Registered builder—not a full-time developer
Dear Editor
I’m a registered builder—not a full-time developer. I only stepped into land development because rising construction costs left me no choice. After nearly eight years of battling with authorities just to get permits and start the job, I’ve sold multiple blocks in the Wandong 16-lot subdivision—Timber Place, Wandong—a town desperate for housing. There’s not a single rental available.
The estate is now 80 per cent complete. Roads, services—it’s all in. Families are ready to build. But I’ve had to stop work at the intersection because the Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) won’t communicate and see what’s truly the safest option in a growing community. This would be one of the only towns I know that goes from 100 km straight down to 60 after a bend. Don’t forget about poor old Heathcote Junction. Let’s just forget about their safety coming out of the 100 km zone. With the bridge being built at the other end of town, where are people coming out? Straight into a death trap. Their requirements go against what the local community actually wants—an 80km/h speed zone that would make the costly upgrades unnecessary.
I’ve tried to raise this with ministers at both state and federal levels, but I’ve hit roadblock after roadblock. That’s why I’m turning to the media. The public deserves to see how bad things really are—and how unnecessary this mess is.
Mitchell Shire Council supports the project. The community supports the project. But the red tape is strangling it.
This is a shovel-ready, small-town development in the middle of a housing crisis. People need homes now. Instead, I’m being thrown from pillar to post—after almost nine years of effort—for no good reason. Online meetings after online meetings, emails after emails, consultants after consultants. It’s so easy to just come out for a chat, like the good old days and work it out, what’s wrong with the world of today?
The story is in the local paper next week, but it needs national attention. I’m just one bloke having a crack—and bureaucracy is stopping it in its tracks.
Matthew Maugueret
Wandong
Peak hour concerns
Dear Editor
I’m a regular commuter from Donnybrook.
While I have the flexibility to work from home, I commute to the office three times a week and rely on the V/Line train service departing from Donnybrook Station at 7:55 am.
I’d like to raise a concern regarding the peak hour experience on this specific service.
The platform is consistently crowded during this time, with a large number of passengers waiting to board. While most of us can get on the train, it is often difficult to find available seating, and many passengers end up standing for the duration of the journey.
For those of us traveling to the city for work, this can be quite uncomfortable, especially when starting a full day of professional commitments.
I understand that peak demand can be challenging to manage, but I wanted to share this feedback in the hope that future service planning might consider additional carriages or increased frequency for high-demand schedules such as the 7:55 am from Donnybrook.
Thank you for your attention to this matter and for the work you do in supporting Victoria’s transport network.
Jen
Donnybrook resident and V/Line commuter
Selling choice
Dear Editor
I have recently been in the process of selling a property in Kilmore. Wilson Partners were chosen to sell the property.
Georgie, Thalie and staff have been so professional and knowledgeable with the sales process and legal requirements. We were kept up-to-date with inspections, offers and suggestions to enhance the property.
Overall, a positive experience and would recommend Wilson Partners to sell your property. Keep up the great work.
John Harrington.