This post asks the simple question – why is Glen Eira Council always the ‘odd man out’? What benefits does the community derive from this idiosyncratic approach to planning? We proffer the following information so that residents can compare and answer the above:
| Glen Eira | Bayside | Kingston | Monash | Stonnington | Port Phillip | |
| Structure Plans | NO | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Development Levy | Was 0.25%; now ZILCH | Will introduce in 2011 | 3 lots -2%4 lots -3%
5 lots -4% 6 or more lots – 5% |
2 lots – none specified3 lots – 2%
4 lots – 3% 5 lots – 4% 6 or more lots – 5% |
5% | |
| Height limits | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Glen Eira Debates 
August 26, 2010 at 4:46 PM
What irks me most about the planning scheme review and the unanimously agreed upon amendments put forward by Tang and Hyams is the introduction and the second paragraph which reads –“A key aim of the review is to improve the performance of the planning scheme and strengthen its strategic objectives. From a contrary view point opening up ‘hard won’ local policies for public scrutiny potentially risks the continuation of such policies.”
What arrogance! Public scrutiny is exactly what this policy demands. When we have simple line liners as justification for non action, then ‘public scrutiny’ is essential. For the category ‘Levies on developers’ all we get is ‘Not for now. Cost benefits not likely’. Of course not, when historically Glen Eira has only levied 0.25%. I’m sure it would be ‘cost effective’ if the levy was raised to 5% as you’ve pointed out in the table. Then under ‘Activity Centres and Structure Planning’, there is –“Do not implement structure plans. Instead , complete an Activity Centres Review to update existing policy frameworks to provide greater direction within Activity Centres (short of Structure Plan detail).”
None of this is satisfactory. All will be ‘reviewed’ internally with no ‘public scrutiny’. I repeat what I said in an earlier comment – Glen Eira is a developers’ heaven and the planning scheme review has just made it even easier for them.
August 27, 2010 at 10:54 AM
Roberto, your point about ‘cost benefits’ and development levies, have made us go back to the Port Phillip website and have another look at their rationale. It seems that they have no qualms in introducing 5% levy across all of their municipality. It’s also interesting to note that their Open space strategy (2006) only took 3 years to review and amend (2009). Glen Eira relies on a ‘strategy’ created in 1998!!! Outdated policies, outdated statistics, outdated views! Finally, it’s also important to note their explanatory report and the extent to which they explain and elaborate on the then envisaged changes. This is in stark contrast to the misnamed Glen Eira ‘discussion paper’. Check out: http://www.portphillip.vic.gov.au/default/Information_sheet_-_Parks_and_Open_Space_Contributions(1).pdf