GEMBROOK MP Tammy Lobato has instilled a small degree of official hope into the minds of Berwick residents fighting to protect once treasured Berwick Village heritage.
Ms Lobato has submitted an official objection to the application for a planning permit to develop a retail complex, supermarket, shops and a restaurant on land at the corner of Anne Street and Lyall Road.
Her action follows the City of Hobsons Bay rejection of a proposed residential tower in Williamstown.
The council’s refusal to allow the Williamstown project was brought on in part by a massive community backlash from residents that included support from their parliamentary representative Williamstown MP Wade Noonan.
I wonder what their odds are when it comes to pre-selection for the next state election.
Ms Lobato’s move was a brave one because she crossed over the line to make a stand on an issue that is officially in Narre Warren North MP Luke Donnellan’s electorate.
Also, last night Casey councillors were to deliberate on a council officer’s recommendation to refuse a permit for the highly unpopular retail complex on Lyall Road.
Mr Noonan said he strongly supported the community stand against the Williamstown project and Ms Lobato said she understood community concern about preserving the unique character and ambience of Berwick Village.
More hope for residents came from the officer’s recommendation.
Ms Lobato filed an objection to the Lyall Road application, adding considerable weight to more than 200 objections from the community.
Hopefully Casey councillors would last night have noted the public feeling on this matter and acted accordingly.
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