The proposed Hilldene Employment Precinct was put to the community for consultation last year, but the plans remain a current topic of conversation.
At a council meeting held on Monday, June 16, Mitchell Shire councillors noted submissions in relation to an amendment, which proposes the rezoning of the land at 470 Seymour-Tooborac Rd, Hilldene from Farming Zone to Industrial 1 Zone.
This amendment is the next step in delivering the Hilldene Employment Precinct.
Councillors unanimously voted for a planning panel, appointed by the minister for planning, to address submissions made to council.
When the amendment was placed on exhibition from August 8 to September 9 last year, 14 submissions were received, six of which supported the amendment and eight which objected or requested changes.
Of those, eight were that of nearby resident Jenny Oakley, who has a particular fondness for the birdlife in the area where the precinct is set to reside.
“The amount of birds in here already that I’ve seen this morning is significant, and I’ve only been here for what? Half an hour?” Ms Oakley said.
“We’ve seen the eagles, you’ve got the swallows in here, there’s a whole family of eastern Rosella.
“I just think that we need to be more mindful of some of the more open spaces that we have that can be of significance environmentally.”
Set for location near the Hilldene CFA Station and Mitchell Landfill, the Hilldene Employment Precinct is regarded as a proposal of growth for Seymour and surrounds.
“Mitchell Shire Council is progressing work on the proposed Hilldene Employment Precinct, which seeks to address a critical shortage of industrial and large-scale employment land in Seymour and the wider region,” Mitchell Shire Mayor John Dougall said.
“The proposal aligns with council’s 2050 Vision. By creating more opportunities for local employment, the precinct supports a stronger, more connected and vibrant community.
“Delivering the Hilldene Employment Precinct is also a key action under Objective 1.4 of the Mitchell Shire Council Plan 2024-2029 to build strategic partnerships that support local job creation and investment attraction.”
Mitchell’s 2050 refreshed Vision statement, which was adopted by councillors at the meeting on Monday, June 16, is “we are a healthy, vibrant and connected community that values nature, diversity, creativity and innovation.”
Ms Oakley believes a key part of that statement is overlooked by the proposed plans.
“Environmentally, it would be a disaster,” she said.
“This whole area is of great significance.”
Ms Oakley said a number of factors would impact the flora and fauna of the area, including lighting and traffic.
“The traffic would be horrendous - there’s already a lot of traffic now... A lot of species wouldn’t come here if there was so much traffic and people; they wouldn’t be here,” Ms Oakley said.
“They’ll need lights, it’ll depend on what council would say what their operating times are, but if they’ve got 24/7 lights, that’s going to affect the ability of these birds to hunt. They need dark to hunt.”
Cr Dougall said, moving forward with the project, council would be taking submitters’ requests into consideration.
“Based on feedback from the submitters to the amendment, proposed planning controls have been updated to include sensitive use considerations and a requirement for extra analysis to inform future development plans for the precinct,” he said.
“These new planning controls include the need to undertake assessments (including flora and fauna studies) and the need to assess and manage impacts of industrial activity from/to nearby properties.
“Importantly, agency consultation has formed part of the planning process, and the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) has not objected to the amendment.”
With submissions now directed to the independent planning panel, Cr Dougall assures that community voices will be heard.
“All submissions will be reviewed individually, and a public hearing will allow submitters to speak directly to the panel,” Cr Dougall said.
“The panel will provide independent recommendations that council must consider before finalising its position.
“This ensures an evidence-based and transparent review of the issues raised and may result in further changes to the proposal.”
While acknowledging the importance of expanding employment opportunities in town, Ms Oakley said, to her, the environmental ramifications of the project far outweighed the benefits.
“I know we need industries and I know we need houses, but there are better spaces to do it and there are better ways to do it,” Ms Oakley said.
“I want my grand-kids to grow up with the pleasure of being able to see these spaces with these birds, all of those things in their natural habitat. Protected.
“Somebody has to take notice that this is really important land.”
By request, council officers will be available to discuss the proposal and provide information in-person, over the phone or via email.
Documentation relating to the Hilldene Employment Precinct is accessible on council’s website at https://tinyurl.com/mr3fh7m7 or at council’s Seymour, Broadford and Wallan service centres.