RESIDENTS of the embattled Ballan Caledonian Caravan Park should not be forced to move unless they can be guaranteed a safe return to their homes, Moorabool councillors said this week.
The comments followed a joint statement from the Department of Sustainability and Environment and the Moorabool Council, which highlighted a “commitment to work with eco-village proponent Paul Tatchell on the future use of the park site”.
DSE regional manager Laurie Dwyer said the park’s 21 residents were “encouraged” to find alternative accommodation before July 25 because “should the plan get the go-ahead”, the park would become a construction site.
But Moorabool mayor Pat Griffin said the department should assure
residents the relocation would only be a “temporary move”.
“I would like to see something in writing that gives residents some security in terms of returning to the village if they are forced to leave,” Cr Griffin said.
Mr Tatchell said residents would be reluctant to move unless plans for the eco-village build were signed and delivered.
Ballarat East MP Geoff Howard said while pleased that the DSE was working with Mr Tatchell, he was worried how long residents would spend in limbo before any permanent outcome was reached.
“I would be concerned … that the park can be redeveloped in a reasonable time frame,” Mr Howard said.
Helen Baker, 62, who has a disability and has lived in the park with her husband for more than five years, said she would not go anywhere unless all the residents’ futures were secured.
The DSE refused to make a commitment to the residents, stating it would not have a management role in a new development.
