Council
4 August, 2023
Panel request for estate proposal
THE future of a proposed ‘Rivers Run Estate’ in Port Fairy remains in limbo following calls to appoint an independent planning panel.
At last week’s Ordinary Council Meeting, Moyne Shire councillors voted in favour of requesting the Minister for Planning to appoint a panel to hear submissions and provide direction on Planning Scheme Amendment C75 (Rivers Run Estate).
The amendment, put forward by a private developer, proposes to rezone and subdivide the land into 75 residential lots.
The amendment was exhibited over a period of six weeks between December 16, 2021 and January 31, 2022 with 89 submissions received.
The amendment was placed on hold in February 2022, with further documents requested, which have now been provided to council.
All submissions and council’s responses will be submitted to the panel should the minister approve the request.
Moyne Shire mayor Cr Karen Foster said an independent planning panel would hear the concerns raised in submissions and provide recommendations on how to best proceed with the amendment.
“Sending this to a panel to ensure the proposal and the submissions are reviewed independently is a sensible next step for this proposal and we hope the Minister for Planning will grant this request,” Cr Foster said.
“A panel will give all parties an opportunity to have their views heard and will then provide a set of recommendations to council.
“It’s the logical step for this proposal which has generated a significant level of community interest.”
As the amendment has been requested by a private developer, all costs associated with the amendment, including a panel if appointed will be the responsibility of the proponent.
The proposed Rivers Run Estate in Port Fairy offers a variety of lot sizes, ranging from about 350 square metres to 660 square metres, and will provide options for smaller households, such as one and two-bedroom townhouses.
The estate is expected to assist in fulfilling social and affordable housing demand in Port Fairy in the short term.
The plan provides for features including a ‘gateway park’ with picnic and cycling facilities and connections to the Port Fairy-Warrnambool Rail Trail.
It also incorporates a linear park connecting to the Princes Highway, a vegetated drainage reserve with boardwalk, and solar powered barbecue facilities for residents as well as extensive landscaping across the estate.
Any person who made a submission will have the opportunity to present their views at the Panel Hearing (date yet to be disclosed).