MURRURUNDI will soon be home to a new 24-hour, seven-day-a-week highway service centre.
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But, not everyone is happy about it.
A number of residents aired their concerns at Monday night’s meeting before Upper Hunter Shire Council approved the development, with conditions, on Mayne and Bernard streets.
Only one Councillor, Josh Brown, voted against the proposal.
Kurrawa Pty Ltd’s application involves the demolition of the existing buildings (former service station) and dwelling house; the construction of (approximately) 47m x 12m x 5.15m high building comprising shop, truckies dining area and fast-food restaurant (plus drive-thru); forecourt area and car canopy; forecourt area and truck canopy; other service associated station infrastructure – car and truck parking areas, signage, underground petroleum storage systems, fuel dispensers; and on-site parking (40 car and five truck).
“I believe all the [council] assessments and recommendations are accurate and fair,” said Wayne Gersbach, a representative of the applicant.
“The site stacks up, as it was a former service station.
“It’s large enough to cover truck movements and there’ll be next to little disturbance to residents, in regards to sound.
“It’ll also add to the local economy, by providing employment in the area.”
Council’s decision, however, did little to appease locals Hayden Kaney, Fran Wachtel, Di Van Balen, Rodney Swansborough and McDonald’s Scone licensee Daniel Zammit, who all voiced their opposition to the proposal.
In fact, when the development application was lodged on January 12, 26 submissions were received, raising issues and objections related to noise, increased traffic movement, impacts on existing businesses, water and air quality, and loss of amenity.
“How can this [development] improve Murrurundi?” Mrs Wachtel asked.
Mr Swansborough even labelled council’s ruling “disgraceful” as he left the chambers.
“I’m not against service stations, I’m against where this is being placed,” he said.
“It’s situated on an extremely busy highway, so the speed, sound and size of big vehicles offers plenty of risk.”
Mrs Van Balen said the development would tarnish Murrurundi’s “unique and quirky” character.
“It doesn’t fit in with the town’s landscape,” she explained.
“And, it will affect the viability of our local businesses.”
Work is expected to begin before the end of the year.
