• Berwick Gazette
• Pakenham Gazette

By Melissa Meehan

3rd March 2010 02:00:49 AM

---

WHILE Maryknoll’s controversial broiler farm will continue for now, residents have hope for the future after receiving news that the government has backed their calls for the land to be rezoned.

After more than five years of fighting for the land situated at 13 and 15 Wheeler Road and 310 Snell Road to be rezoned from a Green Wedge Zone to a Low Density Residential Zone, residents are breathing a sigh of relief in anticipation for the future.

When news of plans by the property’s owner Ron Metz to sell the site came through two years ago, residents and the Cardinia Shire Council saw it as the perfect opportunity to remove the farm, which they said was too close to the centre of town, and redevelop it as a low density residential area.

Since then the council, former mayor Bill Pearson and residents pleaded with Mr Madden to rezone the site.

On Monday night, Cr Pearson said he was pleased that a decision on the site had finally been made.

“I do wish it happened sooner as the property has now changed hands and is expected to continue to operate as a chook farm,” Cr Pearson said.

“I must say, I do respect the decision of the (former property owners) Metzes to sell their property as they simply got tired of waiting for a decision.”

For the amendment to go through the council must commit in writing to the preparation of the Southern Ranges Green Wedge Management Plan with an indicative timeframe for the commencement of the Management Plan.

The council must also enter into a Section 173 agreement with the landowner of 13 and 15 Wheeler Road and 310 Snell Road which will require the removal of the broiler farm infrastructure and the issue of either a certificate of environmental audit for the site.

Finally, they must complete a flora and fauna assessment for the reserve located along the eastern boundary of 15 Wheeler Road.

The former property owner could not be contacted at time of print.

---

Popular Stories