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1 AUGUST, 2023
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Boarding in Braybrook The Sunshine Model Railway Club is inviting train buffs to head to its 25th annual model railway exhibition in Braybrook. Joe Saliba said the exhibition was halted in its tracks for three years during the pandemic and he is hoping to see a big turn-out for the latest show. “We are finally back and it feels great. We’ve missed seeing all the people that we normally see at every exhibition,” he said. Mr Saliba said there will be model trains on show for “anyone and everyone”. “Everyone has their own version of arts and crafts, and this is ours. The exhibition is open to anyone who wants to see something different. They can come down and see how we do arts and crafts. Over the many years I’ve spent as a member of the club, my favourite part has been meeting new friends and sharing with the community.” The model train exhibition will be held at Braybrook College Sports Stadium, Burke Street, Braybrook, from 9.30am-5pm on August 5, and 9.30am-4pm on August 6. Tickets are $10, children can enter for free. Joe Saliba has been a devoted member of the Sunshine Model Railway Club since 1996. (Damjan Janevski) 349467_01
Nod for childcare centre By Hannah Hammoud The Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) has granted a permit for a childcare centre in St Albans, despite objections from Brimbank council and residents. The applicant, Happy Childcare Centre, applied to council in 2020 for a permit to develop land at 66 Charles Street, St Albans, for a two-storey, 49-place childcare centre. The applicant also sought approval for signage and a reduction in car parking. Council refused the permit on August 26, 2021. Council’s refusal to grant the permit
was based on the view that the scale of the design showed little regard for the character of the neighbourhood and failed to provide appropriate landscaping. Council also noted that the development did not provide adequate amenity protections by way of visual bulk and inappropriate drop off and pick up arrangements. Concerns also related to high fencing, the overly dominant upper level, and the development being not in keeping with residential typology. Residents living in surrounding properties shared council’s concerns and were also worried about noise, parking, reduction of green space, heat islands, pollution, stormwater
issues, traffic, safety, oversupply of child care centres, and overlooking. The proposed development sits opposite an existing two-storey childcare centre, sparking residents’ concerns about parking and traffic congestion. Despite these concerns, VCAT’s decision allowed for a reduction in the number of parking spaces. The permit was granted with the provision of nine car parking spaces, whereas the Brimbank Planning Scheme requires 10 to be provided. Tribunal member Alison Slattery said she was “satisfied” that the use of the site for a 49-child, childcare centre is appropriate for the location.
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“There is an expectation that much of the clientele will be drawn from the immediate area, or from those who utilise the Keilor Plains train station to the west. This reduces the impacts from car parking in the street, and reduces the quantum of traffic that is likely,” she said. VCAT made the decision to approve the development on July 21, citing disagreements with the areas of concern mentioned by council and other objectors. Brimbank council acting director for city futures Tom Razmovski said council accepts the decision from VCAT and will be issuing a planning permit in accordance with the order.
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