By MELISSA MEEHAN
Dreams wrecked by bushfire restrictions…
BUSHFIRE management overlay regulations will decimate small vibrant communities like Chum Creek and surrounding towns if its heavy handedness does not change, according to Yarra Ranges councillors.
At Tuesday night’s meeting, councillor Fiona McAllister said she was sick, angry and frustrated that she and her colleagues could not approve a Chum Creek resident’s permit to build his dream home because of the BMO.
Michael Saul had a permit approved in 2002 but, due to personal circumstances, couldn’t build his home and the permit expired.
During the Black Saturday bushfires, the property, in Warringah Drive, came within 125 metres north of the property.
At first his application was given support by the local fire brigade, but since then the CFA has raised concerns over the permit – saying it doesn’t meet BMO requirements.
Mr Saul addressed councillors at the meeting and said he felt that council officers had given him the run around, and asked him to submit three very different plans throughout the process.
“One of the officers actually said to me that they didn’t want anyone building in Chum Creek,” Mr Saul said.
“But I don’t have that in writing.”
He said the whole process had cost him tens of thousands of dollars.
“And I won’t even go into the emotional cost.”
Councillors unanimously attacked the BMO regulations saying that they would push the government to loosen it.
Councillor Noel Cliff described Mr Saul’s situation as a “nightmare”.
“There’s not just time involved but both financial and emotional costs,” he said.
“Most people will buy one block in their lifetime. Suddenly bang! You hit a brick wall.”
Councillor Samantha Dunn said Mr Saul’s case highlighted a dire need for change in the BMO.
“This is a perfect example of legislation on the run,” she said.
With no choice other than to put up an alternative motion to defer the decision on the permit, Cr McAllister said it was important for councillors, council officers and the CFA to meet on the property in question.
“I have to put up an alternate motion.
“I cannot say enough how frustrated I am that this is the best I can do,” she said.
“The alternative is to refuse the permit and I can’t accept that.
“Michael Saul should be able to build his dream home.”
She said she found it difficult to understand why the government was stopping people from building and living in areas such as Chum Creek.
“I challenge the reasoning of stopping these permits to protect life,” she said.
“I gladly and happily chose to work and live in the beautiful Yarra Ranges knowing full well of the bushfire risk.
“The story we’ve heard today is just one of thousands going on around the Victoria.”
Councillors voted unanimously to defer the motion and also agreed to write to the government to express their dissatisfaction that the BMO was taking away the right of landowners to build in the Yarra Ranges.
***PLEASE BOX***
What is the BMO?
The Bushfire Management Overlay (BMO) applies to land that may be significantly affected by a bushfire. The Bushfire Management Overlay triggers the need for a planning permit for certain developments and requires that new development implements appropriate bushfire protection measures.
