An application to use and develop land in Maddingley for an agricultural transport depot has stalled, with councillors unable to reach a decision at last week’s Moorabool council meeting.
Applicant Joel Watson, director of Watson’s Bulk Logistics, said he submitted the application to ensure his growing business had an area to park trucks.
“It just gives us certainty going into the future,” he said. “If this isn’t approved we don’t have another yard to move our trucks into.”
Mr Watson said he was disappointed that councillors could not come to a decision to support the growth of his business considering it employed many locals.
“I’m very disappointed that the councillors from the west of the shire, who don’t live in my local ward, voted against jobs in the local community and are jeopardising the future of a business that employs 15 people.”
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Woodlands ward councillor Pat Toohey, who voted against the application, said he didn’t have a problem with the proposal but believed the land was not a suitable place for a depot.
“I would fully support this proposal if it was a bit further out,” Cr Toohey said.
Cr Tom Sullivan also voted against the application.
East Moorabool ward councillor Tonia Dudzik voted in favour, saying it was acceptable under the planning scheme and would help allow a local business to grow.
Mayor Paul Tatchell and councillors Allan Comrie and John Spain did not take part in the discussion or voting because of conflict of interest issues. Cr David Edwards, as acting chair, voted for the application.
Adjoining and surrounding landowners were notified of the application and there was signage on the site in June. The council received 24 letters of support for the proposal and one objection.
Moorabool chief executive Rob Croxford said there was a current VCAT enforcement proceeding relating to use of the site.
