Friday, February 17, 2012
Phone: 5249 6700 Trades and Classifieds: 1300 666 808
A Star News Group publication
Council in ‘trade for precinct land’ BY ERIN PEARSON COUNCIL has backed a landowner’s bid to intensify his Torquay development plans after running short of funds to buy land from him, according to a councillor. Ron Humphrey said council had accepted Charlie Santosporito’s revised plans for a 500 per cent expansion in retail area and inclusion of high-density housing on his land. The amended proposal conflicted with council’s 2008 Torquay North Outline
Development plan for 1000 square metres of retail development and medium-density housing on the site. The land is between Surf Coast Shire’s civic precinct and Horseshoe Bend Rd. Council had intended to buy part of the northern end of the site for about $5 million to extend the civic precinct. Cr Humphrey said council had run out of money to buy the land and was reluctant to extend its $19 million debt. “The trouble is council is sit-
ting close to its prudential (debt) limit. Council had planned to purchase the land to expand the open space there but they’ve run out of money because they didn’t get what they wanted for the old shire offices and the new offices blew out by $4 million.” Under Mr Santosporito’s amended development plan council would receive without payment a smaller 3.3 hectares as “public open space” to expand the civic precinct. Cr Humphrey said the trade off for Mr Santosporito was
enough retail space for two major supermarkets and other shops. The new plan also moved the retail site from Horseshoe Bend Rd to Fischer St. “Do people want this in a location where it’s going to upset so many residents?” Cr Humphrey asked. “Feeding two major supermarkets into a residential sidestreet would make the area catastrophic to live in. It’ll be no good whining after it’s built.” Torquay Commerce and Tourism Association president
Martin Duke backed the proposed retail precinct. The development would service neighbouring homes without impacting on existing traders in Torquay, he said. “We’re looking at a neighbourhood shopping centre that would be there to cater for the neighbourhood. It’s not going to affect smaller businesses because banking and things will all still be in town. “Unlike the Bunnings development, it won’t be an eyesore at the entrance of town.”
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Fundraisers ask community to give Harry a lift ‘SUPERKIDZ’ BIG WINNERS PAGE 3
Picture: Tommy Ritchie
I Give A Buck foundation, which helps disadvantaged children with life-altering conditions, is leading the fundraiser. Chief executive officer Barb Blashki said a new purposebuilt van for the family of four
thing. He loves going for a drive and listening to Neil Diamond,” Maree said. “I know it’s a big thing to ask for so much money but we want him to have quality of life.”
would cost around $55,000. Ms Blashki said both Harry’s parents had health issues and his grandmother was a cancer survivor, making finances “extremely tight”. “At I Give A Buck we believe
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that every child has the right to shine and the right to live with dignity and good health and happiness.” Ms Blashki said donations were being taken at igiveabuck.org.au.
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Struggling: Harry and Tanya Reid.
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BY ERIN PEARSON EVERY DAY for the past 13 years the life of Torquay’s Tanya Hansen has revolved around her son. She watched Harry head off to his first day at school but has never seen him take his first steps or ride a bike. Harry Reid’s multiple disabilities including cerebral palsy have left his family desperate for financial help. Tanya said Harry was now too big to lift into the family car. As his primary carer she desperately needed a van with wheelchair access, she said. “We can’t lift him in and out of the car anymore, so he’s become socially isolated. “It’s hard for him to be included in family outings or to his hydrotherapy appointments because getting him to and from the car is so hard. “We only have a 1980 bomb of a car and desperately need one with a hoist.” Harry also has a severe developmental delay, microcephaly and visual and hearing problems. Grandmother Maree Hansen said Harry was “well-known and well-liked” around town. She hoped old-fashioned community spirit would shine through to help her family. “Driving is Harry’s favorite
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