Georgia Tacey
After heavy debate, Macedon Ranges council will request for an independent planning panel to continue to look into the viability of Benetas’ retirement village development in Gisborne.
The issue has been debated for a number of council terms, with it most recently being deferred at the May planning delegation committee meeting due to significant public backlash about the rezoning of the land.
During the May 28 council meeting, Cr Kate Kendall moved a motion requesting the planning minister appoint an independent panning panel to consider the submissions and the planning permit.
Cr Kendall said this would enable council to continue to assess the viability of the project.
“Tonight we really have two options in front of us; to go to the planning panel or to abandon the application completely,” she said.
“I understand where all councillors may come from, however to abandon the application at this stage seems premature and a little extreme.
“This alternative motion still allows the application to be abandoned post panel, allowing us to keep all our options open so we can gather further information and we can have a fresh perspective and seek legal advice through this process.”
The main point of contention for the community is the proposed land, which was donated by Humphrey Dixon to the Gisborne and District Bush Nursing Hospital, with the covenant that the land be used for healthcare purposes.
Cr Christine Walker noted Mr Dickson appointed a trust to act on his behalf following his death.
“The trustee has granted permission in accordance with his wishes, so what flows from here is ultimately a big decision for our community and the crux of the matter is whether or not … our community will benefit from an aged care retirement living facility in our town.”
Not all councillors were in support, with Cr Alison Joesph wishing to abandon the project.
“There’s been considerable community objection to the proposal and we must respect the views of the community that we represent,” she said.
