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1 JULY, 2025
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Approval for units By Sam Porter An 110-dwelling development in Derrimut has been given the greenlight by Brimbank council despite one councillor claiming the project failed the “community test”. Brimbank councillors approved the development at 27a Palmer Parade during the June 17 council meeting. Council officers had recommended a permit for the development be approved subject to a list of conditions, however Cr Daniel Kruk proposed extra conditions be added to the permit. His motion was backed eight votes to three. The extra conditions proposed by Cr Kruk included plans to incorporate extra screening or window glazing onto upper level windows facing a nearby school, the addition of a hard-surfaced outdoor communal area for recreational activities, and an added requirement for a road safety audit of the site’s access points. Council received 269 objections to the project. Residents raised concerns the housing development would limit parking, increase traffic congestion, reduce privacy, and put a strain on already limited public services and amenities in the area. Cr Kruk said he hoped to “strike a balance” with the extra conditions. Cr Maria Kerr was one of three councillors who opposed the application. She said the application “may meet planning scheme requirements on paper”
but “clearly fails the community test”. “This proposal is a repeat of one that was previously rejected… While it’s been revised it still fails to address the core issues raised by both VCAT [Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal] and residents. “We cannot keep approving developments that push our infrastructure to the brink and expect our community to simply absorb this impact.” Locals took to Facebook to discuss the approved development. In a community Facebook group, one Derrimut local stated that “mid-rise apartments in Derrimut might actually help solve the housing problems”. “Not everyone needs — or can afford — a McMansion with a huge backyard. “More diverse housing options mean more people can afford to live in the area, including younger families, essential workers and downsizers.” In a comment, Mohamed Aboushamah – a Derrimut resident who lives 250 metres from the development site – acknowledged “there are some real and valid concerns” about the development “that deserve careful consideration”. “Derrimut has been planned and lived in as a low density suburb with a sense of space, privacy, and quiet streets. This scale of high density development feels out of step with that identity and could set a concerning precedent,” he wrote.
Jahin Tanvir, organiser of YES summit. (Damjan Janevski) 486416_01
Summit of energy, ideas The future is looking bright for emerging entrepreneurs in Brimbank. More than 250 young people aged 14 to 25 attended a day of keynote presentations, panel discussions and interactive workshops at the Young Entrepreneur Summit (YES) on June 25. Organised by the Australian School of Entrepreneurship (ASE) and funded by Brimbank council, the event provided an opportunity for young entrepreneurs to practise their public speaking, communication, pitching and leadership skills. ASE chief executive Jahin Tanvir, 23, said he wanted participants to develop
“life skills you don’t really get taught at school or uni”. Growing up, Jahin was encouraged to pursue a traditional career pathway as entrepreneurship was “seen as not safe”. “Entrepreneurship felt so much like a job you could only do in your 30s and 40s…. a very distant dream,” he said. “I don’t want any other young person to feel that.” After starting a business at 21, Jahin decided to pursue entrepreneurship and became a young founder himself. He said he wanted participants to leave the summit feeling “energised and empowered”.
Sunshine Market Place 80 Harvester Rd From June 27th to July 20th Clowns, Acrobats, Aeriel acts, Hand Balancing, Juggler, Hula Hoops and the amazing Ring of Death
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