Survey due soon
By Kath Gannaway
5th April 2011 02:00:12 AM
The Coldstream Community Survey sent out by Yarra Ranges Council Ryrie Ward representative councillor Jeanette McRae follows previous surveys by the Coldstream 2020 group which is lobbying for the release of some of the green wedge land bordering Coldstream, Evelyn MP Christine Fyffe, and a private pro-dual occupancy advocate.
Cr McRae said the survey aimed to provide her with an unbiased view of what Coldstream residents and businesses want for their community.
Coldstream 2020 believes that more housing and an increase in population is needed to create stronger schools and attract business and services to the area.
The group proposes that the post office becomes the new centre of Coldstream as the area has room for further retail expansion.
To release further land for housing development, the green wedge boundary would need to be moved and farming land rezoned.
While Coldstream 2020 member Mario Galteri said some residents had found the survey confusing and felt it was worded to promote a negative response from residents opposed to dual occupancy development, Cr McRae said she stood by the survey's impartiality.
“What this survey attempts to do is present an unbiased survey without including leading questions,” she said.
Mr Galteri said a question on whether residents wanted the residential boundary maintained was also confusing because of a mistake in the wording.
“4a should read 'if no', not 'if yes', he said
Cr McRae acknowledged the mistake but that she didn't believe it had had an impact on the responses. “There was a mistake in 4a, it should have said the opposite, but the feed back from staff if that it hasn't seemed to put people off.
“We have had a good response rate so far,” she said.
“I would encourage all residents, including the business and farming community, to complete their survey so I have better appreciation of how people would like to see the future of Coldstream,” Cr McRae said.
Anyone who has not received a survey form is asked to contact Marion Greig at Yarra Ranges Council on 9294 6191.
