Welcome to this week’s update on City Futures' recent projects, results achieved and continued work in making a better and safer community.
Statutory Planning
The Statutory Planning team achieved another amazing result in June, with 83% of planning permit decisions issued on time.
Strategic and Environmental Planning
Officers have developed a draft master plan for Lois Twohig Reserve, based on previous community feedback and the needs and opportunities identified for the Reserve.
The draft master plan is now on community consultation from Monday 7 July to Monday 4 August. Some of the key changes include replacing the unused tennis courts with a full sized multi court, improving the petanque facilities, a new playground, and a new consolidated pavilion.
All Councils are required to implement a fourth bin (glass bin) by 1 July 2027. Council officers have commenced analysis and planning for this.
Building and Compliance Services
Council has been seeking compliance on several issues, including a significant hoarding issue, at a Dandenong North property. Following extensive engagement with the owner and court action, the clean-up began in June this year.
Council officers have worked with the resident as much as possible in responsibly disposing of items in a sustainable and proportionate manner. E-Waste and metals were removed separately, chemicals and flammables, paint and fuels were all removed by approved removalists. This has been a challenging, but ultimately successful process, that has reduced the risk to both the owner and surrounding residents.
Business, Development and Investment
In June, the Business Permit Support Service (BPSS) handled 68 inquiries. The average since July 2024 is 60 enquiries per month.
The Real Estate and Developers Forum was recently held at the Springvale City Hall on Tuesday 16 June. Stakeholders from across the property sector were in attendance, including real estate agents, developers, financiers, advisors, architects and town planners.
Three industry experts presented on a diverse range of topics, from national trends in the residential market to profiles of innovative local community housing and industrial developments, showcasing the diversity and dynamic nature of the local market.
The South East Business Networks (SEBN) Women in Business Showcasing event was held on Thursday 19 June at The Holiday Inn Dandenong. The event featured Olivia Carr of Shhh Silk.
Olivia's presentation included sharing her journey in becoming the founder of a multi-million-dollar global brand. The audience were engaged as Olivia shared with raw honesty her financial hardships and hurdles, and how she turned adversity into opportunities. Participants were gifted a copy of Olivia's book each, which was a very generous end to a wonderful event.
Chief Engineer and Major Projects
A community planting day at Somerfield Reserve, Keysborough was held on Saturday 28 June. It was a great event to attend, connect with nature, support the local environment and help us to create habitat for wildlife and future generations.
More than 100 local suppliers and tradespeople attended the Dandenong Wellbeing Centre ‘Meet the Builder’ event on Thursday 3 July. The event was held at Dandenong Civic Centre and gave local businesses the chance to learn more about the transformational project and how to register their interest in contributing to it.
The event was hosted in partnership with ADCO, the main contractor delivering the new Dandenong Wellbeing Centre. The South East Melbourne Manufacturers Alliance also attended. The Dandenong Wellbeing Centre will replace the current Dandenong Oasis and provide modern, inclusive spaces for health, fitness and community connection and is planned to open in 2027.
Read more about the event.
Brett Jackson, Acting Executive Director, City Futures