February 24th, 2020Councillor Corner – Holcombe Ward

What a week it was.

Last week Fortress Glenlyon, aka Glenlyon Progress Association, hit back via its Glenlyon & District News, not once, but with two missives from its committee members. Secretary Forell, protesting the fact that the broader Coomoora to Drummond ‘district’ prefer a committee – independent of the GPA and with members drawn from their own districts – to successfully drive broad community engagement and development of this region’s Community Plan. And Vice President ‘Anon’ backs up with another misguided and equally rhetorical No Minister. It’s a pity they can’t set aside the anti-council proclivity and devote their collective committee energy to working openly with members, and heaven forbid – the community. For the record I am a paid-up GPA member.

And at last Tuesday’s Council Meeting a packed agenda of important items was disrupted by an abusive and selfish vocal group totally disrespectful of the broader community. While seeking their premeditated glory time in the spotlight, and with the arrogance of being absolutely right with their view, this group could not accept the decision of council to pass Local Law 2, notwithstanding many of their own inputs and others from the community had been respected. Following an extensive 12-month long community engagement campaign – no group had been ignored. Thankfully we have a Council of independent minds with the ability and will to work in the best interest of the whole community.

Be careful what you wish for. Many local residents were pleased to see Council let lapse the proposed 53-lot subdivision at Smith Street, Daylesford. This now leaves the developers – free from negotiation with planning officers who sought optimum community outcomes – able to take any new preferred plan directly to VCAT, with no oversight from Council. Perhaps an 80-lot subdivision?

This is the very reason Council has fought hard to set in place a review of the Hepburn Planning Scheme. The preliminary stage was passed on Tuesday    – www.hepburn.vic.gov.au/minutes-agendas/ – attachment 17.

Cheers, John Cottrell, Deputy Mayor

and Holcombe Ward Councillor

– Hepburn Shire Council.

Email: jcottrell@hepburn.vic.gov.au 

Mobile: 0429 094 023