General News
17 November, 2025
Neighbour wants more openness
OPPONENTS of the Sporting Flat Road planning permit application have called for greater transparency from councils.
Neil Harris, who is a manager with a Melbourne property management firm but has owned his rural retreat near Dunolly for 20 years, said he and neighbours were disappointed with the timing and process some were told of the planning permit.
Some neighbours at Sunday’s meeting said they had not been notified of the application. Others criticised the timing.
Mr Harris said while council claimed it had advertised the application, it had only been advised to some residents in letters.
He said more openness was needed and residents would be lodging objections.
Council’s operations director Steve Van Orsouw said: “Notice was sent (to residents) on October 17 and then re-sent on October 28 as the address of the proposed application was incorrect.
“As there are objections the application will be referred to a Council meeting for a decision,” Mr Van Orsouw said.
Mr Harris and Mr Raschie have asked council to advertise the application with signage on the property and “in local publications to ensure proper community notification”.