Shadow planning minister David Davis will be briefed on an independent panel report into the Marong Business Park after being contacted by concerned members of the public.
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Bendigo council last week voted to place a public acquisition overlay on 313 hectares of land owned by the Carter family west of the city for the industrial park, which requires approval by planning minister Richard Wynne.
If he signs off on the overlay, the forced sale will go ahead and there are no avenues for appeal.
Liberal MP David Davis said he was “aware of the issue” after being contacted by a number of individuals and suggested acquisition decisions should give "sufficient heed" to the advice of independent planning panels.
Planning Panels Victoria in 2016 supported the council’s application to rezone the land, but ruled that an “uncooperative landowner and a project’s feasibility” were insufficient justification for applying a public acquisition overlay when other options were available.
“I don't want to go further until I’ve been fully briefed on the (panel) report but certainly in many cases planning ministers are advised to give sufficient heed to the advice of an independent panel,” Mr Davis said.
“(Planning) Panels Victoria is there for a reason, it is there to provide guidance to councils and to the minister.
“I also note the need for infrastructure and support through some of these areas of Bendigo and related areas and that will certainly be one of my main focuses.”
Bendigo council has considered seven other sites for the industrial park, but the land in Marong was deemed the most strategically placed.
The state government in August rezoned more than 300 hectares of land in Marong, allowing the council to progress the business park, which is estimated to create 3500 jobs for the region.
Earlier this year, the council made an offer to the Carter family for their land, which was rejected, resulting in a vote at a fiery council meeting on Wednesday.
The state government declined to comment on Monday, suggesting planning for the park was a matter for Bendigo council, but planning minister Wynne last week said the council had identified the business park as a top priority for the city because it will create jobs and boost the local economy.
“The proposal is intended to make Marong a flagship destination for the big manufacturing, logistics, research and development and services companies, creating more jobs for more locals,” he said.
“Planning for the park is a matter for the City of Greater Bendigo, but all proposed acquisitions are carefully considered and put through a stringent process.
“Any proposals put to the planning minister will be considered on their merits.”
On the decision to press ahead with the forced sale, mayor Margaret O’Rourke said: “I understand there are people that are not happy but there's also many people who are supportive of it who don't feel comfortable speaking out about it because of the behaviours on social media and so on.”