Foothills booted

By Casey Neill
RESIDENTS have shot down plans to rename part of Ferntree Gully the Ferntree Gully Foothills.
Councillor Karin Orpen presented a 127-signature petition from Friends of Ferntree Gully Village at council’s 24 June meeting. Petitioners called for the area of Ferntree Gully covered by the Foothills Policy to be renamed to distinguish it from the rest of the suburb.
Councillors approved a motion to gauge community opinion on the change on 22 July and letters were sent to 4397 owners and occupiers within the affected area. Statutory authorities and utility providers were also asked for feedback. The council received 3047 responses to the proposal.
The 812 who were in favour said it was an ‘excellent suggestion’ that would ‘give the foothills its own identity’.
The 2235 opposed said there was ‘no need to change’ the name, it would cause confusion and would damage Ferntree Gully’s history. Five undecided responders supported the initiative but not the suggested name.
Australia Post and Victoria Police had no objections and Ambulance Victoria supported the proposal.
The consultation process cost the council $5400. Cr Orpen said democracy and community input was vital.
“Democracy does have a cost, but every petition must be addressed. ” she said.
Councillor Adam Gill slammed criticism of Cr Orpen that stemmed from community debate.
“It disappointed me that there were personal attacks on a councillor for presenting a petition and allowing the public to have a say,” he said.
Mayor Jim Penna requested a draft policy to guide councillors on similar future requests.
“A name change is serious business,” he said.
Cr Penna called for a minimum threshold support level to trigger community consultation.
“I don’t know what that number should be, that’s why I’m suggesting this,” he said.
The report will be presented to council in March next year. Cr Orpen said a suburb name change request was unusual and the council might not see another for years.
“But if that occurs there should be some guidelines on it,” she said.
The Foothills Policy was incorporated into council and state planning schemes in October 2006. It was designed to reduce intensive development and protect the tree canopy and imposes tough restrictions on construction in the region.
Cr Orpen said clearly identifying the 15 to 20 per cent of Ferntree Gully included would provide the area with greater protection and enhance a sense of community.
“Residents are keen to make sure the area is protected for future generations,” she said.
Michael Martin was among several residents who objected to the proposal. Mr Martin said the change was unnecessary, would cause confusion and cost residents and businesses money. He slammed the consultation process as a waste of money.