Consultants for Kingsdale Winery owners Ellie and Howard Spark have lodged a planning proposal to the council. It asks that the environmental management zone in which it sits be amended to allow a cafe or restaurant.

Currently the zone permits a host of uses, including home businesses and eco-tourist facilities and specifically prohibits others. But there is no mention of eateries.

The council’s environment and planning director said this was an “anomaly” in the Local Environmental Plan that was only brought to his attention in the past six months.

Councillors supported the change, which must now be submitted to the State Planning department for a gateway determination. Public exhibition would follow. A development application cannot be lodged until the zone change is approved.

Mrs Spark declined to comment on the proposal at this stage. The Crookwell Road winery was established some 18 years ago and houses a cellar door.

However a report to councillors stated that it would result in a “net positive environmental planning outcome.”

“It will allow a the possibility of developing an integrated winery, cellar door and restaurant or cafe business in the region,” the report read.

“This kind of enterprise has been successful in attracting tourists to regional areas elsewhere in NSW and the rest of Australia.” 

The Roads and Maritime Service initially requested a detailed traffic study, saying any future development may result in increased vehicles and an access upgrade. But consultants argued this was an “onerous request because no work was proposed at this stage. Council planners said RMS revised its advice but could still request the study if a development application was lodged.

Water NSW also advised that the area was sensitive, given its location close to Sooley Dam. It has not objected but called for any development to have a “neutral or beneficial effect” on water quality.

A Goulburn firm has been selected to build a new pavilion at Seiffert Oval.

Councillors at their recent meeting selected ARW Multigroup Pty Ltd to demolish the existing pavilion and construct a new one for $758,662 (excluding GST).

The company beat a field of four complying tenders, which were called in August.

Cr Margaret O’Neill said the council had been trying to replace the aged pavilion for more than 20 years.

“It’s very pleasing for the sporting bodies involved,” she said.

The project, which is expected to start before Christmas, will incorporate amenities, change room and showers, umpires/officials room, a function area and storage. Local firm SC Designs has drawn up plans. LED lighting is also planned.

The work will involve some disruption to cricket fixtures over the six-month construction period. Community facilities business manager Rob Hughes said discussions had started with the Goulburn and District Cricket Association.

The council has estimated the total cost at $830,000. In July it secured $415,000 from the federal government’s Building Better Regions fund for the project. This will be matched with state funds secured earlier in the year for the pavilion and LED lighting.

Deputy Mayor Peter Walker said it was pleasing to see three local tenders in the mix. He told the meeting it proved that locals had the ability to take on large projects. 

The council is bringing forward resealing of Brayton Road near Marulan. 

The council’s operations director Matt O’Rourke said the work was “a proactive step” following Gunlake Quarry’s upgrade to its haulage route.

A total $500,000 will be drawn from the quarry’s section 94 funds to seal the road between the quarry and the Hume Highway. Mr O’Rourke said it made sense to do this now to improve the road’s integrity. He told councillors it was a high priority to ensure the road’s longevity.

Gunlake was required to upgrade the haul route under this year’s consent conditions for its expansion. This included widening, acceleration and deceleration lanes, vegetation clearing, guardrail installation and line marking.

Mr O’Rourke said the council was consulting with the company over finalisation of some other “minor works.”

Expected production of 1.4 million tonnes from the quarry in 2018/19 will generate $420,000 in section 94 funds, up from $225,000 under the previous approval for 750,000 tonnes extraction annually.

He’s also proposing resealing of Jerrara and Oallen Ford Roads once Multiquip Quarries at Bungonia completes upgrade of its haul route. This money would also come from section 94 funds.

A future report will go to councillors.

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