June Newsletter

MULLUM CREEK RESIDENTS NEWS UPDATE

Construction Update

The tendering process for Stage 2 construction is nearing completion and we are close to selecting a Stage 2 Contractor. As with many other current land development projects, the stretched industry has required us to carefully consider which contractors have the capacity to deliver Stage 2 in the timeframe and to the quality required. The Stage 2 civil contractor is likely to commence work on site in June/July 2017. The status of the civil works tendering  process and current design approvals still has us on track to achieve Title Registration and Settlement between January and April 2018.

Richard Stokes,
Verve Projects – Project Manager

A note from the developers …

We appreciate and share the frustration some purchasers are experiencing with the delays in commencement of civil works for Stage 2 of Mullum Creek. Unfortunately, we could not predict the change in design requirements for the Stage 2 wetland, as directed by Melbourne Water in conjunction with Manningham Council. It is taking a long time for the authorities to approve these revised designs and proposals.

Design review Committee (DRC) News

New member of the DRC – Jessica Hogg

In February this year we welcomed a new member to the DRC, Jessica Hogg. Having one Jess in the office just wasn’t enough! New Jess will be helping us review your design submissions. She is currently spending beautiful mornings at Mullum Creek checking on locations, size and foliage density of existing trees for our virtual estate navigator on the Mullum Creek website. If you see her about, say hello!

Jessica’s dog Raff on site is very busy helping with tree survey checks.

Landscaping of the public reserves in Stage 1 is underway!

Australian Ecosystems are on site preparing for the extensive landscaping works that will begin this week. Planting wlll take place progressively until the end of Spring 2017. A variety of features will be installed including logs, rocks and mounds, which will be complemented by a variety of native trees, shrubs, tussocks and herbs, selected to represent Donvale’s natural environment.

Construction has begun in Stage 1

We are very excited to see construction of homes underway at Mullum Creek. Several owners have final Mullum Creek design approval and have subsequently obtained building permits. The first slabs have been poured, and these contain a minimum 30% supplementary cementitious material (SCM) replacing Portland cement, thereby substantially reducing the environmental impact of construction. See the Concrete and Cement Products Guide for further information.

We understand that at least one owner has opted for a higher proportion of SCM which thrills us no end! Consider this particularly for concrete substructure (blinding, piers, pads and strip footings) in which SCM can largely replace Portland cement. It’s now readily available from local batching plants at comparable strength and cost.

Many dwelling designs for Mullum Creek have now successfully navigated Council’s planning approval process without major hiccups, thanks to the wonderful work our owners and designers do in conjunction with the DRC to get their applications ready.

Please be particularly careful when on site. Multiple building projects mean that parts of the estate will be hazardous, though the onus is on builders to ensure public safety.

Design incentives

We strongly urge lot owners in both Stage 1 and Stage 2 to begin designing if they haven’t already, and to take advantage of the incentives that Mullum Creek offers for architectural and landscape design. Please be aware that Mullum Creek may no longer offer these incentives in 2018. Experience at Stage 1 has shown that design proposals that have received DRC Step 2 approval can be submitted to Council for planning permit as soon as settlement occurs, minimising further delays for Stage 2 purchasers.

One more thing …

Just a reminder that when you purchased a lot at Mullum Creek, part of the Contract of Sale was the Section 173 Agreement (or Planning Agreement) which was the basis for Manningham Council’s approval of the subdivision of the land. This S173 clearly states that the DRC must review all design proposals ensuring that they satisfy the Mullum Creek Design Guidelines (MCDG). The developers have invested heavily in establishing these Guidelines and commissioning the DRC as required by the S173. The DRC also offers genuine and considered support in ESD matters, including recommendations on design, material selection and procurement. All of us in the DRC love what we do, and we have a very real interest in ESD, architecture, and what the final built outcome at Mullum Creek will be.

As part of our Step 1 and 2 approvals process, we also review for alignment with Council’s DD011. This sees most design proposals with Mullum Creek Step 2 approval then being granted Planning Permits with very few concerns. As such the DRC enjoys a smooth and constructive working relationship with Glenda Ruggeri’s team in Council’s planning office. However, this means that some frustrations, normally experienced by lot owners and designers when liaising with Councils (particularly with regard to built form, earthworks, and visual character) are felt earlier at Mullum Creek on the DRC’s watch.

Please be confident that, before requesting you to alter your design to satisfy the MCDG or DD011, the DRC seeks advice from multiple sources. We review each design proposal with respect to how effectively it addresses the underlying Objectives of the MCDG, not just the Requirements, and we stand by the integrity of this process. At all times we strive to be reasonable, fair and transparent. We appreciate your cooperation as we work together towards ensuring that everyone meets their legal requirements, and ends up with a home that is beautiful, comfortable and sustainable.

Community & Events

Park Orchard Farmers Market

A community organised farmers market run by the Park Orchards Ratepayers Association and Park Orchards Lions Club selling fresh meat, fish, poultry, dairy, fruit, nuts, berries, vegetables, herbs, breads, wines, oils and condiments.

Date: Sunday 15 July, 9:00am to 1:00pm
Location: Park Orchards Primary School, Park Road, Park Orchards 3114
For details: Click here
Warm regards,
Mullum Creek Team

There are places you remember. Mullum Creek is a place you’ll never forget.

03 9480 0605
info@mullumcreek.com.au
www.mullumcreek.com.au