NATIMUK won’t receive a petrol outlet after Horsham Rural City Council has decided not to lease land for a proposed service station in the town.
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At its January meeting on Tuesday night, the council passed a motion to consider a planning application for a proposed service station at 123 Main Street, Natimuk.
The town relies on Horsham as its closest source of fuel. There are no petrol stations for travellers between Horsham and Edenhope, which is more than a 90 kilometere drive.
In May the council released its amended draft council plan for comment, which included an investigation into fuel options for Natimuk. In August the council received an application to establish a service station in the town.
The planning application was placed on public notification and resulted in 28 objections being received. The council also received a petition signed by 45 signatories, objecting to the planning application.
The application was also referred to VicRoads and the Environment Protection Authority.
In her report to the council, Development Services director Angela Murphy said the land at the proposed location currently operated as a council depot.
“The planning application has lapsed, and therefore the development will not proceed,” she said.
She recommended the council note the petition and advise the petitioners that the development would not proceed.
“Objections primarily related to amenity and traffic issues. VicRoads required further information to be provided. This request was relayed to the applicant on September. The further information letter specified a lapse date of October 18,” she said.
“As no extension of time was sought to provide the additional information, the application has lapsed.”
Cr Alethea Gulvin said she hoped Natimuk would receive access to petrol in the future, however noted the issues of the proposed location.
“This is something that has caused a lot of distress in the Natimuk community due to the location. The idea behind it was great and the community does want a petrol station, but just not at that location,” she said.
“There needs to be a greater push for services for Natimuk to attract people people to the town.”
Cr David Grimble agreed and said a service station would benefit the whole community.
“There is clearly a level of angst around the site, but Natimuk needs a fuel outlet. It would provide broader use for the community and an opportunity for economic stimulation,” he said.
Cr Grimble also said council had contacted the applicant to discuss a potential alternative location at Natimuk for a fuel outlet.
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