Building works on resort are due to start soon

THE developers behind the proposed Ythan Springs Resort & Spa in Warburton say the project will get underway soon.
Work on the 98 room hotel, 39 chalet complex in Martyrs Road was due to start by 8 November under a 12 month extension to the planning permit granted by the Shire of Yarra Ranges around this time last year.
Allan Craig, a spokesman for the developers Eco Resorts Australia, told the Mail last week that roadworks were expected to start within a week or two.
“There are still some administrative issues being sorted out with the council which have prevented the work from starting but these are drawing to a close and as soon as they are resolved the terms of the permit will be complied with,” Mr Craig said.
The project, estimated by the developers in May last year to cost between $50 and $60 million and to generate 60 jobs during construction, was the subject of a protracted application through the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) following strong opposition from objectors and Yarra Ranges council’s refusal in 2003 to grant a planning permit.
In overturning the council’s decision, VCAT attached a swag on conditions to the permit.
Mr Craig said Eco-Resort partners Paul Zaviska and John Stanley remain committed to the project. In response to information from Yarra Ranges shire that a further extension was about to be lodged, putting the starting date back to November next year, and the completion date back to December 2010, Mr Craig said if the planned construction was unable to commence as expected, an extension would be applied for. He said neighbouring property owners would be notified before any roadworks commenced.