ARARAT Rural City councillors have given support to Planning Amendment C37 for the Western Highway Project Section 2b between Buangor and Ararat.
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However, councillors want Planning Minister Richard Wynne to take responsibility for administration and enforcement of the planning amendment.
Councillors agreed to give their support to the planning amendment with the following conditions:
- The improved transport connectivity between regional centres and access to schools, health facilities and economic markets;
- The safety benefits of the duplication and improved management of local and freight traffic;
- Implementation of environmental mitigation measures to reduce the footprint of the highway, environmental crossings and revegetation and rehabilitation of roadside vegetation;
- Continued community engagement and consultation on the environmental and construction impact of the project; and
- The Minister for Planning takes responsibility for administration and enforcement of the incorporated document.
A council report acknowledged the environmental and Aboriginal cultural issues raised by opponents of the project, some of whom have challenged VicRoads in the Supreme Court.
Keep Original Route Supporters have called on the council to consider an alternative plan.
The group initially threatened to take the council to the Victorian Civil and Administrative tribunal if councillors give planning permission for sand and gravel pits for the duplication.