Murrindindi Shire this week voted against a request to amend the Section 173 Agreement prohibiting Mulqueeny Lane residents in Yea from having direct access to the Yea Racecourse and Recreation Reserve from rear fences.
Residents sought to have restrictions on land titles removed but failed with councils’ and Country Racing Victoria’s concerns about safety around horses.
Mulqueeny Lane residents with rear gates have also been asked to remove them and re-instate fencing.
Land Use portfolio Councillor Margaret Rae said council made this decision because safety measures in the original agreement were necessary.
“Mulqueeny Lane shares a boundary on its west side with the Yea Racecourse and Recreation Reserve. If people have private access to the Reserve from their backyards, security around racing horses and the wastewater being used for irrigation can’t be maintained,” Cr Rae said.
“In the lead up to Council’s decision, the Department of Environment Land Water and Planning and Country Racing Victoria both advised Council they did not’ support the proposed changes. The Yea Racecourse and Recreation Reserve Committee of Management was unable to provide support for unsecured access to the Reserve as well.
“Council needs to listen and take seriously the views of these agencies.
“Council is aware that a number of residents have, over the years, installed gates in contravention of the Agreement. Council officers will be writing to all Mulqueeny Lane residents to advise them of Council’s decision and will request any residents with gates to remove them and reinstate fencing. It is important that this be done before the racing season starts.
“We [council] hope that everyone affected by this will respect council’s decision and comply with this legal requirement,” Rae added.
