General News
26 January, 2023
Porcupine Village works paused due to permit breach
The big plans for Maldon’s historical Porcupine Village have been temporarily paused due to a breach of permit conditions, although the business has stated the breaches are “not game ending” and will be resolved. Porcupine Village managers...
The big plans for Maldon’s historical Porcupine Village have been temporarily paused due to a breach of permit conditions, although the business has stated the breaches are “not game ending” and will be resolved.
Porcupine Village managers declined to comment as the situation is ongoing, but in a Facebook post this month, confirmed works had been paused.
“It is with much sadness and frustration that we convey some further delays in the opening of the Village to the public,” the post read.
“We have followed the instructions of the council for nearly two years, but we have breached a couple of permit application conditions, based on advice given to us from a private consultant.
“They are not game ending breaches, but they mean we have to cease works until such time as they are resolved, and permits are issued.
“None of us are planning or building permit experts so we have relied on the advice from others, some of which was flawed.”
First built in the 1990s, plans to breathe new life into the village came with new owners in late 2020.
The village is expected to boost tourism in the region, highlighting the district’s gold rush history with the recreation of a typical 1850s village.
The project has also received support from both council and government, with the Victorian Government announcing $1.7 million in funding for the restoration works and new accommodation last year.
While works to the village element have been slow going, the site’s Golden Nugget Restaurant was successfully reopened in September last year.
Now, however, the restoration will be delayed further as the business works through the permit breaches — something the business noted was not the fault of council.
“Let us be clear that it is not the Mt Alexander Shire [Council] that is directly responsible for these delays,” the post read.
“We certainly have the general support of the shire, who recognise the huge economic value this project will be for the region.”
The Facebook post noted there is no impact to the Golden Nugget Restaurant which will continue to operate as usual.
Mount Alexander Shire Council declined to comment.