Dog leashed/unleased and prohibited areas

Dog leashed/unleased and prohibited areas
Originally uploaded by baudman 

City of Melbourne provided a brochure with better colouring than the signage displayed within the park.

Changes to dog off-leash areas

Changes to dog off-leash areas
Originally uploaded by baudman 

Temporary signage has been put up about the park.

Essentially, the new artificial turfed soccer field is a dog free zone. Most other areas are now off lead, with a few exceptions, including (obviously) the kid's playground and surrounds.

Here we go again?

Of course, there's no mention of use of the park, but it appears the East-West link road tunnel could be back on the agenda, if the new state government listens to Sir Rod Eddington (Infrastructure Australia), and VECCI.

...The east-west road tunnel is also seen as crucial to give Melbourne another river crossing and another east-west route. The tunnel would connect the Eastern Freeway with the Tullamarine Freeway and Western Ring Road.

Mr James said the North-East Interconnector was also important. This freeway would join the Western Ring Road to EastLink, creating the ''missing link'' in a total metropolitan ring road.

He nominated channel deepening and EastLink as two of Labor's proudest achievements. ''EastLink has been a fantastic boon for the east … property prices have risen dramatically,'' he said...

http://www.theage.com.au/business/industry-wants-fast-moves-from-baillieu-20101129-18dw3.html

Initial plan for BMX track redesign

BMX track1
Originally uploaded by baudman 

After meeting with users of the track, this is a preliminary sketch for a redesign of the bicycle tracks encircling the skate park at JJ Holland Park.

You can see a large ramp, leading to some tabletops, (one track larger than the other) as well as a smaller, snakey pump track.

There is also a proposed area for kids and/or scooter, on the right of the skate park.

If you have any comments, please forward them to sarah.doubleday@melbourne.vic.gov.au

Spring has arrived, in abundance

Women's jogging group, personal training, and two junior cricket teams warming up
Originally uploaded by baudman 

Fake grass

Fake grass
Originally uploaded by baudman 

The last stages of the new sports field are in full swing. Green stuff going down.

Arden-Macaulay Structure Plan consultation

While attending a presentation by GAMUT on the new Melbourne Metro1 Rail project, a representative from the City of Melbourne was mentioning how it fit in with their long-term plans for the Arden area.

In addition to using that area for residential development, they are also wanting to develop it as a CBD-edge area, with small business and white-collar jobs, as well as the beautification of Moonee Ponds Creek, and the potential to increase that with reclaiming some of the surrounds as parkland.

That REALLY pricked my ears up.

If you want to get involved, take a look at http://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/getinvolved/StructurePlans/ArdenMacaulay/Pages/Information.aspx and get along to the briefing they're holding next Wednesday.

Soccer Pitch getting closer

I'd imagine the rains have been hampering their efforts, however the levels of layered pebbles/grit/sand/etc are now getting to the point where they are only just below the concrete surround/guttering.

To the casual observer, I think the fake turf will be going down quite soon.

A little homework

They're claiming they're listening - so make the most of the opportunity.

Melbourne Metro Rail Tunnel

The State Government, as a part of the Melbourne Metro Rail Tunnel project, are seeking feedback regarding, mainly, the placement of the 'Arden' Station. There are three proposed positions detailed here, none of which is likely to have an impact upon JJ Holland Park, although depending upon the placement chosen, during construction there's likely to be an impact upon Childers Street, and some of the carparks there.

A number of individuals from the community, including members of the Kensington Association Committee, met with the Project Manager and two other key project team members (interestingly, all from the Kensington/Flemington area).

Depending upon the Arden Street Station positioning, and the placement of the tunnel entrance, at this point they could neither confirm nor deny if some houses would need to be acquired. The Kensington Association has asked for more information regarding the possible impact to local residents.

At this point, they have not received a response - however it has been promised. So keep an eye out on the Kensington Association website, and I'll also be sure to post it here. The link above prompts you to make a response with your preferred placement, however we would urge you to wait until the answers regarding impacts on the South Kensington area have been ascertained. We have until Friday, Sept 17th.

City of Melbourne - Municipal Strategic Statement (MSS)

The City of Melbourne is asking for submissions regarding the use and development of land, with respect to growth, as well as accessibility and complementing public spaces, land use and developing an 'eco-city'.

If you would like to have your say - check out the MCC section of the City of Melbourne's website and submit a response. Submissions end Friday, Sept 3rd.

An email from Kensington Association

Association phones and emails ran hot over the last few days as the recently released metro rail proposal appeared to carve off a part of Holland Park (and maybe a few houses) for a new rail tunnel!!!

The document “Melbourne Metro Rail Tunnel: Preferred Station Locations July 2010” includes this map which appears to show a relocated South Kensington Station and a tunnel entrance either in Holland Park or in the southern end of Ormond Street. (It’s the green triangle just above Dynon Road)

“Not again” seemed to be the collective feeling.

Then a quick stocktake of campaign materials from our last fight…. “Where did we leave those banners?”….”I am sure there is a box of stickers somewhere”.

A call to our local member Bronwyn Pike was the next step.

15 minutes later we received a call from a senior adviser in Minister for Transport, Martin Pakula’s office!

There followed a fairly animated discussion as the advisor sought to explain that this was only an artist impression and should not be seen to indicate that Holland Park is going to be a tunnel entrance or that South Kensington Station will be moved to allow that to happen.

Hmmmmm

Later yesterday we received a letter from Bronwyn Pike, a full copy of which will be available from our website, www.kensingtonassociation.org.au in a couple of days (or on request by return email).

Key points in Bronwyn’s letter include:

• The intention is that the Melbourne Metro Rail Tunnel project will not affect JJ Holland Park;
• It is not anticipated that the project will require the acquisition of any residential property in the South Kensington area;
• The major construction entry point will occur in the North Melbourne area at the site of the proposed Arden Metro Station. Whilst some construction work may be required in the South Kensington area I can confirm that the majority of works will be undertaken in an area currently used for industrial purposes; and
• South Kensington station will not be moved - the map as printed in online documents is merely an artist's impression and is not to scale.

The Association will be meeting with Department of Transport officials over the next few weeks to seek further clarification.

The metro-rail link is a potentially great initiative and the State Government should be commended for investing in rail rather than just more freeways. That said, there should be no doubt that we will fight to protect Holland Park and the houses of local residents, particularly given that there acres and acres of industrial land just south of the railway line.

In the meantime:

• Thank you Bronwyn for your speedy response, it really is appreciated.
• Friends and Neighbours - keep your powder dry.

Regards

David Ettershank

Chairperson

The Kensington Association

It's very comforting to hear that proposal is that most of the tunnel construction will be coming from the Arden Street Station site in North Melbourne, which makes sense, if you think of it. They'll need to construct a LOT more than just a tunnel at that site.

The image from the report, in the email above, is really just an indicator of rough city layout and lines connecting stations. I think the video animation (which is, again, just an artist's impression) is probably more representational.

This still (my arrow), taken from the video, seems to indicate that the tunnel entry point would be around half-way along the southern side of the park - around the point where that pavillion is now.

Even so, it would be good to hear just what timelines, and disruption, would be likely in the construction of the tunnel entrance, and how long this (and any other) construction would take.

More detail on the metro rail link

In addition to updates to other aspects of their Transport Plan, the State Government has launched a new campaign regarding the new metro rail link.

This new link, from Footscray to Domain (and ultimately, beyond to Caulfield) is entirely dependent upon Federal Government funding, which at present, it does not have.

However, by watching this video, it appears that the south side of JJ Holland Park, at Childers Street, is likely to have some pretty heavy construction activity present for quite a few years.

Melbourne rail revamp revealed

It seems I was a little hasty in saying no information about the rail yet (see post below). However, there's precious-little in here, that wasn't released a few years back in the transport report.

http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/melbourne-rail-revamp-revealed-20100712-107ak.html?autostart=1

It does mention that the country rail may take 26 houses in Footscray, but again, no word about where the metro rail tunnel actually goes underground, nor about the mechanics of digging it etc etc. We all just hope that their promise to not touch Holland Park remains.

State Government releases more info on the WestLink road tunnel

3 proposals. Another study. More here.

The Age - Houses to go in plan to divert trucks

Herald Sun - Residents triumphant in first WestLink stoush

In 2008, Sir Rod Eddington's report into Melbourne's transport problems called for an east-west road tunnel linking the Eastern Freeway to the Western Ring Road. And, while the controversial Eddington proposal is still on the agenda, the Government has no plan to build it.

Herald Sun - Tunnel to ease the squeeze

Herald Sun - John the builder of poll strategy


Pic from the Herald Sun


No further specifics on the rail tunnel, and where it is likely to head down (at some point after Footscray station and before South Kensington is all we know).

Winter Sunshine in the Park

Works on the soccer pitch continue

Traffic diversion

Almost all of Saturday, the traffic that normally goes down Dynon Road, came through the industrial park and down Childers Street. It was like this, pretty much all day.

Out with the old...

... and in with the new

Funding plea puts east-west tunnel back on agenda - Melbourne Leader

A BRUMBY Government submission to Canberra shows Spring St is actively pursuing a road tunnel from Kensington to Clifton Hill, residents claim.

The project was first mooted in the 2008 Eddington report, but community backlash forced the government to back away from any immediate plans when it released its $38 billion Victorian Transport Plan later that year.

However, a Spring St submission to the Federal Department of the Environment indicates the tunnel would follow the completion of the $3.5 billion Westlink project, which is expected to begin in 2013.

The submission was seeking the department’s permission to proceed with the project linking Western Ring Rd with Kensington via Sunshine Rd and a new tunnel under Footscray.

The document refers to Westlink as the “immediate priority” in a “three-stage” proposal to build an 18km link between Melbourne’s western suburbs and the Eastern Freeway in accordance with the Eddington Report.

The east-west tunnel was a cornerstone of Sir Rod Eddington’s report, titled Investing in Transport...

Read the rest here - http://melbourne-leader.whereilive.com.au/news/story/funding-plea-puts-east-west-tunnel-back-on-agenda/

The stream of angry residents converging on the suspected site
of where the tunnel would come out.

Work on the soccer pitch commences

Signs and fencing erected, for the works to commence.


What soccer pitch? Check out here.

Stage One of the BMX track refurbishment complete

Previously, we informed you of the City of Melbourne's intentions to raise the standard, and therefore the use of, the BMX track within JJ Holland Park.

This was to be done in two stages - first, reduce any safety issues the track currently has. Secondly, look at the viability of a redesign/repurpose.

It is pleasing to see that they've incorporated a number of the suggestions from the public meeting into their first stage - they've made the track safer, and incorporated feedback regarding the shape of jumps, and the diameter of berms.

Notice the compacted top, and the lip. (Unfortunately, this kid didn't see this as a feature. Thankfully, after I chastised him a few times, his dad came across from watching the footy and did the same).
Tighter radius turns - makes a speedy approach to jumps
Instead of mounds, there are now kickers.

Freeway not worth cost

More proof of how well the State Government does its sums with respect to their transport plan.

THE economic case for the Brumby government's top transport project is in tatters, with its own figures revealing benefits barely a third of its multibillion-dollar price tag.

The WestLink freeway, a six-lane road under Footscray and through Sunshine West, was estimated to cost $3.5 billion when the state asked Canberra to fund it in October 2008.

But a confidential submission to the Rudd government reveals estimated economic benefits that would flow from building the freeway of just $1.14 billion. This included travel-time savings of $700 million and a reduction in crash costs of $11 million.

Canberra knocked back funding despite Victoria declaring last year the freeway was its ''number one priority project'' for federal funding. The Age understands a core reason was the poor economic return on building the road.

The cost of the project has since blown out to $5 billion, although Roads Minister Tim Pallas is pressing ahead with the freeway despite not having the money to build it.

Read the whole article here - http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/freeway-not-worth-cost-20100520-vovs.html

Déjà vu

Almost two years ago, a fight began in earnest to Save Holland park from destruction (certainly temporarily, but potentially for all time) by its use as a staging area for the development of the East-West tunnel, a recommendation from the oft-called 'Eddington Report'.

The idea was that the park could be used as the major construction point to create the tunnel. Through overwhelming community support, in addition to support from our representatives at all three levels of government, (and a little help from the Global Finanical Crisis probably didn't hurt), the proposal was defeated.

In its Victorian Transport Plan, the East-West Link tunnel was not an option, and it was specifically stated that JJ Holland Park would be left as is.

However, there have been some stirrings of another spectre.

The Melbourne Metro Rail Tunnel Stage 1 - (link to official site) - plans to provide a new rail link from Footscray, underground to the Hospital/University district north of the CBD, linking with the City Loop at Flinders St, and potentially Melbourne Central, and eventually going to Domain and Caulfield as part of Stage 2.

The Kensington Association, in their newsletter reports :

Agenda Item 6 – Victorian Government Transport Plan

Matt Hammond reported on a recent meeting where several matters relevant to Kensington were raised. The plan includes a new set of rail lines from North Melbourne to Footscray to increase the capacity of the route for country trains. The tracks would be sited on the Dynon Road side of the existing lines, therefore there should be little impact on Kensington. However, the route of the proposed new Footscray-Parkville-Domain underground metro railway is potentially of concern. It appears that the route may be overground from Footscray to South Kensington, then branching into an underground tunnel portal at South Kensington, posing a similar threat to the aborted East-West road tunnel project. Depending on track alignment, it is possible that a proposal requiring the use of Holland Park as a tunnel entrance, or compulsory acquisition of some housing in South Kensington for the rail tunnel entrance could be reasonably envisaged. It was agreed that the Association would maintain a watching brief on the transport plan.

(My bold)

We will be watching this too. And we suggest you do likewise. The official site does not mention anything yet. The State Government, through Bronwyn Pike's direct influence, categorically stated that JJ Holland Park would remain untouched. However, we do all know how governments change their minds. And the current state government do not have a good track record with listing to the wishes of the public.

(NOTE: The recent tree removal within JJ Holland Park is for the expansion of the Soccer pitch, and has nothing to do with the above).

Dogs in JJ Holland Park

The City of Melbourne are changing the on/off leash areas of Holland Park. In essence, they're restricting the amount of off leash areas, and swapping the soccer field for the other oval. There are a number of signs (below) at the main entry points to the park showing the way the areas were* and what is proposed.

If you have any comments, contact City of Melbourne on 9658 9658.

*Although, I always understood there was a 50m threshold around any children's playground that was a no-go zone

BMX Track - Community Meeting March 16th 5pm

From a flyer taped about the park

The City of Melbourne is investigating improving the BMX track design of at JJ Holland Park. Residents and community groups are invited to give their suggestions about improvements.

Consultation meetings will be held on:

Tuesday 16th march
Kensington Community Recreation Centre (the pool)
Cnr Kensington Rd and Altona St

5pm - MTB/BMX riders
6pm - General Community info session

Riders can send their design suggestions for consideration prior to the meeting to:
hollandpark.bmx@melbourne.vic.gov.au

The big wet

The Venny

Work continues on The Venny