Ferntree Gully F
Belgrave
Mail Covering the Dandenongs in the Yarra Ranges & Cardinia Shires
Walkers near finish
2 Tuesday, 11 October, 2016
5
Crime on the up
A Mail News Group publication
31-32
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Against convention By Peter Douglas A GRASSROOTS group of concerned residents is preparing to challenge at VCAT a Yarra Ranges Council decision that paves the way for an expansion of the Belgrave Heights Convention Centre. The eight-hectare site has been used as a Christian convention centre for more than 50 years, with facilities including a 1650-seat auditorium, reception centre, kiosk, halls, kitchens and numerous caravan and campsites. Many groups from around Australia use the site annually for conferences, retreats and church camps. In March this year, council decided, with a five to four vote, to pass a recommendation that would see an extension to the existing place of assembly, tree removal and car park.
The plan also includes a 220-bed accommodation facility and a 374-person dining facility. However, the plan earned the ire of a group of nearby residents, many of whom were present at the 22 March, 2016, council meeting. From the group of 21 original objectors to that planning request, a group of about eight formed a committee and are now driving the VCAT challenge, which is due to be heard later next month. Group representative Sharon McNeil said the group hoped to have the decision overturned, after what the group sees as a failure to achieve any meaningful compromise at mediation. “I moved to the area 23 years ago, when they (the centre) held about two to three big events a year, which was OK,” she said.
“But over the past five to 10 years, there has been increased activity to an unacceptable level. “Instead of just at the auditorium, they now have activities on the western side.” Ms McNeil said the group just wanted to achieve an acceptable outcome for the residents. “We’re not against the convention centre, or anti-development, but it’s too much activity on a weekly basis,” she said. “We may not win, they’re a big body with lots of cash behind them. “But if we do this (challenge), at least we won’t be sitting in our houses wondering what we could’ve done.” Ms McNeil said about 100 residents attended a public meeting on Wednesday, 21 September, to hear from local
community groups and politicians over the development. She said land has already been cleared and major earthworks had already started, in preparation for the developments. In addition to noise and road safety concerns, the group are fearful of the number of people evacuating in the event of a fire, with only one exit road available. Belgrave local Frank Reid, who is a member of the committee driving the VCAT challenge, said action needed to be taken. “It’s already gone too far and there is no telling where it will stop,” he said. “There’ll be even more traffic congestion, noise and lighting, but no benefits at all for the local area.” Meanwhile, Ms McNeil said the
group was looking for donations to help cover the costs of the VCAT challenge. For more details on how to help, visit the group’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/residentsinaction16/. Earlier this year, then Chief Executive Officer, Geoff Gawler, defended the application, including concerns around bushfire awareness. “We’re very aware of these issues, we mow regularly and take measures to prepare accordingly,” he said. “We completely shut down all events on a code-red day. “We can’t always remove guests on these days, but there are no events, so there is no incentive for them to stay.” Mr Gawler said they were responsible citizens, when it came to the noise and the environment.
In the tracks of history
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THE Olinda Heritage Walk is ready to launch on Saturday, 15 October, to offer history buffs a snapshot of life in the Dandenong Ranges pre-1915. The project features 13 plaques and is a result of much great work from the Mount Dandenong and District Historical Society. Pictured from left with the trail book, offered to complement the walk, are Cheryl Donald, Wendy Wicks, Geoff Parton, Patricia Hogan, Wendy Britt and Judy Ischia (from Mangana). See the full story on page 5. 160253 Picture: ROB CAREW
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