Prioritising heritage and sustainability as we grow.
With the State Government targeting an 83% increase in dwellings in Stonnington (equivalent to an extra 4,014 dwellings in Stonnington every year for the next 28 years), prioritising good design is crucial. We must ensure that any growth respects heritage and creates a sustainable, high-quality future for South Yarra.
My architectural background gives me a unique perspective to ensure every decision builds a greener, more sustainable South Yarra for generations to come.
State's Fast-Tracked Density Plans
The State Government is pushing ahead with its "Activity Centres Program," aiming to significantly increase housing density around 60 train stations and tram hubs across Melbourne, including several right here in Stonnington.
While we all recognise the need for more housing, the speed and lack of detail in this state-led process is concerning. It risks overriding years of careful, evidence-based planning that Stonnington Council has undertaken with our community.
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The State Government has released draft plans for areas around Tooronga, Gardiner, Glen Iris, Darling, East Malvern, and Holmesglen stations (Tranche 1).
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Plans for South Yarra, Hawksburn, Toorak, Armadale, Malvern, Prahran, Windsor stations, and Toorak Village (Tranche 2) are expected soon.
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These plans propose significantly taller buildings (potentially 6-12+ storeys) in 'core' areas near stations and increased density (3-6 storeys) in wider 'catchment' areas extending up to 1km away.
Why the Concern?
Centres like South Yarra Station, Hawksburn Station, Toorak Station, and Toorak Village are directly in the State Government's sights. The current draft plans for other areas lack detail and don't seem to adequately consider:
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Local Character & Heritage: Our neighbourhoods have unique identities and valued heritage buildings that risk being overshadowed or lost.
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Infrastructure Needs: Adding thousands of new homes requires more than just transport links. We need investment in schools, parks, community facilities, drainage, and more – things the State plans don't guarantee.
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Good Design & Liveability: Rushing development risks poor design outcomes, overshadowing, wind tunnels, and loss of green space. Our planning needs to be human-centred, considering what makes a place truly liveable.
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Community Voice: This process is moving incredibly fast, potentially finalising major changes with limited opportunity for genuine community input, ignoring the extensive consultation Council has already done for its own strategies.
Council's Stance: Yes to Growth, No to Bad Planning
Stonnington Council is NOT against growth. Our own recently adopted plans (like the Neighbourhood Activity Centre Framework and Housing Strategy) actually provide capacity for more homes than the State's target for Stonnington (over 67,000 vs 50,000). But our approach is evidence-based, responds to local context, protects heritage, demands high-quality sustainable design, and was developed with our community.
Council has formally submitted its concerns and proposed a more refined, locally-responsive approach to the State Government regarding the Tranche 1 plans.
Your Voice Matters!
Decisions about the future of South Yarra Ward must include the people who live here. While I will continue to advocate for locals, The State Government needs to hear directly from you.
You can:
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View Draft Plans: See the State's initial maps and proposals (note: Tranche 2 plans impacting our immediate area are still to come)
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Have Your Say: Make sure you are involved in the consultations and make a submission.
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Attend Info Sessions
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Observe what is being proposed in other areas, so you can see what might be happening here.
Achievements so far
Protecting Our Neighborhood
I've used my architectural expertise to challenge inappropriate development and design, ensuring new projects enhance, rather than detract from, our community's character.
I've introduced a levy for major developmetns so that funds are being contributed towards urgently required local community infrastructure upgrades.
Preserving Our Heritage
I'm proud to have secured heritage protection for an additional 318 properties, safeguarding our unique history and architectural legacy for future generations.
Leading on Climate Action
As Chair or Deputy Chair of the Climate Emergency Action Committee for the past three years, I've worked tirelessly with the community to implement our Climate Emergency Action Plan. This includes advancing a circular economy, delivering community education programs, introducing a single-use plastic ban, encouraging solar installations, and increasing biodiversity. I've also proudly represented Stonnington on the Eastern Alliance for Greenhouse Action, collaborating with other councils to accelerate regional climate action.
Creating a More Sustainable Stonnington
I've championed free admittance to public pools on very hot days, ensuring equitable access to heat relief while reducing reliance on energy-intensive cooling options. I also proudly supported the Nature Strip Planting policy, recognizing that increasing biodiversity is essential for a healthy urban environment and helps mitigate the impacts of climate change.
Challenges to Come
Jam Factory Redevelopment:
While we anticipate a positive transformation, construction impacts must be minimized and the community engaged in design changes to ensure the final project truly benefits our neighborhood.
South Yarra Heritage Review (Due 2025):
As the last Stonnington suburb awaiting this crucial review, South Yarra deserves swift action. Let's prioritize finalizing this process to protect the unique character of our streets and neighborhoods.
New Climate Action Plan:
Our community's vision is key to a successful climate plan. We need to collaborate closely with community to ensure it delivers on Stonnington's aspirations for livability, sustainability, and climate leadership.
With a state-mandated fourth rubbish bin on the horizon, we need to review of our waste management practices to ensure we're equipped to meet this challenge.
Stronger Definitions of Community Development:
Current guidelines allow developers to sidestep meaningful contributions to our streetscapes and surrounding areas. We need stricter definitions to ensure all major developments prioritize a net positive impact on our community.
Open Space Strategy (Overdue for Review):
Stonnington already faces a critical shortage of open space. With increasing densification, our existing parks and green spaces will be stretched even further. We need a proactive strategy to increase and maximize these vital resources for the well-being of our community.
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