Lessons we learned…

When a group of residents went to VCAT recently to alter a development proposal, and won, they were asked what lessons they learned?

Here are their answers:

• Stay vigilant – read those yellow signs well
• Prioritise what’s important to you in your area and don’t take it for granted
• The people CAN have their say, and keep going – force them to listen
• Use experts where possible, seek out people with experience of VCAT hearings
• People Power!!! Protect our gorgeous surroundings, we want our kids to enjoy what we had as kids. Go the Easties…
• Yes!! We have a say!! Power in numbers
• Greed is a wonderful thing (tongue in cheek)
• Stand together – Support what you believe in
• Ballarat East is important, and the community DO care that we choose to live in a green belt
• Believe in your power as an individual and as a group
• Be aware of possible targets for development
• Support our group
• Lobby council to get Councillors onside

And by far the most prominent message was:

“Talk to each other…”