Councillors’ decisions should always prioritise the community’s well-being. However, the decision regarding Planning Permit 220231 for the Stanley Road widening fell short of this expectation. The alternate motion raised by Jon Temby and seconded by Tim O’Brien was nothing short of a disgrace.
The application for the widening and sealing of the road, along with the installation of a footpath to the Adams Estate, was submitted by Ricardo Energy, Environment and Planning on behalf of Hanson.
Ricardo is a renowned provider of environmental advice to both Australian and international clients. Their extensive expertise encompasses environmental approvals, planning approvals, engineering, and infrastructure advisory services for the quarrying industry. I think they know what they are talking about.
These professionals have thoroughly reviewed the application and have approved all relevant clauses, including Clause 52.7 and 12.01-2S, which were submitted in its application by Hanson, and approved by Bass Coast Council, and DEECA.
Jon Temby’s motion, which sought to dispute these approved clauses, was therefore wrong and invalid.
The original plan proposed by Hanson involved widening and sealing the road, as well as constructing a footpath to the Adams Estate. This decision was made in 1996 when the State Government granted permission to Hanson to use the sand mine, subject to the widening and sealing of the road. However, Councillors led by Cr Temby and Cr O’Brien have now refused to approve this decision, claiming that an alternative was necessary.
It is important to note that there is no viable alternative to the original proposal. The Councillors’ refusal to consider the approved clauses and their insistence on going to VCAT demonstrate a lack of understanding and disregard for the community’s interests.
Hanson had offered to cover the entire cost, including road sealing, (at a cost estimated around $2 million), a footpath to Adams Estate, and tree replanting, as an offset to those taken down. However, this offer might be lost if Hanson takes the matter to VCAT, and the Council has to pay. How does this benefit the community in Bass Coast?
Rob Parsons, The Gurdies.