paid, the government is benefiting from the levy without any consideration of the strain that it is putting on business and family incomes. In the case of Mr Galteri, the fire services levy and taxes add about an extra $15 000 to his annual insurance bill. If we have season after season of severe bushfires, funding requirements for the CFA and MFB will soar, putting even more pressure on the backs of the few. As soon as the burden becomes too great, other businesses and property owners will simply stop paying their insurance premiums until the government is left with no alternative other than to meet the entire cost of the fire services. We cannot risk the CFA not being adequately funded in future bushfire seasons.

Clause 6 inserts new section 116A(1) which stipulates that the commissioner can conduct feasibility studies in relation to a new or existing tax, duty, levy or impost in the public interest. This extends the role of the commissioner beyond the administration of the taxation laws. The term 'public interest', as we all know, is a debatable term. In order to ensure that taxpayer dollars are not wasted on knee-jerk feasibility studies, I think the bill could be strengthened by the inclusion of some parameters. I would hate us to reach a situation where feasibility studies are being conducted as a matter of routine.

New section 116B(2) outlines all the items the commissioner must state in the notice when requiring information for a feasibility study. This includes the purpose for which the information is required, the form in which the information is to be provided and the person to whom the information is to be provided. I note that there is no mention of the responsibility of the commissioner to include any information in the notice about the right of the individual to refuse to provide this information.

I am very conscious that there are many speakers wanting to speak on this bill.

I would just like to reiterate that I wholeheartedly support the amendments by the shadow Treasurer, the member for Scoresby. We cannot allow this bill to go through without those changes.

Comments on Dual Occs

Just in case you missed them they are just in the left column near the top.

Click to read them in full.

Samantha Dunn regarding Coldstream

coldstream carved up

report from the roundtable – 24 nov

This week’s council meeting saw five applications for second dwellings in various locations in the Coldstream estate. The Coldstream Neighbourhood Character study shows that the Coldstream community values:
- the rural landscape and quality of the landscape and vistas surrounding the town
- privacy from intrusive new developments and extensions
- retention of existing large trees and providing space for new trees
- the sense of openness and the sense of connection to the landscape of the Yarra Valley.



To read the full story click on the TITLE above or here

Dual Occs: Not Over Yet Part 2

Firstly, I would like to correct the previous post as pointed out by Yvonne:  There were 5 not 6 applications decided last night.

Secondly, on the left of the screen, you can see a section called Recent Comments.  You are welcome to make comments regarding this issue and any other issue, but at present I have not applied moderation to the comments. 

If you wish to make a comment please refrain from foul language and keep your comments civil.  If this fails, I will need to moderate the comment section and comments will need to come through me.  Please respect the "other" view.

Thank you Yvonne and girlpowa for adding your comments.

Dual Occs: Not over yet!

Dual Occs in Coldstream:

Last night at the Council meeting all 6 applications for a second dwelling in Coldstream were approved by council by the smallest of margins, 5 for 4 against.

The meeting was attended by a large number of local residents and finished late into the night.  By the time I left (about 11 pm) only 2 of the 6 applications had been decided. CORRECTION should read 5 applications.

The group presented the council with a petition of over 500 signatures.

Jeanett McCrae was passionate about what she believed in and tried her best to sway the feeling and votes of the councilors against the applications.

I believe the residents have the right to take the matter to VCAT themselves so this is not the end of the matter.

Correction to last post

Dear Mario,

Thank-you for forwarding to our office a copy of an email regarding social security payments for refugees and aged pensioners. 

I have enclosed for your information a media release issued in July 2008 by the then Minister for Human Services, Senator the Hon Joe Ludwig, that deals with the incorrect claims contained in this email. 

I hope this information is of assistance to you.  Should you require any further advice on issues relating to the Federal Government, please do not hesitate to contact our office. 

Yours Sincerely,

Nadia Carretta. 

Office of the Hon Tony Smith MP

Email misinformation campaign continues to target refugees and age pensioners

Minister for Human Services, Senator Joe Ludwig, has used National Refugee Week to urge people not to become victims of an internet-based misinformation campaign that makes false claims about refugee entitlements.

The myth:

The baseless claims try to create confusion and discontent, alleging that refugees in Australia receive significantly more financial support than age pensioners.

“These claims are completely false and deliberately try to divide our community by gutter wedge politics”.

The campaign, which operates through the internet, emails, blogs and chat rooms, claims that refugees receive $2,500 in welfare payments each month and suggests senior

Australians would be better off as refugees.

“The claims have been repeated in numerous media stories over the past year and the urban legend even has its own Wikipedia page outlining the campaign’s origins in Canada and the United States.

“I’m very disappointed people are continuing to perpetuate these myths – it’s only causing unnecessary concern and angst among both refugee groups and age pensioners.

The facts:

Senator Ludwig said refugees to Australia do not receive higher rates of payment than age pensioners.

“In fact, there are no separate rates of payment for refugees and they are not eligible for more assistance from Centrelink than any other customer,” said Senator Ludwig.

“As with any Centrelink customer, the rate of payments available to a refugee depends upon individual circumstances. As an example, a refugee who qualifies for Age Pension, would receive exactly the same rate as an Australian citizen whose income, assets and relationship circumstances were the same.

“I would encourage anyone who receives these messages to reply and tell the sender they have been the victim of a hoax.”

“These deliberately false allegations also detract from the spirit of National Refugee Week, a time to reflect on the challenges faced by those forced to flee their own countries, hoping to find a better life here in Australia.”

Senator Ludwig said Centrelink would continue to play a key role in helping refugees

establish new lives and a secure home in Australia.

National Refugee Week (June 15-June 21) is this year themed “A Place to Call Home”.

Since the end of World War II Australia has provided a safe haven to more than 700,000 refugees

“It’s never easy to pack up and start a new life in a country where you don’t know the language or culture, even more so if you’ve suffered torture and trauma.

“Centrelink and its teams of specialist such as the Refugee Servicing Team and Multicultural Service Officers understand the challenges faced by refugees. Many of these officers have themselves arrived in Australia as refugees from war-torn countries.

"They work closely with a range of Government and community based organisations to help refugees make their transition into Australia easier.

“Centrelink offers immediate access to support payments and services including interpreters, social workers, psychologists, a Multilingual Call Centre, multilingual fact sheets and brochures in nearly 70 different languages as well as access to English language and literacy classes. Centrelink plays a key role in assisting refugees to find employment”.

For more information about the Refugee Servicing Team or any of Centrelink’s assistance to Multicultural Australians go to www.centrelink.gov.au, call 13 1202, or see the staff at your local Centrelink Customer Service Centre.

Australian Refugee V's Aged Pensioners

Very sad  that our government appears to value refugee's more than our own pensioners most of whom have paid their taxes, been born here or lived here for many years, helped shape us as a nation, a lot have even fought for us to give us the life style and the rights we now value and enjoy... Are you aware of the following? The Australian Federal Government provides the following financial assistance:- BENEFIT AUSTRALIAN AGED PENSIONER OVERSEAS REFUGEE LIVING IN AUSTRALIA Weekly allowance $253.00 $472.50 Weekly Spouse allowance $56.00 $472.50 Additional weekly hardship allowance $0.00 $145.00 TOTAL YEARLY BENEFIT $16,068.00 $56,680.00 I don't know about you, but I think this stinks.      If I was a refugee, why would I look for work? Please forward to all your contacts so that we can lobby for an increase in the aged pension. After all, the average pensioner has paid taxes and contributed to the growth of this country for the last 40 - 60 years. From :  Greg Naylor

Fire Services Levy (FSL) and Insurance Discussion Paper

On 19 November 2009, the 2009 Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission released a discussion paper on insurance and the funding of fire services through the fire services levy to assist interested parties to comment on issues relevant to the Commission's Terms of Reference.

The paper has been developed for discussion purposes only and should not be assumed to represent the views of the Commissioners.


All responses to the discussion paper will be considered in the development of the Commission's final report due July 2010.


Those who have already made a submission to the Commission on insurance or the fire services levy need not respond as the information provided has already been reviewed by the Commission and will be further considered with other responses. However, previous submitters may raise additional issues if they wish.


Responses to the Fire Services Levy and Insurance Discussion Paper should be provided to the Commission by Monday, 21 December 2009. All responses must include a coversheet.


To facilitate responses, a response template has been prepared. Use of the template is optional.


Find out more about the Fire Services Levy (FSL) and Insurance Discussion Paper.

Comment:
I hope, after all my rants and ravings on this topic some of you may be moved to take pen to paper or finger to keyboard and express your views on this unfair tax.  Click on the link above to express your views.  
Click on the title to go to the original Vic Gov Site.

ANL want to extend their order to remove the compost

Hi All,



I have just found out that ANL have once again appealed a decision by VCAT.


They want extensions until the middle of next year to clear the site, on the grounds that they won't be able to sell all the material by the current date.


In return they offer to trade a 2 week "no operations" period over Christmas.


Hearing is set for 30th of November....

Comment:

WHAT DO YOU THINK? 

SHOULD THEY BE GIVEN MORE TIME? 

HAVE YOU HAD ENOUGH OF THE SMELL?

IS ENOUGH ENOUGH?

586 Maroondah Highway (Lot 2 LP 52644), Coldstream

SUMMARY
· The proposal is for the construction of a second single-storey dwelling at the
rear of the existing dwelling.
· The total site area is 892m² and the proposed dwelling density is 1:446m².
· The proposal is consistent with the relevant clauses of the Yarra Ranges
Planning Scheme as the development will integrate with the neighbourhood
character and it will not result in a significant loss of amenity to adjoining
properties.
· The application was advertised and a total of 16 objections were received on the
grounds of neighbourhood character, lack of infrastructure, increased traffic,
lack of open space and landscaping, loss of privacy and property devaluation.
· The application is recommended for approval (NOD).

9 Wheeler Street

SUMMARY
· The proposal is for the construction of a second single-storey dwelling at the
rear of the existing dwelling.
· The total site area is 869m² and the proposed dwelling density is 1:434m².
· The proposal is consistent with the relevant clauses of the Yarra Ranges
Planning Scheme as the development will integrate with the neighbourhood
character and it will not result in a significant loss of amenity to adjoining
properties.
· The application was advertised and a total of 19 objections were received on
the grounds of neighbourhood character, lack of infrastructure, increased
traffic, lack of open space and landscaping, loss of privacy, loss of on-street
parking and property devaluation.
· The application is recommended for approval (NOD).

18 Cheviot Avenue

SUMMARY
· The proposal is for the construction of a second single-storey dwelling at the
rear of the existing dwelling
· The total site area is 892m² and the proposed dwelling density is 1:446m².
· The proposal is generally consistent with the relevant clauses of the Yarra
Ranges Planning Scheme as the development will integrate with the
neighbourhood character and it will not result in a significant loss of amenity
to adjoining properties.
· The application was advertised and a total of 28 objections were received on
the grounds of neighbourhood character, lack of infrastructure, increased
traffic, lack of open space and landscaping, loss of privacy property
devaluation, and loss of street parking.
· The application is recommended for approval. (NOD)