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Andrew Lemon wrote an essay for Nillumbik councillors so they know exactly what they will be taking away from the community if they proceed to handing over the War Memorial Complex and old Shire Office site to developers. His open essay has now been shared with the wider community.

A packed hall with 300-350 people attending heard the official speakers and wonderful contributions of personal stories from the audience on Saturday.

Developers have put in proposals for our community land and buildings – the old Shire Office site; and demolition of the historical Eltham Living War Memorial Buildings.

Earlier this year, in spite of community objections, Nillumbik Shire Council decided to issue a planning permit for 15 apartments on a standard suburban block in Pryor St. ECAG decided to appeal to VCAT to overturn Council’s decision.

As we noted in a previous article , a council officer told us earlier this year that ‘community engagement’ with the broader community in regard to desired uses of the Old Shire Offices site and the War Memorial buildings was expected to take place  in June/July.

Eltham’s trees rejuvenate us. They make us healthier, happier and more productive. They are also a part of our cultural identity, as a shire with a history of environmental activism. However, with medium-density development in the town centre, trees on private land are at risk.

Recently, Nillumbik Shire Council advertised plans to extend the Eltham Oval Pavilion. The existing Pavilion sits on the north-west edge of the oval, against a backdrop of native vegetation. The Eltham Community Action group (ECAG) felt it was important that the proposed colours and materials selected for the building be sympathetic to, and harmonious with, the natural setting.