Council & Business
2 February, 2023
Margaret Avenue subdivision plans approved by council
The development of 20 dwellings and a 20-lot subdivision of land at Margaret Avenue, Maryborough has been approved by the Central Goldfields Shire Council. At Tuesday’s special council meeting, councillors moved unanimously to grant approval to...
The development of 20 dwellings and a 20-lot subdivision of land at Margaret Avenue, Maryborough has been approved by the Central Goldfields Shire Council.
At Tuesday’s special council meeting, councillors moved unanimously to grant approval to planning permit application 075/22 with 79 conditions attached — despite the proposal receiving six objections, including one signed by several residents.
According to the report tabled to council, the application proposes the development of 25 Margaret Avenue for 20 single dwellings, associated 20-lot staged subdivision of the land, removal of native vegetation, alteration of access to a road in a Transport Zone 2, and associated buildings and works.
Lodged in June last year, the planning permit application notes that the development will be managed in two stages, with the first consisting of 10 dwellings fronting Margaret Avenue and the second stage consisting of the remaining 10 dwellings which will face to the west and will be accessed through a common driveway from McPherson Avenue.
Each dwelling will include one bedroom, an open planned living area, kitchen/dining area and an undercover alfresco outdoor area, the report stated.
Speaking at the council meeting, Cr Gerard Murphy moved that council grant the planning permit, and said that the town needed these dwellings to be developed.
“We as a council, we have to look at all types of dwellings from big, little, small, one bedroom, two
bedrooms, in different areas. We have to be conscious of that, we have to make sure we’ve got places there for people to rent and for people to buy,” he said.
“There’s 79 conditions on this and it’s good to read through all the conditions and understand them. They’ll be taken to the developers and they have to do the 79 conditions to go forward with this.
“We [need to] open it up for more people to be able to come to Maryborough and stay in Maryborough — it’s important for us to look at this.”
Apart from the conditions placed on the development, including matters relating to roads and access, the report said that the application also received objections relating to issues of stormwater drainage, sewage, suitability of land for a medium density development and number of dwellings.
The report tabled during the meeting included the planning officer’s responses to the objections — noting the proposed use of water tanks, the role of other organisations for matters pertaining to sewerage infrastructure, and provisions relating to density issues.
In line with the concerns raised by residents, Cr Geoff Lovett said that after taking everything into consideration, the development was beneficial for the town.
“When I received a notification of this proposed development, I’ve got to say I was initially conflicted. Looking at the submitted plans, they were very impressive but I personally felt that the development was in the wrong place. However, after several visits I realised that was not my decision,” he said.
“This development is very impressive, it’s well designed, well thought out and well planned. The proponent is an experienced developer especially in providing social and affordable housing.
“Council have listened to a number of objections and we have listened to their concerns many of which were valid and were taken on board.
“Weighing all things up I have come to the conclusion that Maryborough will benefit greatly from this development and I would hope that it’s not the only one we see of this type of housing in Central Goldfields Shire.”
Cr Chris Meddows-Taylor reiterated the importance of the project and said that it was vital to ensure diversity in housing.
“Diversity is important particularly in Maryborough where our housing is generally more of a traditional type. Now, we’ve known in recent times that we need to balance that,” he said.
“I think this meets a range of needs and balances what is already there.
“Certainly in terms of the objections that were there — fully note that they are understood. I think one of the most difficult things to do is to come to grips with changes in our neighbourhood area. It’s challenging, it’s confronting.
“Even if you’ve had some worries, I feel those concerns have been catered for in the conditions.
“I think this is a winner on many fronts. This is important as a way forward.”