Administrator Zahra opened his speech with “This is an important development to Nyora but also to our region. A couple of things I would like to highlight that are in the report to bring out the public attention.

Sand extraction has increased by 42% since 2014 and that by 2050…….that 22% of Melbourne’s sand will come from South Gippsland. Have to ask people who may be listening, what might be the size of greater Melbourne in 30 years’ time. It will be a lot bigger than it is today.

We (South Gippsland Shire) has participated in it as part of our responsibilities as a municipal administration for an area that is strategically important. 

There is more dialogue to have with the State to try and resolve some of the outstanding issues which involve some of the land related conflicts that obviously this seeks to address and we look forward to participating with goodwill the State Government and indeed other parties to address those interests on behalf of the local communities through this process”.

Administrator Brown then spoke mentioning that the local residents would be impacted by these proposals and that what has been proposed represents an equitable balance between the interests of all involved. He then states that amenity use would be controlled and that uses are discouraged that compromise resource access. 

He says; “What is proposed does not prohibit anything. It introduces additional planning measures, it introduces addition triggers regarding certain activity, and it also introduces limitations around certain sorts of works without permits; but the fundamental point is it does not prohibit anything”.

Administrator Brown then mentioned that Council was approaching the State Government for assistance on the increased costs to manage the roads which would be taking a heavy traffic and obvious increased maintenance costs.

He then went on to say that “these gravels pits have to be advanced, it has to be done in a way that is orderly, it has to balance economic interests with interests of ratepayers and lifestyle interests and we believe that the way these discussions have proceeded will accommodate both those need”.

Editor Comment: You will be able to apply for things you previously did not need to apply for before getting a decision that means at the end of the day, the sand will be removed and nothing will have got in its way.