Reference Groups

Carlton Gardens

The Carlton Gardens are under threat due to inappropriate commercial exploitation. Neither the Council nor the State Government have the will to properly protect the world heritage site. A long standing campaign is being waged to maintain the integrity of the Carlton Gardens for residents and the people of Victoria.

Coalition of Residents and Business Associations (CoRBA)

There are fourteen Residents and Business Associations within the City of Melbourne and many areas of shared concern throughout the municipality (e.g. Residential Zoning, public transport, roads, licensing, public gardens, safety, events). Currently the most pressing issue of concern is the need for reform of the election processes in advance of Melbourne City Council elections in November. CoRBA has identified many anomalies and is lobbying very strongly for an objective review of the deeply flawed, unrepresentative and undemocratic processes.

Carlton Community Centre (Kathleen Syme Centre) & Library

An opportunity is looming for the CoM to provide a facility for our precinct. Carlton’s first primary school on the corner of Cardigan and Faraday Sts will soon be available. Currently there are no library services in 3053 and the CRA is reduced to meeting wherever a free space is provided - above restaurants or in back rooms. It is a disgrace that the provision of community space s in Carlton has been sidelined by successive councils for a decade. We now have an opportunity to acquire the heritage listed Kathleen Syme Centre once the Royal Women's Hospital vacates.

Parkland & Public Land

CRA has maintained a watching brief over the past decade and has collaborated with Protectors of Public Lands to protect Carlton’s parkland and public land from inappropriate use and development.

Planning & Development

The Planning Committee meets monthly to review these development plans, and to decide whether or not the CRA should lodge objections.

The Group Coordinator checks the weekly lists of planning applications on CoM’s website, and requests plans of applications for 3053. Generally objections relate to non–compliance, erosion of amenity, height, heritage, Design Overlay. When required, the committee writes formal objections and prepares briefs for CRA submissions to VCAT.

VCAT Presentations

This is an extension to the work of the Planning Committee. Once the CRA lodges an objection to any development, the process is in train which may result in CRA needing to appear at VCAT to speak about the objection in person. Members volunteer to represent CRA in these hearings. The content of the objections is prepared by the Planning Committee who brief CRA representatives for their VCAT appearances.

Police Community Consultative Committee (PCCC)

The role of the PCCC is to enhance safety and security in Carlton through community partnerships with police. Victoria Police connects with residents through a monthly meeting at which the CRA can raise concerns or gather information of value to the community. Issues might include burglary, drunkenness, public nuisance, licensing, begging etc.

Social Events

From time to time CRA hosts informal CRA dinners with relevant speakers to give members an opportunity to meet. CRA also host public meetings with speakers to inform the Carlton Community.

Streetscapes

CRA promotes CoM Greening Policy and has long lobbied MCC Planning Committee for increased Median Strip Greening. The idea of returning median car parking areas to greenspace has been a focus for many years and was emphasised in the Carlton 2010 vision document.

Traffic, Transport & Parking

Over the past decade CRA has closely engaged with diverse issues which have arisen, including direct participation in the Northern Central City Corridor Study (DoI) and The Melbourne Transport Strategy (MCC). Many papers and presentations have been prepared. The Transport Reference Group monitors State Govt and Council proposals; engages with the issues and promote CRA policies, represents CRA at meetings and addresses the media

Melbourne 2030 (Planning Backlash)

CRA supports the group (Planning Backlash) calling for a review of Melbourne 2030 (M2030), a controversial planning policy introduced in 2002 aimed at concentrating residential development within 120 “Activity Centres” to curb urban sprawl. The State Government has established an Audit Expert Group (AEG) to audit M2030 implementation. The AEG has received 204 submissions from the development industry, planning professionals, resident groups (such as CRA) and individuals. Residents groups have been universally critical of the Audit, its questionable Terms of Reference and inadequate consultative processes.

Public Housing Redevelopment

There are several large Office of Housing (OoH) estates in Carlton. Three of these areas are currently being redeveloped in collaboration with private developers. The outcome will impact upon us all.
Thus far, the OoH is unresponsive to all residents – public and private. CRA has a watching brief to monitor plans and developments since the OoH has a very poor consultation track record. CRA monitors the OoH website and the press, and attends Redevelopment meetings.