News from the DCA

Greetings everybody.

The DCA “Meet and Greet” party held at The Nixon on July 25 was a great success with guests attending from all parts of Docklands. The DCA now has a record membership and growing. We will be holding a Christmas Party in December as usual.

The still inoperative observation wheel raised its head again in the media. On being interviewed, I said the continuing lack of completion is hurting business badly and holding Docklands to ridicule. Apparently there is still no estimated completion date. It seems to me they could do with more workers on the job. I also said it is not the only distinguishing feature of Docklands which is a work in progress and will be enhanced by the major redevelopment of the Esplanade.

The Premier and Minister Guy held a media presentation on July 29 announcing the planned development of Western Park, which is located at the end of Docklands Drive at Bolte Bridge. I attended and was afforded the opportunity of meeting the Premier and speaking privately for a short time with Matthew Guy about some planning issues. The plans for the park were detailed in the last Dockland News. Work will start by mid next year and be done in stages over a few years.

Presidents of Southbank and East City community associations and myself met with Planning Minister Guy on August 13 addressing issues including developers not adhering to planning guidelines and unsatisfactory siting of selected buildings, including the proposed hotel on the Waterfront City Piazza.

Concerns expressed by us included tower massing, lack of adequate separation, the need for more open space, and for greater community consultation and transparency during the planning process, including reasons for ministerial override of guidelines.

Regarding consultation and transparency, a suggestion was made to erect notice boards on sites informing of development applications lodged, as done in NSW.

Reference was made to a Singapore document proposing more sensitive development including more spacing.

Views expressed included that communities within the City Zone are entitled to the same rights of criticism of planned developments as are afforded to those in outside areas. I am to see a department director to clarify current respective roles in

Docklands developments between the planning department, Places Victoria and the council.

I attended a media presentation by the Minister and Lord Mayor on August 23 of the partly constructed Community Centre and Library on Victoria Harbour at the end of Bourke Street. I joined the inspection tour. The three-storey building by Lend Lease is very impressive and surprisingly large.

Another welcome surprise was that there will be a sizeable park at the front on an area already reserved for the purpose. This is good news considering the lack (until now) of green open space. It is gratifying to see attention now being given to the provision of public amenities in Docklands.

Recently, I attended a meeting of representatives of a number of community groups of inner areas including Kensington, North Melbourne, South Melbourne, Carlton and Docklands together with a couple of architects, the purpose being to establish a community urban planning alliance to have input into major development projects. The group is in the process of formulating terms of reference.

The Owners Corporation Network for inner Melbourne, which I chair, is due to meet again shortly. We are finding reports on happenings from counterpart organisations interstate to be very informative.

As previously reported, they have been established for more than 10 years in NSW and Queensland and have input and influence in State Government planning. There is a similar association in Canberra.

They all are closely following developments with short-term rental, serviced apartments in Victoria in terms of the Watergate Appeal and the legislation foreshadowed by the Minister. We have had an approach from an OC Chair in Perth to be kept informed and seeking guidance on establishing an alliance.

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

Regards to all
Roger Gardner
President DCA