The best way to read our newsletter is online at http://eepurl.com/7YxG1 – for the final version, with easy-to-read layout, and pictures. Read on for the plain-text version: Our Planning Update evening tomorrow (Tuesday); Feature: why we should worry about heatwaves; planning, politics and election news . . . + lots of events
** Update: What’s happening to Brunswick?
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Flyer Tomorrow 6.30pm: Don’t miss our Community Update on planning, transport and liveability in our suburb . . .
Moreland Council is planning major changes to land zoning and use of industrial sites across Brunswick. The State Government is also proposing major re-development of the Upfield rail corridor.
What will this mean for residents? We’ve invited planning consultant Stephen Rowley (former editor, Planning News and Vice-President of Planning Australia) and Will Coogan, Moreland Council’s Brunswick Place Manager to update us.
WHAT: BRN update on planning, transport and liveability
WHEN: Tuesday 11 November 2014, 6.30pm
WHERE: Saint Ambrose Community Centre, 287 Sydney Road, Brunswick
(enter through car park off Sydney Road, opposite Aldi).
* Please help promote this event by sharing this newsletter or our Facebook event
** Submissions due on C134
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The latest attempt to introduce the Brunswick Strategy Plan and other planning changes into the Moreland Planning Scheme is underway, with the re-exhibition of Amendment C134.
It’s just another last, final, never to be repeated chance for submissions to influence Brunswick’s planning scheme (until the new government changes everything all over again)!
The C134 planning amendment aims to:
* make changes to the Local Planning Policy Framework (LPPF) to implement Council’s strategic plans for Brunswick
* rezone strategically selected parcels of land to allow for urban renewal, and
* apply Environmental Audit Overlays to sites within the Brunswick activity centre identified as potentially contaminated land.
Submissions relating to the proposed changes are now open and can be made until Monday 1 December 2014. Maps and draft amendments are available online (http://www.moreland.vic.gov.au/building-and-planning/planning-scheme-amendments/amendment-c134-brunswick-activity-centre.html) . We’ll also discuss this at Tuesday’s meeting.
** New Mayor for Moreland
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Congratulations to our local Councillor, Meghan Hopper, who has been elected as Mayor for the next year, with Councillor Helen Davidson elected as her deputy.
Meghan Hopper is one of three councillors representing Brunswick on Moreland Council, and has been chair of Council’s Urban Planning Committee. View her message (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RfSbmYBUFbE) .
** Feature article: Urban Heatwaves
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Heatwaves kill more Australians than any other natural disasters. Extreme heat events pose a risk to the health of all individuals, but especially for the elderly and the chronically ill. Excess heat often occurs when unusually high overnight temperatures prevent daytime heat from being released.
Following a motion by Councillor Sue Bolton last February, Moreland Council has been upgrading its Heatwave Plan. Council commissioned a discussion paper that identifies current trends related to heatwaves, and possible adaptation initiatives including the establishment of heat refuges.
This feature article gives some background to the challenge of extreme heat for our community, and new initiatives adopted by Council at last month’s meeting:
Extreme heat events receive much less media attention than many other natural disasters. Cyclones, floods or bushfires cause highly public deaths and damage to businesses, homes and community infrastructure. In contrast, heatwave deaths are mostly private, silent deaths which only hit the media when morgues reach capacity or infrastructure fails.
For example, Melbourne experienced three consecutive days at or above 43°C in late January 2009. That week, 173 people died in the Black Saturday fires across Victoria. However there were 980 heat related deaths during this period, (http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1462901114000999) 374 more than would have occurred on average for that time of year.
The number of record hot days across Australia has doubled since the 1960s, and there has also been a significant increase in the frequency of days over 35 degrees in the last 50 years.
Areas of high urban density require careful planning to offset the urban heat island effect which intensifies heat exposures during hot weather. With ageing populations that are more vulnerable to extreme heat, and infrastructure that is not designed for successive hot days, our inner city suburbs are particularly at risk.
A recent study by Monash University found that heat waves can contribute to small increases in mortality at temperatures of 36–38°C, the levels return to baseline at 38–40°C, but the number of deaths increase as temperatures rise thereafter: “As people begin to feel uncomfortable they implement all available behavioural and technological adaptations such as using the air conditioner, restricting exposure to heat, and limiting physical activity. However, as the temperatures continue to increase, the limits of adaptation are reached and the mortality rate rises.” (Monash University 2013) (http://apo.org.au/files/Resource/Loughnan-ExtremeHeatEventsinAustralianCapitalCities.pdf)
The Monash study notes: “Population projections for the Melbourne region show increased population density in the inner Melbourne area – this will enhance the UHI [urban heat impact] in these areas and contribute to population risk.”
The numbers of days exceeding current heat thresholds are predicted to increase over the next 20 to 40 years in all Australian capital cities. Other countries have already experienced serious public health impacts: for example, the extreme heat event that ‘scorched’ France during August 2003 ‘induced a wave of excess short-term mortality estimated at approximately 15,000 deaths.
Beyond health impacts, heat waves will have adverse effects on transport and energy infrastructure.
The electrical generation and transmission system is particularly vulnerable to excessive temperatures and heatwaves. Higher temperatures reduce the efficiency and effectiveness of traditional coal fired power generation cooling systems and transmission lines, at the very time when electrical power is at peak demand including to run the electrified transport systems. This combination drives up electricity costs and stresses the system.
During the January 2009 heatwave in Melbourne, an estimated half a million homes lost power, the city’s rail and tram network was disrupted, thousands of businesses were forced to close lacking electrical power and affecting internet services nation-wide. (Price Waterhouse Coopers 2011 (http://www.pwc.com.au/industry/government/publications/extreme-heat-events.htm) ).
Melbourne’s train and tram networks suffered widespread failures during the 2009 heatwave, caused by faults to air conditioning systems and tracks buckling in the extreme heat. On 30 January 2009, approximately one quarter of train services did not run. Financial losses from the heatwave, estimated at $800 million, were mainly caused by the power outages and disruptions to the transport system.
In 2011, AECOM Australia prepared a study for the Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency on Melbourne’s train system and its vulnerability to heat waves. The report (http://www.environment.gov.au/system/files/resources/998041fb-afc1-46a6-a490-1a8f60f96a16/files/adaptation-options-rail-case-study.pdf) urged consideration of adaptation initiatives noting that “there are adaptation measures that result in net benefits for the community and drive a range of other positive outcomes” (AECOM 2011).
To help people adapt to hot weather and minimise the risk of heat exposures, information about adaptive behaviours should be made available. Much is being done, but there is much more we can do to make our cities, our homes and businesses and our infrastructure more resilient.
At its October 2014 meeting, Council agreed to continue all strategies and actions contained in the Heatwave Plan and carefully monitor their effectiveness. Amongst other initiatives, it proposed to:
* Investigate the introduction of the ‘Know Your Neighbour’ campaign as a means to build community resilience to heatwaves and other emergencies.
* Promote key community facilities as cool venues for respite from the heat during normal operating hours.
* Ensure access to drinking water at key community facilities during heatwave periods.
* Develop a Drinking Fountain Strategy to ensure adequate access to free water in the public domain.
The meeting voted to lobby the state government so that emergency planning measures be activated for heatwaves when the temperature is predicted to reach the heat health threshold for more than three days in a row.
** Disinvestment from fossil fuels
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According to the Prime Minister, Tony Abbott: “Coal is good for humanity, coal is good for prosperity, coal is an essential part of our economic future, here in Australia, and right around the world…Coal is essential for the prosperity of the world. Energy is what sustains our prosperity, and coal is the world’s principal energy source and it will be for many decades to come.”
Moreland Council however has joined a number of other public and private institutions that have begun to disinvest from the fossil fuel industry. Last month Moreland Council voted 6-3 to not invest in any fossil fuel companies and to begin the work of helping to untangle its banking from supporting institutions that support fossil fuel developments.
Councillors who voted for the motion: Lenka Thompson; Lita Gillies; Sam Ratnam; Helen Davidson; Oscar Yildiz; Sue Bolton
Councillors voting against: Cr John Kavanagh; Cr Rob Thompson; Meghan Hopper
Absent for vote: Lambros Tapinos; Michael Teti
** Events: pre-election and political
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Brunswick Residents Network Update on planning, traffic and liveability
Tomorrow, Tuesday 11 November at 6.30pm at St Ambrose’s. See details at the top of this newsletter
Brunswick Pre-election Forum
This Friday 14 November, the Brunswick Uniting Church will host a forum of candidates contesting the seat of Brunswick for the 29 November State election.
Sitting Brunswick MP Jane Garrett of the Australian Labor Party is being challenged by the Australian Greens’ Dr Tim Read, with several other parties and independents standing (see The ABC’s current list (http://www.abc.net.au/news/vic-election-2014/guide/brun/) ). The Brunswick Residents Network encourages BRN supporters to come along to find out more about Brunswick candidates’ policies, personalities, pork barrelling and promises!
WHAT: Candidates’ forum for November state Elections
WHEN: Friday 14 November 2014, 7.30pm
WHERE: Brunswick Uniting Church, 212 Sydney Road, Brunswick (corner of Merri Street).
Rally for Public Transport
Moreland community against the East West Tunnel (MCAT) is joining other public transport groups for a rally for public transport on Saturday 15 November. Further information : Cr Sue Bolton, 0413 377 978.
WHEN: Saturday 15 November, 1pm
WHERE: State Library, Swanston Street
FURTHER INFORMATION: Cr Sue Bolton, 0413 377 978
Quiz your candidates on Climate Change
If you’re still making up your mind who to vote for on 29 November, come along to a meeting to hear the candidates discuss climate change and environmental policy.
Climate Action Moreland (CAM) has organised a climate change forum for Moreland citizens on Monday 17 November, featuring candidates standing in Brunswick, Broadmeadows and Pascoe Vale.
WHAT: Candidates meeting on climate policy
WHEN: Monday 17 November, 7 to 9pm
WHERE: Coburg Town Hall, 90 Bell Street, Coburg
Further information: FaceBook Event (https://www.facebook.com/events/550187368458162/)
** Poster Open space events, picnics and fetes
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Open Space 1: Fleming Park
Don’t forget to join BRN, the Moreland Band and local community groups at the Fleming Park festival on Sunday 23 November. The event is funded by the Moreland City Council under their Celebrating Place program. It’s planned as a celebration of the activities that happen at Fleming Park and will include:
* Performances from the Moreland City Band and a variety of other jazz bands throughout the day
* Opportunities for the local community to have a go at Lacrosse and hockey
* A tasty BBQ
* African drumming workshops
* A small craft market
* AND a Brunswick Residents Network table!
WHEN: Sun, 23 November, 11am – 6pm
WHERE: Fleming Park, Brunswick East (map (http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en-GB&q=Fleming%20Park%2C%20Brunswick%20East%20VIC%203057%2C%20Australia) )
Open Space 2: Park for a day
On Sunday 28 September, Friends of Edward Street organised a ‘pop-up’ park in the Dods Street car park, as part of their long-running campaign to create a small green space in a largely unused car park.
By adding a bit of turf, mulch, sand and trees, people had a chance to imagine a permanent park in the Edward / Dods Street car park. On the day, the ‘dream wall’ allowed young and old to imagine a great future with enhanced public space.
Check out the video on YouTube: Park For A Day (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=28sxSq6bvF0)
Open Space 3: Wilson Avenue
Congratulations to Moreland Council for winning a Victorian Planning Award for Excellence on 10 October. The award was for ‘best planning idea – small projects’, and the project was Jewell of Brunswick (Wilson Avenue project).
BRN has long campaigned for more community facilities and open space in Brunswick, so it’s good to see some recognition for this initiative.
This Sunday: Princes Hill Bazaar
Rides, stalls, food, entertainment – music, bands, talent quest
This Sunday is the famous Princes Hill Primary School Bazaar. I’s bigger than Texas, and means so much in the way of supporting student services at the school. Get a hamburger from the stall co-run by this Network’s Jo Stanley!
WHEN: Sun, 16 November, 10am – 4pm
WHERE: Princes Hill Primary School (just across Park Street. no passport required . . .)
** And more . . .
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You can now view local events from the Google calendar on our website (https://brunswickresidents.wordpress.com) – and copy to your electronic calendar!
Perceptions of CCTV in Brunswick
University of Melbourne student Caitlin Overington would like to hear your views on CCTV in Brunswick, and invites you to join her in a focus group in late November (she has two alternative times).
WHAT: “As a PhD Candidate at the University of Melbourne, I will be conducting focus groups in the Brunswick area in the next month. I am keen to hear from those who have a connection with the area who would be willing to discuss their perceptions of how CCTV influences public behaviour and spaces. While the focus may vary according to each session, themes on public safety, experiences of Sydney Road during the day and night and public responses to the City of Moreland’s CCTV project may be discussed. These focus groups will form part of a larger study investigating the use of CCTV by, and within, the City of Moreland and City of Melbourne, to be completed in 2015.”
WHEN: Monday 24 November at 11am OR Thursday 27 November at 7pm. Sessions will go for no more than one hour. Refreshments and nibbles will be provided.
WHERE: Campbell Turnbull Library Meeting Room (http://www.moreland.vic.gov.au/about-council/halls-venues-hire/meeting-rooms/campbell-turnbull-library-meeting-room.html)
RSVP or more details: Please email Caitlin Overington, caitlin.overington@unimelb.edu.au (mailto:caitlin.overington@unimelb.edu.au)
BUG Meetings
The BUG meets on the fourth Thursday of each month. It also organises fortnightly rides at a leisurely pace, on alternate Wednesdays (even weeks of the year), with the next one on 12 November. Join or view the BUG e-list (http://groups.google.com/forum/#!forum/MorelandBUG)
MoreArt 2014
If you’re walking or riding along the Upfield path check out MoreArt, the annual contemporary art exhibition appearing in unique public sites along the railway line. The MoreArt exhibition will run until Friday 19 December. You can find maps and vote for your favourites on the Council website (http://www.moreland.vic.gov.au/arts-and-festivals/public-art/moreart-public-art-show.html) . There are also walking tours this week:
* Friday 14 November, departing Gowrie Station, Fawkner at 11 am, ends at 1.30 pm
* Saturday 15 November, departing Coburg Station, Coburg at 11 am, ends at 1.30 pm
November Full Moreland Council meeting
Wednesday 12 November 2014 – 7 pm
Council Chamber, Brunswick Town Hall, Cnr Sydney Rd and Dawson St Brunswick. The entry is in Dawson Street. (NOT in Coburg as advertised in our last newsletter).
* Check latest times and location at the Council website (http://www.moreland.vic.gov.au/about-council/council-and-committee-meetings.html)
** MAILING LIST AND FURTHER INFORMATION:
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We love feedback! To contact organisers of the Brunswick Residents’ Network, or to help with future activities, please email albertstreet2020@gmail.com. For meeting details, survey and newsletter archives, go to: https://brunswickresidents.wordpress.com
Check out our Facebook page: Brunswick Residents Network (https://www.facebook.com/Brunswick.Residents.Network) . Help us reach more people by liking our page, commenting, sharing news and this newsletter.
Please forward this e-letter to other Moreland neighbours who’d like a say in the way their community is changing. It’s now easy to sign on, or edit your details to include your interests – just go to http://eepurl.com/VX4a9.
Any election matter in this newsletter is authorised by N Maclellan, 135 Albert Street Brunswick
Brunswick Residents Network 