VCAT decision protects Mansfield's alpine approach

A proposal to extract stone along Mt Buller Road has been refused by the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT), in a decision that recognises just how much our landscapes mean to Mansfield Shire.

The Tribunal found the proposal would harm the landscape along the alpine approach, an area protected by special planning rules because of its natural beauty and importance to the region.

Mansfield Shire Mayor Cr Steve Rabie said the decision reflects a long-standing belief amongst Mansfield Shire locals.

"Our landscapes are more than a backdrop in Mansfield Shire. They’re intrinsically linked with our community’s identity and they’re the reason visitors keep coming back to contribute to our economy," he said.

"The tribunal has recognised that the views of Mt Buller and the surrounding ranges are valuable to our community and that tourism is a real driver for our local economy. This positive outcome reflects the strength of community support throughout the process. Our community asked for these important landscapes to be protected, and we listened."

The tribunal agreed with Council that the sheer size of the landscape doesn't mean a proposal can simply disappear into it. It also pointed to the impact on the Delatite Winery, which sits approximately two kilometres from the proposed site. The winery depends on its natural amenity for events and day to day business.

Delatite Winery Managing Director David Ritchie has welcomed the outcome.

"Delatite Winery thanks Mansfield Shire Council for everything they've done over what's been a long journey and for recognising how important the Significant Landscape Overlay (SLO1), rural landscape and beautiful views are to the winery, visitors and to the whole community," he said.

Joan Tehan, who addressed the VCAT hearing as an objector to the quarry, said she is delighted by the finding.

"The SLO1 over our alpine approach has state significance with its origins dating back more than 40 years ago when a state government minister intervened to halt subdivision when the Delatite Valley came under threat from overdevelopment," she said.

Kym Lynch, spokesperson for the Hearns Road community group said views and vistas being protected by the overlay provides a powerful reminder.

"This decision is the second VCAT refusal for a quarry permit in the SLO1, the other being in Buttercup Road Merrijig. This VCAT finding is justification of Mansfield Shire Council’s decision to refuse permits for these proposed quarries. It is our responsibility to protect this landscape for future generations," she said.

Mansfield Shire Council’s General Manager Investment and Planning Melissa Crane said the outcome was only possible because the application went through a process that gave Council, neighbours and the wider community the chance to speak up.

"Decisions like this matter to everyone who calls Mansfield Shire home. Locals raised their concerns, Council listened and the tribunal looked closely at the evidence," she said.

"Community input is not a roadblock to good planning. It is what makes good planning possible. The people who live and work here know this land better than anyone and they deserve a say in what happens to it."

"Council will keep advocating for a planning system that puts local people and local knowledge at the centre of decisions that shape our shire."

Council thanks everyone who took part, including local residents, businesses and community groups.