PARLIAMENTARY VOTE PLACES FURTHER DELAYS ON THE CONSTRUCTION OF PUBLIC HOUSING IN MELBOURNE’S EASTERN SUBURBS

Plans for the construction of the Markham Avenue Estate in Ashburton have been delayed following a Parliamentary vote last month to revoke a Planning Scheme Amendment.

The vote of 23 ayes and 15 nos to revoke Amendment C298 comes after months of growing tension between the State Government and Boroondara Council.

Originally approved by the Minister for Planning, Richard Wynne, at the beginning of the year Amendment C298 names Minister Wynne as the development’s planning authority.

The amendment has been a point of contention between the two bodies, as Council argues it’s within planning power to head the development project.

The project, which began with the demolition of 56 run-down public housing apartments in 2016, is proposed to include 62 public housing apartments and 138 private properties.

In their current state, the construction plans see a 10 percent increase in public housing on the site.

The local community shares Council’s concerns.

Susan Rayner of the Ashburton Residents Action Group (ARAG) said “the Government held a sham consultation process with Ashburton residents.”

“No-one seems to be talking about the elephant in the room.  It is obvious to me that the Andrew’s Government believe that the Markham Estate land has become too valuable to squander on the poor and disadvantaged.

“They are trying to justify the sell-off, with the paltry 10 percent uplift, as some kind of fabulous model to integrate public housing and private dwellings.

“In reality, they intend to segregate the public housing units on the least attractive corner of the site whilst providing 3 bedroom units with million dollar views over parkland for private sale which will command huge prices,” Ms Rayner said.

But the Victorian Government has stood by its plans for the development.

“Extensive consultation has been undertaken to get the design, character and facilities of this project right for the community,” Minister Wynne said.

The waitlist for public housing in Victoria currently stands at over 35,000 people.