Three high-end legal firms have been appointed to represent the three parties.
“We, the Friends of Lake Moodemere Inc. hold the view that this development must not be allowed to go ahead,” The Friends of Lake Moodemere’s Robyn Pfeiffer emphasised to The Free Press.
The other two legal firms represent the applicant, and the Indigo Shire Council. At this point in time, the communities affected within the Rutherglen Wine Region, do not know if the Indigo Shire Council will support and represent the views of their community.
Council will decide its position at their monthly meeting on February 25.
“All the rowing clubs with a total of over 500 athletes who participated in the 159th Regatta on Lake Moodemere the weekend before last certainly support our position,” Ms Pfeiffer said.
“After all, this is what we expect from our local government, that they work for and protect our community. The hearing at VCAT is three weeks after the council meets. The complexity of this matter is such that the VCAT member has extended the hearing from four days to five days to cover all the reasons as to why this development should not go ahead.
“There are no good reasons for this development to go ahead. This is a real-life David and Goliath battle between a small but dedicated group of citizens, hopefully together with our Indigo Shire Council, to protect the township of Rutherglen, the safety of road users, walkers and cyclists, and the unique environment of Lake Moodemere with its cultural significance and historical link to famous aboriginal artist, Tommy McRae.”
Ms Pfeiffer seriously questions the need for the 24/7-hour service station with a truck wash facility. “We must ask ourselves, with six service stations, one with a truck stop, all within 10 kilometres of the proposed development, why do we need this?” she said.
“Surely this is a case of the big end of town, the people with deep pockets full of cash wanting more and more, regardless of the cost to the community and the environment.
“We, the Friends of Lake Moodemere Inc. will fight this while we still have breath in our bodies.”
Event planned for March 1
The Friends of Lake Moodemere are seeking the community’s financial support to raise substantial funds to take on this battle in VCAT.
“We have a wonderful event planned at the beautiful Lake Moodemere Estate, overlooking the currently pristine environment of Lake Moodemere. Put Saturday, March 1 from 6-10pm, in your calendar,” Ms Pfeiffer urges all people supporting The Friends of Lake Moodemere.
“This promises to be a night of plentiful canapés, music, amazing auction items ranging from small amounts to at least one item listed as priceless and many in between. There are raffle prizes galore, beautiful local wines from the very wine region and town we aim to protect.”
You can book on-line to come along on the night here
https://events.humanitix.com/savelakemoodemere
You can start the bidding on the auction items here https://www.32auctions.com/organizations/126031/auctions/175840?r=1&t=all
You can donate directly into the Friends of Lake Moodemere Hume bank account here https://www.savelakemoodemere.com.au/get-involved
OR utilise the GoFundMe link here https://www.gofundme.com/f/save-lake-moodemere
“Thank you in advance. Just like the story of David and Goliath where David, the little guy, won, we the Friends of Lake Moodemere Inc. will win too, with your help,” Ms Pfeiffer said.
