By JESSE GRAHAM
A RETREAT for kids with cancer in Healesville is one step closer to completion, with unanimous support at last week’s council meeting.
Yarra Ranges councillors voted unanimously last week in support of a planning scheme amendment request for a cancer care retreat in Healesville.
The retreat is proposed for 25 Maroondah Parade, but requires a planning scheme amendment before an application is allowed, as it is based on Green Wedge land.
After supporting the request, the council will be writing to Planning Minister, Matthew Guy, to organise a site-specific amendment to the Yarra Ranges Planning Scheme, which will allow an application to be considered in future.
Nicholas Timms Foundation owner, Michael Timms, said he was rapt with the council’s support.
“It was a bit overwhelming, actually,” he said.
“At this stage, we’re on the right path. What we’re doing is hopefully going to be really worthwhile.”
Mr Timms spoke to the councillors about his vision for the retreat, which would provide a getaway for families of children affected by cancer.
The land was purchased in 2013, and the retreat will provide accommodation for two families, a common kitchen, dining and lounge area and a caretaker’s residence.
The purpose of the retreat would be to offer respite and a chance to “get away from the day-to-day grind”, and would be free of charge.
He said that he and his wife Belinda started the foundation (also known as Team Nick), after their 21-month-old son died from a rare form of cancer.
“We’re hoping the community will get right behind us,” Mr Timms said.
A council officer’s report on the amendment request said the retreat, when completed, would offer significant positive social and economic impacts to the Healesville community.
The report said the proposal had no significant environmental impacts, but that environmental issues would be explored fully in a future planning permit application.
Councillors unanimously supported the amendment proposal, and Yarra Ranges Mayor Fiona McAllister called it an “incredibly valuable and wonderful use” for the site.
“It’s right on the edge of residential areas, and it’s not encroaching significantly into any Green Wedge areas,” she said.
“As Ryrie Ward councillor, I think the community would be very supportive of it.”
