Lardner confirmed for multiple uses

A planning permit formalising Lardner Park as a multi-use facility for events and camping has been supported by Baw Baw Shire.

Permit conditions will restrict use of the land for helicopter landings to a maximum of 20 days a year and no joy flights from the site will be allowed.

A report to council said the permit formalised use of the site for a number of annual events including Tough Mudder, World Jousting Championships and Australia Ballet Under the Stars.

Planners said the permit also would address adverse amenity impacts on adjoining landowners, particularly in terms of noise; traffic on local roads and on-street car parking; and crowd behaviour and litter.

The permit allows Lardner Park to be used as a place of assembly, leisure and recreation, education facility, camping and caravan park, and helicopter landing.

Planning officers said Lardner Park and the events at the site contributed to local and regional economies.

Council received 26 objections to the proposal with objectors saying the focus of Lardner Park was changing and non-farm activities impacting surrounding residents were increasing.

The objectors questioned if uses at Lardner Park should be allowed to intensify given its proximity to rural and lifestyle properties.

Concerns also were raised about a permanent caravan park and camping on the land.

Other objections related to amenity issues, particularly noise and air pollution associated with Motorfest.

A number of concerns were raised about the impact of low flying helicopters in the area and the potential for collision with air traffic to a private airfield at Drouin South.

In a submission presented to council last week, Helen Case said council had openly overlooked the loss of amenity and negative impacts to ratepayers with non-agricultural, and particularly outdoor live music events being held at the venue.

There also were 12 letters of support from local businesses who said many businesses benefitted from the facility and events.

Supporters said Lardner Park employed local people and brought large amounts of money into the community.

The submissions said community groups, schools, local clubs and charities had benefitted socially and financially from the facility.

Cr Peter Kostos said the permit formalised the use of Lardner Park as a place of assembly, leisure and recreation, an education facility and as a camping and caravan park.

He said there was strong concern about helicopter joy flights operating from the site, especially scaring livestock on surrounding properties.

He said the helicopters would be mainly used for VIPs, bringing in products or emergency services which were exempt anyway.

Cr Michael Leaney said this provided surety for Lardner Park and everyone around Lardner Park.

“It is really important that we spell out what we will allow on the site,” he said.

Cr Leaney said the helicopters were for transport purposes.

“This is one of the great tourism sites of our shire. It’s important we have this level of planning permit so everyone knows where they stand,” he said.

Cr Mikaela Power declared a conflict of interest in the matter.