Hotel and restaurant set for Officer

A HOTEL including a restaurant and driving range is coming to Officer.
Councillors last week approved the $6.8 million development, saying it would complement the town’s growth and provide much-needed accommodation.
It will feature 80 motel-style rooms and an eatery with seating for up to 100 people.
Cardinia Shire councillor George Blenkhorn welcomed the development, saying it would provide significant employment in the area.
Councillors last month deferred a decision on the plan, amid concerns about traffic and parking.
Central Ward councillor Brett Owen was still concerned about traffic movements as access to the development would be via Starling Road.
Cr Owen said he hoped the applicant would make an amendment to include access from the Princes Highway.
He said the proposal did meet the council’s minimum standards of car parking.
“Unfortunately we can’t make them put in parking for the golfing aspect,” Cr Owen said.
Four people had objected to the development, citing concerns about increased traffic and kerbside parking on Starling Road.
They were also worried that the plan was premature and shouldn’t be considered prior to the approval of the Office structure plan.