Archive: Plan Melbourne 2016
Last Updated 2/11/15
Plan Melbourne Refresh - Discussion Paper Out For Comments Until Friday 18 December
( 2/11/15 - P) It's not just about Melbourne, it's also about "peri-urban" Macedon Ranges too.
The Minister for Planning, Richard Wynne, has launched a consultation process for the State government's "refresh" of the Plan Melbourne strategy produced by the previous State government in 2014.
The discussion paper describes the scope of Plan Melbourne Refresh (also known as Plan Melbourne 2016) as building on the extensive work and consultation underpinning Plan Melbourne 2014. A key difference is a new focus on sustainability and climate change, along with a renewed focus on the importance of people. One of the questions the government wants community feedback on is whether the United Nation's "Sustainable Development Goals" should be included in Plan Melbourne 2016, which is proposed as an enduring strategy with a long term focus, implemented by a rolling implementation plan.
The discussion paper, and its submissions template, are looking for answers on some specific questions. The submissions template can be downloaded, filled in and submitted, or you can fill it in online. You can also add your own comments, or write your own submission from scratch. The important thing is to participate. Find out more about how to make a submission.
MRRA Says:
Take heed - this is proposed to be an "enduring" strategy, 40 or so years, so it needs to be right from the get-go.
Macedon Ranges Shire is classified as being in the peri-urban area, and there are proposals in the Plan Melbourne Refresh discussion paper that relate to peri-urban and non-metropolitan areas and activities - natural resource and and agricultural issues are examples.
A good starting point for Macedon Ranges' residents would be Section 2.5 "Shaping the City" (page 18). Here the discussion paper is talking about locking down the Urban Growth Boundary, and being more articulate about the values of green wedge AND peri-urban areas to be protected and safeguarded. At "Protecting key values in green wedges and peri-urban areas" (page 20), the discussion is about the need for Plan Melbourne 2016 "to better reflect the significance of these areas so their intrinsic values are not diminished" and to identify them as valuables resources, and "not simply as 'vacant land awaiting urban development' or 'dormitory suburbs.' "
Other parts of the document that are relevant or directly relate to peri-urban/regional areas include:
2.4 Sustainable Development Goals
3.4 Protecting Agricultural Land
6 A More Resilient and Environmentally Sustainable Melbourne
6.1 Challenges and Opportunities
6.3 Strategic Environmental Principles
6.4 A Resilient City
6.5 Natural Habitats (new Victorian Biodiversity Strategy)
6.7 Supporting Renewable Energy
6.8 Environmentally Sustainable Design
Please take a moment to check what is in the discussion paper. It may say Plan Melbourne but it will affect Macedon Ranges as well in some significant ways.
What Plan Melbourne 2016 says must recognise and be supportive of the State government's intention to legislate to protect Macedon Ranges. Importantly, the map in the existing Plan Melbourne 2014 showing Gisborne as a "peri-urban growth town" must not be retained in Plan Melbourne 2016 - you can hardly 'protect' an area by turning it into a suburb!
Previously:
October 2013: Still waiting for State level policy protection for Macedon Ranges.
22/10/13: Plan Melbourne - State govt's new strategy says Gisborne is a peri-urban growth town = NOT protection
MRRA Submission On Metropolitan Strategy Discussion Paper (The New Melbourne 2030) (23/4/13-RA-P) It's a big document with many parts, but it's a worry when how Macedon Ranges will be protected isn't clear at all, we are told we must 'move away from regulation', priority is given to economics, and there is to be a new process to 'facilitate' creative and innovative investment projects - even when it isn't allowed by a planning scheme Click here
(16/11/12 - P) This is the replacement for Melbourne 2030. Submissions close 1 March, 2013. Discussion Paper Briefing 20 November.
The State government has launched a Discussion Paper, "Melbourne, Lets Talk About The Future", for its new Metropolitan Strategy, which will replace Melbourne 2030. Like Melbourne 2030, the new Strategy won't just be about Melbourne, but about how Melbourne affects and interacts with the rest of the State. That means what happens in Melbourne affects other parts of the State.
Metropolitan Planning Strategy Discussion Paper
Two versions of the Discussion Paper are available - full PDF, and a no-frills Word version. You can download either by going to http://www.planmelbourne.vic.gov.au/home
Discussion Paper Briefing, 20 November
The Planning Institute of Australia has already held a forum for "stakeholders" and professionals on the Metro Strategy. In response to community requests for 'equal time', the Minister for Planning has now auspiced a cost free briefing for community. The briefing will be held on Tuesday 20 November, 4 - 6 pm, in Melbourne. The Minister, Matthew Guy, is a presenter. The briefing is a welcome opportunity for community groups to become informed and have some input at an early stage, and groups are urged to make sure they are represented (note: an RSVP is required). To find out more, click here for the Briefing flyer.
Submissions On Metro Strategy Discussion Paper
Submissions will be accepted on the Discussion Paper until 1 March, 2013. To find out more, click here or go to
http://www.planmelbourne.vic.gov.au/home
MRRA Says:
And why should Macedon Ranges be interested in a Metropolitan Planning Strategy? Because it's going to affect us. What happens in Melbourne can impact Macedon Ranges and the rest of the State, and this Strategy is addressing regional cities and fringe areas.
Remember Melbourne 2030? It didn't do Macedon Ranges many favours, and was used to justify horribly suburban development in the Shire. This new Strategy replaces Melbourne 2030.
MRRA will be attending the Briefing on November 20, and we strongly encourage other community groups to take advantage of this opportunity.
We also strongly encourage you to download a version of the Discussion Paper, and have think about whether you have comments to make on it. If you do, get those comments in before 5pm on 1st March, 2013.