Planning Backlash

Speakers are Andrew McLeod, CEO of the Committee for Melbourne (which wants 8 million people in Victoria and the metropolitan area boundary expanded to include parts of Macedon Ranges), and Kelvin Thomson MP, Federal Member for Wills (and perhaps one of the most sensible speakers on the perils of over-population).

The Debate Panel will consist of Melina Sehr (Stonnington City Councillor), Rupert Mann (Melbourne Heritage Action Group), David O'Brien (Planning Barrister) and Mary Drost (Convenor, Planning Backlash).

Click here for details.

Protest Rally, Parliament House Steps, Tuesday 24 November, 12.30pm

(19/11/09 - P) Expansion of Melbourne's Urban Growth Boundary, destruction of Green Wedges and GAIC tax

The rally has been organised by Taxed Out, and that group is joined by the Green Wedges Coalition, Protectors of Public Lands and Planning Backlash. Click here for more information.

Restore Residents' Rights Protest Rally Gets Up Development Industry's Nose

(21/6/09 - P) Yeehaa - success!

Comments issued by the Property Council of Australia, in the wake of the June 10 community rally at parliament house protesting against the Victorian government removing Council and residents' planning rights, send a signal that the rally seems to have hit home.

The day after the rally the all powerful Property Council of Australia - of which the Department of Planning and Community Development [DPCD] is a member - hit out against all those nasty 'nimbys' and 'bananas' who are trying to scuttle (its) planning 'reform'.

Said the PCA:

"The debate has been skewed toward a vocal minority, arguing all proposed planning reforms will take away residents democratic rights."

"We do not understand why the DACs are being met with heavy opposition. DACs are independent panels, with representation from both levels of government, state and local, making decisions in line with local policy, how much more democratic can that be?"

"Growth is not a dirty word."

The organizers of the rally, Planning Backlash and the Coalition of Concerned Councillors, apparently took PCA's comments to mean the rally was a stunning success. Thanks to the PCA for providing such swift and comprehensive confirmation. Click here to see every delicious word the Property Council of Australia had to say. Enjoy.

MRRA Says:

Well, derrr!... Are we right in thinking PCA just doesn't get democracy? Nor apparently does it see local policy being as ineffectual as everyone else does. Never mind, we will generously give them a gold star and elephant stamp for an exemplary display of self-interested, self-righteous, self-justifying spin. Ho, ho - what a warm feeling we get from knowing "a vocal minority" can generate "heavy opposition".

Oh dear, can we put all this down as a bit of a dummy spit? A wee tantie or two 'cos those 'unwashed' pests, the people, are jacking up about the PCA appearing to set itself up as a de facto government (hmm, or should that be the government setting itself up as a de facto development industry?).

You bet your sweet pitootie residents are fighting the PCA's idea of 'reform' which is blatantly biased and intended to advantage the few (them) while ripping constitutional and democratic rights off 'the rest' (us) to shut us up and shut us down. Help us out here - isn't that usually an attitude that provokes revolution? Perhaps the development industry should turn its mind to the historical fate of those who indulge in despotic behaviour: all powerful, all controlling - for a while. The wheel always turns, and there are a lot of people presently putting their shoulders to that wheel urging it on.

Is growth a dirty word? It is when it's a cancer, when it is rampant unchecked growth spreading without end, without discrimination, and without care for the damage being done to the host body.

Which brings us to the Department's membership of PCA. No gold stars or elephant stamps for guessing what ideology and interests influence the department, and government. We'd like to think that if Victoria is still a democracy, the department would be keen as mustard to equalize by becoming a member of community groups (plenty to choose from), if for no better reason than to dilute community perceptions of the department and government being in the development industry's pocket. Um... or should that be the other way around??

Think of the glorious diversity and er, flexibility if not certainty that could permeate the department's thinking if it had such a dose of community values and spirit, not to mention picking up some basics about natural justice. Revolutionary thought, indeed!

Our au revoir message to the PCA is, there are more of us than there are of you - and we all vote. Cake, anyone?

Planning Backlash Convenor Mary Drost Recognised With Honour Award

(21/2/09 - P) Boroondara Council says "Outstanding Community Service"

Last month, Boroondara City Council presented Mary Drost, convenor of Planning Backlash, an umbrella organisation for community groups concerned about planning and environmental issues (www.planningbacklash.org.au), with an award for Outstanding Community Service. Mary said, "I hope this action of Boroondara sends a message to the State PLanning Department that they [Boroondara Council] are making a clear statement of support for what we resident groups are doing..." Click here to see a newspaper report of the event.

MRRA Says:

Well done to Mary, who insists the glory is shared amongst those affiliated with Planning Backlash. She may be a small package, but she's dynamite!

Deliver On Your Promises, Planning Backlash Tells State Government

(16/7/08 - P) Ah... we can relate to that, say Macedon Ranges' residents - see also "The Madden Interview"

Hundreds of people turned out on Sunday 6 July to a public meeting in Moonee Ponds, called by Planning Backlash, to protest against what's happening with planning in Victoria. And they came from almost everywhere. Rod Quantock MC'd and held it all together, brilliantly. After the revelations put forward by the various speakers, it became clear to those present that dissatisfaction with the way the government is handling planning (and allowing it to be 'handled'), and eroding civil rights and natural justice, is Victoria-wide.

The Speeches

A full hall, excellent speakers: Greg Barber, Greens; David Davis, Libs; Jenny Warfe, Blue Wedges; Andrea Bolch, Your Water Your Say (anti desalination); Kathy Prange, Kilmore; Angela Were, Northcote; Melina Sehr, Stonnington Councillor; Ian Angus, legal adviser; Tony Recsei, Sydney activist; and Geoffrey Rush to launch the Planning Backlash website, and introduce John Clarke and Bryan Dawe with an exclusive "interview" of Justin Madden.

NOTE: You can download speeches given at the meeting by going to www.planningbacklash.org.au

The Madden Interview

John Clarke and Bryan Dawe put together a brilliant spoof interview with Planning Minister Justin Madden, especially for Planning Backlash, that almost brought the house down. Planning Backlash have the video on their website www.planningbacklash.org.au and it's also on YouTube. The "interview" is about as funny as it gets, so don't miss it.

Resolution of the Meeting: Demands from Planning Backlash Rally - July 6, 2008

The following resolution came from the meeting, and will be presented to parliament.

Statement

In the Planning Policy of the Labor Party in 1999 Mr. Bracks promised to....

Give Victorians back their voice and influence over decisions that affect their lifestyles.

Clearly define and strengthen local government's role in planning based on proper strategic and policy statements that maximise the benefits to the community at large. These include neighbourhood character, local heritage and protection of the natural environment.

He said..."Planning and development in Victoria in the 21st century requires the fostering of partnerships between those involved...residents, councils and the development sector."

We Demand...

...that the State Government dispenses with the proposed takeover of Council planning powers and STRENGTHENS the role of Local Government in the planning process...(as promised.)

...that the State Government gives Victorians their voice and influence over decisions that affect their lifestyles (as promised) and immediately dispenses with the proposed removal of residents' rights to object to and appeal against planning applications.

...that the State Government immediately ceases to impose ad hoc decisions on the community and establishes a precise community consultation process that will give Victorians back their voice and influence over decisions that affect their lifestyles (as promised.)

MRRA Says:

Ah, yes... we here in Macedon Ranges know all about broken promises! After all, this is the State government which, before it was elected, also promised to protect Macedon Ranges as an area of environmental sensitivity. Some 9 years on we are, of course, still waiting.

Talking of promises, as you will notice in the link above, here's another the government made in opposition:

"Protect third party rights. Labor will give communities back their say and ensure that residents are encouraged to participate in urban planning and are able to defend their rights."

Hmm... we'd ask the government to think about that before it introduces the new Residential zones that don't protect but extinguish residents' third party rights to know about, to object to and to appeal against planning applications.

The Planning Backlash public meeting gave people a ring-side insight into what's happening to other people, and the meeting's greatest gift will perhaps be its unifying and empowering influence.

It became an expose of an increasingly undemocratic government increasingly at war with its constituency. People from all over, from whatever cause, had no trouble relating to the misfortunes of others and recognizing the significant and wide-spread commonalities that exist - the message was, you are not alone.

The second most important gift was exposure, and having a place to push it all out into the open, and the image that materialized was of something dark and nasty lurking at the bottom of Victoria's garden. There was genuine disbelief and horror as the magnitude of the ugly big picture began to take shape, as the extent of how far the depravity is penetrating emerged: sham or no processes; community groups persecuted by government; forgotten rural communities; public land handed to developers; increasingly dictatorial high-handedness; erosion of civil rights and democracy. The fact that the USA has listed the Blue Wedges community group as an international terrorist organisation could be seen as embodying just how far everything is straying from the rational, fair and democratic.

It could have been depressing, but instead had a galvanizing effect. By the end of the meeting there was a sense of strengthened resolve, of togetherness, of a renewed commitment to ignore exhaustion and just keep going. To never give up!

MRRA deems the meeting a success. When's the next one?

Blog On! Planning Backlash Launches WWW.MARVELLOUS MELBOURNE.ORG

(24/6/08 - P) Planning Backlash, and the thousands of people who stand behind it, gets a voice

Check out the website! It's full of comments and views, but perhaps the most fascinating page is the one which shows some of the organizations that make up Planning Backlash, an umbrella organisation formed to give focus and support to dispersed community groups. www.marvellousmelbourne.org Planning Backlash has called a PUBLIC MEETING on July 6: click here for details.

Planning Backlash Calls Public Meeting About New Residential Zones Removing Residents Rights To Object To Planning Applications July 6.

(24/6/08 - P) Planning Backlash begins to get organized to fight the increasingly dark forces that increasingly dictate what happens in Victoria. It is time for community people to send a message to the State Government to take its hand off our rights

The meeting is also about the State government removing Councils' planning powers, at the moment from five Councils in metro Melbourne and Geelong, but planned to spread much further.

With a State government becoming more and more dictatorial, and closer and closer to developers, community and the environment are about to lose out big-time. The government is taking away our rights to know about, to object to and to appeal against planning applications in the new residential zones it will force on communities right across Victoria. And it looks like the rural zones could be next.

It's time to take a stand against what the State government is doing in planning. Take your stand by being at this meeting. Don't wait until something happens next door to you to find out you have no legal rights and no say in what happens.

Planning Minister Justin Madden has been invited to attend. Will he? Other politicians will be there.

Click here for details of the meeting, and information about how to get there.

MRRA Says:

There comes a point where if people don't stand up against injustice, they are condemned not only to live with it, but more and more of it.

Nothing exceeds like excess, and that's what's happening to planning in Victoria. With the State government leading the way, planning is being taken over by (handed to) development interests. Even the Department of Planning and Community Development is a member of the Property Council of Australia - the department says this doesn't mean it has a conflict of interest. MRRA says it bloody-well does.

We've already made our views on the new Residential zones plain. Not only do these zones wipe out residents' rights, but it is 'in your face' obvious that whoever wrote them doesn't seem to have stepped outside Melbourne for a long, long time, and doesn't have any idea of what rural areas are about or what they need. In the absence of anyone at State level suddenly 'thinking rural', these latest Melbourne-centric zones will as ever be forced upon us. Same old story, same ghastly deficiencies, same ghastly outcomes. The twist is, this time we won't get a say when that ghastly development happens.

Like many in country areas, MRRA is ambivalent about taking away Council planning powers. Since Shire amalgamations in 1995, MRRA has called for Macedon Ranges Council's planning powers to be suspended (2002). That call was based on some appalling planning practices (similar to those identified in the recent Auditor General's Report) and decisions.

Interventions and suspension of powers should be about stopping bad practices and getting more accountability and transparency. In our mind, that's not what the State government is trying to achieve by rendering Councils impotent on planning matters. Click here to see some views on the introduction of Development Assessment Committees [DACs].

MRRA does not support the suspension of democratically-elected Councils' planning powers to serve a government's ideological purposes. And in our view that's what's behind the government's creation of DACs - ideology. Specifically, the antique (18th century!) and destructive ideology of unfettered development and economic and population growth, and getting rid of anything that gets in the way. An excellent example of that is the State government using its vast resources to squash community groups and strip them of their meagre 'cake sale' funds. Stifling and silencing opposition. Isn't that what some would call the path to dictatorship?

The ideology that is being rolled out is soooo very old-fashioned, well past its use-by date, and now proven to be exactly what the world doesn't need in this time of climate change. More and more, it's also not what people are looking for, something enlightened governments and politicians are beginning to understand - see Blueprint for a Green Economy. To understand the consequences of NOT being enlightened (like the Victoria government) see also Hell to Pay - Cities in the age of default and revolt

As we are seeing, there's nothing democratic (or socially and environmentally sustainable) about the way the Victorian government is behaving, or the direction in which it is dragging us. These Residential zones and the DACs are just another unenlightened step into the darkness that is descending on Victoria, and which has already landed in NSW.

The Victorian government is currently re-writing the Planning and Environment Act. Given the clear development agenda the government is rolling out, the draft should be a doozie. If you've never read an act of parliament before, this is definitely the one to start on. We will keep you posted.

Planning Backlash Delegation Meets with Planning Minister, Justin Madden

(29/5/07 - P) PB tells Minister that Melbourne 2030 is not what Labor said would happen, is not working for residents

On May 10, a delegation of people representing community groups around Melbourne met with Planning Minister, Justin Madden. The point made to the Minister is that Melbourne 2030 isn't delivering certainty or justice, or good planning outcomes. Planning Backlash requested that 4 places be allocated to community group representation on the currently-being-formed committee which will shortly review Melbourne 2030. The Minister is considering the request, and has agreed to hold more meetings with Planning Backlash.

MRRA Says:

An MRRA rep attended the meeting to table concerns about the use of the wrong parts of Melbourne 2030 in areas outside metro Melbourne, and to raise issues about climate change (which was not considered at the time Melbourne 2030 - and 2004 DSE growth projections - were produced).

One of the Planning Backlash representatives raised the point that Melbourne 2030 was a long way from the policies that saw the Bracks government elected in 1999, and wanted to know how that shift happened and why the public wasn't consulted about it. The MRRA rep also reminded the new Minister that in 1999, this State government had promised to protect environmentally sensitive areas, including Macedon Ranges.

An interesting point was made by a representative from Melbourne's western suburbs, who said in that area development would be welcome but is not happening. The rep suggested developers don't see development in the west as being able to produce the big profits being reaped from high-rise and high-density development in other parts of Melbourne - development which residents in those areas claim is ruining character, disempowering communities and stretching infrastructure to bursting point.

There is a growing sense of needing to go 'back to the drawing board' with Melbourne 2030. Click here to see how PB's Mitcham group feels about it.

Speeches and Photos From October 15 Rally At Steve Bracks' Office

(14/11/06 - P) Now available

Go to Melbourne 2030 Portal for more www.melbourne2030.org.au

Southern Peninsula Rural Protection Group Call For Support To Protect Mornington's Green Wedge

(21/10/06 - P) It's not just Macedon Ranges under attack

Here's the call MRRA received from Southern Peninsula Rural Protection Group:

It's time to get together again!

SPRPG has been working hard for you and our Green Wedge!

Now it's time to show the flag.

It's time to focus on the threats still in the background.

We believe that the only way to stop the ongoing assaults on Green Wedge (caravan parks, 99 year lease cabins, conference centres, etc) is to ensure that the loopholes in the Legislation are removed.

The time to ensure the status quo in Green Wedge is now; before the State Election.

Both Lower House and Upper House candidates are important and we need to show our support for Green Wedge at this Public Meeting. We need to hear what the various people have to say; to understand what the loopholes are (from Dr. Michael Buxton) and then send a clear message that we do not want any inappropriate development in Green Wedge.

Print out as many posters as you can.

Spread the information.

Join us on the 29th of October.

Have your say.

MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

The Southern Rural Protection Group Committee

www.SPRPG.org

Click to see a detailed flyer and a letter from SPRPG.

PLANNING BACKLASH Rally At Steve Bracks' Electoral Office, Williamstown, October 15th

(30/9/06 - SP) Not happy at all, Steve! Click here for details.

Really, really angry about planning? Want the over-development, want the suburbia, want the environmental carnage, want not having any control over what happens locally, to stop? Want what you love about where you live put out of the reach of greedy developers? THEN BE THERE, outside the Premier's office in Williamstown on Sunday October 15 at 2.15pm, AND BRING YOUR SIGN so you can get your message across loud and clear to Steve Bracks.

MRRA Says:

Now let's see - how did it go... "Steve Bracks listens, then acts". Wasn't that the State government's line when it first got into office? What ever happened to that? Well, here's a great chance for the Premier to show us it still applies by listening to all of those extremely unhappy voters who want the Victorian planning system changed so it works for communities and our environment instead of just for developers.

Planning Backlash ask how would Mr. Bracks like an 18 storey tower next door to his lovely little office. Wouldn't that let him share the experiences others are having to live with? Wouldn't that be fair? Democratic?

Here in Macedon Ranges, we would like to know how he would feel about a couple of leaking septic tanks, a herd of alpacas, a 76 cabin ("6 star") hotel, a three storey (3 acre floorspace) call centre, a five storey retirement village, 20 units or a two storey pokie venue next door, because that's what our community is expected to put up with under the current Victorian planning system. Or how about an extremely 'safe' toxic waste dump - now there's an idea!

GO TO IT - NOVEMBER IS COMING. On October 15 there will be only 41 sleeps until we vote.

PLANNING BACKLASH : Report On The Great Melbourne 2030 Debate

(24/9/06 - P) People get 'hot' about losing things we value - is anybody listening, can we do it better?

Click here to see the report

Planning Backlash Asks For State-Wide Help To Save Trees At Kew Cottages

(8/9/06 - P) "Vote Today" - It only takes 3 clicks to send a message to Minister for Planning, Rob Hulls

MRRA has had a call for urgent help from Boroondara Residents' Action Group [BRAG] to help try to persuade the Minister for Planning, Rob Hulls, to not approve an application to remove over 176 indigenous trees, including River Red Gums and other native vegetation and habitat on the Kew Cottages Crown Lands adjoining Yarra Bend Park. Click here to see what BRAG says.

DSE Head In Planning Debate Thursday 7 September

(28/8/06 - P) Bob Birrell v Lyndsay Nielson on Urban Consolidation (read: 'squashing them in') and Melbourne 2030

This should be a ripper debate - don't miss it! Click here for details.

"Backlash" Petition - Sign Up Now For Planning Changes!

(3/7/06 - SP) Planning Backlash petition asks the State Legislative Assembly for big changes to how planning operates in Victoria

Planning Backlash are circulating a petition calling on the State Legislative Assembly to support major changes to Victoria's planning system. MRRA is asking residents to help by signing the petition and asking their friends, neighbours and relatives to sign as well, and to get them into local shops. Click here to download a copy of the petition. Click here to see MRRA's press release.

Original copies of the petition must be back with MRRA no later than 25th July, 2006.

Send original petition sheets containing signatures to PO Box 359, Woodend, 3442; or call Neil (5427 2561) and Christine (5427 1481) or send an email to mrra.sec999@gmail.com for more information or if you have questions about how you might be able to help and petition collection arrangements.

North Brighton Residents' Action Group Calls Public Meeting 3 July

(3/7/06 - P) NBRAG asks "Does the term ‘Subject to Council Approval’ in fact mean ‘Subject to V.C.A.T. Approval’?" and calls on Bayside residents to attend the meeting and "DECIDE HOW YOU WILL VOTE IN NOVEMBER"

Click here for more information

"VCAT Exposed" : June 8 Forum Looks At Tribunal's Performance

(23/5/06 - SP) Is VCAT acting as a de facto planning authority?

Click here for details.

PLANNING BACKLASH Plans Next Steps In Campaign Strategy

(23/5/06 - SP) Lives up to pledge that rally at Parliament House was 'just the beginning

'Next steps' in a campaign to change how planning works in Victoria are in the pipeline. The Planning Backlash Working Group has met and advises it will be releasing further details shortly

PLANNING BACKLASH See Speech Given At Recent Rally By Sydney SOS Chief - Tony Recsei

(15/5/06 - SP) "Our parliamentary representatives must not be hostage to vested interests or dogmatic ideologs. We have to show them that unless they listen to us they will feel pain at the ballot box."

Click here to go to the speech.

PLANNING BACKLASH: People Fed Up With Victoria's Planning System Rally - "Concrete State"

(9/5/06 - SP) Launch of Planning Backlash at Parliament House on May 3 attracts around 200 representatives of groups from Melbourne and rural Victoria. "This is only the beginning" say rally organisers.

So what's Planning Backlash about? If you said "trying to change to how planning operates in Victoria", you'd be right. For more information click here to see MRRA's press release and some photos of the rally, where the 'State Protection for Macedon Ranges' banner took centre stage on the steps of Parliament House.

"Planning Backlash"

Your Participation Required

(19/4/06 – SP)

Community Demonstration

Wednesday 3rd May, 12.30 for 1.00pm, Parliament House Steps

Click here for information flyer. Click here for MRRA media release