The Nationals Member for Morwell, Martin Cameron, has demanded answers from the Andrews Government about a proposed high-density housing development slated for Dunbar Road, Traralgon.
In Parliament on Tuesday, Mr Cameron used his constituency question to ask the Minister for Housing whether the Andrews Government had signed off on an agreement with a private developer, without approval from Latrobe City Council and without consulting residents.
“Residents in the Dunbar Road area have come to my office, en masse, to raise very real and valid concerns about the proposed 52-dwelling development,” Mr Cameron said.
“To begin with residents say they weren’t notified or consulted, and only found out about the project by way of a single sign that was placed at the proposed site.
“Dunbar Road and the surrounding area, particularly around Shakespeare Street and Bank Street, is a notorious hotspot for congestion, and traffic often comes to a standstill at peak times.
“The additional cars that will come with a 52-unit housing development will make this already nightmarish stretch of road impossible to navigate, not only for residents, but emergency services too.
“Residents are also concerned about the impact such high-density housing will have on green spaces and the overall social amenity of the area; the fact it adjoins a busy industrial precinct; and the possible expansion of a neighbouring quicklime plant and related freight.
“At a recent online listening post held by Latrobe City Council some 150 residents logged on to voice their concerns, and it was reported that more than 120 official objections had been lodged with Council while only a handful were lodged in support of the development.
“The sheer volume of objections raised by residents, with very sound reasoning, is surely enough to warrant a re-evaluation of the proposal in its current form.
“The Andrews Government must also come clean about whether this project has already been rubber stamped behind closed doors without proper consultation.”
The Minister is required to respond to questions within 30 days.