Most of you now should have received the Directions Hearing Letter, which:
- tells you about the hearing process
- tells you what you need to do if you want to participate in the Public Hearing
- explains how we will use information the Panel collects
- sets out draft directions for the Hearing.
It's still disappointing to see that out of the 199 odd submissions, only 33 supported/did not object to the Amendment in its exhibited format. The balance (166 submissions) either requested changes, further information, or did not support it in its current format.
To this end, let's all continue ramping up the pressure by completing the online request to be heard form by 12 noon on Tuesday 11 October 2022 and attend the 1st step of the panel process, the Directions Hearing.
At the Directions Hearing, the Panel will:
- give directions about exchanging information before the Hearing and the conduct of the Hearing
- consider Hearing times and venue and site inspections
- answer questions people have about the Panel process including the Hearing.
The Directions Hearing will be held:
2.00pm on Thursday, 13 October 2022 by video conference using MS Teams Video link: Click here to join the meeting
You should attend the Directions Hearing if you:
- are new to the Panel process or wish to participate in the Hearing
- have questions about the Panel process or wish to raise procedural issues. The Panel proposes to issue directions after considering all requests to be heard and any additional matters raised at the Directions Hearing or in writing before the Directions Hearing.
The Hearing will start on Monday 21 November 2022 and should run for 4-5 days. The Hearing is open for anyone to attend. Please note Council has requested the Hearing be held in person and this will be at Planning Panels Victoria at 1 Spring Street Melbourne. The Panel will consider all referred written submissions when preparing its report, including those from submitters who do not attend the Hearing.
If you haven't already done so and are interested, it's not too late to seek legal advice. Some families are working together and sharing costs to get the best advice they can to prepare their presentations.
For reference: