City of Kingston Council Mayor, Georgina Oxley, is calling on the Victorian Government to allow “proper time” for thorough assessment and “genuine” community consultation on development plans for the former Kingswood Golf Course site.
The developer, Satterley, finalised the purchase of the 53.4 hectare site, situated in Dingley Village, for around $220 million early last year.
The company plans to build around 800 homes, with a median lot price of about $440,000.
Chief Executive and Founder, Nigel Satterley said of the acquisition: “The Satterley team are looking forward to developing the site into an iconic infill master planned community with extensive open space, mature landscaping and family parks for both existing and future residents to enjoy, all within a short stroll of the established amenity in Dingley Village”.
Satterley gave the Dingley Village community a first look at the proposed development plans late last year.
Mayor Oxley says there is real concern within the community that Council and residents won’t get enough time to properly review the “complex proposal”.
“We’re demanding meaningful community engagement before anything is set in stone,” Mayor Oxley said.
The proposed development would increase Dingley Village’s population by 20-25%, making community input critical, she said.
“The community has already shown massive interest in this project – 8,000 objections were lodged against a previous plan.”
Council is also questioning how public assets will be managed and whether the development will contribute adequately to essential community infrastructure.
“Once built, Council will be responsible for roads, footpaths, parks, open spaces, and services for thousands of new residents,” Mayor Oxley said.
“We must have a fair say in how these assets are planned and maintained.”
The Mayor recently wrote to Victorian Planning Minister, Sonya Kilkenny, welcoming her decision to require public consultation on the Development Plan – something which is not legally mandated.
“We’re pleased the Minister is allowing consultation, reinforcing the government’s own Advisory Committee findings that past consultation has been inadequate, and that comprehensive engagement is essential,” Mayor Oxley said.
Kingston Council is calling on the Victorian Government to commit to a transparent, in-depth consultation process that “genuinely” considers community concerns.
