By Parker McKenzie
An Upper House MP has tabled a community group’s petition in parliament to stop the development of a retirement village in Ferntree Gully.
Glengollan Village, a not-for-profit aged care provider established in Ferntree Gully in 1956, proposed to build a two-story aged care facility at 2-8 Saint Elmo Street that could house 108 aged-care residents.
A group of residents who live on the street opposed the development because of several complaints.
Saint Elmo Street resident Andre Cooke told the Star Mail on 23 November the development would damage privacy.
“The issue is the overpowering size of the building,” Mr Cooke said.
“I mean you can imagine if you want to go outside with some friends and have a bit of a barbecue, we shouldn’t have to put up with it.”
Catherine Higgins, another resident, said that the site had significant natural value.
“I don’t want to see all the vegetation go,” Mrs Higgins said.
“There’s a lot of wildlife that will be affected.”
Transport Matters Party Mr Barton tabled the petition for the sitting week of State Parliament starting on the 9 February.
“I was pleased to see the community rally together and get this petition signed,” Mr Barton said.
“This yet another way we can express our disappointment in this development proposal.”
Knox City Council rejected the proposal from Glengollan village on 24 May after extensive advocacy work from the community, which resulted in 463 objections from 385 objectors.
Glengollan Village appealed the decision with the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) with a hearing set for April 2022.
Mr Barton said he sympathises with the community, who he believes are doing a great job fighting the development.
“Now the petition is tabled, I am pursuing a meeting with Minister Wynne and members of the community affected to further these conversations,”
“My understanding is that this case is going to VCAT and the government will allow that process to happen.”
The group of residents opposing the development have recently completed mediation with Glengollan Village and are looking to raise funds for a solicitor.
