Russell Mountford

2022 candidate for City of Prospect.
Heritage survey responses.

1. Do you think that Councils and community members need to have a greater voice in planning and development decisions affecting their local area?
   Yes. Too often councils make decisions that are clearly against community expectations. The public needs to be consulted more widely.

2. What role should Councils play in protecting local heritage places from demolition or inappropriate development?
   Where possible, councils should be prepared to intervene against any inappropriate destruction of heritage places. Building codes need to be examined to find ways to improve development.

3. How would you seek to improve protections for heritage places in your area?
   Tighten current protection regulations. Public awareness of the importance of the heritage and history of our area.

4. We rarely see new places added to local heritage listings. Why do you think this is?
   Heritage buildings are not usually appreciated. Greater community education about the importance of retaining parts of our history may be helpful.

5. 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 loss of natural habitat is disappointing and more needs to be done to support green spaces. I do believe the Code is in need of a review and overhaul.

6. What are the impacts of infill development in your area? What changes would you seek in the rules around infill development?
   The current system has allowed urban infilling to flourish at an alarming rate. Design codes need to be reviewed. I believe there needs to be a percentage of each block left undeveloped. Building to borders is causing problems. Each new home should be required to have at least one suitable living tree.

7. 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?
   Greater financial incentives perhaps through reduced rates to retain current buildings for renovation rather than demolition. The benefits of retention should be made clearer.

8. How should the community be informed and involved in decisions about new developments?
   There needs to be greater community awareness as soon as a new development is made. Community Reference Groups can be helpful in informing councils of the wider issues.

9. Do you think there is adequate tree canopy across your local government area?
   No. Greater protection of mature trees is important. Too often these are seen as nothing more than a nuisance. Financial incentives for householders who do retain large trees such as gums in their yard should be considered. A public tree planting scheme should be promoted.

10. How would you like to see significant and regulated trees in your area protected from removal?
    Programs designed to protect significant and regulated trees often fail. A council driven awareness program would be a good start. Greater penalties for those who destroy significant trees should be considered.

11. What involvement should Councils have in decisions about protecting or removing significant and regulated trees?
    Councils should be the lead authority in these matters. Again, public awareness is important.

12. What actions would you advocate to slow or mitigate the impacts of climate change in your local government area?
    Greater promotion of a green canopy. Encourage the planting of more trees and shrubs on private land. A public refresher in recycling codes. Increased charging stations for e-vehicles.

13. What issues are there with traffic and parking in your area?
    Urban infilling has caused many parking and access issues in our area. The current traffic management plan needs to be revisited to ensure it is meeting expectations.

14. How could transport options be improved in your area?
    I believe public transport options are reasonably served by local buses. Encouraging people to use public transport should again be promoted.

15. What would your top three priorities be for improving planning policy and outcomes in your local government area?
    Overhaul design codes relating to urban infilling.
    Improve the ratio of land to building on each building block.
    Improved public awareness in all matters.