Matthew Shilling

2022 candidate for City of Marion.
Heritage survey responses.

Do you think that Councils and community members need to have a greater voice in planning and development decisions affecting their local area?
Yes I do. Council assessment panels are import but only 1 of 5 voices is a Local member of the Community being an elected member. I am currently serving on the CAP and although I support development I believe it needs to be done in a way that respects the area and protect nature not destroy it.
What role should Councils play in protecting local heritage places from demolition or inappropriate development?
Where possible Councils should be fighting to preserve history, especially around retention of buildings. Some cannot be saved, but every option should be considered.
How would you seek to improve protections for heritage places in your area?
By engaging with the community to understand what they feel is heritage etc. If re-elected serving on CAP is great way to understand where change is occurring and what can be done to preserve.
We rarely see new places added to local heritage listings. Why do you think this is?
People think Heritage is old things/places. However it can be a variety of things. However, I do disagree with the Marion Cultural Centre being heritage listed, I don't believe it needs to be listed. Rules around heritage listing need to be better defined. The listing of the MCC now limits any upgrades of the building.
How has the Planning and Design Code impacted on the heritage, amenity, and environment of your area? What changes would you seek to the Code?
The code needs to better reflect the voice of the broader community and not developers. Currently Council is seeking some amendments and I will continue to support amendments that better assist our community.
What are the impacts of infill development in your area? What changes would you seek in the rules around infill development?
Infill is not to bad in my specific ward as parts are only 20 years old, however in the northern part of my ward I support residents who are against large scale infill, however I support development to a point. One becoming two as long as there is adequate off street parking and landscaping space. I get concerned when one becomes three or four. This is very prevalent in the North of Marion and it impacts all. We need to find the right balance.
Construction of new housing typically uses 30% labour and 70% materials. Renovation of existing housing stock typically uses 70% labour and 30% materials. What policy changes would you like to see made to encourage people to renovate, rather than demolish and build anew?
I personally renvated my own home as I did not have the budget to re-build, one day hopefully I will re-build as the house will eventually be to small for my family needs.Council cannot create policies to encourage renovations, however the code can be altered to assist with what kind of develpoment occurs if re-built.
How should the community be informed and involved in decisions about new developments?
Communicate better with Local Reps and not leave it to the last minute. However, notification should be done better for more levels of development, however this is a legislation chage at State Government level.
Do you think there is adequate tree canopy across your local government area?
No, however, Council is dealing with this and planting up to 4500 trees per year and have increased the watering truck capacity to deal with new plantings.
How would you like to see significant and regulated trees in your area protected from removal?
Protected as much as possible,unless it is causing a risk to the community (eg: is very likely to drop large limbs often) The committee I chaired in 2021 introduced a Tree Management Fund for regulated.significant trees on private property. Residents can apply for up to 50% of arborist fees to maintain the tree (up to $1500) a great initiative that many residents have utilised. I support the continuing of this program
What involvement should Councils have in decisions about protecting or removing significant and regulated trees?
Council should be supporting the retntion of trees where possible. Encouraging re-design and complenting the area is a great start.
What actions would you advocate to slow or mitigate the impacts of climate change in your local government area?
Council has introduced a Carbon Neutral Plan for its operations by 2030. This is a great start, however we can not dictate what residents do on their properties. However, increasing our tree canopy, keeping parks green and having verge garden initiatives help.
What issues are there with traffic and parking in your area?
We have a couple of intersections that cause great distress at peak times. One is currently funded and about to commence being upgraded. Others are state roads, however lobbying local MPs is getting momentum on getting these on capital works programs.
How could transport options be improved in your area?
Very few buses through Southern hills Suburbs or dont service large sections. However, large numbers of residents drive and park at Hallett Cove and access Trains.
What would your top three priorities be for improving planning policy and outcomes in your local government area?
Maintain Regulated/Significant Trees
Continuing tree canopy increase
Better offsite parking for new builds