Council laments planning let-down

By Paul Pickering
KNOX City Council says that it cannot be expected to assist the Bracks Government in implementing its Melbourne 2030 vision without a fast-tracking of upgrades to regional public transport.
The issue has plagued the council’s recent history and emerged again at the council meeting of 23 January during considerations for a proposed housing development in Rowville.
Knox council says there is an inadequate public transport infrastructure to support such high density housing projects.
Councillor Mick Van de Vreede, who is also part of the Eastern Transport Coalition, said an increase in residential density will result in increased traffic congestion unless it is offset with an equivalent improvement in public transport.
Cr Van de Vreede described public transport as “the missing link” in the promotion of high density housing developments.
“I’m concerned that we’ll be responsible for undermining the liveability of our own suburbs,” he lamented.
While the Gearon Road development was given a multi-conditional go-ahead, the council signalled its intention to renew its appeal to the Bracks Government.
Knox mayor Jim Penna said: “We will be reminding the government that in order for us to achieve the housing objectives that they would like us to achieve, we really need to have that transport infrastructure.”