Minutes of the meeting of the Kensington Association held on 1 June 2009

Apologies:  Tony Dare, Matt Hammond, Clive Gartner

1.  Development proposal for 1-39 Hobson’s Road
A major development in Hobson’s Road is going to VCAT after being rejected by Council.  Report back at next meeting.

2.  Kensington Childcare Coop expansion
An expansion of KCCC to 100 places has now been completed.  The official opening has been postponed pending finalisation of arrangements.
3.  Showgrounds/racecourse rail line
There have been proposals in the media to seek Government support for an extension of the showgrounds/racecourse rail line to service the new redevelopment being proposed for the former munitions factory site (near Highpoint).  The meeting felt that the concept certainly warrants serious consideration by the State Government.

4.  Speed Limits in Macaulay and Epsom Roads
Follow up from last meeting:  There appears to be some confusion over the current speed limit (which varies from 40 to 50 KPH in different sections) but the general feeling was that a limit of 40 KPH would be more appropriate.

5.  Graffiti Review
The City of Melbourne 2005 Graffiti Policy has now been updated.  One new initiative is a bus that will go around removing graffiti (subject to owners approving removal).

6.  Kensington Estate Redevelopment
Report back on the proposed redevelopment:
·       Stage 10C (corner of Derby and Ormond Street) will be 88 units and, despite the opposition of nearly all parties, the only change being required by the Department of Planning and Community Development is a new facade on the building.
·       The next stage, Derby Street (opposite Gower and Henry Street), will now be 200 units instead of 57 units.  This effectively renders previous modelling on the Estate redundant and the agreement negotiated with the community and Council a farce.
Resolved:  That the Kensington Association withdraw from the Estate Redevelopment Liaison process and consult with the local community as to whether there should be a direct action campaign against the redevelopment and its impact on the surrounding area.
Carried Unanimously