HOP FOR THE BEST
IT’S WHY WE SET UP HERE. WE MADE SURE IT WAS RURAL AND THE COUNCIL TOLD US WE WERE GOOD FOR 30 YEARS. ROB CALLIN
ROB Callin wistfully dipped his upper lip into a froth-topped schooner last night ahead of a decision that could change his life.
The Macalister Brewing owner will this morning learn the fate of a proposed industrial subdivision on sweeping cane fields beside his Smithfield brewery.
If it gets the all-clear at today’s Cairns Regional Council meeting, the development would destroy the rural views Mr Callin’s customers have come to enjoy while sipping away at their beers.
“I don’t really know what we would do as a plan B,” he said. “There’s always the option to move but it’s a huge amount of money.”
A report by planning officers recommends councillors give the project preliminary approval subject to eight pages of conditions, but it is understood an alternative motion to reject it outright is also being considered.
The development received unprecedented opposition and attracted 2135 formal objections from the community.
Brisbane-based developer Eljasie Pty Ltd responded to the criticism, arguing Macalister Brewing’s sugarcane vista was already going to be inhibited by construction of the Smithfield bypass, which covers part of the subject site.
In the report to council, planning officers noted the land’s current rural zoning could lead to detrimental outcomes for the current idyllic view in its own right.
“There is the potential for the rural uses to establish that would impact on the amenity currently afforded by the sugar cane,” it said.
“Such uses could include agricultural sheds or other rural activities.
“The proposed bypass will have significant implications on the current amenity.”
Mr Callin said he was trying to stay positive ahead of this morning’s decision.
“Everyone who comes into the bar asks if we’ve heard anything,” he said.
“We will see what the day brings.”
The proposal is to create a 22-lot mixed-use industrial precinct on land east of Mount Milman Dr.
Mr Callin claims council staff had initially informed him the land would remain zoned rural.
“It’s why we set up here,” he said.
“We made sure it was rural and the council told us we were good for 30 years.”
Division 8 Cr Jessie Richardson was keeping her vote under wraps until today’s meeting.
“A month or so ago there was a lot of activity but it has died down a bit now,” she said.