Public comment opened yesterday (Monday) on a proposal to erect a manned service station near the George Street roundabout in Millicent.


Submissions close with the Development Assessment Commission on February 21.


The planning authorities have already sought a response from the Commissioner of Highways as there would entrance and exit points from Ridge Terrace.


The original approved proposal from a Crystal Brook-based fuel company four years ago was for the facility to be unmanned.


However, a fresh application was submitted to the planning authorities last month with provision for a control room and convenience store as well as car parking changes.


The fuel company had lodged its application for a fuel outlet in 2021 on its newly acquired vacant blocks of land at the corner of Adelaide and Cattle Bridge roads and adjoining Apex Park.


The former railway land was owned by the State Government and had been listed for sale for some time.


Acting in a private capacity, some Wattle Range Council elected members informally and unsuccessfully challenged the fuel company application for a fuel outlet citing traffic movement concerns and the location adjoining parklands.


The only on-site action since the fuel company was granted approval in 2021 has been the removal of three large Aleppo pine trees which were each several decades old.


The former broad gauge rail line remains on site.


Millicent only has two other fuel outlets and both are owned by the same company.


The planning decision rests with the Limestone Coast Southern Region Assessment panel.