The Esplanade Alliance

Espy Campaign

The fight today - July / August 2003

Winning at VCAT: the final battle

A VCAT hearing is now set for 11 August, where the two member tribunal will decide Bectons appeal against Port Phillip Council's decision - and the fate of the Espy.

Becton has always pushed for the decision to be made by the tribunal, confident that in this forum its influence will be the strongest.

What are our concerns?

As always, the survival of the Espy, is at the heart of the campaign. But, in tandem, so is the sovereignty of local planning laws against the power, influence and sheer arrogance of a multi million dollar developer, and the vagaries of State Government politics and processes.

These will be played out at the VCAT hearing on 4 August, where two tribunal members will seal the fate of the Espy.

Yet, this VCAT hearing is not a simple building development appeal - the fate of our live music culture is resting on it!

What is our objective?

To ensure that VCAT:

• supports the Councils right to evaluate development proposals in keeping with its Planning Guidelines and to reject those developments that fail to meet its requirements.
• accepts and respects that the Planning Guidelines for the Espy site, now being challenged by Becton at the VCAT hearing, reflect a consensus, following extensive and lengthy consultation with Becton, Esplanade Alliance and the State Government.
• acknowledges that the continuing cultural use, as well as heritage and design issues of this site, have far reaching consequences for live music industry and for the people who treasure the eclectic history of St Kilda.

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Guarding the Heart and Soul of St.Kilda

This webpage is maintained by Cyndy Vogelsang on behalf of the Esplanade Alliance