Footscray MP Marsha Thomson has slammed Planning Minister Matthew
Guy’s handling of development in Footscray’s riverside precinct.
In a speech to Parliament last week Ms Thomson called on the
minister to immediately place height limits on development along the
Maribyrnong River.
She argued the limits remained unset along the Maribyrnong River
despite being set for the Yarra River almost immediately after planning
amendments made last October.
“Everyone is aware that Footscray is undergoing a great deal of
development, but this is a turning point for the city,” she said.
“Unfortunately, however, we are seeing approvals for the
development of high-rise buildings in Footscray that are well beyond
what was the original expectation for Footscray.”
Ms Thomson said an
agreement between the minister and Maribyrnong council on height limits
was set to be announced until the minister approved a development that
exceeded the cap.
WHAT DO YOU THINK? Post a comment below.
The council’s preferred height limits of 12 storeys have been
ignored, with the minister sidestepping objections in approving a
32-storey project in the Joseph Road precinct last November.
“It is just getting out of hand, and I ask that the minister start
to look at providing a more comprehensive plan to ensure that the
Footscray of the future is a place where people want to live, shop, work
and get an education,” Ms Thomson said.
Her comments follow last week’s Weekly report
that Mr Guy has approved amendments paving the way for 4000 new
high-density dwellings by the river in about 18 high-rise towers of up
to 32 storeys high.
The council argues it can’t cope with the influx without state government support for improved services and infrastructure.
Mr Guy’s spokeswoman Rochelle Jackson said Footscray was
identified as a central activities area, an area for investment, jobs,
urban renewal and growth.
“It is an integral area in Melbourne’s inner west and will lead the way in facilitating growth and development,” she said.
The spokeswoman said the Joseph Road urban framework plan provided an overall master plan for the precinct.
