Concerned local residents attended an information session on Tuesday 6 February keen to find answers about how the Victorian Government’s proposed development at St George’s Hospital in Kew will impact their quiet residential streets.
The Victorian Government plans to build a 90-bed public aged residential facility to be accessed via congested Normanby Road, and a new ambulance station which will be built facing Downton Grove, Kew.
Cotham Ward Councillor Felicity Sinfield and Council officers attended the session to listen to residents’ feedback.
“Upon Council’s request, the Victorian Government organised the additional information session,” Cr Sinfield said.
“We are pleased to see many residents who missed out on the previous information session were able to ask questions and relay their concerns to the Department of Health and Human Services, Ambulance Victoria and St Georges Hospital.
“However, there remain many unanswered questions about the potential impact of the proposed development on neighbouring properties.
“We are not opposed to the intent of the development. We certainly welcome the establishment of important infrastructure and services within Boroondara. However, due to the site’s public use zoning, neither residents nor Council have the opportunity to be involved in decisions about the most appropriate location for the facilities on the site, as would be the case if the proposals followed the normal planning permit process. That is why it is so important for the Victorian Government to listen to the concerns being raised.
“We have requested the detailed architectural plans to enable us to assess the potential amenity impacts of the proposed development. The Victorian Government has advised to date that they will not provide the information unless Council signs a confidentiality agreement preventing Council from sharing information with our community. Such secrecy is not acceptable.”
Residents who are interested in the project can keep up-to-date by visiting https://vhhsba.vic.gov.au/health-infrastructure/st-georges-hospital-aged-care-facility .
Residents can also contact Cotham Ward Councillor Cr Felicity Sinfield via email ([email protected]) should they wish to discuss further concerns about the project.
Contact us
For media queries, contact [email protected] or phone 9278 4423.