Events venue for Teesdale – Golden Plains Shire Council briefs

A FUNCTION Centre planning permit was granted to a development at Teesdale during the final 2020 Shire council meeting held on Tuesday, 15 December.

Golden Plains Shire’s director of infrastructure and development Phil Josipovic said the proposed location, Woolbrook Homestead at 704 Teesdale-Inverleigh Road, is a property of historical significance.

“The surrounding farm infrastructure and landscaping already provides an informal buffer from agricultural activities associated with livestock and crop production,” he said.

“The location of carparking has been sensitively selected and, importantly, is not proposed to be formalised via bitumen seal.

“No aspects of the proposal include removal of vegetation or carrying out of permanent works, such as earthworks.”

There was one noise objection from a local resident. The applicants, Lachie Morrison and Anise Boulot said they are conscious of potential sound issues and have a desire to be respectful of neighbours.

An acoustics report and management plan have been written, including noise level restrictions and operations curfews.

“My family’s been here for a long time and is a big part of the community. We love where we live and we’re really excited to welcome people here,” Mr Morrison said.

“Overall, we think this application is a positive thing for the community. It will hopefully bring employment, a bit more excitement and fresh, new ideas.”

In an amendment to the original motion Cr Gavin Gamble proposed speed and wildlife signage should be put on nearby roads to improve safety for night-time traffic moving through the Inverleigh Conservation Reserve.

However, with no clear working on the change, Cr Owen Sharkey said the proposed amendment should have been raised with council officers before the meeting. The amendment did not pass.

 

Covenant altered for subdivision

Council has permitted a two-lot subdivision application at 271 Avon Road, Bannockburn, changing the covenant AH778818 by removing a clause limiting the number of dwellings at the site.

Cr Gamble said it was important to “uphold the integrity of the original covenant.”

“Planning for urban growth… should consider past commitments and honour the covenant,” he said.

“I feel for the people who built and set up their homes and their land on the promise made.

“We are a new council and have a right and duty to have a fresh approach. We should honour the covenant that’s standing but is being ignored.”

Cr Sharkey said it was a challenging choice to make, having heard seven objectors but also considering the State’s planning laws.

“They raise many issues of material detriment. The variation of the covenant… We’re overruled by VCAT so we’ve got to put our planning hats on and make decisions accordingly,” he said.

“We’re not seeing anyone withdraw their objection applications due to consultation meetings. As a council we’ve got a really good opportunity here to use technology as the normal for us going forward so residents and ratepayers can Zoom in.”

Cr Clayton Whitfield said these types of subdivisions are becoming more popular.

“The tests are a lot less strenuous than prior to 1991, so it’s easier for applicants to meet the requirements for such a subdivision and in this case, this application does,” he said.

“The community abroad out there might feel different about it but we have to go with the rules of the planning scheme.”

 

Teesdale grows

A proposed four-lot subdivision at 54 Native Hut Drive, Teesdale, and subsequent carriageway easement, has been granted a planning permit.

An objection regarding neighbourhood character suggested two lots may be more appropriate and in keeping with the town’s feel.

Cr Owen Sharkey said he does “struggle” with some of the decisions he has to make as a councillor after hearing fair objections, but council must honour planning schemes in-place.

“That’s the bible. It is challenging and it challenges all of our internal beliefs sometimes, but I can’t support the objectors’ thoughts after councils previously have passed these subdivisions,” he said.

 

Fees waived or discounted

Some businesses operating under the Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008 have had fees discounted or waived due to the economic strains of COVID-19.

Under the provisions of the Food Act 1984 council provided registration renewal fee relief to those providing services in the areas of beauty therapy, tattooing and accommodation.

Food businesses were able to apply for a hardship discount of 50 per cent.

Cr Brett Cunningham said many small businesses in the Shire have “struggled” this year.

“Any assistance that council can give these smaller businesses will be much appreciated,” he said.

Cr Les Rowe said, “Whatever we can do to help, we will.”

 

Begbies gets Geggies

Just over $390,000 worth of construction on Rokewood’s Geggies Road Bridge replacement will be completed by Begbies Contracting.

The Haddon business will build the two-lane concrete structure, replacing the current bridge which has a 2.5 tonne load limit.

The new bridge is designed to last for the next century and will accommodate any vehicle that can be registered on the road.

The contract application period was open for 26 days, and the Shire received six responses.

 

Bridge contract awarded

Ballarat East contractor, Bitu-Mill will build the Slate Quarry Road Bridge at Meredith.

The bridge replacement will carry traffic over the Moorabool River and give heavier vehicles a safer route, eliminating a lengthy detour.

Running to just over $1.843 million, the two-lane concrete bridge is designed to last 100 years and will replace the single-lane, 15 tonne load-limited structure currently there.

The contract application period was open for 26 days, and the Shire received four responses.