Wednesday, 15 October 2025

 Ann-Marie HERMANS (South-Eastern Metropolitan) presented a petition bearing 2042 signatures:

The petition of certain citizens of the State of Victoria draws attention of the of Legislative Council to reject the rezoning of Rossdale Golf Course and preserve it as vital public green space. Rossdale is a thriving, financially viable community asset with over 800 members located beside the Ramsar-listed Edithvale Wetlands. Rezoning would destroy tree canopy, wildlife corridors, and climate buffers in a high-density area.

The push to rezone is Rossdale Board and Developer-driven, not community-led. The planning minister has been approached directly, bypassing Kingston Council and undermining democratic planning processes.

Traffic congestion, infrastructure strain, and lack of genuine consultation compound community concern. Viable alternatives exist to resolve modest club debt without full redevelopment.

The Petitioners therefore request the Legislative Council: Oppose any rezoning that bypasses council and community input; Protect green space near Ramsar wetlands; Support an independent financial review of Rossdale; Strengthen planning laws to safeguard urban green space.

Ann-Marie HERMANS: As this is a petition qualifying for debate under standing order 11.03(10), I give notice that I intend to move ‘That the petition be taken into consideration’ on Wednesday of next sitting week.