Child concerns

THE Shire of Yarra Ranges last week refused a proposal for a childcare centre in Lilydale after nearby residents raised concerns over traffic management.
The proposal was for a 75-place childcare centre and associated parking in Castella Street, Lilydale.
The council received 14 objections to the proposal from nearby residents.
Objectors spokesman Michael Garwood said the main concern was an increase in traffic in Castella Street.
Mr Garwood said traffic had steadily increased over the last five years, and a childcare centre would dramatically increase traffic and the risk of children being hit by a car.
Chandler Ward councillor Graham Warren said traffic was going to be an issue wherever children went and it was better to have traffic than to prevent a childcare centre.
“It is the lesser of two evils and we need to support the addition of childcare centres as there are just not enough childcare places in the shire,” he said.
Melba Ward councillor Terry Avery said while he did not object to a childcare centre, he had assessed the current traffic in Castella Street and agreed that the centre would dramatically increase an already busy traffic precinct.
Cr Avery said the increased traffic conditions would also be an unfair imposition as residents would find it increasingly difficult to get in and out of their driveways.