Opponents of a large service station development on the outskirts of Yarragon have had their say at a public information session and through written objections.
Baw Baw Shire Council received 67 submissions, most of them objecting to the proposal.
A public information session hosted by the shire was held on Wednesday evening for community members to learn more about the proposal.
It comes after a petition objecting to the proposed development, which would comprise the service station and related amenities as well as two fast food drive-through stores and a convenience store, drew hundreds of signatures in just a few days in February.
Yarragon business owner and resident Lee Richards said about 40 people attended the session at which there was “robust discussion for about an hour”.
“It was very emotional for some people. The passion people had for the small rural character of the town was evident,” she said.
“People had concerns about losing the small-town, village feel. Other concerns included traffic, safety, pollution, and why it couldn’t be located further east towards Sale where the truck [drivers] actually need a rest stop.”
Ms Richards said the applicant was not present and was represented by their planning consultants.
“The applicant JASBE Petroleum and maybe other financial investors is still faceless to us,” she said.
“The applicant started by saying their client was interested primarily in fuel sales and they really did not discuss the convenience restaurants, drive-throughs and the convenience store. They called them ‘ancillary businesses’ to the service centre.”
A spokeswoman representing service station developers Jasbe Petroleum said they were pleased to have the opportunity to meet directly with the objectors and learn more about their concerns.
“It is clear the Yarragon community are passionate about protecting their town and the village atmosphere they so value,” she said.
“We are confident that the measures proposed to address concerns raised by objectors will ensure the village atmosphere is retained.
“The proposal is supported by quality documentation prepared by qualified specialists in these fields and we rely on their professional advice that there will be no adverse effects with respect to traffic management, stormwater management and economic impacts.
“We remain encouraged by the high levels of community support which identify the lack of services available east of Longwarry, particularly for truck drivers or tourists towing caravans or boats. We note council received a number of positive submissions to that effect.”
The spokeswoman said her client was unable to attend the meeting because they were overseas.
“We only received notice from council of the meeting on 10 April so it was too late for our client to change their plans,” she said.
Baw Baw Shire Council director planning and development Matthew Cripps said a final assessment of the proposal had not yet been undertaken.
“Council officers are in discussion [with] the developers’ representatives on a number of matters, however, it would be inappropriate to outline those matters at this stage,” he said.
“The application will be reported to council for a decision in due course. A date has not been set at this time.”
