Million-dollar accord

By Mara Pattison-Sowden
THE $1 million Warburton Recreation Reserve master plan has been adopted by Yarra Ranges Council, despite a promise to consult formally with traders.
The plan was delayed at the 14 September council meeting after councillors were made aware there had not been a separate meeting with the traders, as promised on 13 October 2009, to discuss business concerns.
The council undertook consultation with the general public in November last year, which some traders attended.
It has since revised the plan to include resolution of car parking and access issues, and the plan was adopted at the 12 October meeting.
According to council minutes, there was no mention of car parking and access issues on the Warburton Recreation Reserve plan, as they were considered to relate to land leased as part of Edgewater Spa Development and were addressed in the conditions of the planning permit issued in 2009 for the development.
The plan has been amended to reflect the planning permit conditions for public car parking and rear access for the traders on Warburton Highway.
Warburton IGA owner Shane Wyles said it was a happy settlement and he was supportive of the plan overall.
“Council considers they’ve addressed the issues and to a large extent they have, as long as the Edgewater Resort permit is adhered to,” he said.
Local advocate Jim Child said the traders got the result they wanted.
“The meeting still didn’t happen but we’re happy with the result anyway,” he said.
“If we have a resolution with the council, they should follow through with it.”