The character of a neighbourhood is created by the residents of today and those that constructed it in the past.  It is in the building and the garden spaces. It is in people that live there, grow up there, educate their children, support the businesses and die there.  It is in their hopes and their vision for the future.  It is in their common spirit and how they band together when faced with external threats to their community.

The large allotments and garden nature of Elwood makes it attractive as a place to live.  This attractiveness is also a magnet for developers.  But developers often do not understand its character and do not have a commitment to the community. The longer-term sustainability of the neighbourhood; the nurturing of its character and its history may be of little consideration.  The resulting developments can be incongruous with their surroundings; imitations of other developments done in other suburbs, other neighbourhoods.  They diminish the character and damage the soul of our neighbourhood, that was the source of its attractiveness in the first place.  Ultimately the inherent value is sucked out.

This petition will be submitted to the City of Port Phillip at the council meeting this Wednesday, 19th June at the St Kilda Town Hall. Members of the public are welcome. Meeting starts at 6.30pm.