Track bogged down

By Kath Gannaway
STEELS Creek residents frustrated at the lack of progress with the Steels Creek Walking Track have been surprised to find it has been bogged down with an appeal to the Victorian Civil and Adminstrative Tribunal (VCAT).
Yarra Ranges Council has confirmed that the $676,000 project which was funded through bushfire funds will go before VCAT, but that no date has been set for a hearing.
While council was unable to provide any further information, Steels Creek Road resident Katherine Carrol said she had been advised by council that there had been objections in relation to the planning permit for vegetation removal along the track.
Ian Whitford, who also supports the track said although he had some concerns about the number of times the track crossed Steels Creek Road, he had also been told the objection was on the basis of concern about specific areas of vegetation. He said the track would cross the 80-kilometre speed limit road three times.
“The (Yarra Ranges Council) Environment Department says there is less interference with the natural environment with their plans.
“I am sensitive to the native environment, but I can’t see that the track should cross a very fast road so many times,” he said.
Liz Williamson, who objected to the construction of the track, said she had not been advised that the matter was to go to VCAT.
“We had a meeting (with the council) a couple of months ago regarding the permit to remove native vegetation and were told we would be notified when a decision was made.
“We haven’t heard anything since,” Ms Williamson said.
For further information contact Yarra Ranges Council on 1300 368 333.