Mansfield Shire’s draft plans for the Delatite Valley have created a lot of interest and has started conversations across the Merrijig area.
An open information session held at the Merrijig Pub on 22 July saw more than 60 local residents and interested parties turn up to hear a summary of the draft plan and to then open up conversations about the plan’s future.
Two local residents along McCormack’s Road held concerns about the planned walking path following the Delatite River from Merrijig to Sawmill Settlement.
One resident along that road, and who’s property is bordered by the river, was not aware of this plan, and in fact that it could possibly encroach through his property.
Many of the residents spoken to after the meeting said they agreed with much of the ideas put forward in this draft plan – such as a public toilet block, visitor information centre, a specially formed look out and photographic spot where the best photo views of Mt Buller and other surrounds could be taken from.
All of these would benefit visitors travelling through to the High country in all seasons.
Delatite Valley Association president, Mary Dunn, opened the session welcoming everyone to the hotel and thanking the manage Guy Whitby for hosting the meeting.
She made it quite clear that this plan was that of the Mansfield Shire and not the DVA – but members of the DVA would be on hand, and following the meeting, to help anyone word and submit suggestions or thoughts on the plan to the shire's engagement page.
DVA member Ross May then spoke to the meeting outlining some of the major points of the draft but also making it clear that points in the plan were not that of the DVA.
Mr May pointed out that any growth in buildings/homes would not affect Sawmill Settlement as no further land was available for development in that area.
There was scope however, for further development beyond Pinnacle Valley Resort but this was only in ‘exploration’ at present.
Other areas outlined for possible housing development was still only in research stages.
It was also announced that a further public meeting would be held at the Merrijig Hall on Friday, 8 August at 9.am.
Mr May thanked everyone for coming to the information session and strongly advised residents to start that conversation between themselves and put their thoughts and remarks back to Council. He also advised anyone who had not read the draft plan to go online and do so as it contained a lot more information than had been discussed on the night.
The Mansfield Shire council has extended its deadline for submissions to this plan to 13 August 2025.
For submissions go to engage.mansfield.vic.gov.au and follow the prompt to Delatite Valley Plan
