Here are the issues we are dealing with

We met on Monday 1 March, minutes soon.  See below for summary.

Please note that the next meeting will be held on Monday 12 April, owing to the fact that this year, the first Monday in April falls on Easter Monday.

*  Problem for Rankins Road - There is a development application for 98-108 Rankins Road; the current version is for a 4 storey, 26-apartment bock of flats (currently the premises is the tyre and battery business, plus the adjoining yard).

This would be a large building whose visual bulk  would dominate the area and be much larger than buildings nearby.  Nearby houses and apartment buildings are 2 storey.  The Association regards this application with apprehension, as being out of character with the precinct and providing a precedent for 4-storey development elsewhere in Kensington.  If you are concerned about this, please indicate by emailing us:  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

*  Our dispute over the number of units to be built on the final parcel of land on the Kensington Estate

According to the original plan for the Estate, there should be between 54 and 60 units on the final parcel of land (opposite Wolseley Parade-Derby Street intersection).  The developer, Becton, asked for 217 units, later reduced to 125.  The Association disagrees with any increase on the original number.  Representatives David Ettershank and Matt Hammond met with the Minister, Richard Wynne, on site this week.  The party walked around the site and the Association view was put in a forthright way.  Minister Wynne listened to our point of view and has agreed to get back to us after he has had an opportunity to consider it.

Our policy is contained in the following resolution:

That this meeting of Kensington Residents, having considered the current state of developments regarding stage 10a and 10b of the Kensington Estate (the area along Derby Street between Henry Street and Hampden Road), resolves as follows:
1.     To actively resist the proposed development and calls upon the government to honour the agreement it has with the community through the approved Development Agreement.
2.     Immediately commence a community involvement campaign.
3.     Establish a campaign committee to develop a program of actions for 2010 up to and including the State Election.
Carried Unanimously

A campaign committee was duly elected and met immediately after the public meeting concluded. Convenor:  Therese Fitzgerald

Click here for letter from David Ettershank, Chair of the Association, discussing this issue.
Click here for details of discussion at the September meeting of the Association.

*  Hobsons Road - proposal to rezone the parcel of land between Hobsons Road and the Maribyrnong River

The City of Melbourne has initiated a proposed rezoning and has requested that the Minister for Planning appoint an Independent Panel to consider the submissions to Melbourne Planning Scheme Amendment C124. Obviously, any redevelopment would have a major effect on Kensington Banks.  The Association has appointed a sub-committee to monitor the process and make representations to the Panel.

*  Noise emanating from the Dynon Road freight yards

We are actively pursung this matter so that residents in the South Kensington area can have peace at night.

2009 completed

Thank you to the City of Melbourne for road and footpath upgrades in the former Moonee Valley section of Kensington

You may be interested to see what the City of Melbourne has accomplished in Kensington since it took over administration of the former Moonee Valley section of Kensington in July 2008, and what is planned.   Taking information from the City, the Association has created maps of Kensington showing major road and footpath works that have been completed since the City took over, and works that are planned for the current, 2009-2010, financial year and beyond.

Resurfacing and line markings in Bellair Street from Macaulay Road to Racecourse Raod were completed some months ago.  Resurfacing has been completed in Smith Street and Robertson Street.  Resurfacing of the Eastwood Street roundabout, adjacent to the Railway Station, is complete plus sections of Smith Street and replacement of the Smith Street-Rankins Road roundabout.  We have been told that the resurfacing of Rankins Road will be completed this financial year. 

The Association appreciates this input of resources for our suburb.  We intend to work cooperatively with the City of Melbourne in identifying any other works that are needed, with the view to having them included in a future year. Click here to see the plan

Be a member of the Kensington Association!

We cordially invite you to put your weight behind the Association in its work in preserving and enhancing the amenity of Kensington.  Simply by being a paid-up member, you make a difference, no need to attend meetings or do anything else.  (If you are puzzled why this would make a difference - and it's not about the money - email us and we will explain - This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it )

For details about membership, click here.

"Welcome to Kensington" kits -- they are free!

Kits have been updated with 2010 information, and are available from schools, real estate agents and the Kensington Community House, McCracken Street, or email us and we'll deliver one to you:  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

East-West tunnel: The Association appreciates the State Government decision that "The use of JJ Holland Park for staging and construction is not supported"

Following rallies led by the  Kensington Association and many submissions from local residents, the State Government decided that JJ Holland Park will not be used for the construction of the proposed East-West Road Tunnel.  Even if the tunnel is built in the future, Holland Park is protected.

Local residents attend protest rally in June 2008, a turning point in the campaign