Desist from high-rise high-density zone planning

The petition of certain citizens of the State of Victoria draws to the attention of the Legislative Council that more consultation is needed on the development of high-density activity centres.  The Allan Labor Government has announced the development of ten high-rise high-density zones in the municipalities of Bayside, Boroondara, Brighton, Darebin, Frankston, Glen Eira, Hume, Kingston, Monash, Moonee Valley, Stonnington, Whitehorse and Whittlesea. Planning rights will be stripped from councils and communities, high-rise development will occur as of right, and planning control will be exercised undemocratically by the State Government. In addition to a central activity district with as of right 12 storey developments, these zones contain enormous catchment areas where planning protections will be removed. Three and six storey developments can occur as of right and municipal heritage overlays and designations will be overridden resulting in the destruction of thousands of irreplaceable heritage properties. Canopy tree protections will be overridden resulting in the loss of neighbourhood amenities, exacerbating the heat island effect. The proposed plans do not include plans for proper health or education services or for additional open space despite projections of increasing local populations.

The petitioners therefore request that the Legislative Council call on the Government to desist from further planning actions to implement the announced high-rise high-density zones and recommence proper discussions and consultation with the local communities, councils and heritage peak bodies of all ten affected zones.