The controversial proposal to rezone the Vadoulis Nursery for commercial purposes has been rejected by the Minister for Planning and Urban Development.
In a letter sent to affected parties late Monday (8/1/24) afternoon, the Minister states that he has “resolved to decline the proposed amendment”.
The decision has been welcomed by residents in Evanston Park who campaigned strongly against the proposal.
Local resident Mr Justin Symonds said that he and his family were grateful that the right decision has been made.
“The community has been united on this issue,” said Mr Symonds.
“I would like to thank the local residents, the council and local member of parliament, Mr Tony Piccolo for their support.”
Mr Symonds comments were echoed by another local resident, Mr Adam Roberts, who had made several presentations to the council on the issue.
Mr Roberts said the decision is “a huge relief, and it is the right decision for the community.”
“I would like to thank all the local residents who worked as a united team, to ensure our voice was heard,” said Mr Roberts.
“I would also like to extend my appreciation to our local MP, Mr Tony Piccolo, whose advice and guidance helped us understand the process and how we could participate in it.”
Local Member of Parliament, Mr Tony Piccolo said the decision demonstrates what communities can achieve when they work together and use the processes available, to have their voices heard.
“By working together, with a clear and concise message, the community was able to convey their message to the relevant decision makers,’’ said Mr Piccolo.
“The local community ran a very strong campaign focussed on the key and relevant issues and did not allow themselves to be sidetracked or distracted by irrelevant matters.”
Mr Piccolo said it was a pleasure to work the residents as they were unified, readily accepted advice on the best approach to take, and maintained a sense of discipline.
“The residents put their views to the council and the Minister in a firm and clear manner, but always with a respectful tone.”
Mr Piccolo organised several community meetings during 2023 to assist residents understand the process and how to best present their case.
In his correspondence to Mr Piccolo, the Minister appears to suggest that the lack of community support for the proposed code amendment was a key consideration in his decision.
Minister Champion said, “Whilst I acknowledge the work undertaken by the Designated Entity to progress the proposed Code Amendment to this point, I note there has been a significant lack of support expressed by the community during the public engagement stage.”
The council resolved to give the code amendment process the go ahead at its May 2022 meeting inferring that subject to some financial and technical issues been resolved, the proposal should proceed.
Mr Piccolo said rezoning this piece of land was always a bad idea, and had council done its homework the proponents would have been spared the expense and the community the anxiety.