By JESSE GRAHAM
THE TOOLANGI Tavern’s owners have hailed last week’s Murrindindi Shire Council meeting as a success, after the council agreed to tripling the restaurant’s patronage limit.
On Wednesday, 24 September, councillors voted four to one to approve an extension to the tavern’s patronage limit, which will rise from 50 to 150.
Included in the approval was an extension to the licensed area on the premises, which will now include the garden area outside of the tavern.
To accommodate the increased limit, owners Michelle and John Marshall will construct 30 additional car parks for guests, and upgrade acoustic fencing and landscaping to prevent noise and visual disruptions for neighbours.
Mr Marshall told the Mail that the increase in the patronage limit was necessary, after the popularity of the restaurant had skyrocketed since opening in 2006.
With new patronage limits, he said the business would be able to thrive and take in larger bookings, such as tour buses.
He said that he was pleased with the result, and thanked supporters – including the Healesville Chamber of Commerce – who helped in getting the application moving.
“We’re pretty chuffed about it – it’s something we’ve wanted for a long time,’ Mr Marshall said.
The concerns raised in the objections were mainly in regards to noise from outside patrons and visually, from visitors entering and exiting the car park.
Mr Marshall said that he hoped the fencing and landscaping – along with a limit of outside liquor licensing to daylight hours – would minimise disruptions for neighbours.
“I think the council has tried hard to make everyone happy,” he said.
A petition with about 400 signatures and a number of letters in support of the application were presented to the council.
Mr Marshall said that the extended patronage limit would come into place 21 days from the council decision, provided the decision was not appealed.
