LISTEN to Planning debate: Opposition spokesperson Matthew Guy vs Planning Minister Justin Madden

No matter where you are in Victoria planning issues are central to this State Election.

Jon Faine is joined by urban planning consultant Bill Chandler for a debate between Opposition spokesperson Matthew Guy and Planning Minister Justin Madden where listeners ask the questions and set the agenda.

Jon Faine is the presenter of Mornings on 774 ABC Melbourne and the Conversation Hour on ABC Victoria.

More election coverage can be found on your local Victoria Votes website.

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CFA has had enough (Lilydale and Yarra Valley Leader, 09 Nov 2010, Page 3)

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CFA has had enough
Alex Munro
Lilydale and Yarra Valley Leader
09 Nov 2010

EMERGENCY workers sick of seeing lives wasted in fatal car crashes have organised a graphic driver education program to change the attitudes of young drivers. Coldstream CFA has organised next week’s free road awareness program, aimed at 16 to...read more...

Tech Tags: Lilydale and Yarra Valley Leader newspaper NEWS

COLDSTREAM 2020 Survey Results

We have just collated the surveys and the results are as follows:

108 returned.

91 (84.25%) for the expansion, of which 11 had qualifications as to how it should be done.

14 (12.96%) against.

3 (2.77%) incorrectly filled out.

We are pleased with the return rate and now plan to take the matter further.  As was said from the start, if the community said "NO EXPANSION" then the matter would go no further.

Both surveys (Christine Fyffe and Coldstream 2020) support the EXPANSION OF COLDSTREAM. 

We would also wish to welcome Kevin Smith as a new group member.

Comment:  Full steam ahead now.

Nod to Sunbury winery development

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PLANNING Minister Justin Madden has approved a Sunbury winery’s bid for a function centre and restaurant in the Green Wedge.
Hume councillor Jack Ogilvie said the decision to allow the expansion at the Pitruzzello Estate could pave the way for other properties to apply to extend the uses of the Green Wedge.
“Because it’s under the required 200 acres (81ha), it has set a bit of a precedent but it’s a good precedent,” Cr Ogilvie said.
“It’s a quirk in the planning scheme that didn’t allow him to build a restaurant, we wanted to support it but the planning scheme wouldn’t allow us to.”
Cr Ogilvie said while he was not against the concept of the Green Wedge, those on the land had to be able to make a living.
“The challenge for us is what can be done in the Green Wedge that’s sustainable,” he said.
Last week, Mr Madden amended the Hume Planning Scheme, with conditions, to allow Pitruzzello Estate to expand into a regional tourist facility.
The amendment will allow for a 340-seat restaurant, a function centre with art gallery and 24 units for accommodation.
“Amendment C144 will facilitate a significant investment in Sunbury and surrounding areas by creating jobs, complementing the Green Wedge and adding to the viability of the existing agricultural uses,” Mr Madden said.
“Hume City Council estimates the new development will boost local tourism, generate 40 direct jobs and 65 indirect jobs during construction and 40 direct jobs and 52 indirect jobs when operating.”
Pitruzzello Estate general manager Silvio Pitruzzello said his family was pleased with the decision and planning works were already under way to have the restaurant opened by early next year with the other aspects to follow.
“In the Sunbury area there’s nothing like that out here,” Mr Pitruzzello said.
“It’s going to create jobs and bring tourism to the area.” 

Comment: Green wedges can be modified!

Council to vote on subdivision

THE fate of Bendigo’s biggest subdivision will be decided by the council tomorrow night.

City of Greater Bendigo councillors will vote on whether to adopt an independent panel’s recommendations on how to proceed with the $210 million, 700-lot residential subdivision at Jackass Flat.

The 60-hectare subdivision, Evergreen Waters, is expected to create 2500 jobs during a seven-year period and pump an estimated $393 million into the Bendigo community.

The independent panel was appointed by Minister for Planning Justin Madden to assess submissions following community consultation of the amended plans in March this year.

The panel heard seven submissions from the council, the state government and the public.

Issues included environmental concerns as well as a post Royal Commission request from the CFA that a wildfire management overlay be put on part of a proposed 700-lot housing development.

If the council votes to adopt the panel’s recommendations, the amendment will be forwarded to Mr Madden for approval.

The City of Greater Bendigo identified Jackass Flat as a major growth area in 2004.

In August the City of Greater Bendigo gave the go ahead for the 344-lot first stage of the housing development, owned by Simonds Homes.

The housing development is near Neangar Park Golf Club and will incorporate green initiatives including LED low-energy street lighting, environmentally friendly cement and recycled water.

About 12 per cent of the site is expected to be set aside for open space. 

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Comment: Lets hope we can follow this example.