AGM August 2005
Minutes of the Annual General Meeting of the Kensington Association held on 1 August 2005

Apologies:  Margie Bradbeer, Rod Warwick, Ian Young, Fincina Hopgood, Christian Thorn

1.  Treasurer's report

The report from the Acting Treasurer, Tony Dare, showed that the Association was in a healthy financial position.  On behalf of the Association, he expressed appreciation to the Melbourne City Council for its grant under the Community Information Scheme, which has underwritten a new brochure and a Content Management System for the website.  The report was accepted.  The meeting thanked former Treasurer, Jeff Langdon, and Tony for the satisfactory outcome.  Members were invited to contact Tony for clarification of any details of the financial statement.

2.  Election of the Steering Committee for 2005-2006

Consistent with the KA constitution, all Steering Committee positions were declared vacant.  Retiring Chair, Paul Devereux, indicated that he had decided not to stand for re-election as Chair.  The meeting expressed their appreciation of Paul's work and tireless hours as a representative and champion for the Kensington community over the last three years.  The members also expressed their thanks to the Secretary, David Ettershank, for his devoted work to the Association as Chair and Secretary for many years.  Nominations were then called for each position and a Steering Committee for 2005-2006 was elected as follows:

Chair    Richard Reilly
Vice Chair    Paul Devereux
Treasurer    Tony Dare
Secretary    David Ettershank
Public Officer    Fiona Burnes
Planning Panel Coordinator    Greg Bray, assisted by Darrah O'Brien
Membership    Tony Dare
Minutes Secretary    David Michelsen
Historical Convenor    Sheila Byard
Environment    Geoff Cox
                    
3.  Briefing by MCC councillor

Cr Shanahan briefed the meeting about Council plans for Kensington, which include the likelihood of additional child care facilities.  He voiced strong support to reunify Kensington under one council.  He said that the future of the North Melbourne football stand is under review.  He said that he favoured re-zoning of factory areas near the Moonee Ponds Creek to multi-use, which would allow for appropriate residential development.

4.  The Kensington Association response to the Draft Kensington Action Plan

An advanced draft of the response to the Draft Kensington Action Plan was presented by the subcommittee and, with some small alterations, was approved.  The Secretary to produce and forward the final draft.  Please contact David Ettershank for details.  

5.  Lot A9 - Stage 2

Purchase of this lot by the MCC for public open space is currently stalled.  The current owners of the lot are not willing to relinquish the contract unless approval is granted rezone another nearby block of public open space for residential construction.  It was resolved that the Association would oppose this request.  The Chair to communicate our views to the MCC.

6.  Traffic management at Speakman Street and Smithfield Road

Some residents are campaigning to alter the plan that involves bollards, street closures and traffic lights in this area.  The Association resolved to re-affirm its support for the original traffic management arrangements.

7.  Simplot (Four and Twenty factory) site

The proposal to use this site for low-height medium-density industrial use has been approved of in principle by the Association, subject to a satisfactory traffic management plan.  However, given a number of concerns from residents, including whether there is asbestos on the site and if so, whether the proper precautions are being taken, the Association will press the MCC to convene a public meeting so that resident concerns can be aired.  

8.  Community Forum

MCC has invited the community to attend to meet council members and discuss local issues.  The meeting is planned for 8 of September 18:00 to 19:30. Venue to be announced.

9.  Planning Panel

The Kensington Association is seeking a panel of members who would be willing to assist the Association to examine specific planning proposals from time to time.  When the Association learns of a planning proposal, Planning Panel Coordinator, Greg Bray, will ask if a member would examine the proposal and report back.  Interested members should contact Greg on This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

10.  Kensington boundaries

It was resolved that as this issue has been pending for some time with little progress, a campaign will be mounted to press the State government for action before the next election.