Retail strategy gets go-ahead – Moorabool Shire Council meeting briefs

AT last week’s regular Moorabool Shire meeting, councillors voted to formally adopt an updated Moorabool Retail Strategy, which will guide development of retail centres over the next 10 years.

It replaces the existing strategy, which was adopted in 2016, and is designed to respond to expected growth in urban areas, particularly in Bacchus Marsh and Ballan.

“As Moorabool Shire grows, new retail activity centres will be required to serve everyday shopping needs and to provide central locations which promote community interaction,” an officer’s report said.

“A retail strategy is necessary to ensure Council is setting clear expectations for developers and investors, and to provide strategic justification for future planning scheme controls which will guide appropriate retail centre development.”

The strategy was subject to public consultation, with feedback including a clear desire for an increased range of goods and services, opportunities for improvements to transport and accessibility, and for a clothing retail offering in Bacchus Marsh.

“These themes are consistent with the objectives of the strategy, and implementing the strategy will bring retail provision in Moorabool Shire closer to community expectations,” the report said.

Eleven written submissions were received from stakeholders with an interest in future retail developments. The strategy was adopted without discussion.

Support for pedestrian safety upgrades around shopping centre

The Shire will proceed with works to improve pedestrian safety around the Maddingley Village Shopping Centre, possibly including a reduced speed limit.

Councillors had earlier voted to investigate safety improvements and appointed a traffic engineering consultant to probe the safety of pedestrians and motorists around the site.

At last week’s meeting, they agreed to refer several projects for consideration in future capital improvement program budgets.

They include installation of a wombat crossing and kerb outstand on Gladman Road, wombat crossings on all four legs of the roundabout at the intersection of O’Leary Way, McCormacks Road, Griffith Street and Bacchus Marsh-Balliang Road, and installation of no standing signs and sight distance improvements north of the shopping centre’s access to O’Leary Way.

The Shire will also seek Department of Transport and Planning approval for a reduction of the 60 kilometres per hour limit in O’Leary Way, between Griffith Street and Calderwood Road, to 50 kilometres per hour.

The shopping centre owner will be asked to consider installing lights along an internal path between the centre car park and Gladman Road, among several other suggested improvements.

Cr Tonia Dudzik moved the recommended actions, saying it would be in the interests of the Bacchus Marsh community.

“The main priority is safety and this will ensure that,” she said.

Cr Ward, who seconded the motion, said there had been “angst” about dangers in the shopping centre precinct.

“I think we can make things a lot safer up there at minimal cost,” he said. “Certainly some of the bigger-ticket items will need some costing done into the options, but the community is crying out for improvements in public safety around this shopping centre.”

Cr Moira Berry said she had received calls about safety around the shopping centre and the movement of B-Double trucks.

“I’ve been at the supermarket myself … and seen some near misses of people walking across that road,” she said.

Heritage strategy adopted

The Shire has a new Heritage Strategy 2024­–2028 to ensure those values are protected as its population grows.

The strategy document, supported by all councillors at the meeting, predicts the shire’s population is expected to almost double over the next 20 years, primarily in Bacchus Marsh and Ballan.

It says that heritage values must remain “front of mind” as development progresses into rural areas.

“In the context of change, conservation can be achieved by using heritage values, whether natural, built, or cultural, to inspire planning and design responses,” it says.

The document says there are 195 places listed on the municipality’s Heritage Overlay and 25 on the Victorian Heritage Register, with the shire home to three registered Aboriginal organisations with thousands of years of cultural knowledge.

Its main themes are knowing, protecting, supporting, and communicating and promoting the area’s heritage.

Cr Rod Ward moved the strategy’s adoption.

It had been subject to wide consultation including public comment and numerous meetings with key stakeholders, while social media promotion reached more than 10,000 individuals and 17 submissions were received, he said.

“The work done in consultation on this has been fantastic,” Cr Ward said.

All six councillors present at the meeting voted in favour of the adoption.

Shire to offer pool and spa safety service

The council will introduce a swimming pool and spa safety barrier inspection service in the face of compliance backlogs and availability of qualified inspectors.

Compliance inspections will cost $250 for an initial inspection and $100 for a further inspection if required; cheaper than commercial rates.

An officer’s report to councillors said about 25 per cent of registered pools or spas in the municipality have outstanding compliance certificates and some property owners, particularly in rural areas, are finding it difficult to arrange for inspectors to attend their properties.

“This initiative aims to provide property owners with an additional, viable option when seeking an inspector, ultimately working towards achieving higher levels of compliance,” the report said.

Certificates of barrier compliance must be lodged with the Shire every four years.

Councillor’s message

Cr Peter Sullivan praised the current council and its staff ahead of council elections scheduled for next month.

“I believe we have done what the community entrusted us to do four years ago,” Cr Sullivan said. “We’ve taken the shire forward and laid the groundwork for the next council.”

Cr Sullivan said debate had always been respectful and positive and councillors and staff enjoyed a good relationship.