Heavan can wait

By Paul Dunlop
MOVES to build a new church and school at Officer have been opposed by residents who claim it will spoil their own slice of heaven.
Land north of the Princes Highway has been earmarked by the Catholic Church’s Sale diocese for a new centre for education and worship.
But the church’s plans have now been put on hold as officials try to negotiate a peaceful outcome with objectors and authorities.
Cardinia Shire Council was due to decide last week on a permit application for a primary school, church and parish centre on a fourhectare property in Bayview Road.
It is intended that the site will be established by St Michael’s Parish Berwick with the church to cater for a congregation of up to 200 people.
Town planners said the application was “use only” at this stage and there were no plans for the school to be built without further approval.
But the proposal met resistance from locals when recently advertised. The council received 16 objections from residents, mostly from landholders living along Bayview Road.
Objectors said they were concerned Bayview Road, which is largely unsealed, would not cope with the extra traffic.
Residents also claimed the church and school could devalue other properties and that the development would threaten the “feel” of the area.
Councillors were told at their 5 March town planning meeting that the application had been deferred.
Cardinia’s manager of development services, Tracey Parker, said the council now had more time to look at the proposal and hold further discussions.
Cr Brett Owen was happy the decision had been postponed. He said several questions about development of the area remained unanswered.
“Council has not yet adopted a structure plan for Officer,” he said.
“Who will pay for roadworks? We have a situation in Rix Road where only half the road is sealed. We don’t want a repeat of the same problems.”
Cr Graeme Legge also welcomed the opportunity presented by a deferral.
“There is a lot of goodwill and a lot of good communication here already. This will promote further discussion,” Cr Legge said.
A report to council said the proposed use permit was simply to provide certainty about future land use. Any development would require further permits.
If the church’s proposal goes ahead, the school is expected to provide initially for up to 110 students with 12 staff but could grow to a peak enrolment of 600 students with 45 teachers in years to come.
The council was told the proposal was intended to strengthen the social and spiritual links between the school, parish and the local community.
Officer retains a largely rural outlook with the properties along Bayview Road including a winery and small farms.
But with Officer in the middle of the urban growth corridor, the “feel” of the area is likely to change regardless of whether the church and school is approved.
The proposal will go back before council at a future meeting.
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