Posted 13/7/09 

Message to members and friends of Protectors of Public Lands Victoria Inc.

URBAN GROWTH BOUNDARY EXTENSION AND DEMISE OF GREEN WEDGES

Here is some information which you might have already seen on the Urban Growth Boundary Extension.  This will involve requisitioning 50,000 hectares for residential development and new roads with extraordinary implications for environmental damage and destruction of wildlife, loss of western grasslands, increase greenhouse gas emissions, loss of arable farm land, destruction of green wedges, compulsory acquisition of land, increased tax burdens and the go-for-growth-at any-costs philosophy. Also the erosion of our democracy when the elected State Government bypasses Parliament and local councils over planning and environment issues.

We urge you to make a submission to the Growth Areas Authority.  We should not have to do this but sometimes it is worthwhile. e.g. the Eddington Review on the East West Link through inner Melbourne and prime parkland.  There were over 2,300 submissions mostly opposing the road tunnels/freeways and advocating public transport funding. (The Government was stunned at the response) Note that the EW Link was dropped from Victorian Transport Plan.

The "public information sessions"  are drop in times to get information.  I rang 1800 090 789 for information and hope to be sent a DVD with the information.  Google  Department of Planning and Community Development, Growth Areas Authority or Urban Growth Boundary.  

The Government is seeking public feedback on the following proposals:

• Melbourne's revised Urban Growth Boundary and land designated for development.
• An alignment for the Regional Rail Link (west of Werribee to Deer Park).
• An alignment for the Outer Metropolitan Ring / E6 Transport Corridor.
• The boundaries and management of proposed grassland reserves in Melbourne's west.

Public feedback is also sought on the findings set out in the Strategic Impact Assessment Report for Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.

According to instructions there are three ways you can provide your submission:

• Make your submission online; or
• Send your submission by post to the Growth Areas Authority, at PO BOX 1166, Carlton, Victoria 3053
• Hand deliver your submission to the Growth Areas Authority at Level 6, 35 Spring Street, Melbourne, Victoria 3000

Submissions close at 5:00 pm on Friday, 17 July 2009.

Quote:  "All submissions will be considered by the Victorian Government before it makes any decisions."

See media release from the Green Wedges Coalition plus information.

Regards

Julianne Bell

Secretary

Protectors of Public Lands Victoria Inc.

PO Box 197

Parkville 3052

98184114 or 0408022408