Tuesday, 16 December, 2025
Montrose quarry expansion sparks concern
Youth find ways around social media ban
Opendoor project celebrated at Glen Park
Real estate liftout inside
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A Star News Group Publication
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A wonderland By Shamsiya Hussainpoor An Upwey couple is spreading Christmas cheer in a big way - by inviting neighbours, friends, and the wider community into their transformed festive wonderland backyard. Joel and Kelly Montgomery’s Christmas light display, built over more than a decade, started as a simple tradition for their kids and has blossomed into a magical walk-through experience filled with lights, inflatables, and surprises. This is the first year they’ve opened their display to the public since moving to Upwey in February. Mr Montgomery said he was inspired by his own childhood tradition. “It’s about creating wonder and bringing people together,” he said. The display also doubles as a fundraiser for Very Special Kids, supporting children with life-limiting conditions. Visitors can enjoy the lights free of charge, with optional donations encouraged but never expected. For the Montgomerys, it’s all about connection. “In a world glued to phones, this gives people a reason to slow down and share a moment,” Ms Montgomery said.
Kelly and Joel Montgomery open their home for a heartwarming cause. (Supplied)
Spirits are eroded By Callum Ludwig Residents across the Yarra Ranges have spoken up at the last council meeting on Tuesday 9 December to object to plans to approve changes to the landslip zone. Yarra Ranges Council is updating its Erosion Management Overlay (EMO), which identifies land at risk of landslides in the area. Residents, including former MP and long-time Montrose resident Steve McArthur strongly opposed the change stating he deliberately bought his home outside a landslip zone and wouldn’t
have bought it otherwise. “If you approve (Amendment) C225 it will significantly impact thousands of families,” he said. Many residents raised concerns about, accuracy of the mapping, insurance and property values, limits on building or repairs, poor consultation, drainage, rates, and the lack of compensation for unusable land. Director of Planning, Design and Development Kath McCluskey fielded questions from councillors and said the panel process that they’ll set up will allow every submitter to present their views.
“If community members want to provide their own expert evidence, they can also do that, council will present all the submissions, so every written submission gets referred in and if we receive submissions after today, they will also be referred into the panel,” she said. Because objections couldn’t be resolved, the law requires the matter to go to an independent planning panel, where residents can present evidence and expert reports Several councillors supported the amendment, saying the changes are about protecting people and property and preventing unsafe de-
velopment. “The risk, as a person, I just could not see us take that risk, we have to do this body of work and this amendment will keep people and property safe by preventing inappropriate development,” said O’Shannassy Ward councillor Jim Child. Last updated in March 2024, after several landslips since 2021, with growing concern following a major landslide in McCrae earlier this year and after much debate, councillors ultimately voted in favour of sending the amendment to an independent planning panel. Read more on page 2
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