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1954 Footy Coldstream Team

Streets & Roadside Trading Policy - Consultation Draft

Make Your Views Known on Draft Street and Roadside Trading Policy

Residents, traders and disability groups are invited to make their views known on Council’s draft Street and Roadside Trading Policy.

Footpath and roadside trading has become a popular part of our shopping culture. Chairs and tables, umbrellas, signs and displayed goods are familiar sights in our shopping strips.

While footpath trading adds to the appeal and character of our retail precincts; it is important that footpaths remain accessible to people of all abilities. The shire’s draft policy seeks to accommodate the needs of traders, pedestrians and people with disabilities.

To read the full story click on the TITLE above.


Your views will assist Council in developing a consistent framework aimed at maximising the pleasure and safety of all footpath users and enhancing the attractiveness and appeal of our streetscapes. A copy of the draft policy can be found on the Shire’s website at www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au or by calling 9294 6417.

Written submissions are due by 19 June 2009 and should be addressed to: The Chief Executive Officer, Shire of Yarra Ranges, PO Box 105, Lilydale, Victoria, 3140. E-mail submissions should be sent to: mail@yarraranges.vic.gov.au

ops a tad late!

Correction to Leader article

September 29th, 2009

I would just like to take this opportunity to clarify an error in the Leader Newspaper article regarding my position in relation to the applications to “Construction of Second Dwelling” in Coldstream

The Leader Newspaper quoted me as being the “developer” which is incorrect.

My capacity in these applications is as the Consultant, who submitted these applications on behalf of the Owners of the properties.

I am not a developer. I am a Planning & Building Consultant.

MAP Building Consultant Services
P.O. Box 534, Healesville Vic 3777
Mobile:-0419288551
Fax:-(03)59621435
Email: mapbuild@xtreme.net.au
Web: www.mapbuild.com.au

Development by the book

Dual Occ Debate Continues
To read the full story click on the TITLE above.


By Kath Gannaway

29th September 2009 02:00:22 AM

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HEALESVILLE planning and building consultant Vari Perez has moved to address what she says are misconceptions about in-fill development in Coldstream.

The Mail reported last week that the Coldstream Resident Action Group had been formed, following two community meetings, to oppose the expansion of dual-occupancy development in the Maroondah Highway housing estate.

Ms Perez of MAP Building Consultant Services represented Crossman Investments in October last year in a successful appeal to VCAT against the Shire of Yarra Ranges. The shire had refused a permit for a second dwelling on a Belchester Avenue property.

She has six more development permit applications lodged on behalf of three property owners.

Ms Perez said the decision by VCAT member Dr Silvia Mainwaring provided clarity on many of the issues residents were concerned about. Dr Mainwaring found that dual occupancy on the Belchester site “falls short of being a medium density proposal”.

She said she did not believe the case would set a precedent for inappropriate expansion stating that if all the potential dual occupancy sites were to be developed, the maximum increase in households would be around 25 per cent.

Ms Perez said fears of large-scale unit development were unfounded. “No developer in his right mind is going to knock down 30 or 40 year old houses to build units,” she said.

She said there were other factors that would limit development. “Half the blocks are single dwelling only and the others, those available for residential purposes, are the potential in-fill development areas.”

Ms Perez said the requirement for a 1/400 ratio meant that blocks of 750 square metres were not suitable. “The blocks range from 750 square metres to 1200 with most around the 750 to 900, so some can be done and some can’t,” she said.

She said claims that covenants had been changed or removed from properties were incorrect. “I have searched the covenants and 60 (blocks) have never had covenants on them,” Ms Perez said.

She said at least half the properties in the Coldstream residential area in question are restricted by covenant to one dwelling.

“The other half of Coldstream, with the exception of those 60 or so lots without covenants, has the other covenant ‘use for residential purposes’ which allows for medium density development,” she said.

On the shire’s objection that the application was inconsistent with neighbourhood character, Dr Mainwaring found “the proposal does not challenge the backyard character of the area” and noted many properties had a number of outbuildings and sheds.

Leader Story on Dual Occs in Coldstream

Coldstream Beer Festival

Rain: Good Falls

Want to know how much rain we had in Coldstream on any given day?

Then CLICK HERE.

No Thanks, Coldstream does not want it either!

Below is a response from Jeanette regarding the artice in the previous post!

I wish to respond to Belinda Goodwin's letter to the Editor 'VCAT right to trash tip'.

I find it offensive that Belinda considers it okay to 'move it to Coldstream' -Coldstream is a hidden jewel in the Shire and home to many valued residents and businesses equally entitled to use their backyards, their homes and business spaces without the pervading stench.

An apology to the Coldstream community would be appreciated!

Cr Jeanette McRae
Ryrie Ward Councillor

Is Coldstream Smell Central?

Belinda writes:

Excellent decision by VCAT. It is ridiculous to approve a tip (sorry ‘refuse station’) in a residential estate. Put it in a rural or industrial area or move it to Coldstream but not in a community who are entitled to use their backyards without the stench of rotting waste permeating the air morning and night. I bet Able Demolitions don’t live in Lilydale or have their home located near a tip.

COMMENT:

WELL BELINDA,
IF IT'S NOT GOOD FOR YOU
IT'S NOT GOOD FOR US AT COLDSTREAM EITHER.
SHE HAS SOME NERVE TO SAY THAT!

I

5 Belchester Avenue, Coldstream

As most of you know by now there will be a dual occ at the rear of 5 Belchester Av Coldstream.

The Shire took the applicant (Crossman Investments) to VCAT over this application but VCAT decided in favour of the applicant.

The Shire case and applicant response is detailed in the link below. The link also includes the VCAT reasons as to why this application was given the go ahead.

http://www.austlii.edu.au/cgi-bin/sinodisp/au/cases/vic/VCAT/2008/2274.html?query=^belchester

Click on the title above to read the VCAT decision on the first dual occ in Coldstream.

Below are just a few paragraphs from the report of Dr S. Mainwaring (VCAT)

There are a number of covenants affecting lands in the Coldstream township. The subject site is subject to a covenant which requires the land to be used for residential purposes. At a rough estimate from the information provided to the Tribunal by the applicant, approximately half the land in the Coldstream township is either not covered by a covenant or is covered by the covenant that restricts the use of the land for residential purposes with the remaining half of the land being subject to a covenant which limits development to a single dwelling.


The township of Coldstream does have a number of commercial and community services. These include the supermarket, take-away food premises, newsagency, restaurants, timber and hardware supplies, post office and various rural based service industries such as a vet, saddle and leather repairs and trailer hire. With respect to community facilities there is a primary school, sports oval, kindergarten, CFA and a number of sports and social service clubs. There is a bus route along the Maroondah Highway 350m from the site and the township is some 4.5km from the Lilydale railway station and the additional services that the township of Lilydale provides which include a secondary school which presumably would provide a bus service to children from Coldstream.


In light of the above I find it to be inconceivable that the addition of a small two storey dwelling to the residential stock of the township will stretch the services of the town, pr set a precedent for inappropriate expansion. In this regard it has to be accepted that if all the residentially zoned land within Coldstream that potentially could be developed with a dual occupancy were to be so developed, the maximum increase in households would be of the order of 25%. This in any event is an unlikely circumstance nor is it in the Tribunal’s view likely that the kind of development that would occur in this township would be what is typically considered to be medium density and would more typically be a dual occupancy where a second dwelling is built to the rear of an existing one. The argument that any such development would result in sufficient pressure to require additional land to be zoned for commercial uses is not supportable given that there are two small business zones within the town and a large and underutilised mixed use zone


The Shire has a Character Study which places the subject site within the Coldstream 1 Precinct. In the Tribunal’s view there is no aspect of the precinct description characteristics preferred character statement and guidelines which would suggest that the proposed development is unsuitable.

To Build or Not to Build

The following response to the "UNIT CRISIS" was sent to me by "MAP Building Consultants" in an effort to correct a few points in the newspaper article by Kath Gannaway.





September 22nd 2009


It seems to be unclear to some within the Coldstream Community regarding the Covenants that exist on some of the sites within Coldstream and some people have the impressions that these covenants have been “changed” and/or “removed” however contrary to this belief all Covenants still remain as originally attached to the titles

I would like to clarify this fact by stating that the Coldstream Residential area with the applicable covenants that I am referring is the area flanked by Killara Road, Maroondah Highway and Ingram Road with Green Wedge Agricultural land to the East of the Estate

Within this residential area there are various Covenants which are attached to most of the sites, with the exception of approximately 60 sites with no covenants at all.

Whilst there are varying Covenants regulating the remaining sites, these states various restrictions with two main covenants governing construction of buildings within this area.

The wording of these Covenants may vary depending on when the original subdivision took place and was finalised.

Consequently you have a number of Covenants that state - “not to erect or cause or suffer to be erected upon the said lot more than one main building being a dwelling house together with the usual outbuildings such main building containing a floor area of not less than 1300 square feet….etc etc…”

And the other Covenants state:- “its successors and tranferees will not use any one of the said lots hereby transferred for other than residential purposes”.

At least half of the Coldstream residential area referred to, is Covenanted by the Covenant “one main building being a dwelling house” meaning only 1 dwelling can only be built on the site

The other half of Coldstream (with the exception of approximately 60 lots without covenants) has the other covenant “use for residential purposes’ which allows for medium density development.

So in fact all Covenants governing these applicable sites throughout Coldstream have not been changed or removed and remain the same.

You can verify yourself which Covenant applies to your own site by carrying out a title search on the applicable website.

Melba Lights Update

Another great report from Cath Gannaway


THE $1.9 million Coldstream traffic lights project was hailed a milestone last week as Roads Minister Tim Pallas visited the site to mark the state’s $7 billion investment in roads.

Mr Pallas and Seymour MP Ben Hardman inspected the works to regulate traffic at the busy Melba and Maroondah highways intersection.

“It is through road projects like the Coldstream intersection traffic lights and the $4.7 million Maroondah Highway safety improvement works happening nearby that we have been able to reach this tremendous milestone,” Mr Pallas said


To read the full story click on the TITLE above.

Group fights unit push

By Kath Gannaway (Mountain Views Mail)

22nd September 2009 02:00:02 AM

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A GROUP of Coldstream residents have formed an action group to fight large-scale dual occupancy subdivisions in the area.

Spokesperson for Coldstream Community Action Group (CCAG), Grant Wild, said there was wide-spread concern among residents that speculative builders were buying up properties to subdivide for dual occupancy, and, potentially, unit development in the Maroondah Highway housing estate.

The Shire of Yarra Ranges confirmed last week that it had six applications on its books from one applicant seeking planning permits to subdivide and construct a second dwelling.

The properties are zoned Residential 1 and are within the Urban Growth Boundary.

The council in October refused a subdivision/dual occupancy permit on grounds which included that it was not consistent with neighbourhood character and that the area did not have adequate commercial and community facilities.

That decision was over-ruled at VCAT.

Mr Wild said a meeting held in August with ward councillor Jeanette McRae and council officers to discuss the issue was attended by more than 75 people. “There is real concern here that this type of development will destroy the character and lifestyle of Coldstream. We have a bit of space here, a quiet environment with room for our kids to play, plenty of trees and a real sense of community. Families have reared their children here and they in turn have bought into the areas to raise their families, just because they like the lifestyle … and all this could be destroyed on the whim of someone who is only concerned with putting more houses in.”

Mr Wild said covenants which originally protected against subdivision had in some cases been removed, leaving the door open for the sort of development he says many property owners believed they were protected from.

Residents and CCAG members Guy Walker and Yvonne Powell support Mr Wild’s comments also arguing that Coldstream does not have the infrastructure needed to support more development within the estate.

“There are no services for the kids as it stands, no public toilet, insufficient transport,” Mr Walker said.

Ms Powell said Coldstream was unlike other towns where dual occupancy subdivisions were happening, such as Healesville, Yarra Junction and Yarra Glen. “We don’t have a police station, or even a petrol station,” she said.

Mr Wild said there was also a strong feeling that as an alternative most people would rather see open land on the west side of Maroondah Highway and another parcel of land at the back of the estate, rezoned for housing but maintaining the larger block sizes.

Cr McRae said the council was required to consider each application on its merits under the planning scheme, which was dictated by State Government policy.

She said in terms of rezoning additional land for housing, she believed both parcels of land were in the Green Wedge Zone and would require State Government approval to change that.

“They have not seen us (Yarra Ranges) as a growth corridor so there would certainly be a reluctance to change the Urban Growth Boundary in Coldstream,” Cr McRae said.

Mr Wild said the CCAG would continue to mount objections to planning applications as they were presented to council and were committed to following them through to VCAT if necessary.

To read the full story click on the TITLE above.


Comment:
I would love to see the UGB (Urban growth Boundary) expanded around Coldstream, with the Post Office being at the center.

COUNCIL MEETING Agenda ITEM 8.6

8.6 Vision 2020 Community Plan (2009 review)

SUMMARY
Vision 2020 – the Yarra Ranges Community Plan, has recently been reviewed and updated.
Vision 2020 articulates our community’s vision for the future. It serves as a guide to influence and shape present day decision making and action by the entire Yarra Ranges community to ensure that hopes of a sustainable future can become a reality.

The process of reviewing Vision 2020 has involved extensive community consultation. A number of changes have been made to the previous version, reflecting the most recent priorities, values and aspirations expressed by our community.

The revised Vision 2020 will be widely distributed throughout the community and available on the website and at all the Community Links.

It is recommended that Council endorse and adopt the revised Vision 2020.
BACKGROUND
Vision 2020 was first developed in 1999 and paints a picture of the kind of community we would all like to see and live in for the future. The document is based around seven themes namely:

· Strong, Healthy and Connected Communities
· Environmental Stewardship
· Built Environment
· Local Economy and Tourism
· Arts, Culture and Heritage
· A Living and Learning Community
· A Safe and Accessible Shire

Subsequently, the document has been ‘checked’ with the Yarra Ranges community in 2003 and 2006 to capture any shifts in community views.

AGENDA ITEM NO. 8.6

YARRA RANGES SHIRE COUNCIL AGENDA – 22/09/09 106

The 2008-09 review has now been concluded and a number of changes have been made. The most notable of these is the inclusion of ten community priorities which work across the themes namely:
· Ecological Sustainability
· Connecting the Community
· Council’s Role – Good Governance
· Affordable and Sustainable Housing
· Farming
· Youth and Children
· Ageing Population
· Transport
· Localising the Economy
· Mental and Physical Health

The Vision 2020 review process was timed to ensure that the review outcomes informed the development of the 2009-2013 Council Plan.

CONSULTATION
The Yarra Ranges community had a number of opportunities to be involved in the Vision 2020 review and were supported by Council and a Community Reference Group. The views and ideas of a cross-section of the community were gathered through the following mechanisms:
· Online and written submissions to a Discussion Paper (25 received).

· Youth interviews (30 interviewed).
· Children’s survey and artwork program (196 received).
· Children’s workshop (31 participants).

The outcomes were then fed into a Community Forum held over two consecutive Saturdays which involved 87 participants comprising community members representing key stakeholder groups, those who self registered as well as those randomly invited to be involved. Following this consultation program a draft revised document was then developed and made available for further comment. Eight written submissions were received in response to the draft document

The community views expressed throughout the consultation process have directly informed the revised Vision 2020 Community Plan that is now submitted for endorsement and adoption.

RECOMMENDATION

That Council endorse and adopt the revised Vision 2020 Community Plan.

Comment:

I am glad to see that our vision for our Shire has expanded from 7 key issues to 10 key issues. I am also glad to see a great number of "locals" involved.

“Huge role” for architects as population explodes

A booming population, forecast today by the Federal Treasury, will cause conflict between the need for affordable housing and the importance of sustainability, an academic has said.




The “crucial issue” is how to develop smaller, denser dwellings that are sustainable and affordable, Ramirez-Lovering said. “It’s not easy, because sustainable measures do increase the cost, such as photo voltaic cells or water tanks, so what can you do to look at those things cohesively,” he said

To read the full story click on the TITLE above.

COLDSTREAM WORKS MARK $7 BILLION STATE ROAD MILESTONE

Wednesday, 16 September 2009 Road safety upgrades in Coldstream marked a major milestone today, with Roads and Ports Minister Tim Pallas announcing the Victorian Labor Government had invested $7 billion on road projects across the state.

Mr Pallas inspected works in Coldstream today to install traffic lights at the intersection of Maroondah Highway and Melba Highway with Member for Seymour Ben Hardman.

He said the $1.9 million safety upgrade was another important project, typical of the $7 billion committed by the Government to date – providing a better, safer road network for communities across the state.
Mr Hardman said work had already started on installing traffic lights at the busy Maroondah Highway/Melba Highway intersection in Coldstream.

“The new traffic lights will alleviate congestion, regulating traffic flow for the ever-increasing number of vehicles travelling through the intersection,” he said.

“The traffic signals will complement the $4.7 million project nearing completion on Maroondah Highway, between Melba Highway in Coldstream and the Healesville-Koo Wee Rup Road in Healesville. This project includes sealing road shoulders, installing wire rope barriers, guard fences and a dedicated bicycle lane.

“The works are being undertaken to address the high number of run off road crashes and improve safety for the 16,700 vehicles that use this popular tourist route each day.”


To read the full story click on the TITLE above.

chicken farmer angry over FSL tax

On the up: the bill that made this farmer angry

DARREN GRAY (The AGE)
September 16, 2009 .
FOR chicken farmer Michael Shaw it was a farm insurance bill big enough to raise his eyebrows, blood pressure and ire. His annual bill including tax and levies, which he paid just a few days ago, had jumped by 10.2 per cent to nearly $9450.

But if the levy was a bad thing for the Moorooduc chicken farmer, things are about to get worse for other Victorian farmers, businesses and home owners who live in an area serviced by the CFA.

to read the full story click on the TOPIC.

Petition for No Tax On Insurance (FSL)

Petition for No Tax On Insurance (including FSL)

If you complete the fields below HERE, your details will be supplied to all parliamentarians prior to the next election.

The purpose of the information is to allow us to determine which electorate you belong to. We value your privacy and we will not use your details for marketing or any other commercial purpose.

If you select, keep me informed. We will supply you with a periodic e-mail, keeping you informed with updates.

Australia is by far and away the most heavily taxed country in the world when it comes to insurance. For example, residents in California, which has the highest incidence of fire in the world pay 2.4% tax. In Rural Victoria it is over 97.3%. for business. That is 40.5 TIMES MORE!