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· Mitcham Residents Association Incorporated (MRAI)
· Mitcham High Rise development update
· Nunawading / Megamile / Mitcham Structure Plan
· EastLink Tollway Update
The need for a formalised residents association for Mitcham grew from the overwhelming concern regarding the way that Mitcham is being developed. The proposed High Rise Tower development roused the community spirit and united, the community took action. Whilst there were a number of individuals who opposed this development, there was not one main group. This led to the establishment of an informal gathering called the Mitcham Residents Group (MRG). This group became involved with many other residential interest groups throughout Melbourne in a response to Melbourne 2030. It also liased with other groups throughout the City of Whitehorse.
At the same time, it became evident that the Whitehorse Council does not seem to have the resources to adequately communicate with a large volume of concerned residents.
Currently the MRG distributes over 600 paper newsletters to the Mitcham community and over 70 by way of direct emails.
We would like to now formalise this group by way of membership of the new Mitcham Residents Association Incorporated.
The intent of MRAI is to create a formal and regular channel of communication with the Whitehorse Council and then distribute the relevant information to its’ members in a timely and relevant manner. Conversely, the same will apply. If the residents of Mitcham have something to communicate to the Whitehorse Council, then the MRAI can assist by ensuring that issues are followed up and give guidance to residents as to correct processes and procedures.
We now invite members of the Mitcham Community to join MRAI. An annual subscription of $10.00 per individual has been set. This money would be used to offset the costs of operation (eg. telephone, postage, stationery etc). As the MRAI is a completely voluntary association, any assistance from members would be gratefully appreciated. Membership of MRAI would entitle members to a Quarterly Newsletter, plus ad hoc newsletters providing updates on issues affecting the Mitcham and surrounding area, as well as issues raised by other likeminded associations established in other parts of the City of Whitehorse. Although the MRG and subsequently MRAI have been mainly involved in planning issues, it is the intention of MRAI to deal with most major issues that affect the Mitcham Community (eg. parks, traffic, public toilets etc.)
The committee office bearers of MRAI at this point of time are:
President: Tony Hogg 9873 7368 / 0418 326308
Vice President: Valda Arrowsmith 9874 1414
Secretary: John Kelly 9873 0040
Treasurer: Graham Watts 9872 5142 / 0414 501000
As you are well aware, the Whitehorse Council was granted leave to appeal the VCAT decision in the Supreme Court of Appeal. The State Government has since given notice that it intends to join in proceedings by way of applying to be a ‘Friend of the Court’.
In simple terms, this appeal is not about whether the proposed High Rise development is appropriate, but whether VCAT correctly interpreted the law in bringing down its decision. We the Mitcham community can have little input into proceedings, it is now in the hands of the Whitehorse Council’s Legal Counsel. The court case is to be heard on May 18th and 19th. Whilst you cannot partake in proceedings, you can attend and view proceedings.
In relation to the bigger picture of Melbourne 2030, the Coalition of some 90 plus residential groups have requested a meeting with the Minister for Planning – Rob Hulls. We will keep you updated of the progress on this front.
A community forum was held by the Whitehorse Council on 26th February 2005 to discuss the establishment of a Structure Plan. This Structure Plan addresses the development of the area that starts part way along the Megamile and continues through to Cook Road and Cochrane Street (east of Mitcham S/centre). It also encompasses properties that are both North and South of Whitehorse Road.
The Whitehorse Council advertised this forum in the Leader Newspaper (initially with the wrong date) and also distributed 8000 letters to residents (although many residents did not receive them). The MRG also included the details in the last newsletter.
The forum was attended by approx. 80 members of the Whitehorse community. The main intention of the forum was to provide information to the consultants engaged to develop the Structure plan. Participants were asked to consider questions such as: What particular attributes did the community like about the area in which they live? What improvements could be made?
Submissions were called for nominations from the community to participate in the Working Party that is to be established. Tony Hogg has put forward his nomination. The Whitehorse Council requires further nominations from the Nunawading area. If you are interested, please call Gerard Gilfedder at the Whitehorse Council on 9262 6333.
It is intended that the MRAI will have a major input into this Structure plan and will involve the Mitcham community.
The earthworks have commenced on the Park Road/Springvale Road and Deep Creek Road in preparation for the tunnelling to begin. The main site works are at Springvale Road. The tunnelling works will take two years to complete working through 24 hours a day. Doors will be fitted at both ends to reduce the noise for surrounding residents.
Theiss John Holland has a contract to build the road with the completion late 2008.
Theiss John Holland have established a Community Connect Forum of four residents and two business representatives, which will meet every six weeks. The Committee will offer knowledge to the Company of local situations and in turn give or guide enquiries to Thiess John Holland. I have been appointed to the Committee so if I can help with any queries, please ring me.
Theiss John Holland have a 24 hour Community contact line 1800 173 176 or website www.theissjohnholland.com.au
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