Mr Markos, suggested that the Community has not been informed as to the exact reasons of this recent decision by the Andrews government. He also noted that until recently the Community was receiving assurances that the rezoning would go ahead. In a meeting, that took place in April 2018, the President of the Community Bill Papastergiadis, was reassured by the Planning Minister Richard Wynne, that the Gibson report "still stands", according to Mr Markos.
SBS Greek asked the Minister's office for a comment. Regarding the reassurance claim, a spokesperson from the Minister's office stated:
"The Minister has had several meetings with the Greek Community of Melbourne and explained to them each time the importance of them submitting sufficient details of their plans in a timely way".
When questioned about the fact that there have been previous Committees which have made recommendations about the rezoning, the Minister's spokesperson said:
"The previous Panel referred to was held 15 years ago and is not relevant to current planning".
"There are significant issues about flooding, access, the form of the proposed residential development and the size of the proposed community building that need to be resolved".
"We have a proper process underway to consider the Greek Community's proposal, and that process needs to run its course."
"The Panel and terms of reference will be announced before the end of October".
