A PLAN for new accommodation to house seasonal workers in the Robinvale area is facing a major hurdle ahead of a vote by Swan Hill councillors later this month.
Under the proposal, four new cabins would be built on an unused one-acre block on Royston Road in Tol Tol.
But, according to the man who drew up the proposal for land owner Steven Lazzara, the planning department has recommended refusal of the application.
“The planners have made this recommendation because want to protect valuable agriculture land – but this land has been vacant for 20 years,” Mildura planning consultant Roy Costa said.
“There has been no horticulture production on it for that long, so there’s no need to protect anything.
“It’s a piece of land that could be used to help address the shortage of accommodation for workers in the horticulture industry.”
The four cabins, which would cost about $400,000, would each be 81m sq in area and include two bedrooms, living and kitchen areas, a laundry, airconditioning and parking.
“This is an opportunity for Swan Hill councillors to show some leadership in allowing brand new accommodation for seasonal workers,” Mr Costa said.
Sunraysia Daily attempted to contact Swan Hill Mayor Bill Moar for his response to the plan, but he did not return calls.
Deputy mayor Jade Benham, who has previously voiced concerns about illegal rooming houses operating in the Robinvale area, declined to comment until after councillors could vote on the plan at their December 15 meeting.
The council’s planning and development director, Heather Green, said in a statement: “We are unable to make comment regarding this planning application until it is presented to council and council has made a decision.”
