| October 2006 |
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Minutes of the meeting of the Kensington Association held on 2 October 2006
Apologies: Christine Moffat, David Michelsen, Richard Reilly, Christian Thorn, Fincina Hopgood, Megan Davison, Lydia Kaularic 1. Community Noticeboard The building next to the Kensington Station (formerly a shoe repair business) has been purchased and thus will not be available as a location for the proposed community noticeboard. 2. Kensington Festival A recent meeting of a working group was very positive towards the proposal to have some kind of event. Discussions with officers of Moonee Valley Council are in early stages. At this stage the proposal is for an event comprising arts/crafts market. 3. “Welcome to Kensington” Project Project worker, Caroline Webster, reported on the progress of the project and tabled some artwork for the folder. The inserts are being designed and gathered. She hoped to have 1000 folders printed within a month. The meeting expressed strong support for the work that has been achieved to date. 4. Strategic Planning for the City of Melbourne Councillor Brian Shanahan spoke on questions arising from the proposed major expansion of the Port of Melbourne and the potential threat to “villages” like Kensington and North Melbourne. He suggested a mixed use zoning along Arden St and other fringing industrial zones along the Kensington and North Melbourne to provide more protection against encroachment by the port. He pointed to the current redevelopment of the North Melbourne Reserve as an important part of the process. 5. Centennial Hotel Moonee Valley Council informs us that they have briefed a barrister to advise on the current use of the hotel and possible grounds for an application to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Commission. The premises have also been inspected on several occasions by Council officers. It is not prudent to disclose further details as the matter is on course for litigation. 6. Attendance by Greens candidate Richard Di Natale, the candidate for the Greens in the Legislative Assembly seat of Melbourne for the forthcoming State election made himself available for questions. During discussion he shared Cr Shanahan’s concern about the threat to “villages” from the proposed expansion of the Port of Melbourne, the possibility of the mooted East-West tunnel, possibly affecting Kensington directly, the lack of progress on the request to reunite Kensington under the City of Melbourne and that no progress had been made by the government since the last election. The government seemed to be ignoring the wishes of residents. He pledged the support of the Greens. He said that if Melbourne residents wanted the government’s attention, they should elect the Greens candidate and watch the government work to win back the seat. 7. Melbourne Port@l Strategy Department of Infrastructure have put out a discussion document with a response date of October 9th. (www.doi.vic.gov.au/ports) Geoff Cox was authorised to draft a response, in consultation with Executive. 8. Planning application in Simpson Walk for additional storey to a residence The Association strongly opposes this proposal, which it fears will set a precedent. Cr Shanahan promised to find out why, despite known opposition to the proposal, it was not called in so that all councillors could have the opportunity to vote on the matter. The Association will take further steps to object to the proposal. 9. State Election The meeting discussed the appropriateness of actions in the lead up to the State election, with lack of progress on the boundary issue the major concern. Three components were endorsed: 1. Meeting with the local member, Bronwyn Pike, particularly on the boundary issue. 2. Prepare a questionnaire for candidates asking for their commitments on this and other issues. 3. Organise a “town hall meeting” for the candidates in early November where they can meet the electors and speak to their commitments. The meeting appointed a Sub-committee comprising Richard Reilly, David Ettershank and Tony Dare to coordinate the above. 10. Measures to beautify Smith Street Some measures, including a median strip, have been shown on plans. The Chairperson to write to the Moonee Valley Council asking for information. |