COUNCIL Nicole McKay has thrown her support behind a proposed subdivision at Murrawee, saying approval of the subdivision would have little impact on the region’s vibrant farming sector.
The Prince Road parcel of land, zoned for farming, caused much discussion among councillors last month.
Under the proposed subdivision, the 3.2ha block, about 5km north-west of Swan Hill, would be subdivided into two equally sized allotments of 1.6ha.
According to Swan Hill Rural City Council records, the allotment was created as part of a historical subdivision dating back to 1977, in which an 80ha parent title was divided into four separate lots.
Addressing councillors at last week’s meeting, Cr McKay put forward a motion to grant approval for the subdivision, supported by Cr Ann Young.
“In all our planning decisions that we come to, we look at each situation geographically as to where it is, and I think this particular lot, it’s possible that in the long-term future, being close to the town, and given that it is separated from other agricultural land and other big lots, will probably not be of great agricultural use,” Cr McKay said.
“In our municipality we do not suffer from a lack of agricultural land, in fact farming land areas are getting bigger.
The block already has a dwelling on it and council had previously refused the subdivision back in August on the grounds it was zoned farming.”
Last month the council was asked to reconsider the application on the basis it would be subject to a Section 173 agreement, which would prevent further development at the site.
“We do need more housing and if these applicants want to take their chances on a council in the future and the changes to the town schemes then I’m in favour of this subdivision,” Cr McKay said, noting the requirement of a Section 173 would protect the block “for the foreseeable future from unnecessary development”.
Despite this, the motion was met strong opposition from fellow councillors, who believed approval of the subdivision would set a precedent for future development within farming zones.
While her motion was quashed, Ms McKay said she had backed the subdivision in August and she continued to support the application.
“The geographical position of that piece of land, and the very small size of the block, means that I can absolutely understand that I think it’s going to generate more economic activity in the future and be more suitable as two smaller lots,” Ms McKay said.
