CARNEGIE CONCEPT PLAN FORUM UPDATE

Great turnout of residents (110+) at tonight’s (14/8/2017) Carnegie Concept Plan Forum – additional seating was required.   Unfortunately the same can’t be said of Councillor attendance – only two Councillors (Cr. Anthanasopoulous and Hyams) attended.   Equally unfortunately, residents’ questions which required a detailed response were deferred until next (and last) community input session.

Issues raised were

• Lack of detail provided to justify expansion of centre boundaries and height variances within those boundaries. Lack of quantification on outcome of proposed changes and meeting State Government targets.
• Development outstripping infrastructure and services resulting in decreased amenity in centre’s core and surrounding residential areas.
• Traffic and Parking management and pedestrian connectivity needed improvement. Vehicular flows to be directed towards main roads and parking areas located away from residential streets and high traffic pedestrian areas.
• Open space – need for increased provision of accessible open space. What is Council proposing and how will it be financed.
• What can Council do to encourage
  • Increased and appropriate employment opportunities for residents
  • Encourage “specialty” retailing
  • Ensure proposed diversity of housing as per the Concept Plan
• Need greener and lower density development away from centres core – residential areas reserved for residential developments.
• Nightlife – what does this mean
• Interface with Public Realm needs improving.
• Urban Renewal interface with Chesnut Street heritage area, Skyrail and areas south of the rail line – need for additional information.
• Protection of Neighbourhood Character and Heritage Areas – need to retain Carnegie’s uniqueness. Core retail area redevelopments to retain/incorporate  Koornang Road’s historic facades.

Much of the table talk and post forum informal discussions, while expressing favourable responses to the concept of “the right building in the right location”. also expressed major concerns re limited detail provided, an expected deluge of information for the final Forum (October) and overall Council planning performance.