Additional news – in the form of a Planning Alert, two opportunities for participation in environmental activities, and the availability of two valuable new reports – has prompted this additional Update. The bad news first.
A Substantial Tree Removal Proposal
A Planning Application – WH/2021/978 – has been made to remove multiple large trees along the frontage of 32 Laburnum St (see photo above right) and the two large ones on the western boundary (pictured below). You can view the application on the City of Whitehorse website. Go to the Planning Register – at Advertising list.
As you will read on the website, the advertising process provides the opportunity for people to identify, in writing, any concerns that they have about a planning application. Note: Planning officers are unable to advise on what you should and should not object to.
If you care about maintaining canopy trees in our area and sustaining the values inherent in the significant landscape overlay (SLO 2) and neighborhood character (NRZ 1) then let Council know your views. Numbers count.
You can make your feelings known by lodging an objection to the City of Whitehorse. There are three ways to do this:
- Use the ‘Support or Object to Application’ icon at the bottom of the relevant application details in the Planning Register – at Advertising list.
- Email your response to customer.service@whitehorse.vic.gov.au
- Mail
• Download the Response Form ( PDF 187.77KB). Post your application to Whitehorse City Council, Planning Department, Locked Bag 2, Nunawading 3101
Be sure to:
- quote the planning application number – WH/2021?978
- ensure you have supplied all relevant contact details as well as your reasons for objecting,
- keep a copy of your objection and lodge it prior to the end of the advertising period. This date will be shown on the yellow sign which must be displayed on site for at least 14 days. At the time of writing, the yellow sign has not been erected.
Environmental Events and Opportunities – October 2021
Council have advised us of the following opportunities to participate.
- Great Southern Bioblitz
Whitehorse is participating in the Great Southern Bioblitz later this month (22-25 October). It is a very similar concept to the City Nature Challenge. The original plan (for nature walks to be conducted with community groups) had to be set aside due to Covid 19 restrictions so it has been re-shaped into an activity that residents can do in their own backyards and local parks. This is a great opportunity for people to connect with nature and build biodiversity data using iNaturalist. For more details see Great Southern Bioblitz
- Common Myna Webinar
Whitehorse has joined forces with Cardinia, Knox and Yarra Ranges to run a free webinar about Common Mynas with Peter Wiltshire from Darebin Parklands.
The webinar will discuss:
• Indian Myna behaviour
• Why they are a problem
• What you can do to deter them from visiting your garden.
Date/Time: Thursday the 28th of October from 7-8.30pm (30 mins of question time)
Link to register: https://yarraranges-vic.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_zZEL6oHuTgSv-d0fis9kug
Two Interesting reports on local environment matters
- A recently completed report “Wildlife Corridors across Whitehorse“ was presented as a webinar on 11th October. The event was recorded. For those who missed seeing it live a link will be placed at the bottom of this page when available. The report can be found here. The upcoming Great Southern Bioblitz (see above) represents a great opportunity to contribute to the strength of our local biodiversity data.
- Council’s Integrated Water Strategy is integral to biodiversity connectivity. A very well written draft report is open for comment until 28th October. You can find it at Water Management Strategy .
Mont Albert and Surrey Hills level crossing removal project (LXRP)
And finally, for those who are interested in the impact of infrastructure changes at Surrey Hills and Mont Albert, we include the link to the level crossing removal masterplan and the opportunity to have your say. https://yoursay.whitehorse.vic.gov.au/mont-albert-masterplan
We commend Cr Amanda McNeill for her support to residents who are fighting to retain as many mature trees as possible during the LXRP at Mont Albert/Surrey Hills.
Bellbird Residents Advocacy Group 