April 2008
Minutes of the meeting of the Kensington Association held on 7 April 2008
 
Apologies:  Megan Davison, Fran Scarietta, Roger Wilson, Elizabeth Moore-Golding, Linda Alliex
 
1.  East-West tunnel proposal by Eddington Report
This proposal could have serious adverse consequences for Kensington.  Whereas it is proposed that there be no exits/entrances to the inner suburbs, the the economic viability of this for a tollway has already been questioned in the media.  Holland Park may be seriously affected as a "staging area" during construction, and the main western portal (entrance/exit) may be adjacent to Holland Park, with a  6-lane open cut motorway running south-west from Childers Street toward Dynon Road.   It was resolved to set up a working party to examine the report more closely and to invite a representative of the Eddington Committee to brief Kensington Association members on the details of the proposals, the working party to be:  Kevin Chamberlin, Justin Mansfield, Donna Lancaster, Paul Devereux, Geoff Cox, Richard Reilly, Joan Melville, and David Ettershank.  Richard Reilly to be the convenor.  Depending on the results of the investigation, it was proposed to involve local members Hon Bronwyn Pike and Hon Lindsay Tanner.
 
2.  Bellair St trees
A range of views between the two options were expressed: Option 1: to remove all trees and replace them with advanced trees plus take the opportunity to carry out irrigation and water storage works, or Option 2, to replace just those trees that are a danger, with no irrigation/storage works.    It was resolved to enquire whether trees at either end of the affected area could be retained and the water works done in the area between (the so-called "book ends" option).  If not, a vote indicated that the Association would support Option 1.

3.  Hobsons Rd Development
The Melbourne City Council has decided to examine the whole of Hobsons Road with the view to having a planning overlay for the whole street, an idea supported by the Association.  A Planning Development Overlay has now been prepared and is going to Planning Committee 8/4/08.  The Chair, Richard Reilly reported on the overlay proposal and expressed significant concerns about the proposal.  The meeting agreed that the proposal seems to be very poorly researched, does not address traffic and has failed to address a range of other concerns expressed in the past by both Councillors and the Kensington Association.  Further, given the range of proposed changes for the area including the Eddington Report and the combined Council/Office of Housing traffic study, it was proposed that the Council should adjourn the matter.
 
4.  An outlet for Met tickets in Kensington
Following the decision of the local newsagency to no longer sell Met tickets, the Association has heard that the local branch of Australia Post will stock tickets.
 
5.  "Wheels and Heels" pedestrian and bicycle plan
Clive Gartner and Donna Lancaster agreed to represent the Association on the community consultative committee.
 
6.  Proposal for a flashing 40 kph sign on Epsom Road near Kensington Primary School
Cr Rose Iser (MVCC) will carry this forward to see if it can be done.
 
7.  Elm leaf Beetles
As there has been no reply from Council on our previous correspondence on this matter, the Chair to follow-up.
 
8.  City of Melbourne Boundaries Transition Committee
First meeting to discuss the transition of Kensington to City of Melbourne will be held this week.  An executive member will represent the Association.
Rose Iser reported on some outstanding issues in the discussions between Melbourne and Moonee Valley, specifically the control of the Hotham Place childcare centre and the Meals on Wheels program.
 
9.  Moth Vine Weeds
Michael Gunter reported on the infestation of the Moth Vine Weed in various areas of Kensington.  He reported that it is a virulent vine, declared noxious in NSW, and should be poisoned when identified.  The fruit resembles choko. 
 
10.  Train services in the west
It was reported that of the 81 additional trains to service football crowds only 4 are in the west.  Donna Lancaster to prepare a request for information from Connex.