By JESSE GRAHAM
YARRA Ranges Council has put its voice in on the future of the region and slammed “gross oversights” in its submission to the Plan Melbourne strategy.
The submission to the strategy, which guides the development of Melbourne and its surrounds for the coming 40 years, emphasises a need for a response to housing, employment transport and the environment.
The council approved a draft submission to the strategy in its 26 November meeting, which addresses oversights and potential problems for the Yarra Ranges area in the plan.
One of the major concerns illustrated by the council in its submission is that the Cave Hill development in Lilydale, which is set to deliver more than 4000 homes, was not mentioned.
“It is surprising that one of the largest rail-based urban renewal projects to be developed in Melbourne is not even mentioned,” the draft reads.
“Given that the redevelopment of this major redevelopment site ‘ticks all the boxes’ in terms of delivering Plan Melbourne, omission of the Cave Hill project is considered to be a gross oversight.”
The submission to Plan Melbourne also addresses a lack of clear direction on the future of “peri-urban” areas, which are the non-urban areas surrounding Melbourne that have green wedge land.
The current approach to the peri-urban areas was described by the council as being “potentially confusing” and generating contradictory messages for townships with green wedge and urban growth boundary areas.
“Council seeks further clarity on how the Metropolitan Planning Authority in consultation with council will determine a permanent urban boundary around metropolitan Merlbourne that also includes the various green wedge townships.”
Another important issue addressed was transport for employment, with council submitting that increased connectivity to areas such as Monash should be encouraged.
Lyster Ward councillor Samantha Dunn added to the draft at the council meeting, suggesting a SmartBus route to help connect Yarra Ranges residents to employment areas.
The SmartBus suggestion, which could be investigated for its feasibility accompanies the suggestion for a light rail route from Nunawading’s upgraded station.
For the full draft submission, visit www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au.
