NOVEMBER 3, 2015 \ STARWEEKLY.COM.AU
NEWS + SPORT + PROPERTY GUIDE
Anger at rezoning impasse A Macedon Ranges residents group has put a stop, for now, to the council’s plan to expand the Woodend town centre into an existing residential area. The council proposed to extend the town’s commercial boundaries by including the residential block bounded by High, Brooke, Templeton and Urquhart streets. Macedon Ranges Residents Association (MRRA) has been accused of costing ratepayers more than $20,000 so far in its battle to prevent the council’s rezoning, which has been the subject of two independent planning panel hearings. Councillors expressed frustration last Wednesday when their meeting was told the group refused to budge from its opposition. The association has objected five times so far to amendments proposed to Woodend’s commercial zones, all of which have been referred to independent planning panels. Councils are obliged to ask for independent panel reviews of planning proposals that are opposed or cannot be resolved with the objectors. Planning and environment director Sophie Segafredo said the past two referrals alone had cost the council $21,000 and at least 10 days of labour. Cr John Letchford said he believed the group was simply objecting “on principle”. “I think the MRRA is just objecting for objection’s sake “They are not qualified planners nor do they have one working with them when they make these submissions,” Cr Letchford said.
“It’s costing the ratepayers a lot of money to entertain these objections that are just made on principle.” MRRA spokeswoman Christine Pruneau said the group had objected to the rezoning because of potential for developments that did not fit with the town’s main-street character. “In some cases the amendments by council are so bad that we have to say something,” Ms Pruneau said. “We have put in five submissions – two were in support and the rest have some aspects we have objected to.
‘‘
Who is wasting ratepayers’ dollars?
’’
- Christine Pruneau
“The council has a reputation for trying really bad things [when developing land],” Ms Pruneau said. “When the council adopts an official document, we as residents should expect that any amendments shouldn’t look any different from the rest of the original structure plan. But that’s not the case. “Yes, we objected to the proposed rezoning of the Woodend development and we’re encouraging others to object as well.” Ms Pruneau said the residents’ group wanted all town structure plans, including those for Woodend, Kyneton and Riddells Creek, plus two other rezoning amendments to be considered together by a panel to save the expense. Councillors voted against this. “The question really should be, who is wasting ratepayers’ dollars?” Ms Pruneau said.
(Kristian Scott)
By Esther Lauaki
GLENDA JONES AND DAVID DURHAM
Berry season’s cherry-ripe While Gisborne is known for its end-of-season cherry delights, down the road at Bacchus Marsh, the historic town’s annual Strawberries and Cherries Festival celebrates the time when the juices are ripe for slurping. Along its famous Avenue of Honour, growers will showcase their spring produce to more than 15,000 visitors over the festival weekend. The festival will run from 10am-4pm on Saturday, November 21, and Sunday, November 22. A family night has been organised for Saturday night from 5 to 9.30 at Maddingley Park. For more information, visit visitbacchusmarsh.com.au. The cherry-picking starts at Mount Gisborne Cherries in mid-December … but check, because everything is ripening early this year. Sumeyya Ilanbey
1198765-RC37-15 10026541-06
MU-X 4X2 LS-M
36,990
$
Bacchus Marsh Area
Area
MENTION THIS AD FOR FREE GIFT
DRIVEWAY*
EXCLUSIVE 3.0L ISUZU TURBO DIESEL • PREMIUM AUDIO w/ BLUETOOTH® & IPOD® CONNECTIVITY • OUTSTANDING 3.0T TOWING+ • FUEL EFFICIENT 8.1L/100KM# • REAR PARK ASSIST
• We assist you all the way from permit to completion • Engineered in accordance to Aust Standards for local conditions
1197546-CG36-15
7 SEAT AUTO
Melton
158-166High Street,Melton Ph:8746 0380 *Program price subject to change. Metallic/mica/pearl paint $396 extra. For full terms & conditions and current pricing visit isuzuute.com.au
150 High Street Melton
www.aussiebuiltsheds.com.au
Phone 9971 5257