The public protest against an unmanned fuel outlet being constructed on a Millicent park continues this afternoon.
Millicent resident John Drew has spearheaded the opposition to a major fuel company being granted conditional approval to build on a portion of Apex Park which was sold to it by the State Government.
As a private citizen, Mr Drew recently organised an on-site protest rally and now he is acting in his capacity as a fourth term elected member of Wattle Range Council.
According to his notice of motion submitted to this afternoon’s council meeting, Councillor Drew said there were flaws in the development notification and approval process.
If his motion is supported, council will provide feedback to the planning authorities including the Regional Assessment Panel.
Cr Drew explained he was seeking to provide feedback because of the conditional approval of a service station in a prime, highly visible location in Millicent.
“At least one attempt was made to speak to the Regional Assessment Panel but this was not allowed to proceed due to a conflict of interest,” Cr Drew said.
“Wattle Range Council is aware that a service station is planned for a high-profile location in what was a park, previously railway land, but subsequently sold by the government to a fuel company.
“The council is spending money to beautify the main street of Millicent.
“This proposed development will be an eyesore.
“It will interfere with traffic flows, bring large trucks into the township, create spots for school students on the prime footpath from Millicent High School to residential areas and the township and probably cause damage to the currently George Street successful roundabout and surrounding infrastructure.
“A new fuel outlet by this company is welcomed – the current location is the problem.”
Another outspoken critic of the location of the unmanned fuel outlet is Cr Deb Agnew.
She has submitted a number of questions-on-notice to today’s meeting about the notification and approval process and the impact on pedestrian and vehicle movement.
Printed answers from council staff are part of the agenda.
Council held an information workshop for councillors and senior staff a week ago and the unmanned fuel outlet, Beachport Medical Services lease and the civic prayer were discussed.
