Council wants land for development
A discussion paper has identified key sites in Warragul and Drouin for commercial and industrial development and support job growth.
The draft Economic Land Use Strategy discussion paper has identified a shortage of industrial land that needs to be addressed.
Key sites for commercial development in Warragul include the former dairy factory site, expansion of the Queen St large format retail area and development of the old saleyards site.
Prepared by consultants Charter Keck Cramer, the discussion paper states job growth in the shire has not kept pace with population growth.
"Addressing this will require initiatives that both help accommodate the economic implications of growth but also activate new economic growth opportunities.
"Council is responsible for facilitating an efficient planning system that encourages investment and employment growth by ensuring there is a suitable supply of available commercial land to meet the needs of enterprise, industry and households," the report states.
The discussion paper, currently on public exhibition for community feedback, outlines a series of strategic initiatives that seek to respond to emerging economic challenges and opportunities.
Seven key initiatives have been identified:
Renewal of strategic redevelopment sites including the former dairy factory, extending the Queen St large format retail corridor and encouraging major renewal in the town centre.
A new commercial precinct in Princes Way, Drouin.
Industrial expansion in Drouin and Warragul
Longwarry special economic area – a strategically significant 99.5 hectare area at the intersection of Princes Hwy and Sand Rd.
A new health, education and service precinct in Warragul and Drouin
New Land Use Economic Policy revising current policies to reflect current trends.
Review the economic impacts of climate change.
Cr Danny Goss said the report was the result of a $120,000 council budget allocation to assess what land was available for industrial and commercial development.
"We are desperate to hear the public thinking on this.
"We need more employment opportunities and we need more retail, industry and commercial businesses but we need the land to make that happen," he said.
Cr Goss said development in Warragul had been held up because of the lack of action on the old dairy site which "makes us the laughing stock."
"I encourage the owners to sell it or at least we certainly welcome a planning permit application.
Cr Goss said the former saleyards site was another potential development site that was currently under sale contract.
Cr Joe Gauci said what was presented on the maps in the discussion paper didn't mean it was definitely going to happen.
"It's not our choice, it's just putting the choices out there.
"We have people knocking on our doors asking where they can set up business and we don't have the answers.
"Let's see if we can get ourselves into a position where we can say we are open, these are your scenarios and see what happens from there," he said.
Cr Darren Wallace said he was surprise at how much it cost for someone else to "state the obvious."