WHILE mayor Nathan Hersey is concerned a proposed service station development in Korumburra may be “a trojan horse” to create a major development for eateries and a convenience store outside the township’s economic zone, South Gippsland Shire councillors voted narrowly in favour of the project.
The development is to include three food and drink premises with seating for up to 90 customers, one with a potential drive-through, a truck stop, carpark and a convenience store to be located on the western side of the South Gippsland Highway, Korumburra at number 8418, on currently vacant land.
The need for proper facilities in the area for passing truck drivers was an important consideration that won support from councillors in favour of the proposal.
For some, such as Korumburra local Cr Jenni Keerie, it was a difficult decision to endorse the development, while Cr Scott Rae expressed confidence it will be beneficial.
Councillors Mohya Davies and Mick Felton joined with Cr Hersey in voting against the project.
Cr Davies said she was somewhat swayed by conditions imposed on the proposed development but remained largely on the fence, while Cr Felton said the service station would be at the wrong end of town, preferring the old cattle yards site.
That location was previously approved for another service station development that has not occurred.
Councillors Adrian Darakai and Clare Williams both argued the proposed truck stop outlined in the new service station plan is needed and the conditions imposed on the overall project will address community objections.
The intended development came before councillors for resolution due to the receipt of 13 objections.
Those objections concerned matters including access, increased noise from sources such as patrons’ vehicles and waste collection services, the close proximity of the building to residential land, smells and light spill, potential for large crowds and traffic congestion, and concerns 24-hour trading will be permitted.
The look and character of the building and its suitability for an entrance to the township of Korumburra also created anxiety.
Cr Hersey addressed the requirement for a specialist truck facility in the region.
“Yes, there’s a need for a truck stop and it’s probably something that needs to happen in the near future, but I don’t believe this is an appropriate location,” he said at Wednesday’s council meeting.
Cr Hersey fears the acknowledged need for a truck stop is being used as the aforementioned ‘trojan horse’ for other development.
He expressed concern that a long list of conditions attached to the development may not prevent issues such as excessive noise, potential crime, and the possibility of overly obtrusive future signage.
“There’s a significant lack of detail in the planning application around what type and extent of food options will be on offer to the community,” he said, noting food options and convenience form the vast majority of the planning application.
The mayor doesn’t consider the proposal entirely consistent with the land use in the mixed use zone on which it would be located, arguing that is largely industrial.
“The proposal is not appropriate, in my mind, for the urban design outcomes for the entrance to Korumburra and nor is it in keeping with the neighbourhood character, which is light industrial in that area,” Cr Hersey said.
By contrast, Cr Rae spoke out positively on the planned project.
“The transport industry has nowhere like this in the shire,” Cr Rae declared.
“Our employment is based on livestock and agriculture, and there are guys driving trucks in and out of this shire from eight to 12 hours away, with livestock.
“What’s the risk if they don’t have somewhere to park, have a shower and a feed?”
While acknowledging the objections received, Cr Rae stressed that 35 conditions have been imposed on the development to address community concerns.
“At the end of the day, it’s planning, and if it complies it flies,” he said.
Cr Keerie outlined the challenge she faced in deciding to support the service station project.
“It’s not been an easy decision to come to and it’s a serious thing for me, being in the Korumburra community; however, I’ve read through the objections and I believe most of the concerns have been addressed in the conditions, and effort has also gone into providing a buffer between the facility and the residential properties,” she said.
Cr Keerie added that supporting such an initiative is important in positioning Korumburra to meet future demand and act as a regional centre.
She considers a mixed use zone is suitable for such a commercial enterprise and that, “This application meets the objectives of the council plan, through the provision of a new commercial facility within an appropriately zoned area.”
The locally-based councillor highlighted economic benefits and a boost in employment opportunities for Korumburra and surrounds as further reasons to support the development.
Cr Keerie also expressed apprehension that should councillors vote against the service station development it may prompt an appeal to VCAT, potentially resulting in the removal of some of the conditions imposed on the project to alleviate community concerns.
Explaining her decision to vote in favour of the development, Cr Sarah Gilligan also acknowledged having reservations.
“I do believe it affects neighbourhood character, but I consider as many of the objectors’ concerns as possible have been addressed in the conditions,” she said, adding she would expect the project would likely be approved by VCAT should council reject it.
Cr Gilligan stressed the need to ensure the planning conditions are adhered to.
Cr John Schelling did not vote on the service station development, declaring a conflict of interest because his employer is a competitor of the applicant.