Mornington Peninsula Shire Council has reiterated its strong opposition to Ryman Healthcare’s proposed residential aged care development at 60-70 Kunyung Road in Mt Eliza.
Raised by Briars ward Councillor Steve Holland as an item of urgent business in the Council meeting of 23 March, Council unanimously carried the following motion.
‘The Mornington Peninsula Shire Council reiterates the decision of the previous term of council to oppose the planned development at 60-70 Kunyung Road, Mt Eliza.
This Council also affirms the view that the proposal for a large scale residential aged care facility and/or retirement village, on land which lays outside the Urban Growth Boundary, is inappropriate development at odds with the amenity of the surrounding Green Wedge‘.
The matter is currently being heard by the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal as the New Zealand-based company tries to overturn the refusal of its development by Mornington Peninsula Shire Council. The hearing has been set for 15 days with a decision expected in April.
“We hold grave fears for the protection of the Green Wedge if this development is allowed to proceed,” said Mayor Despi O’Connor.
“The Green Wedge creates an essential separation from the built environment – the urban growth boundary – to that of the natural environment.
“Nibbling at the edge of this boundary for such development creates a dangerous precedent and puts the future of this unique Mornington Peninsula feature at risk.”
Councillor Steve Holland said the issue was an important one within the community.
“The Save Reg’s Wedge community group and the broader community understand how precious our Green Wedge is,” he said.
“To allow such inappropriate development to encroach into this space would be a travesty.”
Ryman Healthcare has submitted an application for the development of an Aged Care and Retirement Village in association with a Place of Worship at Moondah Estate.
The proposed scheme seeks to provide 181 independent apartments, 48 assisted living suites and 82 aged care beds, which includes low care, high care, specialist dementia, and respite care.
“The proposal has been developed in consultation with over 30 consultants to address all aspects of the site including views, existing vegetation, local context and its heritage nature,” Ryman Healthcare said in a statement.
“Full restoration to the gatehouse has been completed and we are committed to restoring the heritage manor building.
“The proposed development will be complemented by beautifully-landscaped gardens and the village centre will comprise a bowling green, café, dining areas, lounge areas, billiards room, pool, gymnasium, activities room, craft room, residents’ work shop, hairdressing salon, beauty salon, and much more.”
Ryman’s said its proposal aimed to provide a continuum of care to residents living on the Mornington Peninsula, in a state-of-the-art environment they can “enjoy and feel connected with”.
