Plans for Pepi’s paddock

By Tania Martin
EMERALD residents remain in the dark over the future of the Pepi’s paddock, despite council repurchasing the land.
The Shire of Cardinia has confirmed the buy-back but refused to comment on how much it cost or what its plans were.
A spokeswoman said further details would be released to the community following approval of the shire’s draft 2010-11 budget.
This comes after Emerald’s John Dudley announced the move in a letter to the editor to the Mail last week.
The fight for Pepi’s land started in 2004 when the council made an executive decision to sell the land against residents’ wishes.
The 20 acres of land off Emerald-Beaconsfield Road could soon be used to boost the town’s infrastructure and essential services.
Ranges Ward councillor Ed Chatwin said the shire sold the land in a bid to bolster investment opportunities in its growth area.
He said the cash from the sale went into general revenue.
“There was a great deal of outpouring from the community that this was the wrong move,” Cr Chatwin said.
He said the land essentially amounted to the only free developable area in Emerald.
Cr Chatwin said Emerald was the second biggest town in the shire and lacked critical infrastructure.
He said residents had initially hoped the land would be used for services such as a bowling green, swimming pool, new netball courts and a host of other items.
Cr Chatwin said a strategy program would be included in the coming budget, outlining a master plan for the land.
He said the plan had changed over time, with the original plans including more open spaces such as ovals.
“This time we have aimed to provide for the development of infrastructure,” Cr Chatwin said.
He said this was a ‘tremendous’ win for Emerald.
“It will give the town more room to breathe,” he said.
“It gives the Emerald the opportunity to look at a 20-year program of infrastructure.”
Mr Dudley said residents were thrilled to finally have the land back they fought so hard for.
“Some had given up on it years ago but are delighted we have got it back at long last,” he said.