Several posts back we reported on the ‘debate’ in chamber regarding the mooted Open Space Strategy. From comments made by several councillors it was obvious that in Glen Eira the ACQUISITION of open space is a forlorn hope and that the emphases has been, and will continue to be, how best to utilise the existing land stocks. We also remind readers that in Glen Eira the revenue accrued from the Open Space levy falls well below the 5% currently permitted and that most of this revenue is used for ‘maintenance’ rather than the purchase of additional open space. For a municipality continually crying about its status as having the lowest amount of public open space in the state, such policy directions arguably fall well short of what is required.
By way of contrast we highlight extracts from the November 19th 2012 agenda items from Stonnington. Please note that Stonnington has the SECOND least amount of public open space behind Glen Eira. Their officers’ report on their upcoming Open Space review stands in stark opposition to the mentality that is evident in Glen Eira. Here are some interesting quotes –
“The purpose of this report is to consider adoption of a long term strategy that identifies and funds land that can be progressively acquired to increase open space and associated strategic links, and address some areas of critical flooding risk. This initial report is for Councillor Briefing only.”
Stonnington cannot catch up to the levels of open space, recreation facilities and landscaping provided in other municipalities. It does however need to actively pursue additional open space as opportunities arise. There is a need to look for non traditional opportunities such as improving the public realm through local streetscaping, undergrounding parking to create open space on top, and encourage green walls/ rooves, and require setbacks and landscaping in new developments to maintain and foster a City which is as green as possible. It also needs to more proactively pursue new open space opportunities, associated and new linkages to improve access to open space and in general.
The strategy involves the comprehensive assessment and identification of open space, access and some drainage needs and opportunities on a suburb by suburb basis to be outlined in detail in subsequent reports to Council.
Council has an open space reserve fund of $23m for the purchase of open space. While this is a very significant amount of money given a normal small land purchase is in the order of $2m the current fund could represent say 10 properties or 8000m2. This fund accumulates from resort and recreation payments required by the current Subdivision Act. The Act requires up to 5% of the land value is paid to Council when a new unit development is subdivided. This money is held in reserve and is required to be spent in the suburb it was collected in. The money can be used to upgrade existing open space, and / or acquire new open space.
In reviewing opportunities for additional open space, problem drainage and overland flood areas were also reviewed. These areas can provide useful areas of open space and address drainage concerns at the same time.
It is proposed that Council considers a detailed review for each suburb on potential opportunities and costs for land acquisition for open space, strategic links and drainage improvement, and adopts an approach for funding this acquisition.
It is estimated assuming similar ongoing levels of redevelopment that the reserve funds from developer contributions will accumulate and support strategic property purchases over the next 15 years. It may be possible to increase the base of this fund. A report has been commissioned into how these developer contributions can be widened to other uses and the percentage contributions increased…”.
That’s Stonnington! We remind readers that in Glen Eira the Open Space Levies are miniscule and that there was no definite indication in the Planning Scheme review of 2010 that things would really change. Two and a half years on, this council is silent on the issue.
Glen Eira Debates 
November 20, 2012 at 12:54 PM
Booran Res not funded until next century apart from a poxy design that is substituted for consultation. Gates to racecourse locked most days to keep people out. Another blow for increased open space. Terrific stuff Glen Eira and keep selling stuff off. That should bring in more dough.
November 20, 2012 at 1:53 PM
How good or bad the upcoming consultants on open space will be depends entirely on what their terms of reference are. Naturally these are top secret in this council. It would be great to know whether they’ve been told to just concentrate on parks or look at entire suburbs as the Stonnington intention is. Then will they be expected to go out and do a proper investigation or will it all be via desk-top analysis as happened with the consultants on the off leash reviews. I’m not holding my breath for an indepth analysis and recommendations that will take Glen Eira into the 21st century and that in any way threatens the developers that come along.
November 20, 2012 at 10:31 PM
We’ve checked out the consultants who were awarded the $100,000+ contract for the Open Space Policy. Their website features open space planning that they’ve done for other councils. We note that:
1. Many of these other policies involved up to 4000 resident surveys
2. Many of these policies led to Planning Scheme Amendments to INCREASE the open space levy.
What this tells us is that their terms of reference from these other councils were extremely wide – including ‘tampering’ with the planning scheme and far more comprehensive community consultation. Judging by the comments from last week’s council meeting, we believe that it will be the same old story – ie. the ‘draft’ policy will be created and only then will residents be asked for their feedback – the old ‘top down’ approach. Plus we’d like to be as sure of winning tattslotto as we are convinced that the Planning Scheme will be off limits!
Readers should check out the following URLS to see how other councils worked with the consultants –
Click to access 88.pdf
Click to access 345.pdf
Click to access 248.pdf
Click to access 87.pdf
November 20, 2012 at 7:43 PM
Open Space strategy in Glen Eira is a competitive advantage to attract more development. The Open Space levy is a once off charge for each property. The residents rate charges are cumulative and give much more money in time then Developers Levy. Hence, OS levy is thought to be a drain on growth. Of course the Council could decide to buy land anyway, but this is not their priority.
November 20, 2012 at 10:57 PM
Funny about the “new Park” which was to be swapped for the triangle. The fence was removed at the time of the council elections andnow it has been put back without any openings,
November 21, 2012 at 11:25 AM
The removal of the fence was an election stunt to assist Lipshutz getting elected. Forge and Penhalluriack have every reason to complain how they were treated in the lead up to the election by Council and the Leader. Hope the VCAT hearing still goes ahead.
November 21, 2012 at 7:36 PM
There is little point in pursuing the Bullying claim – the ratepayers have paid enough. Not sure if the fence was removed due to the election or Caulfield Cup or most likely both. However letting the MRC off on the Caulfield Racecourse agreement whilst approving C60 is a disgrace which will haunt Pilling, Esakoff, Lipshutz and Hyams until the day they die.