LODDON Shire Council has deferred a decision on a proposed freight hub on the Calder Highway at Leichardt, between Marong and Bridgewater, after an objection from VicRoads.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The council was scheduled to consider a planning application for a trade supply depot, grain storage facility and road freight terminal at the site at Tuesday's full meeting of council in Serpentine.
However, the applicant requested a one-month deferral of the decision, which council granted.
Mayor Gavin Holt said the applicant was "considering other options".
Cr Holt gave no indication of what council's decision on the proposal would have been.
"We've made it clear Loddon Shire is open for business...but there's a process to follow," he said
The freight terminal would include two sheds, one 115 x 30 metres, and another 50 x 30 metres, as well as a showroom area at the front.
Entrance to the 50 hectare site is proposed from Robbins Road.
The freight terminal would handle and store up to 500 tonnes of grain.
The applicant also seeks to trade in semi-trailer trays for use in various industries.
In his report to council, Loddon Shire manager planning and local laws Tyson Sutton recommended councillors rejects the application on six grounds, including land management issues and VicRoads objections.
Mr Sutton said the council should also consider how it would handle a future VCAT hearing.
VicRoads' objection centred on the impact the freight hub would have on other road users on the section of the Calder Highway.
The Department of Environment Land Water and Planning did not object to the proposal.
The proposal received five objections from residents in surrounding areas, focusing on the appropriateness of the freight hub in an agricultural area, other suitable grain handling sites and visual impact.
Some objectors mentioned potential traffic risks and contamination of groundwater.
Council held discussions and heard from objectors at a forum on March 10.
The Loddon Shire meeting will be held at 3pm today at Serpentine council chambers.