DESPITE ongoing opposition from many Kongwak residents, owners of the Kongwak Butter Factory have received approval from the Victorian Government to restore the historic buildings and construct additional facilities on surrounding land.
Owners Gemma Cosgriff and Damien Backholer said they are incredibly proud to have received the long-awaited planning permit approval for the redevelopment.
“Planning approval is a major milestone for this project and is testament to the resilience and commitment of all those who have worked tirelessly to bring this vision to life,” Gemma said.
Save Kongwak Group (SKG) was formed by a number of locals who have been fighting the large-scale project since its inception and who have closely followed developments.
“The permits got approved, but there's a bunch of different caveats on the approval, and some of them are quite significant victories for us,” said a spokesperson for SKG.
These include amendments to the plans, such as having to relocate the main access to the end of the Avenue of Honour, being required to move the residency villa back 100 metres due to a nearby organic farm, being required to use specific material and foliage to conceal large water tanks, modifications to the flood modelling, being denied putting in a bus stop in town, restricted opening hours, and being required to adhere to various agency standards with other elements of the development.
Final plans for the development are set to include a new general store, restaurant, art gallery, and event space, an artist residence, short stay accommodation and a market garden.
A media release from the owners stated that construction will start soon with completion expected in 2026.
“I think they're kidding themselves, because they've got to pay for it, they've got to build it, and they're going to run it and staff it. It's a long, long way to go yet,” said the SKG spokesperson.
More in next weeks paper.
