Welcome to FitzTalk #9

Welcome to the ninth edition of FitzTalk, our occasional bulletin that aims to keep you and your family, friends and networks in touch with our activities.
 
Our previous issue had a focus on the Council election and we await the results in coming weeks as well as the formal swearing in of our new councillors for 2020 – 2024.
 
As we have indicated, we are looking forward to working with the new Council on the many challenges and opportunities that will confronted us over the coming months.
 
In this issue our focus is on our forthcoming Annual General Meeting to be held on Thursday 26 November 6pm – 7:30pm via Zoom. 
 
The AGM is an opportunity for members to hear of our past activities and to provide direction for the coming year(s).
 
The meeting will also give members the opportunity to consider joining the Committee of 7 and vote in a new Committee.
 
We thank existing financial voting members who have registered for the AGM already.
 
For those yet to renew/join and register, you will need to have done so by Wednesday 11^th November to participate in the AGM via Zoom. Please visit https://fitzroyresidents.org.au/join-us/ to renew or join.
 
If you are interested in joining the Committee or are able to contribute your experience or expertise to the work of the FRA please feel free to contact me at chairfitzroyresidentsassoc@gmail.com
 
The Annual Report will be emailed to registered members along 
with other papers that have been prepared for the AGM including our - 

• Financial Statement 
• Draft Plan FRA 2020 – 2024 setting out our priorities and activities over the next 4 years
• New Rules for the Association as proposed by the Committee.

 
Following the formal AGM there will be an opportunity for members to enjoy drinks together over Zoom and have general talk for 30 or so minutes.
 
We do look forward to seeing you on Zoom!


Martin Brennan
Chair 
 

Yarra Planning Scheme Policies Re-Write

Amendment C269 is the formal name for the rewrite of all Yarra’s Planning Policies into a new State Government template. Design Development Overlays (with matters such as height controls for areas, sit underneath the policy framework. 
 
We encourage all planners and interested parties to submit submissions before 20 November and/or provide points for the FRA’s submission before 12 November to deputychairfra@gmail.com
 
Please visit https://yarraplanningscheme.com.au for more information.

Another Godzilla on Johnston Street

The FRA has objected to this proposed development at 223-229 Johnston Street and 369 Gore Street, Fitzroy. The Yarra City Council has refused a Planning Permit. The FRA will be a Party at the VCAT Hearing commencing with a Compulsory Conference on 9 November 10.00am – 4.30pm. 
 
This 10-storey building has 113 apartments, 2 commercial tenancies and 3 levels of car parking and will have a detrimental impact on our streetscape and neigbourhood. 
 
Our grounds for refusal of the Planning Permit include:

• Height and bulk and the visual impact on Johnston and Gore Streets,
• Overshadowing of buildings opposite the development,
• Increased traffic generated by the 3-level car park with 159 car spaces,
• Poor Environmental and Sustainable Design (ESD), passive living, energy and water efficiency response

Back to Business in Yarra

The City of Yarra is encouraging businesses to reopen by providing advice and support to enable them to do so. The City has established a website to provide ready access to this assistance at https://www.yarracity.vic.gov.au/services/business-in-yarra/permits/extend-your-outdoor-dining

A City of Yarra rapid response team is on board to assess applications for extended outdoor dining permits during the recovery period and is keen to assist businesses to find solutions for their specific needs.

Since early October 248 applications were received from businesses looking to extend their outdoor dining space.

City of Yarra Climate Action Grants

The City of Yarra has a Climate Emergency Plan which requires maximum community engagement in seeking to reduce the impact of climate change on our City and beyond. Community grants are available to assist groups to implement projects that will inform, engage and act on climate change. 
The Climate Action Fund has a total of $80,000 available for the best projects. Applications are due 29 November.
https://www.yarracity.vic.gov.au/services/take-climate-action/climate-action-grants-stream

ACU Upward Expansion Refused by Council

A proposed development on the 8-14 Brunswick Street and 81-89 Victoria Parade corner has been refused a permit by the Council’s Planning Decisions Committee (formerly known as IDAC). The proposed 12-storey building was to be used as an education centre.
 
The Committee, comprising Cr Fristacky and Cr Searle, heard the submission by the Applicant, Urbis on behalf of the Australian Catholic University, plus objectors to the proposal in person and by submission (including the FRA) and rejected the development. 
 
The Council refused the application because it was considered inappropriate due to scale, height and architectural quality and it failed to provide a public environment in accordance with the Yarra Planning Scheme.
 
The recommendation of the City of Yarra’s Administration was overturned. 
 


Contributors: Martin Brennan & Greg Chenhall