The proposed Dublin Code Amendment has received a mixed reaction from residents living in the township and surrounding districts at a community forum held this afternoon (Sunday 24th November).
The community forum, arranged by Tony Piccolo MP, the Labor Duty Member for Frome, was held to help local residents and landowners to gain a better understanding of the proposal, and the process that a proponent led code amendment needs to follow.
Mr Piccolo said he organised the community forum in response to concerns by some residents who did not fully understand the scope of the proposal and what role they play in the process.
The proponents were invited to the forum and explained what the code amendment sought to achieve, and what development would be permitted if the land was re-zoned.
“Mr Piccolo said that attendees found the community forum very helpful, as both the proponents and I explained different aspects of the proposal and process to be followed,” said Mr Piccolo.
“I ensured that residents and landowners understood their rights under the code amendment process.”
“Code amendments can have major impacts (both positive and negative) on local communities, so residents need to fully understand what they are being asked to comment upon.”
“While the proponents have outlined a bold vision for the re-zoning, incorporating a range of possible land uses, the proposal which will be considered by the Minister is only the strategic employment zone.”
What developments can occur within a strategic employment zone was explained to residents at the forum and a range of questions were asked.
Under the current rules governing proponent led code amendments, while the Minister for Planning is the final decision maker, Councils have an important role in communicating their communities’ views about the proposals.
Mr Piccolo told the meeting that he and the Adelaide Plains Council held different views about Council’s role in the process. He advised the forum about his experience with another code amendment where the Minister made it very clear that Councils should engage directly with their communities prior to making a decision as to their submission into the process.
Mr Piccolo has urged the Council to defer making a decision tomorrow night (Monday 25th) until they have had an opportunity to consult directly with their communities.
“Given that the consultation process is outsourced to the private proponents, Council has to ensure its residents have been given effective opportunities to participate in the process.”
“Ultimately, Council can make any decision it believes to be in the best interest of their community, but due process must be followed.”