Mr Josipovic said the design of the building would have minimal visual impact on the area\u2019s landscape.<\/p>\n
In objecting to the plans Stuart McCallum wanted councilors to recognise the Bunjil Lookout site\u2019s significance to the area\u2019s indigenous peoples, and reject the application.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe proposed dwelling will be an intrusion on the landscape view. If that [rejection] is deemed impossible, and council is comfortable with the insulting intrusion, then vegetation screening should be required close to the construction site, not close to the Lookout,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cGolden Plains has a lot of work to do to improve its relationship with our indigenous population.\u00a0 This is an excellent opportunity to show more enthusiasm towards reconciliation, towards the people whose land we have stolen.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cr Gavin Gamble noted the \u201cstrength of the objectors\u201d and said the Wadawurrung people consider the \u201centire ridge line\u201d to be an important cultural location.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe building will have a visual impact on the landscape, and that will be at the detriment of the surrounding uses, which are very important,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
He moved the alternative motion to refuse the permit, seconded by Cr Clayton Whitfield.<\/p>\n
\u201cI spent a lot of time deliberating over this decision. It\u2019s an opportunity for council to demonstrate respect for the Wadawurrung people when considering this proposal,\u201d Cr Whitfield said.<\/p>\n
\u201cHas the applicant designed the proposal to minimise the impact in the best way possible? It is still a two-story, extremely large building… so I suggest there are greater ways to minimise the impact.<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t think this proposal enhances the natural features of the Moorabool Valley. Is it compatible with the tourist role of the area? In my opinion, it is not.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cr Brett Cunningham voted to grant the application and acknowledged that the decision-making process was challenging in this case.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe application satisfies the provision of the local planning policy… but also challenges the council\u2019s land-use strategy proposal,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Cr Owen Sharkey said he had \u201cbeen on both sides of the fence throughout the journey\u201d but the recommendation \u201cticks a lot of the boxes.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIf the applicant goes off the VCAT and it comes back, we could end up in a worse position,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Cr Sharkey also saw the case as an opportunity to invite the Wadawurrung Traditional Owner Aboriginal Corporation \u201cto make a presentation [to council] on their interpretation of planning,\u201d as he was confused by the objection document submitted.<\/p>\n
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