July 2005
Minutes of the meeting of the
Kensington Association held on 4 July 2005

Apologies:  Richard Reilly, Cr Peter Clarke, Cr Brian Shanahan

1.  Kensington Action Plan - the next five years

The Plan, drafted by representatives of the MCC and MVCC, was presented.  Copies will be distributed throughout the community in the coming weeks.  Copies can be downloaded from the two councils' websites, as well as from the Kensington Association website,www.kensingtonassociation.org.au.  The deadline for public comments is 29 July.  Feedback can also be emailed to  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it    Paul Devereux and Greg Bray were appointed as a subcommittee to coordinate a Kensington Association response.

2.  Planning proposal for 230 Bellair Street

The proposal is to add a third storey.   It was agreed that the Association should submit a objection to the development on the grounds that is inconsistent with the built form of the area.

3.  Application by the Coptic Church to demolish a house and create parking

Because of varying opinions among residents about this proposal, it was agreed that the Association should request the MCC planning committee to consider the proposal, thus giving residents further opportunities to express their views.

4.  Annual General Meeting

It was noted that some of our current practices are not in line with our constitution, including the timing of the AGM, which has traditionally been held in August each year.  It was agreed that steps would be taken to alter the Constitution where required to bringing it in line with practice.  Meanwhile, the 2005 AGM will be held at the normal time, this year being Monday 1 August.   

5.  South Kensington Railway Station

Letter was received from our member of Parliament, the Hon Bronwyn Pike, acknowledging of the concerns of residents about the station, and requesting local representation on the committee considering future development of the station.

6.  Inner Region Housing Statement

90,000 dwellings estimated to be built by 2030.  The statement addresses and identifies specific needs and areas of growth of the inner city precinct for the next 25 years. It was noted that the plan does not envisage any special impact on Kensington.  More information is available at www.dse.vic.gov.au  

7.  IMAP (Inner Melbourne Action Plan)

IMAP 2030 action plan is designed to look at the shared issues and services in the inner region councils. Looking at connections, community needs and environmental issues.  The aim is to maintain consistency and coordinate the various adjoining council activities in the inner city suburbs.  the Kensington Action Plan is a model of such coordination.  (More information is available on the MCC website.)

8.  Dogs

There have been complaints of dog owners not cleaning up after dogs have been walked in the local streets.  Dog owners will be fined if caught not cleaning up after their animal defecates in the street.  The Kensington Association recommends that dog owners be required to use plastic bags.

9.  MCC finances and Kensington

The meeting welcomed a request from Cr Brian Shanahan, chair of the finance committee, to address the next meeting of the Kensington Association to discuss MCC expenditure for Kensington.

10.  Blocking off illegal access to Hobsons Road from Smithfield Road

During a recent visit to the Association by MCC manager Geoff Lawler and Cr Catherine Ng, members remarked on motor vehicles illegally accessing Hobsons Road by driving over parkland.  since then, the access has been blocked.  Resolved that the Association would thank Mr Lawler and Cr Ng for their prompt action.

11.  Vacant land along Stubbs Street, Kensington

It was noted that all factories and warehouses have been demolished and that the entire strip of land is now vacant.  This land, bordered by the Moonee Ponds Creek and Stubbs Street, is currently owned by Vic Track.   The Kensington Association believes there is an opportunity to put this land to use on behalf of the community, and calls for suggestions from members.  Suggestions should be emailed to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it as soon as possible.