By Matthew Sims
Maribyrnong council has adopted an amendment to the Maribyrnong Planning Scheme to begin to implement elements of the West Footscray Neighbourhood Plan [WFNP].
At its meeting on Tuesday, October 18, the council passed a motion to support changes to Amendment C162 to the Maribyrnong Planning Scheme and adopt the West Footscray Neighbourhood Plan (October 2022) and Amendment C162 with changes and submit the amendment to the Planning Minister for approval.
Maribyrnong council’s City Development Special Committee endorsed the WFNP on October 30, 2018.
Amendment C162 was prepared to implement the land use and built form directions of the WFNP by reconciling the segmented zoning pattern in the West Footscray Neighbourhood Activity Centre [NAC] to expand and focus retail and commercial opportunities and strengthen street level activity, supporting a diverse mix of housing types and sizes responding to forecast housing needs, and directing higher density apartment forms to preferred locations close to public transport and services.
Maribyrnong councillor Michael Clarke said the plan would aim to outline how developments would maintain the area’s connection to its history.
“Planning around developments that we’re looking at in this part of the city have to be undertaken with a high level of sensitivity,” he said.
“It is easy to lose our history through wholesale development.
“In terms of where this city has come from…what the community hopes…what we have here as a guideline is an outcome that will preserve our history and, at the same time, allow for development to occur in line with the aspirations of all.”
Maribyrnong councillor Bernadette Thomas said the amendment and updated plans would aim to maintain the community and village feel of West Footscray.
The Planning Panel appointed to consider Amendment C162 concluded the amendment was well founded and strategically justified, as it would deliver a number of benefits for the West Footscray community by facilitating economic opportunities, strengthening street level activity and public realm environment in Barkly Village.
