Years pass but some local issues persist

It is hard to believe that 12 months ago when we held our AGM, and after being addressed by the Lord Mayor, Sally Capp, we asked Peter Doherty to give an overview of this new infectious disease, COVID 19.

Peter made us all aware of the seriousness of COVID but little did we know the next weekend we would be locked down and lives would change dramatically! A year later we are holding our virtual AGM and Peter will be reflecting on 2020 and moving forward. 

Thinking back to Sally Capp’s address we also discussed issues affecting Parkville –particularly the issue of “rat runners” speeding through our narrow streets.

The Lord Mayor mentioned reducing the speed limits through South Parkville to 30 kph and the 70-plus members in the room were unanimous in their support. Our streets are again being used to avoid the traffic delays in Gatehouse St and sadly traffic surveys demonstrate some very irresponsible driving.

Currently there are plans to trial flat speed humps in Degraves St where an average speed of more than 40 kmh in a short and narrow street is quite frightening. We will work with the council to pursue other measures to make our streets safer.

March also was the month for the hearing of planning amendment C278 proposed by the City of Melbourne. Simply put, it covers off the overshadowing of parks by developments measured by the winter solstice. We made a submission and presented to the panel. Our major concern is the potential creep of the bio-medical  precincts and development of apartments in West Parkville which could overshadow Royal Park. 

I also attended a meeting of the Community Reference Group for Melbourne Metro where we were given a preview of the Airport Rail Link. Less than 14 minutes from Parkville station to Tulla! It’s a very impressive development – just a little too late for me, having worked in Tullamarine for more than 40 years!

I also had the pleasure of meeting the principal of University High School, Ciar Foster, for a chat about what our association and Uni High could do together for the community. It was very exciting and Ciar will be joining us at a future event to meet local residents. We will catch up on a regular basis and keep all across the wonderful developments at Uni High. First opened in Parkville in 1930 we are very lucky to have this great school in our suburb.

Finally, as our AGM approaches I would like to thank our committee for their great support. It is frightening to think five years have passed since I started leading the group. Our residents in North, West and South Parkville are great contributors to the wonderful community! Thank you for your support •