An application to build houses on farming land has divided Moyne Shire councillors.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Councillors voted 5-2 to reject a proposal to resubdivide land at 250 Scotts Road, Koroit into two lots and allow a house to be built on each parcel of land.
The recommendation from council officers was to reject the application because it failed to preserve agricultural land.
But Cr Jim Doukas said he couldn't understand why councillors would not approve the proposal.
"Looks like I'm the lone ranger again," Cr Doukas said after a number of his fellow councillors had spoken in favour of the motion to reject the application.
"I won't be supporting it."
He said more people wanted to move out of cities and they needed somewhere to live.
Cr Doukas said a review of land zoning would be a lengthy process.
"We could be waiting decades for a strategic plan to go forward," he said.
Cr Doukas said there was more reason than ever to allow two families to build on the two parcels of land.
He said real estate agents had people looking for parcels of land, people were looking to exit cities and employers were desperate for more skilled workers.
"We're trying to get workers ... we can't get any. Maybe it's because you can't get a house to live in. Who wants to live in a dairy farm in a tent."
Cr Doukas said he was disappointed with the outcome.
"Here's a chance to help Moyne grow and you're hitting it on the head - I'm very disappointed," he said.
Mayor Daniel Meade also wanted the application approved.
"There is a great opportunity to welcome people to the great shire of Moyne," Cr Meade said.
"Koroit has a lot to offer, Moyne has a lot to offer (but) we can't offer it if there is not land available."
Cr James Purcell said he supported the officer's recommendation.
He said approving it may set a precedent.
Cr Karen Foster also voted to reject the application.
"I think we need to take a long-term strategic view to planning," she said.
Cr Ian Smith said it was important to preserve agricultural land. "My biggest concern is good grazing and agricultural land going into subdivisions," he said.
In March this year, Roberts One Real Estate principal Daniel Roberts called for a review of the council's restrictions regarding building on rural land.
He said there was enormous demand for smaller building blocks in Moyne Shire but none available.
- Listen to the latest episode of our weekly podcast The Booletin and Beyond:
Have you signed up to The Standard's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in the south-west.