Lights: Interview with Glenn Patterson

The story so far:

It appears that everyone agrees that the intersection at Maroondah and Melba needs fixing and the State Government allocated $1.7million to Vic Roads to spend on the site.

Vic Roads needed a planning permit but it was refused by the smallest of margins, a casting vote by Jeanette McRae at a council meeting.

I have been talking to Glenn Patterson (CEO Yarra Ranges) to try to keep up to date.

The following is an e mail interview between myself and Glenn.

Mario Galteri:

Glenn,

I am a tad confused about the “lights” and was hoping you could shed some light (no pun intended) on the situation.

You said- on Friday, 27 February 2009 "We haven't received the revised design from Vicroads

–" ...I assume from that comment, maybe I was wrong in my assumption, that Vic Roads would present a new plan to the shire and cross their (Vic Roads) fingers that the new plan would be OK.

BUT, in a letter to Christine Fyffe from James Lamour-Reid to Christine Fyffe he states:

"The application was considered by Council .... Council refused the application. As Council has taken and acted upon a decision under the Planning and Enviroment Act 1987 it does not have the power to reverse that decision."

James appears to says in this letter, Council has decided, bad luck Vic, see you at VCAT!

Have I read these two responses correctly? If not, where do we stand with the LIGHTS?


Response from Glenn:

Mario,

Your assumption is correct. Vicroads and council infrastructure staff are continuing to liaise, supporting Vicroads in preparing a revised, improved intersection design. Both parties are totally committed to working towards a successful outcome to that, to allow an alternate design to be submitted to council for consideration.

The letter to Christine Fyffe outlines Vicroads' option of lodging an appeal against council's January decision at VCAT, but that is not Vicroads preferred option at this stage.

Glenn

Next question from Mario Galteri:

I am not sure how this can be achieved if I read the following phrase correctly from James:

.... it(Shire) does not have the power to reverse that decision.


Glenn Patterson response:

Mario,

James Larmour-Reid's letter was specifically in relation to the planning permit. The
multiple letters from Christine Fyffe's constituents were seeking to have Council reverse its decision in relation to the planning permit. As outlined in James' letter Council does not have the power to do that.

That does not mean that Council is not open to negotiating with Vic Roads in relation to an alternative design. This would be dealt with as a fresh planning permit application or as a mediated agreement at VCAT.

Glenn

Mario Galteri Response:

Thanks, that clears it up.

If Vic Roads puts in for a new planning permit, I hope it will be placed at the top of the pile and they will not be charged a new application fee.



I hope this interview helps put you in the picture. It appears to me that tha LIGHTS are a long way off yet!

Regards

Mario Galteri