VCAT decision to approve development of Nufarm site shocks community says residents assoc

The VCAT decision handed down late October granting approval to develop the former Nufarm chemical production site in McBryde Street has shocked the residents of Fawkner, especially those residing within close proximity said Fawkner Residents Association’s Mr Joe Perri.

Commenting further, Mr Perri said what made the decision to reject the appeal hard to accept was that it is the third consecutive case lost by locals of the small enclave and Moreland Council against development in the past six months.  “I’ve heard that the state-wide fail rate for community / council appeals against development referred to VCAT is as high as a staggering 87%.  If this is true, the recent 100% fail rate by the community of Fawkner and Moreland Council must be seen as a concern”.

The entire objection process from Council to VCAT catastrophically fails and disadvantages / disempowers residents and the community and needs to be overhauled as a matter of urgency.

Even when Council and community are objecting to the same development at VCAT – the process does not allow for the residents and Council’s representative to work in partnership and thus further hinders chances for equitable outcomes.

Mr Perri likens the current VCAT Council / community objection process to a legal aid appointed lawyer being denied the opportunity to speak with the person they are representing in a court of law.

“Is it any wonder that the residents of Fawkner and especially those that objected to the Nufarm site development are asking where was the level playing field”, continued Mr Perri.

Regrettably the likelihood of Spring Street holding up its own practices and processes to a similar assessment to that of the banking Royal Commission is NIL affirmed Mr Perri.

Mr Perri concluded, “I do hope that Moreland Council objects in the strongest possible terms on behalf of Fawkner’s residents and municipality as a whole to the VCAT decision and request that the State Government review the ruling”.

Issued by the Fawkner Residents Association

Media enquiries:      Mr. Joe Perri  

Mob:  +61 412 112 545  

Email: joe.perri1@gmail.com