Blackstone Heights rezoning for an $8m business precinct

by Sharon Webb

MEANDER VALLEY Council has voted to rezone Blackstone Heights land to allow an $8m business precinct to be built at 2 Panorama Road.

The rezoning is subject to the approval of the Tasmanian Planning Authority.

Meander Valley residents wishing to comment must apply in writing by October 13.

Prospect-based developers Tasland Development say the project will generate significant employment during construction and generate ongoing employment of 11 full-time positions.

Initially the project will create a café and local shop, already approved and under construction.

The development’s masterplan for Blackstone Heights Market Place will include a fresh produce market, an event and meeting space, self-storage sheds and storage for vehicles, boats and caravans.

The future facility may include a tennis court, pool and common recreation areas.

A new road off Neptune Drive will provide vehicle access to the precinct, together with existing road accesses from Panorama Road and Neptune Drive.

Councillors voted to rezone the 6.5ha site from Low Density Residential Zone to Local Business Zone in the Meander Valley Planning Scheme but only two councillors commented publicly on the proposal

Cllr Susie Bower said it would be a ‘unique development for Australia’ and ‘a gamechanger for our municipality’

Cllr Frank Nott said, ‘I’ve looked at the ideas the developer has put forward. Given the innovation and vision it will be an asset to our municipality’

Currently no commercial or community services are available in Blackstone Heights for its population of 1270 people (2016 census).