Happy New Year

New Year's eve is like every other night; there is no pause in the march of the universe, no breathless moment of silence among created things that the passage of another twelve months may be noted; and yet no man has quite the same thoughts this evening that come with the coming of darkness on other nights. ~Hamilton Wright Mabie


Cheers to a new year and another chance for us to get it right. ~Oprah Winfrey



Anonymous    A New Year's resolution is something that goes in one Year and out the other
 
 
Sydney Smitt:   Resolve to make at least one person happy every day, and then in ten years you may have made three thousand, six hundred and fifty persons happy, or brightened a small town by your contribution to the fund of general enjoyment.

Have a good one Mario

Busy Time at VCAT over Dual Occs.

Below is an e mail from Vari Perez but formatted by me.

Hi Mario

I would like to confirm the following which you can submit on your blog:-

I have lodge an application myself to VCAT appealing the decision of Council to refuse one of my applciations

Guy Walker and Others submitted 4 Applications to VCAT against the Decision of Council to Approve these applciations

Linda Vos and Others submitted 2 Applciations to VCAT against the Decision of Council to Approve these applciations.

So all 7 applications for Dual Occupancies within Coldstream will be going to VCAT.

The first Hearing,being the one I lodged with VCAT will be heard in March....the other still waiting for a hearing date to be allocated.

Vari Perez

MAP Building Consultant Services

Response To Rosie Wood

You can post this on your blog....

In response to Rosie Woods comments ...

We would like to state once again that there are various covenants throughout the estate of Coldstream and a few sites without covenants at all.

The Coldstream Estate was originally set up by a few companies who owned various sections of the Estate, hence why there are various covenants governing the sites throughout the estate. As previously advised more than half the estate is covenanted by "Single Dwellings" another section of the Estate is covenanted by "Residential Purpose", with a small amount of sites remaining with no covenants.

These original covenants have not been changed since they were set up in about 1975, except for a couple of the sites, who have had an additional allowance for Childminding" to be added in 1994.

It can not be assumed that the whole estate was to be governed by a "single dwellings" covenants nor even considered an "error" when different companies/persons created this estate and clearly worded the covenants quite differently.

To state "I would make an educated guess in saying that some of the plans of subdivision without covenants should have had a covenant" is not an eductaed guess Rosie...................It's an assumption.

You also make comment that "people bought into this estate with a "single dwelling" policy in the planning, whether they have a single dwelling covenant on their property or not. When we all purchased in this estate on that basis, why should a few of you now be able to change the rules"

Firstly let me state.....When purchasing a property, isn't it normal to check out the title and see what is or isn't actually attached to a title..such as a covenant...rather than just assume or even take the word of the Agent...Is it not the responsibility of the Purchaser?

Secondly....isn't it also the right of a person to do with their land what they are legally entitled to do? This is not changing rules, merely exercising their legal right.

This now brings me to your comments about myself.

Yes I am an independent Planning & Building Consultant enaged by the various Owners of these properties to submit applciations on their behalf for these dual occupancies...all of which by the way, have the Covenant "Residential Purpose" so it is their legal right to apply for these dual occupancies.

As you are aware, my interest in this applciation is that I have been engaged to do a job, and this is my only interest in these applications. I submit applications on behalf of my clients wishes...This is my job.. after all I am a Planning & Building Consutlant....but you already know this Rosie.............as if you recall........I came to visit you under a similar situation when you were thinking of doing a development at your parents place.

As for your comment "with the size of our blocks and an opportunity to potentialy build 3 or 4 units/townhouses, it would make commercial sense to demolish".

Clearly you do not understand the Planning regulations and what is and isn't allowed in various areas or what developers even look for.

For a developer to develope a site, it has to be viable and in accordance with the requiremens of that particular area....

Coldstream is not in a high density area, unlike parts of Lilydale, Chrinside Park etc etc.and the size of the lots within Coldstream areas without the restrictive covenant of Single Dwelling.are simply not large enough as they are generally in the vicinity of about 800 to 900 sq.m (although there may be the odd site that is larger)....so it is not a "wateredowned down statement", when it is based on the State and Local Planning Policy Framework as it exists at this present time.

My statements are based on my expertise, experience and the fact that I have been doing this job for over well 23 years now....it has nothing to do with how I perceive any residents in any areas of the projects I undertake on behalf of my clients

Vari Perez

Planning & Building Consultant





PS...Mario...don't seem to be able to respond via comments...so you have my permission to do so..via this way rather than put in in the main contents part of your blog.

--



MAP Building Consultant Services

P.O. Box 534, Healesville Vic 3777

Ph:- (03) 59621446

Fax:-(03)59621435

Mobile:-0419288551

Email: consultancy@mapbuild.com.au

Web: www.mapbuild.com.au

Vari: Sorry I had to post it on the main page as it was too long for a response, Mario

Rumour

Below is an extract from the Lilydale Leader:22/12/2009

While they were devastated by Yarra Ranges Council’s recent approval of six dual-occupancy developments, members of the Coldstream community action group have confirmed they won’t appeal the decision.

Action group spokesman Guy Williams said the group understood that Coldstream would have to change.

‘‘We will have to cop it on the chin, there’s no use crying over spilt milk so to speak,’’ Mr Williams said.

I have heard on the grapevine that this is not true.  It appears that VCAT is involved with these developments but I am unable to confirm who initiated the action.
 
If anyone knows more, how about sharing the info?
 
 

 

Cr Terry Avery Supports Dual Occs in Coldstream A RESPONSE

Wouldn't it be nice if proper planning had been made to allow for diversity in Coldstream. Leaving the section west of the highway open for residential development, and commercial development on the Highway, for instance. Now that would have been SENSIBLE !!!



Councillor Avery was on the Shire Council when that little mess of the Green Wedge was done by the State Government. I wonder if he had any input and what it may have been to that topic?


Rosie Wood


Resident


Fed up with a minority taking advantage of the Coldstream Community.


COMMENT:
We finally agree!

When the UGB was being discussed I suggested things like that but to no avail.

Since then Coldstream HAS changed.  In my opinion the POST OFFICE should now be considered as the centre of an expanding Coldstream not the Gateway defacto shopping strip.

Thanks

To the 457 UNIQUE Visitors to the Blog, I hope you have a Merry Christmas and a fantastic break over the next few days.

PS Don't end up like David!

RECENT COMMENTS

Please note that there are many recent comments.  I urge you all to read them and they are found at the top of the left hand column.  If you wish to add to the debate please do so but respect others views.

Cr Terry Avery Supports Dual Occs in Coldstream

Comment:

 Cr Terry Avery, great to see you put your thoughts for all to see.  By the way, I totally agree with you.

Cold Reality Kicks In

Comment:

There is one good outcome out of this, that is, the UGB may finally be moved around Coldstream.  This may reduce the need for more dual occs.  IT"S TIME!


Click on the picture to get the whole story.

Teen dies after crash

By Kath Gannaway

22nd December 2009 02:00:22 AM

---

A 17-YEAR-OLD Healesville boy is dead, and a 19-year-old from Coldstream could face charges in a tragic lead-up to Christmas for two Yarra Valley families.

The teenagers were with three other young people in a car that crashed on High Street in Healesville just after midnight on Wednesday 16 December.

The 17-year-old, a passenger in the back seat, was thrown from the vehicle as it rolled. He was flown to The Alfred hospital but died the next night.

 

To read the full story click on the TITLE above.

 

Back Vic farmers in your Christmas shopping

With Christmas less than a week away the Victorian Farmers Federation has called on shoppers to throw their support behind Australian farmers and buy local produce this festive season.



VFF president Andrew Broad said Australian farmers produce some of the world's finest fresh produce and Australian households should enjoy the high quality, home grown products on offer.


"It would be fantastic to see an Australian grown ham surrounded by plenty of fresh Australian fruit, vegetables, breads and dairy products on every Australian dinner table this Christmas," Mr Broad said.

"Anyone wishing to verify whether they are buying Australian pork or hams should look for the logos and the wording Product of Australia, and for ham in particular ensure it's ham on the bone, because that is definitely Aussie grown.
 
To read the full story click on the TITLE above.

Victoria Invests $350 Million For Chirnside Park Development

Lets hope the COLDSTREAM is next in line to get some money.  We could do with a face lift and a lot more!

The Brumby Labor Government has cleared the path for a $350 million development of Chirnside Park’s newest community with the potential to create jobs.

Planning Minister Justin Madden said the proposed redevelopment of the Eastridge site will include a mix of housing, retail, entertainment and community uses in an attractive liveable community.

Mr Madden fast-tracked the proposal by approving an amendment to the Yarra Ranges Planning Scheme to rezone the Eastridge site from an industrial zone to a business and residential zone, allowing it to be redeveloped for a mix of residential, retail, entertainment and community uses.

“Maintaining liveability and safeguarding housing affordability depends on making good planning decisions now and there is a growing demand for housing options in Yarra Ranges,” he said.,

To read the full story click on the TITLE above.

Another Dual Occ

Another dual occ is to be built at 9 Kelso St. and it appears that there we NO objectors to this development.

The decision was made on the 3rd Dec this year just 5 days before the full council endorsed the Draft Housing Policy and in late November the council approved 5 dual occs in Coldstream.

Yes, No, Yes...  I don't think they know what is going on!

As I have said before the Housing Policy was voted in because it:

1.   Looked Impressive

2.   Had taken years to produce

3.   Cost a fortune to produce

and

4.  The councillors knew that it was NOT final and would need State approval to make it stick!

The section in relation to Coldstream appears to go against State Labour Policy and recent decisions by VCAT (see VCAT report on 5 Belchester).

I doubt if the Policy, as it stands, will pass Mr Madden's tick of approval.

almost Christmas

It's almost Christmas and it's

a time to reflect on the past year,

a time to enjoy family and friends,

a time to enjoy good food,

a time to revisit God,

a time to think how lucky we are

in this great Shire

in this great State

in this great Country.

Merry Christmas

One and All.

Fire Danger Index (FDI)

Every day during the fire season the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) calculates the fire danger index (FDI) for the day by considering elements of the predicted weather including temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, and dryness of vegetation.
The FDI is only one of several factors used to determine the daily Fire Danger Rating. CFA in consultation with the BoM, consider a range of factors relating to a particular area and day, before a Fire Danger Rating is decided upon.
These factors include:
• The length of time the fire danger index has been elevated.
• Extent of fire already in the landscape.
• Fuel and dryness.
• Likelihood of weather events such as lightning and grass fuel conditions.
My weather station calculates an FDI which can be used as an aid to gauging the severity of a fire should one break out in the area.

The actual numbers generated are as follows:
0-11 Low - Moderate
12-24 High
25-49 V High
50-74 Severe
75-99 Extreme
>100 Catastrophic


Anything over 25 is a trigger for fire suppression difficulties.
The full action required is shown in the link here at:

http://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/residents/documents/summer/fire_danger_rating_brochure.pdf


Those who are interested in more information on protecting themselves this summer should visit the CFA website at:

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


Regards,

Robert Bethell.

FDI: FIRE DANGER INDEX

Yesterday we recorded a top temperature of 38.6 C (101.5 F) at 5:25 PM with a minimum Relative Humidity of 9%. Maximum wind strength was 30 Km/h. Fortunately this occurred in the morning before the temperature got too hot.

This produced a Fire Danger Index of 40, or Very High on the new Fire Danger Rating scale.

Fire brigades in the area were kept busy in the afternoon, with Coldstream responding to several grass/scrub fires and a couple of car accidents.

Robert Bethell

 Comment:  Fire can strike anywhere.  Take extreme care and do not become complacent.

Council Minutes : HOUSING POLICY

 Housing Amendment  : SUMMARY


· Council adopted the Housing Strategy in May 2009 following nearly two years of public consultation and consequent modifications.


· Council’s adopted long term vision for housing in the Shire is; ‘to meet the range of
individual needs and contribute to attractive, vibrant and safe neighbourhoods while
minimising environmental impacts’.


· A proposed Planning Scheme amendment to implement the objectives of the
Housing Strategy has been prepared.


· The proposed amendment:


· Guides the location and form of new housing through planning scheme policies
and controls broadly consistent with the recommendations of the Housing Strategy.


· Ensures the Planning Scheme supports the need to meet future housing needs
based on current census information and other data.


· Provides opportunities for higher density residential development in eight
identified consolidation areas, while recognising their varying capacity to
accommodate change based on environment and available services.

· Allows limited infill development to occur in residential zones outside
consolidation areas now classified as restricted or least change.


· Introduces the Residential 3 Zone in restricted and least change areas with a
maximum height and site coverage control.


· Introduces subdivision controls in some restricted and least change areas and
Design and Development Overlays.


· Introduces Significant Landscape Overlays to implement Council’s
Neighbourhood Character Study affecting building height, site coverage, fences
and vegetation protection.


· The proposed amendment also represents a significant shift towards utilising the
standard planning tools available in the Victoria Planning Provisions to achieve
housing and neighbourhood character objectives rather than relying on the current
blanket control found in Clause 53.


· The proposed planning scheme amendment will require authorisation from the
Minister for Planning prior to a formal public exhibition process.

· It is recommended that Council now resolve to seek authorisation.


Comment as Question:  Is this the end of Dual Occs in Coldstream? 
Me thinks NOT, as it goes against all State Housing Policies.

Teen fights for life after Healesville crash

Teen fights for life after Healesville crash

Update story on the Healesville Car Crash.

To read the full story click on the TITLE above.

Teen in car accident

Teen thrown from car in Healesville critical

• From: Herald Sun
• December 16, 2009 7:07AM

A TEEN is fighting for his life after he was thrown from a car driven by a mate, and police believe alcohol was involved.

Police are investigating the single-vehicle crash in Healesville this morning.

He was flown to the Alfred Hospital by air ambulance.

The male P-plate driver, 19, from Coldstream, received minor injuries and produced a positive blood alcohol concentration.

To read the full story click on the TITLE above.

Comment:  What more can one say?

Welcome

Welcome firefighteraust.

I am glad you became a follower of Coldstream 3770. 
With that name I can only assume that you are in the CFA (who are a great bunch)!

Regards

Mario

Dual Occ Lifeline

Dual occupancy

By Kath Gannaway 15th December 2009 02:00:31 AM  Upper Yarra Mail

COLDSTREAM residents opposed to dual occupancy development say they have been thrown a life-line with Yarra Ranges Council last week voting for a minimum 1000 square metres for a subdivision.

 .............

Michael Hales, a planning consultant with Miller and Merrigan who have represented clients in the shire for more than 40 years on subdivision matters, spoke against the amendment saying dual occupancy developments played an important social role in facilitating the better use of infrastructure and provided the potential for more affordable housing.

To read the full story click on the TITLE above.

My Comment:

The 1000 sq. metre sub-division has been in the draft Shire Housing Policy for over a year.  It has now been ratified by Shire, the vote was nine - zip.

Does anybody know how long the next process will take as it has taken several years to get to point.

Lights Up

The Lights are up just in time for Christmas.

The intersection of Melba and Maroondah Highways is looking fantastic and the long awaited set of lights are now functional.

I would love to hear your comments if you feel these lights now make the intersection safer or not!

Thanks Vic Roads.

Coldstream rallies to support brave mum of 5

To read the full story click on the TITLE above.

COLDSTREAM’S Tammy Maggs is fighting the battle of her life, but she has a loving team in her corner. 

A trivia night will be held at the Coldstream Community Centre, Kelso St, on Saturday, December 19 at 7pm. Tables are still available, and the organisers are looking for more cash and prize donations.  

To donate or to buy a ticket phone Chantel on 0401 532 844 or Connie on 0417 979 926. 

New BLOG Design

I have just spent some time changing the design of the www.coldstreamau.blogspot.com  .

I would appreciate your comments and if you would like any elements added or removed.

e mail me   coldstream@eftel.net.au

or add a comment to this post.

Please Become A Follower

This site has now had 193 unique visitors but only 8 members.  Please consider becoming a follower, it's free!  The results above are from about 20 Nov 2009.

Thanks for your contribution.  Mario

Plans for over 90 new houses in Coldstream

Plans for over 90 new houses in Coldstream

NEW proposals have been received by Scottish Borders Council this week, which if eventually approved, could see 91 new homes for Coldstream.

Coldstream is an area identified as being in need of regeneration and the community council has worked hard with SBC on this but without there being houses in the town that people, living in this low wage area, can afford to live in, they feel the social sustainability of the town could be under threat, as it could lose these families as they move away to seek jobs and housing elsewhere.



To read the full story click on the TITLE above.

Reply to Coldstream32

 A comment posted on this blog with my reply

 

Coldstream32 said...

Mario, you obviusly have self interest at heart ie selling the wood etc to build the properties. You don't live in Coldstream and obviously don't understand why we live here. So kindly refrain from adding your comments to the debate. IT DOES NOT CONCERN YOU. We live in Coldstream because of the existing character of the place, not over crowded and noisy. Introduce dual cccupancy into this area it will become an unbearable place to live.

December 10, 2009 4:41 AM 

Dear Coldstream32

I may not live in Coldstream but I probably spend more awake hours than most of the residents who simply use it for a place to sleep.  Your future vision for Coldstream is different to mine and I respect your views and you should respect mine.

The councillors who voted for the dual occs do not live in Coldstream either.  Should they also be refrained from making a decision?

As I have said in the past, I do not see more than about 20 dual occs in the whole estate.  I do not see the blocks with a single dwelling covenent being affected.  I do not see this as a major change.

The major change will come when and if the UGB is expanded around Coldstream.  I have been pushing for this for many years now and will continue to push to have the UGB expanded.

In summary, I will continue to put forward my ideas and I am happy to add contrary views on my blog, but dont tell me it does not concern me.

Farmers concerns on tax and debt

Farmers concerns on tax and debt

Article Date:03/12/09

Farmers air concerns at public hearing into taxation and debt

The Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) has given evidence to the Victorian Parliament’s Economic Development and Infrastructure Committee (EDIC), building on a recent submission to the Committee which highlighted the concerns of farmers with the Fire Service Levy, the Growth Area Infrastructure Contribution (GAIC) and other taxation issues.

Former VFF Treasurer Geoff Crick said the VFF explained to the Inquiry into State Government Taxation and Debt that the current funding model for fire services and the taxes associated with selling land within the Urban Growth Boundary were inequitable policies which had a profound impact on Victorian agriculture.

“The inequality of the Fire Service Levy does not only affect farmers. Every business outside of Melbourne is forced to pay an additional 122 percent on top of their fire insurance premiums, which includes the fire service levy, plus GST and stamp duty,” Mr Crick said.

To read the full story click on the TITLE above.

ANL has another WIN at VCAT

VICTORIAN CIVIL AND ADMINISTRATIVE TRIBUNAL ADMINISTRATIVE DIVISION

HEARING TYPE	Full Hearing
DATEs OF HEARING	30 November 2009
DATE OF ORDER	4 December 2009

 

1               The further hearing of this application is adjourned to 10 am on Tuesday 30 March 2010.

2               The enforcement order being order 4 of our orders made in our determination of 25 June 2009, is amended to replace the expression “within 3 months thereafter” with the following expression:

by 8 February 2010 save that until 30 March 2010 the said company may retain on the land composted material for storage until sale or disposal provided that such material has completed all stages of composting including maturation phase composting but on the basis that such material may be trommeled, mixed with other material of a non-odorous sort, moved and/or removed from the site.

Shire Housing Policy Comment

My name is Michael Hales and I am a Planning Consultant with Millar Merrigan, a Land Development company that has been representing clients in the Shire of Yarra Ranges for over 44 years. I have worked for the company for almost 30 years and have lived in the Shire for most of my life.

Firstly, I acknowledge the importance of the strategy and agree with its intent to provide adequate housing opportunities for the diversity of people within the Shire.

There are some significant positives with the strategy in its current form, particularly the simplification of clause 53, the removal of the areas of Mooroolbark and Kilsyth with single dwelling covenants from consolidation areas and the proposed tree controls through the implementation of the Significant Landscape Overlay.

The problem as we see it, is that the strategy appears to be anti dual occupancy development.

Dual occupancy development plays a very important social role. It facilitates the better use of infrastructure, allows people to reduce existing mortgages, and provides potential for more affordable housing. It is totally in accordance with existing State planning policies, and a logical means of providing for growth within the Shire.

It is submitted that the proposed reintroduction of minimum lot sizes is totally opposed to existing planning policies, as evidenced by the fact that the Department of Community and Development recommended the removal of the density provisions. The best use of scarce resources, and the potential for diverse and affordable housing options is provided by site specific considerations rather than fixed minimum lot sizes.

In the various submissions we have made in relation to the strategy, we have consistently commented that the use of minimum lot size controls are too prescriptive and don’t work well. Unfortunately the latest proposed planning scheme amendments seek to entrench and extend these controls through a series of Design and Development Overlays.

Minimum lots sizes of 500sqm are proposed in the Residential 3 areas of Mooroolbark, Kilsyth and Lilydale. The current average lot size in these areas is under 900sqm making future development on most of the lots in these areas of the Shire impossible. This makes no planning sense as the area is well located in terms of its proximity to schools, public transport and shopping centres.   On the few lots in these areas that are over 1000sqm and therefore mathematically possible to be subdivided a proposed site coverage of 40% is proposed which will require smaller footprints and an increased likelihood of double storeys.  

The minimum lot size provisions will also unduly impact on development in the consolidation areas of Healesville, Yarra Junction, Mt Evelyn and Yarra Glen as well as the balance of residential land in Mt Evelyn and the whole of Coldstream, a fully serviced township in dire need of a push forward.

 In our view it will be impossible to meet the estimates of 500 new dwellings per year with this proposed amendment.

Shire Housing Policy

Below are portions of a few e mails between myself and the SYR in relation to the SYR Housing Policy.

The policy was discussed last night at the Council meeting and was passed, unchanged,by all 9 councillors even though 5 of the 9 "crossed the floor" last week in the matter of dual occs in Coldstream.

Councillors kept saying how much work has gone into this document and how long it had been discussed.  Sure, its a lenghty document and has taken ages to get to this point but Melbourne has changed.  Melbourne is not a place where people want to leave, it has become a place to come and live.  It is one of the fastest growing cites in the world!

Justin Madden has had to move the UGB a number of times to accomodate.  He has interveaned in a number of high rise developments in Mitcham, Doncaster and many other places.  I am sure when he sees this policy, especially, in relation to maintaining some block sizes of 1000 m2 he will laugh.

Question I sent to SYR by e mail:

I just received a letter from Damian Closs (ref: S09956) regarding the proposed planning scheme amendment.

Considering that this Housing Strategy was "shot to ribbons" in this week’s Council meeting do you think the time is right or is more discussion required.

In light of what is going on in other parts of Melbourne do you think Justin Madden or his department will accept a 1000 m2 minimum for any residential land?  The shire policy appears to be in direct opposition to the State’s policy.

Answer sent back

As you would be aware a proposed planning scheme amendment that seeks to implement aspects of the adopted Housing Strategy has been prepared for Councillors consideration.  The proposed amendment is largely based on the adopted Housing Strategy.  At this stage, the officer recommendation is for Council to seek authorisation from the MInister for Planning to prepare a planning scheme amendment. This is the first stage in the amendment process. It will be up to Council to decide whether it wants to progress the proposed Housing Amendment as recommended.

Should Council resolve to seek authorisation to prepare an amendment and an amendment is subsequently authorised and exhibited you will have an opportunity to make a submission to the amendment.

The amendment process including seeking authorisation, subsequent exhibition, consideration by Council, the panel process, further consideration by Council and ultimately consideration by the MInister for Planning all involve assessing the amendment against State and local planning policy.  The proposed controls including those relating to specific subdivision sizes in Coldstream will also be assessed through this process.

Regards
Damian Closs	Manager Strategic Planning