By Mitchell Clarke
The Planning Minister has been called on to intervene in the demolition of a Beaconsfield shopping strip, which was ravaged by fire almost a year ago.
Gembrook MP Brad Battin took to Parliament on 29 April, urging Minister Richard Wynne to travel out to Beaconsfield and see the “eyesore” for himself.
More than 40 firefighters were called to the Princes Highway shopping strip on 11 July, after an intense blaze began inside an antique furniture store before spreading to four neighbouring businesses.
The fire, which the CFA later deemed as not suspicious, is believed to have begun by an overloaded power board or by an object which was placed over a heater.
Close to a year on, Mr Battin said it was “disappointing and unacceptable” that no clean up action had yet been taken.
“The shops are still in the condition they were in since the fire, becoming not only a major eyesore for the Main Street and shopping complex at Beaconsfield but also a safety hazard,” he said.
“This set of buildings is front and centre on the highway at the entrance to the town, and for no action to have been taken by the owners or council to rectify the buildings is very disappointing and unacceptable.”
He added that the “proud” Beaconsfield community had begun expressing concerns and were frustrated at the apparent lack of action.
“The appearance of a community is critical to the pride of locals,” Mr Battin said.
“If one part of the town is left neglected and abandoned, many are worried this could have a flow-on effect to other parts of the community, or even worse, leave the property a target to vandals.
“How much longer will residents have to walk or drive by these burnt-out buildings on their daily walk or commute to the supermarket before someone takes action?”
According to the MP, the Beaconsfield Progress Association had been attempting to work alongside the council and the broader community to repair or even remove the buildings.
“Still, we are yet to hear of any developments … the Beaconsfield community deserve better,” Mr Battin said.
A business partner from one of the destroyed buildings told the Gazette that works were underway to begin the demolition side of things.
Cardinia Shire Council was contacted for comment.
