With the election looming, five controversial developments have been approved
Victorian Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny has fast-tracked several controversial property developments just before the state government enters caretaker mode. The move has drawn criticism from local councils and residents who feel their concerns regarding neighborhood character were bypassed.
Why it matters
The use of ministerial 'fast-track' powers raises questions about democratic accountability and the balance between urban development and local community input.
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Share A A A Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny has used her sweeping fast-track powers to green-light a string of controversial developments in the past fortnight, before the state government enters pre-election caretaker mode.
Developers now have permission to convert a former orphanage into apartments in Surrey Hills that will rise above local height rules and to build a 15-storey apartment tower in Oakleigh three levels higher than the government’s own limit.
Renders of developments approved by Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny in the past fortnight. Michael Howard Kilkenny has also approved planning scheme changes so work can progress on a seven-storey hotel in St Kilda, 1100 new homes at the site of the old Talbot Quarry in Oakleigh South, and more than 200 homes in Nagambie.
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