Few surprises in decision

By Melissa Donchi
THE council’s decision to refuse recommendation for a proposed Safeway supermarket in Mt Evelyn was expected from both parties last week.
But while residents celebrated, developer Archie Carswell will be considering whether or not to take his case to VCAT.
Jeff Bailey, who represented Mr Carswell at the council meeting, said the developer was disappointed by the outcome.
“It was definitely disappointing news for him but it did not come as a shock,” Mr Bailey said.
“The agenda made it very clear that the council did not support the application and interviews conducted prior to the meeting with various papers suggested individual councillors didn’t either.”
Mr Bailey said the land would eventually be developed, with or without Safeway, and that would be something the community would have to get used to.
“It’s been a long road and I think many people have lost sight of the fact that he is trying to provide something for the community,” he said.
Mr Bailey said Mt Evelyn had one of the most mischievous groups of conservation people known to mankind and that their role in the community was to object to everything.
“They’re good at what they do and that’s conning people,” Mr Bailey said.
“Somehow they’ve managed to convince people that small business will be dead if Safeway comes to this town when clearly this will not be the case.”
But Clare Worsnop from the Mt Evelyn Environment and Protection Association (MEEPPA) described the outcome as a historic win for the community.
“This is the best outcome for our community and people have been right to support us,” Ms Worsnop said. “We’re glad that the shire was able to see what an inappropriate development this was.”
Ms Worsnop said she was aware that this was only the first round and that there was a possibility the issue could go to VCAT.
“We expect they will take it to VCAT and we will fight them there as well if that’s the case,” Ms Worsnop said.
“The shire had the confidence to reject this application so they must also have confidence they can win at VCAT.”