Good morning everyone,

It is with a heavy heart I share this article with those that may have not seen it.  I've summarised it here but please have a read if you get a chance.  [Article is Here]
 

Government's Plan:

• 50 new "activity centres" planned around Melbourne train stations and tram lines
• Core areas near transport hubs zoned for 6-16 storey apartment buildings
• These developments will be exempt from VCAT review (automatic approval)
• Surrounding "catchment" areas allowed 3-6 storey buildings
• 25 of 50 location maps released so far, with consultation until 2026

Community Concerns:

• Residents worry existing infrastructure can't handle 50-100% population increases
• Concerns about schools, healthcare, community facilities, and open space capacity
• Some residents feel ignored in consultation process, describing it as "inevitable"
• Protests have occurred in suburbs like Brighton

Expert Reality Check:

• Urban planning expert says high-rises won't appear "popping up overnight"
• Development will be slow due to extremely difficult market conditions
• Victoria has highest property taxes in Australia (40% of new house costs, 30% of apartments)
• Current costs make medium/high-rise development prohibitively expensive

Political Response:

• Premier dismissed critics as "fearmongering" and "blockers"
• Government claims plans are "sensible and gentle" to keep Melbourne affordable (ha ha ha ha I'm sure all of the apartments built in North Brighton are going to be very "affordable")

We can still provide feedback, although I am no longer certain how much is taken into consideration.  Please consider what this means for our beloved Melbourne.  For those that live in or near Hampton East, I urge you to take a look at what 8 storeys looks like on the corner of Highbury Avenue and King Street, in a normal suburban street where nearby houses have now lost free to air TV, cannot get a steady internet connection, and are suffering more than you can imagine with noise, pollution, lack of sunlight and traffic - turn your head and you can witness 7 storeys going up a mere 100 meters beside it.  Nothing can prepare you for what it is like.

The impact on local residents has not been considered AT ALL.  This is not a NIMBY argument, I cannot stress this enough.  It is simply not fit for purpose, not thought through, and with zero consideration to the health and well being of residents whose lives have now been impacted indefinitely, for the duration of the time they stay in their homes.

Please talk to your local MPs - raise your voices, send emails.  We are losing Melbourne and it is happening right before our eyes.