Ban councillors from planning

I’ve just read two articles in the Gazette titled, “Baw Baw Shire Council says no to Brooker Park extension.” and “Council says no to Waterford shops” that have prompted me to pen this letter.

Councillors voting to stop both proposals is ludicrous. Particularly when I see that the key excuse provided points to the recently introduced Warragul and Drouin Precinct Structure Plan (PSP).

With regard to the extension of the linear trail, I can only state that my family is an avid user. Our kids have grown up exploring the areas around the trail. Kookaburras in the old gum trees are one of their favourite highlights, along with climbing across fallen branches that enable them to cross the creek. And this is before I mention the joy they experience when feeding the ducks.

Our kids walk to school (in good weather) on the trail with mum and dad and also ride their bikes and throw and kick their balls there.

The linear trail, and other similar trails, are not just a walking path that connects our family to the town centre and other recreational areas, but an integrated recreation and nature trail that attracts more than just the commuter.

Trails like this are essential for the community to make sure we keep saying, ‘g’day’ and ‘hello’ to each other as we go about our daily business.

Whilst the PSP was apparently used as the excuse for not extending the linear trail further to the north as well as not granting a rezoning of the Waterford Rise entry site, the council and councillors need to start seeing the forest through the trees.

This means to use common sense to deviate from the plans that were set by the Metropolitan Planning Authority, particularly, when it’s best for the community and even if it does mean the community picking up the extra lawn mowing bill.

Whilst the PSP was introduced to create certainties for all stakeholders, my opinion is that the plan is causing deep paralysis between council and councillors. This paralysis creates outcomes that don’t look after the community’s social needs (active and beautiful recreation areas) as well as economic needs (jobs for our local people who can construct these developments and houses).

I firmly believe councillors are not suitably equipped and qualified (unless qualified planners themselves) to understand the operations of a PSP. Hence, they should not have the ability to vote on matters pertaining to planning. Their votes in relation to these two matters place serious long term risks of the community missing out forever.

Once land is developed, with houses and roadways in place, it can never be developed again.

It’s now or never to get the right decision made on each of these social and economic opportunities, and no doubt many more into the future.

I certainly wouldn’t leave decisions about my family and friends health to unqualified people, and hence I can’t see why matters of planning are allowed to be voted on by unqualified people. Jayman Prestidge Warragul