VCAT last chance

By Monique Ebrington
YARRA Junction resident Stephen Wales has failed in an appeal to Planning Minister Justin Madden to help save his family business.
His last hope now lies with the Victorian Civil and Administrative Appeals Tribunal (VCAT).
Mr Wales, a civic contractor, has been operating an earth-moving and excavating equipment business from his 10.5-hectare property off Lowes Road for 30 years and wants to continue so he can pass it on to his son, Danny, 24.
But the Shire of Yarra Ranges has rejected his permit application – lodged by land development consultants Millar and Merrigan on his behalf – which would allow him to continue to operate the business.
It says Mr Wales’ permit ran out in 1993 and that he was given several extensions to move his business and home because the land was now in a green wedge zone.
The case has drawn the attention of local and state politicians including Opposition Leader Ted Baillieu who was concerned that closing down the business might put local jobs at risk.
The MP for Eastern Victorian, Edward O’Donohue, has been following Mr Wales’ case and appealed Mr Madden to help resolve the situation.
But in a letter Mr Madden he listed VCAT as being the “appropriate forum for review” for the case.
Mr Wales said he was now being realistic rather than just optimistic about the outcome of his case.
“It’s driving me mad and I hope it’s over shortly and for the best,” he said.
“I’m preparing my house, I’m painting it all up just in case I have to uproot and put it up for sale.”
He said that he had been overwhelmed by support from other local businesses and the community.
“I feel very happy about the support I’ve received from strangers, friends and local business,” he said.
“Everyone has been really supportive, have been wishing me well and wanting to know what they can do to help.”
With the VCAT hearing scheduled for Monday 27 July Mr Wales said he would not give up on his family business.
“I’m not going to walk away from somewhere that’s taken me my whole life to build up,” he said.