Land sell out claim

By RUSSELL BENNETT
EMERALD residents have hit out at Cardinia Shire Council, accusing it of selling valuable land meant for community use.
But the council has defended plans to sell part of the iconic Pepi’s Land allotment on Beaconsfield-Emerald and Hamilton roads.
Councillors last week agreed to sell two parcels of land from the site.
Ranges Ward councillor Graeme Legge said the subdivision would allow “a residence” on each of the two properties, and said “it would be up to the purchaser of the land” if it was to be used by the hills community.
“They could,” Cr Legge said.
“But they’re not expected to.”
The latest chapter of the Pepi’s Land saga comes after fellow Ranges Ward councillor Ed Chatwin said in November that he looked forward to the council developing the left over land as an open public space.
“We will develop it in the next 25 years,” he said.
“I look forward to a bowling green and other open spaces in the area.”
Pepi’s Land has a chequered recent past, with the council selling the site in 2004 to Lucas Land Co before purchasing the land back in 2010 on the basis that the shire would subdivide the land and sell two lots in order to offset some of its purchase costs.
Emerald resident Peter Nodin was an original Save Emerald Police Station Action Group member. He was part of the local push in 2000 to build a new station on the site.
While another site for the station was selected earlier this year, Mr Nodin still wants Pepi’s Land to be available for community use.
“The land was originally bought for the Emerald RSL and given to the shire to manage, but nothing happened,” he said.
“That land was bought for the public.”
Of the 70-plus acre site, Mr Nodin said the community also wanted 10 acres for a new RSL and retirement village.
“(The council) was also going to build a sports field, a swimming pool, all kinds of things on there,” he said.
“The potential was fantastic but they’ve sold off the best bits.
“This is ratepayers’ money – it needs to provide value for the people.”
Cr Legge said the council heard community submissions last year on the proposed sale of the land, and had made variations to the plans in accordance with community sentiment.