By PETER DOUGLAS
A PLANNING application that would see accommodation increase by 224 beds at the Belgrave Heights Convention Centre is set to go to council early next year.
The centre is seeking to provide better amenities for the groups that regularly visit the site, with many guests forced to camp due to too few rooms being available.
However, the application has drawn criticism from nearby residents, citing concerns over tree removal, increased traffic and noise, parking; and fears for guests and residents during high fire-danger periods.
Representatives from Yarra Ranges Shire and the centre met with about 20 objectors on Thursday, 26 November, to discuss the objections.
The media was not permitted to attend this meeting.
Nearby resident Nick van Amstel told the Mail his main fear was the increased potential for tragedy.
“In a bushfire situation, there could be 1000 people, in addition to the residents, seeking to flee the area,” he said.
“The guests are flown in from other parts of the country, they don’t know the area, they could easily become disorientated.”
Mr van Amstel also cited noise and tree removal as other concerns raised at the meeting.
“There are already trees being removed on permit, but there’s no buffer zone or revegetation taking place,” he said.
“When you consider there are people camping, there must be concerns for their safety.”
The Belgrave Heights Convention Centre is located on an eight-hectare property on the top of Belgrave Heights and is situated among many gumtrees.
The centre seeks to promote the Christian faith.
The main facilities include a 1650-seat auditorium, reception centre, kiosk, halls, kitchens, and numerous caravan and tent sites.
Many groups from around Australia use the site annually for conferences, retreats and church camps.
Chief executive officer of the centre, Geoff Gawler, has defended the application, including concerns around bushfire awareness.
“We’re very aware of these issues, we mow regularly and take measures to prepare accordingly,” he said.
“We completely shut down all events on a code-red day.
“We can’t always remove guests on these days, but there are no events so there’s no incentive for them to stay.”
Mr Gawler said they were responsible citizens when it came to noise and the environment.
“We have an annual tree survey by an arborist, we go through council to receive permits and remove trees when required,” he said.
“There are camping grounds and we want guests to be safe.
“People often come from the city to relax in the bush environment, we don’t want to turn it into another suburb.”
Mr Gawler said they impose stricter noise restrictions than required.
“We shut down all music at 10.30pm,” he said.
“Where the new work is being proposed will create greater insulation from where the music is played.”
Mr Gawler said the centre wanted to meet increased demand for accommodation.
“This decision comes about because accommodation options have drastically reduced over the past 20 years, with various churches and groups selling off options,” he said.
Meanwhile, Yarra Ranges Shire’s Director Planning, Building and Health, Andrew Paxton, anticipated the application would head to council early next year.
“Last week, council facilitated a meeting with the applicant and objectors as part of the planning process to provide a chance for discussion around topics of interest and concern,” he said.
“Some of the concerns raised included tree removal, traffic, amenity and parking.”
Mr Paxton said the application was to extend the existing convention centre, which had been on the site since 1958.
“It is anticipated the application will go to council for a decision early in 2016,” he said.
“Council can continue to receive objections up until it goes to council.”
