Sessions outline drug centre plans

The Ice Meltdown Project (TIMP) is proposing to establish the centre at the vacant Athlone Primary School site at 930 DrouinKorumburra Rd.

The drop-in sessions were a chance for residents to view information and ask questions of the proposal as well as the council process now being undertaken. Community submissions must be submitted this week.

Baw Baw Shire’s planning team was on hand to support and facilitate conversation. Councillors Mikaela Power and Jessica O’Donnell also attended in the afternoon and were keen to gauge community feedback.

Cr O’Donnell said it was important council went to the residents instead of expecting the residents to come to them. She said community discussion was vital in councillors making an informed decision.

A steady stream attended the afternoon session with locals keen to raise concerns including lack of mobile coverage in the event of an emergency and land zoning confusion. The evening session was also well attended.

Baw Baw Shire said the planning staff were able to listen to and respond to community concerns and provide detailed information about the parameters of the application submitted to council for consideration.

The shire said the community of Athlone continued to be very active and spoke about their concerns, including safety of the community and program participants; access to emergency services; future development of the land beyond the current building footprint; and application alignment to land use zoning.

The community expressed a desire to meet with the Department of Education to discuss this matter further and welcome the opportunity to meet with Education Minister James Merlino.

Baw Baw Shire invites and encourages the community to capture their concerns in a formal submission during the notice of application for a planning permit. Submissions must be submitted by Friday at 5pm.

Residents can make a submission by email to planning@bawbawshire.vic.gov.au or in writing addressed to the Planning Department, Baw Baw Shire Council, PO Box 304, Warragul, VIC 3820. Submissions must also include the name and address of the submitter and the application number.