At its 22 November 2016 meeting, Council unanimously supported a series of motions to address the challenges brought by rapid and large scale development in the City, including strongly advocating to the state government on behalf of the Yarra community.

Council resolved to present a range of proposals from the Yarra Resident Coalition to the Minister for his immediate action. The proposals relate to greater protection for Yarra’s heritage shopping strips, interim height control to the Mixed Use zone, increasing requirements for affordable community housing in new developments, public housing protection and increase, and increased open space.

Among other resolutions, Council unanimously supported writing to the Minister for Planning asking him to provide immediate authorisation to exhibit amendment C220 in relation to the Johnston Street Design & Development Overlay which includes mandatory heights submitted to the Minister in May 2016.

Yarra Mayor, Cr Amanda Stone said “the increasing demand for inner urban living has placed pressure on residential amenity, open space and public facilities in Yarra. This is causing great concern within our community.

“Council is working proactively to strengthen our planning system so that we can better manage this demand and protect against inappropriate development without building a wall around our city.