Jade Jungwirth
Construction at Porcupine Village in Maldon has been forced to a standstill due to breaches of permit application conditions and a lack of approved planning permits (with the exception of the restaurant and managers’ accommodation).
Taking to Facebook Porcupine Village management expressed their sadness and frustration at the continued lengthy delays in the opening of the village.
“As the project is rather complex, the time frame for review from all of the stakeholders is lengthy,” the post states.
“We have followed the instructions of the council for nearly two years, but we have breached a couple of permit application conditions, based on advice given to us from a private consultant.
“They are not game-ending breaches, but they mean we have to cease works until such time as they are resolved, and permits are issued.
“Of course, the worst part of this is the laying off of 13 local contractors and employees that have put their heart and soul into this magical place for the last two years.”
Councillor for Tarrengower Ward Stephen Gardner also took to Facebook stating that works have ceased due to a lot of work being undertaken without approval.
“The Porcupine Village is a major development and will have a significant impact environmentally, heritage, water flows, major construction with large scale events. Obviously, this brings economic advantages.
“For all planning applications, there is a process and everyone needs to follow it, regardless of who you think you are and what you think you are doing for Maldon.”
Local residents told the Mail that they don’t have an issue with the village or restaurant re-opening but rather the scale of the project. Their concerns are largely due to the ramifications on the natural environment, increased noise in a residential area, and traffic and bushfire risks.
“The original village was in operation when we first moved here,” said one resident. “And when it was sold, we thought, oh that’s good, it’ll fire up again.
“It’s the overdevelopment of the site with glamping facilities, caravan park, swimming pool, and marquee, catering for 500 people on a five-acre block.
“Most people don’t realise the number of things being included on the site. It’s like another little town on the edge of Maldon and the ramifications are significant.”
“We have great faith in the planning process, which is carefully written and is there for a reason.
“We live somewhere special. We’re so lucky, and no one wants to see that ruined.”
The issue has become quite divisive in the township and has unfortunately resulted in residents and staff being verbally abused.
“The planning process allows for people to put information forward and now we’re being vilified for it. It all just feels like a bad dream,” said one resident.
Cr Gardener publicly stated that people are allowed to object and should not be bullied and victimised.
“Applicants should try and work with them to address their concerns as much as possible. Victim blaming and publicly blaming people is wrong and disturbing. Particularly when they have done nothing wrong.
“Once all information has been submitted there will be an applicant/objector meeting where everyone gets to present directly to the council before a decision is made.
“I urge all involved and to people generally to not direct anger at people who are just raising legitimate concerns.”
Porcupine Village was created and run as a replica historic mining town in 1993 and consisted of 40 historic buildings including a pub, bowling alley, general store, blacksmith’s workshop, and undertaker’s office. The tourist destination closed its doors in 2007 and has sat vacant until it was purchased by Melbourne businessman Frank Hutchinson in December 2020. In June 2022 the village received a $1.7 million investment towards the project from the state government and the Golden Nugget Restaurant successfully opened its doors to the public in September 2022.
Managers of Porcupine Village confirmed that the restaurant is operating as usual and they still hope to open the village and motel as soon as possible and commence works on stage two of the project which will include a caravan park, glamping facilities, a swimming pool, and playground.
