Thursday, 1 August 2024

Assyrian Church of the East

Evan MULHOLLAND (Northern Metropolitan) (18:37): (1023) My adjournment matter is for the Minister for Planning, and I seek the action of the minister to address an issue of urgency concerning the Assyrian Church of the East in my electorate and their efforts to establish a new school in the northern suburbs, which is a fantastic initiative. The issue has been a significant source of concern and frustration for the community, and it requires immediate action from the Minister for Planning.

Recently I met with His Grace Bishop Benyamin Elya of the Assyrian Church of the East. In fact he was here last night to watch our debate, and together with his community they have been diligently working towards the creation of a brand new school in the northern suburbs, which would serve their growing community. However, it has encountered substantial obstacles in the planning process that threaten to derail this important project. Bishop Elya informs me that the church has participated in one compulsory conference and has another pending with the department. The primary issue pertains to car parking and traffic management for the proposed site, which is located on Mickleham Road.

Despite the fact that the proposed traffic solutions were thoroughly vetted and supported by traffic engineers, there have been significant hurdles that seem to shift the goalposts in a manner that appears both unfair and counterproductive. Initially the traffic plan proposed to utilise an intersection extension on the site’s eastern boundary, which had been deemed viable with no adverse impact on Mickleham Road. However, the solution has been met with resistance from the Department of Transport and Planning, who argued that the proposed additional leg of an intersection would slow down traffic – a concern that has been addressed through alternate plans, including a suggested slip lane. Despite these efforts recent interactions with the department have been disheartening.

A recent meeting revealed a lack of viable solutions, with indications that any unresolved matters will be referred to VCAT, a costly and protracted process for this church. This has led to a significant reduction in the scale of the proposed school – which is very disappointing – from an initial capacity of 825 students to just 600 students, now only accommodating prep to year 9. This reduction diminishes the school’s potential and impacts the community’s ability to benefit fully from a much-needed educational facility. The community feels disheartened and is hoping for a positive outcome.

I seek the action of the minister to re-evaluate the traffic management proposals and consider solutions provided by the church’s traffic consultants – who are experienced in traffic planning, actually, of Mickleham Road – and facilitate a resolution that allows the project to proceed without further unnecessary delays and reductions in scale.