Nationals Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes has acted on local concerns regarding tougher planning restrictions as a consequence of Lake Eildon being included as a water source for Melbourne.
Dr Sykes said, “I have taken these concerns directly to the Minister for Planning in Parliament this week.
“A number of local people have contacted me about apparent toughening up on the setback for buildings up from 50 metres back from the high-water mark to 100 metres, and even as far out as 300 metres.
“There have also been concerns raised about over zealous interpretation of the maximum housing density in designated water catchments.
“Recent VCAT rulings which have resulted in ‘guidelines’ of a maximum density of 1 dwelling per 40 hectares are being interpreted as mandatory.
“A Goughs Bay resident has advised me that he had written to the Minister and met with a number of key staff from various government agencies.
“They have agreed that the issues raised by this resident are genuine and need to be addressed.
“It is critical that these issues be addressed immediately because they are causing unnecessary stress and cost to people attempting to get building permits to construct dwellings, particularly around Lake Eildon.”
Dr Sykes continued, “I have sought clarification from Goulburn-Murray Water on these matters who confirmed that two setback distances applied around Eildon; 50 metres for buildings (including homes, decks and sheds) from the full supply level of Eildon and 100 metres for onsite wastewater management systems.
“New planning guidelines released by the Department of Planning and Community Development place additional controls on residential developments because of risks to water quality with housing density less than 1 per 40 hectares.
“As it stands at the moment there are many blocks around Lake Eildon which can no longer be developed due to the new planning restrictions.
“Commonsense would dictate that this should apply only to farm zone land.”
Dr Sykes said that new planning guidelines affected the economic development of the financially stressed small rural councils of Mansfield and Murrindindi.
Dr Sykes told Parliament, “My request to the Minister is for him to take on board these concerns, support his staff and staff in other government agencies and boards that have recognised the problem and ensure that this problem is fixed immediately.”
Media contact: Bill Sykes 03 5762 2100
