Save Preston Market

This week the Minister for Planning released the decision on the future of Preston Market and the report from the Standing Advisory Committee that provided a basis for the decision.

You can find the report here: https://vpa.vic.gov.au/project/preston/

If don’t want to read the 200 plus pages the Q and A PDF gives you a snapshot: Preston-Market-Precinct-QAs-April-2023

As far as we can tell, though the detail of the amendment will be key, the minister has recognized the heritage significance of the market. It is especially great that the decision includes the aesthetic and technical importance as well as the cultural and social significance.

The fabric and footprint of the market is protected with a 10 metre surround/curtilage and no demolition or change can take place until the final amendment is agreed to by the Minister and any planning applications have been approved.

Not the end of the struggle but a big step in the right direction.

DADA has been the longest running community group working to save Preston Market from demolition and the site over-developed.

We have been represented and participated in the many iterations of community groups. The first being The People for Preston Market in 2014, Save Our Preston Market in 2016, Save The Preston Market, 2018 and Save Preston Market Action Group, 2020.

DADA initiated and led the case for heritage listing of Preston Market and was integral in the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) case, Victorian Planning Authority (VPA) consultation and Planning Panels Victoria Standing Advisory Committee hearing.

DADA members have attended protests, picnics and public meetings as recorded in the minutes of DADA meetings on this website.

The SAC hearing ran from the 3rd of October to the 9th of November. DADA was present most days and participated by cross examining expert witnesses and delivering substantial submissions and supporting materials.

The DADA submission to the SAC was split into two, written and presented by Chris Erlandsen, Vice President and Maria Poletti, President;

You can read DADA submissions here: DADA submission to the SAC Preston Market  Document 223. Submission Chris Erlandsen

Anybody can watch proceedings of the SAC via the directions listed here:

26.09.22 – Letter to SAC and parties – hearing zoom link(14532699.3)

Those of us presenting on behalf of the community would really appreciate you take a look in support of our efforts.

A calendar of dates are here:

October-2022- SAC Calendar

November-2022- SAC Calendar

In the last term of Council …

In this term as Mayor, Councilor Messina entreated the community to sign her petition to save the market. It has gone, where?  In a motion passed at council she was to meet with the Minister for Planning.  Has she done that??

When DADA asks questions about Preston Market, at council meetings, the response has been to buckpass the responsibility to the Minister for Planning. (read questions and answers in other posts)

Has the Mayor given up on saving Preston Market, again???

She has not signed the community lead petition for public acquisition of Preston Market.

Is she planning to run for a second term as mayor with the Greens Councillors support?? We hope not.