Macedon Ranges councillors will go back to the table over plans to sell a 2025 square metre block of council-owned land at Gisborne to supermarket chain Aldi.
Aldi is preparing a planning application for a supermarket on land adjoining the Aitken Street block, and proposes to build and maintain a free public carpark there.
The site has long been earmarked as a future carpark by the council and a report to last Wednesday’s council meeting recommended the sale for $600,000. But a revised motion by Cr Russell Mowatt to seek expressions of interest was passed by mayor Graham Hackett’s casting vote.
‘‘As a council, we need to be very even handed when it comes to selling public assets,’’ Cr Mowatt said. ‘‘I’m concerned there could be a perception in the community that we are dealing exclusively with Aldi.’’
Cr Roger Jukes argued the community and surrounding businesses would be the big winners if the supermarket took responsibility for a time-limited carpark.
With Cr Henry McLaughlin absent, the mayor’s vote held sway but a notice of rescission was lodged the next morning.
This means the matter comes back to a future meeting.
