Prior to a full analysis of the Panel Report, we felt that it was important that the community be made fully aware of Council’s performance in this matter.

Panel reports for different municipalities have extolled the level and depth of collaboration between objectors and councils. For example, in April, 2010, the Panel reporting for a Banyule City Amendment stated:

“most objecting submitters explicitly commented on the constructive and helpful approach adopted by Council in this matter” (Page 1).

This definitely was not the case in Glen Eira. Submitters/objectors were given short shrift by both the Panel and the City of Glen Eira.

As to the actual Panel hearing, residents should also take careful note of the following:

1. Council was represented by Terry Montebello, Solicitor

“Expert” witnesses called for council:  

Kent Dodgshun, Urban Designer, GE Council

Terry Hardingham, Traffic Engineer of O’Brien Traffic.

2.Melbourne Racing Club represented by Stuart Morris, SC; with Mr Adrian Finanzio, Barrister

Witnesses called by the MRC: –

Steve Hunt, Traffic Engineer of Cardno Grogan Richard;

Andrew Biacsi, Town Planner, of Contour Consultants;

Mark Sheppard, Urban Designer, of David Lock Associates;

Justin Ganley, Retail Analyst, of Deep End Services;

Reg Jebb, Retail Consultant

3.    Monash University represented by Michelle Quigley, SC with Ms Marita Foley, Barrister

Witnesses called by Monash University

Mr Lloyd Elliot, Town Planner of Urbis

Mr Russell Fairlie, Traffic Engineer of Ratio Consultants.

Apart from legislation, and (outdated) policy documents, the other ‘evidence’ most relied upon was:

Market Assessment for the Caulfield Mixed Use Area – MRC

Village Retail Impact Assessment (April 2010) – MRC

Open Space Strategy (1998) – Council

In short, Council retained a solicitor, whilst the MRC and Monash invested in SC’s, barristers, indepth consultants’ reports, and a barrage of ‘expert witnesses’. The community is free to draw its own conclusion as to how well council prepared, presented, and represented their constituents. They are also free to speculate as to the reasons why this occurred, and what hidden agendas are at play.

Our next posts will explore the Report in full detail.