VCATgreen light

By Casey Neill
BURRINJA’S new performing arts centre has jumped its final hurdle, gaining VCAT approval last month.
Objectors welcomed the tribunal’s decision to support the $9.6 million redevelopment after tough new restrictions on crowd numbers were introduced.
Streeton Ward councillor Noel Cliff was delighted with the outcome.
“We can get on with it now,” he said.
Shire of Yarra Ranges councillors unanimously approved the 400-seat Upwey auditorium and gallery improvements in August.
But the project hit a snag when 10 residents lodged a VCAT appeal in September.
Objectors said the auditorium was too big and would cause noise and parking issues.
However, VCAT found the concerns were not sufficient grounds to deny a planning permit.
“We are satisfied that the proposal would produce a net community benefit,” the report read.
Despite the tribunal deciding against them, Glenfern Road resident and objector Tony Bicknell said VCAT had done “a fine job”.
“VCAT has supported the objectors by imposing severe restrictions,” he said.
In addition to 45 conditions in the original planning permit, VCAT determined no more than 517 people could be at Burrinja at any time without conditions.
This number could be exceeded 15 times each year, but residents must be notified one month before the event.
Cr Cliff said the restrictions were not a problem. “We can live with that,” he said.
The redevelopment has endured a tough journey.
The Federal Labor Government placed the project in jeopardy in May last year when it threatened to renege on a $2 million Howard Government commitment.
The shire allocated $4.6 million for the project. The State Government contributed $3 million, while the Federal Government confirmed the $2 million pledge in August.
The project will now be put out to tender. Construction will start later this year.