The Melbourne South Yarra Residents Group has as one of its main objectives the desire to protect the heritage nature of South Yarra. To that end, the President Michael Butcher has led the development of a submission to the Melbourne Heritage Review (MHR) intended to clearly describe some of the important heritage features of a number of specific streets in the South Yarra component of the City of Melbourne. It was decided to focus at the outset on a number of streets, or sub-precincts, that had substantially intact heritage features. Additionally we needed the assistance of individual residents – “street captains” who were able to contribute to the development of the statements of significance for each street. The MSYRG also commissioned the services of heritage architect Nigel Lewis to review and crystallise the individual precinct statements for ultimate submission to the Melbourne Heritage Review.
This project has involved many of hours of meetings, research and some expense to create this document that the MSYRG hopes will be a valuable contribution to the Melbourne Heritage review.
Very importantly, the MHR will be used by the City of Melbourne planning department to guide planning decisions in the future. The City of Melbourne states on its website that “Recognising and protecting the social and architectural heritage that defines our streets and neighbourhoods is an essential part of the City of Melbourne’s planning work”. The heritage review submission that we have made on behalf of all South Yarra residents aims to provide detail about the significant and irreplaceable heritage asset we have here in our midst.
It is important to realise that without the support of members and committee of the MSYRG, this important submission would not be possible and South Yarra would have missed out on vital input from residents who live in and take an interest in the area. Support of the MSYRG by local community is critical to its functioning.
Please take the time to have a read of the MSYRG submission – it outlines some of the rich and important history and of our local community.
Public Transport Victoria and Yarra Trams are conducting public consultation about the proposed tram route changes. The proposed changes include the cessation of the Number 8 tram that has served South Yarra residents well since the electrification of the line in 1926 by the Melbourne and Metropolitan Tramways Board (MMTB).
The MSYRG has written to the Minister for Transport and the CEO of Yarra Trams to seek further information on the reason for the proposed changes including the data they are using to justify the proposed change. That data has not been provided to date despite months of waiting.
Letter to Transport Minister 14.04.15 Letter to Yarra Trams 14.04.15
Whilst the MSYRG continues to pursue this matter it is vitally important that South Yarra residents express their view on the proposed change by completing the online survey on the Public Transport Victoria website.
The web address to complete the survey is: www.ptv.vic.gov.au
Click here
On the PTV website there is a window with sequencing content that eventually advertises the fact that you can, “Help plan your future tram services”. When you click on this you are directed to an online survey where you can provide input. It provides diagrams and justifications for the proposed changes. It justification largely rests on the supposed burgeoning demand for access to the western end of the CBD. Really?
PTV makes much of the increased frequency of trams to take passengers up St. Kilda road once they have been forced to wait at the Domain Interchange to head up to their usual destinations in St Kilda road or Swanston Street. There is little or no mention of the outbound trip from the CBD because the uncertainty of waiting for a proposed number 58 (far less frequent than St Kilda Rd trams) to collect them from the Domain Interchange and travel along Domain Road and into South Yarra and beyond is too unpalatable to mention.
This is a commercially driven proposal that has little regard for true amenity and passenger satisfaction with unvalidated supporting data dressed up as an improvement for all.
We say to PTV and Yarra Trams – leave the number 8 tram alone. It has served us well since 1926 with the central requirements to provide a single tram to transport users to the arts and entertainment area thence the centre of the city along Melbourne’s pre-eminent boulevard.
The meeting with the Planning Minister on 2 July was a worthwhile introduction and example of the contribution that can be made when the inner city resident groups speak as one on important issues.
Enclosed is our report of that meeting.
It will be followed up with a letter of thanks and requesting that the view of residents as well as councils be sought on the rezoning changes made by Guy Matthews.
We must continue working together exchanging information and promoting issues that are important to all of us.
Best wishes,
Michael Butcher
President
MSYRG.
Report on meeting with Richard Wynne on 2 July 2015 Submission to Richard Wynne -final15.06.15[2]
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