The East Clifton Hill Residents Inc (ECHRI) Committee met with Clr Sarah McKenzie, councillor for the Yarra Bend Ward of City of Yarra Council on Tuesday 21 January 2025 to discuss some local issues. 

The Committee underlined ECHRI’s interest in matters of heritage as it affects East Clifton Hill and that ECHRI was not opposing development in the area but wanted consideration of what was appropriate. Key topics were

a.    Planning and Heritage issues affecting the locality;

b.    Yambla Reserve and the Quarries Park;

c.     Local Activity Centres and State Government policy changes;

Yambla Reserve and the Quarries Park
Clr McKenzie agreed that local consultation and input to park and play area development was necessary.  She noted that as a result of local concerns, the height of the fence surrounding the relaid football ground had been lowered and the number of gates for access had been increased.  Consideration still needed to be given to the use of the area out of team sport use and issues of the provision of an off-leash dog area.  The water tank concerns were noted and she understood council officers were thinking about various alternatives. 

Members of the committee drew attention to the local history of the area, and suggestions were made for consideration of a sensory garden, consideration of disabled access and planting in an area of a fragile eco-system.

Planning and Heritage
The committee drew attention to the history of planning related to the Royal Hotel and purposes of ECHRI.  ECHRI was concerned about the entire area but could not be involved in individual planning issues nor in traffic management which provoked diverse views.

During the Royal Hotel proceedings the definitions of Local Activity Centres changed.  ECHRI is concerned that State Government might bring the two LACs (at either end of Berry St) into its high rise development proposals, without due consideration of the heritage overlay and community feeling.  The State Government has announced that it is considering further Activity Centre designations over and above the existing 50. 

Clr McKenzie was unsure if Yarra made any submission to the State Government relating to the proposals regarding Activity Centres.  She said she would investigate the matter.

The Committee expressed a general view that seeking to reduce the role of local government in local planning issues was not a sensible idea.  State Government was unlikely to communicate effectively with local residents.  Yarra has already undertaken many extensive developments to expand housing.  The locality has much intact heritage, the integrity of which should be considered.

Clr McKenzie expressed concerns about the needs of young people for housing nearer to work etc.  She said Yarra was interested in collaborating with State Government where it could do so.  She stated that heritage overlays were appreciated but Yarra had to deal more effectively with vehicles and think creatively.

Heritage
The committee stressed the importance of the influence of the Yarra heritage officer, who is apparently attached to the strategic planning branch. Attention was drawn to the existence of a Yarra Heritage Advisory Committee, whose members apparently often feel frustrated and lack influence.  The lack of early involvement of a heritage officer in the planning application for the Royal Hotel may well have contributed to poor decisions being made and much money being wasted. 

The committee drew attention to the fact that a report had apparently been commissioned last year from Julie Reid on the Yarra planning processes.  It has not been publicly released, notwithstanding requests.  Clr McKenzie undertook to make enquiries.

Numerous other business was discussed, including more regular maintenance and watering of local tree plantings, the ugly frontages of some of the empty shops in Queen’s Parade, Council policy regarding electric charging stations which needs improvement.

Follow-up response from CLR McKenzie as of 6 February is attached