Hostel approved

By Tania Martin
THE Shire of Yarra Ranges has approved a controversial backpackers’ hostel in Monbulk, despite strong opposition from local residents.
A council officer’s report presented to the council last Tuesday night recommended that VCAT be advised that had an appeal not been lodge that the application would have been rejected.
The report also outlined that the proposal failed to comply with the planning scheme and that it would detrimentally affect the local amenity.
However, councillors disagreed with these findings and voted to approve the proposed 80-bed hostel at 465-469 Monbulk Road.
The council received 88 objections to the proposed hostel with nearby residents saying it would be detrimental to the adjacent creek.
Chandler Ward councillor Graham Warren said there was no secret that the hostel was an emotive issue in Monbulk.
However, Cr Warren said the hostel was needed to keep the farms in the area viable.
He said farms would be under threat without the help of pickers.
“They just need a place to stay,” Cr Warren said.
Since December last year local residents have been calling for the hostel to be rejected.
However, fruit and flower growers got behind the development saying it was desperately needed in the area.
Objector Alan Munt told last week’s council meeting that the proposed hostel was too large for that site.
He also said that the backpackers’ hostel in Emerald sufficiently looked after the needs of the hills.
However, developer Jenny Van den Akker said there was a huge need with many seasonal workers currently camping on site, and having no access to showers or toilets.
Cr Noel Cliff said that it would be stupid to put a road block up on the project.
“They (backpackers) are just ordinary people and need somewhere to stay,” he said.