The future of a rural living zone report more than a decade in the making appears to have been decided after a Macedon Ranges councillor withdrew a rescission motion lodged 12 hours after a lengthy debate that led to the plan’s apparent adoption.
The council’s In the Rural Living Zone report, which sets out how more rural-residential lots could be made available, was due to be presented to the Planning Minister after Cr Russell Mowatt failed to have the matter deferred by a vote of 5-4 last Wednesday night.
But early last Thursday, Cr Mowatt called for the decision to be rescinded, leading to a special meeting being called for October 14.
By late Friday the rescission motion had been withdrawn. It was unlikely to receive the support it needed, with mayor Jennifer Anderson, who sided with Cr Mowatt last week, flying out of the country last Thursday.
Cr Mowatt said changes to the document made public on the Friday before the meeting had led to a barrage of phone calls and emails from residents fearful of inappropriate developments.
‘‘The intent of my deferment motion was to ensure all stakeholders have been actively engaged,’’ Cr Mowatt said.
‘‘It would have been remiss of me to do nothing, especially when concerns raised are about the consultation process.
‘‘I’m hopeful that, as a council, we can provide further opportunities for face-to-face consultation with submitters as we move forward.’’
Last Wednesday’s debate about the report went for more than an hour, with councillors Mowatt, Anderson, Graham Hackett and Sally Piper calling for more investigation.
Concerns raised included recent changes to the zoning document, which had been put on display last November, with one area of land in Romsey being substituted for another.
Cr Hackett agreed a lot of work had gone into compiling the report.
‘‘And yet, right at the end, we have conjecture,’’ he said.
‘‘I don’t want this council to once again be accused of policy on the run.’’
Cr Anderson said the municipality already had nine per cent of its land zoned rural living – more than any other periurban shire.
Councillors Roger Jukes and John Letchford said there was no need for more consultation, as an eventual planning scheme amendment would require public display and submissions.
‘‘It’s been 12 years,’’ Cr Jukes said. ‘‘It’s time that this council took ownership.’’
Cr Mowatt acknowledged many residents had been consulted but said others had not, risking ‘‘further angst from the community’’.
‘‘You say it’s been 12 years … well, what’s a few more months?’’ he asked.
