June 2006
Minutes of the meeting of the Kensington Association, held 5 June 2006         


Apologies:   Fincina Hopgood, Christian Thorn, Greg Bray, Lydia Kazlaric, Brendan and Dianne Lourey.

1. Melbourne City Council budget, 2006-2007
The MCC has invited the Association to comment on the proposed budget.  The meeting authorized members of the Executive to prepare a response.

2. Kensington Estate (Altona Street)
The developer, Becton, has presented its proposal for a block of units fronting Altona Street, opposite the Child Care Centre.  The Association resolved to support the proposal, subject to amendments to reduce the height by 2.5 storeys and the addition of 50 car parking places.  It was noted that previous developments had resulted in a backlog of needed parking spaces, the impact of this now being evident with parking congestion along Altona Street.

3.  Police-Community Consultative Committees
Therese Fitzgerald represents the Association at meetings of the PCCC relevant to the City of Melbourne section of Kensington.  Megan Davison agreed to make contact with the PCCC relevant to the Moonee Valley section.  Representatives will report back at each meeting of the Association.

4.  North Melbourne Recreation Reserve Consultative Committee
Clive Gartner represents the Association on this committee.  He outlined the progress of proposals.  It is expected that some concept plans will be presented at the next meeting, one retaining the existing grandstand and one based on its demolition.  The Association reserved its opinion on the retaining of the grandstand.  Mr Gartner pointed out that anyone can make representations to retain the grandstand, but they would need to demonstrate the benefit to the community of spending some $2m needed to renovate it.

5.  Centennial Hotel
The Moonee Valley Council is obtaining legal advice on the permitted usage of the hotel.  Meanwhile, there have been no recent reports of crimes or disturbances in the area.  Residents were reminded to report all crimes and disturbances in any area of Kensington to the police.

6.  Noise issuing from docks and rail yards
Following further complaints, Geoff Cox agreed to consult with local residents regarding further action.

7. Traffic in the MCC section of Kensington
Haig Polson, Senior Engineer from MCC, addressed the meeting re the current and future traffic issues. Review of the traffic management strategies have shown reduced flows in some streets and no change in others.  Further traffic counts are in progress and will be reported back to the Association.
Key aspects:
The Association will to follow up with the Victoria Racing Club regarding inappropriate access at the Gatehouse Drive-Smithfield Road intersection, especially by horse transport vehicles, including one marked “Matthew Elliott”.

•    MCC to make further traffic counts in Gatehouse Drive.

•    A 40 k/h zone in Macaulay Road shopping strip plus bicycle lanes to be implemented soon.

•    MCC has reviewed the potential road usage arising from the Simplot site.  Multiple traffic minimization strategies are being considered.

•    MCC will survey compliance with the 40 k/h limit in Epsom Road and the viability of traffic signals at the Kensington School crossing.

The meeting thanked Mr Polson for his input.

8.  Kensington Action Plan
The Association will receive an implementation progress report soon.
 
9.  The Kensington Adventure Playground (“The Venny”)
Leonie Brasier from the Venny committee of management informed the meeting of current funding issues, in particular the upkeep of the existing building and installation of needed fencing. Members put forward suggestions.  It was noted that it would be useful to build communication with the Holland Park development committee and the MCC.

10.  Proposal for 90 degree parking in Bellair Street, near Racecourse Road
The Association supported local residents in opposing this plan.  News has been received that the MVCC has abandoned the proposal.

11.  Friends helping friends
Fiona Burns reported that the recent fund raising event for the Morgan family, planned to raise at least $15,000 for a specially-modified vehicle, in fact raised $30,000. This event shows that the local community cares for its friends and neighbors. The meeting sends the best wishes of the Kensington Association to Richard and his family, and hopes they will enjoy renewed freedom with their new vehicle.

12.  Kensington Town Hall
Cr Jim Cusak (MVCC) informed the meetings that the Council is doing some urgent structural work on the Hall and surveying the extent of work needed to restore it.  Owing to neglect over many decades, millions are expected to be required to bring it up to standard.