Community says “let’s get this right”

Growth and development of a town with a reputation for its village feel is always going to be a sensitive issue, but Yarragon Community Development Association president Peter Kingwill said it can be done right.

The YDCA submission is one of 20 submissions relating to the proposed 304-lot Waterloo 3823 development.

Mr Kingwill said aside from planning and engineering concerns, there was a community fear of losing the town’s village feel.

“That doesn’t mean the town doesn’t want development. It’s about how it grows, how it fits in and the impact of a 40 per cent increase in the town’s population.

“We want it to be integrated to the town. We have all seen developments that are poorly executed. We want this to be an extension of the town that can be a part of the future of the town.

“We are happy to have this development, but let’s get this right,” Mr Kingwill said.

The YDCA submission urges council to protect the values that make Yarragon unique, particularly its tourist town status.

Key concerns raised by the community group relate to subdivision design including road layouts and intersection treatments; drainage; lot design and orientation to maximise environmentally sustainable design; and, lack of house design guidelines.

The YDCA submission acknowledged it was not possible to design drainage systems to carry all the water that potentially could be delivered by high intensity rainfall events.

“However, it is possible to consider what will happen when the stormwater system is overwhelmed.

“This is foreseeable and is the difference between good design and poor design,” the submission said.

The group also claims open spaces did not appear “adequate or fit for purpose.”

The YDCA stated there were about 800 homes in Yarragon and the proposed estate would result in a 40 per cent increase.

“Public infrastructure is already lacking in Yarragon and consideration of the impact of the large increase in residents should be assessed.

“What plans do the council and state have to increase the capacity of the school, kindergarten, childcare, emergency services, sporting facilities, medical facilities, provision for more commercial space, all-weather all-ability playgrounds, and leisure activities,” the submission asked.