THE group opposed to the development of a supermarket on the former Howard Street Recreation Reserve in Epsom is rallying its forces in preparation for the finale to a long battle. The council and property developer FKP have signed the contracts for the former soccer ground site and work is expected to begin in the coming months. The Epsom Huntly Action Group has fought a pitched battle against the council for four years over the plan. Despite the council, the state government and the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal giving the project the green light, the group is still keen to do whatever it can to stop it going ahead. Leader Lisa Ruffell has reiterated her group’s defiance of the project. “We are very disappointed with how this council has handled this project,” she said. “More than 8000 people in a petition can’t be wrong, yet it is still proceeding.” Mrs Ruffell said EHAG will use every method legally possible to stop the development. “We will try and stop this every way we can,” she said. “If that means standing in front of bulldozers we will. If that means getting the unions involved we will.” Mrs Ruffell said the community did not want the supermarket built on the former oval. “Eight thousand people have said they do not want what council is forcing on Epsom and Huntly,” she said. “Yet six arrogant councillors, in the comfort of their own well-resourced and serviced wards, are telling the people of Epsom and Huntly what is best for them.” An FKP spokesperson said work would begin early in the new year.
Here we go again, this time it is the other Ruffell leading her self appointed group and claiming to speak for the whole of the Epsom community and all the time being given unwarranted publicity by this publication. I will not speak for others but what I believe Epsom needs is a supermarket and specialty shops, a small community area and new sporting grounds which is exactly what is happening. As for retaining Howard Street as a public area maybe the people advocating this should take a look at the White Hills Botanical Gardens which fulfil this purpose magnificently. The umpire has ruled so lets get on with providing deparately needed facilities for the northern part of Bendigo.
Comment #3
(Posted by an unknown user)
The land for a new shopping centre on the Hwy. was laid out years ago and their was only one house in the way at the time, the perfect place and the land is still there.With ease of access no congestion perfect.
But instead this gormless council continues to impose their will on others
as usual but would love to get Howard st. uggraded at very little cost.
This same mob has held Huntly back for dunkies years no wonder everyone wants to give this council the ass.
Over the years they have cost the people of Bendigo billions of dollars with in correct hick decisions and Huw thats fact, and the trend continues today.
I hope the half of Bendigo show up and settle this matter themselves once and for all with a big boot in the ass to the council.
Difficult to respond to an anonymous comment but it should be pointed out that council has in fact approved both shopping centres so you may still get your preferred option of the Midland Highway Centre.
As for the Council costing Bendigo billions of dollars - please provide some examples as it is too easy just to throw figures like this around.
Comment #5
(Posted by Big John)
Well said comment #3 i also hope half of Bendigo show up.
Justa couple of comments. Firstly the council approved both shopping centres so the Midland Highway development may still go ahead. Secondly you mention that council decisions have cost Bendigo billions of dollars - please detail these decisions and the their costs.
