[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/6″ offset=”vc_col-lg-1/5 vc_col-md-1/5 vc_col-xs-1/5″][us_image image=”78537″ size=”thumbnail” align=”left” style=”circle” has_ratio=”1″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/12″ offset=”vc_col-lg-4/5 vc_col-md-4/5 vc_col-xs-4/5″][vc_column_text]By Councilor Warren Waddell[/vc_column_text][us_post_date][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][/vc_row][vc_column][/vc_column][vc_column_text]
The June Council meeting saw the adoption of the Rural Land review. It was encouraging to see a unanimous decision by the Council to advance the staged recommendations of the study.
Clearly, all Councillors have identified with the extensive submissions made by the community and the work compiled by staff and their consultants.
Our unique peri-urban environment now has a very real chance of a sustainable future, whilst preserving our much-loved rural amenity. The recommendations extend to:
- The better alignment of land use provisions against current rural activities
- The adjustment of some unnecessary planning regulations
- Better planning of our rural villages
- Integration with our employment, economic development and tourism strategies
- More targeted planning around the common features of each landscape area that combined, make up the rural area of the Shire
Unfortunately, the Rural Fire Service did not support some of the planning recommendations. A consequence of the substantial interface many rural properties have with our bushland.
Another positive outcome for rural infrastructure has been the adoption of the long-term operation and delivery plan. A ward Councillors have negotiated a change in roadwork priorities, resulting in the reconstruction of a section of Cobah Rd. This work has been introduced into the coming financial year. This section of road has been the subject of a long campaign for improved conditions and public safety.
The long-awaited inclusion of staged funding for New Line Rd in the Treasurer Matt Kean’s June budget, is also a welcome contribution to our local State Rd infrastructure.
As always, if I may be any help with any other issues feel free to contact me on [email protected] or Ph: 0499 004 861
