Save Williamstown committee members Liz Keag and Andrew Davidson last Friday presented the petitions to state Williamstown MP Wade Noonan, who yesterday delivered them to a parliamentary clerk.

Petitioners are opposing a rezoning application by Nelson Place Village Pty Ltd, which could pave the way for a 12-storey residential development on the former Port Phillip Woollen Mill site. Dual applications have been lodged with Hobsons Bay Council and the State Government to rezone the area bounded by Nelson Place and Ann and Kanowna streets from industrial and special use to residential. Mr Noonan has also responded to about 120 letters urging him to safeguard existing height controls of three storeys and third-party appeal rights against inappropriate development.

Earlier this month, Planning Minister Justin Madden assured Mr Noonan and council representatives that the council was the planning authority for the rezoning process.

Williamstown Ward councillor Angela Altair said Mr Madden's words had instilled confidence in the local community. "The minister is comfortable in allowing the council to maintain our role as a planning authority for the site." Tickets have sold out for Friday's fund-raising event organised by Save Williamstown.