Sale of Cypress Lane not approved by Council

Published on 03 October 2023

Surf Coast Shire Council has not approved the sale of Cypress Lane and a portion of nearby public land to the abutting land owner.

Council held a Special Council Meeting on 3 October to consider the proposed sale of land and discontinuance of Cypress Lane. The potential sale was conditional on the land being used to provide housing for older people or people with a disability, and followed Council’s decision to support the development of a retirement village at its August meeting.

Cr Rose Hodge thanked people who provided input on the sale of land and discontinuance of road. The submission period attracted 76 objections and four letters of support, while Council also received a petition at the Special Council Meeting with 782 signatures against the sale of public land.

“There has been high community interest about the development and also the land sale process,” Cr Hodge said.

“The decision to not approve the road discontinuance and sale of land was based on a desire to preserve public open space, acknowledging significant community concerns.”

“This is all part of the democratic process and as Councillors we will continue to work together in the interest of our communities.”

“We expect the developer will need to rethink their design, now that Council has decided that Cypress Lane and the public reserve is not for sale.”