Tuesday, 8 September 2026

 Brad ROWSWELL (Sandringham) (14:32): (1804) My constituency question is to the Minister for Planning. Does the minister intend to work constructively with the City of Kingston following the city’s unanimous resolution of 24 August regarding 79 Balcombe Road, Mentone, that seeks to ensure that the land at that site becomes public open space land? For many years Mentone residents have fought to protect the heritage-listed station precinct so that the area’s unique history and character can be enjoyed by future generations. Despite this work from the community, the Labor government to date want to sell off the land on Balcombe Road rather than making it available for community use. Kingston council, to their credit, have resolved to make an in-principle offer to purchase the land or for a long-term lease so that this space can be incorporated into the station precinct and opened to the public. This is a practical solution to a problem which has frustrated the Mentone community for far too long, and I urge the minister to get it done.