A CONTROVERSIAL Subway drive-through approved between two Mildura schools will be taken to VCAT.
Works to establish a drive-through at the Deakin Avenue store were given the go-ahead by Mildura councillors at last month’s meeting, overruling officers’ recommendation to refuse the proposal.
Safety concerns were at the centre of the grounds for refusal, along with increased traffic, altering vehicle access and taking away parking from adjacent businesses Pinno’s Pizza and Coral Sea Fish and Chips.
Pinno’s Pizza co-owner Pinno Sortino, who has operated the family business for 15 years, told Sunraysia Daily the two businesses would pursue Victoria’s planning umpire to review the council’s decision.
“We’re not against progress and development, we just believe it is not appropriate to have a drive-through in this location and position,” Mr Sortino said.
“We will now go to VCAT to make our case heard and address the significant issues involving safety.”
Mr Sortino was among the 19 objectors to the original proposal, sharing unanimous safety concerns with representatives of the neighbouring church, schools and community members.
He described the drive-through proposal as “an accident waiting to happen” for customers and students.
“After almost 15 years at our Fourteenth Street and Deakin Avenue location, the little man means nothing when a giant corporation wants their way to destroy what was and make way for more disorder and potential danger to its daily 1800 students and families in the area that utilise the three shops and carpark,” he said in a Facebook post.
“With almost 20 objections made unheard and useless the safety aspects are that the proposed drive-through has to cross a pedestrian crossing, a cyclist path, a phone booth area metres away while giving way to vehicles entering via Deakin Avenue, the now only entry-exit to this carpark nightmare.
“And not to mention a transit bus stop for multiple schools just metres away from Fourteenth Street entrance and traffic lights.”
If VCAT rules in favour of the development, it will be the second Subway drive-through in Sunraysia. A Benetook Avenue store is under construction.
Changes make sense, say councillors
THE decision to approve a new drive-through at the Subway store on Deakin Avenue divided Mildura councillors in September.
The council’s planning department recommended the proposal – which was lodged last November – be refused on the grounds it would have an “unacceptable” impact on operations and safety at the corner of Deakin Avenue and Fourteenth Street.
But, following a lengthy debate at last month’s meeting, councillors voted 5-4 to allow the development of Mildura’s second Subway drive-through.
While concerns over safety, loss of parking and vehicle access were debated and remained an issue for the objectors, professional consultants conducted an audit that was approved by VicRoads.
The positives outweighed the negatives, according to councillors Glenn Milne and Min Poole, who spoke against the recommendation in September.
“Sealing the carpark at the rear will be beneficial, and the safety will improve,” Cr Poole said. “The exit to Fourteenth Street will be stopped, reducing congestion and improving safety on that corner.”
Cr Jason Modica, who spoke in favour of refusing the drive-through, highlighted the safety concerns given the proximity of Mildura Senior College and Chaffey Secondary College.
“There could be up to 1800 school students walking back and forward. I think this is a really important time to consider our procedures again – this doesn’t add up,” he said.
A VCAT appeal against the decision is expected to be lodged in the next month.
