By Victoria Stone-Meadows
THE committee and members of Warburton Valley Community Economic Development Association (CEDA) are dismayed with the ongoing delays to the development of the Edgewater Resort in Warburton.
Yarra Ranges Council confirmed the original planning permit for the development of the old Sanitarium factory in Warburton was issued in 2005 and current delays are out of their hands.
“The current application is an amendment to include additional conditions,” Ali Wastie, Director of Social and Economic Development at Yarra Ranges Council said.
“The proposal has already been approved. There are no requirements for council to work through, or relevant planning scheme permissions.”
CEDA President Peta Godenzi said the uncertainty in the community surrounding the resort’s development was making future planning for businesses difficult.
“‘We need to be planning the future for all our businesses and an important part of this is having the right infrastructure for accommodation and tourism services in place,” she said.
“We have always considered the Edgewater development to be of primary importance to this bigger tourism picture but right now, our businesses and our people deserve to be kept better informed about this development.’
While the company in charge of the development of the resort, The Crockett Group, have not confirmed they will be holding any consultation meetings, they say works are moving forward.
Paul Little of Planning and Property Partners Pty Ltd, on behalf of the Crockett Group said while there had been delays to the major developments, restoration works were underway.
“Substantial restoration works have been undertaken to the original factory building including the complete replacement of the roof structure and material along with internal works in preparation for conversion of the building for hospitality and conference functions,” he said.
“Works to reinstate many of the external heritage features of the building including the original window framing have also been undertaken.”
Mr Little said the Crockett Group was still very much dedicated to the project and had some lease and licence issues to work through before major construction works could begin.
“The construction phase of the development has been delayed due to requirements associated with bushfire management,” he said.
“The introduction of the Bushfire Management Overlay within the Yarra Ranges Planning Scheme requires that’s the development be constructed to meet new guidelines and that surrounding vegetation can be managed to limit associated bushfire risks.
“This has required consultation with the Upper Yarra River Reserve Committee of Management (UYRRCOM) and the Department of Environment Land Water and Planning (DELWP)”
Mr Little said the communication between the Cockett Group, UYRRCOM and DELWP had been fruitful and was excited to get the project construction started.
“We have been working with members of the UYRRCOM and officers of the DELWP towards the final detail of the lease documents which we are expected get to be resolved shortly,” he said.
“Once the leases are in position and necessary extensions for the construction process resolved we anticipate being able to recommence work.”
The Crocket Group has remained committed to the Edgewater resort project and believes the benefits to the community of Warburton will be worth the wait.
“From our perspective, the benefits that will be realised from the development are immense and The Crockett Group remains committed to delivering the project and recommencing construction as soon as possible and once all regulatory matters have been resolved with the agencies,” Mr Little said.
