‘Nobody wants it there’: Servo plan fuels community backlash

Bannockburn residents have mounted fierce opposition to a proposed $1.7m service station development, with hundreds lodging formal objections over environmental and safety concerns.

Darren Buller and fellow residents are upset about the proposed build of petrol station near the roundabout that connects Clyde Hill Road and the Midland Highway in Bannockburn. Picture: Alan Barber

Residents are up in arms following a proposed $1.7 million service station development in Bannockburn.

It is understood that Mobil and Pearl Energy submitted a planning permit to the Golden Plains Shire on March 25 to use and develop a service station at 3 Clyde Hill Road, Bannockburn.

According to the community petition, residents strongly oppose the proposed development with concerns over amenity and environmental risks, visual intrusion and signage, traffic and safety risks, conflict with rural and environmental zoning and the oversupply of service stations in the area.

Darren Buller with fellow residents upset about the proposed build of a petrol station near the roundabout that connects Clyde Hill Road and the Midland Highway in Bannockburn. Picture: Alan Barber

Local resident Darren Buller said the community is united against the build.

“We’ve got a couple hundred signatures so far and I know we are looking at getting an online petition as well”, Mr Buller said.

“There’s a 98 per cent strike rate not wanting it because of its proximity to housing, the signage it’s going to have, the noise.

“I know Council has to go through their process but when 98 per cent of residents don’t want it to proceed, that has to count for something.

“Everyone in that area, on Clyde Hill Road, along Midland Highway … it’s going to impact the whole community.”

“When you look at it and where it’s going to go … I don’t believe there’s a need for it.”

A petition has been launched by residents upset about the proposed build of petrol station near the roundabout that connects Clyde Hill Road and the Midland Highway in Bannockburn. Picture: Alan Barber

A petition has been launched by residents upset about the proposed build of petrol station near the roundabout that connects Clyde Hill Road and the Midland Highway in Bannockburn. Picture: Alan Barber

Mr Buller said the location makes little sense, given the number of existing service stations already in the area.

“We’ve already got a Caltex in town, another Caltex on the other roundabout probably three or four kilometres away and another one about a kilometre from where they’re wanting to put this one,” Mr Buller said.

“There’s a 7-Eleven, McDonald’s and KFC too, but we don’t have a problem with that because it’s on the right side of Bannockburn.

“This side of the Midland Highway is zoned for rural and farming.”

Mr Buller said the chosen site is “bizarre”, not just due to zoning, but also a possible environmental issue.

“If there’s a fuel leak … or major spill, it will float straight down into the river … and the houses behind it.”

The proposed service station planned for the intersection of the Midland Highway and Clyde Hill Road from application plans.

Aerial Photograph predates the construction of the roundabout at the intersection of the Midland Highway and Clyde Hill Road from application plans.

Concerns have also been raised about traffic safety and road design, particularly if the site operates 24/7.

“If you’re going to have trucks pulling in there, they’ll have to go behind to pull out … the whole road would need to be redesigned,” Mr Buller said.

council confirmed it has received 11 formal objections so far.

Pearl Energy and Mobil did not provide comment.

The public notice period remains open until September 2.

Originally published as ‘Nobody wants it there’: Servo plan fuels community backlash