There is a proposed structure for continuing consultation

Greetings everybody.

Following the community forum in March co-hosted by Places Victoria and council, they have released a proposed structure for continuing consultation with the community.

Our editor Shane is reporting on this elsewhere in this edition. The proposal is for three-to-five meetings per year, with a committee of up to 12 selected members, including as-of-right membership by the DCA,  chamber of commerce and Destination Docklands.

This is an improvement over the present system of ad hoc presentations to the community, given at times by council and Places Victoria on decisions already made.

We hope that notice will be taken of the community input and it will not become a lip-service process.

Additionally, we had requested that we be given representation on the Strategic Planning Group, the next level up, composed of officers, so that we could have a say in the recommendations. Unfortunately this has not been adopted but we will continue to push for that.

In all, it is a step forward but “the proof of the pudding will be in the eating”.

I suggest a top priority issue is the redevelopment of Harbour Esplanade, which we will be pushing at these new consultation meetings.  It will give the Docklands’ image a big lift. The trouble is how long is it going to take to get started! According to the Council’s Public Realm Plan it is scheduled like a lot of other things for 2015 to 2020.  That’s too long!

There is still no decision yet from Minister Guy on the Waterfront City piazza redevelopment proposed by MAB, to which residents and the council raised significant objections. No news is good news.

I met with the State Shadow Minister for Planning, Brian Te, last week at his request so he could find out first-hand about the experience in Docklands in terms of infrastructure problems and planning issues.

He wants to take our experience onboard for consideration in future planning, including the proposed new high-rise suburban developments. As well, he will assist us.

Docklands Rotary, in conjunction with the DCA, is organising a “meet the candidates” night to be held shortly in the Watermark. Shane is providing further details in this edition. It is to hear from and question candidates for the by-election for the State Seat vacated by Bronwyn Pike.

I was able to get a letter published in the Herald Sun on Saturday, June 16 defending Docklands following the articles canning the wheel. The letter said the wheel, already partly rebuilt, is a drawcard but it is not the sole feature of Docklands and the redevelopment of the Esplanade will provide a central attraction, together with reintroduction of ferries and other projects.

On another note, I am chairing a combined group of owners’ corporation chairs of major buildings in the CBD and Docklands, the purpose of which is to review and discuss areas of common concern including development planning, owners’ corporation legislation and management.  The group will be able to lobby Government and other authorities as required.

If any reader would like to become a member of the DCA or has any suggestions they wish to put forward regarding activities or issues, they are welcome to contact us on [email protected]     If you would like to talk to me about any aspect you are welcome to call me on 0412 097 706.  You can also keep up with things on our website http://www.docklandscommunityassociation.com

PS: Due to members relocating and illness, etc, we are in need of more committee members.  It’s not a big job! We meet only bi-monthly. If interested, give me a call.

Great to be in touch again.

Sincerely
Roger Gardner
President DCA