Residents rally against proposal
By Deanne Jeffers
LESS than nine months since moving to Maude Street, ACE Secondary College say that 100 children and their families stand to be severely impacted by the proposed social housing to be built in the air space above the current car park surrounding the school.
Principal, Bronwyn Rose, along with the school community, have shared concerns that the development would result in losing school bus access, as well as the student’s sole outdoor area to “permanent shade.”
“There is also the risk to the health and safety of children and staff of objects either falling or being dropped from a balcony into the school playground. A further risk identified is potential damage to school property and infrastructure if this proposal goes ahead.”
“Furthermore, consider the instant redundancy of extensive solar panels, consequent future power bills and the utter uselessness of a $50,000 digital screen that faces into the carpark, which the Council only approved just last year,” Principal Rose said.
Child safety risks have also come into question. Principal Rose fears, “Risks of children being surveyed or possibly filmed in that same yard by tenants through windows or from the balconies shown on the concept plans.”
Principal Rose commented that the proposal was announced and voted on in the week prior to Christmas. She expressed doubts that the consultation process is being taken seriously as surveyors are already working on site.
Some of those against this have formed ‘Residents for a Greater Shepparton’, an action group against the proposal and the Council’s perceived lack of transparency on the issue.
A member of the group, nearby residential owner and businessman Robin Knaggs stated if he knew a four-story structure was going to be built over the carpark in Maude St he would not have considered moving to that location. Other residents are concerned what effects it will have on their privacy and how it will fit in with the surrounding buildings which have a maximum of two floors.
Mr Knaggs said, “I know of at least four businesses that will close or relocate if this proposal goes ahead, it will destroy the school and it will have a negative impact within this part of Shepparton. You just can’t put this building in this location.”
On behalf of R4GS, Mr. Knaggs said, “Our group supports affordable housing, but we cannot accept this proposed development which has the potential to shut down the Ace College and its 100 needy students. It will also harm local businesses, residents and the school during the 12 months build period because of all the noise, dust, traffic and safety issues associated with a building of this height.
“And once amenities like stairs, lifts, water, waste and electricity, fire exits and more are factored into the design, the number of remaining car spaces on the ground floor will be greatly reduced.”
“The sale of this area, which has 67 existing car spaces, will reduce critically needed safe car parking and limits any future expansion in this area. Carparking is in short supply already, especially for local business staff.”
“The Public Notice Council has published as a requirement for the community consultation process – to sell the land to developers – has no value attached but further information on the council’s website values it at $450,000 which is undervalued by approximately $1.5M or more. We are not selling airspace, but the land and council should pay the developers on a proper commercial basis for what ground floor car parks they receive back once that number is established. Council have not been transparent with residents and taxpayers about the car parking and there is public concern about its safety and how many people will use it if this does go ahead. This building will have the potential to drive shoppers and business away from the CBD.”
Community consultation has been extended until Monday, February 28. Email submissions to council@shepparton.vic.gov.au, or submit online at shaping.greatershepparton.com.au/ or in writing to Greater Shepparton City Council, Locked Bag 1000, Shepparton, VIC, 3632. Submissions should be titled, ‘Notice of Intention to Sell Land – Maude Nixon and Edward Streets Car Park’.
