Rezoning Win for Warragul Retail Development

Published on 20 August 2018

Warragul is one step closer to a major retail development and hundreds of new local jobs with the announcement of successful rezoning of land on Hazel Drive.

The announcement, made last week by Minister for Planning Richard Wynne, approved a zoning change to the Baw Baw Planning Scheme allowing Council to consider development applications for major retail outlets at the site.

Council has been in discussions with a prospective developer for some time with Kmart and Bunnings as confirmed tenants. Council anticipates a planning application for the development to be submitted in the near future.

Mayor of Baw Baw Shire Cr Joe Gauci was thrilled with news of the Minister’s decision which will allow Council to progress conversations with developers and ultimately deliver more diverse shopping for the Shire.

“We’ve been advocating for this type of development and it’s great to see real progress being made”, said the Mayor.

“Our community has been crying out for this type of retail development for some time, but without appropriate land options and zoning in place, it’s been difficult to get prospective developers onside. Now that the land is re-zoned for development we have the green light to consider applications and help make this happen.”

Deputy Mayor and Central Ward Cr Danny Goss, who has been a strong advocate for the rezoning of land, was also pleased with the Minister’s decision to support more innovative retail experiences, a thriving economy and diversification of local jobs.

“Council has reviewed preliminary plans for a proposed retail precinct development which shows excellent use of the land with good access and ample parking. Convenient shopping improves liveability for residents who will soon be able to hop in the car and take a short drive to get more of the things they need”, said Cr Goss.

“We want to support our local economy and redirect spending that is currently going outside our Shire to stores in Moe, Morwell, Pakenham and beyond. Additionally, projection figures show a development of this size will create over 260 direct full-time jobs, and even more during the construction phase which is great news for local job seekers”.

Central Ward Councillor Mikaela Power thanked Minister Wynne and the Victorian Government for seeing the value in the rezoning and supporting growth and economic development for Baw Baw Shire.

“It’s great to work with other levels of government to make things happen and we’re excited for what is to come for our community.”