Vet clinic in Shire’s north gets okay – Golden Plains Shire council meeting briefs

A VETERINARY clinic will be built on Brooke Street in Smythesdale after councilors granted a planning permit at the Tuesday, 19 January regular council meeting.

The Shire’s director of infrastructure and development Phil Josipovic said the application satisfied the local planning scheme and policies, and the development and use of the property will minimally impact the surrounding area.

Objector to the plan Terri Pryse-Smith said the vet clinic would be based at an “inappropriate site.”

“It’s opposite a school, adjacent to a hotel which may result in traffic and pedestrian hazards, and noise and odour… may affect outdoor dining at the hotel,” she said.

“Modernist design is starkly at odds with heritage overlay in the town. There is already one vet clinic in Smythesdale and the population demographics do not warrant another one.”

Cr Owen Sharkey said he was pleased to see the action and economic “stimulation” in Smythesdale.

“The private market will determine what goes into these spaces,” he said.

Project architect Ryan Thompson said the permit conditions are “reasonable,” with the township’s best interests in mind.

Cr Gavin Gamble said he was “impressed” with the building’s “sympathetic” design.

An amendment to the application was made to address potential noise concerns.

Cr Sharkey also said no community consultation meetings were held due to COVID-19. He requested that development mediation processes return soon.

 

Inverleigh sports tender allocated

Bowden Corporation will construct the Inverleigh Sporting Complex changeroom and social space upgrade.

The more than $1.655 million project will include new inclusive female changerooms, first-aid, massage and storage rooms, new sports pavilion changerooms and toilets, an extension of the social space, and new kitchen, bar and refrigeration spaces, in line with AFL Victoria Preferred Facility Guidelines for local level facilities.

Just over $96,000 will be redirected to the project from money originally allocated to the new green at the Bannockburn and District Bowls Club. That money came out of an allocation to the Shire from the Federal Government Local Roads and Community Infrastructure funding scheme.

 

SportsBuild for sports space

SPORTSBUILD will construct the new $600,000 Bannockburn and District Bowls Club green.

The 34.6-metre by 37.6-metre space will have a synthetic surface.

Cr Brett Cunningham said the club is contributing a “significant and phenomenal” $140,000 of their own money.

“It really means that we can deliver on it,” he said.

Cr Ian Getsom said if quality bowling greens aren’t provided in the Shire, players will be lost to Geelong.

“To keep them in this area, we need to go ahead with this project,” he said.

 

More roadworks for Bitu-Mill

BITU-MILL will work on the second stage of the Meredith-Shelford Road-widening project.

The $830,000 project will cover two kilometres, beginning at Lower Plains Road.

Cr Cunningham said he often travels along that road.

“It’s getting busier and busier, so I’m happy to support this,” he said.

Cr Les Rowe said the carriageway is an important part of the Shire network.

“There are a number of chicken farms at the back of Lethbridge and other agricultural properties that utilise this… road to get grain and produce out, so the upgrades will help considerably,” he said.