By Catherine Watson
THE council has rejected the latest attempt to subdivide a large swamp block at Harmers Haven, declaring the proposal would contribute to the decline and fragmentation of indigenous vegetation and degradation of the coastline.
The 1.3 hectare block at 60-76 Viminaria Road adjoins the Kilcunda-Harmers Haven Coastal Reserve, which is part of the Yallock-Bullock Marine and Coastal Park.
THE council has rejected the latest attempt to subdivide a large swamp block at Harmers Haven, declaring the proposal would contribute to the decline and fragmentation of indigenous vegetation and degradation of the coastline.
The 1.3 hectare block at 60-76 Viminaria Road adjoins the Kilcunda-Harmers Haven Coastal Reserve, which is part of the Yallock-Bullock Marine and Coastal Park.
The officers’ report noted attempts to subdivide the block dating back to 1965, when a seven-lot subdivision was approved but did not proceed.
The Planning Appeals Board (forerunner of VCAT) rejected a 13-lot subdivision in 1987, citing the environmental significance of the swamp paperbark heathland which makes up the bulk of the block.
The current subdivision proposal was for two residential blocks, one of 1287sqm, the other of 1.016 hectares, with the majority of the larger block considered too wet for development.
The application proposed to remove a total of 0.339 hectares of vegetation, almost a third of the block, including the two building envelopes, road access and drainage works.
The Planning Appeals Board (forerunner of VCAT) rejected a 13-lot subdivision in 1987, citing the environmental significance of the swamp paperbark heathland which makes up the bulk of the block.
The current subdivision proposal was for two residential blocks, one of 1287sqm, the other of 1.016 hectares, with the majority of the larger block considered too wet for development.
The application proposed to remove a total of 0.339 hectares of vegetation, almost a third of the block, including the two building envelopes, road access and drainage works.
The coastal dune scrub on the block is a depleted vegetation class within the Gippsland bioregion. The officers’ report noted the high quality and value of this vegetation, with the site containing some of the last examples of particular ecological classes within the region.
The site is considered central to the drainage system of much of the residential area of Harmers and every winter much of it floods. The report noted concerns about whether the proposed development could appropriately manage the storm flows during storm events, which may result in on-site or off-site impacts.
The owners will still be able to use the block for a single dwelling.
The council received 24 objections to the application and five submissions in support. The Harmers Haven Residents and Ratepayers Group also opposed the application after surveying their members.
Supporting the motion to refuse a permit, Cr Leticia Laing said the site had a long history of development proposals. “Even back in 1987 the land was recognised for its importance. This report relates the biodiversity concerns and the impact this development would have.
Cr Bruce Kent said he felt for the owners of the property. “But my concerns are in regard to our coast and he pressure put on it. This is a part of our bushland that shouldn’t be touched.”
The site is considered central to the drainage system of much of the residential area of Harmers and every winter much of it floods. The report noted concerns about whether the proposed development could appropriately manage the storm flows during storm events, which may result in on-site or off-site impacts.
The owners will still be able to use the block for a single dwelling.
The council received 24 objections to the application and five submissions in support. The Harmers Haven Residents and Ratepayers Group also opposed the application after surveying their members.
Supporting the motion to refuse a permit, Cr Leticia Laing said the site had a long history of development proposals. “Even back in 1987 the land was recognised for its importance. This report relates the biodiversity concerns and the impact this development would have.
Cr Bruce Kent said he felt for the owners of the property. “But my concerns are in regard to our coast and he pressure put on it. This is a part of our bushland that shouldn’t be touched.”
Harmers swamp 'under threat'
May 4, 2022 - Attempts to subdivide the swamp have been rebuffed for 70 years. John Old hopes the latest attempt will be treated the same way.
May 4, 2022 - Attempts to subdivide the swamp have been rebuffed for 70 years. John Old hopes the latest attempt will be treated the same way.