Wedding proposal fails to seduce

By Paul Dunlop
MARRIAGE vows and milking cows are not a match made in heaven.
So say Cardinia Shire councillors who decided at their meeting on 21 August to reject plans to develop a wedding and reception centre in rural Iona.
Applicant Matthew Eno had sought to create a onestop venue complete with chapel, ceremonial gardens and an 80seat centre for dinner and dancing.
The proposal was based around Iona’s 99yearold former Presbyterian Church which is part of Matthew and Alison Eno’s property in Little Road.
Mr Eno said the rural environment would be part of the charm for couples wanting a wedding with a difference.
But the council refused the Enos’ application saying it would be detrimental to the amenity of adjoining residents and was out of character with the surrounding area.
“It’s a very good idea but it’s in the wrong place,” councillor Doug Hamilton said.
Councillor Graeme Legge supported the plans but was outvoted by colleagues who said a reception venue could create conflict with nearby dairy farms.
Councillors Hamilton and Bill Pearson led the move to follow the town planners’ recommendation of refusal.
They said it would be detrimental to the amenity of adjoining residents and was out of character with the surrounding area.
Councillors said they were also concerned that plans for waste disposal were inadequate and the property was too small.
It remains to be seen whether the Enos will appeal against the decision.
Neighbours had objected to the proposal, claiming the noise from celebrations could upset cattle, cutting milk production, feeding and breeding.
Objectors also feared wedding guests would also object to the cattle smells, silage, dust, mud and insects they say are part and parcel of life in farming areas.
Mr Eno said he believed a wedding centre could sit harmoniously side by side with farms. He did not believe guests would complain about the cows.
“I think it would be the opposite,” he said.
Cr Legge said he also believed the two could coexist in harmony.
“I’ve visited the site, a tractor drove past and it didn’t worry me,” Cr Legge said.
“I saw it as part of the rural lifestyle in the area.”
Cr Pearson said the council had a duty to protect the shire’s “finest rural area”.
“This land we’re talking about is high quality, it’s the best in Victoria,” Cr Pearson said.
“Farmers have a right to farm, to conduct their business in the way they see fit.”
Cr Hamilton said it would be irresponsible of the council to allow a reception centre in the area and would mean giving the goahead for future problems.
“I’m a strong supporter of the right to farm,” Cr Hamilton said.
“This will compromise existing operations and could create ongoing conflict. It’s out of character with the adjoining area.”