The Community Meeting on Kew VicRoads site plans was a huge success!

The Victorian Government has plans to redevelop the old VicRoads site in Kew without proper community consultation on the proposal.

Communities need to be consulted on projects and legislation that will affect them. That’s why I organised a community meeting to hear what locals have to say.  

The site holds massive value and potential, and could house as many as 500 dwellings. It’s an extraordinary opportunity to provide a large number of people with affordable homes during a housing and cost of living crisis.

Many attendees of the meeting voiced that they want the site to include a reasonable portion of social and/or affordable housing. Sustainable development was also mentioned, with an eye to local amenity, traffic considerations, and open spaces.

Over 90 people attended to learn more about the proposal and share their feedback; click here to read a summary of what was discussed.

It’s clear that our community wants the Victorian Government to consult widely and transparently in this development process. So, I’ve forwarded the feedback to the Minister for Planning, Sonia Kilkenny. In the months to come, I’ll ensure that the Victorian Government doesn’t move ahead on the site without appropriate consultation and involvement of our community.

Camberwell Activity Centre

I have also heard concerns from a number of constituents regarding development plans  the Camberwell Junction Activity Centre and surrounds. Many residents are seeking further information on the planning changes, particularly around implications for heritage protections in the area. I am inviting residents to email me their feedback on the draft plan, which I will collate and convey to the Allan government. You can also provide feedback to the Allan Government via this survey.

I will be attending Boroondara Council’s community forum addressing the Victorian Government’s changes to planning at 2pm on Sunday 15 September at the Hawthorn Arts Centre. 

We’ve seen the state government sideline local governments on such issues before. I think it’s important the community bands together to advocate for transparency and openness from the Victorian Government.

Redistribution of federal electorates confirmed

The Australian Electoral Commission’s redistribution of federal electorates was finalised on 5^th September. This confirmed the abolition of the electorate of Higgins and changed Kooyong’s boundaries quite significantly, so it now includes several suburbs which were previously in Higgins.

I've already been out and about in the new parts of Kooyong to meet new constituents. I’ll continue to hold pop-up offices and meetings in the new parts of the electorate.

Click here to see where I’m headed next in Kooyong!

I’ll also work with the current member for Higgins, Dr Michelle Ananda-Rajah, to ensure that there is a smooth transition with no loss of support for members of the community during this period of change.

Electrify Boroondara Expo '24

I had a fantastic time at the Electrify Boroondara Expo on Sunday. It was such an informative and energising (no pun intended) event to attend and speak at. 

I chaired a panel on home electrification in which we heard practical advice from experts on transitioning homes to energy-efficient, renewable electricity, saving money as well as the planet. I also joined the Mayor and other Members of Parliament in a panel discussion on why we support electrification. It was great hearing everyone's perspectives and stories. 

I also loved getting the chance to chat about one of my favourite topics: electric vehicles (!).  

HECS legislation in Parliament

HECS legislation was on the agenda this week in Parliament.

Many of you were part of our successful campaign to make HECS debts fairer, in which my petition was signed by 288,000 people. We’ve already achieved change in how HECS indexation is calculated, wiping $3 billion of debt and helping 2.9 million Australians.

But there’s more work to do to make this system truly fair.

I’ve suggested improvements to the timing of indexation, repeal of the Morrison Government’s doubling of the costs of arts, law, business and some psychology degrees, and inclusion of all health sciences students in the new prac placement support scheme. My amendments are still before the House, and I’ll be pushing hard on them when I return to Canberra.

Click here to watch my recent Parliamentary speech calling for a fairer HECS system.

The HECS system is no longer fit for purpose, and I’m committed to keep working on behalf of tertiary students and graduates to change it.

The last fortnight in Kooyong

As always, it was a busy fortnight in Kooyong. It began with the De Castella Fun Run on 25^th August. The hills around the Boulevard get steeper every year, but it was a great day out and a chance to fundraise for an excellent cause.

I also visited the Surrey Hills and Canterbury Historical Societies, visited the Hawthorn RSL with the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, kicked off the bowls season at the MCC greens in Hawthorn, and got out and about at several schools and sporting clubs in the electorate. 

Upcoming events

The Boroondara Council community forum on the Victorian Government's changes to planning will take place this Sunday, 15th September at 2:00 PM at Hawthorn Town Hall. Come along if you would like to learn more about the plans and have your voice heard. 

The very first Balwyn Antiques Roadshow, hosted by the Balwyn Historical Society, is going to be at the Evergreen Centre (45 Talbot Ave, Balwyn), at 1:00 PM on 24th October. Register by 10 October by emailing [email protected].