Public ‘silenced’

Andrew Mathieson
NORLANE residents fear State Government has shut them out of public debate on the future of their neighbourhood amid concerns about high-rise public housing, according to a spokesperson.
Leading objector Lisa Peppers said State Government had told residents to stay away from a Corio Norlane Development Advisory (CNDA) board meeting on controversial plans to build public and affordable housing in the suburb.
The Independent revealed earlier this month the plan proposed blocks of units up to four storeys high in two precincts of Norlane.
Ms Peppers said outraged residents were demanding that the Government kept the units to a maximum two storeys and no more than two per block.
She accused the advisory board of lacking community representation.
“I’m positive not one person on that CNDA committee lives within either of the two precincts. If they did and they were going to be affected to this extent I’m sure someone would be standing up and saying this is not on.”
“I personally think that everyone on this committee is already in favour of this project. I don’t think this is really representative of the community – they’re all yes men.
“That’s why they’re going to shut me out and (why) on the project’s sub-committee they will again handpick residents who are for this project.”
Objectors have launched a Facebook page, Norlane Sardine Housing Plan, to oppose the project for 60 public and 100 affordable homes.
Ms Peppers said residents door-knocking with a petition had recorded 92 per cent opposition to the $32 million project.
“I haven’t seen anyone from Department of Human Services or the Minister for Planning knocking on the residents’ doors asking them what they want.
“We’ve been doing that and we have certainly found out the answers. Not one of the residents have been contacted – a lot of people weren’t even aware of it.”
The Independent reported last week that the Government had extended a deadline for submissions until August 27.
The advisory board declined to comment, intead referring the Independent to the Department of Human Services.
Department project manager Anna Vlahov had not returned the Independent’s call for comment before the paper went to press.