Harkaway: Hundreds sign petition to stop Rosemaur Gallery being built on green wedge
A push to boost tourism with a 150-seat restaurant and art gallery in Harkaway has been met with fierce opposition from neighbours who say it will “destroy” the green wedge and cause irreversible damage to protected parklands.
South East
Don't miss out on the headlines from South East . Followed categories will be added to My News.
Hundreds of Harkaway neighbours have signed a petition opposing a 150-seat restaurant and art gallery, fearing it will destroy the green wedge and cause irreversible damage to protected parklands.
The application by not-for-profit charity Rose and Maurice Hogg Gallery Ltd, which is currently being assessed by the Planning Minister Richard Wynne, includes plans to accommodate about 600 patrons and feature a function centre and two dwellings known as the ‘Rosemaur Gallery’ at 193-209 King Rd.
The art gallery, featuring a private collection owned by Lindsey Hogg, will include more than $500 million of donated artwork, which is being touted as “world famous”.
The Leader has spoken to several residents who say they are angered by the lack of community consultation, saying they believe the proposal was kept under wraps with just five weeks to become informed and write a submission.
Other issues raised include the area being situated in a declared bushfire zone, which was affected by both the Ash Wednesday and Black Saturday fires.
There are two change.org petitions circulating, which have both attracted more than 1000 signatures.
Friends of Harkaway Association spokesman Philip Battye said residents were angered by the proposed development, saying it would destroy the green wedge.
“The proposal was opened for feedback while the area is under COVID-19 restrictions, meaning residents couldn’t meet to discuss it,” Mr Battye said.
“The integrity of the green wedge, the unique nature and amenity of Harkaway does add significant amenity and value to all Melburnians … you can’t look at alleged jobs and construction as if they’re the only issues of importance too.”
He said the development would attract more than 80,000 visitors per year.
“It will have a massive impact because King Rd can’t handle that volume of traffic.
“The road is a dirt road and it will have to be sealed as soon as that happens it will lose its rural characteristics and with that volume of traffic – it will forever change Harkaway.”
Mr Battye said the community’s message to the minister was that he should not “entertain” the application.
“It is completely contrary to the community’s wishes and this is yet another example of the green wedge being eroded.
“I’ve written to the minister asking him to delay this whole process by six months and as a minimum to give us a further three months to consider all of the documents.”
Public submissions were open until October 23, but Mr Wynne has now extended the deadline until Friday, November 6.
A State Government spokeswoman said the planning minister had extended the consultation period to allow the community extra time to have their say.
Architecture Associates project architect Danielle Peck said Rosemaur would deliver sustainable land management practices and infrastructure provisions with the inclusion of numerous low-lying native gardens, tree planting and a bird sanctuary.
She said Victoria would get a world-class art gallery and artworks.
“The project will generate around 300 indirect and direct jobs during its construction period – badly needed in Victoria.
“The gallery, restaurant, grounds will provide around 150 ongoing direct and indirect jobs annually.”
Ms Peck said King Rd currently had about 250 vehicle movements per day.
“As per the Cardno (traffic engineers) report, the proposal anticipates an average of an additional 160 vehicle movements from Monday-Thursday and an average of an additional 255 vehicle movements Friday to Sunday.”
Ms Peck said the site was located within the green wedge, but was not affected by any heritage overlay.
“The function centre and restaurant are ancillary to the proposed world-class gallery and are not illegal.
“Bushfire issues have been comprehensively addressed. The impact of those aspects of the proposal will be rigorously assessed by the independent advisory committee.”
Casey Council City Planning and Infrastructure director James Collins said the application was State Government-led planning scheme amendment process.
“The council is a stakeholder in the process and will have an opportunity to make a submission to the advisory committee that has been appointed by the planning minister,” Mr Collins said.
“The council is reviewing the exhibited plans and preparing a submission, which will be considered by the council at the October 20, 2020 meeting.”
He said the proponent for Rosemaur had approached the council to discuss aspects of this project in the past, but stated the state-led process and advisory committee was the first time the project had proceeded to a public planning process.
MORE NEWS
ALBURY POLICE CRACK DOWN ON SCHOOL ZONE HOONS
POPULATION, HISTORY, SIGHTS, SHOPPING, FASHION AND CRIME