‘Win win’: Council refuses $1.7m petrol station plans following community petition

A proposed $1.7 million service station that sparked a community petition signatures has been unanimously rejected by councillors in a win for Bannockburn residents.

Darren Buller and fellow residents have won their fight against a proposed $1.7m petrol station in Bannockburn. Picture: Alan Barber

Bannockburn residents have won their fight against a proposed $1.7m petrol station development after the Golden Plains Shire Council voted unanimously to refuse the planning permit.

Mobil and Pearl Energy submitted a planning permit to the Golden Plains Shire on March 25 to use and develop a 24 hour service station at 3 Clyde Hill Rd, Bannockburn.

Concept images of the proposed service station.

Golden Plains Shire councillors unanimously moved a motion to refuse the planning permit at last week’s council meeting, following a recommendation by officers.

Council received 21 objections and a community petition containing hundreds of signatures in opposition to the proposal.

At the meeting, Golden Plains Shire Councillor Emma Robbins said councillors had to consider where the proposed development fit the planning scheme requirements.

“When council make planning decisions that go against their own growth plans and strategies ... what you end up with is outcomes that don’t support our priorities and objectives for the local community,” she said.

“(The proposal) doesn’t support the desired character … of the town.”

Residents have won their fight against a proposed $1.7m service station. Picture: Alan Barber

Councillor Gavin Gamble said there were “more than enough” service station in the region and feared approving the plans would lead to an “oversupply”

“I am concerned however we may have to defend an appeal at VCAT,” he said.

The proposal immediately drew strong community opposition, with residents citing environmental risks, traffic safety concerns, and the impact on the town’s rural character.

Darren Buller said the decision to block the plans reflected the strong community sentiment against the proposal.

“Council were well aware of how the community felt,” Mr Buller said.

“They moved the item to the top of the agenda and voted unanimously.

“It’s great to see the council listen to residents in this instance.”

Mr Buller said about 15 to 20 residents attended the council meeting to witness the outcome.

“We’re not against new developments … it’s just a bad spot for a petrol station,” he said.

“It’s at a high-traffic intersection that already has safety issues.

“During storms, water flows straight down toward the river … the risk of fuel or oil run-off would have been a serious environmental hazard.”

Darren Buller with fellow residents have won their fight against a proposed $1.7, petrol station development in Bannockburn. Picture: Alan Barber

Mr Buller described the decision as a “win-win for everyone,” praising council for taking residents’ concerns seriously.

“Council’s done their due diligence, and residents are appreciative of the process,” he said. “It’s a great outcome for the community and for preserving Bannockburn’s character.”

Mobil was contacted for comment.

Originally published as ‘Win win’: Council refuses $1.7m petrol station plans following community petition