Tuesday, 30 June, 2026
Gov rejects council’s quarry calls
Stair climb training begins
Big win for local pianist
See Real Estate liftout inside
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‘Magic of music’ By Oliver Winn Yarra Junction’s talented Arielle delivered a musical showcase of “prestige and glamour” at the Wandin Community Hall, leaving her audience awestruck. The violinist performed a range of enchanting songs under the soft glow of candlelight on 17 June. Hosted by the Rotary Club of Wandin, the Winter Solstice Candle Light Concert was a major hit with seats filling out and the audience eager for more. “I think what was really amazing was most people didn’t think it would be so beautiful. Because we had 500 candles, the atmosphere was just really beautiful… it sort of glowed and flickered around the room,” Rotary Club of Wandin member Jeanette Jensen said. Arielle is a virtuoso violinist whose impressive resume includes playing in the Melbourne Youth Orchestra and the Royal Melbourne Philharmonic Orchestra. The concert aimed to provide a captivating arts experience for locals while bringing people together. Read more on page 13
The Wandin Rotary’s Winter Solstice Candle Light Concert took place on 17 June at the Wandin Community Hall. (Garry Byrne)
Result overturned By Gabriella Vukman The Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) has overturned a Yarra Ranges Council decision, retrospectively approving the importation of nearly 40,000 truckloads of fill onto a protected Green Wedge property. In its 16 June ruling, the Tribunal determined that the massive earthworks at Greenhaven Pastoral Pty Ltd’s property, located at 199 Victoria Road, Coldstream, were primarily intended to improve agricultural production rather than operate as a landfill. The decision grants approval
for approximately 400,000 cubic metres of soil that had already been deposited without prior planning permission. While VCAT acknowledged there was a legitimate scientific basis for using imported soil to improve moisture retention and pasture production, it found the project had exceeded what was necessary. Tribunal findings revealed excessive fill depths, steep embankments, and works extending dangerously close to the Yarra River floodplain. Consequently, VCAT ordered substantial modifications. The amended permit enforces
a 10-metre buffer from the floodplain, gentler slopes to prevent erosion, and strict environmental safeguards. These include soil testing, erosion controls, and ongoing monitoring by an EPA-accredited auditor to address the minor contaminants, such as concrete and plastic, found in the soil. Yarra Ranges Council, which originally refused the permit in October 2024, expressed deep disappointment. Director of Planning and Sustainable Futures, Kath McClusky, argued the works represent an inappropriate fill disposal operation that threat-
ens the environment. “We believe it weakens the intent of Green Wedge protections in the Yarra Ranges, and we call on the State Government to provide clear regulatory guidance,” Ms McClusky said, adding that the council is currently reviewing its options. The landmark ruling establishes that largescale earthworks using imported fill are not automatically classified as landfill if agricultural benefits can be proven, though such projects remain subject to rigorous environmental regulation. Full story on page 6
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