JULY 2, 2019 \ STARWEEKLY.COM.AU
NEWS + SPORT + PROPERTY GUIDE
(Joe Mastroianni)
Knees-up for playgroup Woodend Playgroup turns 40 this year and plans on celebrating in style. Playgroup public relations committee member Olivia Desormeaux said it was a “fantastic milestone”. “The community’s changed so much in the last 10 years, let alone 40, but the playgroup’s been a centre stone – it’s constant,” she said. To celebrate four decades, the playgroup will host a bush dance fundraiser. “We’re hoping to raise money for our outdoor area – it needs a big revamp and it does need a little love,” Ms Desormeaux said. “We’re going to be a doing an old Woodend bush dance and a fundraising silent auction. “Local businesses have donated so much to the auctions and they’ve been such an ongoing support.” Ms Desormeaux said the bush dance would be a chance for parents to let their hair down. “This bush dance, it’s really aimed at parents to have a bit of downtime and social time.” The bush dance will be on Saturday, August 3, from 7pm at 15 Buckland Street, Woodend. Cost $30. Tickets: woodendplaygroup@gmail.com LOUIS, PATRICK, NOAH, ANNIE AND OSCAR
Jessica Micallef
Residential plan refused A plan for a development involving 711 residential lots in Gisborne has been rejected by Macedon Ranges council. During last Wednesday’s council meeting, all councillors voted in favour of refusing the plan put forward by developer ID_Land for 39 Willowbank Road. The developer has already lodged an appeal with the Victorian Civil Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) because the council did not make a decision within the required timeframe. The plan proposes 711 residential lots, a
primary school, public open space and two waterway and drainage reserves. The application received 166 objections. They included appropriateness of lot sizes, increase in traffic, impact on local infrastructure and how the proposal met the character of the town. The council’s decision will inform its approach to next month’s VCAT hearing. Gisborne resident Ben Peck praised the council’s decision, saying it was “what the community wanted”. “I thought it was a great result,” he said. “It would’ve affected Gisborne massively. “You’re talking about 711 lots and averaging
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Belford said it was working closely with the council to “ensure the master plan is in keeping with the local surrounds”. “ID_Land understands the importance of maintaining the local character … while investing into infrastructure, amenity and services,” he said. “ID_Land is working closely with council throughout the application process and we are confident this will continue throughout the ongoing discussions and subsequent VCAT hearing.” VCAT is expected to make a decision on the development proposal on Wednesday, August 28.
three people per house, so … nearly 3000 people, which is nearly a 20 per cent increase on Gisborne’s population at the moment. “And as far as schools and roads and emergency services, and even shopping and parking, nothing is in place to support that amount of growth. “It’s definitely not what the community wants, I think, because of those objections and because of the number of people that were there. “It’s going to be a big fight for the council. I just hope they do what they say they’re going to do and actually represent us.” ID_Land joint managing director Matthew
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By Jessica Micallef
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