Media statement - Incorrect information in The Age on planning

Published on 30 May 2024

The below statement relates to an article published on The Age website on May 29 and in their paper on May 30. The Age has been contacted to correct the article.

Media statement by Monash Mayor, Cr Nicky Luo

An article in The Age incorrectly states that Monash Council agreed to overhaul planning controls around future Surburban Rail Loop stations. Put simply, our resolution on Tuesday evening did not do this.

Instead, Council noted a report outlining what is included in the latest community engagement material released by the Victorian Government's Surburban Rail Loop Authority (SRLA) and that we would make a submission in the near future.

Council does not yet have a position on the proposed building height levels and will likely settle on a submission to the SRLA at a meeting in the near future. From the discussion among Councillors at our meeting on Tuesday, there is uncertainty from some Councillors about the Victorian Government and SRLA approach to engaging with both Council and our community. In particular, we are seeking more detail about the community infrastructure that would support such growth once the Victorian Government takes over planning controls around future Surburban Rail Loop stations.

The Suburban Rail Loop is an important transport project for Melbourne, and a potential game changer for how people travel to, from and around Monash. But as it is crucial to get it right, we ask for more genuine Council input into these decisions at each step of the process - before they reach the community engagement stage.

Ends

The Council report referenced in the article and above can be read here, video from the Council meeting can be viewed here (from 34:40).