1) Vibrant Communities - Kate_Hely

It really bugs me that there are so many amazing heritage buildings in areas like Chapel Street which are being left to fall apart by their owners. (e.g. the building Coles is in)I love the restoration of the Prahran Arcade building (the JB HiFi and the fancy Dan Murphies) but this was an expensive labour of love by a passionate owner. So how can we work to incentivise amazing heritage buildings to be restored, loved, celebrated and activated? How could the planning scheme be tweaked to make this happen?

The Salvation Army Street Team (I like to call them ‘Rangers’ because it sounds cooler) have been doing the rounds on Chapel Street every Friday and Saturday night, and public holiday eves, from 10pm into the early hours of the morning.

Since November 2021, the team has supported vulnerable and substance affected young people in the entertainment precinct. Support has included driving people home when Taxi and Uber services refuse to take them, booking taxis or ride share services when phone batteries have run flat; transport to medical services; and transport to train stations and other locations where individuals can reconnect with friends. The team has also undertaken a large number of welfare checks handing out sick bags, bottled water, Chupa Chups and thongs and waited with individuals until friends, family or transport arrives. They have also proactively responded to observed unsafe behaviour such as intoxicated individuals walking on the road and reminded visitors of public drinking laws and the safe disposal of glass bottles.

In addition, the team has undertaken welfare checks and rendered support to people sleeping rough in the precinct including providing transport to hospital for treatment and making referral to support services including the Stonnington Zero By-Name-List.

The Youth Street Team number is 1800266686

Council run events are a great way to bring community together. They are also an important opportunity to increase visitation to our local businesses.

Stonnington analyses its key events to help understand the impact to the local area and also how to improve for next time.

Recent analysis has indicated that:

The 91% of surveyed people said they would like to see Stonnington Street Bounce event and the event bright in about $87,000 in spending in local businesses.
The Glow Winter Arts Festival in Prahran Square had 88% highly satisfied and brought in an estimated $199,000 in economic benefit to the area.
The Central Park Glow Festival had 98% with high satisfaction and an estimated $108,500 economic benefit to the local area.

While economic benefit is not key to all our events (like the Como Christmas Carols), as businesses recover from COVID, we need to do all we can to ensure they benefit from our events calendar. I am also keen to see more diversity of events across our calendar – with more family centric events and events that are attractive to young adults. (You have to admit that the hair colour at events like Opera in the park is a tad grey, and that it is not a condusive environment to excitable children)

A representative group of Stonnington residents defined our 2040 to include:

“We provide access to a variety of quality services and amenities for everyone within 20 minutes.

"Neighbourhoods where everyone (including the elderly and disabled) can walk, bike or use public transport to access recreational, educational, commercial and health services/ amenities in no more than 20 minutes.

Traffic congestion through interconnected neighbourhoods is managed through smart infrastructure and development and collaboration with stakeholders (eg neighbouring councils, responsible authorities and government).

Making everyone’s life easy allows our community to connect, integrate and flourish. Recreational, educational, commercial and health services/amenities should all be in a neighbourhood, as these are important to enhance the community’s health and wellbeing.”

See more about the People's Panel and their 'future Stonnington" vision here: https://www.stonnington.vic.gov.au/files/assets/public/about/corporate-documents/council-plan/future-stonnington.pdf

My approach to addressing climate change is an urban design one. I know there are many things that the Council is already doing as a result of them declaring a 'climate emergency' - which follow generally accepted methods for Councils to respond [1]. These existing measures need to keep building and continuing as Council does act at a grassroots level and should continue to support and nurture positive changes.

While these classic Council measures are great - and I have benefitted from them while leading the Brookville kindergarten, where the Council have always been helpful, supportive and encouraging of all sustainability initiatives we have had, I feel that there needs to be a greater step change in planning philosophy to encourage and guide long term behavioural change which will lead to positive environmental impacts.

Therefore my focus is on encouraging the Council to embrace the philosophy of the 20-minute neighbourhood [2]. This is a concept that has been embedded into Plan Melbourne and already embraced by cities like Paris (who is aiming for a 15 min neighbourhood to help address climate, density and livability issues). It is all about ‘living locally’—giving people the ability to meet most of their daily needs within a 20-minute walk from home, with access to safe and enjoyable walking, cycling and local transport options - so that we not only reduce our environmental footprint but also increase our quality of life.

This urban planning philosophy can be accelerated because COVID has proved to us that we don’t have to go into the CBD to work and we can meet many of our needs close to home. Even before COVID, Stonnington already had the second-highest percentage of people in Victoria who live and work in their local area.

The benefits to this urban design philosophy go beyond sustainability which is why I think it will be compelling to the diversity of people in Stonnington, they include [3]:

Better reported wellbeing and health from higher levels of walking and cycling
Savings in congestion, health, infrastructure and environmental costs from a reduction in private vehicle trips
Alleviating pressure on our transport systems
Enhancing a sense of community Increase actual and perceived safety
Reduction in driving pollutants by as much as 40% and CO2 by 10%
Reduced retail vacancy [4]
Boosting retail trade [4]
High street walking, cycling and public realm improvements can increase retail sales by up to 30% and over a month,
People who walk to retail areas spend up to 40% more than those who drive
It even increases property values (a high walk score for an apartment = +6% increase in market value, high walk score for a office or retail = 54% value increase) [4]

And I think the time is now to make this happen - and Stonnington is a great place (location, density, education and wealth) to embrace the concept of it.

So the specific action areas?

Get the Council to embrace the ambition to be a 20-min-neighbourhood focus
Audit our neighbourhood amenities to see what the optimal mix of services and resources needs to be - and allow planning to let that happen (e.g. adequate childcare close by, green space access, local shopping areas with a good mix of retail offers...) so that we literally don't need to drive as much. Then integrate that into our planning scheme and start actively correcting where we are weak. [5]
Audit, plan for and action how we can increase Active Trasport (Walking, Cycling, PT) by making it a safer and more enjoyable option - ensuring streetscapes are desirable, places to be with adequate canopy cover and no concrete heat traps...

There will need to be many other initiatives occurring at the same time as this, and I am an open-minded person who knows that great ideas can come from anywhere and anyone, but I believe in the power of this urban idea to both increase our quality of life and to reduce our carbon and environmental impact.

=> This is what I think will help bring about increased sustainability while increasing the enjoyment of our neighbourhoods. What do you think we need to do?

Image: Photo by Nina Strehl on Unsplash

[1] http://www.darebin.vic.gov.au/-/media/cityofdarebin/Files/Darebin-Living/CaringfortheEnvironment/EnergyandClimate/DCCFramework4ppA4FA1digital.ashx?la=en

[2] https://www.planning.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0031/428908/Creating-a-more-liveable-Melbourne.pdf

[3] https://www.planning.vic.gov.au/policy-and-strategy/planning-for-melbourne/plan-melbourne/20-minute-neighbourhoods

[4] https://www.planning.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0018/450135/Economic-benefits-of-20-minute-neighbourhoods.pdf [5] https://cur.org.au/cms/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/urban_livability_checklist4pp-a3-aw-002.pdf

The Chapel St Masterplan Report was made 7 years ago and created an amazing vision for what Chapel Street could be.

It shared ideas like creating a ‘collection of neighbourhoods’ down Chapel rather than just thinking of it as one long strip so that there was a clear delineation between the areas such that the distinctiveness of these neighbourhoods could be amplified. (South Yarra Chapel st is different to Prahran is different to Windsor is different to Forest Hill.)

‘Village squares’ would encourage more community events, pop up markets and adequate shelter for summer. Pedestrians would be prioritised. Creating places to pause, rest and relax. ‘Gateways’ would be created to grandly welcome visitors to our iconic street.

This report gives vision, purpose and direction to how Chapel St could be reinvigorated. But as a local resident, I don't feel like I have seen that vision come to life yet.

Even 7 years ago, the report described Chapel St as ‘rundown’ and ‘outdated’ and many would describe the infrastructure in that way still. We need to change that to set Chapel Street up for success.

=> What elements of the plan excite you?

=> What would you prioritise?

PDF Report: https://www.stonnington.vic.gov.au/files/assets/public/about/corporate-documents/major-plans-and-strategies/chapel-street-masterplan-2013.pdf There is also a Chapel St reVision Structure plan from 2013, updated in 2015, which does not feel as visionary yet is connected.

I believe in the power of great urban and building design to increase the livability and success of our neighbourhoods.

I believe that Stonnington has the opportunity to embrace Plan Victoria's initiative of 20-minute walkable cities to help us ensure that our communities flourish.

The handy thing about the 20-minute walkable city concept is that is is not new, there are a lot of cities adopting it and data that points to its success.

Here we can see that it is good for business!

Data Source: Badawi, Y, Maclean, F, and Mason, B, (2018). The economic case for investment in walking, Victoria Walks, Melbourne as quoted in ‘Creating a more livable Melbourne’

Photo by Arek Adeoye on Unsplash

A building plaque is a bit of an old-school idea. It is an enduring reminder of who was involved in a building at its origin - the official that opened it, the people involved, the date it was ‘born’ into the world. It lists the people who will be forever tied to that structure.

I see a few bad quality or thoughtless developments in our neighbourhood and I wonder if they would have ended up that way if the names of the people (not the companies) who funded, designed, built and approved these structures were forever associated with it. Would they make better decisions on design, materials and amenity if they knew that their grandchildren would be able to judge them for it?

Psychologists know that physically signing your name to something makes you more honest. Pride is a powerful emotion linked to integrity and honesty. Would a plaque be a simple way to ensure people make more considered building decisions?

As an architecture graduate, I believe architecture plays a key role in nurturing a sense of place - which means we need to respect and preserve the significant homes and buildings of our past. It also means encouraging new developments to overtly consider the context they are building for -

How are they adding to the vernacular of the neighbourhood? How are they helping the area feel distinctive? Do they feel they are building something they would be proud of their grandchildren seeing?

This all flows into my vision for Stonnington to be a city of 20-minute neighbourhoods - neighbourhoods with their own distinctive character and pride.

I would love to hear about how you think we can honour old and new architecture that enhances a sense of place.

It was not until I had children, that I felt a sense of belonging in my community. Through the mother's groups, the Stonnington Toy Library, activities at the local library, Brookville Kindergarten I found my new tribes and place in the world….Like our University days, having kids is a moment of dramatic life change are when we can feel lost but can find new purpose and forge new and enduring relationships.

All of these key ‘institutions’ were possible because they are supported by the Stonnington Council. So I strongly believe that far from just being about roads, rates and rubbish, our Councils help to improve our quality of life.

Image source: Stonnington Toy Library

Stonnington already has the second-highest percentage of people who live AND work in their local area, but we need to accelerate this and COVID provides us with the impetus and focus to make this happen.

As we enable and support people to live and work in their local areas, we build a stronger sense of community and belonging, reduce reliance on cars, become more healthy, support local businesses and build communities we are proud of. It's not rocket science, and it's not a new idea.

The concept of 20min walkable neighbourhoods as villages where all your daily needs could be met within 800m has been an objective of Plan Victoria for a while. Stonnington is where it should be coming to life. 22% of Stonnington Residents live and work in the same area vs 2.7% for Glen Erica https://profile.id.com.au/stonnington

Image created by Ayşegül Altınel.

North Ward over indexes in professionals and managers - so we have a lot of people who have transitioned to WFH through COVID and are likely to continue to do so coming out of this.

But WFH means we will want new kinds of spaces or want to use existing spaces in new ways:

We will want quiet spaces at home or in community working hubs like libraries.
We will look for solace and pleasure from our local bars, pubs, cafes and restaurants rather than those far away.
Our public parks become increasingly important places to socialise for free close to home, but so do incidental places - the corner of the street, the milk bar, the front yard.
While we are nervous about using public transport for a while, cycling and walking (which we already over-index in as a ward) will become increasingly important and require street design and retail responses that allows safe movement for all modes and abilities.
While car parking availability is always a major complaint the Council always faces, if we truly were a 20-minute city, accept the growth of ride sharing platforms as a game-changer in car ownership, and keep up our new online ordering skills we would not need cars as much or as often.

This article published in Architecture Australia in July 2020 explores this idea beautifully: https://architectureau.com/articles/a-new-world-surviving-a-crisis/ ??

How will COVID change YOUR expectations of what you want out of your neighbourhood?

Image source: Lucija Ros

North Ward has a high population density (46.22 people per ha vs 4.49 for greater Melbourne). This will increase over time - as this is such a great place to live! BUT it means that with development, there needs to be a balance of housing uses and a corresponding increase in the services and amenities offered to that area in order to enhance livability.

A balance of Housing

This means a balance of affordable and luxury housing. Homes for families as much as homes for the 34% of homes in North Ward that have one person in them. Homes for people who want to live their years out in the neighbourhoods they grew up in. Affordable homes so that the teachers, nurses, carers and service people can afford to live in the areas that they work and help.

Access to open spaces and playgrounds

We know that Stonnignton has the lowest amount of open space in Melbourne, but there are still opportunities to address and innovate against this weakness. Rooftop gardens, reclaimed spaces (as per the Council's 2013 Open Space Strategy), but also the visual opening of spaces and borrowed views.

How do you think we should balance increased density with livability?

Kate Hely - North Ward Councillor for Stonnington

Vibrant Local Communities

Revitalise local retail and business

Maximise existing green spaces while looking for more

Celebrate local neighbourhood shopping villages

Honouring new and old architecture which enhances a unique sense of place

Promoting and designing for 'Active Transport' - walking cycling and public transport

Recent Thoughts

ON BUILDING VIBRANT LOCAL COMMUNITIES

JUST SOME OF THE WONDERFUL LOCAL GROUPS WHO RECEIVED COMMUNITY GRANTS THIS YEAR!

2022

chapel st night rangers

2022

Linking events to economic outcomes

2022

CHAPEL ST CHAMPIONS!

2022

Our Community Vision has now defined the 20-minute city to be a key long term deliverable for Stonnington

HOW CAN WE HELP STONNINGTON TO BE MORE SUSTAINABLE?

2020

"Chapel Street has all the right ingredients to be an attractive and popular destination, yet infrastructure and amenities do not support this"

Designing and encouraging walkable 20-minute neighbourhoods can increase retail trading by up to 40%

The Plaque - an old way to ensure people design and build something they will be proud of in the future.

Architecture plays a key role in nurturing a sense of place

FAR MORE THAN ROADS, RATES AND RUBBISH, COUNCIL SERVICES PROVIDE A SENSE OF BELONGING.

09/08/20

01/08/20

COVID WILL PROMPT US TO BUILD BETTER COMMUNITIES

09/08/20

HOW IS COVID GOING TO CHANGE THE EXPECTATIONS OF HOW WE WORK?

09/08/20

Its not just about density - its about liveability

29/07/20

I am committed to helping our neighbourhoods flourish:

1) Vibrant local communities

Where enhance our ability to live, work, shop and play within our local communities.

2) Engaged voices

Where all voices are heard and encouraged- not only the loud and passionate, but also those who might be wise, insightful or quiet.

3) Transparency and honesty

Where we build trust in each other by behaving in an ethical way, being open to new ideas and bringing a 'value for money' focus to Council so we can maximise resident and ratepayer benefit.

Kate Hely - for North Ward Stonnington