Wednesday, 4 February 2026

 Paul HAMER (Box Hill) (14:43): (1481) My question is for the Minister for Planning. Will the draft plans for the Blackburn activity centre exclude the SLO1 and SLO2 landscape overlay areas? As I have previously noted in this place, Blackburn is a place of heritage, character and natural beauty. The Bellbird area, protected under the SLO1 and SLO2 overlays, is a living testament to the community’s commitment to environmental stewardship over many years. Indeed many of the mature trees that contribute to this landscape were planted decades ago by the same residents who still live in this area. These overlays are not arbitrary. They were established to safeguard the unique tree canopy, streetscape and ambience that define Blackburn’s identity. Retaining the existing zoning of the SLO1 and SLO2 areas and excluding these areas from the activity centre catchments would go a long way to ensuring that this environment can continue to be enjoyed for generations to come.