The matter was discussed at council’s latest monthly meeting on Monday, September 16.
Council received the document ‘Save Lake Moodemere – Say No to 24/7 Roadhouse/Service Ctr Next to Conservation Reserve’ with a council recommendation the document does not comply with the petition requirements under clause 39(b) of Indigo Shire Council’s Governance Rules.
But council accepts and notes the sentiment of the submitters and will give further due consideration to the document, as a submission, and all other submissions from the public when provided again to councillors as part of the planning assessment documents prior to council making a decision at a future meeting.
At council’s September meeting, Cr Emmerick Teissl said the sentiment is felt by council by those who took the time to fill out the petition. “It’s great to see so many people care about our environment and the significance of Lake Moodemere,” he said.
Cr Sue Gold said it was “a really important opportunity to reflect on both council’s interest in hearing from the community and acceptance of the petition even though it does not meet all our requirements”.
Cr Gold said it was important names, addresses and email details were included by those signing petitions to verify the applicants. She said it’s appreciated it would not be feasible to follow up everyone on the petition being from all walks of the country but encourages people in future to look at the standards for petitions.
Cr Roberta Horne said there is “great passion” in the community and elsewhere against the proposed development and confusion exists regarding petitions, especially being confined to Indigo Shire residents in the case of border communities – a la the decades old Main Street Rutherglen situation – and online considerations. Despite not meeting all petition requirements, Cr Diane Shepheard said the petition will be noted in council deliberations.
The document of September 9 from the Friends of Lake Moodemere group submitted to council included: “As concerned residents, landholders, farmers, environmentalists, indigenous peoples of the land and recreational users we strongly object to a proposed development of a 24/7 Roadhouse/Service Centre to be built on the edge of the Lake Moodemere Conservation Reserve.
“We all have a deep personal connection to this unique location in Rutherglen. This pristine and precious area is more than just a waterway, it is a sanctuary teeming with endangered species and rich native habitat. Among its residents are the Sunday Creek Platypus colony, the elusive and endangered Rakali, fresh water crays, an intriguing variety of fish species and enchanting birdlife. In these waterways, too, you can find the delicate croak of our local froglets and the silent scamper of countless small critters unseen to the naked eye but so essential to our native biodiversity.
“We were therefore devastated and alarmed to learn of this proposed development located adjacent to this haven. Night and day, the operations of a commercial establishment of this nature will undoubtedly produce pollutants and noise that will disrupt the natural habitats of our native wildlife, risking both immediate harm and long-term environmental degradation.”
The document included data from NECMA, Parks Victoria and the DEECA pointing out that many of these species within the conservation reserve are vulnerable and/or seriously endangered, hence it being a conservation reserve!
“Therefore, any actions disrupting their habitat, such as this proposed development, pose a grave threat to their existence,” the document states. “Our opposition to this development is more than just a fight for the serene beauty of our environment; it's an imperative action to save the wildlife that rely on this habitat.
“We are calling on the Indigo Shire Council, the Indigo Shire Planning Department and the relevant statutory authorities NECMA, VIC Roads, Dept of Transport, GM Water to consider their decision wisely.
“We implore them to prioritise the conservation and protection of this irreplaceable ecosystem over short-term commercial gain.
“Please, stand with us in preserving the pristine and vital waterways of Lake Moodemere by signing this petition and show that you care about these natural habitats and the wildlife.”
Lake Moodemere’s document calls on the Indigo Shire Council, the Indigo Shire planning department and the relevant statutory authorities NECMA VIC Roads, Dept of Transport, GM Water to consider their decision wisely: “We implore them to prioritise the conservation and protection of the irreplaceable ecosystem over short-term commercial gain.”
At this stage, council is in the process of assessing the application. This includes referral to the relevant authorities such as the Department of Transport and Planning and North East Catchment Management Authority.
Once the process is complete, the final decision will be tabled at a future council meeting, supported by a planning report that will provide an assessment against the relevant planning scheme requirements.
At this stage, it is not known if the planning assessment will result in a recommendation for approval or a recommendation for refusal.
The process to date has included a public exhibition period that resulted in several submissions.
Council’s director of planning and corporate services Greg Pinkerton said Lake Moodemere’s document, and all other submissions received from the public will be assessed by the planning team for relevant planning considerations.
“The application for a service station on the corner of Federation Way and the Murray Valley Highway, Rutherglen is progressing through the planning process, and this includes referrals to statutory bodies which will advise council on their relevant areas of expertise,” Mr Pinkerton said.
“When the assessment against the Indigo Shire Planning Scheme is complete, a report, with recommendation will be provided to a future council meeting for decision.”
