February 24th, 2020Perfect storm hits Daylesford Town Hall
IT WAS almost the perfect storm as Hepburn Shire Council came together last Tuesday, February 18 to vote on three of the most contentious issues ever debated – Local Law No. 2., the Smith Street development and an extra $3 million for The Rex building for the eventual Hepburn Hub – taking the overall cost to a staggering $12.735 million.
Protestors to Local Law No.2 gathered outside the Daylesford Town Hall singing songs – recognising that the law would no longer allow buskers, or anyone keen to demonstrate their vocal cords, to perform without a permit.
Plenty also arrived on bicycles, with the law making it unclear as to whether bicycles were still allowed on roads in Daylesford’s main shopping area, or whether the ban was just over footpaths.
Once the gates were opened to the path to the town hall, more than 500 people took up every chair on both levels, many carrying placards which were waved at every opportunity.
Mayor Cr Licia Kokocinski asked everyone to be seated if possible citing safety issues. She also pointed out the direction of the public toilets – a touch of irony with the Rex debate ahead.
All councillors chose to defer or just not present their commitments over the past month, choosing instead to allow as much time as possible for questions and those keen to address the council.
Cr Don Henderson asked for public question time to be extended by 15 minutes with 39 minutes for questions, and six minutes for those addressing council.
Questions from the public ensued including queries on the restricted use of footpaths by bicycles, if council had consulted with the Dja Dja Wurrung people, why council would not agree to forming a working group with locals, how unsightly properties would be judged, why scavenging from tip sites was being halted, and whether the need for a permit for camping or caravanning on both public and private land could lead to homelessness.
Daylesford resident Jen Bray presented councillors, to loud applause and cheering, with “a concise list of amendments” for them to adopt saying “we believe you share our values”.
By the end of the meeting, Local Law No. 2 was adopted with a range of amendments including the rewording of clause 2.9.3 regarding the use of wheeled toy vehicles and bicycles in Vincent Street.
It also included a recommendation that working groups be established to consider policies and guidelines that underpin the local laws regarding firewood collection, salvaging at the transfer stations and planting on nature strips. Council will also develop an appeal process.
Meanwhile, the new budget and scope of works for The Rex building was also adopted while the 53-lot subdivision at Smith Street was knocked back. It is believed the developers will now take the issue to VCAT.
Words: Donna Kelly | Image: Kyle Barnes
