Category Archives: Residents’ Forums

2019 AGM & Discussion

Posted on October 20, 2019 | Comments Off on 2019 AGM & Discussion

Well, it’s AGM time again.  We hope residents will continue to show their support by attending our AGM. 

As always we promise to keep the formalities short to take full advantage of our Guest Speaker – Clifford Hayes, MLC – Southern Metropolitan (Sustainable Australia).  

 

The topics for discussion are particularly relevant to Glen Eira.  Over the past year, residents and GERA have been expressing their concerns to Council re  

  • Over-development of Glen Eira, lack of height limits, traffic and parking issues
  • Protection of trees and lack of green areas
  • Lack of policy to protect heritage and neighbourhood character
  • VCAT issues
  • Council’s lack of real community consultation

Clifford’s past experience with Bayside Council together with his current MLC role and legislative changes will enable him to provide valuable insight into best way forward for residents wishing to promote much needed change in Glen Eira.

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NEW RESIDENTS GROUP – SAVE GLEN EIRA

Posted on July 21, 2019 | Comments Off on NEW RESIDENTS GROUP – SAVE GLEN EIRA

UPDATE – SAVE GLEN ERIA WEBSITE 24/8/19

We’ve been advised that the Save Glen Eira  (savegleneira.com.au) website is up and running.

Their initial postings cover the current planning issues and Glen Eira’s past planning history.

 

UPDATE – SAVE GLEN EIRA GATHERING – 29/7/2019

Congratulations to the Save Glen Eira residents group on the success of their “Gathering” on Monday night (29/7).

The Gathering drew a large audience and was well presented.

The 5 resident presenters, from across the Glen Eira, who discussed aspects of development in their local areas, clearly resonated with attendees.  All presentations highlighted the lack of adequate information, difficulties in dealings with Council and the many and varied issues arising from Council’s lack of proper planning.   “It shouldn’t be this hard” was a comment frequently heard from the attendees.

Following the presentations, residents were given an opportunity to have “real” input into the development of Save Glen Eira’s “way forward”.  The residents enthusiastically made many and varied suggestions –  clearly showing support for SGE’s emergence and mission.

We understand a follow up meeting will be held in the next few months.

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Recently GERA has been contacted by a new community group  – SAVE GLEN EIRA (SGE).

This group is  looking to bring together Glen Eira’s many residents and resident groups concerned about inappropriate development in their suburbs.   Bringing the groups together will present a collective voice to Council.

SGE’s  key objectives are to ensure

  • genuine community consultation occurs,
  • proper town planning is undertaken and
  • neighbourhood quality is protected

To facilitate this  “bringing together”, Save Glen Eira invites all concerned residents and resident groups to a gathering at the Caulfield Park Pavilion on Monday, 29th July, 2019.

Details of the Gathering  appear on the below open invitation.

In conjunction with the Gathering, SGE has prepared a RESIDENT SURVEY and asks residents to identify their top 4 issues

GERA supports SAVE GLEN EIRA and we encourage our members and readers to attend the gathering and complete the survey.

SGE contact details are:

Please note the website is currently under construction and should be available shortly.

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AGM and FUTURE DIRECTIONS COMMUNITY FORUM

Posted on November 20, 2016 | Comments Off on AGM and FUTURE DIRECTIONS COMMUNITY FORUM

Details of the Glen Eira Residents’ Association Annual General Meeting and Future Directions Community Forum are

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Date:

Wednesday, 30th November, 2016 at 7.00 p.m., 7.30 for the  “Future Directions” Community Forum

Venue:

St. John’s Uniting Church, 567 Glen Huntly Road, Elsternwick.

All (Members and Public) Welcome

 As usual GERA promises to keep the AGM formalities brief.

FUTURE DIRECTIONS COMMUNITY FORUM – 7.30 p.m.

future-directions-v2

Following the AGM, a community forum will be held –  the topic being GERA’s “Future Directions”.  GERA’s Management Committee is seeking member and public input into the development and directions of the Association.  Glen Eira has a new Council that is showing signs of being representative and receptive.  For this to continue into the future, our association needs to actively participate and work with Council to achieve the best outcome for the Glen Eira community.  GERA’s Committee believes that community input, particularly from those unable to individually participate, into developing our  Future Directions and Strategies is essential.

Hope you can attend.  If unable to attend please make a comment on our Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/geresidents/) or email your thoughts to us (geresidents@hotmail.com).

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AGM and COMMUNITY FORUM

Posted on October 12, 2015 | Comments Off on AGM and COMMUNITY FORUM

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TREES, BIODIVERSITY  & URBANISATION

 An opportunity to hear & discuss issues with

Dr. Greg Moore*

Burnley College, University of Melbourne.

      Date:           Wednesday, 14th October, 2015

     Time:           7.00 p.m. AGM

                              7.30 p.m. Guest Speaker

     Venue:         St. Johns Uniting Church

567 Glen Huntly Road, Elsternwick                                

       Admission: Gold Coin Donation

                   ALL WELCOME

 

 * Dr. Greg Moore was Principal of Burnley College, Melbourne University from 1988 to 2007. Greg has a specific interest in all aspects of arboriculture, which is the scientific study of the cultivation and management of trees. He has contributed to the development of Australian Standards in pruning and amenity tree evaluation and has been a major speaker at Australian and International conferences. He has been a regular on Melbourne radio, particularly with ABC 774 and 3AW and has chaired, since 1996, of the National Trust of Victoria’s Register of Significant Trees. He is currently pursuing active research related to trees and revegetation in the urban environment.

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PLANNING FORUM UPDATE – PART 1

Posted on January 8, 2015 | Comments Off on PLANNING FORUM UPDATE – PART 1

Again our apologies – unfortunately, due to a technical issue, we are unable to present this update on our November, 2014 forum. We will publish the update as soon as the technical issue is resolved.

 

 

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PLANNING FORUM UPDATE – PART 2

Posted on January 8, 2015 | Comments Off on PLANNING FORUM UPDATE – PART 2

Apologies – unfortunately, due to a technical issue, we are unable to present this update on our November, 2014 forum. We will publish the update as soon as the technical issue is resolved.

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AGM & PLANNING FORUM

Posted on October 28, 2014 | Comments Off on AGM & PLANNING FORUM

PLANNING ZONES

THE RESIDENTS’ VIEW

 An opportunity to hear & discuss issues with Ian Wood, President, Save Our Suburbs

Date:                  Wednesday,  19th November, 2014

Time:                7.00 p.m. AGM,  7.30 p.m. Planning Presentation

Venue:             Bentleigh Club, Yawla Street, Bentleigh

       Admission:   Gold Coin Donation

                    ALL WELCOME

 

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WHAT IS INAPPROPRIATE/OVERDEVELOPMENT

Planning that focuses on directing new construction to specific areas without appropriate consideration being given to the development and maintenance of a community by the management of cumulative social and environmental impacts for current and future residents, eg.

– Transport Infrastructure     – Traffic congestion   – Car Parking

– Neighbourhood Character – Flooding/Drainage  – Public Safety

– School capacity                 – Tree Protection                – Open Space (Parks)

– Health Care                        – Heritage                              – Sustainability

HOW CAN WE STOP IT IN GLEN EIRA?

 BECOME INFORMED

  • ATTEND the Planning Forum

The introduction of the new Planning Zones and other recent planning “reforms”, in both Glen Eira and across Melbourne, is starting to have a significant impact. As President of SOS and a Planning Consultant, Ian Wood, has been following the latest planning changes and how some Councils, including Glen Eira, have been implementing the new guidelines.

 This is an opportunity to obtain information on the zones and how they impact current and future residents.

  •  VISIT residents websites

Glen Eira Residents Association 

McKinnon & Ormond – Oppose Inappropriate Development on Facebook

L.A.R.G.E.                                 

Save Our Suburbs

Glen Eira Debates

          

 MAKE YOUR VIEWS KNOWN to Councillors, the Media and candidates in the upcoming State Election by Signing the Online Petition

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WHAT IS YOUR ZONE?    Look up the zoning for your property and surrounding properties on the State Government Website.

NRZ1              Neighbourhood Residential Zone – 2 storey height limit

GRZ1, 2, 3    General Residential Zone – 3 storey height limit

RGZ1              Residential Growth Zone – 4 storey height limit

C1Z & C2Z    Commerical Zones (includes residential accommodation) – no height limit

MUZ               Mixed Use Zone (includes residential accommodation) – no height limit

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AGM AND PLANNING FORUM UPDATE

Posted on November 29, 2013 | Comments Off on AGM AND PLANNING FORUM UPDATE

Our thanks to the 60 plus residents who, undaunted by the prospect of an AGM and the inclement weather, attended our recent (13/11) AGM and Planning Forum. Your attendance and, at times “lively”, participation made for a successful evening.

Our thanks also to our
• independent moderator, Gerry McLoughlin (Architect and Urban Designer), who provided the metro Melbourne “big picture” for the zone implementation, and to
• guest speaker, Ron Torres (Glen Eira’s Manager, Town Planning and Transport and one of the principals involved in the recent zone implementation) – Ron provided a good overview of Glen Eira’s residential zones* and readily responded to questions asked.

Unfortunately, although all Councillors praised the zone implementation and endorsed the implementation without community consultation, no Councillor attended the only Council presentation  to the community on the zones – Crs. Okotel and Lobo offered apologies.  As a member quipped during a “lively” moment, “this is why no Councillor is here”.

PRESENTATION

As previously mentioned, the presentation focused on the recently implemented residential zones and their height limits. The new zones and related schedules built on the previous Minimal Change/Housing Diversity Areas, by continuing to focus development in and around transport nodes and by enabling further definition of what can be built where.

• Former Minimal Change Area

o Neighbourhood Residential Zone (NRZ) – Maximum 8 Metres (2 storeys)

• Former Housing Diversity Areas

o General Residential Zone 1 (GRZ1) – Maximum 10.5 metres (3 storeys)
o General Residential Zone 2 (GRZ2) – Maximum 10.5 metres (3 storeys), increased rear setbacks
o Residential Growth Zone (RGZ) – Maximum 13.5 stories (4 storeys)
o Also mentioned, but not focussed on, were the

  • Commercial Zones (C1Z and C2Z) – no height limit, and the
  •  Mixed Use Zone (MUZ) – no height limit

In addition to the prescribed heights, Ron said that additional planning controls were provided via overlays (eg. Heritage, Neighbourhood Character etc.), Rescode (particularly side setback requirements) and Preferred Character statements/policies. For example, depending on the lot size, side set back requirements may provide an additional height control element by making the top floor too narrow to be feasible.

Ron also commented that the next 12 months will be a transition period with planning permits being evaluated or finalised under different rules. The Minimal Change/Housing Diversity Areas policies will be applicable to planning permit applications (both new and extended) submitted prior to 23rd August, 2013, while planning permit applications submitted post 23rd August, 2013, will be evaluated under the “new” Planning Zones.

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

• Why was Glen Eira “first cab off the rank” in implementing the zones and why was there no community consultation?

Ron commented that the concept/s of the zones are not new to planning or planning officers and that the zones aligned with Glen Eira’s previous Minimal Change/Housing Diversity Areas. Therefore, Council requested the Minister to exempt the zone implementation from community consultation as the implemented zones were a direct conversion of the Minimal Change/Housing Diversity Areas and incorporated residents’ concerns.

• To what extent are the contents of the Zone Schedules mandatory on both VCAT and planning officers (who frequently “consider acceptable” discrepancies between a development proposal and the planning scheme)?

Ron commented that all contents of the zone and associated schedules are mandatory. As an example, the maximum of 2 dwellings per lot in the NRZ was not dependent on lot size – under the new zones the Alma Club (if on one title) would be restricted to two 2 storey dwellings. Ron also stated that Glen Eira Planning Officers are receiving complaints and criticism from developers for the 2 dwelling limitation.

• What consideration was given to traffic and parking issues in the residential zone implementation?

Ron commented that the residential zones are related to housing policies rather than traffic and parking management issues. However, by concentrating development in/around public transport routes and nodes (which have historically also become retail/commercial centres), use of public transport (rather than private vehicles) is encouraged. Council has separate policies re traffic and parking management, sustainable transport and active (pedestrian and cycling) transport.

• Why was the Alma Club, previously classified as Minimal Change, now zoned as a General Residential Zone (3 storeys with side setbacks) while the development proposal was subject to VCAT mediation.

Ron commented that this was a change made by the Minister and was not requested by Council.
The questioner then commented that the Minister’s interest in a “relatively” small parcel of land was particularly strange.

• Why doesn’t Glen Eira have structure plans? Structure plans provide a strategic justification for height controls, are generally accepted at VCAT and would have introduced height controls prior to the zone implementation.

Ron commented that structure plans are only applicable for targeted areas and were of limited use for larger overall areas (such as the NRZ). Structure planning requires extensive and expensive strategic work and are not binding on VCAT.

• Is basement car parking included in the height restrictions and if not is it a “way around” height restrictions?

Ron commented that height measurements are taken from ground level and therefore do not include below ground car parking. Currently, provision of underground car parking is a design decision made by the developer. However, with the implementation of zone height limits, provision of underground car parking may increase as a means of maximizing development potential.

• Why has Glen Eira set a lower (25%) permeability requirement in the NRZ zone than other Councils?

Ron commented that the permeability requirement was based on Glen Eira’s demographics (aging population, children) and their need for solid surfaces.

Once again we thank all attendees, Gerry and Ron for an informative evening and their support.

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* The handout materials accompanying the presentation were the

• Map of the New Residential Zones
• Map of the previous Minimal Change/Housing Diversity policy areas
• New Residential zones and Mandatory Maximum Heights – A guide for the Community

These may be downloaded from Council’s website

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NEW PLANNING ZONES – WHERE AND WHAT THEY ARE

Posted on November 4, 2013 | Comments Off on NEW PLANNING ZONES – WHERE AND WHAT THEY ARE

This posting will be the first in a series of posts outlining the newly implemented planning zones applied across Glen Eira. The posting is in preparation for GERA’s upcoming AGM and Community Presentation on the New Residential Planning Zones (Speaker to be Mr. Ron Torres, Glen Eira’s Manager Town Planning and Transport) – details

While the below “Before and After Maps” (ie. Map of the previous Minimal Change/Housing Diversity Policy Areas and Map of the new Residential Zones) provided on Council’s website provide an overview of the Residential Zones, they do not present details on all the zone changes and do not provide the level of detail required for residents review.

Councils Before and After Maps

For example,

  • Mixed Use Zones, Commercial Zones, Industrial Zones, Priority Development, Zone Park Zones and Public Use Zones are not differentiated (all coloured white)
  • Nor is the level of detail consistent between the two maps (eg. street identification).

For these reasons we recommend residents refer to the maps, maintained by Council, on the Department of Community Development’s website* when reviewing the new zones and assessing their implications.

Glen Eira Planning Scheme Map c

All zoning is identified on each map (Glen Eira is presented in 4 segments) and the zoom feature enables review at the property lot level.  Additionally, overlays can be included if requested.

Example: Centre Road, Bentleigh

Centre Road Bentleigh 2

GERA strongly urges residents to review these DPCD maps. There are discrepancies between what Council published as the “direct translation” in their document (New Residential Zones and Mandatory Maximum Heights – A Guide for the Community”page 14, Section 6.7) of the old Residential 1 Zone (Minimal Change) into the new residential zones and the zoning maps on the department website.  Some examples identified by G.E.R.A. are

  • The site of the former Alma Club, Caulfield North (formerly Minimal Change now classified as General Residential Zone – 3 stories, reportedly as a result of ministerial intervention)
  • The ABC site, Elsternwick (now General Residential Zone 1 – 3 stories
  • Tovak Akas Avenue, Bentleigh (Planning Scheme Amendment C98 was sought to rezone a sizeable lot from Industrial 3 to Residential 1 (Minimal Change) in July 2012.  Although, the lot’s size was recognised as being suitable for more intensive development than is usual in a Minimal Change Area it is now zoned as RGZ2 (3 storeys) on the DPCD maps yet is NRZ (2 storeys) on Council’s overview map (above).
  • Areas along the Nepean Highway, particularly in Bentleigh, are now shown as Commercial Zones.

Residents are urged to report any discrepancies they find to Council and their Ward Councillors.

ZONE ABBREVIATIONS

To aid review, the following is a brief outline of the zone abbreviations appearing in the DPCD Maps.  Subsequent postings will involve a detailed review of the various zones.

C1Z – Commercial 1 Zone (previously known as Business Zones 1, 2 & 5) – broadens the range of activities that land can be used for without the need for a planning permit (eg. supermarket, accommodation, majority of retail uses) and removes floor area restrictions.  No height limit is specified.

C2Z – Commercial 2 Zone (previously business zones 3 & 4) provides opportunities for smaller office, commercial businesses, some retail premises, trade supplies, cinemas, food and drink premises and some limited retail activity. Floor area restrictions for office and some retail uses reduced.  No height limits are specified.

INZ1 – Industrial Zone 1 – office space restrictions removed and floor area caps may be specified locally. Small scale supermarkets and associates shops and convenience shops allowed.  No height limits

GRZ  – General Residential Zone – Provides for a diversity of housing types and moderate housing growth. Mandatory height limit defined in Glen Eira – 10.5 metres (3 storeys).  Setbacks requirements differentiate GRZ1 and GRZ2.  Medical centres and places of worship allowed without a permit if conditions limiting their location (proximity to major road, activity centre) and scale (floor area) are met.

MUZ1 – Mixed Use Zone –  provides for housing at higher densities by reduced lot sizes and, although height limits may be set, Glen Eira has “None Specified”. No permit required for Food and Drink premises, Medical Centres, Offices and Shops and floor space restrictions eased.

NRZ – Neighbourhood Residential Zone – refers to areas where there are limited opportunities to increase residential development.  Mandatory height limit of 8 metres (2 storeys) and generally 2 dwellings per lot although Council may vary depending on the lot size. Medical centres and places of worship allowed without a permit if conditions limiting their location (proximity to major road, activity centre) and scale (floor area) are met.

PDZ1 – Priority Development Zone – Zone, to be replaced in July 2014, applicable to Major Activity Centres. In the Glen Eira context it refers to Phoenix Precinct, Caulfield North, which includes the major Monash University expansion and the Melbourne Racing Club’s major residential/commercial/retail development known as Caulfield Village and frequently referred to as C60.

PPRZ – Public Park and Recreation Zone – open space for public recreation

PUZ   – Public Use Zone – public land used for  public utility, community services and facilities.

RDZ1 – Road Zone 1 – Identifies major roads within Glen Eira.  Proximity to RDZ1 in NRZ and GRZ residential zones are a determinant of permit requirements for Medical Centres and Places of Worship

RGZ – Residential Growth Zone – increased densities up to and including four storeys (13.5 metres).The zone is seen as a transition zone between areas of more (Mixed Use and Commercial Zones) and less intensive (General Residential and Neighbourhood Residential Zones) development.  No permit required for shop, food and drink premises, Medical centre and Place of worship if conditions limiting their location and scale are met.

SUZ1 – Special Use Zone.   Applicable to MRC owned land around the Caulfield Racecourse Reserve.  Only applicable for use when a site  adjoins more than one zone and the strategic intent of the site, if it was to be redeveloped, is not known and it is therefore not possible to determine which zone is appropriate.

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Footnote:

* The DPCD website may be slow in downloading the maps.  Maps GERA downloaded 16/9/2013 are available below and should be not be taken as current.  GERA is not responsible for any map modifications since 16/9/2013.

Map 1

Map 2

Map 3

Map 4

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AGM & PLANNING PRESENTATION

Posted on November 3, 2013 | Comments Off on AGM & PLANNING PRESENTATION

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

 AND

 PLANNING PRESENTATION

Venue:             St. John’s Uniting Church Hall, 576 Glen Huntly Road

Date:                   Wednesday, 13th November, 2013

Time:                7.00 p.m. – Annual General Meeting

           7.30 p.m. – Guest Speaker and Q&A Session

Admission:   No charge

This is a Public Meeting and all are welcome

GERA promises to keep the formalities brief to take advantage of our guest speaker’s presentation.

 GUEST SPEAKER

 Ron Torres, Manager, Town Planning and Transport.

Glen Eira City Council

 The August, 2013 implementation of the Planning Zones has been described as the biggest change to planning in the history of Glen Eira. Mr. Ron Torres was one of the principals involved in applying the zones across the Glen Eira Municipality.

This is a rare opportunity for both members and non-members to hear from one of Council’s Senior Planning Managers on the zones and how they impact residents.   It promises to be both a topical and informative evening.

GERA thanks Council for giving residents the opportunity of hearing details of the residential zones implementation from a Senior Planning Officer.

ALL ARE WELCOME

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