Yarragon may get major service centre
Plans for a major roadside service centre at Yarragon have been lodged with Baw Baw Shire Council but the town’s business group has already indicated it will oppose the development.
The planning application details the proposed development on the Princes Highway just west of the town that will include refuelling areas for car and trucks, a convenience store and two food outlets/restaurants.
When details of the planning permit application were made public last week, business owners in the town were quick to raise concerns about the impact on local shops, cafes and restaurants.
The service centre will occupy 39 hectares of an 85-hectare property extending west from the Princes Hwy-Hazeldean Rd junction.
Plans show three dedicated refuelling bowsers for large tracks in a separate area to eight undercover bowsers for other vehicles.
The application says it will cater for all vehicles from small cars to B-double trucks.
Applicant Jasbe Petroleum describes itself as an experienced developer of service stations and freeway service centres.
Provision has also been made for parking for cars, vehicles towing trailers, caravans and boats, bicycles and large trucks.
VicRoads has been consulted by the developer on location of separate entry and exit points and construction of a 185-metre long left turn lane alongside the road shoulder.
Jasbe says it expects half of its fuel sales will be for trucks.
Yarragon Business Association president Lee Richards said they were unaware of the proposed development and there had been no consultation prior to the application being lodged.
She said it was a concern Baw Baw Shire Council had not notified the business group, given they are currently working with council to develop a strategic plan for the town.
“We are trying to plan for the town as a tourist town and future business viability and this development will impact that.
“The lifeblood of Yarragon and Darnum is passing traffic who stop for a break and takeaway coffee.
“This service centre will be a significant threat to a lot of businesses in Yarragon,” she said.
Ms Richards said a lot of money had recently been spent redeveloping a service station at the eastern end of the town and she did not see the need for another centre.
She likened it to an application some years ago for a service centre to be developed at the Spud Shed, east of Trafalgar, that was refused.
Ms Richards said when business and community people had been involved in workshops for future planning of the town, everyone was keen to “maintain the village feel and unique strip shopping.”
The application is on public exhibition at the shire’s customer service centre at Drouin until February 27. Any objections must be submitted in writing.