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"Victoria"

Response To Sound Commercial Terms Report Outlined


Victoria Treasurer Kim Wells

Coalition Government Strengthens Victoria’s Financial Services Industry

Victor P Taffa

Treasurer Kim Wells today released the government response to the Victorian Competition and Efficiency Commission (VCEC) Report, On Sound Commercial Terms.

 

Mr. Wells said the Victorian Coalition Government’s productivity and competitiveness agenda would support the financial services industry to expand and would strengthen Victoria’s position as a leading financial services hub in Australia and the Asia-Pacific region.

 

“Victoria’s financial services industry has significant growth opportunities to increase delivery of financial services for the rest of Australia, the Asia-Pacific region and the world.” Mr. Wells said.

 

“The VCEC Report makes a valuable contribution to the Coalition Government’s competitiveness and productivity agenda.”

 

The government response provides support or support in principle for VCEC’s 19 recommendations including the development of an Asia Region Funds Passport to assist in reducing barriers to Victorian fund managers providing services in Asia.

 

Mr. Wells said the government’s initiatives would provide valuable support to the financial services sector and help it to take advantage of growth opportunities.

 

“The government will work closely with the financial services industry to realise the potential of these growth opportunities and build the sector’s competitive strengths.” Mr. Wells said.

 

The VCEC report and the government response is available at www.vcec.vic.gov.au

Posted in Business

Funding Announced For Film Television And Games


Victoria Minister for Innovation Services and Small Business Louise Asher

$2.3 Million In Coalition Funding For Film, Television And Games Sectors

Victor P Taffa

Minister for Innovation, Services and Small Business Louise Asher today announced $2.3 Million in funding to support 18 diverse projects across Victoria’s film, television and games sectors.

 Ms. Asher said this latest round of investment funding confirmed the Victorian Coalition Government’s commitment to the Victorian screen industry and to assisting practitioners to create innovative and world-class content.

“The projects announced today are estimated to lead to a total expenditure of almost $30 Million in the state and to create an estimated 1,400 jobs for Victorians.” Ms. Asher said.

“By investing in 18 quality projects through Film Victoria’s Production Investment and Games Investment programs, we are assisting local screen practitioners to create content that significantly contributes to Victoria’s economy.”

“This latest funding announcement brings the total film and television projects supported by Coalition Government since December 2010 to 39, resulting in almost $200 Million in total production expenditure for Victoria.”

Film Victoria CEO Jenni Tosi said she was thrilled to continue to support thriving local talent.

“Victoria’s local screen community is renowned for its capability, creativity and innovation.” Ms. Tosi said.

“As this considerable round of production and games investment testifies, there is an abundance of talent out there that Film Victoria is proud to support.”

“It’s also great to see the independent television sector reading the market and coming up with innovative ideas that are stimulating broadcaster interest.”

Included in this round are six fiction television projects, one fiction feature film, five factual television projects and six games projects.

The funded projects are:

Production Investment ($2.1 Million) – supports original, marketable quality projects that are ready to go into production and can attract Australian and global audiences.

Twelve projects were funded this round:

  • Dance Academy Series Three
  • The Flamin’ Thongs
  • A History of Mining
  • Australian Encounters
  • Dr Sarmast’s Music School
  • Gallipoli From Above
  • Long Way for a Good Feed
  • Patrick
  • Cliff
  • The Dr. Blake Mysteries
  • Homicide Franchise
  • Mystery of a Hansom Cab

Games Investment ($198,000) – assists Victorian games developers to create a diverse range of games for any distribution platform with an emphasis on technical, creative or design innovation.

Six projects were funded in this round:

  • Armello
  • Blastpoints
  • Dance Off
  • Influx
  • Man in a Maze
  • Splat Attack

For more information visit www.film.vic.gov.au

Posted in Literary & Arts

Gambling And Liquor Commissioners Appointed


Victoria Minister for Gaming and Consumer Affairs Michael O’Brien

Modern Gambling And Liquor Regulator One Step Closer With New Commissioners Appointed

Victor P Taffa

Minister for Gaming and Consumer Affairs Michael O’Brien today announced the appointment of six inaugural commissioners to Victoria’s new combined gambling and liquor regulator, the Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation (VCGLR).

The new Chairperson of the VCGLR is Victoria’s current Director of Liquor Licensing, Mark Brennan. Bruce Thompson, currently Chairperson of the state’s gambling regulator, and Gail Owen has been appointed as Deputy Chairpersons. Kate Hamond, Des Powell and Robert Kerr have been appointed as additional Commissioners.

“These appointments are important in delivering the Victorian Coalition Government’s commitment to streamline and improve the regulation of gambling and liquor.” Mr. O’Brien said.

“These appointments are a significant milestone in the establishment of a modern, agile regulator that engages, educates and enforces.”

“It will be the role of the Commissioners to apply Victoria’s gambling and liquor licensing laws through consistent and transparent decisions that minimise harm, develop responsible industries and respond to diverse community expectations.”

“Led by Mr. Brennan, this team has the leadership skills, experience and ability to engage industry and the community.”

“I congratulate the Commissioners on their appointments and look forward to their contribution to the VCGLR.”

The appointments are for two years and will take effect on the commencement of the new Commission on 6 February 2012.

Mr. O’Brien acknowledged the work of the outgoing Commissioners of the Victorian Commission for Gambling Regulation.

“The Coalition Government appreciates the work of Judith King and Ches Baragwanath and thanks them for their dedication and public service as commissioners of the VCGR.”

VCGLR Appointments

 

Mr. Brennan was appointed Director, Liquor Licensing in May 2010 having served as Small Business Commissioner since 2003. Prior to that Mr. Brennan was self-employed as Principal of MA Brennan and Associates for three years. Mr. Brennan was previously employed as Executive Director, Small Business in the former Department of State Development, as a barrister and solicitor in private practice and in a range of roles in the Victorian and Commonwealth Governments.

Mr. Thompson is currently Chairperson of the Victorian Commission for Gambling Regulation, having been appointed for a five-year term in September 2009. Mr. Thompson is a non-executive director of SMS Management & Technology Ltd, a consulting, technology and systems integration company, as well as a director of the Box Hill Institute of TAFE. He is a former Chairman and Managing Director of Hewlett Packard (Aus.) and former CEO of Keycorp Ltd.

Ms. Owen is currently an additional commissioner of the VCGR, having been appointed for a five-year term in January 2010. Ms Owen is a Partner in HWL Ebsworth Lawyers and has also held senior legal positions with Gadens Lawyers, Blake Dawson Waldron, EZ Industries Ltd and CRA Ltd.

Ms. Hamond is currently Chairman of the Board of Third Age Directions Pty Ltd, which provides advice and support to retirement and ageing communities. Prior to this Ms. Hamond was Chief Executive Officer of the Retirement Villages Association and served as Legal Ombudsman between 1999 and 2005. Ms Hamond is a member of the Board of the Queen Victoria Women’s Centre Trust.

Mr. Kerr has a background as a senior policy executive with the Commonwealth and Victorian Governments. Currently an economic consultant, Mr Kerr was a commissioner at the Victorian Competition and Efficiency Commission between 2004 and 2010 and Head of Office at the Productivity Commission from 1996 to 2004. He is also a member of the Victorian Government’s National Disability Insurance Scheme Implementation Taskforce.

Mr. Powell has experience in regulatory and governance matters within the public sector. He is currently self-employed as a Director of Powell Management Services Pty Ltd. Between 2001 and 2003, Mr. Powell was Executive Director, Ports and Marine at the then Department of Infrastructure and prior to this held various executive management roles with Mayne Nickless Pty Ltd. Mr. Powell is a Director of the Port of Melbourne Corporation and Chairperson of the Alpine Resorts Co-ordinating Council and a former commissioner of the State Services Authority.

Posted in Welfare Services

Gippsland Set To Lead The Way


Victoria Minister for Higher Education and Skills Peter Hall

Gippsland Set To Lead The Way For Tertiary Education In Regional Victoria

Victor P Taffa

Gippsland is set to become a leader in the delivery of tertiary education if the recommendations of an expert panel are adopted by the state and federal governments.

Among a number of innovative recommendations the Gippsland Tertiary Education Plan, released today in Moe by Higher Education and Skills Minister Peter Hall, has recommended the establishment of a network of technology enabled learning centres throughout the region.

Bairnsdale, Sale, Traralgon, Churchill, Warragul, Leongatha and Wonthaggi are all named in the report as possible sites for the centres. It is proposed the centres be co-located with existing university or TAFE campuses.

Mr. Hall said the establishment of technology enabled learning centres had enormous potential to improve opportunities for Gippslanders.

“With state-of-the-art facilities, Gippsland students could be technologically linked to interact with other students on multiple sites all connected to a lecture delivered from Melbourne or Moscow.” Mr. Hall said.

The recommendation is just one coming out of a report commissioned by the Minister to examine ways to identify immediate higher education issues within the region.

“Gippsland faces unique challenges, including a combination of low school retention rates, ageing population, distance and isolation and low higher education participation rates.” Mr. Hall said.

Commissioning an expert demographic, economic and educational analysis of the region, chaired by Professor Kwong Lee Dow, Mr Hall said the report provided a holistic overview of needs specific to Gippsland and identified ways to meet these challenges to ensure the region and its people continue to thrive into the future.

Mr. Hall said the report and its recommendations represented many ‘firsts’, including the first tertiary education plan for a regional area, the establishment of the first regional Tertiary Education Council – comprising of education and training providers – and the first pilot of technology enabled learning centres.

“The two most frequently raised issues in the submission process were the need for greatercconnections between tertiary education providers and local industry, and employment in Gippsland.” Mr. Hall said.

“The education plan looks to address both these issues with a number of long-term strategies.”

The report also addresses key issues such as developing ways to improve tertiary education and training opportunities within the region, increasing skill levels and retention rates and recognising existing issues in the area.

Among the panel’s 10 key recommendations are:

 

  • Establishing a Gippsland Tertiary Education Council to promote collaboration between existing education providers and attract other providers to deliver in areas of skills shortages and course demand;
  • That providers across Gippsland establish a common framework and language for pathways;
  • That linkages between schools, industry, tertiary education and training providers and Local Learning and Employment Networks be increased.

Mr. Hall said the panel report also identified industries that were projected to grow in Gippsland.

“In order for industries such as agriculture, essential services, forestry, healthcare and tourism to be catered for into the future, it is important we have a coordinated approach that taps into the strengths of the region and prepares local Gippsland people with the skills they need to take advantage of this growth.” Mr. Hall said.

Mr. Hall welcomed a recommendation for greater involvement in schools by tertiary education providers.

“I am pleased the report recommends extension programs from tertiary providers into schools to increase the visibility and understanding of tertiary education among students and help boost the wider community aspirations. I encourage all people with a stake in the future of education in Gippsland to read the report.” Mr. Hall said.

“I would also like to thank Professor Kwong Lee Dow and panel members Dr. Michele Allan and John Mitchell for bringing their expertise to bear in proposing a comprehensive plan for the Gippsland region.”

Mr. Hall said he was confident the report would also play an important role in addressing similar educational needs in other regional areas.

Mr. Hall said he would consider the plan in detail and release a response to the report early next year.

The report is available online at www.skills.vic.gov.au

Posted in Education

Living Libraries Living Minds


Victoria Minister for Local Government Jeanette Powell

$3.4 Million In Funding For Living Libraries

Victor P Taffa

The Victorian Coalition Government will provide 10 Victorian libraries with more than $3.4 Million to refurbish or develop new facilities from the Living Libraries Infrastructure Program.

“The Victorian Coalition Government is committed to the continual upgrade of Victoria’s highly regarded, heavily patronised public library network.” Mrs. Powell said.

“More than $3.4 Million will be shared between libraries in Apollo Bay, Bendigo, Bright, Lake Bolac, Melton, Myrtleford, the Southern Grampians, Sunshine, Trentham and Yackandandah.”

“I am delighted these 10 libraries will be able to provide their local communities with access to improved facilities that better place them to meet the changing needs of library users.” Mrs. Powell said.

“A library is often the heart of a community; it is where a student will conduct research, a parents’ group will meet for children’s story time, and a newly-arrived immigrant will use the Internet to chat with friends and family overseas.”

“Libraries are important community hubs and the Coalition Government is committed to improving lifelong learning opportunities for Victorians by improving access to the range of services libraries offer.” Mrs. Powell said.

“Libraries are essential public infrastructure that bring the community together and connect it to the wider world and the Coalition Government will continue to make a substantial investment in Victoria’s public library network.”

“To ensure the Victorian Government’s substantial investment in public libraries achieves value for money, I have also established a Ministerial Advisory Council on public libraries.”

“The MAC is undertaking a comprehensive review of public libraries in Victoria and providing advice for a long-term strategic direction on improving library services across Victoria.” Mrs. Powell said.

“The review will analyse the current use and future needs of libraries as well as developing trends including the impact of emerging technologies and the use of libraries for wider public purposes.”

“Libraries now offer a far greater range of services than the traditional book lending services that was previously their mainstay.” Mrs. Powell said.

“The Premiers’ $4.5 Million Reading Challenge Book Fund is another means by which the Coalition Government is improving the quality of services offered by our public libraries.”

“The recent distribution of $1 Million from the Book Fund is an important component of the Coalition Government’s investment in encouraging Victoria’s young people to read more widely on their journey to lifelong learning.” Mrs. Powell said.

Posted in Education

Melbourne Continues To Host Business Conferences


Victoria Minister for Tourism and Major Events Louise Asher

New Business Events Generate $23.5 Million For Victoria

Victor P Taffa

Minister for Tourism and Major Events Louise Asher today announced that eight major congresses have been won for Melbourne, worth an estimated $23.5 Million to the Victorian economy.

The one national and seven international business events are expected to attract approximately 7,150 delegates from across the globe over five years and include:

 

  • International Conference on Care and Housing for the Ageing (IAHSA) 2013;
  • IEEE International Conference on Power Electronics (ICPE) – ECCE ASIA 2013;
  • Inaugural Broadband World Congress 2013;
  • The MHS 2013 (The Mental Health Services Conference);
  • International Symposium on Information Theory and its Applications – ISITA 2014;
  • International Congress on Noise Control Engineering (INTERNOISE) 2014;
  • Congress of the Asia-Pacific Federation of Coloproctology 2015; and
  • AFMC International Medicinal Chemistry Symposium (AIMECS) 2017.

 

Ms. Asher said the wins followed the recent announcement that Melbourne will host the prestigious International AIDS Conference in 2014, the largest medical conference ever to be held in Australia.

“These events highlight that major national and international businesses and associations continue to choose Melbourne for their events, bringing new visitors to the state with each meeting and presenting us with an invaluable opportunity to showcase the city and regional Victoria.” Ms. Asher said.

“They also provide an opportunity for experts from around the world to come together to share their research and to network in an Australian setting. The events also draw international recognition of the research and findings of the many Australians, and in particular Victorians, working in a variety of fields.”

“Victoria has so many areas of speciality – from science and technology to health and medicine – which is why the state continues to attract such a high calibre of events.”

“I congratulate the Melbourne Convention + Visitors Bureau for securing these business events for Victoria and for all their hard work throughout 2011.”

Ms. Karen Bolinger, Chief Executive Officer of the Melbourne Convention + Visitors Bureau (MCVB) said the wins were an outstanding way to end the year.

“All of these wins relate directly to the excellent standard of Melbourne’s conferencing facilities and also demonstrate the appeal of our city to major associations.” Ms. Bolinger said.

“Melbourne has developed a reputation as a world-class business events destination as a result of the city’s accessibility and state-of-the-art infrastructure, in particular the award-winning Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre where these events are scheduled to be held.”

“I would like to thank the Victorian Coalition Government and our industry partners for their assistance and support in winning these events, and of course throughout the entire year.”

Acting Chief Executive of the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre Leighton Wood said they look forward to welcoming the delegates for each of these conferences to the Convention and Exhibition Centre over the next five years.

Posted in Tourism

Arts Grants Announced For Overseas Performances


Victoria Premier Ted Baillieu

Victoria Minister for the Arts Ted Baillieu

Arts Grants From Victorian Coalition Government For Local Arts Exports

Victor P Taffa

Outstanding local artists and arts organisations are set to share their talents with the world thanks to grants worth more than $175,000 through the Victorian Coalition Government’s International program.

Premier and Minister for the Arts Ted Baillieu today announced 14 grants to support a range of arts tours and international collaborations and to promote the work of local artists among international audiences and partners.

“Victoria has a reputation for innovation and inspiration and these projects will showcase some of Victoria’s most dynamic and creative talent.” Mr. Baillieu said.

“The grants will support both emerging and established artists to take their works and collaborate with peers in key export markets across Europe, North America and the Asia-Pacific region.”

Mr. Baillieu said the supported projects would provide participating artists with unrivalled exposure to overseas markets while further securing Victoria’s reputation as Australia’s creative heartland.

“This round will support our artists to become involved in some of the biggest cultural events and venues in the world.” Mr. Baillieu said.

Melbourne-based independent theatre company One Step at a time like this has received $18,675 to present their interactive theatre piece On Route at the 2012 Cultural Olympiad during the London Olympics. The group is one of two Australian inclusions in the festival, which is expected to be attended by three million people.

Recipients also include:

 

• Visual artist Stuart Ringholt to stage his Anger Workshops performance series at the 2012 Documenta exhibition in Kassel, Germany

• Visual artist Brook Andrew, to undertake residency and to stage an exhibition at the 2012 Echigo Tsumari Art Triennial, Japan

• Polyglot Theatre to tour their latest work for children and families, Tangle to New York’s Lincoln Centre,

• Chamber Made Opera to undertake a two week collaborative residency with LOD Music Theatre, Belgium.

INTERNATIONAL FUNDING RECIPIENTS

EXPORT AND TOURING CATEGORY

Auspicious Arts Projects, on behalf of Suzanne Kersten, SOUTHBANK $18,675

For independent theatre group One Step At A Time Like This to present their interactive live theatre work En Route at the Theatre Stratford London as part of the 2012 London Olympics Cultural Festival, 21 June to 9 September 2012.

Jolt Sonic and Visual Arts, FITZROY NORTH $10,000

Support for a showcase tour to Japan by three Victorian sonic media artists (Robin Fox, Philip Brophy, Darren Verhagen) and the Bolt Ensemble during April 2012.

Danius Kesminas, NORTH MELBOURNE $9,479

Support for an exhibition and performance tour of Slave Pianos to Shanghai, China from 12 December 2011 to 6 January 2012.

Moriarty’s Project Inc, on behalf of Trevor Patrick, NORTH MELBOURNE $8,000

For a tour of solo dance work Continental Drift to the Atelier de Paris, France, 14-17 June 2012.

Moriarty’s Project Inc, on behalf of Helen Herbertson, NORTH MELBOURNE $34,744

For a tour of contemporary dance works Morphia Series and Sunstruck to the Atelier de Paris, France, 14-17 June 2012.

Polyglot Theatre, SOUTH YARRA $16,000

For the presentation of Tangle at the Lincoln Centre, New York, 26-29 July 2012.

Stuart Ringholt, PRESTON $10,000

For the presentation of the Anger Workshops performance series at Documenta 13, Kassel, Germany, 9 June to 16 September 2012.

Sutton Gallery, FITZROY $10,000

To present a Sutton Gallery exhibition by Elizabeth Gower, Nusra Qureshi and Raafat Ishak at Art Dubai 2012, United Arab Emirates, 21-24 March 2012.

CULTURAL EXCHANGE CATEGORY

Brook Andrew, FOOTSCRAY $10,000

Support for a residency and exhibition at the 5th Echigo Tsumari Art Triennale, in Niigita Prefecture, Japan, 30 June to 7 August 2012.

Australian Centre for Contemporary Art, SOUTHBANK $15,000

Support for a cultural exchange with the Glasgow International Festival of Visual Arts, Scotland, from 18 April to 17 May 2012.

Chamber Made Opera, NORTH MELBOURNE $9,000

Support for a two-week collaborative residency with LOD Music Theatre, Ghent, Belgium, October 2012.

Rosslynd Piggott, PRAHRAN $20,000

Support for a one-month residency with Berengo Glass Studios, Venice, Italy, in early 2012, for the development of new work for an exhibition at Venice Projects in late 2012.

Kiron Robinson, HEATHMONT $3,000

Support for a one-month visual arts residency at apexart, New York, 21 February to 22 March 2012.

Lynette Smith, CLIFTON HILL $4,000

Support for a two-month visual arts residency at Santa Fe Institute, USA, March to June 2012.

Posted in Literary & Arts

Cash Access Device Ban To Come In


Victoria Minister for Gaming Michael O’Brien

Tougher Bans On Cash Machines In Gaming Venues

Victor P Taffa

The Victorian Coalition Government will introduce new laws next year to extend the ban on automatic teller machines (ATMs) in gaming venues to apply to any cash access device that does not require the customer to interact with venue staff before a decision to withdraw cash is actioned by the customer.

Minister for Gaming Michael O’Brien said the Coalition Government had taken decisive action in response to indications that new cash dispensing machines are being marketed to gaming venue operators ahead of the ban on ATMs coming into operation on 1 July 2012.

The ban will cover all cash access devices that do not require interaction with venue staff before any decision to withdraw cash is actioned by the customer.

“We are aware that there are new devices in the market that are designed to circumvent the forthcoming prohibition on ATMs in gaming venues.” Mr. O’Brien said.

“Because these devices are not technically ATMs, they are not caught by the existing ban. Unlike traditional EFTPOS machines, some of these new devices allow a person to initiate a cash transaction without interacting with venue staff.”

“The Coalition Government will not allow the ban on ATMs in gaming venues to be undermined by new devices that may offer problem gamblers easy access to cash in venues.”

“These changes are an important step to ensure a safer gaming environment for all patrons.”

“We are announcing this impending legislative change now to give fair notice to venue operators and so there is more clarity on the types of cash access devices that will be permitted in gaming venues following the removal of ATMs.”

“The ban on ATMs in gaming venues is an important part of the Coalition Government’s strategy to minimise gambling-related harm and will stop any who might seek to work around the ATM ban in the legislation.”

“These measures will provide patrons an opportunity to take a break from gaming before accessing cash from an ATM or similar cash facility.”

The ban will still allow cash withdrawal transactions to be made at gaming venues where there is face-to-face interaction with staff such as occurs through traditional EFTPOS facilities.

The Productivity Commission’s 2010 Report into Gambling found that face-to-face interaction when making a withdrawal is less risky as it can deter problem gamblers from withdrawing large sums of money.

“The Coalition Government is committed to taking strong and effective action to tackle problem gambling.” Mr. O’Brien said.

“The government has recently allocated $150 Million to tackle problem gambling through the establishment of the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation, the largest financial commitment in Victoria’s history to reducing problem gambling.”

Posted in Welfare Services

Encouraging The Use Of New Technology


Victoria Minister for Technology Gordon Rich-Phillips

Local Councils Urged To Promote Events On Free Mobile App

Victor P Taffa

Minister for Technology Gordon Rich-Phillips today encouraged local councils to take advantage of a free mobile app developed by the Victorian Government to promote New Year’s Eve events in their area.

Smartphone users of the VicEvents app can submit their own events as well as search, browse and access up-to-the-minute information about events in Victoria.

The app can be downloaded for use on Google Android-based smartphones, and Apple’s iPhone and iPad.

Mr. Rich-Phillips said the app was a quick and easy way for local councils to highlight upcoming events.

“This is a one-stop-shop to find information about holiday-season events in Victoria.” Mr. Rich-Phillips said.

“Many Victorians have already downloaded the app, which features around 3,000 events across a wide range of categories and is growing by the day.”

“The app features lots of great summer events for all tastes, and importantly, it’s free, fast to access, and simple to use.”

“From New Year’s Eve events and school-holiday programs, to festivals, Australia Day events and many sports events – there really is something for everyone.” Mr. Rich-Phillips said.

Users can search events by category, location, date range then simply add to any smartphone calendar.

Mr. Rich-Phillips said the Victorian Coalition Government recently released Victoria’s Technology Plan for the Future – Information and Communications Technology – an $85 Million plan to boost Victoria’s digital economy.

“Through implementing the plan, our government is committed to providing an innovative, progressive approach to better communicate with Victorians using modern and intelligent technologies.” Mr. Rich-Phillips said.

“This app is a collective platform for Victorians wanting to broadcast events, as well as making it easy and convenient for Victorians to find events in their area.”

The app supports event-sharing (via email, twitter and facebook) with friends and family, and integrates with a phone’s map and GPS system.

For more information and to download the free mobile app visit www.vic.gov.au/VicEvents

Posted in Technology

Church Planning Permit Issued


Victoria Minister for Planning Matthew Guy

Permit For $80 Million Church And Apartment Complex

Victor P Taffa

Planning Minister Matthew Guy has issued a planning permit for the St Verena and St Bishopy Coptic Church and a residential tower at 279-291 Latrobe Street, Melbourne.

The proposed joint venture between the Coptic Church and Sinclair Brook Pty Ltd comprises 283 apartments in a 150 metre tall building, including a ground floor retail aspect and incorporating Victoria’s first innovative elevated Coptic Church.

“The proposal responds appropriately to state and local planning policy objectives, and will provide housing diversity and choice in a centrally located area, supported by existing infrastructure and transport options.” Mr. Guy said.

“The development respects existing buildings within the area, and will result in a good architectural outcome on a constrained site.”

The development will provide the Coptic Church with a central city place of worship and associated facilities and secure a revenue stream to fund the church’s long term operations.

The permit, issued late November, can be viewed at www.dpcd.vic.gov.au/planning/permits

Posted in Planning