Daylesford Primary School students and teachers called “pens down” or more likely “iPads down” and left the schoolyard to visit The Block building site on Friday, May 23. 

They met with some of the show’s stars, pictured below, from left, interior designer Shaynna Blaze, and co-presenters Scott Cam and Shelley Craft. 

The students were then taken on a tour of the site with foreman Dan Reilly, pictured above centre with cap. Filming for the television blockbuster is just about finished with the show due to be aired in early August – before the five houses on the Raglan Street site go up for auction. 

A spokesperson said the show’s builders Nine In Six would stay at the site, doing maintenance on the houses and gardens, until the end of the auctions which were likely to be late October or early November.

Real estate agents for the houses will also be doing private open for inspections. Central Highlands residents, who have watched The Block houses rise up from the former sheep paddock, can look forward to seeing promotions for the show go to air later this month. 

Daylesford Primary School principal Ali McCann said the school had been in touch with The Block about doing some television promotions with their younger students and the idea of a tour had been raised. 

“Our grade five and six students walked up and had a really good time, it was such a unique experience for them. 

“They had lots of weird and wonderful questions for The Block team who gave us a tour around the site and introduced us to members of the team, including hosts, the interior designers and the competitors. Everyone really enjoyed the experience.” 

Words: Donna Kelly | Images: Contributed  

Hepburn Bathhouse and Spa has teamed up with The Block to mark its 130th anniversary with the unveiling of newly refurbished private bathing rooms, a refreshed treatment menu and a new look throughout the property.  

Hepburn Shire Council owns the property and leases it to Belgravia Leisure. A council spokesperson said the cost of the lease was not available to the public.  

The Block co-presenter Shelley Craft, on YouTube, said the Bathhouse and Spa was a great place to hold a challenge but viewers would have to wait until the series  aired later this year.

“Suffice to say, the contestants are loose on the ground and  probably creating havoc, but also some magic as well,” she said.  A media release from the Bathhouse said The Block‘s cast members “recently called  ‘tools down’ on a renovation onsite.  

“The results of their hard work will be revealed in the highly anticipated series of  episodes airing later this year, with the project resulting in one of the teams winning  the biggest challenge prize in The Block history.

“Whilst the Bathhouse Sanctuary bathing remains closed until July for restoration  works, guests are still invited to immerse themselves in the many other indulgences on offer, including soaking in serene seclusion in the private baths, the all-new  treatment menu, the luxe accommodation, the historic Pavilion café and the gorgeous  bushwalks surrounding the property.”  

The Block contestants have also been helping out with works on the Phoenix The Rex community cinema project.  A spokesperson for The Block said there were no real guidelines “with what we do with the community projects but with both projects we wanted to showcase something that is iconic for the community that will be seen around Australia and  potentially the world”.  

“The Hepburn Spa is such a great facility and we loved working with them.  “As for the Rex cinema, we saw there was so much community support for the re opening of the cinema, including lots of volunteers working to raise money, this was  an amazing project to work on for The Block too.  

“Now they are done, we hope all the community can enjoy the projects when  they open and also enjoy seeing it come together on air later in the year.  

“We have also enjoyed filming at local tourist attractions every Monday night which the cast and crew have loved, exploring the beautiful Daylesford and surrounds – along with weekly challenges for the contestants which will showcase so many  amazing tourist attractions.  

Above The Block presenters Scott Cam and Shelley Croft, with Frankie Cam  

Words: Donna Kelly | Image: Hepburn Bathhouse    

The Local’s editor Donna Kelly chatted with The Block judges – from left, Darren Palmer, Shaynna Blaze and Marty Fox on a recent Sunday – about all things building, judging, contestants and Daylesford. 

Donna: Do you ever come across contestants who have no design idea at all? 

Shaynna: Constantly. We give them advice, but it just depends whether they listen to it. Because it is quite incredible, you do get people who have no idea but think they do. And that’s quite dangerous.

Some people come on for the wrong reasons of not wanting to renovate, not wanting to learn. Some people come on because they want the exposure. But that’s not many. I feel at the moment everyone has come for all the right reasons and the fact is that they’re really doing incredible work so far. 

Donna: The five houses are all the same. Does that make it more difficult to judge? 

Marty: It makes it more difficult for the contestants because they’ve got to figure out what they’re doing with the space. But because they’ve got all the same parameters, it’s great for us judges. We’ve enjoyed this so much because you get to see people really testing their thinking on where things should go. I think it’s easier to judge and harder for them.

They’ve got direct comparisons between who makes better decisions based on the location of a wall or a doorway or things that they can control. And when we’re not comparing apples to apples, it makes our job harder.

But they get to have more personality in their spaces and have exactly the same opportunities as everybody else. So if someone does it better, it’s because they’ve made better design decisions. It’s a real level playing field. 

Donna: Do you have a Daylesford aesthetic that you’re trying to help them understand? The housing here is very mixed. 

Darren: I would say Daylesford has personality. There’s an art-centric element to it. There is dark and colour. There’s a farmhouse element. There is a reclaimed element. There’s an amalgamation of all these different influences. Then there’s also a more modern Daylesford aesthetic as well.

But if they don’t have personality, if they don’t have something that feels like it belongs in a country environment…if they go for a homogenised approach to design here, I think they’re going to miss the market. Personality is the key. 

Donna: When you start judging rooms, do you have an idea of who is going to win and who is not going to really make it? 

Shaynna: Whether they’ve come in here as never renovating a home or if they’ve come in and they’ve renovated seven, it kind of means really nothing at the end of the day because the pressure of the week and how much work’s done within that week and all the different things that are within their control and out of their control; people crack under pressure.

And that’s why it’s so interesting. It’s the pressure, it’s the time limits, and in this case, this season, how much they can change the room depending on what they’re given. You just can’t pick it. I think it’s also you do get couples that come in and you can tell they have an incredible eye and they’re doing incredible things.

But then you have the people that have no idea, but who are listening. And then they start rising because if you come out really strong in those first two weeks, you’ve got nowhere to go. You’ve got to maintain that stunning sort of execution and personality. 

Marty: And then the behind people come up and then all of a sudden it becomes a level playing field. It’s not until you hit about middle you know where they’re going to go. Because if someone’s a sponge and they’re learning, they’re learning from us and the other contestants.

And we’ve seen that more often than not, that they just rise. But next week, we’re halfway. And by halfway, as judges, I do feel that we tend to have our opinions of who’s in that sort of two-horse race. There are a couple of favourites in the mix. 

Donna: And finally, how are you finding the town? 

Shaynna: I have a place at Kyneton so I know Daylesford really well, and also I’ve had friends that have got married here, friends that have had houses. I feel the energy coming back because Daylesford got really quiet and a lot of things closed, and it was hard during Covid.

But I am just feeling the Daylesford energy, and I feel like what The Block’s giving back is the fact that everyone’s eating here, they’re buying from here. So there is this co-connection between The Block and Daylesford at the moment, I think it’s beautiful energy. 

The Scotty Camburger is the latest offering from the Daylesford Seafood Bar.  It’s named after Scott Cam, one of the two faces of The Block, which is now  filming at Raglan Street at the eastern entrance to the town.  

Meanwhile Shelley Craft, the other on-air talent on the show, is loving Daylesford  where she now heads every week from her home in Byron Bay.  

“I just love the actual feeling of a small town. You go into every store and  everyone knows everybody else who comes in. They might not know us particularly,  but they say hi to all the other customers, like their friends.

 “And I really appreciate that, being from a small town myself. But just that idea,  I think, of being able to get off site, and for the intensity that happens here every day,  for our crews and for the contestants themselves, and all the production, to actually  take a step back and just slow down a little bit on those few hours a week they have  off, is a really lovely thing.  

“It’s a bit like Enid Blyton’s The Magic Faraway Tree – every season we pop up and  land somewhere else and go, what on earth does this world have to offer us?”  

Scotty, who is still looking for a favourite pie, said the welcome from the town  and community had been terrific.  

“I’ve rented a really nice, lovely, quaint cottage. And that’s the beauty of our job,  that we get to experience the town for three months. It’s not just like a fly-in business.  We live here, we immerse ourselves. I rent a house, I live in it, so I live in a different  household every year. So that’s really fun. And my wife comes and visits. She’s  coming next weekend for a week.  

“And then we love going out for tea, and all the great restaurants and pubs. We  went to the Lake House last night, and it was incredible.”  

Shelley said the news about Daylesford being the latest home for The Block had  got out ahead of time and she hoped the contestants had done their research into the  region.  

“They should have been looking at what houses they can design here that are  really going to suit the market. And that’s where Scotty and I come in on Fridays,  where we say, hey, you might have missed the mark here. Have you seen the eclectic  lifestyle, the amount of colour that’s in town? Bring in the natural environment.

“Don’t just build a house that you can build anywhere. Build something specific  for Daylesford that’s really going to appeal to the audience that A, already lives here  and might be looking for an upgrade, or B, is really going to attract new locals to the  area. So, yeah, we’re trying to every week go, Daylesford, Daylesford.  

“And we are hoping that they have enough time in their week to get out and  actually explore the area a little bit so they get those tiny details right. Yeah, see who  comes here. See who wants to live here. Is it a family? Is it single people?

“Who’s  buying in the town and what style are they looking for? That’s the key. If you build a  house that people aren’t looking for, they just go next door.”  

Scotty said the show would leave a few legacy projects around the region.  

“We do (this) every year. We do a community centre, something to that effect.  We did a surf club last year and we get our sponsors on board so we can generally tip  in quite a few bucks, like a lot, and do a reno that they would never do. And we try  and do that.”    

Hepburn Shire councillors and council staff, including Mayor Cr Don  Henderson and CEO Bradley Thomas, took the opportunity to take a tour around the site of The Block last Thursday. The Local tagged along.  

They met with Scott Cam and Shelley Craft along with other members of the  television show crew. Scotty told the councillors and staff the welcome from the town had been amazing with everyone friendly and happy.  

“(And) there’s 200 of us here roughly and we don’t provide catering for our team.  So 200 people have to eat breakfast, lunch and dinner in town somehow, whether  they cook it or buy it, or go to a restaurant.  

“So from our point of view, it’s great for the town. We always try and do a  community service as well, somewhere along the line.  

“We’ve also rented probably, I don’t know, 50 houses. And when we come to  a town, an original town like Daylesford, we go boots and all. We come in and we  really get involved and we love it.”  

Scotty said taking part in the ChillOut parade had also been amazing and would  be the first episode when The Block aired later this year.  

Shelley said she lived in a regional town, Byron Bay, and loved the lifestyle that  is on offer.

“So I feel responsibility to introduce the rest of Australia to what regional  living is like. To somehow, through the show, show that little window of how  wonderful regional living can be. And perhaps encourage other city slickers to get out  a little bit more, even if it’s just on the weekends.

 “We’re not sure what audience these homes are going to bring as far as buyers. We  hope that they end up being huge contributors to the town as well and integrate into  the community.”  

Image: Kyle Barnes  Words: Donna Kelly

Hepburn Shire Mayor Cr Don Henderson has welcomed “Australia’s much loved renovation competition reality TV series, The Block“.  

Filming started at the Raglan Street, Daylesford site last week.  Cr Henderson said Daylesford was known for its charming streets, culinary delights, mineral springs and spa resorts, and was set to benefit from the anticipated  influx of visitors.

“The cast, crew and travelling fans, will be able to indulge in Daylesford and all of our shire’s hospitality and shopping at our artisanal businesses and the local craftsmanship.

“Hosting The Block is an excellent opportunity for our shire. It will deliver noticeable economic benefits and showcase our beautiful landscape, rich history and vibrant community to millions of viewers across the country.   

“As filming takes place over the next few months, we look forward to the business The Block will bring to our accommodation providers, cafes, restaurants, local trades  and suppliers.”  

“The shire stands to gain far more than architecturally beautiful homes, the exposure will boost tourism beyond the show’s broadcast, reinforcing Hepburn Shire as a must-visit destination for local and international travellers.

“Council and our  communities look forward to The Block shining a national spotlight on our shire’s  charm, heritage and businesses.”  

Meanwhile, The Block contestants took part in their first challenge creating floats for the ChillOut parade last Sunday.

The show will air later this year.  

Above, Daylesford’s first Bunnings Warehouse, on The Block site  Words & images: Donna Kelly  

Construction works for The Block 2025’s sustainable pavilion-style homes are underway and local agents predict they are likely to fetch top sums on auction day, according to realestate.com.au.

The realestate.com.au website said new images of the 2400sqm Raglan Street, Daylesford site had given fans a sneak peek of the 21st season of The Block. 

“The hit renovation reality television show will see a new cast of Blockheads overhaul five homes, which will form a new neighbourhood within Hygge Property’s Middleton Field new housing estate, located at the regional town’s eastern entry point,” the website says. 

Last year, The Local reported on The Block coming to Daylesford, after plans for the 2024 edition of the show to be produced in the town were stalled. 

Executive producer Julian Cress, in a statement reported on by 9Entertainment, said Daylesford had been a destination for Australian and international tourists for a century and had “really cemented itself as one of the top weekend destinations in the country”. 

Mr Cress said Daylesford was originally intended to be the site for the 2024 season. “We put nine months of hard work into [Daylesford] before we had to pivot to Phillip Island,” he said. 

“But Phillip Island has taught us that taking the show to a place which is a holiday destination is great for The Block, and we hope it will be great for Daylesford as well. The fact that it was still an option seemed a no-brainer.” 

Mr Cress said he had been spending time with the Daylesford community.

“I think they are really excited for us to bring the show there. We think it will be a wonderful opportunity for Daylesford and for the community as a whole. 

“We also try to film much of our show focusing on the local community and whether that be renovating a community project, or just being able to showcase great local artisans and businesses, is something that is a real hallmark for The Block. 

“We want to make The Block not just about the properties in Raglan Street, but about the whole town. We work incredibly hard to make sure our houses are built with the best possible environmentally sound, modern practices available. 

“We are always looking at sustainability and environmental concerns, we are not just throwing up project houses, we are trying to build houses of the future.” It is believed filming will start in February. 

Words: Donna Kelly | Image: Kyle Barnes 

Daylesford is headed for massive exposure via TV show The Block.   

Channel Nine says the 20-year-old show averages 1.3 million viewers on Sunday nights and a million on the following three nights, as well as being shown in 170 countries.   

What is called pre-construction starts on the Raglan Street property this month, with filming likely to begin in February or March.

Casting started nationally last week. So far, 176 contestants have taken part in more than 900 episodes, winning more than $34 million in prize money.

For lovers of detail, there have been 98 homes renovated, 200 bathrooms built and 98 kitchens built. At least 70 crew members are expected to move to Daylesford, renting locally for three months.   

Hepburn Shire Council was anxious to make soothing noises about the advent of The Block, saying it believes it will create tourism and economic development opportunities by showcasing the district to a national audience.  

Asked about how the town would cope with the influx of so many crew members, with the attendant rubberneckers, the council said: “The production of The Block will enable opportunities for our tradespeople to work alongside the many cast, crew and in-house trades that will temporarily reside within our shire.”   

As for the possible influx of tourists after The Block is shown, the council  welcomes visitors and understands that there will be interest at the site.   

“The producers of The Block will be required to have traffic management in place to ensure the safety of people on and around the site.”   

As to whether the council had experience with something similar and if so, what it was and how was it handled, the council responded: “Council has experience with major festivals and events around our shire.

“We will be working with the producers of The Block to support them. We have  also consulted with other councils that have had involvement with the production of various seasons of The Block.”   

Words: Kevin Childs | Image: Kyle Barnes        

The Block is heading to Daylesford next year. Executive producer Julian Cress confirmed the Raglan Street site in a statement reported on by 9Entertainment last week.

“It’s a very exciting place for us to bring The Block to Daylesford,” he said. “It’s been a destination for Australian and international tourists for a century now, and it has really cemented itself as one of the top weekend destinations in the country.”

Mr Cress said the destination was originally intended for the 2024 season. “We put nine months of hard work into [Daylesford] before we had to pivot to Phillip Island,” he said.

“But Phillip Island has taught us that taking the show to a place which is a holiday destination is great for The Block, and we hope it will be great for Daylesford as well. The fact that it was still an option seemed a no-brainer.”

Mr Cress said he had been spending time with the Daylesford community. “I think they are really excited for us to bring the show there next year. We think it will be a wonderful opportunity for Daylesford and for the community as a whole.

“We also try to film much of our show focusing on the local community and whether that be renovating a community project, or just being able to showcase great local artisans and businesses, is something that is a real hallmark for The Block.

“We want to make The Block not just about the properties in Raglan Street, but about the whole town. We work incredibly hard to make sure our houses are built with the best possible environmentally sound modern practices available.

“We are always looking at sustainability and environmental concerns, we are not just throwing up project houses, we are trying to build houses of the future.”

Hepburn Shire Council Mayor Cr Brian Hood said the council originally approved the five-dwelling development by developer Hygge at the October 2023 meeting, with a significant number of conditions, including the retention and protection of all Avenue of Honour trees.

“This decision was appealed at VCAT by residents, after which the Minister for Planning issued a permit allowing the development,” Cr Hood said.

“The Minister’s permit includes a number of requirements around landscaping, construction, stormwater and environmentally sustainable design.

“Daylesford will provide a picturesque backdrop for the filming of The Block, and it is anticipated that the production will generate a boost for the local economy.

“We would strongly encourage (the) producers, contestants and the support crew to shop and eat local to ensure economic benefits flow back into our community.”

A media release from Hygge Property said the 2025 Block homes were in its Middleton Field neighbourhood. “(The) five new highly sustainable pavilion-style homes are to be built along Raglan Street at the eastern entry to the town, as part of its popular TV series.

“The land forms part a new carbon-neutral neighbourhood in Daylesford known as ‘Middleton Field’.”

The release says following a meeting with Mr Cress, organised by Belle Property Daylesford in 2022, detailed plans evolved alongside The Block team for the new homes embracing modern architecture considerate to Daylesford’s landscape and aligned with the design guidelines for the wider neighbourhood.

“Hygge eventually sold the five 2400sqm lots to Channel 9 earlier this year through agents Ashlee McKee and Natalie Fagan from Belle Property, Daylesford,” the release says.

“Importantly, the larger architecturally designed homes to be delivered by The Block next year will round out the Middleton Field neighbourhood framing the eastern entry to town.

“Since Hygge first started planning a new community in Daylesford, locals and the municipality were clear around a desire to see a range of sustainable housing options within its popular lifestyle town – recently nominated as one of Victoria’s ‘most walkable towns’ by global platform World Atlas.

“The neighbourhood already includes a series of 31 small footprint, stylish eco- townhouses designed by highly regarded, sustainable architect Breathe – now selling off-the-plan as ‘The Village’.”

Words: Donna Kelly 

The TV show “The Block” maybe coming to the Daylesford township, or at least it was coming to town until a few objectors, climbed onboard the “Leave our pretty town alone” train and stopped it in its tracks.

Or that was what it looked like from the outside and it was strange that the TV show that normally keeps to itself in terms of outside media unless they are looking for attention, started communiques to media outlets pertaining to it’s struggle in getting permits from the Hepburn Shire Council.

It seems the trouble is over the scale of the builds, the heated pools and maybe a bit of Tall Poppy Syndrome. I personally sit in the pro-development camp, after realising a long time ago that there is not much you can do about it, the way our society is setup with the rules bending to the elite and rigid for the rest of us.

Like The Block I have done a few renovations in my lifetime, buying my first house in my twenties, and just before moving in, getting a job with a demolition crew in the old George Walkers building (kind of like the Myer of New Zealand).

My whole purpose of getting the job was to figure out how a wall was constructed in the days before Google, so as I would be able to renovate my new purchase. I also needed to remove a wall in the house as it was a rough, gang-ridden neighbourhood and you had to unlock the back door and walk across the porch to access the toilet.

I was on a four-week swing, meaning I would spend four weeks at sea with the next four weeks off when I was on the offshore tugboats. Which meant leaving my girlfriend at the time home alone, so the wall had to go.

I also asked dad how to remove a wall and he turned up with his chainsaw and yes cutting into a 1960’s laundry wall which abutted the toilet with a chainsaw and no protective gear is not recommended. Think asbestos poisoning.

But I had no idea and removed the wall rendering the toilet accessible from inside the house. This meant I had a taste of the renovation bug and still had Dad’s chainsaw. So, I kept removing walls and renovating, looking back I’m surprised the joint didn’t come down like a house of cards.

I have done a few small renovations since but even though I measure twice and cut once I am not much for getting things level so leave things to the professionals. But back to The Block, I haven’t watched the show for years and decided to tune in last Monday. Because maybe it is coming to town or maybe it isn’t? Either way I figured I should get in sync and after 35 minutes I decided it was a load of emotional waffle. I kid you not, I was screaming at the TV set “for the love of God, just build something.”

But, I wasn’t entirely caught up with things at The Block and it had been an emotional weekend (Go the Pies), so on the Tuesday night I once again sat there ready to be entertained and was once again disappointed. As two of the bickering back-biting teams went to Scotty’s house in Gisborne to have dinner and talk about their emotions (strike me pink) – just go and build something.

It’s like watching a teenager’s party when some young drunken idiot cracks onto someone else’s squeeze and fisticuffs and emotion ensue.

So, for mine, if the Block comes to Daylesford it could be good to shine a spotlight on our area, but in terms of entertainment it is tantamount to the Days of Our Lives, with long lingering looks, a lot of emotions and not much actual building taking place.

Block rant over…

Words: Donna Kelly

Television show The Block will not go ahead in Daylesford because of delays in permit approvals, metropolitan media is reporting.
It was believed that The Block would build five houses at 1 Raglan Street, starting production in February. After objections, the planning application was taken to VCAT where it was then “called in” by the state Planning Minister.
But media is reporting that the producers have decided they will run out of time for permits and are now looking at potential Melbourne sites for the 20th edition of the show. They have said they may look at the Daylesford site again for a future show.
Reaction on social media has been mixed with comments from those who wanted the show to go ahead, and those who are pleased it has been dumped.
“This would have been a great thing for the town during a tough time for a lot of local businesses. It would have spurred things along just at the right time. Something will end up on the site. There could be a lot worse happen depending on who ends up with the site and land parcel sizes etc.”
“The no sayers should be careful what they wish for. They are now going to be
responsible for 50 or 60 small allotments. I’m sure they will take no responsibility for
that. I would much prefer five larger homes.”
“How disappointing, I was so looking forward to this and it would have brought a lot of money to our town I am sure all of our businesses would have been looking forward to this injection of money.”
“It would bring nothing to the town, they bring in building materials from a supplier in Melbourne the production company has accounts with, all the tradies would be brought in from elsewhere. What economic benefit would it bring, coffees in town?”
“Covid is over, the town is packed every weekend, maybe the businesses that aren’t doing well are suffering because of exorbitant rents or not selling what tourists want. The cargo cult of The Block won’t save them.”
“If businesses in town need the extra custom they anticipate from The Block juggernaut maybe they should have a long, hard talk with their accountant.”
“Perhaps they could do a social housing season. Homes for the many not the few.”

Words: Donna Kelly

A PLANNING application for five dwellings at 1 Raglan Street, Daylesford, has people wondering if it is the site of next year’s series of television show The Block.
The site is diagnally opposite the Farmers Arms Hotel.
The application to Hepburn Shire Council has a report prepared by Niche Planning Studio but the name of the applicant and owner of the land, on the corner of Raglan Street and the Midland Highway, has been redacted (blacked out).
The application says it supports the proposed development of five carbon-neutral, architecturally designed residential dwellings.
Each has a large kitchen and living/dining area with a mezzanine. There are five bedrooms in wings, two with en-suite bathrooms and all with access to a terrace. There is also another bathroom, rumpus room, three-car garage – and a heated swimming pool.
The application says a key principle is to maintain Daylesford’s leafy and spacious entry along the Midland Highway, transitioning from rural farmland to township-built form character.
It says access to the Midland Highway for the 3.8-hectare site has been proposed in a previously lodged application to Hepburn Shire Council.
Queries to Hepburn Shire Council Birch Ward councillors Jen Bray and Lesley Hewitt, and Mayor Brian Hood, were not responded to by press time. A query to Niche Planning Studio was also not responded to.
Hygge Property director Adam Walsh said he could not comment on the application but 1 Raglan Street, Daylesford was part of Hygge Property’s Middleton Field community.
The Block has told media outlets it does not comment on future sites although a number of media outlets have published articles saying that The Block will return to a regional area next year and is looking in the Hepburn Shire region.
Meanwhile, reaction on social media to the application is mixed.
“Anyone know more about The Block attempting to get permits to build massive houses and pools on the Wombat Park corner block near The Farmers? That would be devastating for the town! We don’t need a bogan TV station bringing hoards of day trippers.”
“Don’t know what the problem is – they won’t be the only ones building. Think of the money it will bring into the traders of the town.”
“With their Macca’s food van and Bunnings vouchers? Doubt the local small businesses are sponsoring the show.”
“Those places would look ordinary in that paddock. I’m interested to see how long permits take for them in comparison to local applications. Could be interesting.”
“Mitre 10 is the sponsor, and I’m sure there is one across from the site. I think they will be pretty happy to be supporting the build. I think a lot of businesses will benefit. Three months accomm for over 100 production staff, fuel and food just to start with.”
“I bet The Block gets permits while everyone else in the Hepburn Shire has to wait years for a simple one, typical of this shire.”
“The only positive that I can see for this is that otherwise that area is going to be subdivided into suburban (city) sized blocks and then be filled with cookie cutter big houses with little to no yards. If the rumours are true then these Block houses will be older period homes that have been relocated and then renovated and will at least provide a visual buffer from the Midland Highway to what will otherwise be a mini Caroline Springs housing estate.”
“I like that this is where we draw the line…have you looked at the town? It’s a joke. It’s already Caroline Springs.”
“You aren’t going to stop tourists coming or people moving to Daylesford. It’s a commutable distance from Melb and has all the amenities making it a very liveable town for all ages. Better to push for upgrades to services than to fight a losing battle.”
“It’s called progress and brings visitors and dollars into the town. Also more residents that will support local business. Great idea.”
“Don’t know about you but a home on a 2 acre or 1 acre block would be preferable than an estate for 50 blocks and actually help retain the trees. If it was a housing estate you’re more likely to see wholesale cutting out of trees. I do agree that the traffic will be bad and surprised they have built in such a prominent block rather than down some back road where they can control things.”
“I’m pretty sure something else is going in that location and the block is going in Glenlyon.”
“I swear if The Block get permits before us I will sue the council.”
“As they are always having McDonalds does that mean Daylesford will get a Maccas?”