Moorabool Shire Council rejects plans for new ECEC service in Bacchus Marsh

Moorabool Shire Council has rejected a new early childhood education and care (ECEC) service in Bacchus Marsh, Victoria, citing concerns from neighbouring residents about traffic, amenity, and safety.

The Council assessed the application during a Development Assessment Committee meeting on 13 December, noting the nine written objections submitted.

Two in person objections were heard by the Council from Chris Niessen and Peter Veal. Mr Niessen said the service, should it be approved, would lead to a major increase in local traffic and parking issues.

He also expressed concern that the parking availability in the locality was assessed on Tuesday the 24th of January 2023, during some school holidays, and in the same week as the Australia Day holiday, something he said was “hardly a typical morning for this local area.”

Mr Veal conducted his own road report, submitting his findings to the Council. 

“I live opposite in Young Street, I’ve been there 13 years…the amount of traffic that Masons Lane and Young Street get is a race strip. They shortcut Gisborne Road, even the jumper bars don’t worry people in four-wheel drives. [Especially] school time in the afternoon and morning, when the mothers are running late and going to work.”

Applicant Tajit Singh Arora also addressed the Council, saying “this area is in demand. If you go to the Department of Education website, this area is a high priority area, it’s in demand for childcares. We’ve reduced the car space, it’s been moved inside, so there’s no issue with the traffic.” 

Ultimately six of the seven Councillors voted to refuse the planning permit. 

Access the original coverage of this story here.