“See you in VCAT!” was the cry from the gallery as council passed the planning permit application for a proposed holiday accommodation precinct on Raymond Island.

The Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) was mentioned a number of times at last week’s East Gippsland Shire Council (EGSC) general meeting in the discussion of the development.

The application ‘for use and development of land for group accommodation, alterations and additions to a dwelling, creation of a carriageway easement and native vegetation removal at 27 and 31 Gravelly Point Road, Raymond Island’ has drawn significant community attention. 

The development has a long history and as councillor Marianne Pelz put it, is “80 per cent finished”.

In all, eight units and a swimming pool will be used for accommodation on the island, with six already built.

Aaron Hollow, EGSC acting general manager place and community, said the recommendation was an appropriate outcome worthy of support, and that the development would not create an adverse effect on the traffic and ferry movements.

Most councillors were concerned that if the application to council was refused and the proponent took the issue to VCAT, the existing conditions imposed by council could potentially be lost.

Before voting was finalised, Cr Jackson Roberts proposed an alternative motion, seconded by Cr Dick Ellis, suggesting the project not be approved.

“It is inconsistent with the requirements and the objectives of the East Gippsland planning scheme and therefore resolve to issue a notice of refusal…” Cr Roberts read in part.

The alternative motion brought boisterous applause from the gallery where a large portion of the 89 objectors and Raymond Island residents were in attendance.

Cr Ellis acknowledged the support of the community and residents at the meeting.

The motion was defeated 6-2 which the gallery took to calling out ‘shame’.

Council then voted on the officer’s original recommendation.

“We have to make a decision,” Cr Reeves said, moving the original motion, which was seconded by Cr Pelz.

“We’re damned if we do and we’re damned if we don’t, the bottom line is it’s 80 per cent finished, and was originally built with the best intention in mind,” Cr Pelz said.

Cr Reeves said it was “an ugly development” that had gone on for years.

“I wish there was an easy way around it, the fear I have is if it is appealed at VCAT we will have lost all control and the significant conditions which would have produced an outcome that met local concerns would be lost.

“I’ve considered and agonized over this but my concern is we may end up with a worse outcome than we might have otherwise.”

The recommendation was carried 6-2.