Campaigns
418 Burnley Street
The Kokoda Group registered plans for a 10 storey development on the Madden Grove / Burnley Street corner (that handkerchief of land next door to Dutton's.
We opposed it (and won) at Council, on two main grounds. 10 storeys was ridiculous and suitable for the Swan Street Activity Zone on the other side of the railway just in and of itself. To add insult to injury, they were looking for a more than 75% reduction in car parking!
We have had our VCAT hearing and are awaiting results. ​
The Salta Development (Adam Street)
We aimed for less floors than we actually got (by two), but we did manage to do a lot of good for the most impacted residents.
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We also made a noise, which stands us in good stead.
The Maltings (Gibdon Street)
This campaign was a win.
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The developers finally proposed a reasonable number of apartments (about half the first attempt) and have already installed privacy screens for local residents.
Golden Square Book Exchange
In January, 2022, Council placed a "remove or destroy" notice on the Book Exchange in Golden Square park. Most would know it as "that modest cupboard in the gazebo".
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It is still unclear why this was done after the Exchange had been in operation for well over two years, harming no-one. However, that is what happened. Some quick action from residents, and the assistance of Cr Herschel Landes, meant that the decision was reversed within a few days.
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The Cupboard does, however, need a permit, which has now been granted on what appears to be an automatically-renewing annual basis.
The fact that the Ron Pinnell plaque was attached to the cupboard would imply it is there for the long term!