bulldozer apocalypse

The signs continue to gather of a Bulldozer apocalypse for Melbourne and her citizens' democracy and our formerly quiet peaceful lives. Our leaders are not on our side. Not in Melbourne and not in any other Australian city.

This gives you an idea of the push by the Developers Union (The Property Council of Australia) to walk all over the rest of us. Developers have taken over government.

Watch out or you will find yourself 'renewed'!

Australian Financial Review, Tuesday 22/5/12, page 57 "Melbourne Rushes to Meet Urban Renewal Targets", describes an urban renewal briefing hosted by the Property Council of Victoria at the State Library on Monday, where a study into Melbourne's urban renewal was launched backed by Charter Keck Cramer 'research'.

Melbourne falls over itself to Meet Urban Renewal Targets: Key Points

1. A record 14 960 new dwellings will be constructed next year in existing suburbs

2. Major residential urban renewal is expected to account for 38% of Melbourne's total new housing supply over the next two years (short of the 53% govt. target).

3. Almost half the the urban renewal required between 2005-14 will happen over the next three years.

4. Number of apartment, detached and medium-density dwellings is tipped to increase.

5. "Ms Cunich said the study helped to explain why development in urban areas was more effective in some suburbs than others. ....

The Victorian government has a great opportunity to really nail smart urban renewal".

6. Biggest increase over next two years in Stonnington and Yarra Council areas.

AFR Tuesday 22/5/12, page 56 "Frustrations mount over Vic planning", describes the recent review, quotes developers and opponents. "The DLA Piper recommendations outlined the need for statutory separation between the planning department and the Minister".

AFR Tuesday 22/5/12, page 49, "Developers slam NSW system", complains about the NSW Independent Planning Assessment Commission rejecting large housing projects (Coalition govt. handed planning power back to Councils for State significant projects).