| February 2006 |
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Minutes of the meeting of the Kensington Association held on 6 February 2006 1. Public safety Residents in Rankins Road reported a notable increase in disturbances, noise, burglaries and assaults. They believe that problems have increased since mid-2005 when the Centennial Hotel (corner of Rankins Road and Smith Street) changed to a boarding house. Moonee Valley Councillor Lydia Kauzlaric informed the meeting that the MVCC is investigating whether the lease holder is adhering to permit conditions. Council has established a Community Harmony Task Force to address community issues. She encouraged residents to report all incidents to the Flemington Police and/or the Council. Steering Committee members recommended that residents in the area get organized and ensure that all incidents are reported. A log of incidents would provide evidence to assist the Council and the Police to manage the situation. It was also suggested that concerned residents organize a Neighbourhood Watch committee. Brian Pound, MCC Community Liaison Officer invited the Association to send a representative to a meeting of the Flagstaff Police Community Consultative Committee on 15 February. (No member of the Steering Committee is available. Any member willing to attend this meeting should email the Association.) 2. Damage to fence in Hobsons Road The fence that prevents through traffic from Hobson Road to Fisher Parade during non-racing carnival days has been damaged, allowing traffic access. KA to ask the MCC to repair the fence. 3. Development site between Hobsons Road and the Maribyrnong River Marathon Foods, owner of one of the factories on the site, has applied to the MCC to expand their existing factory site to add a cold store on an adjacent vacant block of land. This may indicate and end to the proposal. The Association will continue its “watching brief” on this proposal. 4. Kensington Community Child Care The MCC is discussing a proposal to expend $1,400,000 to add 40 childcare places at the Altona Street facility. The Association strongly supports the proposal and awaits a favourable outcome. 5. Holland Park toilet facility The MCC is to install a new toilet block near the redeveloped child playground on Altona Street. The Association will ask the MCC to ensure that the toilet is a modern, self-cleaning type. 6. South Kensington Station The Association is participating on a working party developing plans for the station. 7. “Have your say” poll: Should Kensington to reunited under one council? The poll is now closed and a public count would take place directly after the meeting, with results publicized shortly thereafter. 8. Simplot (Four and Twenty Factory) site Demolition is nearly complete. The Association is keeping a “watching brief” on this development. 9. General amenity of Rankins Road Residents noted that more needs to be done to improve the general amenity of many streets in the Moonee Valley part of Kensington, including Rankins Road. MVCC Councillor Lydia Kauzlaric noted the concern. |