Minutes of the meeting of the Kensington Association held on 2 April 2007

Apologies:  David Ettershank, Richard Reilly, Cr Rose Iser, Jan Wild, Rowan Rafferty, David Michelsen, Tony St Clair, Frances Lamb, Cr David Wilson

1.  Minutes
The minutes of the March meeting recorded a statement that Cr Rose Iser’s campaign material indicated that she opposed reuniting Kensington.  Cr Iser subsequently denied this, and her statement has been circulated to members.  The Association has received no statement contradicting Cr Iser.  She also supplied the following as her declared position vis-à-vis reuniting Kensington:
“I have consistently stated my position that any change to the boundary should be determined by the affected communities through a democratic process.  I am aware of the view of the Kensington Association (that Kensington should be reunited) and I will bring this view to the attention of any review panel established to consider the matter.  I am also aware of the dissatisfaction with MVCC as expressed by some members of the Association and I look forward to working towards improving levels of satisfaction with MVCC regardless of any changes to the boundary.  As a former resident of Barnett Street I understand the perspective of residents in the area and look forward to acting on this in all areas of Council life.”

2.  “Welcome to Kensington” project
Members thanked Carolyn Webster for taking the project to the stage where a professional folder of materials has been produced, and the first distribution to real estate agents, community groups and schools is complete.  Members welcomed the new Project Worker, Ann Hood.  The hand-over will take place this week.
 
3.  The Kensington Action Plan
Members welcomed Brian Pound (City of Melbourne) and Vivien Routley (City of Moonee Valley) Mr Pound reminded the meeting that the aim of the Plan was to ensure coordination of the two cities’ services.  As the report for 2005-2006 was lengthy, it was agreed that as well as appearing on the websites of the two cities, it would be posted on the Kensington Association website www.kensingtonassociation.org.au .  Members agreed that the report was valuable, and to ensure that it was considered appropriately, a small group would be formed to draft a response.  Fiona Burnes agreed to convene the group.
 
4. “Reunite Kensington” campaign
The Association has learned that a six-month timeline is expected, with the promised Panel to be appointed soon, perhaps within weeks.  The Association is planning a number of actions during the campaign, including measures to further inform residents about the issues, letterboxing, encouraging residents to make a submission to the Panel, information stall on Macaulay Road and street theatre to highlight the existence of the boundary.  Tony Dare said that members would be contacted soon with requests to staff various aspects of the campaign.  Several members present pledged to assist in the campaign.
 
5.  “Meet the Cabinet” at Moonee Valley
Tony Dare informed the meeting that Association executive members have asked to meet the Minister for Local Government during the “Meet the Cabinet” visit to Monee Valley on Tuesday 24 April to further progress the “Reunite Kensington” campaign.
 
6. Proposed backpackers hostel, cnr Rankins and Racecourse roads
Many residents have objected to this proposal.  It was suggested that the experience of the Centennial Hotel indicated the difficulty councils face in enforcing appropriate usage.  Cr Cusack (MVCC) said he would obtain further information from Council officers.  An Association member, who is a resident of Rankins Road and an objector to the proposal, agreed to put the Association’s views before a MVCC deputations meeting to be held 4 April.
 
7.  Trucks on Macaulay Road
Clive Gartner reported that the two Councils have completed a traffic count during the period 4 to10 February, 7am to 7pm.  During that time there were 86,716 traffic movements, of which 4.26% were heavy vehicles.  During the Monday-Friday period, the figures were 74,948 and 4.78% respectively.  That indicates over 3500 trucks during the 5 week days, or over 700 per day.  It was agreed that this showed there is a problem of non-compliance with the 7am-7pm truck ban.  In the first instance, this information will be drawn to the attention of the two Police Community Consultative Committees (PCCC Moonee Valley and PCCC West Melbourne) by our representatives Megan Davison and Therese Fitzgerald.
 
8.  Noise emanating from the South Kensington freight yards
The possibility of flashing lights as an alternative to audible warnings is still being discussed.  Geoff Cox has also developed simple survey that can be distributed to residents and they can obtain a copy from This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .  Meanwhile he said that a siren should not sound for more than 20 minutes, and residents should report excessive noise to the City of Melbourne after hours number: 9658 9774. The person who takes the call is the City of Melbourne's Security Officer, who should be asked to log the complaint. It will be passed on to the Health Services Branch for them to follow up on.  For further report at May meeting.

9.  Observed violations of right-turn ban, Smithfield Road-Mercantile Parade, during a.m. peak
This matter will be tabled at the PCCC (West Melbourne) by our representative, Therese Fitzgerald.
 
10.  South Kensington train frequency
No member has volunteered to progress this issue.
 
11.  Heritage and history
History and Heritage convenor, Sheila Byard informed the meeting of a good turn out to the heritage walk and also attendance at the “How to research the history of your house”.  She said that her group had decided to make applications for a local history grant in later funding rounds.
 
12.  Western suburbs bus service review
Association representative, Therese Fitzgerald, said that there appeared to be a genuine interest in community opinion about buses, and that all interested residents should make their views known, via This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .  She will carry the views to the next seminar.
 
13.  Community noticeboard
There are 3 potential sites, any or all of which may be progressed:
*  Window of the Macaulay Credit Cooperative (action: Fiona Burnes)
*  Mediterranean Deli (action: Tony Dare)
*  New, free-standing board in the region of the train station (funded by an advertising agency as part of an agreement with MVCC) (action: Cr Cusack)
 
14.  50 Altona Street
It has been observed that the contractors have moved some topsoil, burying some trees, some up to 3m deep.  It was noted that this could kill the trees.  Furthermore, the media will be contacted publicizing our disappointment that approval was granted to allow an extra floor to the building, and what is in the Association’s view, insufficient parking.  It was reported that there is already congestion in the area, with permanent residents competing for parking spots with visitors to the Kensington Community Recreation Centre.  It was agreed to contact MCC re parking restrictions to favour visitors.