Residents oppose road rename

A community meeting last week outlined Baw Baw Shire’s reasons for a proposal to rename a section of Lillico Rd.

About 40 Lillico Rd residents voiced strong opposition to the proposal, which will see a section of Lillico Rd renamed because of a new residential subdivision.

Shire planning and economic development director Matthew Cripps said the road renaming proposal was in response to development of a new road and roundabout in a new subdivision.

Mr Cripps stressed council had not made a decision on the renaming.

“The final outcome of the road renaming will be subject to a decision made at a council meeting at a later date,” he said.

Mr Cripps said the renaming was in response to a new road and roundabout that will create a new intersection and therefore the existing road direction will change.

Mr Cripps said the public meeting allowed community members to voice their concerns about the road renaming.

Some of the concerns included heritage significance, change of address costs and access for emergency services.

Residents said the section of road proposed to be renamed was where the Lillico family home is located.

To preserve the heritage significance to the local area, the community suggested renaming the northern section as it would affect less residents.

Mr Cripps said to pursue this course, the northern section of the road could remain as Lillico Rd.

But, he said, there would be a requirement to change the property numbers to ensure they met state government road regulatory codes.

Council acknowledged the associated cost to residents affected by a road renaming.

Council offered to provide change of address packs which are available from Australia Post free of charge.

The community questioned whether there would be any confusion about address changes for emergency services.

Mr Cripps said the section of road proposed to be renamed had been done so in accordance with VicRoads road safety rules.

He said if the road name is changed it would be done through VicNames, which is the mapping system used by ESTA.

Lillico Rd resident Terry Hennessy is opposed to the proposal.

Mr Hennessy said the subdivision was approved by council in 2014 and it was disappointing this issue had not been sorted out at the time.

He said the shire indicated either the northern section or southern section would have to be renamed.

Mr Hennessy said shire staff indicated their hands were tied because the precinct structure plans supported the proposal and the development had already been approved.

He said it was frustrating because it could be 15 years before the new connector road was even constructed.

Council officers will use feedback received at the community information session to prepare a report to present to council for consideration.