Surf_Coast_Independent_170513

Surf Coast

Friday, 17 May, 2013

Connecting people and communities

EIGHT-PAGE GUIDE TO OUR EDUCATION WEEK - BEGINS P21

Phone: 5249 6700 Trades and Classifieds: 1300 666 808

LOOKOUT, PIES, HERE COME THE CATS - P45

Another vote lost over C66 ‘conflict’ A SECOND Surf Coast councillor has been forced to back out of voting on a controversial planning scheme amendment setting Torquay’s boundaries following overtures from a prospective Spring Creek developer. Cr Brian McKiterick has joined council colleague David Bell in pulling out on council legal advice following correspondence to the shire from Christian College, which wants to build a campus in Spring Creek. Cr McKiterick cited an unspecified “indirect interest� in declaring a conflict of interest. He did not return the Independent’s calls to determine the nature of the conflict. His withdrawal leaves council with seven of nine councillors able to vote on the amendment. Cr Bell withdrew his vote in March to avoid legal action on the grounds of bias because of his pre-election opposition to development around the Spring Creek valley. Christian College declined to discuss the issue before the Independent went to press. The C66 planning amendment would prevent development west of Duffields Rd on land zoned farming but previously earmarked for housing. The amendment, scheduled to go

to an independent panel early July, would steer development to Torquay’s north and keep the west as open space, in-line with significant community sentiment. Christian College has long argued it bought its 15-hectare site west of Duffields Rd in 2007 with the continual encouragement of the then-Surf Coast council. Surf Coast mayor Libby Coker was unable to elaborate on the nature of Cr McKiterick’s “indirect interest’’, explaining that further detail did not have to be lodged with council. “Both David Bell and Brian McKiterick declared a conflict of interest re C66 and that’s their right to do so,� she told the Independent. Sources told the Independent Cr McKiterick had deemed removing himself from the C66 process would be “prudent� after receiving advice from council legal advisors “as a result of a request from Christian College�. Sid Pope, head of 3228 Residents Association, said Cr McKiterick’s withdrawal was disappointing. “It’s a shame local democracy is being overridden by the interests of developers. Christian College has espoused values about being part of the community but then uses its muscle to divert the community interest by blocking the democratic process.�

RAINBOW CONNECTION: Torquay Tigers defender Anna Masek plays against Portarlington on Saturday in rainbow-coloured socks to support International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia. Picture: REG RYAN 98698

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By NOEL MURPHY