A controversial land subdivision in Gembrook has been approved by Cardinia Shire Council, overturning an officer’s recommendation to refuse the proposal.
The alternate motion was approved with a 6–3 vote, supported by Cr Pomeroy, Roberts, Nickell, Owen, Paton, and Ross. Opposing the motion were Cr Potter, Thomsen, and Kowarzik.
The application proposed subdividing two rural lots on Harewood Park Road and Knight Road into four parcels.
While the land met minimum lot size requirements under the Green Wedge Zone, officers argued the proposal was inconsistent with planning policies aimed at protecting agricultural land and preserving the area’s rural character.
Cr Nickell moved an alternate motion to approve the application, arguing that farming in the district had changed and the subdivision could attract new landowners willing to explore alternative agricultural uses.
“In the past, previous applications on this particular property to subdivide have been passed by Council on several occasions. This property has had permission to subdivide down to this size in the past on two separate occasions and it’s been approved,” he said.
“We need to remain consistent with that and create the opportunities for landowners to do something different up there, rather than the current state of stagnation that we currently see up there.
“There is an equal chance, possibly a greater chance, that it’s actually also the sweet spot for what the new future of agriculture for Gembrook is going to be. What the new owners might bring in, what new ideas the future owners might bring into the district. It’s a chance to actually start building a different future, an alternative future for Gembrook.”
Cr Pomeroy and Cr Roberts supported the motion, emphasizing the potential to make land more accessible for farming ventures and encouraging new opportunities.
“The land prices and the leasing costs for a larger block could be challenging for someone wanting to expand their farming venture,” Roberts said.
“I do feel that there’s more land that is not being used and this might provide an opportunity for someone to pick up, one or two of these lots to get activity happening.”
Cr Owen acknowledged the strength of officer arguments but noted any future homes would require separate council approval.
Cr Collin Ross described the alternate motion as “a progressive approach.”
Mayor Jack Kowarzik voted against the motion, expressing concern over the enforceability of the water rights agreement.
“I appreciate that everyone has good intentions but when things get difficult or when things get expensive, voluntary (agreement) seems to fall to the wayside,” he said.
“So I’m not going to support this alter. I’m going to support our planning officers. But that’s not to take away from the intent of what this alter is trying to achieve and what I know you’re very passionate about.”
He also pushed back against the idea that the region’s agricultural decline was caused by planning rules.
“I don’t think it’s fair to say that the stagnation and the loss of agriculture in the area is a result of the planning laws,” he said.
