Concern for suburb clouds Fawkner Residents Assoc second anniversary – loss of liveability the fear

Fawkner Residents Association (FRA) celebrated its second anniversary and 101^st member joining the group this month – and although both are noteworthy milestones, the achievements are clouded by concern for the suburb and Municipality’s overall future liveability said spokesperson Mr Joe Perri. 

Reflecting on the makeup of the FRA Joe Perri said the members share a common passion for the wellbeing of the suburb and are keen to ensure that its liveability is preserved for future generations to enjoy.

Looking forward to the coming year and beyond, the challenge for the FRA is to protect the little pocket of Moreland from those seeking to make a quick buck, and in the process leave behind a legacy of community, social, health and environmental harm – including poor quality design and construction.

Commenting further Joe Perri said, Moreland predicts Fawkner’s population to be  16,480 by 2036 (an increase of 3,300 or 25% from 2011) with Sydney Road and the streets closest to the major thoroughfare earmarked to accommodate high density development. 

On the surface many will consider Fawkner’s 25% increase rather reasonable when compared to the Municipality’s overall projected population increase of 48% (or an additional 74,500 residents) over the same 2011 to 2036 period.  However, this assumption fails to appreciate two key factors –

- Geographically, Fawkner is only half a suburb, with the area west of Sydney Road accommodating the cemetery and industrial activities.  The projected 3,300 additional population will have to reside between Sydney Road and McBryde Street.

- Whereas most suburbs have multiple main road entry and exit points, Fawkner is via Sydney Road only.  As a result, time stuck in traffic at major intersections such as Jukes Road, Major Road, etc – are already on the rise as are the number of drivers preferring ‘rat runs’ to waiting at red lights. 

“It’s inevitable that commuting times (whether by car or the infrequent bus service) will increase.  The absence of accessible convenient public transport alternatives, particularly the 20-minute peak hour train service on the Upfield Line compels even the shortest journey to be made by car”, affirmed Joe Perri.

“This lack of proper town planning and even poorer urban design is reconfiguring once liveable Fawkner into a car dependent dormitory suburb of streets overflowing with parked cars and residents forced to live in social isolation”.

The FRA acknowledges that the problems and issues being confronted by Fawkner are not unique – they are the same as those being faced by countless suburbs, municipalities and major cities across Australia. 

Nor is the problem overdevelopment and immigration – it’s the lack of structure and absence of a town planning vision and clarity of direction that’s the underlying source of so much resident anger and angst.

Joe Perri continued, “What we are seeing is Spring Street driven ‘force fed’ development and even poorer outcomes that are incompatible with the needs of the suburb.   

“But at the grassroots level, don’t bother looking for a Moreland master plan for comfort that has identified the additional parklands, retail / sporting / social / community spaces to address the public realm and liveability needs of the suburb’s increased population.  It simply doesn’t exist!”

ENDS

Issued by the Fawkner Residents Association

Media enquiries:                 Mr. Joe Perri

Mobile:          +61 412 112 545       Email:             joe.perri1@gmail.com