Minister intercepts golf planning process

A CONTROVERSIAL plan to develop a golf course and 394 accommodation units on sensitive land in Keysborough has been intercepted by the state’s planning minister just prior to a tribunal hearing.
The 11th intervention by Planning Minister Rob Hulls follows a report in the Star last year that the minister was tipped to call-in the application to develop the golf course and its units because of concerns it did not fall in line with the goals of the State Government’s Melbourne 2030 strategy.
The application fell in a Green Wedge zone where high density developments are prohibited but golf courses are allowed.
The application was scheduled to be heard before the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal over the coming week where it had the chance of being successful.
Mr Hulls will now review the application and make a decision as to whether the golf course and associated units fall in line with Green Wedge and Melbourne 2030 objectives.
He said last week it raised serious state planning issues and ‘could well be inconsistent with the strategic directions of Melbourne 2030 and the intent of the green wedge zone.’
The City of Greater Dandenong council last year rejected the proposal and in December wrote to Mr Hulls asking he call-in the application from VCAT.
The application initially prompted 23 objections and two letters of support and was referred to VicRoads, Telstra, the Department of Sustainability and Environment, the CFA, South East Water and Melbourne Water, all who did not object.