Hon. Rob Hulls,

Minister for Planning,

Level 17, 8 Nicholson St.,

East Melbourne, 3002.

 

11th March, 2005

MRRA Request for Meeting With Minister for Planning

 State level planning protection for Macedon Ranges Shire

 

Dear Minister,

 

 

Further to our letter of 31st January, 2005:   In support of our earlier request to meet with you, and in order to provide a clearer picture of the predicament in Macedon Ranges Shire, we have attached a list of Panel recommendations – and Ministerial instructions – for actions directed to be taken to complete Macedon Ranges’ planning scheme.  These requirements date from 1999 and 2000 respectively and, to the best of our knowledge, those listed have not yet been implemented.

 

In its 1999 report, the Macedon Ranges New Format Planning Scheme Advisory Committee and Panel said, “…the Panel considered the option of re-exhibition of the Scheme. …However, implementation of the Panel recommendations should provide an adequate interim document while the appropriate strategic planning work is undertaken.”  [emphasis added]

 

Consequently, for almost 5 years planning decisions in Macedon Ranges – an area of State significance and acute environmental sensitivity – have been based upon a planning scheme which has yet to attain even the ‘interim’ standard anticipated by the Panel.   Contrary to State policy, important issues (such as salinity / erosion management and floodways) have not been a consideration in Macedon Ranges’ decision-making processes because the scheme does not yet identify these and other constraints.

 

This clearly unacceptable position is one reason why we asked for your government’s help last year.

 

You will need to consult the Department of Sustainability and Environment’s Bendigo office for answers about how this situation has been allowed to endure, and about why Macedon Ranges’ Council wasted a lot of ratepayers’ money and 4 precious years on a key piece of ‘strategic planning work’ (Amendment C8 - Residential and Industrial Land Review) only to have it abandoned in 2004 because an independent Panel found it lacked a strategic basis.

 

The Association understands the Bendigo office is presently reviewing Statement of Planning Policy No. 8 – Macedon Ranges and Surrounds (1975) and holds grave concerns for this crucial policy given that office’s poor performance and quality control standards in recent years.

 

The Association believes urgent State government action is clearly warranted, and we again ask to meet with you to discuss issues, and solutions relating to reinstatement of State level planning protection in Macedon Ranges.   We have been advised by MLA for Ballarat East Geoff Howard that he and MLA for Macedon Joanne Duncan will be following up with you on this matter, and have expressed our appreciation for these actions on behalf of the Macedon Ranges’ community.  We look forward to receiving a positive response.

 

In closing, Minister, the Association invites you to join us on a brief tour of Macedon Ranges Shire so that you can see, firsthand, what Macedon Ranges and Victoria have already lost, and what stands to be lost if the protection so long ago promised by your government is not provided urgently.   Mr. Ted Baillieu, Shadow Minister for Planning, kindly made himself available to accompany MRRA representatives on such a tour late last year, and assured us it was an insightful and valuable experience.   We would be very pleased if you too would agree to share this experience.

 

 

Yours Sincerely,

 

 

 

Christine Pruneau, Secretary.

 

 

 

c.c. (in alphabetical order)