By Peter Douglas
Coldstream looks headed for a multi-million dollar economic boost as a proposed tourist park received Yarra Ranges Council’s blessing.
Despite some opposition from within the community, the application received majority support from council at its 28 February meeting, with ward councillor Fiona McAllister, Cr Richard Higgins, Cr Tim Heenan and Cr Jim Child showing support.
In front of a full gallery, Cr Higgins said families didn’t have anywhere to stay in the area at “affordable rates”, while Cr Child said the development needed to be treated as a “tourist resort”, where tourists can “come off a Melbourne train and access … the gateway to the Yarra Valley and Warburton Valley”.
The development is an ‘eco village tourist park’ on the nearly 30-hectare site on the Maroondah Highway, near the Melba Highway turn-off.
The park will see 15 eco cabins, 96 caravan and recreational vehicle sites, and 40 camping sites, along with other complementary facilities, established on the green-wedge site.
Tim George – addressing council on behalf of the applicant and land-owner, Rod Spurling – said the park had the support of many Coldstream traders, as well as a letter of support from Yarra Valley Tourism chief executive officer, Simon O’Callaghan.
“Caravanning tourism is experiencing unprecedented growth, the Coldstream township can benefit from this tourism growth market,” he said.
“Some 46 per cent of caravan night stays are from the 30 to 54-year-old age sector, being families.
“This proposal can directly benefit from council’s investment in the Melba pathway trail and the future investment in the Lilydale-Yarra Glen rail trail.”
Mr George estimated the park could deliver an economic benefit of as much as $1.5 million into the region, not including accommodation expenses.
“The proposal will be a boost for local employment,” he said.
“The local Coldstream business community has expressed strong support for this proposal.
“There is an absolute need for budget accommodation and also high-end camping for families.”
Cr Len Cox was the only councillor to vote against the application, saying concerns over its visual impact on the landscape were justified.
“My conscience won’t allow me on this occasion … I’m not impressed by this application,” Cr Cox said.
“I haven’t been impressed by it since the first time since I visited the site, I was less impressed the second time … and when I went and visited it again today, I was even less impressed again.”
Cr Cox said the development needed to be on flat land.
“The applicant said you only see a bit of this block as you drive down Maroondah Highway,” he said.
“Well, that’s actually not right; it stands out like a sore toe.”
Cr Cox’s comments came after an impassioned plea from Kenneth MacGowan, spokesperson for the Coldstream Caravan Park Opposition Group.
“It’s on an elevated block of land, you can see the site from various areas,” he said.
“Particularly from the Maroondah Highway where it announces itself as a rural view, and should remain that way.
“It announces that you’ve arrived at the country; that you’re going through the gateway to the Yarra Valley.
“Imagine that site is covered in tents, caravans, cabins – it completely changes the appearance.”
Mr MacGowan said it would be a “kaleidoscope of action”, with caravans and people coming in and out.
He also cited possible antagonism between park guests and landowners, with issues ranging from trespassing to spray-drift from chemicals.
