While most were aware of the hardships experienced by the hospitality and retail industries during Covid, there was one hard-hit group that has been largely ignored by society.
Now, the low-profile organisation representing property developers has made an unprecedented move and released their ‘master plan’ for recovery.
The Builders And Developers Action Society’s president, Mr Yuri McFladden said in a statement today “nobody thinks of the difficulties property developers go through. How are we supposed to buy Versace and Lamborghinis when there is no more land to develop?”
In their sights is the Mornington Peninsula “Green Wedge” and they have released their master plan entitled “Mornington Peninsula 2030: Concrete and Cash”.
“Whatever you do, don’t print this” said Mr McFladden.
“But what we’re planning is to weaken the legislative protection, overwhelm planning challenges in court, and completely develop the whole useless ‘Green Wedge’ into high-rise buildings.”
“It’ll be bloody brilliant!”
“Mornington Peninsula 2030: Concrete and Cash” contains detailed modelling showing that, “if done correctly”, the Mornington Peninsula could house an extra 1.1 million people. Mostly in high-rise developments in the current “Green Wedge”.
“The ‘Green Wedge’ is old fashioned and out of date,” said Mr McFladden.
“Want to breathe fresh air? Buy an air purifier! Nobody needs to walk through paddocks getting grass stains on their Gucci loafers!”
Mr McFladden claims developing the “Green Wedge” into high-rise apartments will be the “ultimate levelling of the playing field” allowing ocean views for those well inland.
“It won’t just be people living on the cliffs with sea views anymore”, said Mr McFladden.
“We believe any resident on the 40th floor and above will be able to see the ocean from their apartment. Until we build another apartment eight feet away from their window. Then they’ll be able to see their neighbours, that will be able to see the ocean from their apartment.”
The “Green Wedge” is currently protected under the Planning and Environment (Metropolitan Green Wedge Protection) Act 2003.
The pursuit of a “Peri-Regional” designation by the Mornington Peninsula Shire, without legislative change, is seen as critical for the development of the “Green Wedge” as it could see the peninsula fall outside the protection of existing legislation.
Specifically, s 46AA that lists Mornington Peninsula Shire as part of the “metropolitan fringe planning scheme” and s 46AC that defines “green wedge land” as “land that is described in a metropolitan fringe planning scheme as being outside an urban growth boundary”.
“We are calling on the Mornington Peninsula Shire to pursue ‘Peri-Regional’ status without changing the legislation” said Mr McFladden.
“All we need is a chance. Just let us get our foot in the door. It will the thin edge of the (Green) Wedge”.
