Emerald residents fighting to have a proposed multi-storey development rejected, from left, Harry Brown, Doris Bowden, Ron Duncan, Margaret Parton, Chandra and Wendy Lydall, Betty Love and Joan Taylor.By Tania Martin
EMERALD residents have just two weeks to put in last-minute submissions against a multi-storey development.
The proposed development at 386 Belgrave-Gembrook Road is for a four-storey complex which would house offices, a medical centre, licensed food and drink premises and serviced apartments.
The council rejected the proposed development in December but it is now set to go before the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) in two weeks.
The Shire of Cardinia received more than 60 objections to the development, and changes have since been made to the proposal in the lead-up to the hearing.
Residents say they now have to put in further submissions following the changes.
They were notified of the changes early this month and only had 10 days to make a submission.
That deadline has now passed.
But David Greenaway of Emerald said despite the date passing, people could still put in a last-minute submission.
Mr Greenaway said those who missed putting in a submission could make late entries until the day of the hearing.
“I have spoken to VCAT and they can accept late entries of people who want to join the fight,” he said.
“You just need to contact VCAT and send them a statement of your objections.”
But residents only have a short time before the matter goes before VCAT on Wednesday, 11 April.
Cardinia Shire manager of governance and communication Doug Evans said as part of VCAT procedures, the applicant was allowed to lodge amended plans, which were available for viewing at the shire office.
He said the amended plans outlined small changes to the footprint of the building.
“As this matter is now before VCAT the council is no longer the decision-making authority and under the VCAT processes the applicants are allowed to submit amended plans,” he said.
Mr Evans said the applicant was required to provide the amended plans 10 days prior to the hearing, which had been done.
He said the council would vigorously oppose the proposal when it went to VCAT.
Residents fear the development, if approved by VCAT, will be used as a gambling venue.
But Mr Evans said there had never been any suggestion of using the venue for gaming machines. He said it was also something to which the council would strongly object.
Residents living in adjacent Violet Evelyn Gardens Retirement Village fear they will lose their privacy if the application is approved. They say the development will overshadow their units.
Retirement village resident Ron Duncan said the development was a monstrosity and urged as many people as possible to oppose the application.
Wendy Lydall of Emerald said now was the time for people to stand up and oppose the development.
“We need to collect our thoughts and fight to stop the development from ruining our town,” she said.
Ms Lydall said a lot of residents were confused over the changes and were unaware they needed to put in a further submission.
She fears the proposal will be approved if people don’t stand up and have their concerns heard.
