Question to Council from Coldstreaeam 2020

Question from COLDSTREAM  2020

Recently the Shire conducted an extensive survey (initiated by Cr Jeanette McRae) on the feelings of the residents to possible expansion of the township.  The results of this survey can be found on the Shire Web site but the results indicate that most residents were in favour of expansion.

Previously, the COLDSTREAM  2020 group and Christine Fyffe MP  conducted similar surveys with the same basic result, that is, there appears to be a need and a want for the expansion of Coldstream outside the Urban Growth Boundary (UGB).

The COLDSTREAM  2020 group are now eager to understand where the Shire will take these results from its constituents.

We would like to see a flow chart or time line of “where to from here” showing steps in achieving our goal of the expansion of the UGB around Coldstream.

The survey also concentrated on Coldstream area 1 and Coldstream area 2 as detailed in C97 in relation to a minimum block size of 1000m2.  When Coldstream is expanded will C97 be amended to take in the wishes of the people at that time for any new areas?

In Summary

Could the Council provide the community through COLDSTREAM  2020 or the Shire web site a detailed “Time Line” and Action Plan” of how it plans to achieve the expansion of Coldstream as asked for by the residents of Coldstream.

COLDSTREAM  2020

Answer Recieved

and read by Andrew Paxton 

Director Planning Building & Health.

Cr Jeanette McRae as the Ward Councillor for the Ryrie Ward, sought to undertake an independent survey of all residents & business and re affirmed this approach with the Coldstream 2020 group at an earlier meeting.  The intent of the survey was to help inform The Ward Councillor and the Council, of the views of the residents and businesses in Coldstream. 

The results of this survey are available on Council’s Web Page. 

In summary, there was broad support for the housing amendment which seeks to retain the existing block sizes in Coldstream retaining the neighbourhood character, whilst also supporting the expansion of Coldstream.

The existing vacant land near the IGA store is an ideal example of an idle opportunity as it is already zoned for mixed use, which could see the development of additional housing, businesses and retail opportunities further consolidating an active centre to Coldstream.

Council Officers have requested a meeting with the Minister for Planning, to ascertain the State Government’s views of expansion outside the Urban Growth Boundary in Yarra Ranges.  This request appears inconsistent with the current directions set out in a Ministerial Media release dated 16 May 2011 in which it states:

“The process will apply to the Wyndham, Melton, Hume, Whittlesea, Mitchell, Casey and Cardinia growth area councils only.”

At this time it is unrealistic and impracticable to set out a detailed time line for such a proposal.

Comment: 

It is pleasing to see that the Council has requested to meet with Mr Guy (Minister for Planning) in relation to what the communities has "voted for" in relation to the expansion of the UGB around Coldstream.

We await the outcome of this meeting.