CBD from the creek trail south of Meridian. April 6, 2015.

Regarding Dandenong

News Round Up

Tasty town a food gem
dandenong.starcommunity.com.au (1 Jun 2015)

“Melbourne has an absolute jewel in Dandenong. Read on dandenong.starcommunity.com.au →
RD: Quite. I assume this is somehow linked to Dandenong's food tourism strategy. Read more...

Market’s budget birthday wishes
dandenong.starcommunity.com.au (1 Jun 2015)

Sesquicentennial celebrations are key components in Dandenong Market’s budget for the financial year ahead. Read on dandenong.starcommunity.com.au →
RD: The alfresco area on the Clow Street side of the car park seems like it might be a while away. Read more...

Apartments aplenty for The Glen's pending redevelopment
urban.melbourne (1 Jun 2015)

Subsequent to an early 2015 announcement that The Glen would be subject to a considerable expansion, further plans have been submitted for the sprawling Glen Waverley retail hub. Read on urban.melbourne →
RD: Glen Waverley is forging ahead. Wouldn't it be nice if all these activity centres had good transport links — to each other, that is, and not just the city centre. Read more...

Spectra Apartments Facebook page
facebook.com/SpectraApartmentsDandenong (1 Jun 2015)

Read on facebook.com/SpectraApartmentsDandenong →
RD: I didn't notice they had a Facebook page. It's clearly aimed at foreign investors, but it's not too bad. Read more...

Port of Melbourne to be privatised with 50-year lease to fund removal of level crossings, legislation shows
abc.net.au (27 May 2015)

The Port of Melbourne will be leased to private interests for 50 years to raise billions of dollars to fund transport projects, under legislation before the Victorian Parliament. Read on abc.net.au →
RD: The terms will mean the port will have a monopoly (i. e. no Hastings or Bay West) until it hits capacity — but according to this, that may not be too far off. Of course, if they keep expanding capacity, it could be forever. Read more...

Spring Street kicks off Dandenong corridor level crossing removal project
urban.melbourne (27 May 2015)

The business end of getting the Dandenong corridor grade separation project moving is nigh, with the month of June set to see the Government receive expressions of interest from interested parties to undertake the work. Read on urban.melbourne →
RD: Great! Still lots of unresolved questions, like whether they will move the line under the road in the right places (everywhere?) and which stations they will need to rebuild, but good. Read more...

Nine more level crossing removals released to market
honglimmp.com (27 May 2015)

Member for Clarinda, Hong Lim, has welcomed the release of the Expression of Interest for the Caulfield to Dandenong package of level crossing removals today.

India hub race
dandenong.starcommunity.com.au (19 May 2015)

Dandenong's Little India shopping-strip must beat off competition from five other Melbourne sites to be chosen as the State Government’s Indian Cultural Precinct. Read on dandenong.starcommunity.com.au →
RD: Let's see how this pans out. I won't be terribly impressed if it doesn't pan out as it should. Read more...

Apartments for Sale: 68 Cheltenham Road
realestate.com.au (14 May 2015)

Read on realestate.com.au →
RD: Well, these are actually townhouses, but they are next door to Mosaic. I can't tell if they front onto Cheltenham Road (which would be disappointing) or not, but I'd expect them to be attached to a new apartment development. Read more...

Schools win from State Budget
dandenong.starcommunity.com.au (5 May 2015)

Greater Dandenong’s schools – with one major exception – have benefited from what State Treasurer Tim Pallas has labelled “the biggest education budget in Victoria’s history”, in Tuesday’s State Budget. Read on dandenong.starcommunity.com.au →
RD: I'm not aware of anything in the budget that we weren't already promised at some point, but most of what was promised has been funded. Read more...

Traders hopping mad after Greater Dandenong Council introduces paid parking in Springvale
heraldsun.com.au (4 May 2015)

Springvale traders are furious at Greater Dandenong Council’s decision to introduce paid parking. Read on heraldsun.com.au →
RD: I have no particular opinion on this, but the same arguments that apply to central Springvale also apply to central Dandenong. I like that the Mayor explained some of the trade offs. Read more...

Building’s blue move
dandenong.starcommunity.com.au (4 May 2015)

A prominent blue building in central Dandenong might not be blue much longer. Read on dandenong.starcommunity.com.au →
RD: Can't really get more central than this. Read more...

Not all are happy with 'Harmony'
dandenong.starcommunity.com.au (4 May 2015)

Greater Dandenong Council has finally settled for Harmony Square as the name for its giant civic square but not without a note of discord. Read on dandenong.starcommunity.com.au →
RD: I find aspirational names a little odd sounding, but I think Harmony Square is fine. Let's not make it too ironic a name. Read more...

Victorian State Budget wish list
heraldsun.com.au (4 May 2015)

Highly anticipated State Budget leaves schools and councils hoping for big building upgrades, roadworks and other sought after projects. Read on heraldsun.com.au →
RD: I'm not sure there's going to be much in this budget of interest to our community, which is the case for most state and federal budgets. That's why I'm particularly annoyed about the proposal to cap council rate increases. Council is the only organisation that invests in any substantial way in the local community (aside from private shopping centre owners). Read more...

Foreign investor taxes to hit Melbourne where it hurts most
news.domain.com.au (2 May 2015)

The Victorian government has announced a plan to slug foreign property investors tens of thousands of dollars in fees, rather than protect one of the key drivers of the state's economy - housing construction. Read on news.domain.com.au →
RD: I don't know if this will have any effect in practice, but it certainly might. Incidentally, the new tax will be 3% — which is still less than Dandenong's infrastructure recovery charge. Read more...

Sold: 5 Broadlands Street
realestate.com.au (1 May 2015)

So this site has changed hands again.

Appartments for Sale: 69-71 McCrae Street
realestate.com.au (1 May 2015)

Read on realestate.com.au →
RD: Don't think I've seen this one before. Read more...

Curtains for club icon
dandenong.starcommunity.com.au (27 Apr 2015)

Dandenong Croquet Club will play its final match on Tuesday 28 April. Read on dandenong.starcommunity.com.au →
RD: It is disappointing that these weren't located somewhere better. Read more...

Commercial development on the rise in the south east
urban.melbourne (24 Apr 2015)

Mulgrave in Melbourne's South East is experiencing somewhat of a commercial office space surge with a handful of projects currently under construction.

No plans for run down General Motors train station at Dandenong South | Herald Sun
heraldsun.com.au (20 Apr 2015)

An abandoned “ghost” station in Dandenong South, unused for more than 20 years and riddled with graffiti, is unlikely to be demolished or refurbished any time soon. Read on heraldsun.com.au →
RD: A possible reopening was mentioned in the Estate One marketing brochure, but it wasn't very confidently put. Read more...

Dandenong manufacturers put locally built transport vehicles on display
theage.com.au (19 Apr 2015)

Dandenong flexed its considerable manufacturing muscle on Friday when local industry filled the suburb's city square with an assortment of locally built trains, trams and heavy vehicles. Read on theage.com.au →
RD: The square demonstrating its utility yet again. Read more...

Planning: 57-59 Stud Road
greaterdandenong.com (17 Apr 2015)

Read on greaterdandenong.com →
RD: Renewal of the 4 storey proposal for 57 Stud Road has been refused, with one of the 11 reasons being height, and most of the others being about design. The height limit here is now 3 storeys. While I can't comment on the issues with the design (which could be perfectly valid), the use of height as a reason is mildly disappointing, given that it's reasonably close to the town centre and Stud Road is hardly a quiet residential street. Read more...

New Arts And Science Facilities Opened At Dandenong High School
premier.vic.gov.au (17 Apr 2015)

Minister for Education, James Merlino, today officially opened the latest stage of the Dandenong High School redevelopment. Read on premier.vic.gov.au →
RD: Nice. Now on to Stage 4. Read more...

$9-11b Melbourne Metro Swanston Street project to go ahead: Daniel Andrews
theage.com.au (16 Apr 2015)

The proposed $9-11 billion Melbourne Metro project will be built underneath Swanston Street - despite warnings from the previous Napthine government it would divide Melbourne's CBD for years. Read on theage.com.au →
RD: 2026 is a long way away — hopefully, we get there without being derailed again. I didn't mind the Napthine government's proposal so much, and if Fishermans Bend really does get developed, something will need to be done to give access to a new CBD area that's the size of the existing CBD. Anyway, fingers crossed for a successful project. Read more...

Port of Hastings Economic Impact Analysis
rdv.vic.gov.au (14 Apr 2015)

Read on rdv.vic.gov.au →
RD: Interesting. The report makes clear that a significant amount of the state's import and export activity is tied to Dandenong and its surrounds (as in, it is the primary location for this activity). It suggests to me that a second container port at Hastings would dramatically amplify this role, while one in Bay West would reduce it (though not quite so dramatically). Read more...

Refugee substitutes work for volunteering in bid to help others
heraldsun.com.au (14 Apr 2015)

Mr Bobakraad is among hundreds of asylum seekers living in Greater Dandenong and previously unable to work that is beginning to re-enter the workforce thanks to the lifting of a freeze on visa renewals with work rights. Read on heraldsun.com.au →
RD: Very good news. This affected our community far more than any other (in Victoria, at least). Read more...

For Sale: 27 Princes Highway
realestate.com.au (11 Apr 2015)

Plans and Permits for 72 Unit all 2 bedrooms plus 2 office. Read on realestate.com.au →
RD: Add this one to the list. .. Read more...

For Sale: 124-128 Foster Street
domain.com.au (8 Apr 2015)

About central Dandenong's predominant growth corridor, sees the introduction of this striking development project, designed with affordability in mind at the retail end & council favoured, the project profile is as follows Read on domain.com.au →
RD: Lots of projects on the market. .. Read more...

Building (rail) connections across the suburbs
blogs.crikey.com.au/theurbanist (7 Apr 2015)

Guest writer Grant Wyeth says the priority for governments should be to connect major activity centres in the middle ring and outer suburbs with orbital rail lines Read on blogs.crikey.com.au/theurbanist →
RD: Not sure about this one. I think we should be concentrating on making the bus network first class using new technologies and SmartBus-like services. Read more...

The new Dandenong line plan
danielbowen.com (2 Apr 2015)

Last year the Coalition announced they were going ahead with an unsolicited proposal: to upgrade the Dandenong line. Read on danielbowen.com →
RD: A bit more substantial info from Daniel Bowen, including that there will be allowances made for future track expansion. Read more...

The Dandenong corridor wish list
urban.melbourne (1 Apr 2015)

In a series of media releases, Spring Street has announced it has dumped the previous Coalition government's Dandenong corridor project - which was originally pitched to them by a private consortium - and have announced their own. Read on urban.melbourne →
RD: Good thoughts on what changes the government should consider alongside the level crossing removals. Read more...

Develop Dandenong as second CBD
afr.com (31 Mar 2015)

Read on afr.com →
RD: OK, so this is just a letter to the editor, but it's still interesting. Read more...

Nine Level Crossing Removals And 37 New Trains To Transform Melbourne’s Busiest Line
premier.vic.gov.au (31 Mar 2015)

The Andrews Labor Government will transform Melbourne’s busiest train line, removing every level crossing between Caulfield and Dandenong and purchasing 37 new high capacity trains to run more services. Read on premier.vic.gov.au →
RD: And the release from the premier's office. Read more...

Scrapped Dandenong rail upgrade mostly good news for commuters
theage.com.au (31 Mar 2015)

The announcement that the Andrews government has killed its predecessor's proposed fix for chronic overcrowding on the Cranbourne-Pakenham rail lines is mostly good news for commuters.

Dandenong: Rail project's huge changes
theweeklyreviewmooneevalley.com.au (31 Mar 2015)

Another major transport project kickstarted by the former Napthine government, an upgrade of the Dandenong railway line, has been scuppered by Labor. Read on theweeklyreviewmooneevalley.com.au →
RD: Well, not scuppered exactly. The project has been extended to cover all 9 crossings between Caulfield and Dandenong, and put into public rather than private hands. Read more...

Fed Square and Dandenong Outdoor Screens Link Live
fedsquare.com (30 Mar 2015)

The slow rhythmic moves of Tai Chi simultaneously stepped out in Fed Square and Dandenong Civic Square while streaming in real time on both urban screens at both locations. Read on fedsquare.com →
RD: This seems pretty neat. Read more...

Library comes to life
dandenong.starcommunity.com.au (30 Mar 2015)

Cake, balloons, storytelling and magic marked Dandenong Library’s first birthday on Saturday 21 March.

Have your say on level crossing removal projects
greaterdandenong.com (28 Mar 2015)

The State Government has committed to removing three level crossings in Greater Dandenong. Read on greaterdandenong.com →
RD: I'd recommend taking the survey. I wasn't aware that anything other than lowering the rail line was seriously being considered. Read more...

Growing the economy
dandenong.starcommunity.com.au (23 Mar 2015)

Food is in focus as a key driver for Greater Dandenong’s economy. Read on dandenong.starcommunity.com.au →
RD: I think the idea behind the strategy is a good one, and builds smartly on our strengths (i. e. multiculturalism, manufacturing and our connection to Gippsland). The article also mentions an Urban Food Garden will be set up on the corner of Thomas Street and Halpin Way. Read more...

Tower homes’ bay views
dandenong.starcommunity.com.au (17 Mar 2015)

A new apartment block will tower above Dandenong by the end of next year. Read on dandenong.starcommunity.com.au →
RD: OK, so this might be the source. :) Well, this is far more official, but the reason for the certainty about the July start is not clear. Read more...

SkyscraperCity - Spectra (219 Thomas Street)
skyscrapercity.com (17 Mar 2015)

"Spectra apartment tower in dandenong is starting construction in July for completion December next year. " Read on skyscrapercity.com →
RD: I don't know the source of the information, but it's good there's promising noises about the project at least. Read more...

Hastings container port in doubt
businesstimes.net.au (9 Mar 2015)

In line with its pre-election commitments, the Labor state government appears to be moving away from building a container port at Hastings.

Minister Announces Salvation Army HQ in Dandenong
premier.vic.gov.au (6 Mar 2015)

The $12 million project on Walker St will create about 45 jobs in the heart of Dandenong to build both the HQ and a place of worship within the Revitalising Central Dandenong area. Read on premier.vic.gov.au →
RD: This is welcome news. The new building will be the headquarters for the Eastern Victoria division, which covers most of SE Melbourne and Gippsland. It will also be the new home for the Salvo's thrift shop, ministry and support services.

My only concern is that it might not be on a scale that would work best for this precinct. The Salvo's Southern Territory headquarters are in Blackburn and would have been a more appropriate choice, given that the headquarters cover Vic, Tas, SA, WA and NT and would presumably employ more than 45 people. Nonetheless, a positive development.
Read more...

Salvation Army to set up shop in Dandenong
heraldsun.com.au (6 Mar 2015)

The Salvation Army will consolidate a number of ministries and services into a new centralised ‘hub’ as part of the Revitalising Central Dandenong initiative.

Colourful culture for award winner
dandenong.starcommunity.com.au (4 Mar 2015)

Dandenong’s Afghan Bazaar makeover has been applauded as an example for future council projects across Victoria and beyond.

Festival-goers get their fill
dandenong.starcommunity.com.au (4 Mar 2015)

Greater Dandenong is being flooded with festivals, leaving residents and visitors spoilt for choice – and with full stomachs. Read on dandenong.starcommunity.com.au →
RD: I think council is doing a pretty good job with developing its festivals and events program and look forward to seeing it (sustainably) grow in future. Read more...

On the buses
dandenong.starcommunity.com.au (4 Mar 2015)

A low-cost solution could provide a compelling case to end Keysborough South residents’ public transport isolation. Read on dandenong.starcommunity.com.au →
RD: The PTV reviews its routes every two years. Based on the last review that I can recall, it can take many years for the recommended changes to be implemented, and many of the recommendations are rejected anyway. This kind of update schedule is just comical in our modern world, in which we have a continuous-news cycle, universal usage of mobiles (providing instant communication of every kind as well as an ever-present tour guide in the form of GPS navigation), and incredibly rapid development and population changes. I wouldn't suggest switching to a continuously changing demand-based system just yet, but updates once a year would surely make more sense. Read more...

Rates rush ruled out
dandenong.starcommunity.com.au (4 Mar 2015)

Greater Dandenong Council has ruled out significant rate rises in 2015-2016 ahead of next year’s rate cap. Last week, the state government repeated its election pledge to cap rate rises to the consumer price index from mid-2016. Read on dandenong.starcommunity.com.au →
RD: I think people have to be aware of a possibly unintended consequence of the rate rise capping. If councils aren't able to raise sufficient funds for capital projects, infrastructure and maintenance through rate rises, they may end up relying more heavily on increases to density. Read more...

Crime city bust
dandenong.starcommunity.com.au (4 Mar 2015)

Council boss calls for police to crack down on centre’s troublemakers… Read on dandenong.starcommunity.com.au →
RD: Safety is a critical part of a healthy and thriving community. It's quite vexing that it can be hard to achieve and is often in tension with both privacy and liberty. Read more...

Dandenong Medical Precinct/Private Hospital Opportunity
asx.com.au (24 Feb 2015)

The potential development in Dandenong as part of the "Places Victoria's Revitalising Central Dandenong" initiative continues to be reviewed. VEI is working with Lend Lease Corporation Ltd and Australian Hospital Solutions Pty Ltd and the feasibility and commitment to this project is expected to be determined towards the end of 2015. Read on asx.com.au →
RD: This is the first mention of anything beyond a proposal that I've heard about the health precinct. So it looks like things are still simmering along, but it also still looks highly tentative. Read more...

Greater Dandenong business owners voice views
indianexecutive.com.au (24 Feb 2015)

Seven per cent of Greater Dandenong’s residents were born in India, which is the second largest non-Australian born community in the municipality.

The final end... bowled out
dandenong.starcommunity.com.au (23 Feb 2015)

Dandenong's longest continuous sports club is soon to be no more.

Cbus Property sells $39m warehouses to Warrington Property Group
theage.com.au (22 Feb 2015)

Super fund developer Cbus Property has reaped $39. 25 million from the sale of a large chunk of the Estate One industrial park in Dandenong South.

Level Crossing Removal Project
dtpli.vic.gov.au (18 Feb 2015)

Over the next eight years, the State Government will deliver a coordinated program to remove 50 of the worst level crossings in Melbourne, improving safety, reducing congestion and enabling more frequent train services. Read on dtpli.vic.gov.au →
RD: Nothing new here of course (it's still too soon after the election), but it's nice to see it being committed to early on. Read more...

New library a dandy read for all
Dandenong Leader (18 Feb 2015)

Dandenong's state-of-the-art library has had a stellar first year, achieving one of the highest rates of membership in Victoria.

Cultural infusion: Dandenong Civic Square
architectureau.com (18 Feb 2015)

A new civic square in the heart of Melbourne’s second centre Dandenong offers a welcoming and intimate space to its diverse community. Read on architectureau.com →
RD: An interesting, thoughtful review. The author mentions the possibility of seating out the front of the library. I wonder if that's something the council could look into. Read more...

An interfaith journey through Dandenong
abc.net.au (12 Feb 2015)

Dandenong in south-east Melbourne is one of the most multicultural suburbs in Australia, and is home to people born in 150 different countries.

Flag waving for the city's future
dandenong.starcommunity.com.au (9 Feb 2015)

Action on level crossings is high on Gabrielle Williams’ agenda – and not a moment too soon, residents say.

Looming Dandenong line crush prompts Labor to put upgrade back on table
theage.com.au (9 Feb 2015)

A multibillion-dollar plan initiated under the Napthine government to avert a looming congestion crisis on Melbourne's busiest railway line could be adopted by Labor in a revised form. Read on theage.com.au →
RD: This fits well with Labor's public transport plans, so it's unsurprising. Read more...

For Sale: 227 Princes Highway
realcommercial.com.au (3 Feb 2015)

Read on realcommercial.com.au →
RD: So this confirms it: the 46 town houses are on the back half of 227 Princes Hwy, and it's just that part that's now up for sale. I would expect this to sell and proceed quite quickly. Read more...