By Goya Dmytryshchak
Newport residents are up in arms over council plans to allow four-storey development and a multi-storey carpark overlooking residential backyards.
As reported by Star Weekly last year, Hobsons Bay council is proposing new residential zones that will enable development of more than four storeys in some neighbourhoods.
It has flagged a multi-storey carpark on the existing carpark attached to Paine Reserve that is accessed from Derwent Street.
The council must implement new zones, as directed by the state government, to manage residential growth.
Newport’s Kate Fraser said the residents of Durkin, Mirls, Walker and Derwent streets had joined forces to oppose the moves, collecting about 100 signatures on a petition.
“We moved to Newport for its quiet surrounds, appeal of its period homes and strong community bond,” she said. “The fight to save our community is just beginning.”
Another resident, Lisa Coulthard, said the carpark proposal was outrageous and would be an eyesore.
“It’s unprecedented in the area,” she said. “There are more appropriate sites for a multi-storey carpark that won’t adversely affect residents … as ratepayers we would like to explore these sites with council.”
Mayor Jonathon Marsden said the Paine Reserve carpark had been identified in the draft Newport Structure Plan as being an “opportunity site”.
“A feasibility assessment and further investigation will be undertaken to determine the use of the site, which may include carparking,” he said. “Carparking was identified through the Newport Structure Plan as being a significant issue for local
residents.
“The new residential zones will provide more certainty to the community around what type of development they might see in their street and in their suburb, while also helping council to plan.”
