Tuesday, 17 February, 2026
Knox resident calls out shortage of social housing
Knox council called to speak at EV charging hearing
Lighting up at Cockatoo Reserve
See Real Estate liftout inside
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A Star News Group Publication
Phone: 5957 3700 Trades and Classifieds: 1300 666 808
Road fears By Tanya Steele
The raised crossing along McNicol Road has been causing concerns for local community. (Tanya Steele: 534741)
Tecoma Primary School has a newly installed raised shared crossing, sometimes known as a ‘wombat’ crossing, that has parents and the community alike worried. The school community was told in the last assembly for 2025 that their crossing guard Ray would no longer be working at the crossing and instead move to another school. A Tecoma Primary School parent who wished to remain anonymous said the new crossing has been confusing for her children to use and that they miss the guard, Ray. “I think the safest option, hands down, is having a person there helping them cross the road,” Parent A said. “Council have been great and said there will be someone there observing, but our concerns have only got greater since returning and actually witnessing what’s going on,” said Parent A. Parents, staff from the school and many others have raised their worries with the Yarra Ranges Council, and in response, the Council have placed temporary signage and a road safety assistant at the crossing during peak school times. Turn to page 7 for more
Objections lost By Shamsiya Hussainpoor The long-standing dispute over a proposed rooming house at 6 Margot Street, Ferntree Gully, reached its conclusion on 9 February, when Knox City Council voted to approve the planning permit for the nine-bedroom, 12-occupant development. The decision followed weeks of tension between local residents and the developers. Concerns were raised about the demolition of the original property, which residents claimed
occurred without proper permits or notification. Several residents also alleged that asbestos was removed improperly, putting nearby families at risk. In total, 41 objections were submitted to the council, with residents questioning the development’s impact on the community. Residents of Margot Street expressed concerns about the potential for antisocial behaviour, the management of communal spaces, and the overall safety of the neighbourhood. They argued that a rooming house of this size in a bush suburban area could present significant
risks, particularly near schools and parks. Many questioned how the property would be maintained, who would oversee the tenants, and whether the necessary support services would be provided. The Ferntree Gully Village township group echoed these concerns, highlighting the growing number of rooming houses in the area and the lack of support services for residents. Issues such as drug and alcohol use, mental health support, and antisocial behaviour were raised, with local businesses reporting negative
impacts, including the closure of a wine bar due to incidents linked to a nearby boarding house. At the council meeting, Cr Meagan Baker moved an alternate motion to reject the permit, citing concerns over the development’s compatibility with the local environment. However, other councillors argued the proposal complied with the planning scheme, and a refusal would likely be overturned at VCAT, potentially costing the council $5000 to $10,000. To read the full article, turn to page 6
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Sam Skolnick | Fletchers Yarra Ranges 0478061706 • sam.skolnick@fletchers.net.au
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