Editorial
A happy new year! The cancellation by the Premier of the proposed 150-bed lodge at Wilson’s Promontory was a welcome start to the new year. It would have been better had the proposal been put through a proper planning process in the first place. There is no cause to relax, however: there are many other development proposals approved or under consideration that deserve the Premier’s axe. The three gas burning pillars to be erected outside the new Crown Casino on Southbank are not only aesthetically inappropriate for Melbourne (Miles Lewis, The Age, 17/1/97), they send an inappropriate signal to the public about conserving non-renewable resources, especially fossil fuels, which contribute to the greenhouse effect.

Report of 1996 AGM
The AGM was held on Monday 18th November, and was well attended.
Outgoing president, Ray Walford, gave a report of the association’s history and achievements in 1996. The Planning Crisis conference, held in July, was undoubtedly the highlight of the year, and the Charter for Planning a significant achievement.

A new committee for 96-97 was elected unopposed.

Newly elected president, Dr Miles Lewis, presented the Sir James Barrett Memorial Medal to Brian Howe, the former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Housing and Regional Development, in recognition of his contribution to sound urban and regional planning, notably the Better Cities program.
Vice president, Alan Parker, presented a Certificate of Planning Achievement jointly to Mick Lumb, Alan Pears and Crystal Buckley for their work on the Greenhouse Neighbourhood project.
Professor Andrew Blowers, a former vice Chairman of TCPA in the UK, gave a talk on "Ecological Modernisation or the Risk Society".

New Committee
The following committee were elected at the AGM:
President: Dr Miles Lewis
Vice President: Alan Parker
Secretary: Sandra Hart
Treasurer: Peter Hill
Ordinary Members: David Bowd, John Dee, Robin Dunstone, Oz Kayak, Paul Osmond, Lorna Pitt, David Rayson, Ray Walford.

Thanks are due to the retiring Treasurer, David Sauer, and retiring committee members, Wayne Burtt and Bob Murphy.

Diary

Parklands Forum
A public forum is being organised for Sunday 23rd February at the Carlton Gardens to discuss the wide range of planning issues affecting parklands, from inner Melbourne parks to Wilson’s Prom. For more details contact Sandra Hart, 9380 9818.

AIUS Conference
The Australian Institute of Urban Studies 1997 National Conference on Livability, Planning & Governance will be held at the Melbourne Town Hall from Friday 18th to Sunday 20th April 1997. For further details ring Geoff Baker on 03 9459 0634.

Environmental Justice Conference
This international academic conference, organised by Nick Low, of the Faculty of Architecture, Building and Planning, Melbourne University, will be held at the university from 1st to 3rd October 1997. Price: $352 before 1st May, or $452 later.
Conference details are on the internet at: http://www.arbld.unimelb.edu.au/events/enjust.htm or phone Nicholas Low, 03 9344 6429/6417.

Your Events?
Let us know if you would like to publicise your event here.

New Members
We welcome the following new members:
Julianne Bell, Dianne Beaumont, Mark Burns, Biruta Don, Paul Hobson, Jo Maxian, Alicia Tiller ...
and the following members who joined at the conference last July:
Shirley Andersson, Geoff Baker, Kim Linden, Ro Luke, Judy & Mick Lumb, Gordon Rushman, Neil Simpson, Colin Smith, Jenny Todd, Ian Wight.

Help Wanted
We need help in a variety of areas.
Graphics Skills
... to redesign our membership form.
Clerical Skills
... every two months, to assist with mailing out the Bulletin.
If you would like to help, please call or write to the Secretary.

Late Edition
We apologise for the delay in producing this Bulletin, which was due in December. We plan to issue a Bulletin every two months, starting in February. If you would like to help with its production, please call the Secretary.

Acting Secretary
Owing to work commitments, Sandra Hart is unable to fulfil her role as Secretary. Until a replacement is appointed, Ray Walford is Acting Secretary.

Internet Address
http://www.vicnet.net.au/~tcpa/
If you have a web browser, please take a look at our home page. Send suggestions for (inexpensive) improvements or new information to the Secretary. Also let us know if you want your name removed from the list of members. (No addresses are given.)

Committee Meetings
... are held on the first Monday of each month (except January) at 5.30 pm at the Architecture Building, Melbourne University. Members are welcome to attend as observers. Agendas are available from the secretary.

Members’ Meeting
Victorian Planning Provisions & Local Agenda 21
A members’ meeting is planned for late February to discuss the new Victorian Planning Provisions and Local Agenda 21. This will be an opportunity to learn more about these topics or share information and views with other members. No meeting venue, date or time have yet been set: these will be arranged to suit the majority. If you would like to take part, please call Lorna Pitt on 9380 1459 (ah).