Footscray’s skyline is back in Maribyrnong council’s hands following a state government decision to relinquish planning powers over the area.
Planning Minister Richard Wynne has responded to calls to return planning control for Footscray’s CBD and riverside Joseph Road precinct as part of an amendment to the council’s planning scheme.
The council and former Napthine government came to loggerheads over a number of controversial planning permits issued by former planning minister Matthew Guy, including a 28-storey high-rise tower that will overshadow the Maribyrnong River.
Planning ministers have had the final say on all new development in the area since the council handed the powers to the then state Labor government in 2007.
Maribyrnong mayor Nam Quach welcomed the return of the powers, noting the council had objected to about 90 per cent of the “overzealous” projects approved by Mr Guy.
“We need to look at a more sustainable approach. We want to make sure the infrastructure is keeping up with the development and that the design is suitable.”
Cr Quach said the main difference would be in stronger height restrictions and protections around the Maribyrnong River. The Planning Minister has retained control over a handful of key sites, including the Paint Spot site at 26-34 Buckley Street and government- owned sites such as the former Le Mans Toyota land at 4 Hopkins Street.
Benjamin Millar
