Dear Members & Visitors,<\/p>\n
In the lead-up to the state election, there are several important events coming up addressing issues vital to the democratic planning and liveability of Melbourne.<\/p>\n
Accommodating population growth is not specifically part of the SOS mandate but as we’re seeing already, overcrowding in Melbourne is becoming noticeable (especially with private & public transport) and we can’t keep up with the increasing demand for maintaining and upgrading\u00a0infrastructure\u00a0assets and services. Living standards in inner city apartments and outer growth areas and access to services is worsening, VCAT fees have risen astronomically, and the new Plan Melbourne strategy is unashamedly designed to facilitate development, not regulate it.<\/p>\n
At the very least, we need a wide public debate on future planning for Victoria\u00a0that includes the democratic\u00a0involvement\u00a0of communities (e.g.\u00a0Melbourne City Council’s new budget process) and consideration of other pressures like the increasing impacts of climate change, rising\u00a0oil\u00a0prices, corrupt political donations and other failures of process of the planning regime.<\/p>\n
More roads are not the answer to\u00a0traffic congestion \u2013 history shows time and again that new freeways eventually attract more traffic, leading to worse traffic problems, more air pollution and greater dependence on cars.<\/p>\n
There is momentum building in our city for real engagement across all levels of the community.\u00a0Please let your neighbours and friends know too – we all need to maximise attendance to demonstrate that the community is concerned about how planning is still being (mis)managed in Melbourne:<\/p>\n
* The next Victoria First meeting is this\u00a0<\/b><\/strong>Sat. 2 Aug.\u00a0<\/b><\/strong>at\u00a02 pm, at\u00a0the Frankston Life Saving Club. F<\/b><\/strong>eaturing\u00a0<\/b><\/strong>Ian Hundley (PTUA) speaking on “The transport crisis in the Frankston area<\/i><\/em>“<\/b><\/strong><\/p>\n * The first of 3 big public events organised by IMPA (the Inner Melbourne Planning Alliance) on the planning crisis in Melbourne is on Mon. 4 Aug. at 6 \u2013 7.30pm, Deakin Edge \u2013 “City in Crisis:\u00a0<\/i><\/em><\/b><\/strong>Housing & Public Realm\u00a0<\/i><\/b><\/em><\/strong>Challenges facing an Expanded Melbourne<\/i><\/b><\/em><\/strong>” –\u00a0see attached flyer\u00a0\u2013\u00a0no booking required: \u00a0\u00a0<\/i><\/em><\/b><\/strong>\u00a0http:\/\/www.impa.org.au\/city-in-crisis<\/a><\/p>\n With support from Future Melbourne Network, Future Leaders, ArchiTeam Co-Operative Ltd, Fishermans Bend Network and Fed Square.<\/i><\/em><\/p>\n